Psycho aside, it’s hard to be engaged by the narrative, and not only because it’s standard sci-fi fodder. Blatant clues as to the story’s direction mean most players will have pieced together the plot’s deeper mysteries long before they are formerly unveiled. Meanwhile, optional audio logs that dig deeper into the lore can only be played via a static menu screen, necessitating a break from the action to listen to a minute or two of laboured exposition.

If you're unfamiliar with the series then the bombardment of characters and names that will greet you could be a little intimidating, but if you just push the veil of the complex storyline aside, it's simply a good, solid platform game like its predecessor and a fine example of the genre. [Nov 2004, p.121]

No concessions are made for anyone other than diehard real-time strategy fans and it does seem a little unfair that the difficulty is so high. [June 2008, p.117]

For those who haven't played a Tales game before, we'd suggest there are better options out there. [Issue#147, p.118]

Killzone: Liberation has considerable depth that really manages to please. [Dec 2006, p.130]

Though Codemasters' dedication to the many details underneath the simple, blocky exterior, Onrush ends up being much more than just Overwatch for petrolheads. It's an innovative resurrection of the arcade racer. [July 2018, p.76]

Perhaps the most telling criticism of all is that Apocalypse manages to render the sight of an entire city's ongoing death as interminably dull. [Issue#107, p.95]

The evasive gameplay may not be sophisticated, but the original concept will keep you entertained for a few hours, and the sound effects and music provide a real sense of charm. [Nov 2008, p.111]

A rare gem that takes the time to commemorate a tragedy, exploring its human cost in a way that's both meaningful and moving, and relying upon core interactions that are mostly about helping others rather than harming them. [Sept 2014, p.114]

It’s a non-offensive way to while away a few hours digging up the past, but the core gameplay doesn’t hold a candle to the title it’s so fondly remembering. [Nov 2005, p.108]

Half the game it should have been. Whoever came up with the inventive level structuring or spent months mapping LA has every reason to be furious with the lacklustre implementation of their ideas. [Christmas 2003, p.106]

If you’re after a light and engaging time sink, look no further.

A beautiful simulation of wilderness survival. [Issue#192, p.76]

It's doubtful that anyone is hard-hearted enough to not instantly fall in love with the cylindrical, part-watermelon drum dog that acts as your host, and his equally bizarre pals all do a superb job of dancing around in a distracting manner as you attempt to pump out an amazingly complex drum solo. [Oct 2004, p.111]

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.

Solid (if somewhat easy later on) combat mechanics also make up for shortcomings elsewhere, with the stack system presenting some interesting tactical possibilities.

If Telltale can build on these inspired touches while finding a way to shake off its addiction to repetition and recycling, then we may just have a five-star series on our hands. [Nov 2009, p.111]

While #IDARB has an undeniable spark of ingenuity and humour to it, it doesn’t quite have the depth and variety of games of its kind like Super Smash Bros. It’s #IDARB’s simplicity that holds it back, but it is also this quality that makes it so refreshing to pick up and play.

IT does offer a great time, as well as a chuckle now and again. [Issue#162, p.109]

This is a purist RTS with old-school communists values, where there's power in numbers. [Issue#95, p.122]

It needs work in terms of visuals and could do with some more maps and game types, but World Of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition ticks all the boxes that it needs to. Add in the free-to-play aspect and you’re left with a game that’s more than worth a spin – just don’t expect to use your brain too much.

If you're after value, Surge Deluxe delivers: it's pretty, it's cheap and it's a good quick game to play. Just don't expect anything game-changing. [Issue#145, p.115]

It's not that this is a bad game, but to ignore the more important elements of gameplay in order to add more gratuitous elements to the cauldron is unforgivable, and in that sense The Suffering is most similar to Soldier of Fortune II and the like. [June 2004, p.123]

Great concept, solid execution. [Issue#204, p.74]

When you're sat next to someone, playing ARMS in local multiplayer mode (or Ranked, once you finally get it unlocked), is absolutely brilliant. It's as likely to get you screaming at your pals as Mario Kart, but it also possesses the depth and strategic options you associate with the best fighting games. [Issue#189, p.75]

The throwaway fun of the first game is sadly lost due to the prevalence of microtransactions. [Issue#142, p.117]

When only a couple of challenges require you to break the million point barrier, only the weakest players will have trouble acing the game in hours. [Christmas 2005, p.107]

A relaxing, engrossing experience that is bound to attract those who have the mindset and patience. A subtle work of art. [Jan 2007, p.113]

For those who like their shooters feisty rather than thinky, this is the perfect choice. [Issue#115, p.109]

Everything about it feels lovingly crafted. [Issue#168, p.88]

It's possible to sit through the game in one (admittedly long) sitting and this comes dangerously close to ruining the game. Fortunately, with five initial characters to play as and the typical Dark Alliance secrets, you'll still find yourself going back long after the main adventure is finished. [Feb 2004, p.100]

For something light and enjoyable, we would certainly recommend it, but don't expect this one to reach down and really grab a hold of your soul. [Issue#203, p.78]

We've been spoilt over the years, and we simply expected more from Kirby. [Issue#117, p.114]

Maintains most of the fun, but loses some style. [Issue#184, p.78]

Unfortunately, the extras and vehicle customisation can't change the fact that the actual racing feels very average. The tracks seem to be more winding than the last game, which detracts from the feeling of speed, and the handling feels very sloppy when compared to other recent games in the genre. [Christmas 2004, p.117]

Players now react quicker and more like their real-life counterparts when handling the first touch of the ball. And first touches are generally smoother now, with players being able to flick on, trap or kick straight away on receipt. In practice, however, it’s not such a massive advancement and the player movement and control is still fairly sluggish. [Nov 2004, p.121]

Heroes Of Might And Magic V has sufficient appeal to become an entry level into the genre for the mainstream player, at the price of not quite having sufficient subtlety and depth to completely satisfy its natural target audience: the lesser spotted geek. [July 2006, p.128]

As great as it is to watch, it's simply nowhere near as much fun to play, and no amount of whips, snakes and Holy Grails can ever change that. [July 2008, p.116]

Crippled by unavoidable errors. [Issue#91, p.125]

Many of the puzzles are somewhat straightforward in design, and while ensuring players are less likely to hit those infuriating brick walls typically found in the genre's great titles, your input into the proceedings once again tends to feel slightly shallow and less rewarding than before. [Christmas 2003, p.108]

Half the game it should have been. Whoever came up with the inventive level structuring or spent months mapping LA has every reason to be furious with the lacklustre implementation of their ideas. [Christmas 2003, p.106]

The challenge concept gives Retro Game Challenge a sense of longevity and compulsion that's been missing from real-life compilations like Namco Museum, but is not without its own problems. [May 2009, p.116]

In an age when the surviving champions of the genre seem intent on sticking to the template of manic vertical scrollers with ludicrously baroque game design, Soldner-X 2 offers a fairly satisfying alternative: a horizontal scroller with a classic flavour that doesn't feel out of date. [Aug 2010, p.115]

It may all sound a little base, but Black is a game that reminds you that, at your core, you love things that go bang loudly – it's a good feeling to suddenly realise that you're just like everyone else. [Mar 2006, p.104]

Mindless fun and little else. [Nov 2007, p.106]

Most disappointing of all, as hard as it tries (and it sure does try), it's just not funny.

A great use of the Warhammer license. [Issue#175, p.83]

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]

As the greatest and most enjoyable recreation of the sport since the 16-bit era, NHL 06 deserves to sit alongside the likes of "Pro Evo" as a sporting highlight that any gamer can enjoy. [Nov 2005, p.111]

Half the game it should have been. Whoever came up with the inventive level structuring or spent months mapping LA has every reason to be furious with the lacklustre implementation of their ideas. [Christmas 2003, p.106]

Don't rush out and purchase the camera if you don't already have one in your cupboard. [Issue#155, p.127]

Red Alert 3 is full of elements that you’ll be surprised haven’t been used before and plays like the genre always should have yet never has. [Christmas 2008, p.100]

Proof that VR needn't be a solitary experience. [Issue#180, p.46]

There are very real concerns over the game’s staying power, but with six separate difficulty levels as well as a co-op mode both online and offline, how much of a problem this is will depend on the individual. [Jan 2008, p.130]

Oh, and there’s a zombie mode. The idea there is that you shoot things that look like how you feel when playing Infinite Warfare.

A distinctly Japanese curio that will find a moderate audience, but certainly not the console-defining experience the PS Vita is still desperately searching for. [Issue#136, p.104]

Carbon is bigger and prettier than its predecessors, but due to a lack of compelling new features it only feels marginally better. [Christmas 2006, p.128]

The almost endless number of weapon, item and location combinations created by its randomly generated environments means you’ll never quite know what lies ahead, while the quest-led action and multiplayer functionality - particularly online - are compelling enough to keep you hooked for hours. [Apr 2005, p.108]

Second Sight's fair share of nice touches (such as weapons handling and level design) demonstrate terrific attention to detail. It's a shame, then, that these minor good points seem to be offset by the game's failings in several more important areas. [Oct 2004, p.110]

A stylish and satisfying detective adventure. [Issue#198, p.81]

No map allows you to pinpoint a building and tell your men to take cover, so you have to swap from one view to another, suffer losses in the time wasted, and wonder why an army so obsessed with the technology of uplinks is so dire at basic orienteering. [Christmas 2008, p.104]

An adventure you shouldn't miss. [Issue#187, p.81]

Konami has made a concerted effort to make the game more accessible, but by speeding up and simplifying much of the action it risks alienating the fans of the series who are used to the ebb and flow of the real thing. [Christmas 2008, p.113]

It's compelling. It's one of the most gripping short games we've had the pleasure of playing in recent months, it's seven-hour lifespan never outstaying its welcome or diffusing the innate tension or intrigue. [Issue#192, p.73]

A hugely impressive game overall. [Issue#95, p.108]

Played as intended, though – in short, brain-intensive bursts – this is a very challenging and inventive PSP title, worthy of attention. [Apr 2006, p.120]

Even with its overly ambitious new 'Off The Ball' interface the FIFA series is still a long way from capturing the true essence of the beautiful game. [Dec 2003, p.127]

It's not that this is a bad game, but to ignore the more important elements of gameplay in order to add more gratuitous elements to the cauldron is unforgivable, and in that sense The Suffering is most similar to Soldier of Fortune II and the like. [June 2004, p.123]

There's no doubt that this is a fine hockey-management game; the question is, how much fun can a hockey-management game really be? [Aug 2004, p.115]

Make no mistake, even though GP Legend can be a tough nut to crack, the consistency of the track design and handling means this high difficulty level invites rather than discourages another go. [June 2004, p.118]

A refined step forwards, but not a perfect one. [Issue#105, p.83]

A novel idea becomes a bland experience. [Issue#187, p.77]

The problem of a distinct lack of variety persists, of course, and the lack of an arena-based dogfight mode feels a wasted opportunity. [Issue#115, p.108]

Competent, but not wholly compelling. [Issue#194, p.84]

An imperfect cocktail. [Issue#177, p.84]

It might not be the most robust or laugh-out-loud funny game in Twisted Pixel's catalogue but based on entertainment value, ingenuity and the way the game works around Kinect's foibles rather than pushing its luck and falling down, it'd be downright criminal to deny the talented studio those few dollars more.

The new game is stuck in the same artless quandary as far too many annual series updates. [Issue#141, p.113]

One of the most frustrating things about OV is the fact that there's very little feeling of control. But what seems at first to be a truly pathetic attempt at a sports game does take shape (of sorts) once you put some time into learning exactly how it plays. [Nov 2003, p.125]

Far too generic to be considered anything other than average. [Christmas 2005, p.114]

Just be sure not to play before bed time. [Issue#159, p.111]

It's a superb co-op action game in its own right. [Issue#187, p.76]

The games that play out as intended - courtesy of the twists that Relic has brought into the franchise this time around - well, those will stay in your mind as some of the most intense RTS games you'll ever have. [Issue#188, p.74]

What we’re left with is a wonderfully polished sequel that you will enjoy every minute of and then wonder why all you can think about is how it felt to play its predecessor. [Mar 2009, p.112]

The core gameplay is somewhat lacking. ‘But it’s for kids,’ we hear you cry. Maybe so, but even kids - or those who are just young at heart - will no doubt want a challenge that lasts longer than it would take to watch the original trilogy. [May 2005, p.109]

Medieval has just won the series some brand new fans - and we can only tip our hats to EA. [Issue#108, p.118]

Far too generic to be considered anything other than average. [Christmas 2005, p.114]

If you put any value in the game mechanics that have arrived over the last 20 years with a mind to prevent tantrum-inducing frustration, you might want to steer clear.

A tight and empowering boss rush. [Issue#177, p.79]

King Kong is perhaps a redefinition of the cinematic videogame – entirely based on peaks and troughs of excitement, and devoid of any sense of choice. Just like a movie, but interactive. [Christmas 2005, p.98]

More of the same with some nice extra touches that don’t quite fulfil their potential. [Feb 2008, p.118]

When it comes down to flat-out value for money? The 3DS store has plenty of other games to hold your attention. [Issue#139, p.120]

A missed opportunity. [Issue#144, p.102]

It's a gorgeously constructed fusion of puzzling and subtle storytelling with a final stage that hints at the complexity KO_OP might achieve if it ever gets around to making a sequel. [Issue#189, p.79]

A play-for-a-week fad. [Issue#108, p.131]

Sniper Elite makes headshots a grizzly reward that becomes addictive and, because the battle is always weighted against you, filled with air-punching satisfaction every time you make a connection. Bravo. [Nov 2005, p.96]

The battle mechanic is intuitive, but hides a tactical edge. [Nov 2011, p.118]

Its unique Nintendo appeal and our own innate yearning for self-improvement make it a worthwhile little curio. [June 2006, p.117]

Merely an expensive luxury. [Issue#137, p.119]