Galactic groupies will eat it up. Battles are engaging, possibilities for advancement near limitless and the fun factor way above standard ranges.

That's basically the game's strongest point -- the ability to make you feel as if you actually are involved in a real war. Any gamer looking for that degree of realism in a first-person action game cannot go wrong with Operation Flashpoint.

Much like the many potshots you'll take throughout play, it's a very hit or miss endeavor.

Much like the many potshots you'll take throughout play, it's a very hit or miss endeavor.

Much like the many potshots you'll take throughout play, it's a very hit or miss endeavor.

Deep down, there is a good game here, thanks to solid controls, pretty visuals and a nice variety of offensive objectives.

With so many pre-definable and goofy options available at the outset, it's easy to get into the admittedly gonzo spirit of things.

It's main failing isn't game-play related -- it's a personality issue. The humor isn't that exciting to begin with; after hearing a prostitute scream "You suck harder than I do!" for the hundredth time, it becomes downright infuriating.

The game's too footloose for FIFA fans, not outrageous enough for Blitz devotees.

Touchy controls require precision to avoid wrecking or, even worse, forking over your ride to a Frenchie. [July 2003, p.34]

Even noncombat activities are seen from Cole's view, whether he's eating a cheeseburger or ogling his sexy sidekick. Brilliant. [May 2004]

Anyone who believes that fear is most intense when you're alone hasn't been dropped into a group of survivors fighting off flesh-eating zombies. [May 2004]

Unfortunately, Soul Calibur 2 doesn't include an option to download content from the Net, nor is there a component for online play, so all fashion critiques are confined to your living room. [Aug 2003, p.32]

Dead Aim's targets can act more disoriented than a boatload of Florida retirees. [July 2003, p.34]

Best of all, online team play lets you and three buddies dispense hot leaden vengeance from Tokyo to Yemen. [Mar 2004, p.39]

The lethal-injection-wielding beastie and other gruesome monsters were designed by movie F/X guru Stan Winston. Luckily, you can transform into a hulking beast when the prison yard gets too crowded. Dead man morphing! [Feb 2004, p.32]

Along with the intergalactic action of the mission-based single-player game, Homeworld 2 supports online play for up to six gamers and includes tools to build custom ships and levels. [Sept 2003, p.33]

If the blur of high-speed visuals churns your stomach, a turbo-boost should easily reunite you with your lunch. [Sept 2003, p.33]

Fight Night adds a bit of bob and weave through a control system that allows you to swivel your fighter at the hips. [Apr 2004, p.38]

What does this action game packed with guns, cars and crooks have that "Vice City" doesn't? The voice talent of Christopher Walken and Gary Oldman as characters, for one thing. [Oct 2003, p.37]

The confusing gauges have been banished and the pesky laws of aerodynamics relaxed, freeing you to focus on sending Japanese and German pilots to their graves. [Dec 2003, p.44]

It the best drinking game we've played this year. [Aug 2003, p.32]

It the best drinking game we've played this year. [Aug 2003, p.32]

We finally fulfilled our dream of beating guest stars Insane Clown Posse with a baseball bat. [Oct 2003, p.37]

Although the game's design and combat system do not always dazzle, Oni is a sublime break from the ordinary.

The game's biggest downfall is that it isn't particularly difficult.

Think of this strategy game as "The Sims" meets "The Sopranos." [Feb 2003, p.32]

Victory is accompanied by flashy jewelry, fancy cars, and the truest measure of a champ, a larger posse. [Mar 2004, p.39]