For longtime fans, though, there's just enough here to satisfy. [Dec 2010, p.75]

Ultimately, if you find yourself firing up the previous Battlefront for online skirmishes, Elite Squadron should satiate your need for something slightly new. [Holiday 2009, p.82]

Shaun White feels like a great foundation for a snowboarding game that needed another year of develop tweaks to infuse more structure, refine control tuning, and attend to the details. [Feb 2009, p.70]

Both Ys i and II are relatively short and light on story, but played in succession, they form a very decent retro RPG package. [April 2011, p.81]

In a vacuum, Madden NFL 13 is great. That's good enough for some of us, but others will lament what it could have been. [Nov 2012, p.83]

Sonic games have always worked best at top speed. Unfortunately, for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, commitment to that joyous speed is severely lacking. [July, p.79]

As simple as Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law may seem, the game is brought to life by excellent dialogue, true-to-the-show characters, spastic humor, and of course, penis jokes. [Jan 2008, p.81]

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

It's just not satisfying enough to be worthy of a combat commendation for serious flight combat fans. [Nov 2009, p.74]

Capcom comes off like a crotch rocket vet with MotoGP 07, even though it's the publisher's first foray into the breakneck franchise since snagging the PS2 rights from Namco. [Holiday 2007, p.75]]

Though a competent simulation racer, it's tough to overlook Legends' many shortcomings. [Oct 2012, p.85]

In hindsight, Dog Days' brevity may be its greatest attribute, as the story is a series of unsatisfying plot resolutions topped off by a ridiculously abrupt and unimaginative ending. [Oct 2010, p.76]

LEGO Batman 2 on Vita plays like more traditional LEGO games, sticking closer to the standard formula than the console version. [Sept 2012, p.83]

Take a game meant for a handheld and put it on the PS2, and all of a sudden every flaw is magnified. [June 2008, p.83]

But these are niggling issues; the franchise is moving up through the driving-game field and may finally be in contention for a podium position come next seasons. [June 2011, p.81]

It's entertaining when all's working as it should, but that just doesn't happen as often as it should. [Dec 2008, p.84]

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

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]

This exploration-heavy dual-stick shooter features intriguing internal environments to motor through while zapping infectious robotic drones. [March 2011, p.77]

Still, each game mode provides different trials--some nostalgic, some new--and local multiplayer brings the added bonus of screwing over our friends. That alone could be worth the meager fee. [Aug 2012, p.87]

Just a solid port of an unremarkable brawler. [June 2008, p.75]

The puzzles become a little more complicated as Fracture goes on, but that pretty much sums up the highlight of this otherwise generic third-person shooter. [Holiday 2008, p.74]

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 we like the new ideas, we may just stick to the analog version we have tucked away in our closet. [Feb 2012, p.84]

Instead of a solid experience, it feels crippled; a complete game thoughtlessly hacked into DLC bits. [July 2011, p.81]

Dokapon's fatal flaw is its wait-to-play ratio; since actual engagement between players happens rarely, watching three players take their turns while you twiddle your thumbs wears thin fast. [Dec 2008, p.82]

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

It may not be a truly heroic experience, but Manhunters and the Green Lantern movie would make for a fine weekend double feature. [Sept 2011, p.85]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

We appreciated specific parts of the game--such as the leveling, animations, and Followers--but it's still the bottom of the JRPG barrel. [Sept 2012, p.87]

Ultimately misses more than it hits because it has so little game. [May 2009, p.76]

The game looks and plays well enough but isn't particularly engaging(unless you're a Jeremy McGrath fan). [Sept 2012, p.87]

Niche-dwelling masochists will thrive on mastering the murky depths of Heroes, but everyone else should throw a smoke bomb and run away. [July 2009, p.83]

Either way, there's more titillation than fun in Qoga. [April 2011, p.84]

Repetition does set in before too long, and holding a button and contorting your arm with Move controls to rotate an object is a bit annoying, but Create is kid safe and kid fun. [Jan 2011, p.83]

It's best attribute is its price - half that of the PSP game. [Sept 2009, p.81]

Every vehicle slides around every turn with an alarming lack of control. [Nov 2008, p.79]

The gameplay presented is a mix of character battles--too many of which are filler--and poorly executed side-scrolling platforming stages; playing these segments often feels like a little more than a required chore to reach the next cutscene or unlockable. [Aug 2010, p.87]

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]

For a $5 download, there is some morbid fun to be found, but the flaws can be quite rage inducing. [July 2012, p.85]

The game doesn't always succeed, but the fact that it tries--and is largely fun, engaging adventure--makes it worth a look. [Sept 2011, p.85]

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

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

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]

Avatar is lush, beautiful, and distinct looking, and in the unlikely event you actually own a stereoscopic TV and high-end 3D glasses, you can play in full 3D. [Jan 2010, p.78]

The Move controls function well with this style of game, allowing us to duck incoming projectiles and pistol whip nearby enemies--something we never tire of. [Jan 2011, p.83]

The game cloaks itself in a ridiculous and oftentimes debilitating darkness. [July 2010, p.80]

It's fine for munchkins, but if you look older than Astro, this probably isn't going to satisfy you. [Holiday 2009, p.79]

As of launch, though, I can't recommend Quake Wars to anyone but the most dedicated masochist. [Aug 2008, p.68]

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

The single-player story is cheesy fantasy schlock, and while the online mode has an array of decently designed multiplayer quests, it could stand some more structured goals and a stronger emphasis on cooperation. [Dec 2011, p.81]

While the shooting and platforming elements don't individually ignite the gameplay experience, when Dark Void combines them with the superb aerial combat, the action soars and the game's potential is fully realized. [Feb 2010, p.78]

As a portable game, Burning Skies is adequate. But as the Vita's first true FPS and a member of the Resistance family, it's a conventional, predictable disappointment. [Aug 2012, p.84]

However, with five difficulty modes, an optional crosshair view, and extra mini-games, Time Crisis 4 should appeal to just about any arcade-lovin' audience...provided they have deep enough pockets. [Jan 2008, p.85]

Jericho is pure Clive Barker, and that means that it's not for everyone, especially young children or people with weak stomachs. [Holiday 2007, p.85]

With repetitive gameplay, annoying music, and an overall "fans only" attitude, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 proves creatively spent force is never quite spent, as long as the fans keep spending. [Jan 2011, p.85]

Overall, a wholly competant game--but persistent performance issues prevent it from being anything more than that. [Jan 2009, p.74]

Saving the world may be old news to gamers, but Okabu focuses more on preserving and protecting it. [Holiday 2011, p.75]

Oddly immersive. [Feb 2012, p.84]

Based upon the gory horror movie franchise, SAW is a remarkable good puzzle game with a license that it actually doesn't need. [Holiday 2009, p.74]

Everything about this game seems to be a loud, obnoxious effort to suck out the fun with a bloody straw made from an empty sausage casing. [Feb 2010, p.84]

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

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

To be clear, new battles, weapons, and character moves are present, as expected, but they feel obligatory at best. [Apr 2008, p.72]

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]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

Bogus one moment, brilliant another. [July 2010, p.81]

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 never pretends to be a serious game, and though it might be a little too pricey for dumb entertainment, it does provide some fluffy sandbox fun. [Oct 2012, p.85]

As dungeon crawls go, it's unique. Just don't expect a Silent Hill 2 level of scary. [Holiday 2012, p.77]

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

Beyond that, Evolution offers the opposite of its namesake: a big step backward. [Jan 2011, p.81]

Edge of Time aims so low it can't help but manage to be a playable Spider-Man game, but it lacks lasting appeal. [Holiday 2011, p.84]

Fold in an uncomplicated multiplayer mode and lots of silly cutscenes awkwardly trying to tell a sentimental war story, and Evolved is pleasant, accessible junk food for mecha fans. [Nov 2010, p.81]

The Move controls work well, but the drab presentation and an enthusiast-centric seriousness lands the play experience in the bunker. [Dec 2010, p.85]

At least fans of the anime will love playing as their favorite characters; the game's not deficient, just generic. [Oct 2011, p.82]

The graphics, exploration, and swordfights all feel dated, but those with patience and a love of story will find this immensely rewarding. [Jan 2010, p.85]

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

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

Ninja Gaiden 3 isn't just a great hack-'n'-slash action game, it's a great Ninja Gaiden game. [May 2012, p.78]

Just a hack with a medium-hot license - play the real thing instead. [Feb 2012, p.85]

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]

Those with a taste for the unusual will likely enjoy Datura, as it's contemplative and slow and builds surprising tension at times. But ultimately, it's just an interesting yet flawed experiment. [Aug 2012, p.86]

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

Despite these impressive visuals, ProStreet doesn't quite pull off the all-important sense-of-speed factor. [May 2008, p.83]

This is one unlucky seven. [June 2011, p.84]

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]

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

We see the appeal in sitting down with a son or daughter and playing through a level or two, but it's likely that children will lose interest even before the parents' owned feigned attention lapses. [Aug 2010, p.87]

It's a pretty game, an ambitious game, a big game--just not a very good one. [Feb 2009, p.74]

Falls short of its price point - the only difference between this and the $5 app version is the playlist. [Apr 2012, p.56]

Granted some activities are overly simplistic and repetitive and load times verge on annoying, but there always seems to be another unique EyePet interaction to explore and a seemingly endless parade of customization item to unlock. [Jan 2011, p.87]

The great truth here is that we, should we suffer this trip down memory lane, are the titular lost souls. [July 2011, p.82]

It demands a level of precision that is tough to pull off with the cumbersome control scheme, making it hard to muster the effort. [June 2012, p.82]

Army Corps is Pikmin in hell. [May 2012, p.77]

So, baring the possible glory or failure of Raging Blast's online mode, this is a rather predictable entry in the tale of Goku and Gohan. [Holiday 2009, p.77]

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

Perhaps the most frustrating characteristic of Iridium Runners is its wasted potential. [Apr 2008, p.88]