Using [the controls] correctly along with the right gas and breaking, the game has a groove all its own, along with killer visuals to match. [Feb 2002, p.58]

Rise of a Ninja defies categorization with its open-world structure, RPG pacing, and eccentric mix of min-games and one-on-one combat. [Dec 2007, p.74]

All 6 games (and one bonus) still stand as some of the best and most challenging of 2D gaming, starring one of the most revered characters in the gaming universe. [Jan 2006, p.49]

This simple yet devilishly addictive touch-pen action game shows off the DS in the best possible light, providing a totally unique and fun experience. [Apr 2005, p.70]

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the type of game that will only give you back what you're willing to put into it. [Nov. 2006, p.85]

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

Fantastic atmosphere, setting and story will chill your bones and nerves. But spotty controls and some tedious pacing keep Cursed Mountain from reaching its full potential.

This is easily the best WB-based game to come down the pike yet. [Sept 2002, p.69]

What this game contains that is totally removed from everything else out there is a quirky, infectious, humorous character, one that seems to deeply reflect the personality of its makers. When you play it, you really sense a stamp of originality and zany flavor in its presentation and structure. [March 2005, p.48]

The 2K series is back where it needs to be. [Apr 2005, p.76]

The facial damage system is spectacular. You can actually see the damage you're inflicting on your opponent. Yo Adrianne! This game rocks! [Jan 2003, p.85]

The developers did a nice job of capturing Burnout's breathless sense of velocity as well as its wicked series of car crashes and explosions on the PSP. [Nov p.98]

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

If you like Zelda—if what makes Zelda good for you is the Zelda-y stuff that’s always in these Zelda games—then you’re going to find more of it here. All the charm, all the polish. All the thoughtful puzzles and gorgeous detail. But if you’re looking for something new, you’re going have to wait until the next train arrives. This is another The Legend of Zelda game: The formula we know, the formula we love.

The visuals at work here are arguably the best ever in high-speed, open-highway gameplay, especially considering the self-induced slow motion and course study, which is wicked cool. [Oct 2002, p.84]

Of all three games, the Xbox version is the clear winner, with perfect frame rates, the lowest load times, the best resolution and the best textures, but the 'Cube game runs a close second, a refreshing turn of events. [Jan 2003, p.76]

You'd be hard pressed to find better cartoon fodder. [Oct 2005, p.68]

The grinding is good, the tricks are easy enough for a shlub to pull off, and Electronic Arts does a fine job of fleshing everything out with a series of animated pencil line drawings that jackhammer home the game's exceedingly cool style. [Nov p.93]

The game system is very addictive, and the hilariously bizarre scenarios are wonderfully conceived and drawn, with each stage playing out like some futuristic rock opera from the fruity side of the Japanese aesthetic. [Mar 2002, p.43]

A basic first-person shooter with the action quotient set on full throttle, but everything about TimeSplitters 2 is handled skillfully and stylishly, pieced together with a scintillating polish. [Nov 2002, p.64]

Playing an old-school RPG is great with dual screens and Archcraft have seen to every last detail. The dialogue is first rate (talk to everybody; the maids, farmers…), the systems easy to assimilate, and the visuals are vibrant and painstakingly detailed. Great BGM too.

A game with gorgeous models, intense combos, magic-driven action, and a cast of characters that make character selection a really tough decision. [Oct 2002, p.84]

The idiotic AI cripples the gameplay to the point of ridiculous. [May 2003, p.63]

Drop-dead gorgeous visuals and an old-school shooter soundtrack, coupled with an intelligent shooting system and interface, beautifully rendered enemies, arcade and story play modes and even a gallery with a doorway of special effects. [May 2003, p.70]

Though its dungeons could have benefited from smarter design, I found Wizard of Oz to be a beautiful, whimsical adventure.

The game is also beautiful beyond measure, with water, weaving grass, snow, mud, and other terrain effects that, at least for now, are pretty much unequalled, and boast sound effects to match. [Oct 2002, p.68]

How they came up with a theme park run by a maniacal gear head hosting a tournament emceed by a pair of chickens I do not know [Nov p.87]

You'll field baseballs, put an infinite number of pen caps on an infinite number of pens, and generally marvel a how tedium becomes fun here. [Nov. 2006, p.104]