A time-sink that can devour more life than Monster Hunter and Disgaea combined. [Issue#95, p.118]

Puzzle Quest’s battles demand so much and give so much in return that players will find themselves hunting down every optional fight and undertaking each side quest in order to squeeze every last drop of gameplay from this utterly absorbing adventure. [June 2007, p.110]

The new toys fit in seamlessly with what came before, changing the game for the better. [Issue#142, p.110]

There's a ridiculous amount of content here. [Issue#113, p.104]

There are so many standout moments in Sin and Punishment 2 that it would be criminal to describe any more, as they're best experienced first-hand. [Issue#91, p.122]

There's a reason you'll finish it in a day: because you won't be able to tear yourself away.

Ultimately, Sun & Moon feels like one of the first legitimately necessary Pokémon adventures in some time.

The tactical battles are better than ever thanks to an improved engine and significantly smarter enemy AI. You can now take up to 400 units into battle, leading to some impressive large-scale scraps.

With the franchise celebrating its twentieth anniversary, Game Freak has delivered an adventure that pays homage to the very first quest through the Kanto region while still delivering something fun and exciting. Be you an adult or child, Pokémon Sun & Moon is still the ultimate RPG; the surface adventure is wonderful and engaging, but beneath the surface is still a wildly complex body of systems that allow the game to expand and support deep strategic play.

Metanet once described N++ as being a game they hoped would be so refined and so complete that “there’s no need to make another one.” We’re inclined to agree.

It's both a sensory delight and a genuinely brilliant score attack game.. not a combo many games can claim to pull off to this high standard. [Issue#113, p.111]

Refined combat, excellent creature and world design and frequent shout-outs to series highlights make this, in many ways, the best of the lot.

Atlus believed that it could push the series that little bit further, however, and discover something special within the Etrian Odyssey formula. In The Drowned City, it has found it. [Christmas 2010, p.122]

A lot like difficult classics like Mega Man or Ghouls 'N Ghosts in that the trials themselves are half the fun. [Issue#108, p.127]

The highest compliment that you can pay Creative Assembly’s uncompromising, nerve-plucking and lengthy entry in the Alien canon is that even without any prior knowledge of its source material, Alien: Isolation is superb.

Xbox gamers have been granted superior versions of two of the best mainstream games of this generation. [Christmas 2003, p.124]

Battlefield 2 represents a far better understanding of what war actually entails; an effort to put the player in the heart of a battle where advancement is more strategic than just running around looking for a target. [Aug 2005, p.90]

Builds on last year's game and impresses again. [Issue#192, p.80]

An incredibly in-depth RPG that should result in no two players having a similar run-through. [Issue#156, p.122]

Sports Interactive made the hardest job in football better than ever. [Issue#142, p.120]

There’s an obvious luxury to riffing on a masterpiece that other games simply can’t enjoy, but that doesn’t make the choice to blow the city wide-open any less brave. [Apr 2009, p.110]

There's little to take away from the fact that GT5 is a full, accomplished and insanely deep racing sim of the highest calibre. [Issue#104, p.104]

After a rocky couple of years for rhythm-action, in which Guitar Hero came to an end and Rock Band 3 failed to repeat the retail success of its predecessors, it's fantastic to see Harmonix back on top with a game that reinvigorates the genre in new and interesting ways. But, more than that, it's just great to have an extremely playable reason to return to some old favourite songs.

Everyday Shooter has personality, but it has one more thing besides, something all but lost to the chilly technicalities of modern gaming. Soul. [Feb 2008, p.133]

You could argue that the crashes don't match the drama of the chase, the camera angles often failing to relay the complete destruction of your vehicle. The handling might feel a little too forced towards the arcade side of things and perhaps some players will feel that they've played this game already thanks to the many hours they put into Burnout Paradise. But there's no denying that Criterion is the master of its craft, and Most Wanted is its biggest and best effort yet.

This game is a victory for the FMV, for mobile/PC games, and for the concept of interactive narrative as a whole.

So good that the old adage of "quality, not quantity" has never felt more appropriate. [Issue#91, p.111]

Spellbinding, dramatic and absolutely epic in both the world it paints and the story it tells, Zelda: Skyward Sword is a hugely important event for the Wii, for Nintendo, and for anyone with even a passing love for the venerable series it celebrates.

Bungie has managed to whittle away many of the elements we felt uncomfortable with in the original game (specifically some dull level design and unappealing multiplayer), as well as adding enough polish to make Halo 2's gameplay shine... As a sequel that's good enough to convert even those who didn't enjoy the original title, we doubt anyone could have asked for anything more. [Christmas 2004, p.122]

A near-perfect action game, then, and a irrefutable reason to own a Wii U.

With Sony so laser-focused on the multiplayer component since Ascension was announced, we were understandably worried that the single-player side of things may end up a rote retread of old ground. But we’ve never been so happy to be proven wrong, and from its gorgeous visual and evolved combat to its lavish presentation and tight pacing, this is arguably the best God Of War yet.

Super Mario 3D World might not be a “game changer” like Super Mario 64, but it’ll always be remembered as the one that let the cats out.

This is an intimidating prospect for the casual PS2 gamer, but a worthwhile purchase for anyone who derived any pleasure from any tactical RPG on any platform. [Oct 2006, p.122]

Both a great racer and a great sandbox. [Issue#206, p.74]

It doesn’t move at the breakneck pace of most games nowadays, nor does it ever seem particularly concerned to address some of the plot points or character gaps it leaves dangling, but those that take the chance on the full Quantum Break experience (episodes and all) will find a quirky and unique experience waiting that you just won’t see replicated anywhere else.

These additional modes are a lot of fun, providing as they do bite-size portions of Pikmin action that you can enjoy with a friend, and definitely give you a reason to keep coming back to the game. But honestly, the campaign has so many nooks and crannies to explore and hidden fruit and data files to find that once you’ve reached the end of the story you’ll want to jump back in straight away.

With the addition of artifact weapons – which are intended to last all expansion pack and can barely reach a third of their ultimate power by the end of the expac’s content – it could be that Blizzard has released and set up to produce what may well go down in history as World Of Warcraft‘s best expansion pack yet.

We can only hope that the team at Infinity Ward has the humility to learn from and implement the features Treyarch has introduced here when it comes to the next Call Of Duty, particularly with regards to multiplayer. [Christmas 2010, p.84]

An esports-ready success needing a sizeable audience. [July 2018, p.81]

Anyone looking for a traditional Rock Band experience has the definitive one before them, packaged here with an optional and extensive set of educational devices that offer further reading for anyone who feels their virtual musicianship is ready to blossom and evolve into the real deal. [Christmas 2010, p.88]

In the most flattering sense, Ratchet & Clank plays like a PS2 platformer: brisk, nimble, self-contained, but visually it’s up there with the best on the PS4; Insomniac has united two very different eras in videogame making.

An exceptional game that will remain a pleasure even when the graphics begin to spoil. [Chrismas 2007, p.112]

Intelligent Systems has come good for Advance Wars fans and made its latest title arguably the best reason to own a DS so far. [Sept 2005, p.98]

It's a crazed urgency that you'll embrace until completion, threading your way round Polytron's crazily idiosyncratic open-world masterpiece until every corner has been reached and, more importantly, understood.

A picture-perfect playground designed to engender pure love in those willing to lose themselves within it. [Christmas 2011, p.90]

This is one of the most ambitious, fun, and stimulating pieces of software for the last decade and, frankly, what does it matter whether its 100 percent videogame or not. [Nov 2008, p.94]

One of the most refreshing and damn near-essential games of the year, and an inspirational figurehead for independent developers everywhere. [Dec 2006, p.122]

Clear Sky chiefly succeeds because it transforms grim fantasy into a startlingly real-world experience. [Oct 2008, p.108]

Visually stunning, mechanically incredible and impossible to put down, Hot Pursuit is, quite frankly, the game we've always wanted Need For Speed to be. [Christmas 2010, p.103]

A fine example of how great forethought and a less than tepid attitude towards taking risks pay dividends in the hands of real gamers. It is nothing short of extraordinary, though perhaps a couple of years on from Demon's Souls, it is also less surprising.

Arkham City handles its side-stories gloriously. [Christmas 2011, p.102]

The majority of criticisms will be leveled at the new co-op element, but as we’ve already mentioned, neither control nor AI can ultimately mar such an intense and relentless action experience. [Apr 2009, p.98]

A near-constant flow of hardcore platforming, visual gags and references that span indie and retro gaming's rich histories makes Super Meat Boy a tireless entertainer. [Christmas 2010, p.119]

A stunning interactive storytelling experience. [Issue#190, p.76]

It's very slick, enormous fun, continually dynamic, and more than any other MMO it brings the genre closer to the ideal of a fantasy world filled with hundreds of players in which just about anyone can lose themselves. That sentiment, as much as anything else, makes it well worth playing.

The best thing on PSP by some way, LocoRoco is pure fun on a little silver disc. Destined for cult status – buy it now, before everyone else tells you to. [Aug 2006, p.110]

It’s wonderful, evil, gorgeous, horrible, satisfying and merciless. You might hate its lack of checkpoints, or bad levels spawns that almost instantly kill you. It doesn’t care. Screw you. It hates you. But you’ll love it.

Inside is a rarity, both in terms of its ambitions and its construction.

Beautiful, feature-packed and brimming with creative remedies for the ails of a stagnating genre, that NOA should overlook such a shining example of what a JRPG can be paints a very different company to the Nintendo that went out at E3 with a call to arms for the hardcore.

Combat is razor-sharp and stuffed with combo potential, just as you'd expect from a Devil May Cry game.

Such ambition hasn’t been seen on the PC in God knows how long and Atari has landed itself an absolute classic here. A must-have - no questions asked. [July 2005, p.100]

Remakes and IP revivals may be raking in the big bucks at the moment, but this artistically unique original is the game that really deserves your love and respect. [Nov 2009, p.106]

A near-perfect distillation of gaming excellence. [Issue#190, p.80]

The sequel to one of this generation's biggest disappointments has emerged as a strong contender for game of the year, and if you didn't see that coming, don't worry - neither did we. [Christmas 2009, p.122]

Ultimately Cities: Skylines has provided exactly what players wanted from SimCity 2013, and that ought to be all it takes to convince would-be city planners.

Patience is still a virtue, and fans of mindless action titles should still give Splinter Cell a wide berth. Unless you're partial to a little online gaming, that is. Put simply, Pandora Tommorrow's multiplayer takes your breath away. [Apr 2004, p.108]

The variety keeps you in the game and that, in time, enables you to master the feel and potential of the cars on offer. Best of all, improving is enjoyable - you never feel as though you're playing simply to get better. You can't ask for more from a racer than that. [Issue#189, p.76]

Revelator makes a rock-solid case for consideration as the best fighter of this generation so far. [Issue#177, p.85]

To put it bluntly, if you own and loved SFIV, then SSFIV is as important to your mental wellbeing as the oxygen in our atmosphere. This is the ultimate love letter from Capcom, and the perfect fuel to keep the Street Fighter passion alight. [Issue#95, p.114]

For the first time in the series’ beleaguered overseas history, the game is going to hook westerners long enough to draw them in past the insane difficulty and into one of the most rewarding, player-loving games of the last decade. [JPN Import; Feb 2005, p.86]

Gone Home is the kind of work that will impress people who write off the medium because of the prevalence of guns in commercial titles. Its potential wider significance aside, however, the Greenbriars’ story is unforgettable.

It does as much as "Final Fantasy XII" to inspire hope that RPG developers are now beginning to look forward. In this instance, looking ahead results in a slightly more linear experience than some hardened role-playing game fans may appreciate. [Feb 2007, p.116]

A groundbreaking moment for the future of virtual football. [Nov 2011, p.102]

A time-sink that can devour more life than Monster Hunter and Disgaea combined. [Issue#95, p.118]

The sense of awe that you feel when freed from the opening act’s claustrophobic tunnels is as tangible as it ever was, and the century of hours that follow are about as compelling as an action role-playing game can possibly get. [Apr 2007, p.128]

Faster, slicker, with countless new animations and creative possibilities: Winning Eleven 10 has made its predecessor feel robotic, stiff and altogether redundant. [July 2006, p.133]

Patience is still a virtue, and fans of mindless action titles should still give Splinter Cell a wide berth. Unless you're partial to a little online gaming, that is. Put simply, Pandora Tommorrow's multiplayer takes your breath away. [Apr 2004, p.108]

The best and most human FM to date. [Issue#195, p.77]

The best episodic game out there right now. [Issue#168, p.94]

A rock-solid success on all fronts. [Issue#189, p.83]

Legends is essentially a Burnout’s greatest hits; a best-of compilation of past glories, while the new album Revenge moves the series in a different direction. [Nov 2005, p.102]

As beautiful as it is barbaric, and as technical as the player wants it to be. [Issue#107, p.90]

Sony leaves the gamer lost in one of the most immersive, reality-grounded worlds we can remember. And that’s taking into account the amount of otherworldly hokum on display. [June 2005, p.118]

Brimming with intelligent game design. [Issue#137, p.121]

From start to finish, Resident Evil 4 exudes class and polish. Capcom has seemingly stopped at nothing in the crafting of every aspect of the presentation, from overall feel to a staggering attention to detail, and the result is not only one of the most beautiful GameCube games to date but one of the best-looking titles of this generation. [March 2005, p.92]

The new perspective works well, injecting some much-needed action into the genre without sacrificing tactical choice. In fact, the switch actually creates more choices if anything. [Dec 2008, p.102]

All the style and playability of the first Prime title is here, while the new weapons, suits and combat system provide enough of a new experience to enjoy it all over again. Fair enough, it doesn't evoke the same reaction this time around... but that doesn't prevent it from being a damn fine game that should be played by all. [Christmas 2004, p.92]

Next Level has found a way to return gamers to the world of Luigi’s Mansion in a way that manages to retain its predecessor’s charm, one that doesn’t take the technical and mechanical aspects for granted. More perfectly than they could have hoped, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon fully executes Nintendo’s original vision.

EA has given birth to a franchise that simply demands to be played and replayed, and a game that makes the still-excellent Tony Hawk’s near redundant. The king is dead. Long live the king. [Nov 2007, p.102]

After all those years of lamentation, the gamers, who truly remember finally get their dose of neat virtual snowboarding. Meanwhile, the series' newcomers will finally get why there was this legend status of "winter Tony Hawk" in the olden days - in a few hours of playing they are going to spread those legends too.

This relatively minor annoyance aside, everything else about Xenoblade Chronicles 3D remains as incredible as when it originally came to the Wii.

Frankly, we could play Stacking for 20 hours, and it's just a shame we can't. [Issue#107, p.110]

A modern action epic that feels like a classic.

With The Coaltion at the reins Gears is in safe hands, and we're genuinely intrigued to see what happens next. [Issue#257, p.64]

It re-affirms that, when executed with care, games from the days before Nintendo Wii can benefit from being adapted for the remote. [Aug 2007, p.120]

A refinement of what has gone before, and what has gone before still stands as one of the finest exercises in strategic entertainment available. [Apr 2009, p.108]

Broadly speaking, this is the same game we've played before on PS2, but the addition of fresh personae and social links, and the sheer range of activities available at any one time did much to dissipate our expected fatigue.

With multiple endings based on how you choose to play out your run, set pieces that can play out very differently based on your actions and so many incredible moments that we’d love to share but daren’t do so for risk of spoiling anything, Undertale is easily one of the indie standouts of last year.