While the graphics are average, the overall presentation is decent--the addition of more conferences, great commentary, and authentic team fight songs make this feel unexpectedly modern for a current-gen...ahem, last-gen game. [Mar 2007, p.84]

EA's hat-trick, though, goes to the A.I., which will really press you to use strategy, passing, and screens if you want to light the lamp. [Dec 2007, p.82]

TimeSplitters was made with multiplayer in mind, and that's what helps elevate the game above it's shortcomings. [Apr 2005, p.68]

Don't expect anything even remotely like resident evil. This is pure unadulterated blast- 'em-up madness. [Jan 2006, p.84]

Skating, controls, and even star players with star moves all make it very obvious that the inspiration for this year's hockey sim came from ["NHL 94"], the legendary dozen-year-old iteration of the series. [Sept 2005, p.81]

Put simply, Madden 2006 for PSP is the first real - as in fully featured and legitimate - portable football game. [Dec 2005, p.114]

The simple explanation for what makes this game rock is that it just plain looks, feels, and plays remarkably like its full-sized siblings. [May 2005, p.84]

The great new features more than compensate, however, and make Powered Up the latest example of a remake done oh-so-right. [May 2006, p.71]

All in all, once you get over the fact that Shining Force EXA isn't a "Shining Force" in the strictest sense, you'll be hacking and slashing your way to a darned good time. [May 2007, p.80]

A jaw-dropping arcade shooter - think "SOCOM" with drivable tanks and vehicles. [Dec 2005, p.112]

Last year's portable Madden chugged and sputtered like a 400 pound offensive lineman asked to run consecutive forty-yard dashes. This year, it's as smooth as Peyton Manning's throwing mechanics. [Nov. 2006, p.79]

Yes, the core game of Lumines II is so addictive that you can barely focus on all the cool animation in the background, but that's hardly a bad thing. [Holiday 2006, p.78]

In the end, MLB '06: The Show is a definite MVP-killer--which might explain why EA didn't even bother with baseball this year. [May 2006, p.86]

Probably the most epic-feeling side-scrolling action game in years, if not ever. It will wow you just as much as it will challenge you, and it's definitely not to be missed by those who consider themselves serious gamers. [Oct 2006, p.73]

In the end, the meat of the game is easier to get into and far less nit-picky, while still providing an excellent strategic kicck. [Apr 2006, p.86]

Everything in this iteration has been improved, and the addition of five-oh in your rear-view adds a degree of drama. [Holiday 2005, p.98]

It all adds up to be the finest Tiger yet, but the lack of innovation means we'll hold on to our copy of "Hot Shots Golf." [Holiday 2006. p.81]

The huge song list coupled with the EyeToy make this great fun for all ages. [Dec 2005, p.106]

You can play this one forever. [May 2005, p.82]

Part of what makes Size Matters so good, though, is that it eschews much of the combat-heavy, Clank-less stuff from "Deadlocked" in favor of a "back to basics" approach that works pretty well on the PSP. [Apr 2007, p.83]

Imbalances not withstanding, Rogue galaxy is definitely worth playing. [Mar 2007, p.78]

Throw in some of the most comprehensive online options currently available on PS3, and Rainbow Six Vegas delivers great value for the combat sim-minded. [Sept 2007, p.76]

Still, this is one of the best games on the PS3 at the moment, and given the dearth of titles out there on the console, you can't really go wrong. [Apr 2007, p.80]

Even its obscurity and relatively steep learning curve can't bring down this subtle, challenging and entertaining gem of a game. [Mar 2004, p.40]

The improved online features should add significant legs to an already full-featured product. [Nov 2007, p.78]

Overall, Ultimate Alliance is entertaining no matter which version you decide to play. [Jan. 2007, p.80]

This focus on combat isn't always helped by the game's dodgy targeting and suspect collision detection... An uneven, but satisfying, psycho romp for series fans. [Oct 2004, p.30]

Easily the best 3D fighter PS2 has seen since "Soul Calibur 2" and "VF4 Evolution." [Dec 2004, p.76]

Unfortunately, there's very little in terms of storyline and characterization to fuel your motivation. [Feb 2005, p.72]

The biggest problem with the finished version, however, is the lack of a career mode... That problem aside, Pride FC is still an incredibly playable sports adventure. [Feb 2003, p.29]

Though not quite as polished or playable as "March Madness 2004," ESPN College Hoops is still an enjoyable basketball game, especially for hardcore basketball fans. [Holiday 2003, p.30]

Immensely more satisfying, deep, and involving than its predecessor. [Mar 2003, p.40]

Ark of Napishtim is a sterling example of how a simple tale can be told well, and now it comes packed with 200% more convenience. [Apr 2006, p.84]

A mindless actioner in the same vein as "Dynasty Warriors." Good fun! [Holiday 2003, p.48]

Even though the PS2 version of NHL 2K7 isn't as slick and refined as its next-gen sibling, NHL 2K7 is probably the best--and perhaps the last--hockey game you may ever play on the PS2. [Jan. 2007, p.83]

Destroy All Humans! 2 expands on the original, giving you even more freedom as an alien invader. [Holiday 2006, p.73]

It's not a true sequel, nor is it meant to be; it's more a kind of "Super Smash Bros"-type multiplayer madness. It's also good fun. [Apr 2004, p.37]

Tons of gameplay improvements and variety. [Dec 2005, p.107]

Satisfying and challenging at the same time, Crash Nitro Kart is a great way to fill that need for speed. [Holiday 2003, p.46]

Be ready for loads of violence, a short running time, and all the production value and quality gameplay that you need. [June 2004, p.24]

The controls are fast and tight and there are enough play modes to keep you coming back to the pitch for quite some time. [Feb 2003, p.30]

The way the game's presentation is executed is so well done that players will be immersed in no time - which more than makes up for some of Mutations shortcomings in the repetitive dungeon design and difficulty balance department. [June 2003, p.30]

On the realism side, SlugFest makes huge strides this year. Stat crunching is ably handled by the "Basebll Mogul" sim engine, and gameplay is easily tight enough to compete with PS2's second tier (i.e.: non-"MVP") baseball series. [July 2004, p.26]

An addicting little ditty of a shooter...Where Metal Arms falters a bit is in the difficulty and control setup. [Dec 2003, p.50]

Some of the level design is brilliantly done, and there's even a new playable character - nothing revolutionary, but good, solid action with a liberal sprinkling of the dark side. [Feb 2004, p.20]

Being the only hockey game on the PS3 this year helps NHL 2K7's appeal, but that notwithstanding, it's still a really great game. [Feb. 2007, p.79]

Solid and polished enough to please most enthusiasts and supernatural violence. The plot is nearly D.O.A., but we can forgive it. This game is fun. [Sept 2005, p.74]

This game makes you ask "What the hell is going on" from the moment you start playing, but in the best of ways. [Dec. 2006, p.81]

It may not be the ultimate Street Fighter compilation, but in the end, Street Fighter Anniversary Collection offers great 2D fighting at an excellent price. [Sept 2004, p.20]

More variety, be it "Ico"-style environmental puzzles, "GTA"-type missions, "MGS"-inspired boss battles, greater AI diversity, or simply deeper interactivity with the environment, would have really helped keep things fresh. [Jan 2004, p.28]

Suffice it to say, DDR SuperNOVA 2 is exactly what you expect: even more of the DDR you know and love. [Dec 2007, p.79]

An engaging RPG adventure that's well-suited to the PSP. [Aug 2007, p.85]

Stiffer gameplay, clunkier graphics and a lack of competitive depth conspire to keep this franchise from repeating as the top hoops game. [Dec 2003, p.47]

It's like a mash-up of the old and new control schemes, which works pretty well. [Jan. 2007, p.82]

Fun, fresh, and fantastic. [Aug 2007, p.85]

The best WWE game ever made for the PS2. Why didn't I score it higher? Despite the extra polish and new additions, it isn't that different from what's come before. [Dec 2004, p.70]

It may not be a perfect game, but it's still a lot of fun. [Holiday 2005, p.92]

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max tales everything the PS version of “Street Fighter Alpha 3” had, miniaturizes it, and adds a couple of new features. [Mar 2006,p.86]

This year's iteration of Hitz brings interesteing features and likeable additions that truly make it a better overall game than last year's. [Nov 2002, p.38]

Gameplay is still repetitive, but it's a lot of game for the money. [Holiday 2004, p.96]

When set against the PS2's existing gallery of not-quite legendary online shooters, this game sticks out like an Oscar-winner at an acting workshop. It's worth a look. [Apr 2005, p.66]

NCAA Football 2007 for the PSP is a faithful port of the PS2 version, right down to the metal cleats and fan meter. [Sep 2006, p.83]

It's rare that game arrives that looks this good, plays this well, and feels this fun and fresh. [Feb 2003, p.26]

Apart from the superb career mode, the game also offers up plenty of licensed cars, solid visuals, excellent handling, and some truly impressive collision physics/damage. [Jan 2003, p.42]

A decent localization, really likeable characters (despite the bland main quest), some rather funny dialogue, and the meaty synthesizing feature are simply too satisfying to pass up. [July 2005, p.84]

It's unfortunate, though, that Spider-Man doesn't have all the moves he had in "Spider-Man 2", that this game is notably shorter, and that it sometimes feels like you spend too much time web-slinging through those pesky "chase" missions. [Dec 2005, p.100]

So, yes, the controls can be problematic, and, yes, the game doesn't look all that hot, but God Hand is also fun and funny, and it's really these latter two factors that make the game well worth playing. [Dec. 2006, p.76]

It isn't perfect, but for the most part, this is a superior game to the first, and a rocking good time! [Jan 2005, p.66]

Overall, Ultimate Alliance is entertaining no matter which version you decide to play. [Jan. 2007, p.80]

It stacks up well against the graphics of something like "Syphon Filter," which is what it ought to be compared to. [August 2002, p.20]

It's as addictive and funny as any other Sims game - that's plenty good. [Holiday 2004, p.80]

It's not too challenging, but is highly rewarding. [Nov 2007, p.77]

It's ridiculously satisfying taking out a bunch of missile-slinging enemy troops with your perfectly geared up wanzer unit - no question. [Sept 2004, p.18]

The PSP needs more original games and less quick 'n' dirty ports. Taito's latest, Exit, fits squarely into the former category, showing just how much potential the PSP has for original, graphically impressive puzzlers. [Apr 2006, p.89]

Delivers an engaging adventure for an instant role-playing classic.

Best recommended for those completely new to the series or feverishly devoted to it. [Holiday 2003, p.48]

It's definitely old-school, but it's just as fun and charming as it was 20 years ago - only with modern tweaks that make it even better. [Aug 2007, p.83]

With the camera pulled back so far, the ball can get pretty tiny. Other than that, it's all solid, and a big improvement on last season. [Nov 2005, p.98]

While not as intuitive as "Hot Shots 3," there is more depth and variety of gameplay here. [Holiday 2002, p.44]

A truly epic adventure. [Holiday 2002, p.38]

The upgraded graphical presentation and more RPG-like aspect of upgrading characters and abilities really puts it over the top. [August 2002, p.22]

One of the greatest features of this game, by far, the headset lets you tell your computer-controlled teammates exactly what to do...makes SOCOM such an innovative title. [Oct 2002, p.28]

With a story partially written by Punisher veterans Garth Ennis and Jimmy Palmiotti, and featuring "Max Payne"-style gameplay, "The Punisher" perfectly captures the essence of comic books. [Feb 2005, p.74]

It all adds up to a strong, promising rookie effort, but it sucks that the $20 cheaper current-gen version still has the overall edge on the depth chart. [Jan. 2007, p.79]

Charming and well executed, Throne has managed to usurp Untold Legends as the PSP's action-RPG king. [Feb. 2007, p.80]

For scratching that online teamplay itch though, not much else around satisfies quite like this. [Dec 2004, p.82]

It's still not perfect, but at least the developers have taken steps in the right direction. [Dec. 2006, p.80]

The PS2 version has a great Auto GPS system in the form of a HUD map that works with voice prompts and really comes in handy when trying to find races. [June 2007, p.80]

It's a snack, not a meal, but it's definitely a tasty one. [Feb 2005, p.78]

Overall, it's an amazing, oddball game that emphasizes story as heavily as combat. [Dec 2007, p.84]

This year, NBA Live falls just short of continuing its dynasty as the best basketball game around. [Nov 2006, p.73]

An RPG-making beast that requires serious time and dedication. [Holiday 2003, p.40]

Gurumin might seem too easy for a lot of gamers, especially at the start, but don't be deceived: there are several harder difficulty modes to unlock. [Apr 2007, p.85]

Just a hair shy of greatness. It's got some rough edges, but the idea of having to rely on a boat for propulsion is truly innovative. [July 2003, p.24]

Three Kingdoms fans will go nuts over all of the improvements. [Oct 2003, p.40]

The graphics are obviously dated, but accurate, and the audio is fantastic. [Nov 2005, p.90]

It's not sloppy, but it lacks a polished tightness. [Nov 2007, p.76]

Even though Combined Assault, which looks to be the last SOCOM game on the PS2, is showing signs of the console's aging hardware in the graphics and AI department, it's a hell of a game to go out with. [Feb. 2007, p.81]