Could have been a much more adventurously designed PlayStation3 debut for the series. Sadly, Armored Core 4 represents a great opportunity, missed. [Mar 2007, p.106]

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]

This is all about the actual experience and arcade thrill and there’s nothing more exhilarating than flying through a screen of explosions while desperately dodging enemy missiles. [May 2007, p.113]

It bears no relation to the real thing: fine if it’s fun, but unpleasant and frustrating when it’s not. And it’s really not. [June 2007, p.127]

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]

As a 3D take on the old-school run-and-gun genre, the mixture of giant enemy hordes and fully destructible environments is often both exhilarating and deeply satisfying, albeit in a very tongue-in-cheek way. [May 2007, p.114]

With slightly more content and slightly improved visuals, it would have been essential. As it is, if you want a brief and thoroughly entertaining alternative to Banana Blitz, roll with this. [Feb 2007, p.124]

The design of the islands, which seem to have been put together with a random level generator, adds to the sensation that Wing Island is more of a tech demo than a carefully planned game. [Apr 2007, p.119]

A couple of fun mini-games and one intriguing new mode aside, Lost In Blue 2 still doesn’t quite offer enough for those who endured then eventually enjoyed the original. [June 2007, p.117]

You’re essentially playing an endurance test in videogame form. It’s not terrible, but it is horribly annoying. If you’re aware of that before going in you may just love it. [May 2007, p.121]

As we begin to plan our eulogies for a truly superb console, how fitting it is that Sony delivers its final and finest offering. [Apr 2007, p.110]

Rocky Balboa is the second best boxing game on PSP, but then there are only two of them. [Mar 2007, p.102]

Tiger Woods remains the most accessible golf game, but ProStroke is easily the title for those who find a lack of challenge in its competitors. [Oct 2006, p.124]

Isn’t it amazing that a game featuring rappers fighting, and one made by EA no less, can be considered one of the most original games so far this generation? [Apr 2007, p.98]

You cannot earn standard boost with the button held down, so you are constantly having to battle with yourself to lift the finger off the trigger, constantly glancing down at the boost bar, and as a result, constantly snapping yourself out of that glorious Burnout zone. [May 2007, p.110]

It’s the sheer epic nature of the single-player campaign that will leave you craving more. [May 2007, p.104]

Never has an off-road racer felt so compelling, so necessary and so thrilling... The finest arcade racer since "Burnout Revenge." [JPN Import; Feb 2007, p.100]

Perhaps the biggest letdown of all is that Wario’s mischievous side is never allowed to flourish with few opportunities to create havoc in Kaitou Wario The Seven’s sprawling levels. [JPN Import; Apr 2007, p.108]

Occasionally you’ll have to fight in formation, or against an elephant or a slightly bigger Persian soldier, but none are exciting enough to lift the whole experience above its more banal moments. [May 2007, p.115]

It’s tedious to keep referring to this latest F1 release with the words, 'as in previous versions', but unfortunately that’s the generic and clichéd approach that has been taken with the latest in the series. [Mar 2007, p.121]

As a 360 title, average visuals and wretched clipping problems should be an issue, and the slick-at-times physics and ample combat system just can’t make up for it. [Apr 2007, p.120]

The only real stumbling blocks are the mediocrity of the overall experience – something that’s only fully realised once play has ceased – and the repetition that has to be endured. [Mar 2007, p.120]

SSX Blur is a genuine triumph and fits in perfectly with the series. [Apr 2007, p.104]

Don’t come here expecting one of the wonders of the gaming world, just a solid RTS that delivers what it has to and no more than that. [Apr 2007, p.115]

Online mode or not, Virtua Fighter 5 is still the pinnacle of 3D videogame fighting. The engine is flawless, demonstrating the difference each combat style can have on a bout, and allowing for a level of mastery absent in its competition. [Mar 2007, p.100]

Despite the backtracking issues, Secret Rings remains an altogether more satisfying platform game than many of its peers. [Apr 2007, p.116]

It works hard to scratch out a patch of ground to call its own, while reconnecting with the breathless sense of fun that made "GTAIII" so special. This is pure, playground satisfaction. [Mar 2007, p.94]

A brief, nostalgic, slick and endlessly stylish trip down the memory lanes of the NBA’s greats, but not quite the bona fide hoop dream. [May 2007, p.116]

Trioncube manages to remain inoffensive at best and is a title we can add to a growing list of Nintendo DS puzzle games that are enjoyable but far from essential. [Aug 2007, p.125]

Supreme Commander sticks pretty close to the template, and while it will eat up your time, it may not satisfy. [Mar 2007, p.70]

Size Matters never reaches the highs of the home console versions, but as an example of what can be achieved on the PSP with some time, diligence and money, it’s hard to fault. [June 2007, p.115]

There’s a fun story to be experienced here, but it’s constantly halted by the lack of progression. Any notion of pace, suspension of disbelief or immersion is constantly shattered by obtuse puzzling, aimless wandering and wooden, static performances. [Nov 2006, p.104]

Although bundled with a Wii Remote, it's still impossible to recommend Wii Play. Many of the mini-games feel clumsy, and the ones that don't are destined to be short-lived at best. [Christmas 2006, p.136]

Maybe Lunar Knights doesn’t have enough moments you’d really describe as spectacular, but similarly you’ll rarely be playing without a smile on your face. [Apr 2007, p.100]

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]

Given the sports simulations that have decorated 360 so far, there’s an inescapable sense of yearning for what could have been. An evolution is no longer enough. [Dec 2006, p.110]

This being Pro Evo it’s still possible to knock the ball about with reasonable proficiency and score the occasional memorable goal, but if it’s handheld football you’re after, then this is simply not the right console. [Mar 2007, p.110]

Nintendo was keen not to force "Mario Kart DS" in a typically DS direction, so we see no reason why Diddy Kong Racing DS wasn’t treated in the same way. [Apr 2007, p.118]

Though Vanguard is a solid enough title, it’s up to Sony’s marketing department to pull in subscribers and strike the right balance. [Apr 2007, p.122]

A yarn is only as good a s the characters knitting it. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson Level-5 has learned from "Dragon Quest VIII." Progressing the game just to see the characters talking has never felt more fun. [JPN Import; Mar 2006, p.124]

Some will label it contrived, others experimental. We’d call it flawed but engaging and ultimately entertaining irrespective of that. [Mar 2007, p.104]

Thanks in part to an atrocious camera, extremely dislikeable characters and a handful of amazingly frustrating sticking points, all this iteration of Sonic The Hedgehog manages to achieve is a yearning for the old days. [Apr 2007, p.129]

Every single component of this detestable mess is aggravating enough to put you off gaming for life. [Apr 2007, p.102]

There’s a certain atmosphere to the hotel itself, augmented by the three-dimensional exploration and sketch-realistic characters, which creates a sense of actually existing in this mysterious building full of secrets to discover. [Mar 2007, p.118]

With The Burning Crusade, Blizzard has yet again raised the standard by which all MMORPGs will be judged. [Mar 2007, p.112]

Those who scoffed at Phoenix Wright’s endless text conversations and backwards-looking point-and-click mechanics will find nothing to love second time out, but Justice For All wasn’t made for them; it was clearly put together with fans of the previous game in mind. [Jan 2007, p.91]

So a superb solo experience that can be shared with ease is what’s really on offer. Whereas the addition of better multiplayer options would have seen the title become essential, what’s featured is more than enough. [Jan 2007, p.112]

Lost Planet delivers exactly what you’d expect of a quality Capcom title – a challenging, atmospheric, well thought out videogame experience. [Jan 2007, p.86]

Telltale has gained fans, and imbued Sam & Max Episode 2 with a greater depth of story, tougher puzzles and, most importantly, a funnier script. And although it re-uses some of the first episode’s models and locations, the overall experience is more satisfying. [Feb 2007, p.106]

The opportunity to play it all over again, along with the unconventional Metal Slug 6 (in its home debut), makes this collection a joy to play through and exceptional value for money. If only its controls were perfect. [Feb 2007, p.120]

The story isn’t interesting and you’ll often find yourself flying aimlessly through space, waiting for your next set of orders. It may be realistic in relation to the world of Star Trek, but that doesn’t mean it’s fun to play. [Feb 2007, p.107]

It shines brightly for a while but is lacking that extra spark that could have turned it into the cult classic it’s so desperately trying to be. [Mar 2007, p.98]

Fly about, shoot planes, and go home. It’s all you could ask for, and not a lot else. [Apr 2007, p.131]

Super Swing Golf offers the best of both worlds - the fantastical setting for those who loathe real sports, but the physical demands of a game that continually pushes you to improve. [Mar 2007, p.124]

Full Auto 2 is a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience. It’s fun as a pure racer, but include the massive amounts of carnage you must inflict upon your competition and the game ascends to a new level of satisfaction. [Feb 2007, p.121]

This is gaming for the masses; completely undemanding and uninspired, but solid enough to appease the cerebrally challenged. [Jan 2007, p.116]

With its array of improvements and considered removals, Portrait Of Ruin feels like the best Castlevania in an age. Its slick 2D gameplay has been honed to perfection through the last five handheld instalments, leaving every 3D incarnation hanging its head in shame. [Feb 2007, p.110]

It may be light years behind even the original Metal Gear Solid, but as a standalone handheld effort it contains enough character and charisma to see it through...A fun videogame, but certainly not a great Metal gear game. [Feb 2007, p.112]

Anyone already au fait with the Xbox 360 version of Fight Night Round 3 need not invest, but those new to the series or PS3 could do a lot worse than Electronic Arts’ slice of ultra-realistic ultra-violence. [Feb 2007, p.115]

Most notably, the level design in Kirby Mouse Attack is excellent. With three treasure chests to locate in each stage of each world, there is far more complexity here than a simple dash to the far right. In many ways the cavernous level design here is reminiscent of Super Metroid. [Aug 2007, p.112]

It’s hard to dislike a game that displays such breezy charm, and it would be harsh to dismiss Thrillville as a kids’ RollerCoaster Tycoon as it’s streets ahead of much of the licensed tat out there. [Jan 2007, p.100]

Rainbow Six Vegas is a breathtaking return to form after questions over Ubisoft's commitment to the series were raised after Lockdown's release last year. [Christmas 2006, p.124]

For every moment of satisfaction, there's an equal moment of frustration to match it. It's probably just as well for Ubisoft that the novelty of Nintendo's Wii Remote will carry Red Steel as a launch title. [Christmas 2006, p.110]

While some are sure to brand it 'stale', Twilight Princess succeeds in being not only a superb game, but also one that can appeal to both new and seasoned Zelda players at the same time - something we feel time will show to be a very difficult thing to achieve. [Christmas 2006, p.116]

It might show off how well racers on the Wii will work when developers finally do it properly (yes, Ubisoft, we’re looking at you) but even so, there’s just not enough here to warrant the premium price. [Feb 2007, p.104]

In its 'free' state, Wii Sports is a triumph when presenting the abilities of your new console, but in reality, it's an extended victory for the console itself and not praise that should be bestowed upon the game. [Christmas 2006, p.106]

Four-player superhero co-op is as fun as it sounds, but ultimately Alliance is a fanboy’s game and little else. [Apr 2007, p.131]

The lack of any online modes coupled with the still very prevalent frame rate issue means Tony Hawk’s Project 8 is a weaker PS3 game than it is on 360. [Apr 2007, p.131]

Gunpey Revenge is a game you can love. Even when it's testing your patience to the limit. [Christmas 2006, p.126]

You could do far worse than invest in a copy of Sonic Rivals, and a nice foundation has been laid for a sequel to eradicate the cracks present here. [Jan 2007, p.99]

Its nicely cel-shaded characters pull off impressively over-baked attack combos in colourful stages, but it lacks balance and plays with no subtlety. [Mar 2007, p.111]

The Wii Remote is so responsive that you'd notice little difference if you wired electrodes to your cerebellum and played the game through force of will alone. [Christmas 2006, p.136]

The real tragedy of it all though, is the relative simplicity of the formula required for a once-and-for-all cure - less of the Z-axis, more of the Sonic. [Christmas 2006, p.104]

This is a shining example of what can be achieved on Wii when thought and developmental talent combine. While the 360 version will be better for the purists, the sheer exuberance of playing the game on Wii is unmatched. [Feb 2007, p.114]

Treyarch's shooter comfortably outdoes "Resistance" as the best FPS on PS3, a spectacular light show of WWII horror underpinned by a rock-solid engine and tight controls. [Apr 2007, p.130]

The graphics are, of course, poor by next-generation standards, and while that may not affect the stylised universes of Mario and Zelda, it blunts the power of an experience that thrives on realism. [Jan 2007, p.94]

Despite its condescending moments, Downhill Jam remains an impressive extreme racer that’s difficult to not recommend. [Jan 2007, p.114]

The frantic and smooth combat translates to multiplayer far better than the plodding solo campaign, and ultimately save Insomniac’s effort from irrelevance. [Jan 2007, p.96]

An archaic combat engine, pitiful level design, a crushingly dull and unnecessary story and level of galling frustration that reaches and often surpasses even Stuntman for sheer annoyance all add up to the one PS3 launch game nobody should consider for even a second. [Feb 2007, p.122]

Rayman Raving Rabbids is a fun-size Wii title with universal appeal. It can’t be considered a serious gamer’s game by any stretch, though it will make you laugh a lot, and even has some staying power with the multiplayer challenges and extra modes to unlock. [Jan 2007, p.108]

A little perseverance will reap great satisfaction from this polished RTS, and considering there's around 25 hours of gameplay per faction on the campaign missions alone, this is a title that deserves recognition. [Christmas 2006, p.111]

Heartily recommended to anyone yet to spend time in Puma's company. [Sept 2006, p.114]

Despite high quality, Trauma Center: Second Opinion was outdone by itself earlier in the year. The Wii control method, however adequate, can’t live up to what was achieved with the DS game. [Jan 2007, p.90]

It’s a real shame that a game with such promise has to be scored so low because of inefficiencies within the industry, especially if the version that’s on retailers’ shelves is now far tighter than the copy in our possession. [Dec 2006, p.125]

For now, Moto GP is still ahead of the pack. [July 2007, p.127]

This latest title in Creative Assembly's Total War franchise revisits the second game if the series and gives it a new lease of life thanks to a host of tweaks and revisions. [Christmas 2006, p.108]

It retains the proven mechanics and then adds tiny touches that make the old formula even better. [Jan 2007, p.106]

Essentially, what we have here is a further improved and expanded version of Xbox 360’s Ridge Racer 6. And that in itself makes Ridge Racer 7 notable as a great sequel. [Jan 2007, p.109]

Dramatic music, cut-scenes...it's all there. Odd, but strangely brilliant. [Apr 2007, p.131]

Easily the best basketball sim on the market. [Apr 2007, p.131]

In practice, Gundam: Crossfire is barely playable. We blame the game’s frame rate which we reckon must run as low as 10 fps and only as high as what looks like about 20fps. [Jan 2007, p.103]

Anybody who suggests that the volleyball in DOA: Xtreme 2 is a good enough simulation to justify the expense either earns far more money than we do or is simply too proud to admit that animated bosoms float their boat. [Jan 2007, p.110]

Microsoft finally has the kind of property it has always sorely lacked – a game with a truly cross-generational appeal and striking originality. Buy it for the kids, and then don’t let them get near it. [Jan 2007, p.92]

Gears Of War couldn't feel more vital. Some will see the future, some will see the past; we just see a truly great game. [Christmas 2006, p.96]

Every Extend Extra is undeniably an ingenious game, but not easy to recommend for everyone simply due to being so different and very tough. [Nov 2006, p.107]

Yes, it's bigger and more beautiful, but it's ostensibly more of the same; better executed, but unlikely to win many converts. [Christmas 2006, p.120]

Project 8's career mode charts the ascension of your boarder from nobody-about-town to skateboarding royalty, but does it with minimal cut-scenes, plot or Steve-O. In Tony Hawk's Project 8, all that matters is skill. [Christmas 2006, p.132]

The first Hero brought a guitar peripheral to the masses, and for that it was praised. This time, we hope it's the enhancements that sell the product - it truly deserves it. [Christmas 2006, p.112]