As a first-gen next-gen FPS it succeeds where it needs to most, dazzling us with heretofore unimaginable worlds, deep online components, and one spectacular franchise player. [Jan 2006, p.44]

To the point: pain has rarely been so pleasureable. Rumble on, spandex warriors. [Dec. 2006, p.74]

Creaks with age. But there's still enough juice in these solid veins – the game looks, plays, and sounds just good enough. [June 2002, p.63]

In the stupidly scripted, overly basic single-player missions, you'll probably find interest trailing off by the swift end. [Feb 2005, p.64]

Without question, EA's latest baseball title is our choice for best baseball game for 2003. [Apr 2003, p.70]

I truly love this game. It has everything a hockey fan could want. From the improved animations to the great Franchise mode to the great Pick Up and Play mode, NHL Hitz Pro is a necessary purchase. [Oct 2003, p.84]

If you're jonesing for old-school, demerara-sweet gameplay wrapped up in a shiny 21st century paackage, by all means, merge with OutRun 2006. [Jun 2006, p.48]

There's no denying that the level of interaction in here is humbling. [Nov 2004, p.54]

There is some undue frustration thanks to an uncontrollable camera, but this is still the Monkey Ball game to get. [March 2005, p.58]

Unlike any other 3D fighters on the market. Midway has done an exceptional job of creating a brand new MK experience while still maintaining the old-school flavor that so many of us are familiar with. [Jan 2003, p.70]

I especially like the whole manager/teammate interaction. It was a nice touch. [Apr 2005, p.76]

This team must have crawled directly into the brain trust of Formula One racing to have produced a game this seeping with perfection. [Aug 2002, p.68]

Keeping an eye on your ectoplasm levels, terrified humans, and enthusiastic ghost troops isn't easy, but watching a sorority house empty out faster than a theater showing "Gigli" is more than just a little fun and satisfying. [Nov 2003, p.96]

This sequel packs an astoundingly larger quest than the first, fresher graphics and even more rewarding gameplay. [May 2002, p.67]

This is pure Capcom magic. [Aug 2002, p.76]

Although the single-player campaign is relatively short (only eight missions), the heart and soul of Island Thunder is the Xbox Live gameplay. [Sept 2003, p.81]

Gameplay in NFL Street is fast and furious and, at times, unrelenting. [Mar 2004, p.70]

Def Jam Vendetta is extremely violent (and I mean that in the most positive way).

It's one of the prettiest and exciting-to-watch games I've ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]

Impeccably made, and full of Nintendo-land cheer. [Jan 2005, p.70]

Ace Combat 6 is this venerable series at its best. [Nov 2007, p.63]

Never mind that Dark Athena doesn’t quite stand up to Butcher Bay. Why should it? As a package, this is an easy sell for someone looking for a moody experience of stealth, action and adventure. Nice to see a game that understands dialogue too.

The open seas have never looked better for aspirin Xbox scalawags. [Aug 2005, p.51]

One gameplay aspect has changed, however: timing for button presses is noticeably easier now, especially when it comes to defending. [Dec. 2006, p.90]

The latest offering on PSP is a much improved, almost-mirror image of the console versions in most places that count. [Nov p.100]

Immediacy gets lost in translation as the PC's empire building real-time strategy "Age of Empires" moves to the Nintendo DS, where it takes up residence as a turn-based game [Mar 2006, p.50]

Most interesting was the way Fore hides deeper play mechanics that more ambitious gamers can exploit, making this game more than the cartoonish take on golf it's advertised as. [Oct 2004, p.89]

Between its unquestionable depth, addicting action and secure online party-based multiplayer modes, you can't go wrong with Dungeon Siege 2. [Sept 2005, p.70]