It's the same Tetris you've always loved. Only...busier. [June 2007, p.74]

TMNT 1989 has its share of problems...Nevertheless, the game remains a solid thrill. [June 2007, p.76]

E4's only major flaw is that it can get WAY repetitive. [Holiday 2007, p.70]

The absurdly named 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures takes the "sport" to extremes that should delight the kid in everyone. [Apr 2007, p.87]

With the power to shift the very earth beneath your feet, Fracture could have reshaped the action genre. But repetitive missions and a barren plot leave only the multiplayer to shake this shooter loose from the rest.

While you'll miss the novelty of a glowing blue joystick and an analog spinner, setting the controls to "Absolute Aim" (preset C or D) gives you enough precision to do battle on the Game Grid. [July 2007, p.79]

There are certainly bits and pieces of decent storytelling hidden throughout the game, but for every ounce of beauty, you get three humdrum pounds of grind. [Holiday 2008, p.78]

Twenty-seven years later, the game's Live Arcade version is still stressing us out, but in good ways. [Aug 2007, p.79]

On the surface, there's not much to Spyglass Board Games. [Aug 2007, p.81]

Still, even the subtle control lag that crops up online can't diminish the ham-fisted charm of each vicious contest, so retro fans shouldn't think twice about dropping 10 bucks on Speedball 2. [Oct 2007, p.81]

You can also play with the old graphics and relive that '80s charm. [Oct 2007, p.74]

A super-accessible, stylish, over-the-top slaughterfest. [Dec 2009, p.80]

Though long interrogation sequences are tedious, the stories are wonderfully macabre: every character is guilty of something, and only forensic science can separate the red herrings from the incriminating evidence. [Dec 2007, p.65]

Dropping collectible fish in a handful of environments feels hopelessly extraneous; luckily, you can disregard the aquatic nonsense and enjoy timeless gameplay in a reasonably attractive wrapper. [Dec 2007, p.65]

The protagonist can feel a bit slow to respond to your commands, but between the unique art direction and 120 boards of imaginative confusion, Exit delivers just enough pleasure to sweeten its pain. [Jan 2008, p.69]

With better tuning, this could be a much more fun game. As it is, we'd strongly advise you to check out the game's finicky controls for yourself in the demo before you commit. [Jan 2008, p.66]

Playing with a buddy in same-screen co-op is your best bet to enjoyably sate your shooter lust. [Holiday 2007, p.70]

The online quickplay is pretty slick and there's even(gulp)online leagues, which will give this baller more legs than the normal yearly update that NCAA hoops games often are. [Jan 2008, p.67]

The cartoonish, blocky graphics don't help, but constantly challenging gameplay and surprisingly smart A.I. make this a game that all strategy nuts will enjoy. [Oct 2008, p.85]

BGH feels somewhat real. [Jan 2008, p.69]

Prizefighter is definitely a contender in the guilty-pleasure category: its story mode trumps the competition’s, and though its fighting mechanics won’t dethrone the current champ, they still pack a simple, straightforward wallop.

So yeah, Chosen One has its woes, but gameplay is what’s always made this series fun. If you’ve got some tolerance and some RTFM time, Chosen One will deliver.

FaceBreaker delivers fast online brawls, and the constant back-and-forth of counters, stuns, and outrageous signature moves yields a surprising amount of room for strategy and style. As tiresome as solo scuffles become, exciting multiplayer bouts against unpredictable humans save FaceBreaker from a TKO.

Impact nails the feel of wrestling, but adding a new coat of paint to an old-school style won’t be enough to entice those seeking something fresh. Fans of the genre or “sport,” however, have an accessible and fun wrasslin’ game worth sticking in their collection.

What makes N+ really new and fresh though is its customizability. [Jan 2008, p.66]

Flag-wavers for hexagonal turn-based strategy games, take note: Commanders' less flexible squares won't offer up the daunting depth of a full-priced title. [Apr 2008, p.76]

Red Faction is not a glorious revolution, yet neither is it a wafer-thin façade of the sandbox genre. Its foundation is strong, it’s fun in a mindless way, and its design intrigued us, but ultimately it’s not something that has been built to last.

We just had to dig a little deeper than we'd like to get to the good stuff. [Aug 2010, p.74]

While the character selection leaves a lot to be desired, the brilliant mix of versus battles, mini-games, and co-op challenges will keep you entertained for hours. [Sept 2008, p.77]

Despite the high overall level of polish, Assault Heroes 2 feels like an overlong expansion pack - and at $10, it's one that costs twice the price of the original. Good game? Yes, but a tough sell.

It shines as a fun but pricey distraction. [May 2008, p.76]

Hail to the Chimp might lack presidential polish, but it still earns an unexpectedly agreeable term in office. [July 2008, p.73]

My 4-year-old said the worst part of the game was "having to turn it off," which probably tells you all you need to know! [July 2008, p.64]

Yes, the graphics are sharply upgraded, the new 12-player online matches are wicked fun, the Franchise mode is deep and detailed, and the silly Zamboni mini-game somehow mesmerized us. But with NHL 09 turning in such an all-star performance (see review, left), this exercise in nostalgia is enjoyable…but unnecessary.

It's nice to feel engrossed by a board game again. [July 2008, p.66]

You’ll want it because, despite your having to turn its sometimes musty gameplay pages, or begrudgingly burn rubber in inessential motorcycle sequences (they’re back!), or do the usual hokey-jump-slide-swing-pokey with wellworn mechanics, Tomb Raider continues to feel like an old, comfy pair of jeans. Maybe they’re not as high-fashion as they used to be — and sure, they might not fit like they used to — but damn if slippin’ into them doesn’t feel like coming home.

Repetition can be an issue, despite the brief five-hour campaign, but Bolt remains a pretty entertaining adaptation of the Disney flick of the same name, and one that might surprise some older gamers. [Holiday 2008, p.74]

While Lego Batman is loaded with goofy charm and humor, its original storyline is paper-thin.

If you're into music and/or puzzle games at all, Break Steady is worth a gander for its single-player and versus throwdowns. [June 2008, p.77]

Street-brawling combat is fun, gleefully violent.

So yes, we recognize and appreciate that this is an exact remake of a classic game, but the bottom line is, many of you will decide that its unforgiving nature saps too much fun out of what is otherwise a lovingly reassembled classic.

Older kids will undoubtedly roll their eyes at this harmless sequel, but its simple platforming hub and dozens of unpredictable mini-game spokes cater nicely to youngsters with short attention spans. [Jan 2009, p.75]

Irresistibly cute. [Feb 2009, p.84]

But it’s still a letdown. If only this had been packaged with more goodies or delivered digitally for a more reasonable price.

But none of those gripes can compare to the biggest crime committed here: no co-op! In a game that focuses more than a little on the exploits of two seemingly inseparable brothers, why would we not be able to bring a friend down the dusty trail? That absence is completely inexcusable, and the addition of pointless, paint-by-numbers competitive multiplayer only adds insult to injury.

This tongue-in-cheek offshoot of EA's core NHL sim is a smooth zamboni ride that mixes goofy gameplay with razor-sharp control, just as "NBA Jam" did when it pioneered this genre over 15 years ago. [Mar 2009, p.83]

Despite a few flaws and one ill-conceived megamix, these games are treated with the respect they deserve at a price we’re willing to pay. We’re happy to see them on Arcade where they belong.

That nostalgia isn't worth 15 bucks. [July 2009, p.84]

Obviously, Up wasn't meant for adults, but the kid in all of us can find something to enjoy in it. [Aug 2009, p.74]

Doesn't make any earth-shattering changes to its predecessor, but it also doesn't break anything, either. [Aug 2009, p.76]

A few more maps, a few more multiplayer modes, a few more unique areas in the campaign, and a few more fear-inducing moments would’ve gone a long way toward making Aliens vs. Predator set off gamers’ motion trackers. Instead, it registers as simply a medium blip on the radar — a second-shelf shooter that falls just short of fulfilling the incredible potential of its license.

Boggle's speedy rounds [are] perfect for quick doses of multiplayer. [June 2009, p.75]

Has enough satisfying moments to warrant a playthrough, but only a patient gamer will make it to the brilliant final hour. [July 2010, p.76]

If all you want is Knuckles' debut, this is a fine $5 deal. [Oct 2009, p.77]

Droplitz put us to sleep. We mean that in the best way possible. [Sept 2009, p.87]

NCAA may not be a Final Four contender, but it's still the only college-hoops game in town. [Jan 2010, p.78]

Remarkably solid. [Oct 2009, p.80]

This arcade hockey is a reasonably fun alternative to aggressive realism, but it lacks the substance that’ll keep us playing its competition long after both games launch and hockey season has come and gone.

A strong example of challenging, polished 16-bit platform gameplay. [Oct 2009, p.80]

Ion Assault occasionally feels insubstantial and rarely replicates the big, tense moments of other thrill-a-second shooters, but it works well as a slightly more strategic alternative. [Nov 2009, p.72]

There's one thing that we can't dispute: Axel & Pixel is a gorgeous point-and-click adventure. However, the story leaves a bit to be desired. [Holiday 2009, p.76]

Lips: Number One Hits certainly isn't a full-fledged sequel to Microsoft's singing debut, nor does it come across as a quick cash-in with new songs. [Holiday 2009, p.83]

Fast-paced action that's right on cue. [July 2009, p.97]

Breezy and bite-sized, it won't wow you..but it's no dog, either. [Holiday 2009, p.82]

It's jolly good British fun, but more spontaneity would've made it blood brilliant. [Dec 2009, p.75]

A few invisible walls and a bad camera make the platforming even less fun, but shooting fireballs, ice pikes, greenish goo, and lightning one after another does plenty to break up the monotony. [Holiday 2009, p.82]

It absolutely nails the atmosphere. [July 2010, p.81]

With 20-plus cars to unlock (and upgrade) and modes ranging from straight-up, no-weapons racing to missions where you protect a VIP--all of which are seriously more fun when up to four buddies join in--Scrap Metal is more than worth the $10 download. [Jun 2010, p.81]

It's intense, destructive fun while it lasts, especially with two players. [Aug 2010, p.79]

Aqua's combat and controls are quite good, and yet it feels a bit sleepy, even if the campaign does grow more interesting as you progress. [Aug 2010, p.81]

Though Space Ark is a visual riot of bright pastels, sparkly special effects, and supermarket-circular-burst graphics, it'd be a stretch to say it ever becomes truly exciting. [July 2010, p.85]

Its Pixar charm makes it well worth trying, but it never reaches the level of brilliance that you hope it will. [Aug 2010, p.80]

Its best moments make it well worth sampling. Just don't be surprised if it somehow feels like less than a meal despite its 10-hour playtime. [Aug 2010, p.83]

Fluffy ultraviolence. [Sept 2010, p.79]

This game was designed for multiplayer, so if you can't find at least one other person to share the pain, knock off two points from our score. [Oct 2010, p.86]

Still, what the game does, it does well. And fun is fun, even if it comes with a tail. [Nov 2010, p.83]

Playing against other people online, you'll have a decent time, but solo players will miss out entirely on the sense of satisfaction that comes from outwitting another person. [Nov 2010, p.81]

Front Mission Evolved doesn't deliver the innovation its name suggests, but it does offer the best classic mech action on 360, and fans of big-bot wars will enjoy it. [Nov 2010, p.82]

Multiplayer offers little besides in-person crowing or comfort, and the difficulty ratings for songs are somewhat uneven, but for $10 plus roughly another $20 for a dance mat from eBay, Dance! does a cheap, solid job of training you to hop between four arrows effectively. [Nov 2010, p.67]

It might not hold your attention for too long, but it's not meant to.

"Quotation Forthcoming"

"Quotation Forthcoming"

As a $15 bare-bones Arcade title Jam would've been a treat, but what you get for the extra $35 is hardly fair value. [Jan 2011, p.63]

With a decent number of areas to clear, that's pretty much it. [Jan 2011, p.74]

It's not perfect, but it hits most of its well-intentioned targets. [Feb 2011, p.74]

The game starts to lose its novel sheen after just a few hours, even as it offers a tantalizing glimpse of the genre's future.

We enjoy QAA, but next to golden oldies(Doom, Duke)and modern epics(Halo, Call of Duty), it's less of a legend. [March 2011, p.81]

We just wish the actual racing shared the depth and excitement of these considerable community features. [Mar 2011, p.82]

Pretty but contrived. [Feb 2002, p.80]

The jaggies are gone/ The framerate is much faster/ Still no Rogue Leader. [Haiku Review - Feb 2002, p.80]

LOTR's slow-paced gameplay and mission-based structure seems more suited to an action RPG, but as an action adventure it doesn't quite measure up. [Dec 2002, p.137]

It's just a prettier version of a really enjoyable multiplayer game. [June 2002, p.76]

As long as you prefer more action and less strategy with a slightly historical background, we are happy to recommend it. [Nov 2002, p.122]

Harmless fun for every age. [Jan 2003, p.90]

It never REALLY gets dull force-pulling a blaster out of adroid's hands and then force-pushing it into a wall where it explodes gloriously into tiny bits. [Feb 2002, p.78]

Hell wars doesn't promise any particular greatness, but for a quick $30 FPS thrill-ride, it'll do nicely. [July 2006, p.85]

There are a few bugs we encountered, including one that muddled our quest list. Put it this way: we spent a lot of time saving, loading, and cursing. [Sept 2003, p.85]

Jedi Academy was a solid game on PC, but sadly, the Xbox version falls far short in nearly every regard. [Holiday 2003, p.85]

The biggest fault in Rivals is the A.I. - your teammates seem terminally lost, neglecting to chase loose pucks or go after rebounds. [Dec 2003, p.106]

A fun, if slightly flawed, space shooter that expands on the mythos with a decent story. It's not going to win any awards, but should satisfy fans of the show. [Jan 2004, p.82]

What's in the game is pretty compelling for the right type of gamer who knows exactly what they're in for and has buddies well versed in the same type of gameplay. Too bad, because with a little Live play this could've been a contenda. [Feb 2004, p.74]

Mired by clumsy controls and spotty friendly AI, this sequel can't decide whether or not it wants to be a tactical realistic shooter or simply a run-and-gun arcade fragfest. [Nov 2003, p.114]

A decent experience, but not one you're likely to spend much time with. [Jan 2005, p.72]

For the low price of $20, Xyanide's a surprisingly fun alternative to Xbox Live Arcade's nostalgic offerings. [Oct. 2006, p.81]

Plus there's no Quidditch - what's with that noise? [Aug 2004, p.78]

SvC will make the hardcore audience that lives for technical fighting games extremely happy; most other gamers will be left wondering what all the fuss is about. [Dec 2004, p.90]

Fighting tanks, getting ambushed, and creeping through jungles provide enough variety to keep armchair generals satisfied. [Nov 2004, p.85]

It's a damn good hack'-n'-slash game based on and sharing a name with the game that spawned the genre. Elf may be about to die, but let's hope this series doesn't. [Feb 2006, p.78]

While Pariah tastes fine and won't leave you gagging, it's doubtful you'll be hankering for seconds, either. [June 2005, p.84]

A game of great ideas that aren't executed a well as they should be. [Feb 2006, p.76]

Like the motion picture, this is no "LOTR." But if you're in the mood for some mindless medieval hacking and slashing (or just the chance to fill the shoes of the gorgeous Keira Knightley), give this game a shot. [Dec 2004, p.82]

It may be initially enjoyable and easy to pick up, but the thrill doesn't last and it never quite distinguishes itself enough from the rest of the FPS pack on Xbox. [Apr 2006, p.75]

It's a cute toy without enough pieces to build anything truly great. [May 2005, p.84]

Warts and all, Rogue Trooper's a perfectly decent rip, and as comic-book tie-ins go, it's better than most. [July 2006, p.82]

The track design is hit-and-miss, usually featuring aggravating blind curves that can quickly turn a comfy lead into a last-place finish. [Sept 2006, p.80]

It's worth putting up with the game's frustrating failures for the chance to defeat 100 Agent Smiths. [Jan 2006, p.68]

Amazing speed, fluid graphics. [Feb 2006, p.81]

Book and movie fans will still likely enjoy the best Harry Potter game yet. [Holiday 2005, p.84]

Even though the visuals look just past their sell-by dates and the game stubbornly refuses to truly distinguish itself from the rest of the series, there's no denying that it's gameplay formula still works. [Nov 2005, p.114]

The following is the biggest qualifying statement we've ever made: Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers is a great game, but you will hate it by the time you make it to the end, if you make it at all. [Apr 2006, p.84]

It may be a poor man's "Ratchet," but at least it's not a phoned-in bargain-basement "Ratchet" ripoff. [Nov 2005, p.131]

Parallel Lines is an impressive overhaul and creative recovery for a series that had hit its nadir. [May 2006, p.77]

Arena Football may be a little rough around the edges, but it has the potential to grow. [Mar 2006, p.77]

Dreamfall's downfall may be that it's too ambitious. But control issues aside, its epic story has us wishing that we won't have to wait another six years for the series' final resolution. [Jun 2006, p.80]

So while the hitting mechanic and improved ballpark creator are cool and the integration of a live ESPN sports ticker is sweet, you'll need to think long and hard about buying what is largely last year's game sans major league appeal. [Feb 2006, p.77]

Though the graphics are sub-par and the character creator minimal, and there's no online multiplayer, ProStroke's different approach to virtual golfing is a welcome one, expecially given its budget price. [Nov. 2006, p.78]

It may still be the best gridiron option by default, but Madden 07 is a disappointing step backward on the Xbox. [Oct. 2006, p.77]

As far as gameplay goes, World Cup performs a notch better than "FIFA 06" did(although taking free kicks from midfield is an odd moment with limited options for control and strategy). [Jun 2006, p.77]

You've played this game before, but action-sports fans with a sick sense of humor should still suit up for the ride. [Aug 2006, p.77]

This NFS definitely isn't in the same league as last year's superb Most Wanted. But despite its misfires, Carbon has a lot of great action and intriguing ideas that, with properly calibrated expectations, will be a blast for fans of the series' trademark arcade racing. [Holiday 2006, p.72]

Basically, Madden 08 is just an 07 redux. [Oct 2007, p.81]

Best serves dedicated otaku-style collectors and quick-play arcade gamers. [Oct 2005, p.106]

If you wish your home had room for a pinball table, put this in your collection. [Feb 2005, p.80]

This repetition, combined with Severed's short runtime(two chapters beaten in around two hours), keeps it squarely in the realm of diehard devotees. [May 2011, p.75]

Make no mistake: the latest iteration in the Operation Flashpoint series has plenty wrong with it. But it burger-chomping, chain-smoking heart beats with a fiery tenacity that's unrivaled in the current console era. [June 2011, p.78]

For a first-time effort, NASCAR 2011 has lots to like. But it needs some serious behind-the-wall garage time to get its setup right. [June 2011, p.79]

Da Vinci doesn't hit consistent highs, but it's a fresh and fairly priced reason to dive back into Brotherhood months after its debut. [June 2011, p.85]

Rally diehards are better off dropping the extra cash for the excellent Dirt3, or even 2007's Sega Rally Revo. [Aug 2011, p.79]

Though you can record and upload your own freestyle moves to share them with others, or download other players' custom choreography, JD3's content is slight if you're looking for any real challenge or a true "game"-style experience.

Sadly, infuriating difficulty spikes--exacerbated by unskippable cutscenes and a lack of mid-chapter checkpoints--occasionally lead to frantic, fun-sucking button-mashing, as do moments of what-the-hell's-happening chaos. [Dec 2011, p.78]

The prevailing problem with Rocksmith: defining exactly what it wants to be. It doesn't go all the way in teaching you guitar, in that you're not learning how to read notes or construct a composition. Conversely, as a videogame, its straight-faced tone, added playing mechanics, and high price make it less accessible than, say, Rock Band.

Enemy paths are obvious, and at times, they'll forget to shoot at you. Meanwhile, you'll die behind cover much too often, requiring you to restart the whole level...If you can forgive these flaws, Blackwater is old-school arcade fun, and a solid step in making a hardcore Kinect game.

Unfortunately, only a third of the game is dedicated to re-creating Genesis-era stages, and classics like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic 3D aren't represented at all. Even worse, the game's beatable in five or six hours, with little incentive to reach 100% completion. Hopefully, Generations can spawn a sequel that fixes these flaws.

Trust us: you won't be worried about the game's shortcomings when you're racking your brain trying to remember the specifics of a scene starring Forrest Gump's momma.

There's much to be said for electrified pistols and radioactive swords, even if the slaughter gets repetitive well before the final battle.

Fans seeking deep, involving combat shouldn't put down their copies of Kingdoms of Amalur or Mass Effect for Asura's Wrath: it's a game chock full of style but little substance. Nevertheless, we can't deny that Asura's made us jump, scream, and pump our fist in the air just as often as the game's crazy warrior hero, even if it was a byproduct of not having to press any buttons for dozens of minutes at a time.

Silent Hill HD Collection is hardly well-rounded, but its tense manipulation of mood still rattles all the right nerves. [Apr 2012, p.62]

Some diehard Resident Evil fans may be disappointed by Raccoon City for sapping the survival-horror soul out of the series. But the game's satisfying blend of gunplay and teamwork, coupled with its cool references to past Resident Evil games, make revisiting the perilous streets of Raccoon City worth the trip. Even with its failings, Raccoon City keeps the action rolling along; just make sure you bring some buddies to help you slaughter all the undead.

It won't win any awards for graphics or sound, but it's simplicity is part of its charm. [Apr 2012, p.77]

The main reason to play? You'll be able to transfer gold earned here to your Fable: The Journey character.

For all the game's possibilities, however, it also feels remarkably sparse at times, with a seemingly limited set of materials, animals, and enemies in the world. Minecraft is naturally a very slow and deliberate experience, but the Xbox 360 Edition is curiously based on a year-old PC beta version, and thus lacks many of the elements seen in the official release and later updates, including new animals, resources, food, enemy actions, and combat mechanics.

Game of Thrones lacks the absorbing gameplay and polished presentation that'd help set it among the 360's finer RPGs. But those already committed to the realm won't regret the couple dozen hours they'll spend under its narrative spell.

If you've never played Virtua Fighter, this is the best entry yet, and if you're a fan, well, spend the $15. Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown is still everything it was in 2007 - fluid, complex, and fun. It's just not much more.

We're glad to fire up our 360s for some Left 4 Dead 2, and the addition of four of the first game's campaigns (with the sequel's items, special infected, and new scavenge maps) is a nice touch. But we would have enjoyed our dip into Cold Stream more had Valve freshened the water a bit.

Black Knight's unique presentation is certainly memorable, and fans of hardcore combat platformers like Mega Man will relish its considerable challenges. But less masochistic souls will just curse up a blue streak and move on to something less merrily sadistic. [Nov 2012, p.77]

As a catchall franchise compilation, Tekken Tag 2 works for fans who aren't seeking anything too radically different, delivering plenty of fighters and solid fun, even if it's traversing well-worn territory.

It's not the most spirited or original game, but Realms' raw intensity and chaotic excitement will keep you playing.

We'd recommend this Trilogy more if most of its content wasn't available for free or a lot less money on other platforms. But what's here is still plenty addictive, challenging you with many hours of fun.

Though the game mostly works as advertised, occasional missed moves and finicky menus disappoint. So do the bare-bones campaign and limited array of fighting venues. But with bonus challenge stages, split-screen and online multiplayer, and local co-op beatdowns, this lively Kinect romp packs unexpected (but appreciated) staying power.

The super-basic matchmaking and sometimes-laggy online play are also disappointing, especially coming from the developer that brought us BlazBlue's superb netcode. Ultimately, this game's a good value; just be prepared to do a lot of your own research if you want to grow beyond a rudimentary level - and get local buddies to do the same if you want competition.

It's one of those perfectly imperfect games you'll grow to love, even with its annoyances.

It's a limited, simplistic experience, but still an enjoyable one for old-school shooter fans. [Jan 2013, p.83]

You'll just need some patience and a love of the sport to value it properly.

Despite the off-tone retelling, though, Lego Lord of the Rings succeeds in being the most authentic and complete LOTR videogame to date.

Oddly, what doesn't come into play so much is the series' unique new feature - the heart-rate monitoring done by the optional new Top Shot Fearmaster.

Seeing how the genre has evolved from VF2 is fascinating, but those new to fighting games might find this history lesson a little tougher to enjoy.

Vipers is still a lot of fun, but you won't dump newer 3D fighters for it.

Unfortunately, the story feels just as half-hearted, and it's hampered by fast-travel locations and quest kick-off points that seem erratically placed.

The over-the-top carnage is rounded out with co-op play (starring new redneck pal Huff), vehicle stages, new levels not in the PC version, and an inexhaustible supply of sticky high-jump pads — though it’s held back by rough visuals, co-op lag, and an overall lack of polish.

If you're already a Naruto believer, this game's excellent visuals and its faithfulness to the source material will outweigh its flaws. [April 2013, p.76]

Early on, you’re given mindless, nearly scripted busywork like chasing after Bluecoats intent on lighting powder kegs, and overall, the first half of Infamy’s 2.5-hour journey is a jarring mix of rushed action and s-l-o-w activities, without the freedom of ACIII’s open world to balance it out.

The joy of exploration occasionally tips over into frustration, as when untouchable background scenery seems to offer a safe place to land, or during an infuriating and unnecessarily time-consuming final boss fight. But for the most part, Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a charming adventure and a reasonable value.

What sets Terraria apart from its obvious inspiration is more than just 2D design; it’s the action-centric tone that emerges the more you dig around and buddy up with pals, especially online ones who have cultivated their own worlds and arsenals (though local split-screen multiplayer is included).

Blood Dragon becomes too easy too soon, thanks in part to the steady stream of health-bar upgrades and damage-reduction bonuses you’ll unlock as you tear through 30 experience-based levels of personal progression. By the end you’re practically unstoppable, so you’ll almost certainly overcome all seven story missions, and complete every optional hunting excursion and hostage rescue, in under five hours.

However you look at it, the so-so cardplay (you can choose Texas Hold ’Em or Omaha this time) does offer some nifty real-world prizes for winning challenges and tournaments: several unlockable heads and skins for use in Borderlands 2, plus five 360 Avatar items. It’ll take a number of hours to get them all, although while you’re working on that, you can also spend your in-game cash on custom chips, decks, and felts for use within Poker Night 2 itself.

A hard game to review simply because it's so very, very good in almost all the right places except for its length. [Dec 2002, p.105]

The basketball itself is lacking in comparison to the amount of culture and attitude. [Oct 2002, p.112]

It's a decent surf sim, but by no means definitive. [Nov 2002, p.120]

Fun for a quick multiplayer spar, but it doesn't come close to what we were hoping for nor what the Xbox really needs. [Apr 2003, p.85]

It's clean and playable. That's all. [May 2003, p.75]

More savvy veterans should beware of platformer deja vu. [Nov 2002, p.129]

The game behind the skimpy clothes fails to impress... The play balance is simply no fun. [Mar 2003, p.78]

A brawler at its heart, Gladiator is not short on blood or action, but it is lacking somewhat in depth. [Dec 2003, p.92]

Just enough to satisfy the console fishing vet. [Sept 2003, p.83]

This should make a good party game for the grownups, especially over Xbox Live. [June 2004, p.81]

With the single-player game so clearly in focus, it's disappointing that it plods along so unevenly, and at times, progress feels like you're wading through molasses rather than zipping through the ether. [Jan 2005, p.78]

A PS2 port that went un-enhanced but otherwise plays fairly well, but it's not without some flaws. [Jan 2002]

As you progress through the game's 15 missions (and 20 challenges), the action often deteriorates into essentially chasing giant icons as opposed to enemy aircraft. The monotony isn't alleviated by anything innovative or daring the gameplay. [Jan 2004, p.83]

Just try getting Rhama to climb up a wall, and watch the camera flail around behind you. Puzzles are clever, but that doesn't mean they're fun. Boss battles are repetitive, and at times, insanely drawn out. [Sept 2004, p.74]

Confuses more than entertains. [Dec 2001]

Despite its cleverly conceived features and options, the actual execution is missing something. [Dec 2002, p.98]

The heart of Crime's problems: the driving is OK, but the shooting interface manages to be worse than "GTA's"... You'll spend more time in L.A. frustrated than having fun. [Jan 2004, p.64]

There's a strange delay as characters to from one move to another, and matches with more than two AI opponents can take as much as half an hour because of constant interference. [Dec 2003, p.120]

If Midway's goal was to make a first-person shooter that was as deep as the lightgun blast-'em-up arcade game of the same moniker, it's succeeded admirably. The problem is, this is 2005, and the simple run-and-gun FPS went the way of the crop circle about six years ago. [Apr 2005, p.78]

The phrase "style over substance" comes to mind, which is a shame...Men of Valor adds up to not much more than a run-of-the-mill police action. [Dec 2004, p.68]

Bunny + Weasel is a whip-smart idea. Too bad the joke gets old fast. [Jan 2004, p.74]

If Syberia II has a serious flaw, it's that controlling Kate requires finesse. [Dec 2004, p.98]

A decent "Max Payne" clone whose gimmicky kills eventually wear off and yield to the mediocre gameplay. They're on the right track, though. [Feb 2005, p.81]

Even though none of the missions are worthy of the term "challenging," Ty 2 is a vanilla alternative to bazooka-toting commandos and is good fun for kids. [Dec 2004, p.74]

This Frankenstein-like "FF meets LOTR" formula ends up satisfying no one. [Holiday 2004, p.70]

Just because you can cut a worm in half to get two new ones doesn't mean you actually should. [Apr 2005, p.81]

Casting and reeling are both saddled with overly sensitive controls and there's little instruction as to how to work each lure type. With an unimpresive graphics engine, this one is a candidate to be tossed back. [Oct 2004, p.74]

The franchise is clearly in need of an overhaul to address those core gameplay frustrations. [June 2005, p.76]