One of the more elegant, gorgeously conceived action games of the year... it never feels like we're just going through the motions, one kill after another. [Sept 2003, p.67]

With the incorporation of XSN, new passing controls and improved tackling, NFL Fever 2004 gives Xbox owners a reason to rejoice. [Sept 2003, p.87]

It's the exact same game, which by last year's standards is still good, but couldn't they have at least added some bump mapping or something while we waited? [Sept 2003, p.81]

With the grace, speed and precision of a great 2D fighter placed exactly in a 3D mold, Soul Calibur 2 is the only fighter I'll need for a very long time. [Oct 2003, p.72]

With the grace, speed and precision of a great 2D fighter placed exactly in a 3D mold, Soul Calibur 2 is the only fighter I'll need for a very long time. [Oct 2003, p.72]

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]

Not only does the game look better than its predecessor but it outperforms it in nearly every way: the puzzles are even more intelligent..., the fighting is on par and benefits from multiple characters, the difficulty scale has been skillfully balanced. [Sept 2003, p.70]

The initial feeling in the first mission is one of uncanny newness. I can't remember ever being so quickly immersed or captivated by a world. [Oct 2003, p.75]

Not only does the game look better than its predecessor but it outperforms it in nearly every way: the puzzles are even more intelligent..., the fighting is on par and benefits from multiple characters, the difficulty scale has been skillfully balanced. [Sept 2003, p.70]

Exhilarating and beautiful... For as much as the game is about speed and visual impact, it is also about feel and the overlooked art of track design. The game slams you in your seat, but it's also infused with the kind of stubtlety and attention to detail that only truly talented developers can muster. [Sept 2003, p.74]

Not only does the game look better than its predecessor but it outperforms it in nearly every way: the puzzles are even more intelligent..., the fighting is on par and benefits from multiple characters, the difficulty scale has been skillfully balanced. [Sept 2003, p.70]

While it's not exactly triple-A, Alter Echo is one of the most innovative and all-around interesting action-adventures you're likely to play this year. [Oct 2003, p.73]

While it's not exactly triple-A, Alter Echo is one of the most innovative and all-around interesting action-adventures you're likely to play this year. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Excellent progression and flow are at hand; detonations, interactive environments, timing platforms, memory and action puzzles, pattern-based obstacles, killer bosses, gut-busting 3D movies, excellent level design, spot-on visuals, a vivid soundtrack. [Sept 2003, p.69]

Excellent progression and flow are at hand; detonations, interactive environments, timing platforms, memory and action puzzles, pattern-based obstacles, killer bosses, gut-busting 3D movies, excellent level design, spot-on visuals, a vivid soundtrack. [Sept 2003, p.69]

I beg for a complete shakeup for this series, but for now, a fine polish will have to do. [Aug 2003, p.77]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]

This is, simply put, a great tennis game in the vein of Tennis, where it's all about intuitive control and fun. [Oct 2003, p.83]

This game's strength lies in its heavily nuanced gameplay, integrated story, and its gloomy heretical aura. [June 2003, p.64]

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]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]

The story is thin and forced, far too self-aware of needing to be supernaturally spooky, and the voice acting is crap as usual. No matter: Silent Hill 3 leaves an awfully intense mark. [Aug 2003, p.73]

Add variable weather and a sea of upgrades and these are the depths you need to plumb, right now. [Oct 2003, p.72]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]