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Feb 27, 2006

Namco Museum 50th Anniversary

Xbox Review

Unlike this month's Sega Classics, this is a collection of retro superstars that haven't been messed around with - and it's all the better for it. At least for authenticities sake. Each of these games is an '80s classic - something that's demonstrated by the juddery carousel of arcade cabs that make up the game's rudimentary game selection screen - all accompanied by a never ending playlist of '80s tunes. The game's compilation itself is, as usual, something of a mixed bag. There are 16 games ...
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Oct 9, 2006

NASCAR 07

Xbox Review

The latest game featuring the fine art of turning left isn't remarkably different from its improvements-packed predecessor, though it does have a few small additions. Most of the modes and features from NASCAR 06: Total Team Control return in NASCAR 07: online racing, Fight to the Top mode, team controls, voice command recognition, rivals, car swapping with teammates and driver attributes that affect overall performance. The minigames have been replaced with challenges based on real racing ...
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Jun 22, 2007

NBA 2K6

Xbox Review

Games have been progressing to the point where they are nearly photo-realistic. Now that consoles can re-create pro players in dynamic digital detail, animating those on-screen pros fluidly and realistically becomes equally important. The most convincing graphics in the world won't suspend your disbelief for very long if the polygonal players move like mere action figures. Clearly, the designers behind NBA 2K6 realized this too, because the animations in the latest NBA 2K series entry are ...
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Oct 9, 2006

NBA 2K7

Xbox Review

The saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." We're pretty sure that's the attitude of the folks at 2K Sports this year, at least when it comes to their current-gen hoops title NBA 2K7. While some of the ancillary modes are expanded, and the online options shine brightly, the on-court gameplay remains virtually unchanged from last year. That's not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but gamers may have reason to pause when they mull over their decision to re-up for another year on the ...
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Apr 6, 2006

NBA Ballers: Phenom

Xbox Review

NBA Ballers: Phenom is filled with furiously paced, arcade-style street hoops and a scathing disrespect for gravity. Stunt dribbling and "off the heezy" passing are the cornerstones of the game. Combo chains followed by quick buckets result in style points and tournament wins for the budding baller. Phenom goes one step beyond the tried-and-true streetball formula by introducing several RPG elements into the mix, but most of the new additions are awkward and unsatisfying. At the outset, ...
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Jun 22, 2007

NBA Live 06

Xbox Review

LeBron. Iverson. Shaq. T-Mac. Unlike the college game, the superstars of the NBA unquestionably dominate the action. NBA Live 06 replicates this with its new freestyle superstar moves, further cementing Live as an undeniably fun hoops franchise. The freestyle superstar moves enable the league's best players to perform risky but incredible feats that can turn the tide of a game, just as they do in real life. For instance, playmakers like Steve Nash can zip no-look passes to get teammates an ...
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Sep 27, 2006

NBA Live 07

Xbox Review

There should be a label on the cover of EA's newest NBA sim: "Warning: Degree in Hoopology Required." Out of the box, NBA Live 07 is set firmly to "wanton ass kicker" mode, so casual ballers and basketball junkies alike will need to dive into the guts of the engine's sliders to get the gameplay right. Otherwise, you'll be sure to invent brand new and exciting profanities after missing 10 straight open jumpers. Live wants you to bust out all sorts of the freestyle moves to do just about ...
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Jul 19, 2006

NCAA Football 07

Xbox Review

If your idea of a good time is dancing in a purple wig with your face painted like a bulldog, welcome to NCAA Football. In the latest EA Sports entry to the long-running franchise, NCAA Football 07 actually tries to mimic some of the shenanigans at, say, a Florida Gators game. But, instead of twirling cheerleaders dancing to Jessica Simpson hits in the NFL, you get 35,000 college students getting suspiciously excited about a successful third down conversion. The new Momentum Meter tracks all ...
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Nov 8, 2006

Need for Speed Carbon

Xbox Review

You can be forgiven for cynically thinking "Another year, another Need for Speed." Frankly, that's what we thought when the latest title in the series was announced. After all, the damn good Most Wanted just came out a year ago, so what could Carbon possibly offer so soon afterwards that would get our motors runnin'? It turns out that the answer comes in two parts. First off is the Wingman - not the buddy who'll sit with your hot date's ugly girlfriend at the bar - but a crazy fool who for ...
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Mar 2, 2006

Need For Speed Most Wanted

Xbox Review

You know that saying about pleasing all of the people all of the time, right? Impossible. That's kind of what Need for Speed has faced as it went from a high-end exotic racer to a cop-chase simulator to a tuner's paradise. With every shift, the franchise lost a few passengers who preferred "the way it was." So here's one game with a little bit of everything: the appropriately titled Need for Speed Most Wanted. You want exotics? Slip behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo or a Lotus Elise, ...
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