As features go, FIFA 10 is pretty short on significant upgrades, leaving most of the talking points on the field. [Dec 2009, p.81]

$10 of joy. [Oct 2009, p.82]

MvC2 rewards hardcore fighters; we just wish Capcom had better rewarded hardcore fans. [Sept 2009, p.84]

One of the finest examples of the burgeoning tower-defense genre on Xbox 360. [Nov 2009, p.70]

Great open world with tons to explore and thrash. [July 2010, p.82]

The game successfully achieves the goal of making its predecessor obsolete. [Aug 2010, p.76]

Overcoming Greed Corp's challenging and clever adversaries is a taxing experience, but damn if it isn't one of the most gratifying. [Apr 2010, p.81]

Keeps the retro greatness flowin'. [May 2010, p.79]

Climax’s brand of dogfighting is certainly straightforward and repetitive, but it’s also ludicrously fast-paced and highly addictive. Hardcore flyboys might sneer, but most others will have a hard time tearing their eyes from the screen.

It's a bit slow to get its hooks into you, but once you clear the first area and open up the rest of the absurd world that its hero inhabits, you won't want to leave. [Sept 2010]

Not since the Lego Star Wars games has this series been so charming. [Sept 2010, p.80]

What's here is already a fun reminder that gem-bashing is the best way to raid dungeons. [Sept 2010, p.86]

Guardian of Light plays out like a deftly crafted, fun piece of arcade-style shooting and puzzling expressly made for buddy co-op night on Live. Who knew Lara was such a team player?

We're guessing may of these issues will be sorted out by 2012, but for now, this year's version offers the most technical and comprehensive college-football experience yet. [Oct 2010, p.74]

Minor control quirks and some tricky puzzles aside, Monkey 2's rare combo of comedy, brain-teasing, and all-ages appeal will have you ready to buy all the fine leather jackets it's selling. [Oct 2010, p.75]

We love the new ability to craft an extreme weapon out of a couple of items: you can sample a handful of the full game's countless possibilities - including a Spiked Bat (baseball bat + nails) and head-pulping Drill Bucket (bucket + electric drill) - and discovering new combos and unleashing gonzo gear like the Air Horn (pylon + spray paint) is a blast.

Scott Pilgrim hardly has an original idea of its own, and that's entirely the point: it's a wonderful homage to its predecessors, while still proving thoroughly enjoyable in its own right.

We admit we miss the first Dead Rising's goofier schtick and the initial wow factor of its innovative challenge. But the latter hasn't been toned down for this sequel, and the game remains - even with its flaws - a shuffler lover's undead dream.

With the string of 3D-style casualties in this series' history, Lords is the first time we've been looking forward to where this shining new direction takes us. Go, Team Belmont.

Intense without being brash, and focused on a tight situation as opposed to a global theater of operation, the relaunched Medal of Honor definitely finds its own voice as a military shooter. It's polished and visually appealing, while providing a little gaming perspective on a controversial military action. And you don't get that every day.

Whether you're playing with buddies online or in the same room, or just battling through the career, this extremely polished sequel is an excellent way to rock out. [Nov 2010, p.66]

However you play, Pinball FX 2 is a must-have for any pinball fan who doesn't have a real machine tucked away somewhere. [Nov 2010, p.67]

You'll probably crave a bit more challenge than you'll find, but by the time you arrive at your destination and its revelations, you'll clamor for the story to continue. [Nov 2010, p.78]

Your Shape won't replace a real-life personal trainer, but it does delivers as close an experience as you can get, in the comfort of your (hopefully Kinect-sized) game room - and that's no easy feat.

One glaring issue with PES is its lack of licensing. [Jan 2011, p.65]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

"Quotation Forthcoming"

We've seen a few middling attempts at Vietnam War experiences, but this one rocks because it doesn't try to bring politics or sense to the table--just lots and lots of death. [March 2011, p.77]

Much more evolutionary than revolutionary, but the series remains one of the 360's finest sports sims. [Apr 2011, p.74]

The whole thing meshes well, is addictive in its playability, and looks absolutely beautiful (in a wonderfully detailed 3D anime way) in the process. [Feb 2003, p.68]

Blood Omen 2's world is so realistically brought to life that you'll be checking your fingernails for grit after climbing Kain up the sides of rocky walls. [Apr 2002, p.63]

The challenge comes from learning how to avoid the enemies, not figuring out what to do...it provides a quick paced progressive story with a very nice game. [Sept 2002, p.89]

Repetitive battle music and minor camera issues aside, if you can stand the slow, turn-based nature of Gladius, you'll love it. [Dec 2003, p.154]

Controls are idiot-proof, and deliberately simplified to make sure that controlling your squad is never an impediment to the action... This is an approachable and enjoyable shooter. [Oct 2003, p.76]

A case of Jekyll and Hyde. Single player isn't bad, but the multiplayer is head and shoulders cooler than than the PC version, thanks largely to the clever use of the Xbox Communicator. [June 2003, p.76]

For a lack of extras and generally lower quality visuals, anyone who played Half-Life 2 on the PC won't have any need to pick this up. [Holiday 2005, p.88]

It's also got the most riveting plot of any Xbox FPS to date, topping "Halo." [Apr 2004, p.78]

The combination of a level-based game, free play mode, and two-player makes for an infinite amount of replayability. It's not an earth-shattering port of the PC game, but it does bring something new to The Sims experience. [May 2003, p.70]

About the only thing in Moto GP 2 that hasn't changed is the spot-on handling. Everything else, from the graphics to the gameplay modes, has been overhauled, and it shows. [June 2003, p.80]

The depth of this game is astounding. [Jan 2003, p.70]

While Rogue Ops isn't quite up to the level of "Splinter Cell," it's pretty close. And Nikki's hot. Mark this one down as a big surprise, and pick it up. [Dec 2003, p.132]

Racing fans interested in a quick fix of adrenaline probably won't find what they're looking for in McRae 04, but autophiles will adore the game for its physics, handling, and depth of play. [Apr 2004, p.81]

Car models and framerates are superb, and some of the courses look great, but overally, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd turned on your PS2. [Jan 2004, p.60]

The deep storyline and character development system, seemingly endless quests, and miles of detailed, highly interactive locations to explore all amount to more than 200 hours of gameplay for those attempting to see it all. [Jan 2004, p.76]

Though the gameplay tends to be somewhat repetitive, there are scores of characters, techniques, and magical items to choose from. [Nov 2003, p.124]

At a mere $20 it represents impossible value and is probably a must-have for crusty old gamers. [Dec 2003, p.92]

If you're a Hitman fan, Blood Money will make you fall in love all over again, and if you never dipped your toes in 47's particular brand of wetwork yet, the time has never been more ripe. [June 2006, p.74]

A better, more realistic game than last year's, but its still-vicious checking system might turn off hardcore hockey enthusiasts. [Oct 2004, p.80]

With its greater depth, online play, and the same extraordinary realism, fans will find this release a worthy purchase.[Nov 2004, p.88]

Sharp controls reward technical skills, but both games are still accessible to button mashers, especially with a frustration-free continue mode that cripples the CPU opponent on a rematch. [Dec 2005, p.110]

Wickedly clever...Strikes the right balance between imagination, creativity, and a little borrowed inspiration. [Aug 2005, p.79]

The controls feel loose and non-responsive, which makes executing everything from a simple dunk to a pick-and-roll more exasperating than it should be. [Dec 2004, p.89]

Everything that you need to get your flabby butt in shape is included in Yourself!Fitness, except for the equipment, which isn't a requirement. [Jan 2005, p.74]

If you can get past the unfamiliar (though movie-faithful) look, you'll find an incredibly well-crafted game full of bonus levels, variety, and emergent gameplay that's as entertaining as it is brutally violent. . [Holiday 2005, p.72]

Given the slew of impressive upgrades and new features, the purchase of this new installment is a must. [Holiday 2005, p.90]

Any game that has seen nine iterations must have either required a phenomenal amount of improvement or honed a hugely successful formula. Chalk up this new Winning Eleven in the later category. [Mar 2006, p.74]

Once you get past the self-consciousness of waving your arms around with a midget-sized club, you quickly realize how much fun the game is. [May 2006, p.81]

Now this is the right way to do a Platinum Hit! [Jun 2006, p.81]

Traveller's Tales has done it again: Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is an even quirkier blend of off-kilter humor, weird puzzles, and blaster-blazing, lightsaber-slashing action. [Oct. 2006, p.84]

Overall, Crypto's latest is itchily compelling and easy to recommend. As original-Xbox game go, DAH!2 is one of the best of the season. [Dec. 2006, p.82]

Impressive. After several plodding annual upgrades, FIFA 07 shows significant improvement and delivers its best soccer game in ages. [Nov. 2006, p.85]

Excessive loading times and way too many menus to button through are also annoying, but the on-court and online tennis are so terrific and pure that these faults are easily overlooked. [May 2011, p.84]

But 10 bucks will net you a fulfilling and thoughtful odyssey, just in time to leave you salivating for the long-awaited sequel. [May 2011, p.78]

The action does start to drag in the last couple of hours...If you're excited by even the slightest hint of carnage, though, the rubblelicious Armageddon delivers. We absolutely got what we came for: an exciting sci-fi shooter with carnage galore and some of the most crazy-powerful guns we've seen in ages. [June 2011, p.50]

Perseverance will make you a better player, while earning you new units to exploit in enjoyably unpredictable multiplayer duels. [June 2011, p.82]

While Dirt 3 takes surprising steps backward in terms of social networking, thereby limiting its addictiveness, it's still the best way to head off-road without winding up in the hospital.

For new and old players alike, this sequel is a superb adaptation of the classic CCG.

Dungeon Siege III is among the finer ways you can dungeon-crawl on your 360 these days, and if the developers can iron out its quirks, a sequel (which this game sets up nicely) could be epic.

Though we found ourselves wishing the gameplay and story had just a little more depth and variety, the game's definitely captivating. Carefully crafted and full of charm, Bastion is irresistible.

Weaving a complicated tale of murder, industrial espionage, and corporate corruption, its story doesn't always make sense, but it sure is exciting.

While so many stealth games equate any sort of detection with total failure, Human Revolution lets the chaotic consequences of exposure play out in all their unpredictable glory. Shoddy storytelling means that all the sound and fury that results ultimately signifies dreadfully little, but at no point short of death do you every truly lose - you just have a different kind of fun. [Oct 2011, p.72]

This year's edition quite simply plays better than ever...The gameplay is exceptionally balanced.

As with any vertical shooter, there's no escape from the laborious memorization of unforgiving patterns. That fact alone means that not everyone can fall in love with Radiant Silvergun's unique mix of frenetic combat and fast-paced puzzle-solving. But if you don't mind working for every inch of progress and using your noodle more than usual, you'll happily spent innumerable hours perfecting your patrols through enemy space.

Few games have the intestinal fortitude to defy genre conventions and player expectations at the expense of enjoyment, but that's what hooked us. We obsessed over exploring every hidden area, slept less to slay dragons, and probably sustained a bit of psychological damage in the process. But it was worth it.

The absence of the PC version's multiplayer modes is a bummer, as is the removal of the penultimate mission from the original campaign. But by the time you reach the conclusion of this exciting bargain, you'll be too amped on adrenaline to care.

All told, you'll have a hell of a good time blowing up and blowing past your friends. [Dec 2011, p.78]

Best of all, tantalizing hints of what's to come will leave you anxious for the next chapter in your gruff super-soldier's saga.

Even if you ordinarily shy away from a daunting challenge, give this one a shot. As difficult as War of the Worlds is to conquer, it's also more than satisfying enough to be worth the struggle.

Though far from perfect and using some very standard gameplay mechanics, Rayman Origins is easily one of the best family-friendly games in years.

This feature-rich ode to the classic that started it all is an impressive upgrade - one that deserves a place in any fan's library.

What's available here remains as ridiculously appealing as ever. It's still a thrill unique to the series to be perched six stories high, looking out across miles of meticulously rendered game world - even if that dazzling, danger-filled world has grown overly familiar, having traded what was once revolution for iterative evolution.

You'll notice WWE '12's wider accessibility right when the first bell rings. Controls are far easier to grasp (they're almost as newb-friendly as WWE All-Stars') and matches flow naturally, which is great given how minimal the HUD is

Our only complaint is that with such a large roster, many of the characters tend to play too similarly to one another. Facing a team with both Vice and Mature may prove confusing, for instance, as they're both suit-wearing female assassins. Compared to all the goodness on hand here, though, that's a small complaint.

As much as we like both of the European-developed $15 stunt racers, Joe Danger: Special Edition managed to interest us just a bit more. Both games are fine-tuned to near-perfection, but Joe Danger has slightly more going on under its hood thanks to new gameplay additions and more interesting objectives. It's also got a nicer paintjob and sound system (read: better visuals and audio), so we have to give the duke to Danger this time around.

Having this much Taken-slaughtering glee in such a small, concise package makes Alan Wake's American Nightmare an instant "yes, please" for series fans. But what's more surprising is that its accessible approach to combat makes it an equally worthwhile experience for those who've never suspended their disbelief to wander Wake's dream-like world. [Mar 2012, p.62]

By far the most commendable feature is the massive influx of new fighters and divisions within UFC 3. The Featherweight and Bantamweight classes (imported from UFC's recently absorbed sister company, WEC) add faster and more agile fighters to the Undisputed roster, but the bigger addition comes by way of Pride FC, the former Japan-based MMA promotion purchased by the UFC in 2007.

Irreverent yet addictively engaging, Gotham City Impostors may not be the shooter you expected, but it's definitely the one you deserve.

Impressive lighting, gorgeous art direction, and a smooth framerate really pretty-up the experience, while voice-acting from Hollywood veterans Rosario Dawson and Brian Cox add weight to the audio.

Most crucially, the journey is worth every minute of effort: The Witcher 2's malleable final moments are remarkably satisfying no matter which choices you make. [May 2012, p.36]

Made with the input and voice talent of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Tenorman's Revenge is a loving homage to classic 2D platform games. The story is a blast for South Park fans, the jumping and climbing action is challenging but not too hard, and the price is definitely right.

Temporary frustration (and upper-arm pain) will fade as you mow down hordes of blade-throwing rabbits and hammer-toting elephants. Diabolical Pitch may not be a perfect game, but it's definitely an All-Star effort.

If stupendous puzzler Peggle and the cute gelatinous hero from de Blob had a teleportation accident à la Jeff Goldblum and the common household pest in The Fly, then The Splatters would be the result - except it'd be totally awesome and not a hideous Brundlefly monstrosity.

Some exceptional next-gen visuals--including complex and intricate terrain graphics, detailed cockpit renderings, and hair-singing pyrotechnics--also help propel Birds of Steel to an unprecedented new altitude for Xbox 360 dogfighters. [June 2012, p.69]

It's a fine set of fresh experiences for Modern Warfare 3. If the rest of the year's DLC is this strong, consider that Elite subscription well worth the investment.

That one missed opportunity aside, Zuma's revenge is an awesomely addictive revamp, and $10 well-spent. [Aug 2012, p.67]

The puzzle-like challenges are a great way for seasoned players to test their mettle. So is multiplayer, especially the new four-player Planechase mode, in which the rules of the game change at random through a specialized deck of cards.

Hardcore Battlefield 3 strategists will be disappointed by the sudden emphasis on breakneck speed over deliberate tactics, not to mention Close Quarters' 16-player limit and infantry-only focus. But even they'll be sucked in if they give this add-on a chance.

Even by military-shooter standards, Spec Ops: The Line is an uncompromisingly bleak journey into the mouth of madness. Sharing almost nothing with its predecessors except the Spec Ops moniker, this squad-based shooter tries to make you think - sometimes successfully, sometimes not - about the lines you're willing to cross in battle.

Episode 2 does an excellent job of keeping the adventure going while setting the scene for plenty of struggles ahead. If Telltale stays on target, their full, five-part Walking Dead saga may prove to be one of the best, most ambitious zombie games ever.

It's madness worth embracing.

With a few frustrating puzzles, some unclear solutions, and no cooperative play, Quantum Conundrum isn't quite as polished as Portal 2 - but it's a very close homage at a fraction of the price. If you've been aching for more drops from Valve, this game will satisfy your quandary.

As simple as it all may be, it makes for a frantic, dizzying, four- to five-hour rush. And that's Deadlight's strongest suit: you feel a constant, adrenaline-fueled urge to just. Keep. Moving.

Even if you don't care about the Persona mythos, there's a very solid competitive fighter here. Both local and online multiplayer are incredibly solid (the latter thanks to an update released two days after the game), with only the minor annoyance of no quick-rematch option. As it stands, anyone seeking a fresh, stylish take on traditional 2D fighting should enter this Arena.

Fall of Cybertron never quite transcends its franchise the way, say, Arkham City does - loving Transformers will definitely heighten your appreciation of it - but it's every bit the game that series buffs hoped for, and an improvement on its forebear.

Brimming with subdued pastel colors, hand-drawn characters, and a trippy, jazzy soundtrack, Pid's aesthetic is peculiar but challenging enough to be fun. [Nov 2012, p.85]

Most Wanted delivers raucous entertainment in spades, whether you're battling Fairhaven City's finest in the campaign or dueling network competition in serious races and silly trick competitions. After years of revisiting Burnout Paradise's recurring playground, we finally have a fresh racing addiction to keep us hooked until Criterion's next seemingly inevitable open-road opus.

Bottom line: does the game live up to AC II? Well, no. Ezio's grand introduction is pretty damn hard to top, at least in terms of story content and franchise innovation. But that doesn't invalidate Connor's journey by any means. Assassin's Creed III's newly refined gameplay and incredibly rich setting are captivating stuff, and we're excited to see what adventures lie ahead for our new hero.

Call of Duty's three-pronged attack serves it well in Black Ops II, with the superb online play and Zombies co-op making up for a less-essential campaign this time - though its many changes and occasional high points still warrant a playthrough (or two) to see Treyarch's spin on the well-worn template.

Absolution has the pacing and exotic set-piece locations of a James Bond film, which seems appropriate given that 47 is essentially Bond stripped of his smirk, gadgets, and vices.

Don't let an uninspired online experience keep you from Far Cry 3, though. You'll have to go it alone to see all its wild thrills, but those unique situations and over-the-top conflagrations are undoubtedly worth some lonely time spent tramping through the jungle.

Its giddy, family-friendly spirit makes Kinect Party a perfect game for adults and kids alike - though not necessarily in groups of five or six, where the game feels crowded and players may end up vying for screenspace and floorspace, even in a large, Kinect-ready room.

Skulls of the Shogun is anything but a typical turn-based strategy game, and not just because of its colorful cartoon style and silly sense of humor.

Though Crysis 3’s (admittedly beautiful) solo campaign never feels quite as strong as it could be, its enthralling competitive multiplayer sits comfortably among the strongest offerings of this console generation. Unless you have no interest in competing against your fellow human beings, these modes alone make the game worth buying.

It’s all deftly anchored by a perceptive, nuanced narrative that helps fashion Croft into a convincing heroine who can weather extraordinary circumstances, while remaining convincingly human throughout. These quieter moments make what’s already a stunning ride even more worthwhile.

It’s these sneaky moments of sweetness across Citadel’s five-hour journey that make it a pricey but wholly affecting excuse to linger just a little longer under Mass Effect’s spell.

All three tables look gorgeous, and all the familiar dialogue clips and sounds are a treat, too. Star Wars Pinball never up-ends the formula quite as much as Avengers Chronicles’ selectable balls and upside-down table did, but silverball and sci-fi buffs will adore it nonetheless.

Celebrity cameos by Ray Liotta, Michael Madsen, Chazz Palminteri, and Joe Pantoliano are fun perks, but what really stands out is how expansive and enthralling this hour-or-so mission is.

It’s a consistently enjoyable romp that takes one of the most potentially depressing settings imaginable and makes it vibrant, fun, and fascinating. Metro: Last Light is an excellent follow-up to an underrated game, and if you’re looking for a good, meaty first-person adventure, its subterranean world is worth delving into.

A big, deep game with more than 50 tough missions and sturdy Xbox Live support, and while it lacks a certain mass-market sparkle, its gameplay will thrill the niche of gamers that it attracts. [Dec 2004, p.84]

It may be an obvious clone (of "Splinter Cell"), but it's incredibly well done. [Jan 2004, p.72]

Done surprisingly well. [Jan 2002]

Multiplayer is a highlight, and it works incredibly well. [Nov 2002, p.132]

The volleyball is amazingly simple and compelling, while the rest of it has a tongue-in-cheek sensibility that knows exactly what it is - good cheescake fun with solid gameplay to back it up. [Mar 2003, p.72]

It can't match up to the depth and graphics of "WSB," but if you like to play through multiple seaons, this is the best choice. [Apr 2003, p.82]

Great controls and well-implemented action features, like punching and turbo, that add a different type of depth than that seen in typical baseball games. [May 2003, p.78]

It's more like a frenzied full-body execution of the instructions on a binary punchcard, but it's addictive and fun. [Jan 2004, p.83]

RDR creatively captures the feel and flavor of classic Westerns, while remaining an absolute twitchy-fingered hoot to play. [July 2004, p.80]

Hardcore MechWarrior fans who won't play online much may be disappointed with MechAssault 2. But for Live addicts/multiplayer buffs, expect big returns on your investment. [Feb 2005, p.82]

A jack-of-all trades first-person shooter. It does everything very well, but none of its ingredients leave a truly lasting impression. [March 2005, p.72]

Demon Stone is absolutely relentless. [Jan 2005, p.81]

Infinitely playable, online and off. [Dec 2004, p.99]

Tantalizing. [Holiday 2004, p.86]

Repetitive, sure, but when the combat is in big 'n' bold mode, it's fun and unique enough that you don't really care that you've just killed "guy with shield" # 4728. 'Tis an epic ode to chaos and confusion. [Dec 2005, p.102]

The feel of racing in a huge pack is much more dynamic and compelling, and the terrific Flight to the Top Mode is suddenly worth playing. So is NASCAR 06. [Oct 2005, p.111]

It's not SSX/ Snowboarders don't like racing/ They crave snow ballet. [Review Haiku - Feb 2002, p.80]

Incredibly short. [Jan 2003, p.63]

Frame rate gets choppy and detracts from the experience. [Jan 2003, p.66]

Speaking of action, there's a metric ton of it. You're constantly thrown into massive battles that look straight out of an RTS. [Feb 2003, p.72]

This game does at times feel a tad slower than Konami's "MLS," but the pace simply suits some gamers better than others. [July 2002, p.78]

A very good game, but unfortunately it lacks that certain "magic" to take it to the next level. [May 2003, p.77]

The union of the overtly realistic (and sometimes troublesomely so) Havok physics engine sharp visuals, and a staggering amount of extra content make this a smooth ride until some of the slightly more cumbersome activities in Psi-Ops' later levels. [Aug 2004, p.81]

What really makes Crash Nitro Kart worth playing is the solid control and innovative boost system. [Dec 2003, p.106]

It's like Disney's fantastic ride - sure, you can sometimes see the seams and bolts showing, but what a ride it is anyways. [Dec 2003, p.128]

Deep, wonderfully balanced Magic battle system. [Dec 2003, p.100]

Not on quite the same quality echelon as "Madden" or "NBA Street Vol. 2," but it's the exact shot in the arm that the state of arcade football genre desperately needed. [Mar 2004, p.82]

It's about beautifully crisp handling, absorbing gameplay that rewards both finesse and testosterone, and a relentless stream of holy-four-letter-word moments of automotive annihilation. [Dec 2004, p.96]

With realistic-looking players, a full suite of edit options to let you tailor names to your liking, and core on-field action that plays just so smooth, Winning Eleven 8 is the way to go if offline soccer action is all you crave. [March 2005, p.81]

Minor graphical upgrades, a new hidden character, and new ending sequences. Nothing spectacular, but it adds up to make this the best version currently available. [July 2003, p.81]

It's not a question of whether or not you'll enjoy this latest deliciously gore-filled brawler; it's where you'll find the freakin' time to fully explore everything the game offers. [Dec 2004, p.86]

It's hard as hell, partially because it's meant to be, partially because the complex, non-adjustable control scheme is completely non-intuitive, and partially because the camera is simply too twitchy...[yet] we love the strangely gorgeous Gunvalkrie. [Apr 2002, p.72]

Weird AI and incomplete NASCAR track selection don't hold back this racer. [Dec 2001]

Undeniably fun, with solid controls, tons of charisma, and respectable tech specs. [Dec 2002, p.154]

Quite possibly the most inventive, accessible, and incredibly fun surfer ever. [Dec 2001]

A solid game with tons of depth and the best volleyball game ever made. [Sept 2003, p.80]

If you can get over the graphics and little glitches, High Heat is an exceptionally deep and fun baseball game that will please baseball purists more than any other baseball game. [Apr 2003, p.81]

As with all action-RPGs, Fallout's best played with a friend. It's not the deepest dungeon crawler, but it is among the most fun. [Feb 2004, p.76]

Some innovations (like the group combo system) work well, while others don't (the out-of-place cel-shaded characters). As an addictive substance, Legends is pure X-tasy. [Dec 2004, p.94]

Just like a Bond girl - incredibly pretty, smart (but not too smart), entertaining (but not too entertaining), and good for a couple of great surprises. And just like the movies, you're left salivating for the next one. [Mar 2004, p.76]

A surprisingly entertaining, blissfully uncomplicated shooter... But it's not the kind of game that you'll absolutely fixate on finishing. [Apr 2005, p.80]

Although it's worth the 5-10 hours of your time that it will take to complete the main game, we honestly expected a little more. [Dec 2003, p.80]

Doesn't feel as complete as it should. But the sheer intensity and scale of the battles, as well as the expertly crafted environments and diversity of characters, make it work better than you'd expect. [Nov 2004, p.86]

Desite this strictly linear gameplay, there are still times when you'll be confused as to what you're supposed to do next. That just doesn't equal a fun gaming experience by any stretch of the imagination. [Jan 2005, p.82]

The defensive side of EA Sports' game is like the St. John's men's team: weak and vulnerable. [Holiday 2004, p.82]

Provides hours of well-polished, addictive gameplay. [Nov 2004, p.89]

Another gem in a surprising embarrassmenet of [Xbox] brawling riches. [Aug 2005, p.85]

Surprisingly fun. [Nov 2003, p.130]

May not be as challenging as "MX Unleashed," but it's definitely more polished. [May 2004, p.76]

The Xbox equivalent of "War & Peace." [August 2002, p.77]

The addition of the classic SpyHunter game from '83 kicks the game's score up a few notches just for the cool bonus. [May 2002, p.78]

Crisp visuals, smooth control, and hours of gameplay. [Jan 2003, p.76]

The real strength of this game is the bounty of narrated, interactive tutorials that effectively demonstrate strategy, tactics, and psychological analysis of your opponent. [Jan 2005, p.82]

Racing fans are going to eat it up hook, line, and sinker. [Sept 2003, p.82]

The high degree of difficulty is one of the few problems with this otherwise brilliant game...Still may be the best movie license game ever made. [Jan 2004, p.81]

Cost notwithstanding, Line of Contact further adds to the most unique gaming experience in the world today. It's beautiful, immersive, and just plain fun. [May 2004, p.74]

A well crafted and challenging motocross game with tons of options and minigames to explore that'll have you kicking up mud for hours on end. [May 2004, p.76]

The most polished and enjoyable hunting game ever made. It's surprisingly well-designed, with graphics and environments that actually make you feel like you're roaming the great outdoors. [Dec 2003, p.130]

Surpisingly but appealingly worth your time and money. [Nov 2004, p.84]

But by releasing the same core game three years running and refusing to incorporate other games' innovations, ESPN is content to take its single, rather than go for extra bases. [Apr 2004, p.75]

The heart of Juiced is the pedal-to-the-medal street racing. And that's where it shines like a freshly buffed coat of pearlescnet paint. [June 2005, p.83]

It packs a ton of bedwetting frights into those [few] hours, and there's nothing like a game that leaves you craving even more. [May 2005, p.83]

You'll want to spend a lot of time immersed in these worms. [Apr 2005, p.81]

Why are some levels so awesome, and others feel like they were bought off a guy on a street corner? [Jan 2006, p.78]

Making saves wtih the crease control system is wicked fun, even in multiplayer. [Jan 2006, p.80]

It's the same game you've been playing since September but with a prettier graphics engine. But oh is it a joy to watch? [Jan 2006, p.80]

If you held off on Xbox and you dig the college game and atmosphere, this is your best(and only)bet on 360. [Apr 2006, p.81]

Amped 3 gets everything right that's wrong with "SSX." [Jan 2006, p.72]

On Xbox Live, Top Spin 2 shines just as brightly as its predecessor. There are leaderboards and tiered matchmaking--all of it lag-free. [May 2006, p.81]

So Legend on the 360 remains an 8.0, just like the Xbox version--there's no other game that gives you quite the rush that Tomb Raider has in the past and does now with Legend. [Jun 2006, p.85]

This game excels at staging space battles on an epic scale. [Jan. 2007, p.70]

A space-station--building sim? It's not for everyone, but it's a hoot. [Jun 2006, p.64]

As the cricket-like Wik, you use your tongue to collect grubs to feed your slow-moving monster and snatch acorns to spit at your insect foes. [Jun 2006, p.64]

Anyone who loves "Bust-A-Move" will enjoy this aztec-themed variation in which your stationary frog idol fires different-colored stones into a revolving chain. [Jun 2006, p.64]

You're just a little spaceship trying to collect crystals while dodging mines and various creatures. [Jun 2006, p.61]

An impressively fun merger of colorful undersea graphics and gameplay standards from the arcade's yesteryears make this one-player treat a name that's hard to stop nibbling on. [Jun 2006, p.62]

Deceptively simple, jewel quest can be very challenging on the higher levels, but constantly addictive throughout. [Jun 2006, p.64]

Though the combat grows repetitive, the game manages to look lovely while you slap around your foes. If you’re a fan of large-scale battle games à la Dynasty Warriors but prefer to play solely as one character, Circle of Doom makes for a great after-holiday snack.

It's straight out of 1989, and that makes it either archaic or retro-cool comfortable. With Capcom's steady attention to polish and presentation, Lost Planet falls into the latter category more often than not. And even if it's familiar, it's definitely not repetitive. [Jan 2007, p.48]

Oodles of action that feels like "Riddick" in all the right ways. [Sept 2007, p.72]

It's a labor of love, yes--and one that you'll love playing. [July 2006, p.81]

If you can overlook the lack of any narrative cohesion, The Club looks great, controls well, and offers you tons of options for giving your trigger finger a good workout. [Mar 2008, p.90]

Madden 07 marks a turnaround for the franchise on the 360, and that's reason enough for football fans to rejoice. [Oct. 2006, p.77]

It's still a great ride; just don't expect to be as bowled over by it as you were when you strapped in for it last year. [Jan. 2007, p.72]

But these hiccups are easily overlooked--with high replay value and strong presentation, Tournament of Champions is a fine bet at $40. [Holiday 2006, p.87]

At 400 Microsoft Points(or $5), this game costs less than a real deck of UNO cards and comes with built-in-friends. [Aug 2006, p.82]

Sim or no sim, it's a kick-in-the-pants ride. [Aug 2006, p.81]