A surprisingly deep, well-written, and entertaining action RPG that offers lots of customization, co-op play, and a great game universe. [Mar 2004, p.28]

The best next-generation boxing game we've played yet. [Apr 2002]

Likely to bore gamers who grew up on a diet of extreme games, but those of you who can look past the lack of a turbo boost wil discover a game with more depth than your average racer. [June 2003, p.32]

It's great for non-hockey fans, and a good break from your "ESPN" or "NHL 2004" season. [Nov 2003, p.43]

The return of SH's trademark humor is accompanied by the return of the excellent Judgement Ring battle system as well, and for those who thought "Covenant" was too easy, don't mistake FTNW as from the same school of pushovers: boss fights can be grueling, and if you're not prepared, they can go on for a long time. [Apr 2006, p.76]

The actual hockey is a bit of a mixed bag in 2K5. It still controls beautifully (that "smoothness" we mentioned earlier), and the gameplay is again top-notch - once you tweak it that is. The default settings are pretty awful. [Oct 2004, p.31]

Six-player online racing on both systems(complete with friends lists)seals the deal--if you love racing games, you have to get this. [Jun 2006, p.82]

Leading your opponent, playing the ball to space, and plenty of modifier options (chip passes, various dribble moves) are all present and accounted for, giving the game the realistic tempo the series has become famous for. [Mar 2006, p.84]

It still manages to finish as the best stock car racer you're likely to find on a home console. [Dec 2002, p.46]

Each character actually has their own dedicated training session that does a wonderful job of teaching you the basic gameplay fundamentals. [Holiday 2002, p.51]

Though the missions are somewhat short (they average fifteen minutes in length) they possess a great deal of replayability, thanks to the fact that you can solve each one in so many different ways. [Dec 2003, p.50]

Its improvements to the series are substantial. [Sept 2002, p.30]

The graphics are among the best PS2 can produce, with realistic heat shimmer and good physics effects, but it's the gameplay that will keep you coming back, with intelligent level design and a variety of mission objectives(including awesome shoot-the-guy-holding-the-hostage bits)that keep the game feeling fresh. [Aug 2006, p.83]

The game's enemy AI really shines. These guys (and gals) are smart. [Mar 2002, p.24]

Don't judge Sphinx before Tutankhamen is transformed into a mummy, however, as the game simply doesn't catch fire until then. [Holiday 2003, p.28]

Improves on "Shinobi" in every respect, resulting in a fast-paced, pure action game with a fresh feel to its gameplay that's unique in a genre lacking in new ideas. [Apr 2004, p.32]

There isn't much variety once you've mastered all four levels, but CAC's multiplayer makes it worth buying. [July 2007, p.84]

The graphics and animation are solid, the camera is well-balanced, and knockdown replays capture all the sweat, blood, and punishment the sport offers. [May 2004, p.24]

An original, addictive, hilarious role-playing experience. Play this! [Oct 2005, p.93]

A great game with charm to spare. If you're a Star Wars fan at all, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. [Oct 2006, p.82]

The bigger prize here is "Part II." It features improved graphics, better choreography, and greater musical variety, including some guitar slinging and a "waltz battle" with a giant plant. At this price - $30 - it's a steal. [Nov 2003, p.48]

Unless you're so hardcore into golf that you find Open Tee's big headed goofballs insulting, this is the new king of portable golf games. [July 2005, p.80]

By far the most useful addition though is the ability to pick up bodies so you can hide them. It's a simple little skill that should have been available all along... and now it is. [March 2005, p.80]

So do we really need another soccer title like UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 to sink our cleats into? The muddied, slide-tackling answer is yes. [May 2007, p.81]

It may only be a year or so from topping "Winning Eleven." [Nov 2005, p.92]

Solid gameplay meets incredible presentation. If you have any doubt that Crystal Dynamics can rock "Tomb Raider," play this and your fears will evaporate. [Holiday 2003, p.74]

Combat animations could still look a bit more fluid, and the tactics of foes should probably be a little tougher to suss out, but Way of the Samurai 2 is still a solid experience and a must-play for samurai nuts. [July 2004, p.28]

Truly immersing players into the role of their gamma-powered Hercules, Hulk successfully combines tough boss battles, unique visuals, and beat-'em-up gameplay into one satisfying package. [Aug 2003, p.30]