At the end of the day, this remains a Star Wars game - and an essential one thanks to its compelling story and, to be fair, engaging gameplay. [Oct 2008, p.74]

If you haven't upgraded to a PS3, the action, story, and exclusive levels here won't disappoint. [Oct 2008, p.76]

While the story and settings are the same as on the PS3, the levels and the way the apprentice develops are completely different. [Oct 2008, p.76]

The steep learning curve may put off newcomers, but for those willing to commit to its complexities, Yggdra Union offers a truly refreshing strategy experience. [Dec 2008, p.92]

At best, Impact will barely meet your expectations for what a wrestling game should encompass in 2008. [Dec 2008, p.91]

In short, if you're a hockey nut and you're trying to decide which game to throw your hockey dollars at, look no further than NHL 09. [Nov 2008, p.86]

Enjoy it, PS2 owners. This is one to savor. [Nov 2008, p.84]

If you're only planning on buying one hockey title this season, unless you're a diehard 2K fan, we'd recommend at least checking out NHL 09 first. [Nov 2008, p.87]

It may look harmless enough, but that colorful candy shell - which, admittedly, is delightfully goofy - disguises the ashen heart of a hardcore fighting game that, while occasionally quite frustrating, offers a satisfying challenge and an unexpectedly deep and demanding combat system. [Oct 2008, p.84]

Massively upgrades and updates the PS2 original, making it more accessible through improved presentation and navigation of its deep roster management system. [Oct 2008, p.86]

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

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]

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

Certainly the impact of this year's improvements is less significant than those showcased in Madden, NBA Live and even NHL. [Nov 2008, p.82]

In spite of its flaws, it's entertaining and addictive as, well, hell. [Oct 2008, p.80]

The track selection is adequately varied, and online play is functional enough--but on the whole, Ferrari Challenge is just plain forgettable. [Nov 2008, p.89]

If this year's incarnation is a reinvention, a launching pad for 2010 and beyond, the Madden future is bright, even if the old fella is piling on the years! [Sept 2008, p.74]

Consider Grave Danger a guilty pleasure, enjoyable more for its tongue-in-cheek tone than for its actual gameplay. [July 2008, p.81]

A shallow, repetitive rhythm game. [Oct 2008, p.86]

A well-produced, polished 3D fighter that no PS3 owner should be without, and is definitely one of the system's must-have party games. [Oct 2008, p.78]

It's just not that good. [Sept 2008, p.81]

Unfortunately, this niche sport has spawned a niche game that lacks the more obvious draw of the beach variant, and will interest only the hardest hardcore fans. [Nov 2008, p.83]

In spite of its last-gen origins, these scares are 100-percent next-gen. [Nov 2008, p.89]

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]

We told you that world domination comes to those that wait. Luckily for Revolution players, the wait on PS3 isn't quite as long. [Aug 2008, p.74]

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

Level design and AI are similarly hit-or-miss, and the combat never advances past button-mashing. [Oct 2008, p.82]

If you wall is smothered with Aerosmith posters, you're going to want this game anyway. [Sept 2008, p.79]

Getting to the little bit of original story just isn't worth the hours of tedious combat, frustrating level design, and finger-numbing R2-spamming. [July 2008, p.83]

It features an engaging mix of levels. [Oct 2008, p.85]

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

Despite a few frustrations, I found Overlord: Raising Hell an enjoyable romp through a fantasy realm so comically twisted it could make Tolkien grimace. [Aug 2008, p.78]

It's not the best-looking game, it's clunky in its controls, but it delivers where it counts with a fun experience that will keep you entertained through to its conclusion. [Aug 2008, p.70]

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]

The fact that I even want more levels in a "Space Invaders" game is testament enough to how much fun this one is. [Aug 2008, p.77]

Welcome to the big leagues. Clank. [Aug 2008, p.80]

If you come to the game with no prior MGS knowledge, you'll still uncover one of the most absorbing stories ever told. [July 2008, p.38]

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]

Once your eyes adjust to the razzle-dazzle, you find that the gameplay isn't nearly as pretty. [July 2008, p.82]

But for a Hulk title, that's utterly disappointing--the game just doesn't live up to its potential. [Aug 2008, p.75]

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]

Like the powerhouse race thoroughbreds that populate it, GRID is an unrelenting ride that keeps rewarding you the harder you push it. [Aug 2008, p.64]

The game's only major flaw is it's length--the single-player can be completed in a paltry four to six hours--but still, it's definitely worth purchasing for the kids. [Sept 2008, p.78]

This is a game that definitely rewards exploration. [July 2008, p.76]

Open Tee 2 sticks to the formula introduced in Open Tee. [Aug 2008, p. 83]

Chaos Wars might draw in some--like fans of the obscure games it's based on, especially those who long for the days of hand-drawn characters and tiny battlefields--but its old-school aesthetic isn't enough to make up for the lackluster production values and uninspired game play. [Aug 2008, p.82]

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

At least the single-player campaign--that you can play through co-operatively with three friends--is mercifully short at around eight to 10 hours. [Aug 2008, p.76]

Anyway you cut it, there's an 80-percent chance that you're going to be entertained. [Aug 2008, p.72]

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

Stick to LEGO games, Traveler's Tales. [Aug 2008, p.75]

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]

The fact that I was constantly thinking about what button to push, even as I was rounding into the final set of missions, well...that's just a big design no-no. [June 2008, p.72]

The light cast across the spectacuarly detailed facades, the slick road affecting car handling and causing footsteps to kick up splashes, the imposing skyscrapers, the flashing neon, it all changes wiht each passing street, and weather system...That's what you'll take away from GTA IV, along with the multiplayer gift that will keep on giving. [June 2008, p.36]

Though the new chapter is very good, it's also combat heavy and sports a moderately high difficulty level. [June 2008, p.74]

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]

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

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

Between its buckets of content and excellent presentation, FlatOut offers more than enough reasons for extreme race fans to buckle-up for its PSP debut. [May 2008, p.82]

Mana Khemia is hardly innovative, but if you're a fan of classic Japanese-style RPGs, you don't want to miss it. [May 2008, p.87]

Although it's extremely linear, occasionally irritating, and lacks the crap-your-pants scariness that its eerie environments and grotesque enemies suggest, Dark Sector is still an enjoyably intense shooter with a lot of unique twists. [May 2008, p.70]

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

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

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

All in all, UN3 seems fairly ultimate by most ninja standards, at least until number four comes out. [May 2008, p.80]

Those who aren't alread obsessed with Final Fantasy VII may disagree, but I for one am grateful for the depth Crisis Core has added to the FFVII universe and wholeheartedly recommend it to fans and newcomers alike. [May 2008, p.64]

There are more than enough memorably twisted moments of genuine fright and bewilderment to keep any horror fan's eyes wide open through these ten warped hours of madness. [July 2008, p.80]

If you have no friends, the game's visual pitch display may help improve your singing, but your social life will still be flat. [May 2008, p.73]

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]

The fan service is simply through the roof! [June 2008, p.81]

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

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

For the on-field experience, PES is an astounding recreation of the beautiful game, and we just hope that the license restrictions are alleviated by 09. [May 2008, p.76]

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]

If you're a fan of the "S" in SRPGs, then XF comes recommended. [June 2008, p.80]

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]

The six missions, while short, are gorgeous to look at, and our heavily armored protagonists rank right up there with the baddest-looking dudes of all time. [May 2008, p.78]

If you're a fan of the God of War universe, of action-adventure titles, or of the PSP, you must pick up Chains of Olympus. [Apr 2008, p.68]

For baseballs fans of any persuasion, MLB 08: The Show is a phenomenally feature rich package that you'll be playing all the way until 09 comes around. [May 2008, p.68]

If you have your PS2 networked, the opportunity to play in 30-team online leagues is a huge draw. [June 2008, p.79]

A very complete, eminently playable handheld baseball experience. [June 2008, p.78]

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

Frustrating. Unbalanced. Dull. [June 2008, p.83]

No, Turning Point has the overall feel of another bad WWII shooter with a fresh--albeit fascinating--coat of paint. Our advice? Turn away. [May 2008, p.86]

Patapon may indeed be a game so unusual that it's marching to its own beat, but Japan Studio did such a phenomenal job tying together the control, music and art direction that we recommend grooving right along with that wonderous, delightful beat. [Apr 2008, p.78]

Delivers plenty of stunning-looking, innovative gameplay to outshine its weaknesses, especially considering the very attractive $39.95 price. [Mar 2008, p.86]

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]

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

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]

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

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

The gameplay flow on the enclosed fields is great, though. [Mar 2008, p.84]

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]

Even with all the solo bulk, the most exciting addition to Wipeout Pulse is undoubtedly that of Wi-Fi play via the PSP's Infrastructure mode. [Apr 2008, p.86]

It doesn't exactly harness the power of the PS3, but Denied Ops is one of this spring's pleasant surprises. [Apr 2008, p.80]

While Turok's adventure doesn't write the next great chapter in first-person action gameplay, it's a thoroughly solid, entertaining, thoughtfully-designed, and well-paced shooter. [Mar 2008, p.80]

It's also packed to the gills with lengthy, real-time cutscenes, which, true to the series' form, are filled with awesomely over-the-top action sequences. [Mar 2008, p.74]

In expected fashion the puzzles become increasingly difficult, demanding careful timing and sound logical thinking--navigating the fish through most of the stages is thoroughly enjoyable. [Apr 2008, p.73]