One of the only meals in town for a PS2-owning strategy fan, but it's the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet. [Oct 2003, p.72]

The glossy graphics can't shine off the mediocrity of the Westwood formula. [Apr 2003, p.67]

When you're not blasting baddies, however, it can get pretty dull. Vehicles aren't much fun to drive and, other than a few little challenges, there's not a lot to do. Good thing blowing stuff up in your hijacked tank doesn't get old quickly. [Feb 2005, p.95]

A gritty, stylish noir sequel built to please the first game's many trigger-happy fans. [Feb 2004, p.86]

One of gaming's most horrific experiences. [Feb 2005, p.102]

Two-player co-op is decent fun, and it makes the single-player campaign a lot more manageable and enjoyable, but the real meat of the game is the XBL multiplayer. [July 2003, p.68]

No better and no worse a game than its predecessor, and there's absolutely no shame in that. And it's no airport novel, as it requires some serious time investment.

A last-second shot that splashes down for victory. [Dec 2004, p.118]

Precise, demanding, and about as tough as rally racing gets, Colin McRae Rally 04 should be approached by those predisposed to driving on dirt.

A one-time sleeper hit [has] evolved into a bona fide classic. Quite possibly the finest next-gen RPG thus far. [Feb 2003, p.70]

Unfortunately, like its prequel, Black Arrow's single-player campaign is still a collection of trial-and-error missions that require you to memorize the location of every hostage and enemy while perfecting your run through linear levels. [Sept 2004, p.93]

The fundamental mechanics haven't changed much, but they have been significantly enhanced. What's most noticeable is the excellent presentation. [Feb 2003, p.70]

There's enough here to warrant purchase for diehard AoM fans, but it doesn't change gameplay significantly enough to draw in audiences outside the original fanbase. [Dec 2003, p.97]

Good looking and fun to play, Dead or Alive maes an impressive debut. [Oct 2004, p.122]

Odd naming system. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The real star of NBA Live 2004, however, is the superb visual quality and the newfound ease with which players can call set plays and change defenses. [Dec 2003, p.84]

Takes everything The Two Towers did well and improves upon it in every way.

Boasts ideal handling and control, near photo-realistic graphics, and digital surround sound. Where the game staggers is in its defiantly single-player focus. [Jan 2005, p.86]

It looks great and provides a decent challenge. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The first American portal version. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Particularly thrilling is the motorcycle chase on the narrow freeway, evoking strong visions of what EA could have done had it been blessed with "The Matrix" license.

Tron 2.0 may lack a coherent or interesting story line, but that doesn't mean the game is style over substance. [Oct 2003, p.65]

Introduces a rather swift prebattle system. It's a welcome addition for "Total War" players who want better control of forces and reinforcements. [Aug 2003, p.75]

All the hardware that makes modern warfare hell is here, and from the moment you see the enemy hightail it at th efirst sound of your F-4 Phantom's engines, you'll know why every FPS - be it set in the future or that fabled galaxy far, far away - is out to imitate the Battlefield formula. [May 2004, p.89]

Still the best baseball sim there is. [Apr 2003, p.65]

The next game should be unstoppable, but it better well feature Eric B. and Rakim.

Takes everything The Two Towers did well and improves upon it in every way.

You will get enough to satisfy your battlefield cravings, but these extras could have - and maybe should have - been offered as a free download, not a $17.99 purchase. [May 2003, p.69]

There's not much of a graphical upgrade from the PC version, but the interface and audio is improved. Goes great with Xbox live. [Feb 2003, p.95]

Fast-paced, big on fun, and contains the best passing engine on any hoops game. [Feb 2003, p.67]

The most socially relevant videogame in recent memory and should be played not just by fans of the genre, but by anyone desiring a deeper understanding of what it must be like to participate in urban warfare. [Aug 2004, p.98]

The cohesion between 007's on-foot mission and driving excursions further adds to the cinematic feel, which is Everthing or Nothing's strongest trait. [Apr 2004, p.86]

Jak 3 doesn't break much new ground, but it is head and shoulders above most of its ilk and is a fitting - and make no mistake, good-looking - send-off for this beloved trilogy. [Dec 2004, p.124]

Highly addictive and highly cute. [Feb 2003, p.97]

While the stealth formula has been done to death, Psi-Ops is saved from mediocrity by the sheer versatility of its mind-over-matter approach. [Aug 2004, p.92]

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

This one is actually a brand new game, with significant changes. [Feb 2003, p.96]

The only compelling reason for Halo fans to buy this version is for multiplayer, which is so much better than playing split-screen on your television. Otherwise, it's the same old space opera. [Dec 2003, p.80]

It's a close one, but ESPN bows to "Live 2005" on the final shot. [Dec 2004, p.118]

A beautiful-looking Dungeons & Dragons-based hack-and-slash that can be played cooperatively with another player. [Feb 2003, p.95]

The the story for Homeworld 2 is a rehash of old themes, this spaced-based RTS plays far better than the story deserves. [Dec 2003, p.80]

This Greek mythology-based action game is an update of the arcade and NES classic in name only. Fun combat and great music. [Feb 2003, p.93]

If you've ever played "Jagged Alliance 2" and thought "Hot diggity, if this took place in World War II and was in 3D, it would rock," here is your dream game.

For newbies, this is still a great game, but for veterans of previous iterations, there's no reason to switch. [July 2003, p.75]

Combining the reckless, breakneck speed and high-impact collisions of "Burnout" with the neon-tipped street culture of Fast and the Furious (and, more specifically, "Midnight Club II"), Underground is the new definition of white-knuckle.

THUG2 may not match "THUG's" charm and novelty, but it's still one of the most addictive and satisfying experiences out there. [Dec 2004, p.116]

While lacking the sheer depth of either "Virtua Fighter" or "Soul Calibur," DOA's fighting system offers the fastest 3D fighting around with a slick reversal system tuned for players of all abilities. [Oct 2004, p.108]

It's not always realistic, but the proven mechanics ensure that it's fun...even when bling is no longer in. [June 2004, p.90]

If you found "RalliSport 2" addictive, think of Colin 2005 as the same game with the difficulty switched over to "realistic." [Jan 2005, p.100]

Still the best baseball sim there is. [Apr 2003, p.65]

Combining the reckless, breakneck speed and high-impact collisions of Burnout with the neon-tipped street culture of Fast and the Furious (and, more specifically, Midnight Club II), Underground is the new definition of white-knuckle.

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

It's the shiny A.I. upgrade that's the game's biggest improvement (though it's still not perfect). [May 2003, p.64]

As complete and comprehensive an epic as we have ever seen, and it succeeds on all levels, both plot-wise and game-wise. [Mar 2003, p.55]

The best damn puzzle game of the last 10 years has finally made it, in perfect form, to GBA... The game is, however, excruciatingly difficult, so consider yourself warned. [Apr 2003, p.73]

This game looks as good as it can, and the gameplay still offers a few tricks you won't find in your average RPG. [Aug 2004, p.103]

THUG2 may not match THUG's charm and novelty, but it's still one of the most addictive and satisfying experiences out there.

Not nearly as embarrassing as "DDR", Karaoke Revolution is perfect for parties and tribal gatherings. [Dec 2003, p.67]

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

Fast-paced, big on fun, and contains the best passing engine on any hoops game. [Feb 2003, p.67]

The delights are mostly in the details - and the developer has taken the time to stuff this version full of neat little extras. [Apr 2003, p.73]

For those with the cash, it's well worth it. [Feb 2003, p.95]

It's an all-engrossing interactive soap-opera that grabs hold of you and never lets go. Consider yourself warned. [Feb 2003, p.64]

Particularly thrilling is the motorcycle chase on the narrow freeway, evoking strong visions of what EA could have done had it been blessed with The Matrix license. The cohesion between 007's on-foot missions and driving excursions further adds to the cinematic feel, which is Everything or Nothing's strongest trait.

Offers a more simplified, newbie-friendly version of traditional Tribes gameplay. [Jan 2005, p.92]

Various artificially induced frustrations hold the game back from its true potential. Still, it's nearly there, and for those with strong jaws, it's an otherwise exceptional experience. The next game should be unstoppable, but it better well feature Eric B. and Rakim. [Nov 2004, p.122]

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

Boktai finely fuses the action with the role-playing, so it's well suited to fans in either camp. [Oct 2003, p.78]

Still the best baseball sim there is. [Apr 2003, p.65]

What really distinguishes this charmer is its finely honed sense of pacing: While the first game's notorious difficulty level is fully intact, the levels, objectives, and boss battles are mixed and matched to near perfection.

A great-looking and playing racer with one major drawback: a tedious password save system. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Ruby and Sapphire stick to the script - there are few surprises here. Yes, the world is all new, and yes, there are 100 new Pokemon, but it's still basically the same game. [June 2003, p.78]

A totally new game. Unfortunately, it lacks the depth of the other games here, and therefore won't satisfy hardcore baseball fans. [Apr 2003, p.64]

The third volume includes features that rocket its entertainment value to an entirely unparalleled level. [Dec 2004, p.115]

Combat is intuitive and intense, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and it never gets boring. [Apr 2003, p.55]

If Turbine can keep the quality content coming, AC2 deserves your hard drive, you Internet bandwith, and your $12.95 a month. [Feb 2003, p.71]

Two-player action can get a bit confusing, though, and the game will appeal to a niche audience only. But for those with the fever for quarter-crunching thrills, consider the eagle landed. [Oct 2004, p.94]

With great dialogue, beautiful art direction, and generally high-quality puzzles, it's worthwhile to indulge the designers' crate fetish just to see what comes next.

Possibly the best reason to own a PS2 network adapter. The team-based miliary tactics work better online than off. [Feb 2003, p.93]

Difficult yet engaging. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Combining the reckless, breakneck speed and high-impact collisions of Burnout with the neon-tipped street culture of "Fast and the Furious" (and, more specifically, "Midnight Club II"), Underground is the new definition of white-knuckle.

A lot of fun, but if it has one problem, it's that it is too similar to the previous game. But hey, the first game was great. [Aug 2003, p.71]

There are no more than a handful of truly danceable tracks. The rest are either slow, boring, or both. [Jan 2004, p.64]

Fast-paced, big on fun, and contains the best passing engine on any hoops game. [Feb 2003, p.67]

Squad-based, tactical strategy game set in the same universe as the classic Fallout rpg sets a new standard. [Feb 2003, p.94]

Fighters plays up the action while devaluing its story with cookie-cutter bad guys, bad accents, and jingoistic sentiments. [Oct 2003, p.76]

The Practice mode could've been more intuitive, like "Madden 2004's" minicamp mode. It was not only difficult to figure out, but also, ultimately, not even that helpful. [Dec 2003, p.86]

Takes its inspiration from "The Legend of Zelda" - and that ain't bad. [Feb 2003, p.96]

The design is impeccable and completely distinctive. Though the gameplay can be conventional, there's not chance you've ever played a game quite like Nocturne. You should. It's a stunning, mature fantasy. [Nov 2004, p.114]

Compared to its predecessor, NFSU2 is more. More city, more courses, more cars, more parts, more style...just more of everything in general. The game is huge. [Dec 2004, p.99]

THUG2 may not match THUG's charm and novelty, but it's still one of the most addictive and satisfying experiences out there.

This one gives you a whole new set of career paths and more clutter for you Sim life. [Feb 2003, p.94]

If you're gonna buy one college game this year, buy March Madness.

Holding back the fun are severe slowdown and scripting problems; hectic firefights and complex rooms often crush the game's framerate, and some event triggers can be irrevocably hung up, forcing a restart. [Dec 2003, p.92]

Is Joint Operations better than "Battlefield 1942"? Yes, if all the pieces come together. But without good players backing you up and a well-populated map, you're screwed. [Oct 2004, p.96]

The expansion pack to EverCrack opens up new worlds, new characters, and tigers with boobies (finally!). [Feb 2003, p.94]

Anything bearing the valuable Lord of the Rings license will sell well. Happily, there's more to this beat 'em up than just the license. [Feb 2003, p.93]

A spectacular work with an attention to detail that rivals the Peter Jackson films upon which it's based. [Feb 2005, p.96]

It's Star Wars with a proven and well-executed game concept. And if that's not enough to persuade you, you're able to murder Ewoks. Enjoy.

Like the annual football fix, it's a killer deal for the money, whether you're a casual fan or a liquid-limbed obsessive. [Nov 2003, p.88]

Hit & Run's gameplay is entertaining without the license, but the license considerably enhances the fun, and you can't for ask for anything more from a tie-in.

The game's physics interact brilliantly with your actions to create game sequences much more memorable than any cut-scene could ever be. [July 2004, p.86]

GL2 might be on the short side, but it's 100 percent pure beef; GL3 feels like cow eyeballs and kangaroo meat are mixed in—even if, in point of fact, the developers have actually expanded the game.

If you're gonna buy one college game this year, buy March Madness.

Ambitiously niched and infinitely flexible, giving players a battle system of unparalleled depth that's as innovative as it is daunting - even for crusty veterans of the genre. [Oct 2004, p.112]

It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]

It's one of the most thorough and competent rehash packages in recent memory, offering a slew of great games in top form, along with a few cool bonuses.

The most welcome addition to the series are the highly interactive backgrounds of Namco's arcade classic "Crisis Zone." [Nov 2003, p.84]

The only thing missing is a simple pro season mode. But things like online play and the inclusion of some classic players (Walter Payton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, etc.) more than make up for it.

Practically begs to be played with other people. [Oct 2003, p.75]

The most thorough and competent rehash packages in recent memory, offering a slew of great games in top form, along with a few cool bonuses.

It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]

Finding a hot zone that doesn't play like a deathmatch in a broom closet [or getting to a hot zone at all] takes more legwork than you'd expect for the payoff. [Sept 2003, p.65]

My only gripe is the less-than-perfect lightsaber controls. [Feb 2003, p.72]

Although combination attacks and special strikes are possible, battles come straight from the "Warriors" playbook - and fights, no matter how lopsided, are all too easily won by locating an enemy leader and killing him or her. [Dec 2004, p.127]

It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]

A remake of the NES classic. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Because may stages aren't too difficult to pass, the game might seem easy at first, but it's really a system that favors rewarding good players rather than punishing poor ones. [July 2004, p.89]

Deception is excellent, and its online play and hundreds of unlockable secrets give it more longevity than most fighters. [Dec 2004, p.112]

Despite the lack of dazzling graphics or a riveting single-player game, Kings of War is a refreshingly entertaining game that gives players a good break from RTS conventions.

If you enter All God's Village, enter with a spare pair of underwear.

Powered by a solid 3D engine, an innovative control scheme (including user-controlled bullet time), and revolutionary shaky-cam views. [Dec 2003, p.92]

When you marry the spot-on physics of pinball ballistics with the collection-mania of Nintendo's ageless Pokemon franchise, good times are all but guaranteed. [Nov 2003, p.90]

Harder-hitting than the rest. [Oct 2003, p.67]

If you like wasting small bits of time here and there with your GBA - and especially if you're new to the series - this is still the best thing you get get on the portable. [Nov 2004, p.134]

In Premiership terms: FIFA is Manchester United - polished and predictable. "Winning Eleven" plays like Chelsea - maverick with panache and flair. Which would you rather play? [Dec 2004, p.119]

With the exception of battling other Jedi, you'll be slicing your way through this game in no time. [Dec 2003, p.80]

One of the best PC games of 2000 is ported faithfully to the PS2. Upgrade your character's skills and attributes to your liking. [Feb 2003, p.92]

If you like wasting small bits of time here and there with your GBA - and especially if you're new to the series - this is still the best thing you get get on the portable. [Nov 2004, p.134]

A totally new game. Unfortunately, it lacks the depth of the other games here, and therefore won't satisfy hardcore baseball fans. [Apr 2003, p.64]

There are a lot of things about HM:FMT that make it ideal for GBA, but the main thing is the bite-sized chunks of time that the game is broken up into. [Dec 2003, p.104]

Jump online, and you'll immediately reconsider Thunder. [Oct 2003, p.76]

The only thing missing is a simple pro season mode. But things like online play and the inclusion of some classic players (Walter Payton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, etc.) more than make up for it.

One of the fastest-paced, most exciting wrestling games we've ever played... [But] effectively dealing with multiple opponents is highly problematic. [Apr 2003, p.70]

MPT may not reinvent the game, but it definitely whacks it up enough to warrant a revisit. [Jan 2005, p.120]

Luckily, the insipid offline game serves as a training ground for its exciting online counterpart. [Feb 2005, p.86]

It's faced paced, full of creative shot making, and chock-full of fun unlockables - there's no denying the addictive power. [Oct 2004, p.98]

The Eye Toy experience suffers from the overall lack of precision one would expect from a game that involves little more than waving your hands in vague motions at your TV, but it's still a bold experiment. [Nov 2003, p.86]

Hand-to-hand combat, especially against a large group of thugs, is clunky at best and irritating at worst. [Sept 2004, p.79]

There are a few places where the game falls short (drivable vehicles would have been nice), but excellent A.I., solid gameplay, and fairly deep multiplayer battles make Pacific Assault worthy of the Medal of Honor name.

PC players have a set of expectations that couldn't be met without more solid A.I. That, plus unfulfilling multiplayer, takes away any chances for a Medal of Honor here. [Jan 2005, p.122]

Unfortunately, unique visuals and a well-made battle system can't always rescue this easy linear game from the swell of mediocrity that often threatens to overrun it. [Jan 2005, p.82]

The only thing missing is a simple pro season mode. But things like online play and the inclusion of some classic players (Walter Payton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, etc.) more than make up for it. [Mar 2004, p.87]

We're not exactly sure how two games out of a series of nine constitutes an "anthology," but they're good games nonetheless. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The fighting is absolutely mad-dog-howling good. [Mar 2004, p.93]

The title's most remarkable feature is the towrope's physics. Whether you're taking in slack or using it to slingshot around massive lakes, the rope feels absolutely real and must be played to be believed. [July 2003, p.73]

The level of satisfaction you derive from Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles correlates directly to whether you look at it as a poor man's Final Fantasy or as the best damn game of "Gauntlet" you've ever laid eyes on.

In the ring, inconsistencies abound-weird collision detection, random selling, neutered submission moves, and A.I. that revolves between timid and simply schizoid.

Combat is flashy and loud, marred only by the accent-heavy voiceovers. [Sept 2004, p.88]

The real star of NBA Live 2004, however, is the superb visual quality and the newfound ease with which players can call set plays and change defenses. [Dec 2003, p.84]

Despite the lacking modes, the new songs and Xbox Live make Karaoke Revolution on Xbox incredibly versatile. [Dec 2004, p.115]

While the action might not be outstanding, the game world itself is. [Feb 2005, p.98]

We struggle with MXU's collision problems, floatiness while jumping, and the decision to scrap "MX Superfly's" stunt track editor. These work to frustrate and unfortunately take things down a bit. [Apr 2004, p.93]

It's "Star Wars" with a proven and well-executed game concept. And if that's not enough to persuade you, you're able to murder Ewoks. Enjoy. [Nov 2004, p.120]

Good for boredom, bad for creativity. [Jan 2005, p.102]

A solid title, but not what it could have been. [Oct 2003, p.76]

Every stage looks utterly fantastic, with detailed architecture filling every corner of the screen... [and] the controls are simple enough to keep the action intense. [Feb 2003, p.62]

The third incarnation of the gorgeous two-wheeled racer MotoGP 3 marries high-octane speed with improved control, at long last implementing front and rear brakes. [May 2003, p.66]

Acclaim made a lot of improvements and did a great job at capturing some of the spirit of baseball, but the actual on-field experience seems a little off. [Apr 2003, p.64]

What really wins this skins match is multiplayer: "Tiger" doesn't do it on Xbox, while Links not only offers multiplayer tourneys, but also the promise of new downloadable courses. [Dec 2003, p.82]

There's only four stadiums and there's no multiplayer, but it's still a great game of baeball. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Pays homage to RPGs past while establishing its own unique identity. [Feb 2003, p.92]

One of the fastest-paced, most exciting wrestling games we've ever played... [But] effectively dealing with multiple opponents is highly problematic. [Apr 2003, p.70]

Factor in the need to half-push the left stick and left and right triggers in order to get style bonuses, and you can see why intuitiveness completely disappears.

Has Kirby on the right track and, for the first time in years, starts to evolve the series. It just doesn't quite live up to its ambitions. [Nov 2004, p.118]

Few business games currently on the market are as enjoyable as this one.

A truly attractive game that sometimes even manages to better its competition, but the gameplay is just too riddled with holes for comfort. [Sept 2004, p.91]

Its gameplay and graphics bring a richness to the genre in grand style and with lyrical grace. [Oct 2003, p.74]

Intensely beautiful, highly playable, and downright inspired, R-Type Final is a somber but fitting end to a legendary series. A stellar combination of style, substance, and class.

Your enjoyment of this game will correlate directly to whether you dig the highly Japanese flourishes and style...If this is your bag, Otogi 2 offers some of the most lavish ass-kicking destruction around. [Nov 2004, p.124]

Best re-creation of dogfighting ever seen in a WWII flight sim, which is saying something considering how many there are. [Feb 2003, p.94]

The love that went into it shines through, and it's enough to have True Believers shouting "Excelsior!" for weeks to come. [Dec 2004, p.117]

It's refreshing to look back on the genesis of the world's most popular RPG.

The best thing about Nippon Ichi's games is the way they strike such a good balance between accessibility and depth, and La Pucelle is another good example of this philosophy. [July 2004, p.85]

Playing out your career is fun for a little while, but there's just too much tedium and repetition involved to inject freshness into a tired franchise. [Sept 2003, p.67]

The stroy is treated with respect and subtle class (that is, if you desregard the lackluster dialogue), with the conclusion providing the foundation for the many evenual battles between the Belmonts & Dracula. [Dec 2003, p.76]

And the first-person baseball feature? Don't even think about it. [May 2004, p.85]

For those who are just curious, it might not be worth your time, but with teh Amano art gallery, an Easy mode for "FFI," and other improvements, the old school will be pleased. [Mar 2003, p.65]

It's a fun game, especially for younger players, but it feels slightly more hokey than Hollywood. [Mar 2004, p.93]

Day of Defeat isn't the most powerful gun in the armory, but it is the most reliable. [July 2003, p.73]

An enhanced version of "Smuggler's Run 2," with new vehicles and an expanded multiplayer mode with support for four players. [Feb 2003, p.96]

This game time is artificially prolonged by ridiculous amounts of difficulty. The clunky and unresponsive control scheme is bad enough, but you start so weak that you're forced to do a lot of mindless leveling up before you can do anything interesting.

A stellar third-person shooter that pulses with feverish invention, A&D welds together top-notch controls, a truly mental plot, and some of the most strategic gunplay to hit consoles in ages.

The disappointing lack of traffic [online] means you'll need at least four competitors on a course to prevent boredom. [Dec 2004, p.123]

It's a challenging game, but that's Metal Slug for you - everything you liked about the previous games, you'll find here, and that's no small feat on a small platform. [Feb 2005, p.103]

Even without online play, Uru wins points for style and originality. Diehard "Myst" fans probably already have this, but others may want to wait until February to see if the whole online thing pays off.

It's hard to go wrong with giant robots blowing stuff up, but Enix's latest effort goes one step further with a novel control scheme. [Feb 2003, p.93]

The new Objective mode adds a whole lot of challenge in multiplayer. [Nov 2003, p.88]

Solidly designed, solidly programmed, very pretty, and about as close to "Zelda" as PS2 and Xbox will ever get. This one deserves to be a sleeper hit.

While the repetition of farm life is soothing, the repetition in the human interactions is just annoying...Still, with all the chores, you'll probably spend little time carousing about town, anyhow. [Apr 2004, p.81]

The physics, camera, and controls are great: Everything feels perfect, and there's an awesome sense of speed (helped out by the rock-solid 60 fps). [June 2004, p.81]

Solidly designed, solidly programmed, very pretty, and about as close to "Zelda" as PS2 and Xbox will ever get. This one deserves to be a sleeper hit.

The only real knock against Two Towers is its limited replayability. [Feb 2003, p.68]

It can be a little too difficult at times, especially when trying to make finicky jumps on a small screen while, for example, riding a bus. But the balancing issues are confined mostly to the bosses. [Aug 2004, p.91]

One of the fastest, most insane combat-racing games ever devised... If the tracks were a little bit less ambitious or the trick system streamlined for human hands, DD would easily be one of the best games of its type. [Aug 2003, p.78]

Or you could get them and play them again and again the way you play a favorite album, because your $30 will get you two of the funkiest, most charming grooves you'll ever see in videogame form. [Jan 2004, p.90]

The great gameplay and story of Lunar remain intact. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The framerate is also speedy-slick, and your ninjas feel and move as light as a feather. [Apr 2003, p.69]

The slow tracks still outnumber the fast ones; here's hoping the downloadable packages include a few more peppy songs. [Dec 2004, p.132]

Just make sure you tell people you didn't realize it was a Trek game, considering how cool it looks and fun it is to play. [Sept 2003, p.69]

Enemies number in the hundreds along branching paths of glory. [Feb 2003, p.92]

It's fun and impressive, but neither the drama nor the realism will convert anyone who isn't already planning on naming their first-born "Dale."

Although there are plenty of missions to complete and mosters to vanquish, even die-hard D&D fans might struggle to stay awake throughout this game. [Mar 2004, p.84]

After numerous shoddy attempts to bring classic Contra gameplay to a next-gen system, Konami finally gets it right. [Feb 2003, p.92]

Solidly designed, solidly programmed, very pretty, and about as close to "Zelda" as PS2 and Xbox will ever get. This one deserves to be a sleeper hit. [Dec 2003, p.100]

A fairly standard shooter dressed as a visual and aural masterpiece. Sadly unappreciated by the vast majority of the gaming world. [Feb 2003, p.93]