GameSpot's Month in Review for November 2003

Welcome to GameSpot's Month in Review for November, the last time you'll see us writing in this space in 2003. In this feature, we run down all the reviews we posted over the last month in a concise and easy-to-browse format that will let you see exactly which games made the cut--and which ones didn't--for each major platform. We also bestow our coveted Game of the Month award on the one game for each system that rose to the top of the heap and really tickled our fancy.

The holiday season always brings a simply ludicrous number of game releases with it, and we scrambled during the month of November just to keep up with them all. The last few weeks have been the busiest review period of the year for us, which is why the next few pages are the meatiest ones you're likely to see for a long time. There were so many good games coming out that we actually had some trouble deciding which ones should win on each platform, and you might be surprised by some of the results.

As always, GameSpot Complete members can access our monthly buyers' guide, published in Acrobat format, which lets you print out a handy guide containing all of our reviews for the month (see sidebar). So without further ado, turn the page and check out the games of November 2003.

What do you think of the Month in Review? Have any suggestions for improvements? Want to see something totally different? Drop us a line with your feedback.

Granted, Knights of the Old Republic already won our Game of the Month award when it was released on the Xbox this past summer, but the game is such a broad and deep work of role-playing art that we simply had to honor it again on the PC. The new version features a PC-specific control scheme and some new content to complement the already incredible quest seen in the Xbox version. Developer BioWare has done with KOTOR what George Lucas couldn't with his prequel films--it has taken the Star Wars franchise and breathed interesting, entertaining, and original new life into it.

Check out our other PC reviews in November

Civilization III: Conquests (8.5)
"Between its entertaining and engaging scenarios, the improvements and enhancements to the regular epic game, and the functional multiplayer, it's an excellent expansion pack."

Beyond Good & Evil (8.3)
"While the game feels pretty short, its interesting premise and impressive presentation pick up the slack and make Beyond Good & Evil a game well worth playing."

Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon (8.1)
"Developer Revolution Software really understands the adventure genre and capitalizes on its strengths in Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon."

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (8.0)
"It's a relatively simple action game at heart, but a solid combat system and some extremely intense and cinematic levels make The Return of the King deserving of its name."

The Simpsons: Hit & Run (8.0)
"If you missed out on the console versions of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the PC version ultimately won't disappoint."

Need for Speed Underground (8.0)
"Import racing fans should definitely check out Need for Speed Underground."

FIFA Soccer 2004 (7.8)
"If you're a returning veteran, you may want to weigh the game's new perks against some of its downfalls before you set down your hard-earned cash."

NBA Live 2004 (7.8)
"NBA Live 2004 makes a worthy addition to any basketball fan's collection."

Uru: Ages Beyond Myst (7.8)
"Uru is a very good game with impressive production values, but if it had actually shipped complete with the promised multiplayer, it perhaps could have been much more."

Disciples II: Rise of the Elves (7.6)
"Though fans of Disciples II must be anxious for a true third installment in the series, for now, this is the closest thing they'll get."

Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer (7.6)
"Kelly Slater does the subject matter right by including responsive control, consistently good visuals, and a distinct sense of style."

Dead to Rights (7.2)
"If you're looking for a unique twist on the single-player PC shooter, then Dead to Rights is worth your while."

Pirate Hunter (7.1)
"The addition of linear scenarios doesn't add any depth or detail, but what Pirate Hunter does well is provide a healthy portion of ship combat."

Secret Weapons Over Normandy (6.9)
"Secret Weapons Over Normandy is a decent air combat game that takes a stripped-down, arcade-style approach to the genre."

The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring (6.7)
"War of the Ring is a competent, if lackluster, effort that will probably appeal to Middle-earth fans and casual gamers who haven't played a lot of real-time strategy before."

The Hobbit (6.5)
"The story still stands up, but the game that has been wrapped around it simply cannot keep up its end of the bargain."

XIII (6.4)
"XIII has a unique and potentially interesting premise, but the game doesn't really differentiate itself from the wide array of other first-person shooters on the market."

SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon (6.3)
"You can build any kind of theme park you want--so long as it's SeaWorld--in this budget strategy game that's a bit thin on content."

Redline: Xtreme Air Racing 2 (6.2)
"Though it offers a flock of new planes and courses, Redline: Xtreme Racing 2 otherwise looks the same, feels the same, and sports the same annoying quirks as its precursor."

Battle Engine Aquila (6.1)
"Battle Engine Aquila is an inadequate addition to the mission-based sci-fi sim genre."

Contract J.A.C.K. (5.9)
"Contract J.A.C.K. is merely a mediocre shoot-'em-up that can be finished in four hours."

Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna (5.4)
"Legends is a 15- to 20-hour long expansion that packs more of the same type of dungeon-crawling gameplay from the original--with an emphasis on the"crawling" part."

Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior (4.3)
"Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior has exchanged all of the depth and dynamism of the Games Workshop franchise for a shooter-by-numbers approach."

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."

Traitors Gate 2 (4.0)
"Traitors Gate 2 is a mess of a game that feels more like punishment than fun."

History Channel's Crusades: Quest for Power (2.8)
"Crusades: Quest for Power may bear the logo of The History Channel, but the only thing this half-baked RTS teaches us is a lesson in terrible game design."

The Prince of Persia name has been around longer than a lot of people have been playing games, but even with its considerable pedigree we didn't know what to expect out of this newest installment from creator Jordan Mechner and the new team at Ubisoft Montreal. To be honest, the game blew us away. The Sands of Time features some of the most impressive and stylish production values ever in a game, not to mention radically innovative and accessible game mechanics. It's simply a class act all the way--so good, in fact, that we had to honor it for all three platforms on which it appeared.

Check out our other Xbox reviews in November

Project Gotham Racing 2 (8.7)
"Project Gotham Racing 2 is an excellent game overall, boasting a sheer quantity of features and options with which most other racing games simply cannot compare."

FIFA Soccer 2004 (8.4)
"If you have any interest in the sport whatsoever, you'd be crazy not to give it a try."

ESPN College Hoops (8.4)
"With solid gameplay feel, exceptional customizability, and a deep legacy mode, ESPN College Hoops is easily recommendable to college basketball fans."

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (8.4)
"It's a stunning shooter that's got a bit too much plot and is over too soon, though it's still incredibly intense and, by all means, worth experiencing."

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System (8.3)
"Anyone looking for an intense and rewarding shooter should give Metal Arms a try."

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy (8.2)
"Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a great game that any action adventure fan should not pass up."

Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix (8.2)
"It's the most feature-rich version of Dance Dance Revolution ever."

Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (8.1)
"Jedi Academy is a nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game."

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (8.0)
"It's a relatively simple action game at heart, but a solid combat system and some extremely intense and cinematic levels make The Return of the King deserving of its name."

Need for Speed Underground (7.9)
"Need for Speed Underground is very good. But with just a bit more variety to its tracks and a slightly better career mode, it definitely could have been much better."

Links 2004 (7.7)
"Despite the game's uneven presentation, Links 2004 is still a good choice, especially for Xbox owners to whom online play is of paramount importance."

NCAA March Madness 2004 (7.7)
"While March Madness 2004 does a good job at capturing the feel of college basketball, a general lack of polish keeps it just a little short of greatness."

Crash Nitro Kart (7.5)
"Crash Nitro Kart is the best option to come along in a long while, and it's a totally respectable kart-racing game on its own, regardless of how derivative it may be."

True Crime: Streets of LA (7.2)
"True Crime makes decent attempts at different styles of gameplay, but none of them are particularly well done, and the game's storyline doesn't tie them together in a satisfying way."

Counter-Strike (7.2)
"If you've never experienced Counter-Strike before, this new version of the classic team-based PC shooter may cause you to wonder what, exactly, all the fuss is about."

Magic: The Gathering - Battlegrounds (7.2)
"If you're looking for something a little more strategic to play on Xbox Live, Battlegrounds is a good choice."

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."

Battlestar Galactica (7.1)
"Battlestar Galactica puts forth a far more enjoyable effort than your average licensed game, but unfortunately, there are still many problems to be found within."

Legacy of Kain: Defiance (6.9)
"Legacy of Kain: Defiance has an outstanding premise, but it's ultimately a disappointment."

Secret Weapons Over Normandy (6.9)
"Secret Weapons Over Normandy is a decent air combat game that takes a stripped-down, arcade-style approach to the genre."

NBA Inside Drive 2004 (6.8)
"There are better choices than Inside Drive 2004, unless you're dead-set on having XSN-enabled features."

Whiplash (6.6)
"Humor is the only thing Whiplash seems to really nail, and chuckles alone aren't enough to carry an entire game."

NFL Blitz Pro (6.5)
"NFL Blitz Pro has good qualities but, ultimately, it tries much too hard to be something it isn't."

The Hobbit (6.5)
"The story still stands up, but the game that has been wrapped around it simply cannot keep up its end of the bargain."

Midway Arcade Treasures (6.5)
"Some of the games featured just don't play the way they should, marring an otherwise stellar compilation."

Medal of Honor Rising Sun (6.4)
"The weakness of Rising Sun's gameplay undermines what could have been a much more enjoyable experience."

NHL Rivals 2004 (6.2)
"Even for a first try, NHL Rivals 2004 is a decidedly underwhelming effort."

Maximum Chase (6.0)
"Maximum Chase is a simple, straightforward 10-level driving and shooting game."

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."

Spy Hunter 2 (6.0)
"Spy Hunter 2 is short, unbalanced, and somewhat unattractive."

Spawn: Armageddon (5.8)
"Spawn: Armageddon is a mediocre action game carried only by its license."

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (3.7)
"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines feels like a rushed hack-job of a game, with just barely enough cohesive action to keep it from completely falling apart at the seams."

Drake of the 99 Dragons (1.6)
"To simply call Drake bad would be a major understatement."

The Prince of Persia name has been around longer than a lot of people have been playing games, but even with its considerable pedigree we didn't know what to expect out of this newest installment from creator Jordan Mechner and the new team at Ubisoft Montreal. To be honest, the game blew us away. The Sands of Time features some of the most impressive and stylish production values ever in a game, not to mention radically innovative and accessible game mechanics. It's simply a class act all the way--so good, in fact, that we had to honor it for all three platforms on which it appeared.

Check out our other GameCube reviews in November

FIFA Soccer 2004 (8.4)
"FIFA Soccer 2004 is undoubtedly EA Sports' most realistic soccer game to date and also manages to be both enjoyable and challenging."

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System (8.3)
"Anyone looking for an intense and rewarding shooter should give Metal Arms a try."

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy (8.2)
"Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a great game that any action adventure fan should not pass up."

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (8.0)
"It's a relatively simple action game at heart, but a solid combat system and some extremely intense and cinematic levels make The Return of the King deserving of its name."

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (7.9)
"Despite the fact that it's still essentially the same game as Super Mario Kart, there is no denying the innate quality of the production of Double Dash."

Need for Speed Underground (7.9)
"Need for Speed Underground is very good. But with just a bit more variety to its tracks and a slightly better career mode, it definitely could have been much better."

Go! Go! Hypergrind (7.9)
"Go! Go! Hypergrind is an engaging, if simplistic, skateboarding experience with some legitimately amusing gags and great presentational aspects."

Crash Nitro Kart (7.5)
"Crash Nitro Kart is the best option to come along in a long while, and it's a totally respectable kart-racing game on its own, regardless of how derivative it may be."

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (7.5)
"It's ultimately a pretty basic beat-'em-up, but the strong production values and a solid combat system make for a gratifying experience."

True Crime: Streets of LA (7.2)
"True Crime makes decent attempts at different styles of gameplay, but none of them are particularly well done, and the game's storyline doesn't tie them together in a satisfying way."

Mario Party 5 (6.9)
"Thanks to Hudson's uncanny ability to continue producing simple but enjoyable minigames, the formula still works."

The Hobbit (6.5)
"The story still stands up, but the game that has been wrapped around it simply cannot keep up its end of the bargain."

Medal of Honor Rising Sun (6.4)
"The weakness of Rising Sun's gameplay undermines what could have been a much more enjoyable experience."

Frogger's Adventures: The Rescue (6.3)
"If what you seek is solely some quality Frogger gameplay, and you're willing to forgive the facile story and run-of-the-mill graphics, Frogger's Adventures is certainly worth a look."

The Prince of Persia name has been around longer than a lot of people have been playing games, but even with its considerable pedigree we didn't know what to expect out of this newest installment from creator Jordan Mechner and the new team at Ubisoft Montreal. To be honest, the game blew us away. The Sands of Time features some of the most impressive and stylish production values ever in a game, not to mention radically innovative and accessible game mechanics. It's simply a class act all the way--so good, in fact, that we had to honor it for all three platforms on which it appeared.

Check out our other PS2 reviews in November

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (8.8)
"Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is a great game that will please both fans of the series and newcomers alike."

SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs (8.5)
"With its solid single-player mode and numerous online additions and improvements, SOCOM II easily replaces SOCOM as the console's best online action game."

Manhunt (8.4)
"Manhunt is an audacious game that backs up its extremely violent subject matter with solid stealth action gameplay."

Beyond Good & Evil (8.3)
"While the game feels pretty short, its interesting premise and impressive presentation pick up the slack and make Beyond Good & Evil a game well worth playing."

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy (8.2)
"Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a great game that any action adventure fan should not pass up."

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System (8.2)
"Anyone looking for an intense and rewarding shooter should give Metal Arms a try."

Final Fantasy X-2 (8.1)
"When it's at its best, Final Fantasy X-2 is every bit as poignant, endearing, and engrossing as its forebears."

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (8.0)
"It's a relatively simple action game at heart, but a solid combat system and some extremely intense and cinematic levels make The Return of the King deserving of its name."

ESPN College Hoops (8.0)
"With solid gameplay feel, exceptional customizability, and a deep legacy mode, ESPN College Hoops is easily recommendable to college basketball fans."

Need for Speed Underground (8.0)
"Import racing fans should definitely check out Need for Speed Underground."

NCAA March Madness 2004 (7.7)
"While March Madness 2004 does a good job at capturing the feel of college basketball, a general lack of polish keeps it just a little short of greatness."

Karaoke Revolution (7.5)
"Karaoke Revolution is a cool piece of technology, and it definitely has the potential to be a lot of fun, especially in a crowd setting."

Crash Nitro Kart (7.5)
"Crash Nitro Kart is the best option to come along in a long while, and it's a totally respectable kart-racing game on its own, regardless of how derivative it may be."

I-Ninja (7.5)
"I-Ninja is a short but well-crafted third-person action game with a surprising variety of gameplay."

EyeToy: Play (7.4)
"If you're looking for a game to play when you have friends over, especially friends who have little or no interest in video games, EyeToy: Play is a solid choice."

Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends (7.4)
"For extreme fans of the series, Xtreme Legends is a pretty big value with a solid block of new gameplay."

Monster Rancher 4 (7.4)
"Monster Rancher 4 will please fans of the series, but won't do much for players unfamiliar with the previous games."

True Crime: Streets of LA (7.2)
"True Crime makes decent attempts at different styles of gameplay, but none of them are particularly well done, and the game's storyline doesn't tie them together in a satisfying way."

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."

Battlestar Galactica (7.1)
"Battlestar Galactica puts forth a far more enjoyable effort than your average licensed game, but unfortunately, there are still many problems to be found within."

Legacy of Kain: Defiance (6.9)
"Legacy of Kain: Defiance has an outstanding premise, but it's ultimately a disappointment."

Secret Weapons Over Normandy (6.9)
"Secret Weapons Over Normandy is a decent air combat game that takes a stripped-down, arcade-style approach to the genre."

The Hobbit (6.5)
"The story still stands up, but the game that has been wrapped around it simply cannot keep up its end of the bargain."

Midway Arcade Treasures (6.5)
"Some of the games featured just don't play the way they should, marring an otherwise stellar compilation."

Medal of Honor Rising Sun (6.4)
"The weakness of Rising Sun's gameplay undermines what could have been a much more enjoyable experience."

XIII (6.4)
"XIII has a unique and potentially interesting premise, but the game doesn't really differentiate itself from the wide array of other first-person shooters on the market."

Whiplash (6.4)
"Humor is the only thing Whiplash seems to really nail, and chuckles alone aren't enough to carry an entire game."

Bloody Roar 4 (6.2)
"Bloody Roar 4 is a predictable follow-up to a series that's never aimed particularly high."

Spy Hunter 2 (5.8)
"Spy Hunter 2 is short, unbalanced, and somewhat unattractive."

Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior (5.7)
"Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior has exchanged all of the depth and dynamism of the Games Workshop franchise for a shooter-by-numbers approach."

Spawn: Armageddon (5.6)
"Spawn: Armageddon is a mediocre action game carried only by its license."

BlowOut (5.2)
"Unless you've already played every other game available in this genre, look elsewhere for your gratuitous action needs, as BlowOut doesn't deliver."

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (3.7)
"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines feels like a rushed hack-job of a game, with just barely enough cohesive action to keep it from completely falling apart at the seams."

Fugitive Hunter: War on Terror (3.4)
"Fugitive Hunter's lousy execution makes it impossible to recommend, especially when there are better shooters available on the PS2."

Mario & Luigi is the wildly original "spiritual sequel" to Nintendo's previous Mario role-playing efforts, Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario. The game's bizarre and wonderful story begins when malicious diplomats from the Beanbean Kingdom steal the voice of Princess Peach and replace it with...explosives? The brothers Mario then have to team up with Bowser to go after the Beanbean baddies and set things right. You just have to play it to understand, but trust us, Mario & Luigi is one of the finest RPG experiences on the Game Boy Advance, or any platform, this year.

Check out our other GBA reviews in November

Fire Emblem (8.9)
"Fire Emblem couples a compelling, character-driven epic tale with strategic gameplay that is accessible and still manages to be challenging and satisfying."

Medal of Honor Infiltrator (8.4)
"Medal of Honor Infiltrator is a fun mission-based shoot-'em-up that's similar in style to old-school arcade games like Commando and Frontline."

Double Dragon Advance (8.3)
"Whether you're a longtime arcade beat-'em-up fan or a younger gamer who's new to the genre, Double Dragon Advance is just what you're looking for."

Crash Nitro Kart (7.8)
"Crash Nitro Kart is a cute racing game that improves upon the typical Mario Kart formula in a number of ways."

Onimusha Tactics (6.7)
"While Onimusha Tactics delivers the familiar look and mechanics of other strategy RPGs, it doesn't have the same level of depth."