As enjoyable as Sleep is, it still feels a bit dated. [Oct 2010, p.74]

If you play the silver ball, you don't just want this game, you need it. [Holiday 2009, p.81]

Great for honing skills on the road or simply on its own, CTP is an excellent port. [Jun 2010, p.79]

So long as you have the skills (or beefy enough cars) to avoid crashing constantly, you can find an almost endless supply of fun on the streets of LA. [Dec 2008, p.76]

Finishes strong. [July 2010, p.82]

The core racing experience makes the misstep of celebrating failure rather than making the actual winning of races definable fun. [Dec 2008, p.90]

Party games don't garner much respect from hardcore gamers, but You Don't Know Jack deserves an exception. [March 2011, p.77]

The most noticeable improvement is the brand-new tackling system, which allows for simultaneous hits and more realistic contact. [Sept 2011, p.87]

SR2 is loud, destructive, and dumb as hell, but that's what makes it so much fun. [Holiday 2008, p.66]

But multiplayer is where Blur really shines. The eye-melting barrage of speed and pyrotechnics produced by up to 20-player online races is dizzying at times--as is the frequency of race position changes. [Aug 2010, p.81]

Fast-paced. [May 2009, p.78]

If you've never swung a club in your life, Out of Bounds makes perfecting your golf game easy--maybe a little too easy. [May 2008, p.73]

While we were occasionally frustrated by trial-and-error tedium and forced micromanagement of multiple items, these annoyances were easily overshadowed by Closure's highly unique mechanics and presentation. [July 2012, p.78]

It's the best Monster Hunter game yet. [Sept 2009, p.81]

Think of it as the roguelike version of NIS's Disgaea or Prinny games, complete with a similar snarky style, unlikely characters, and slightly cruel sense of humor. [Holiday 2010, p.77]

Just like any good trip to Vegas, the sights and sounds will absolutely assault your senses. [May 2008, p.74]

From Dust takes the god game to a slightly flawed but intriguing place. [Dec 2011, p.77]

Unleashed has significantly improved on the original and found an almost perfet blend of arcade racing thrills and technical simulation challenge. [May 2011, p.84]

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is not a bad game, either, but it does require a certain tolerance for the absurd. [Jun 2010, p.80]

We dug the re-worked campaign mode, but multiplayer matches for up to four players just can't be beat. [Holiday 2011, p.78]

So while it's no shock that LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes succeeds admirably as a platformer, we were surprised to find that it also manages to reinvigorate a series that has every reason to feel overly familiar and tiresome by now. [Sept 2012, p.83]

The campaign feels awkward and unfamiliar and the multiplayer doesn't allow for direct head-to-head competition (oh well), but the game still manages to fuel our competitive juices. [Apr 2012, p.82]

The PSN port doesn't look as pretty and there are frame-rate issues when the on-screen actions becomes too intense, but it's still a credible FPS contender. [Holiday 2011, p.78]

Vita or PS3, just be sure to take advantage of one of the collections. [Sept 2012, p.85]

Jak and Daxter Collection feels more like a lightly upgraded historical document than a lovingly tweaked attempt to make these aging classics shine for a modern audience. [Mar 2012, p.81]

Besides the indecipherable Evolution Map, Patapon 2 is well made, with plenty of reasons to replay levels: to bask in the music, to unlock more secrets. to farm for more resources, for example. [June 2009, p.80]

Forgive the sometimes long load times and other minor quibbles--Assassin's Creed is a resounding success that no one should miss. [Jan 2008, p.76]

Straightforward, aerial combat. [Holiday 2009, p.85]

Change can be a scary thing, but the developer's gamble paid off: SCV is the most fun we've had with the series in years. [Mar 2012, p.78]

In all, NCAA 09's sharp visuals, immediate sense of control, and its robust, fleshed-out modes make this year's version a winner. [Sept 2008, p.77]

Reckoning may not set new RPG standards by any means, but it's an earnest attempt at encapsulating everything we love about the genre as a whole. [Mar 2012, p.82]

This bundle of PS2 games proves that no matter the resolution, it's one of the best game trilogies this side of Olympus. [June 2011, p.83]

The gameplay in Child of Eden is simple, but its relative lack of complexity is easily outweighed by its fervent dedication to turning each player's experience into an inimitable work of art. [Dec 2011, p.80]

FIFA 08 delivers a pretty complete soccer package that we still hope will improve as the specter of pressure from Konami's "Pro Evolution Soccer" looms on the horizon. [Holiday 2007, p.84]

It's a feeling that encapsulates Rage: a deeply layered, exhilarating game in parts, but one that never coalesces to deliver a cohesive new experience. [Dec 2011, p.66]

It's clear that the user-creation tools, mixed with the improved base game, will make this the SVR that lasts you into next year. [Dec 2009, p.70]

Sadly this year, it's hard to find a compelling reason to upgrade if you played 09. [Aug 2009, p.76]

Live 10 has taken a few solid steps forward, and is certainly a pick-up-and-play option for NBA fans. [Dec 2009, p.75]

All said and done, this is an extremely solid racing experience. [Dec 2012, p.85]

A long list of dungeons and co-op modes make this a worthwhile purchase. [July 2011, p.86]

More than enough for hardcore fans to justify the purchase. [Jan 2012, p.83]

Quiz World's about as fun as Quiz TV; maybe next year we'll get the best bits of both. [Jan 2010, p.83]

A well-rounded, albeit somewhat conventional, package. [May 2009, p.80]

The story is so meandering. [Jan 2012, p.76]

A game this pretty should be a no-brainer, but as soon as the characters open their mouths, your beleaguered brain will ache for a return to the action. [Holiday 2008, p.78]

A very impressive achievement. [Apr 2012, p.54]

For the committed few, though, time with Disgaea 4 should pleasantly relieve the terrible pressures produced by the voices inside their heads. [Nov 2011, p.85]

Many features are carried over from the PSP Mini version, but this robust and affordable iteration is still an essential for puzzle lovers everywhere. [March 2011, p.83]

When cheesy '80s action flicks dream of being chaotic top-down, twin-stick shooters with motion-comic cutscenes, they dream about being Renegade Ops. [Nov 2011, p.87]

An epic and engaging experience, Awakening isn't quite the tour de force we were craving from the creators of Origin, but we're more than happy with this "furthers adventures of" epilogue. [Jun 2010, p.82]

With the new online-friendly additions, Buzz! Quiz TV deserves to be in any trivia fan's library. [Drac 2008, p.88]

Despite the new animations, new moves, and features, this year's model plays a lot like last year's game, with very subtle, often ineffective changes. [Sept 2009, p.79]

Not quite a new game but certainly more consequential than regular DLC, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition exists in a strange middle ground. [Aug 2011, p.84]

Still, the experience as a whole suffers only slightly, and we're left with an endlessly engaging arcade title any gamer can enjoy. [Mar 2012, p.81]

As uneven an effort that Prologue is at times, there are moments in the game that are transcendent. [June 2008, p.68]

Developer Blue Castle has done a solid job taking over from Capcom Japan, maker of the original Rising. [Dec 2010, p.74]

While comparatively subtle to 2011's makeover, the new coat of polish is still quite noticeable. [Dec 2011, p.73]

Fortunately, the design is still fun, even if it doesn't quite hold up against modern FPS fare. [Dec 2012, p.86]

Die-hard fans hoping for something new will inevitably be disappointed, but even they can't fail to be impressed at just how complete and convincing a handheld title this is. [Nov 2009, p.78]

An impressive port that will satisfy seasoned fighters. [Apr 2012, p.61]

PGA Tour 12 doesn't refine the golf experience, but its streamlined approach makes it simpler to enjoy a round on the links. [May 2011, p.86]

A plethora of other modes (multiplayer, exhibition, card collecting) rounds out this ambitious title, making it well worth the time of those who usually shy away from sports games. [Holiday 2007, p.80]

The technology driving Rocksmith is awesome. Unfortunately, the software just doesn't compare. [Dec 2011, p.81]

Everything matters: timing, positioning, footwork, a court's bounciness, our characters favored play style, our opponents favored play style, and even what clothes are worn. Taking that all into consideration to develop effective strategies is what makes the matches so satisfying. [Oct 2010, p.82]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

We found ourselves fighting Beaterator's interface more than we'd have liked, but hey, at least we were able to make some decent-sounding tunes to play on our PSPs and iPods. [Holiday 2009, p.79]

An epic adventure. [Apr 2010, p.79]

Answers many of last year's criticisms with a well-rounded experience packed with the depth hardcore gamers demand and the accessibility newcomers will enjoy. [Aug 2009, p.77]

There are a few curious selections(Hi, Flicky. Hi, Ristar), but overall, Sonic knows old school games. [Apr 2009, p.82]

As two previous games prove and hundreds of fans can attest, LEGO and Star Wars go together like peanut butter and jelly. [Holiday 2007, p.79]

Though we miss the earnest realism of the original game, Skate 3 offers the most complete package thus far, so feel free to hop on board. [July 2010, p.79]

The game, though, stumbles throughout. The combat is at best serviceable, as are the puzzles. [Dec 2010, p.84]

Yakuza also suffers from an almost debilitating yappiness. [May 2010, p.76]

It's intuitive, and we loved the precision it allows on tight through passes. [Apr 2012, p.59]

Vague disappointments aside, Rock Band Unplugged offers a clever portable twist on the music game formula that is mostly engrossing and fun...even if it can be damned frustrating. [July 2009, p.84]

Given the smaller screen and weaker controls, there's almost no reason to play this if you've already experienced SFXT. [Holiday 2012, p.79]

Avoid the new controls and this is as addictive a racer as you'll find on a handheld. [Apr 2012, p.57]

Gamers who want an RPG they can dig into and play, however, probably won't have a problem. [June 2011, p.82]

Remix adeptly manages the considerable feat of blending over-the-top arcade-style performance with precise on-the-edge-of-control handling. [Jan 2009, p.81]

In spite of these concerns, we don't want to come off as overly harsh: Tekken 6 is still a solid fighter and an improvement on its predecessor. [Holiday 2009, p.76]

This is a charming and fun adventure that easily earns its place among PSN's elite--and we could all do with a bit more thinking(whether with portals or dimensions)every now and then. [Sept 2012, p.84]

Still, this is a heaping, delicious serving of an action-RPG meal with a recipe that's new and improved enough to keep even prior noshers coming back for seconds. [Oct 2010, p.78]

Absolutely enchanting from start-to-finish, Swan is a real treat and a prime example of why bigger isn't always better. [Holiday 2012, p.77]

A bit too complex to please conventional fighting fans, but the game more than pays off for anyone who enjoys character progression - including anyone who's obsessed with "Final Fantasy." [Oct 2009, p.76]

Even without perfect controls or jaw-dropping visuals, it offers a terrifically evil time for action game fans. [Sept 2009, p.74]

Puzzles were never too frustrating, and Rochard's witty commentary really worked, despite his shoddy southern accent. [Dec 2011, p.69]

It's hard not to be taken in by the eerie lullaby of this world's secrets. [July 2009, p.82]

Some gamers will find little appeal in its often frustrating block-sliding, while others will revel in an unusual experience that stands apart from shooters and action games. While we're not ready for a long-term relationship, we're infatuated with Catherine - she's certainly worthy of a fling. [Sept 2011, p.84]

Still, minor annoyances keep Driver from being stellar: some areas of the city must be unlocked via story progression, fishtailing is occasionally over-the-top and loathsome during races and chases, and Shift is inexplicably limited during certain missions. [Nov 2011, p.81]

While Prototype 2's story has its faults, the game is nevertheless jam-packed with fun things to do. [July 2012, p.76]

While NBA 09 doesn't transform the franchise into a dynasty, it's still playoff worthy. [Dec 2008, p.96]

F.E.A.R. 2 emerges as an effective, entertaining FPS with a chiller story element, rather than a real survival horror shooter...Play with the lights dimmed, and don't be surprised if you end up squealing (on the inside) like a little girl. [Mar 2009, p.67]

While it's not quite a perfect package, there's a lot to love about the way the open-world craziness unfolds despite the game's oddly self-aware inclusion of some of gaming's more annoying, antiquated mechanics. [Holiday 2012, p.80]

An acquired taste. [Feb 2011, p.86]

Beneath the emotional tale and a superb cast of characters lies an abundance of shallow filler content with no real purpose It's disappointing to see a game with so much heart struggle under the burden of artificial mechanics. [Feb 2012, p.80]

Hack-and-slash antics fuel the fire, but the game's health system makes extended fights an exercise in frustration. [Sept 2010, p.81]

Where this game really shines is online. [June 2008, p.76]

Still, EA Tiburon delivers a game that might finally challenge Madden for the gridiron crown. [Sept 2012, p.86]