The best of the series, but if you've played Smackdown one through three to death already, this one may get old fast. [Holiday 2002, p.32]

King Kong is at once purely simple and utterly unique, showcasing bifurcated gameplay and an instinctual theme of survival. [Holiday 2005, p.62]

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]

Everything blows up really well, too. Konami has preserved the classic, 2D action, but rendered the graphics in full, beautiful 3D. [Oct 2004, p.40]

With the fuzz back in the mix, the chases are higher octane then ever, and Hollywood-style "pursuit breakers" scattered around let you do things like knock over a water tower to block them. [Holiday 2005, p.83]

A game with more tracks, modes, and polish than the first, but still very similar under the hood. [Jan 2003, p.32]

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]

A wonderfully controlling game, with vibrant (if a bit simplistic) graphics and great presentation. [Aug 2003, p.28]

Sony has delivered a worthy war-time shooter. [Holiday 2005, p.72]

Luckily for you, Call of Duty 3 for PS2 is actually very similiar to its next-gen sibling - and, in some ways, it's even better. [Feb. 2007, p.80]

I know that it almost sounds too good to be true, but after wishing and hoping for years, Lara finally kicks ass again. [Apr 2006, p.64]

With 30+ games, there's really something for everyone, including nostalgists who will appreciate included interviews with Sega designers who worked on many of the games. [Holiday 2006, p.80]

This is a must-have sequel in a must-have series. [Nov 2005, p.80]

The online tournaments and seasons in 2K5 can't be beat. [Apr 2005, p.64]

Easily the most enjoyable and innovative WWII experience out there. Period. [May 2005, p.72]

Easily the best single-player shooter on the PSP, but of course there aren't that many available. [Jan 2006, p.82]

It's wickedly difficult at times. But, I was still driven to "catch 'em all", so the formula still works. [Dec 2004, p.90]

Has made quite a few improvements on its predecessor - there are just a few rough spots that still need to be buffed out. [Holiday 2004, p.72]

Anyone who's played "Sid Meier's Pirates!" on the PC or Xbox knows that it's an open-ended pirate adventure that lets you roam the high seas as you please, and this recent PSP port holds true to that style. [Apr 2007, p.84]

EA's hoops engine fits well, and is complemented by an immersive NCAA atmosphere and a fine-tuned array of gameplay modes. [Holiday 2003, p.36]

The game, as a whole, doesn't feel totally balanced. [Holiday 2002, p.32]

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]

Tuning or gameplay shortcomings aside, this feels so much like those exciting, chaotic, "Star Wars" battles that it's almost irresistible. [Oct 2004, p.24]

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]

It needs 5.1 support, but this is still the best DDR yet. [Nov 2003, p.42]

The infractions don't warrant a major, but they are double minor material, led by goalie AI that can't cope with wraparound shots. [Nov 2005, p.92]

Though some new-school players will balk at the slight sluggishness afforded to 2D titles or the occasionally bland graphics, the game's outstanding characters make up for it. [Jan 2005, p.74]

Just finishing a race is tough enough, let alone winning one, whicch is why this series--while still good on the PSP--has been better as a sit-down, console experience. [Aug 2006, p.84]