GameSpot's Month in Review for October 2003

Welcome to GameSpot's Month in Review for October. This feature is made for gamers who've been living under a rock the past four weeks. That is, if you missed out on all of our review action last month, you'll find it wrapped up all "nice and neat" in the next few pages. We also use this space to honor our games of the month, which are chosen by using a lot more criteria than simply the review scores they received. We take everything about the games that came out into account and then recommend one game for each platform that we honestly believe is the best from the last month.

October has been a crazy, crazy month around the GameSpot office, since the flood of games released in time for the holiday shopping season has officially begun in earnest. There were far more games released in October than in the typical month, and we've been scrambling to keep up with them all. Thankfully, with this many games coming out, you know there are going to be at least a few winners in the lot, and you'll see from the scores we gave out last month that there are, in fact, more than a few.

As usual, Complete members can access a printable Adobe Acrobat-formatted guide that includes all of our reviews for the month (see sidebar). So without further ado, turn the page to begin reading one exceptionally large list of reviews for October.

World War II is arguably the most well-represented historical period in all of gaming, which makes the freshness and overall quality of a game like Call of Duty all the more impressive. That developer Infinity Ward has effectively raised the harried frenzy of combat to a new level is an impressive feat in itself. Call of Duty pays respect to the brutality of the greatest war in history with its single-player campaign, and it also contains a solid multiplayer component that will keep gamers active long after they've vanquished the Axis nations. Even in the face of the impressive Max Payne 2, Call of Duty was the most-complete package on the PC in October.

Check out our other PC reviews in October

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 (9.2)
"Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 is quite probably the most entertaining and enjoyable golf game ever released."

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (9.0)
"Max Payne 2 is just a remarkable production, and what it lacks in length or volume it more than makes up for in quality and density."

NHL 2004 (8.8)
"Despite a few glitches, the latest NHL is the finest, and certainly the most challenging, NHL to date."

Railroad Tycoon 3 (8.7)
"Railroad Tycoon III is surprisingly easy to learn for a game of its scope, and it has something for anyone with a fondness for trains or making loads of money--which means just about everyone."

Anarchy Online: Shadowlands (8.5)
"While it's still extremely complicated, Shadowlands adds a tremendous amount of intriguing new content that helps make Anarchy Online much more worthwhile."

Empires: Dawn of the Modern World (8.5)
"As a refinement of the Age of Empires legacy, Empires offers enough that's new to even appeal to those who aren't card-carrying RTS fans."

Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria (8.4)
"Warlords IV is a highly streamlined sequel that shifts the series' focus away from management and diplomacy to surprisingly fast-paced combat."

The Sims: Makin' Magic (8.3)
"While some of Makin' Magic's more-colorful additions seem a bit out of place, this final expansion pack adds plenty of new things for you and your sims to do."

Age of Mythology: The Titans (8.3)
"The Titans is recommendable to any fan of Age of Mythology, particularly those who liked the idea of the game but maybe had trouble getting over the learning curve."

Etherlords II (8.0)
"Etherlords II is easily recommendable not only to anyone with an interest in collectible card games, but also to those who'd like a turn-based strategy game with a twist."

Commandos 3: Destination Berlin (7.9)
"If any game offers the chance to understand just how impossible the heroic events of war movies would be to accomplish, Commandos 3 is it."

American Conquest: Fight Back (7.9)
"The strategy, combat, and even history lessons of American Conquest: Fight Back are excellent."

Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi (7.5)
"It's hard not to be won over by Nosferatu's uncanny atmosphere, especially if you're a horror fan looking for something suitably spooky this close to Halloween."

Chrome (7.4)
"Chrome could have been an excellent shooter if it weren't held back by some noticeable problems."

Hidden & Dangerous 2 (7.3)
"There's a lot of entertainment to be found in this game, but you'll need to wade through a lot of problems to get to it."

Massive Assault (7.3)
"Even though Massive Assault is fairly easy to learn and is very user-friendly, it can be excessively difficult, sometimes putting an end to the fun as soon as it begins."

Law & Order II: Double or Nothing (7.1)
"If you have even a passing interest in Law & Order, you should give Double or Nothing a look."

EverQuest: Lost Dungeons of Norrath (7.1)
"Lost Dungeons is clearly suited for dedicated EverQuest players, but it offers little or nothing to bring new or past players into the fold."

Space Colony (6.7)
"Space Colony is an interesting game but not a truly compelling one."

UFO: Aftermath (6.4)
"Despite some bright spots, UFO: Aftermath isn't a fitting sequel to X-COM, and, on its own merits, it just isn't a good tactical combat simulator."

Once Upon a Knight (5.9)
"Apart from odd attempts at humor that are hard to ignore, the story execution falls flat, the scenarios are tediously scripted, and the skirmish mode is terribly limited."

BloodRayne (5.6)
"Unfortunately, the gameplay in BloodRayne is every bit as derivative as the plot."

Rugby 2004 (4.2)
"Rugby 2004 is by no means authoritative, and it certainly won't convince newbies that the sport makes a worthy computer game."

Paradise Cracked (4.0)
"Tedious gameplay, a plot that veers between goofy and incomprehensible, and an alphabet soup of grammatical errors render Paradise Cracked almost unplayable, let alone enjoyable."

MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch (2.8)
"MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch is a mess from top to bottom."

Crimson Skies is primarily a new killer app for Xbox Live, but in creating this superb online shooter, Microsoft hasn't skimped on the single-player campaign in the slightest. The game presents a cool, alternate-history version of the 1930s in which air-based shipping and, in turn, air pirates are both common. You'll play as Nathan Zachary, a dashing pilot, through a fairly lengthy and involving string of missions. Once you've finished Crimson Skies, you'll get plenty of replay value out of its robust multiplayer components, and future downloadable content should keep the game playable for a long time to come. Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is a solid and complete package that any Xbox owner should be able to appreciate.

Check out our other Xbox reviews in October

Top Spin (9.1)
"Top Spin is, quite simply, the most well-rounded, feature-rich game of tennis to be found anywhere, on any system."

SSX 3 (9.0)
"SSX 3 delivers a rush like few racing games or action sports games have ever achieved."

ESPN NBA Basketball (8.9)
"If you were planning on buying only one basketball game this year, ESPN NBA Basketball is the one to get."

Tony Hawk's Underground (8.7)
"While the classic Tony Hawk gameplay is still fantastic after all this time, the new story mode doesn't make as dramatic of a change as it probably could have."

NHL 2004 (8.6)
"Although NHL 2004 does fall just shy of beating out the competition, any previous fan of EA's NHL series will find very little to complain about in this installment."

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 (8.4)
"The single-player and multiplayer portions of Rainbow Six 3 combine to make this a great game that's easily recommended to Xbox owners looking for a realistic shooter."

Gladius (8.4)
"Some aspects of the game could have used some more polish, but these shouldn't deter anyone who's looking for a deep, involved, great-looking, and memorable RPG from getting Gladius."

NBA Live 2004 (8.3)
"While it will mostly appeal to those who want a game with an arcade slant, NBA Live 2004 makes a worthy addition to any basketball fan's collection."

RoadKill (7.6)
"If you think a game about driving around in a machine-gun-toting car and blowing away anything in your path sounds like fun, then you'll get it out of RoadKill."

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (7.5)
"If you enjoy straightforward, no-nonsense action, Rise of Sin Tzu delivers it in an appealing package and is one of the best 3D beat-'em-up action games you'll find."

Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance (7.1)
"If you can look past some of the game's mechanical shortcomings, you'll likely be pleased with what Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance has to offer."

Amped 2 (7.0)
"If you like the idea of a snowboarding game you can play online, Amped 2 would suitably fit the bill."

kill.switch (6.9)
"This otherwise ordinary-to-a-fault action game is given a shot in the arm by its relatively cool gameplay techniques, which--at least--make the game's short ride interesting."

Conflict Desert Storm II: Back to Baghdad (6.7)
"Conflict: Desert Storm II isn't without problems, but it's decidedly improved over last year's game."

Rogue Ops (6.7)
"If you can get around the weaker aspects of the game, Rogue Ops should be a reasonably entertaining experience for stealth fans looking for their next fix."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (6.5)
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doesn't wear its nostalgic aspects particularly well, and the remaining components simply don't make for a very entertaining experience."

Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo (6.5)
"Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo is a game that could prove entertaining for fans of Nick Park's peculiar pair, but as a 3D platformer, it's simply not that impressive."

Grabbed by the Ghoulies (6.5)
"While Grabbed by the Ghoulies may present itself quite well, the dull gameplay that hides behind the great graphics and sound really hurts the experience."

Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home (4.8)
"Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home is so unpolished that it's far more of a chore than a pleasure to play."

Grooverider Slot Car Thunder (4.0)
"Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder is the very definition of a stripped-down budget title, as practically every aspect that would make a game fun or interesting is missing."

MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch (2.8)
"MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch is a mess from top to bottom."

This game is just about as wacky, Japanese, and unique as it gets. It all starts when average guy Joe's girlfriend is sucked into the movie they're watching, and, of course, Joe heads right into the movie after her. Once there, Joe is granted some really crazy superpowers with which to fight the baddies. Viewtiful Joe uses some truly original gameplay mechanics and has one of the coolest and most unique visual styles you'll find in any game. This game is the breath of fresh air that the GameCube needed, and it's one of the best games to come out in October--not to mention all year.

Check out our other GameCube reviews in October

SSX 3 (9.0)
"SSX 3 delivers a rush like few racing games or action sports games have ever achieved."

Tony Hawk's Underground (8.7)
"While the classic Tony Hawk gameplay is still fantastic after all this time, the new story mode doesn't make as dramatic of a change as it probably could have."

Gladius (8.4)
"Some aspects of the game could have used some more polish, but these shouldn't deter anyone who's looking for a deep, involved, great-looking, and memorable RPG from getting Gladius."

NBA Live 2004 (8.3)
"While it will mostly appeal to those who want a game with an arcade slant, NBA Live 2004 makes a worthy addition to any basketball fan's collection."

Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike (7.8)
"On the whole, Rebel Strike is a very good game that's worthy of the Rogue Squadron name."

RoadKill (7.6)
"If you think a game about driving around in a machine-gun-toting car and blowing away anything in your path sounds like fun, then you'll get it out of RoadKill."

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (6.9)
"It's a game that only a DBZ fan could love, but it's a proficient enough fighting game that others might like it."

Tak and the Power of Juju (6.8)
"Tak and the Power of Juju can serve as a decent platformer, but if you're in the market for one, it shouldn't be your first choice."

Rogue Ops (6.7)
"If you can get around the weaker aspects of the game, Rogue Ops should be a reasonably entertaining experience for stealth fans looking for their next fix."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (6.5)
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doesn't wear its nostalgic aspects particularly well, and the remaining components simply don't make for a very entertaining experience."

Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo (6.5)
"Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo is a game that could prove entertaining for fans of Nick Park's peculiar pair, but as a 3D platformer, it's simply not that impressive."

Drome Racers (5.1)
"Drome Racers probably won't leave you with a very glowing opinion of futuristic racing games or the Lego brand."

Kirby Air Ride (5.1)
"The overly simplified gameplay really holds it back, and overall, it's a game that really can't be recommended to anyone, young or old."

Jak II is a curious game because it takes the whimsical characters and tone of its predecessor, Jak & Daxter, and fuses them with the gritty feel and free-form gameplay of the Grand Theft Auto games. What's most surprising is that developer Naughty Dog has made an exceptionally involved and entertaining game out of this strange mixture. Jak II has a ton of gameplay types in its many missions, from platforming to racing to a form of skateboarding. All of this length and variety, married with stellar production values and an interesting story, add up to a real winner on the PlayStation 2.

Check out our other PlayStation 2 reviews in October

SSX 3 (9.0)
"SSX 3 delivers a rush like few racing games or action sports games have ever achieved."

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (9.0)
"Any fan of previous entries in the SmackDown! series should absolutely not hesitate to give Here Comes the Pain a try, as it is truly the best one yet."

ESPN NBA Basketball (8.9)
"If you were planning on buying only one basketball game this year, ESPN NBA Basketball is the one to get."

NHL 2004 (8.8)
"Although NHL 2004 does fall just shy of beating out the competition, any previous fan of EA's NHL series will find very little to complain about in this installment."

Tony Hawk's Underground (8.7)
"While the classic Tony Hawk gameplay is still fantastic after all this time, the new story mode doesn't make as dramatic of a change as it probably could have."

Gladius (8.4)
"Some aspects of the game could have used some more polish, but these shouldn't deter anyone who's looking for a deep, involved, great-looking, and memorable RPG from getting Gladius."

NBA Live 2004 (8.3)
"While it will mostly appeal to those who want a game with an arcade slant, NBA Live 2004 makes a worthy addition to any basketball fan's collection."

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (7.7)
"Lament is a fun, though fairly short and simple, game that marks a promising new beginning for this beloved series."

Time Crisis 3 (7.6)
"If you've never liked light-gun games, it won't change your mind. But, if you've grown tired of the genre, Time Crisis 3 might just bring you back in."

RoadKill (7.6)
"If you think a game about driving around in a machine-gun-toting car and blowing away anything in your path sounds like fun, then you'll get it out of RoadKill."

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (7.5)
"If you enjoy straightforward, no-nonsense action, Rise of Sin Tzu delivers it in an appealing package and is one of the best 3D beat-'em-up action games you'll find."

Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance (7.1)
"If you can look past some of the game's mechanical shortcomings, you'll likely be pleased with what Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance has to offer."

kill.switch (6.9)
"This otherwise ordinary-to-a-fault action game is given a shot in the arm by its relatively cool gameplay techniques, which--at least--make the game's short ride interesting."

Tak and the Power of Juju (6.8)
"Tak and the Power of Juju can serve as a decent platformer, but if you're in the market for one, it shouldn't be your first choice."

NFL Blitz Pro (6.7)
"NFL Blitz Pro has good qualities, but ultimately, it tries much too hard to be something it isn't."

Conflict Desert Storm II: Back to Baghdad (6.7)
"Conflict: Desert Storm II isn't without problems, but it's decidedly improved over last year's game."

Rogue Ops (6.7)
"If you can get around the weaker aspects of the game, Rogue Ops should be a reasonably entertaining experience for stealth fans looking for their next fix."

Mega Man X7 (6.5)
"When X7 ventures into new territory and starts tinkering with the tried-and-true Mega Man formula, things start to go wrong."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (6.5)
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doesn't wear its nostalgic aspects particularly well, and the remaining components simply don't make for a very entertaining experience."

Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo (6.5)
"Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo is a game that could prove entertaining for fans of Nick Park's peculiar pair, but as a 3D platformer, it's simply not that impressive."

Virtual On Marz (6.3)
"Most people outside of Virtual On's established fan base will have a hard time finding a very satisfying experience in this game's primordial design."

Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown (6.0)
"Diehard fans of the original should find a lot to like about Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown, but if you don't have any such emotional attachment, there are better alternatives."

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (5.3)
"The gameplay doesn't do anything a thousand other identical games haven't done before, and the frustratingly repetitive level and mission designs further solidify Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as a mediocre effort, at best."

Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home (4.8)
"Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home is so unpolished that it's far more of a chore than a pleasure to play."

NBA ShootOut 2004 (4.3)
"A host of problems can be found in almost all facets of the game, so there simply aren't any good reasons to buy it, especially with better alternatives already available."

MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch (2.8)
"MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch is a mess from top to bottom."

Nintendo's been cranking the Super Mario Advance machine since the Game Boy Advance debut. One classic Mario game after another has been given the portable treatment, and now, finally, we've got arguably the best one ever made with Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3. Any gamer worth his or her salt remembers what made SMB3 such an incredible game, and it's all repackaged here in portable form with a graphical update and some weird new content, like e-Reader support, thrown in as well. You can't go wrong with the classics, and Super Mario Bros. 3 is as classic as it gets, making Super Mario Advance 4 an easy pick for our GBA Game of the Month.

Check out our other Game Boy Advance reviews in October

Oddworld: Munch's Oddyssee (4.1)
"Munch's Oddysee for the GBA is as mentally challenging as the console Oddworld games, but it's lacking all of the humor and charm that made them so interesting."

Battlebots: Design & Destroy (4.0)
"Battlebots: Design & Destroy takes one step forward and 10 steps back from its predecessor."