As real as it gets in the modern military shooter genre, Operation Flashpoint demands your mind be as sharp as your aim. Those seeking an FPS experience that's evolved passed Hollywood's version of war should definitely enlist, but anyone annoyed by one-shot deaths should probably stick to Call of Duty's frontlines.

Delightful, skillfully made, and full of wonder, is far and away the best puzzle action game in years. What it lacks in technical prowess it more than makes up for with fluid animation, ingenious gameplay, and outstanding level design.

There's something indescribably wonderful about making an epic leap from the top of a huge building, soaring breathlessly across the sky with the hero's arms flailing wildly before crashing down on a rooftop that seems hundreds of feet away. [Mar 2007, p.51]

Endless Ocean is a perfect non-game, whatever that means. [Jan 2008, p.60]

This is damn near as good a version of Dodgeball as I could ask for...if only overall character speed could be tweaked. [May 2008, p.66]

A kick-ass game of hockey that stands to be the best EA has ever produced. [Oct 2005, p.70]

The town and dungeon environments are among the most beautiful ever to grace the PS2. [Sept 2006, p.58]

The most important quality in any relationship is personality, and The King of Fighters XI has personality in abundance. [JPN Import, Oct 2006, p.78]

The unmistakable refinement of Rogue galaxy makes it a worthy addition to any RPG library. [Feb 2007, p.34]

Somewhat reminiscent of Sega's tragically overlooked "Spartan: Total Warrior", 300 is similarly diverse but much faster paced and brutal. [Apr 2007, p.56]

And, were it not said, someone would be drummed out of the union: The Force is strong with this one. [Oct. 2006, p.52]

The best thing to happen to shooters in a long time. [Aug 2005, p.54]

This really is a special game for the truest fans. [Dec 2007, p.84]

An excellent first effort from CD Projekt Red. [Dec 2007, p.97]

A kick-ass game of hockey that stands to be the best EA has ever produced. [Oct 2005, p.70]

I'm not one for flight sims, but Heroes of the Pacific has given me a reason to enjoy the genre. [Sept 2005, p.57]

There's a lot to be said about plowing through town with a zombie horde, biting brains. [Dec 2005, p.59]

The fighting - and there's tons of it - never grows laborious or monotonous... [Nov p.76]

There's more than enough here to luv for Sega fans big and small. [Apr 2008, p.64]

Can a game be worth purchasing without being brilliant? It depends on your wallet. The first few hours of multiplayer are going to be worth the sticker price, but the rest of the game is nearly inaccessible for four simultaneous gamers.

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.

You've got blinding speed, and more than enough distinct cars to tinker with to push that insane speed even harder. [June 2005, p.57]

Learn and hone your attacks, consider the deceivingly complex structure of the game, and the reward is tremendously satisfying. [Apr 2005, p.54]

Tropico 3 is a well-designed sim with just the right balance of complexity and micromanagement. It looks good, it sounds good and playing it just might teach you something. How many games can you say that about?

Unfortunately, there isn't a Franchise mode in MVP, but there is a great season mode, as well as an addictive Homerun Showdown. [May 2005, p.71]

The close quarters combat feels exactly as you'd hope for in a high-quality samurai action game. [Sept 2005, p.85]

The fighting - and there's tons of it - never grows laborious or monotonous... [Nov p.76]

The angles are fabulous -- never staying in one place too long while framing the action with cinematic flair. [Nov 2003, p.91]