WinBack: Covert Operations Critic Reviews

Despite its averageness, WinBack: CO is fun, satisfying stealth/action fare. If it were the only game you had, it’d be great.

The new multi-player options and superb gameplay could actually keep you playing until MGS 2 in October. I've played precious few PS2 titles that are better, and Winback is certainly one of those games that will seem impossible to put down.

This is a pretty good cake, albeit of a flavor you've probably never tried...I'd put Winback ahead of "X-Squad," on the strength of its better-thought-out gameplay and far longer mission (not to mention the replay value all the multiplayer modes add).

Once mastered, the inventive gameplay mechanics have a way of becoming addictive, and the no-frills graphics get the job done.

While the control system is straightforward to pick up, it can also be ultimately frustrating - in fact, annoying enough to take a sparkle off the otherwise solid and enjoyable gameplay.

An above average effort on the PS2. Basically an enhanced port of the N64 sleeper.

There is a feeling of tension derived from negotiating through the bee's nest of enemies, regardless of how stupid the AI may be at times or how bad the voice acting.

Sheesh, this clunker might as well be subtitled "Interactive Espionage Game Design Basics for Dummies." How retailers can live with such rubbish polluting their shelves isn't apparent.

Compared with the sights/sounds/gameplay of "MGS2", the technical flaws that were present on the N64 version (and haven't been fixed in this PS2 port) stand-out like a sore thumb on Roger Ebert's hand (there's a lovely image for you!).

Neat gameplay is marred by a tough camera system and the lack of interesting toys is a letdown, but the game is a solid appetizer for another certain espionage game that's on the way.

The controls are incredibly stiff, the locales are boring and rectangular, and the enemies will stand stock still until you shoot them.