As children's fare, How To Train Your Dragon more than suffices. [Jun 2010, p.83]

If you're a seasoned pro of the Virtua Tennis series, the latest tweaks don't necessarily add enough layers to warrant an upgrade. [Sept 2009, p.79]

More than anything, the PSP version of IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is a surprise. [Holiday 2009, p.85]

It's too easy to beat enemies, even in the tournament, by simply running forward and punching repeatedly. [Oct 2009, p.82]

As a game of hits and misses, you'll find plenty to moan about in the PSP 2K10 and just enough to keep you playing. [May 2010, p.79]

Unless you and your friends adore movie quizzes, you might play once, then never take Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz off the shelf again. [May 2008, p.81]

From dialogue that loads one line at a time to the lack of PS3-level graphics (high-res static art aside), everything seems like a remnant from the early 2000s. [July 2009, p.77]

It's clear that Mini Ninjas is meant for a younger audience, one most likely to adore what it has to offer. [Nov 2009, p.84]

More than Tekken and Virtua Fighter, DOA is light, flashy entertainment. [Dec 2012, p.80]

The expanded universe and story options don't stop this from feeling like the same Naruto game we've seen so many times - though the game is not without its unique quirks. [Apr 2012, p.83]

Thanks to the flawed fundamentals, all the great mechanics in the world can't save Syndicate. [Apr 2012, p.84]

While Legends has all the gadgets, driving, fisticuffs, and sneaking fans would expect from a Bond game, it's mostly a rote first-person shooter. [Holiday 2012, p.83]

The game does very little to dispel the notion that if you've played one Warriors game, you've played them all. [Dec 2008, p.92]

The basic concept is clever enough, though, so the game could have emerged as a real cult classic had it possessed stronger fundamentals. [April 2011, p.78]

It's a clever idea that delivers occasional bouts of amusement, but any winning moments are mostly self-made. [Feb 2011, p.86]

At times, it felt phoned-in, unoriginal, and fairly buggy, though the visuals and multi-path levels shine. [Apr 2012, p.87]

Not much else about Faery is deep or soulful, but for a modestly priced PSN download, it's a decently entertaining way to flitter away a dozen hours. [April 2011, p.75]

Forget the disappointing Bionic Commando reboot that stank up the PS3 back in 2009--this is a sequel to Bionic Commando: Rearmed, the tough-as-nails PSN delight that updated a Capcom classic with gorgeous high-definition visuals. [April 2011, p.75]

Where's the rear touchscreen functionality to control shot power? Where's the touchscreen aiming? [Apr 2012, p.56]

Zero could easily be seen as a reimagining of the first game...only the developers really held back on the "imagining" part, leaving us basically the same game with minor improvements. [July 2011, p.86]

An enjoyable, if guilty, pleasure. [June 2008, p.75]

Sadly, ModNation's creative side trumps the racing. [Apr 2012, p.57]

It remains a flawed experience, even in the face of its significant upgrades in the depth and gameplay options. [Apr 2008, p.74]

It's just unremarkable. [Apr 2012, p.60]

When it comes to pure Gundam geekery, though, there still isn't anything better than this. [July 2009, p.83]

For all Aksys' effort to appeal to a slightly different market, Agarest is a gearhead's RPG. [July 2010, p.84]

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]

Heroes is a fine title taken in small bites, but the repetitive gameplay becomes ever more grinding with prolonged exposure. [Oct 2011, p.81]

Rent it for a weekend and collect the easy Trophies, then get back to Buzz! [Feb 2010, p.81]

In wrestler-speak: This one does the job. The big, unfortunate, rush job, that is. [Holiday 2010, p.82]

Those looking for a challenge will definitely find some bloody enjoyment in Betrayal, but the easily frustrated may be left seeing red. [Oct 2011, p.82]

Hardcore tennis fans may enjoy the practice and repetition necessary to master the game, but most gamers will be frustrated by the tedious process of acquiring that expertise. [Sept 2008, p.80]

Maybe hardcore fans will appreciate the subtle mechanics at work in KOF XII, but as fighting game fans who aren't devoted enough to count frames of animation and the like, we can't help but feel indifferent. [Aug 2009, p.78]

The budget price is nice, but all that's keeping Secret Wars from feeling like a PSN title are its decent length and online dogfighting options. [Nov 2011, p.87]

Occasionally, the gameplay is as good as the graphics. [Mar 2010, p.72]

New features--such as the ability to temporarily summon an ally Gundam into battle--add flavor to(but still can't quite redeem)the otherwise bland missions and mindless destruction. [Oct 2011, p.85]

It's an overly ambitious game that falls tragically short of its goals. [Nov 2008, p.76]

A solid enough offering. [May 2010, p.85]

If you're a big fan of the original and love the multiplayer, you can read this as four and a half stars, but most people can live without Portable Ops Plus. [Holiday 2007, p.78]

Even the repetitive pacing and level structure can be forgiven, because it's simply fun to annihilate stuff. [Holiday 2009, p.85]

Still, the charming visuals and occasionally clever puzzles make it worth checking out, even if the claim that this adventure is "great" might be an exaggeration. [Oct 2011, p.85]

Its biggest downfall is its complete ordinariness. [Nov 2009, p.76]

It doesn't always work. [Dec 2009, p.77]

Between the free play for fun and the challenges that require you to achieve a certain score before moving on to the next table this is a solid reminisce for pinball fanatics still working their PS2's, and who probably have a perfectly maintained Space Shuttle in the basement. [Apr 2008, p.87]

Mindless fun, and it's at its best when you don't pay too much mind to the incoherent story and limited gameplay. [Holiday 2008, p.88]

This Wii-retread gets a second life courtesy of the Move controls and the results are passable yet ultimately forgettable. [Nov 2010, p.72]

We have other complaints; the action is too abrupt to hold any momentum, hazards appear too suddenly, and although branching paths and gravity-mocking grind rails pay homage to SSX, things never flow well enough to complete the tribute. [Nov 2010, p.70]

Despite its addictive simplicity, N+ does eventually reach a breaking point. [Oct 2008, p.82]

Aside from its meager length (the 40 player levels can be beaten in a handful of sessions), the only real knocks against this otherwise delightful diversion are technical ones--but to be fair, they're doozies. [Nov 2008, p.83]

As a hack-and-slash tribute to its source materials, Afro Samurai succeeds with its rewarding battle animations and atmosphere. [Apr 2009, p.78]

Maybe it is time for the series to go all Super Saiyan and change things up a bit. [Holiday 2011, p.79]

Carnival Island is extremely easy, but with a projected audience of families with young children, this is understandable. [Holiday 2011, p.79]

Still, a great selection of familiar characters, weapons, and abilities make the grind semi-rewarding for those willing to stick with it. [Holiday 2011, p.78]

Not to mince words, either: This is a Dynasty Warriors clone. [Jan 2011, p.86]

Players can wholeheartedly expect to get a full 20 dollars worth of speedway spirit here, but those with relined expectations for their racing sims will only become more ravenous for a true main course. [Jan 2011, p.86]

The furthest thing from instant gratification. [May 2010, p.82]

As a fighting game, Phantom Fortress is decent. [Aug 2008, p.83]

Although it lacks the surprises or intrigue inherent to most Sting-developed games, Hexyz Force still manages to provide a satisfying experience for on-the-go RPGers. [July 2010, p.85]

Somewhere buried in this amalgamation of minigames and peepshow videos is a convoluted relationship management game with a bare skeleton of backstories. [Jun 2010, p.76]

Despite the many undead warriors, Quest is a kids' game. [Holiday 2011, p.83]

The PSP effort really could've used a little more of the full-sized version's actual evolution. [Dec 2009, p.81]

We can't stop wondering how we'd feel about the game is EA had ungraded Jam with modern gameplay fineries. Or better yet, priced it more appropriately. [Jan 2011, p.85]

We're convinced that there's nothing brilliant about the SingStar series. And yet, Dance is a good time. [Jan 2011, p.84]

The problem is that while portions of Unleashed are entertaining, the two styles never meld into a cohesive new experience. [Feb 2009, p.75]

The big guns, bright visuals, and plenty of upgrades all feel right, but solo play is dull. [Holiday 2011, p.85]

The portable Potter has the ingredients of a decent game, but lacks the inspiration and polish needed to conjure a potent gameplay potion. [Oct 2010, p.79]

If romancing the three kingdoms is your thing, you're going to go bananas for this already-established RTS twist on the DW franchise. Otherwise, it's totally niche, so approach with caution. [July 2009, p.81]

While not exactly a title for the permanent collection, Singularity does deliver its fair share of fast-paced action and time-altering thrills. [Oct 2010, p.81]

There's still some impact here, but the blow is certainly blunted. [July 2010, p.85]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

Multiplayer is clearly Kizuna Drive's focus. Playing alone is a different story. [June 2011, p.80]

The graphics are somewhat lacking. [June 2008, p.81]

Although it's a decent game overall with a lot of fun moments and a few inventive touches, the sad fact remains that there are plenty of game on the market right now that do everything The Bourne Conspiracy does, but better. [Aug 2008, p.66]

The final showdown with Hel - and the story's resolution - seems abrupt and sadly, unepic. [June 2008, p.82]

Those that didn't like the way the first Prinny controlled will likely find similar complaints with the sequel. [March 2011, p.79]

If you're looking for something fast, accessible, and just a little stupid, Wheelman's calling your name. [June 2009, p.82]

The game is short and the controls are unresponsive(just let me jump already!), but the quirky humor redeems those shortcomings--almost. [June 2009, p.81]

R-Type Command isn't a bad game per se; it's just incredibly average, with too many flaws to overlook. [Aug 2008, p.79]

Bland environments, reused enemies, and repetitive combat make even short levels feel drawn out. [June 2011, p.75]

With a flashy but limited move list, it's nothing more than a basic arcade scrapper. [June 2012, p.83]

Give Chosen One credit for its polished presentation and solid story mode, but its focus on highlight-reel style gets in the way of its gameplay substance. [June 2008, p.73]

All this offers is twin-stick controls and slightly crisper visuals. [June 2012, p.83]

If you don't know your Grey Elves from your High Elves though, its many flaws probably outweigh its heavily referential charm. [Sept 2009, p.78]

Fighting other players online might be new to the portable series, but too much of the game just feels old. [Dec 2010, p.79]

The game feels like one big grind and even the eventual showdowns with tigers and elephants offered few thrills during our feeble quest. [Dec 2010, p.79]

If you're a hardcore LOTR fan, you might play the game and then say you like it(while grimacing), but ultimately, Conquest doesn't do justice to either the movies or the books. [Apr 2009, p.80]

Fairytale Fights defeats itself with tons of little niggling issues. [Holiday 2009, p.81]

Guitar Hero: Van Halen is a step back for the franchise. [Jan 2010, p.80]

However, drastic spikes in the difficulty still pop-up at bizarre intervals, and being asked to shell out 99 cents to skip the random ultra brutal stages each time they appear feels like an insult. Pay to not play? No thanks. [July 2012, p.85]

Hunted's attempt at reinvigorating a densely populated genre relies upon a tired formula. [Aug 2011, p.85]

The heart of an Olympics game is the multiplayer mode, and this is exactly where Beijing falls short. [Sept 2008, p.76]

The solid-but-typical action is grid-based, turn-taking RPG strategy, both customizable and redundant. [Jan 2010, p.87]

Admittedly, NASCAR 09 packs enough performance to avoid outright embarrassment, but you'll need the blind devotion of a diehard NASCAR fan to overlook the game's disappointing lack of polish. [Aug 2008, p.73]

Unfortunately, the all-too-brief stints of white-knuckle action don't deliver the memorable impact required for us to recommend The Club. [Apr 2008, p.84]

Resident Evil completionists who missed these simple shooters elsewhere may find them briefly amusing, but casual Move enthusiasts needn't snag both. [Sept 2012, p.85]

Conversely, the dull sense of minor accomplishment upon completing the game isn't terribly satisfying. [Apr 2008, p.82]

Overall, this Dungeon Explorer experience is pleasurable enough for those with a fierce RPG itch, but those who require a compelling story in their RPGs may want to pass. [Mar 2008, p.88]

Clock takes a puzzle-driven adventure game and mixes it up with a side-scrolling platformer. Not a bad design template in theory, but not so great as implemented here. [Aug 2012, p.86]