Like it or not, the Final Fantasy series has come of age and this new approach to the genre is a breath of fresh air. [JPN Import; June 2006, p.108]

Our worries about monotonous dungeon-crawling have proved unfounded as Obsidian has given this integral part of the game a good shake up, ploughing surprises and intrigue into every dark cave and ancient ruin. [Jan 2007, p.98]

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

If you ignored it before then you were missing out on one of the most enjoyable beat-‘em-ups the genre has. [Nov 2006, p.120]

Monolith underplays ever card in its hand and leaves us with a game of slow-creeping dread and rare maturity. A year is a long time in videogaming, but age has left F.E.A.R.'s impact undiminished. [Christmas 2006, p.114]

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]

Vice City Stories, for all its frustration and lack of genuine originality is a sterling piece of work. If this is Grand Theft Auto III's swansong, then it could not have received a more fitting send-off. [Christmas 2006, p.102]

While it’d be wrong to criticise EA for encouraging a passing game, abhorrent ‘trick stick’ dribbling assistance is far too jerky to be of any use, making all too many games a pretty, but nevertheless staid, midfield slog. [Dec 2006, p.119]

In fact, it will suit many tastes better than Blizzard's epic WOW - and crucially, magically, incredibly, it is still free of subscription fees... Honour this innovative and pioneering franchise with your hard-earned money, and you will not regret it. [Christmas 2006, p.100]

There are better examples of the genre for sure, it's just a shame they're not on any console. We'll say one thing for it - it's miles better than "Final Fantasy XI." But then, that's not saying much, is it? [Christmas 2006, p.130]

Dark Messiah has the uncanny ability to tap into the primeval bloodlust of anyone that devotes more than a few minutes to it. A resounding success. [Dec 2006, p.102]

There’s no visual distinction between what is and isn’t interactive – and the fact that some items are ridiculously small and innocuous brings much gritting of teeth. [Jan 2007, p.102]

It's too easy to get comfortable in the routines Reservoir Dogs offers and as such it feels like going through the motions. [Nov 2006, p.125]

Despite its faults, Heroes makes a decent showcase for PlayStation Portable’s power and does justice to the Medal Of Honor series. [Jan 2007, p.95]

If only as much imagination had been applied to the gameplay as the narrative. [Dec 2006, p.108]

Culture Shock retains the snappy humour of its predecessor, ensuring that long-suffering fans of the detective duo will no doubt love the game as much as the original. [Dec 2006, p.113]

Rockstar’s gift for salty humour and broad characterisation is ideally suited to the playground. Not only is this its finest game outside GTA, it’s arguably the best open-world game since too. [Dec 2006, p.128]

Instead of progressing videogame stealth action, it’s a game gone into hiding – cowering behind a shroud of misguided pseudo-innovation and unbelievable difficulty. [Dec 2006, p.106]

Fails to offer anything fresh. The new elements added to the franchise are shamelessly plundered from other games, and generally not as well executed. [Dec 2006, p.114]

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]

Destroy All Humans! 2's scope should win a few converts, while providing enough originality to sate the fans. [Dec 2006, p.131]

There’s more new content than you’d usually find in a Special Edition. [May 2006, p.128]

Somewhere in Devil Summoner is a brilliant game obscured by a multitude of minor flaws and bizarre design decisions. [May 2007, p.122]

It’s an amazingly in-depth system that rewards skill rather than persistence, and for this reason alone it’s near impossible to recommend God Hand to any but the most hardcore of player or fan of the genre. [Feb 2007, p.108]

Brian De Palma’s film was an indictment of violence and capitalist greed; here they are your primary goal – the developer is relishing in the brutality and profanity and severely missing the point in the process. [Dec 2006, p.123]

We’d find it hard to recommend this due to the dubious controls, but with the game being so fleshed out so well with extras it becomes a decent little package. [Oct 2006, p.128]

While it may be exactly the same as Mercury at heart, there’s enough extra content to make it interesting. [Nov 2006, p.124]

GTR 2 is a serious driver’s utopia and an experience unrivalled by any other PC racing game to date. [Nov 2006, p.118]

Introversion’s best yet – chillingly brilliant. [Nov 2006, p.126]

Avalanche’s greatest achievement is that it has created an open, vehicle-based videogame that does not feel like GTA in any way, shape or form, be it thematically or mechanically. [Nov 2006, p.110]

Paraworld stands perfectly well on its own as a solid, if a little plodding, RTS game with some neat touches, particularly in the selection and development of units. [Nov 2006, p.114]

Unless you despise puzzle games you can't be disappointed as this does what it sets out to do. It's a charming title and a good way to pass some time. [Christmas 2006, p.137]

Is it enough to warrant a purchase should you own 2K7’s predecessor? Probably not. However...NBA 2K7 is still the number one name in basketball. [Dec 2006, p.112]

There’s something oddly noble about Okami. Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke brought the deep forest theme of Japan’s ancient mythology to life in anime movie form, and Atsushi Inaba’s Okami does the same thing in a videogame context...The bottom line: this is a game you can really care about. [July 2006, p.110]

It’s testament to Relic’s experience, expertise and endeavours that it has managed to make Company Of Heroes so distinctive from any other wartime RTS. [Nov 2006, p.100]

It’s rare that a strategy game should possess so many levels of complexity and that they should all be so rewarding...Variety is JTF’s strength and it flows to every corner of the game. [Nov 2006, p.122]

This isn’t the best Mega Man game ever made, but those with the patience to tolerate the game’s flawed attempt to add depth to the series will find an enjoyable shooter underneath. [Aug 2007, p.122]

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]

While purists might complain about his increasingly frequent appearances in non-platform games, most of us can simply enjoy what is a tremendous piece of handheld software. [Nov 2006, p.106]

Test Drive Unlimited is occasionally excellent when racing against humans, yet remarkably pedestrian when simply going for a spin. [Oct 2006, p.116]

Ultimately, Yakuza should be praised for overreaching, rather than criticized for what it doesn’t achieve. It’s rare to see a game so ambitious in terms of story and scope. [Oct 2006, p.112]

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]

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]

A game with enough quality and playability to appeal beyond the boundaries of its subject matter. [Sept 2006, p.122]

As it stands, it’s only eye candy that distinguishes Enchanted Arms from the wealth of tactical RPGs on PS2. [Oct 2006, p.130]

This is a game that’s all about innovation, and this is the only way in which Konami’s dancing games could be bettered. Dance Factory is a superb product that deserves to be noticed, and as such Codemasters should be commended. [Oct 2006, p.115]

Eminently timeless, suitably gorgeous, but unutterably difficult. Everything you want in a retro revamp. [Oct 2006, p.120]

Despite the bright colours, cute simians, jolly music and overarching joyous abandon, Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a tremendously difficult videogame. And phenomenally frustrating to boot. [Aug 2006, p.130]

Multi-player over Xbox Live … is the only reason anyone should consider investing in Bomberman Act:Zero. [Oct 2006, p.132]

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]

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]

Polished, involving and a great deal of fun, but current-gen in all but the smallest details. [Oct 2006, p.126]

It’s intuitive to the extent that you’ll quickly stop looking at the touch screen and instead play from instinct. It feels perfect. [Oct 2006, p.114]

Dirge is an ugly, cynical and tiresome videogame, the likes of which the next generation will hopefully eradicate. [June 2006, p.130]

Most of the time Ninety-Nine Nights does look like a game which befits the ‘next-gen’ tag, and yet periodically it embarrasses itself with ‘previous-gen’ foibles. Playing N3 is a frustrating experience. [July 2006, p.124]

Essentially it's the same five minutes of entertainment repeated over and over again and it quickly becomes wearing and repetitious. [Sept 2006, p.118]

Brimming with character, with the power to shock you, make you laugh and send you into a testosterone-fuelled rage I just five minutes, it’s a genuine showcase for the power of 360 and the ingenuity of Capcom. This is next-gen gaming. [Oct 2006, p.108]

An invigorating shot of speed and carnage that tops that of the original, even if it does fall short of the mighty "Burnout." [Aug 2006, p.121]

An invigorating shot of speed and carnage that tops that of the original, even if it does fall short of the mighty "Burnout." [Aug 2006, p.121]

Despite the bright colours, cute simians, jolly music and overarching joyous abandon, Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a tremendously difficult videogame. And phenomenally frustrating to boot. [Aug 2006, p.130]

An invigorating shot of speed and carnage that tops that of the original, even if it does fall short of the mighty "Burnout." [Aug 2006, p.121]

Despite the bright colours, cute simians, jolly music and overarching joyous abandon, Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a tremendously difficult videogame. And phenomenally frustrating to boot. [Aug 2006, p.130]

The conversion is spot on, the graphics, sound and control are superb, and short bursts of the single-player are a joy. It's such a shame, then, that the multi-player is a let down. [Sept 2006, p.108]

Genuinely offers something new to a genre whose form is now long established. [Sept 2006, p.110]

A highly polished action title with a Co-op mode that should provides hours of gameplay after completion. [Sept 2006, p.117]

Blade Dancer is an RPG lacking in character, soul, and most importantly, entertainment. Not recommended. [Oct 2006, p.129]

Prey is a masterpiece of design, but there are a few niggles that slightly mar the overall experience rather than the immediate game. It’s likely that you won’t even notice them until you’ve finished playing and are debating its merits with friends. [Aug 2006, p.106]

Even if Xbox Live does prove Chromehounds’ saviour, there’s no denying that the single-player mode will be relegated to little more than a tactical playground to warm up for the online battle because it’s just a little too one-note, a little too slow, a little too lifeless to truly engage. [Aug 2006, p.112]

Prey is a masterpiece of design, but there are a few niggles that slightly mar the overall experience rather than the immediate game. It’s likely that you won’t even notice them until you’ve finished playing and are debating its merits with friends. [Aug 2006, p.106]

Probably the best console RTS that we’ve ever played in terms of flexibility and control, but it will still prove frustratingly slow and awkward to seasoned PC and Mac users. [Aug 2006, p.116]

It’s unabashedly repetitive, cartoony and not as pretty as many would like, but it’s still the most beautiful journey yet. [Mar 2006, p.96]

Ease of play combines with the game’s slow pace to undermine all Taito’s good intentions. [Aug 2006, p.128]

Micro Machines V4’s only genuine problem is its overbearing similarity to "Mashed," a game that can be bought for a third of the price. [Aug 2006, p.120]

Micro Machines V4’s only genuine problem is its overbearing similarity to "Mashed," a game that can be bought for a third of the price. [Aug 2006, p.120]

There’s an overriding feeling of novelty, however, and as much fun as the game can be, it’s hard to shake the impression that your interest will eventually wane. [Aug 2006, p.131]

Excellently constructed and just addictive enough to encourage players to make it through to the end. In multi-player especially, it’s consistently enjoyable and occasionally compelling, if a little old fashioned. [Aug 2006, p.132]

There are no huge faults here and the key problem is that the series seems happy to potter along without trying too hard - a strategy that is obviously doomed to fail. [July 2005, p.118]

The graphics are surprisingly impressive, movement is smooth and, despite the occasional feeling of repetition, the action is constantly fast-paced and compelling. [June 2006, p.118]

The core of the title has been removed, and, thanks to this, thoughts of extended appeal and any sort of depth soon become void and Point Blank shows itself for the glorified mini-game that it actually is. [Sept 2006, p.121]

The graphics are surprisingly impressive, movement is smooth and, despite the occasional feeling of repetition, the action is constantly fast-paced and compelling. [June 2006, p.118]

It soon becomes clear that not only is this a deep, well-crafted and carefully balanced RTS, brimming with features, but also that the developer is desperately trying to encourage a wider audience than the core strategy crowd. [July 2006, p.114]

This is a satisfyingly realistic and detailed simulation, and if you have the motivation to get accustomed to its ruthlessly realistic controls it will last you a very long time. [July 2006, p.122]

With core mechanics this flawed, no amount of cut-scene-laden story modes, create-a-move editors or unlockable extras will make up for what is a truly putrid videogame. [Aug 2006, p.127]

With core mechanics this flawed, no amount of cut-scene-laden story modes, create-a-move editors or unlockable extras will make up for what is a truly putrid videogame. [Aug 2006, p.127]

Wait for the sequel rather than invest in this slightly dumbed-down version. [Sept 2006, p.120]

The plea of distinction City Life enters ultimately fails due to tactical elements so facile they might as well not exist. [June 2006, p.120]

This is by far the finest Hitman yet. The level design is superb, the enemy AI is decent, and the story is suitably entertaining, which all captures the feeling of being a cold-blooded killer wonderfully. [July 2006, p.120]

This is by far the finest Hitman yet. The level design is superb, the enemy AI is decent, and the story is suitably entertaining, which all captures the feeling of being a cold-blooded killer wonderfully. [July 2006, p.120]

This is by far the finest Hitman yet. The level design is superb, the enemy AI is decent, and the story is suitably entertaining, which all captures the feeling of being a cold-blooded killer wonderfully. [July 2006, p.120]

This is by far the finest Hitman yet. The level design is superb, the enemy AI is decent, and the story is suitably entertaining, which all captures the feeling of being a cold-blooded killer wonderfully. [July 2006, p.120]

There is something oddly reassuring about a game that keeps its horizons narrow to get the job done well... A fun, smart and refreshingly uncomplicated experience. [June 2006, p.112]

There is something oddly reassuring about a game that keeps its horizons narrow to get the job done well... A fun, smart and refreshingly uncomplicated experience. [June 2006, p.112]

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]

If you’ve the patience, Monster Hunter is worth a look – just don’t expect to fall in love with it immediately. [June 2006, p.132]

Field Commander has chosen a good series to emulate, and it emulates it with panache. [Sept 2006, p.130]

Stubbornly quirky, unashamedly inventive, strangely relaxed and only a little bit broken, Steambot Chronicles is a game quite unlike anything else out there at the moment. [Aug 2006, p.122]

There is something oddly reassuring about a game that keeps its horizons narrow to get the job done well... A fun, smart and refreshingly uncomplicated experience. [June 2006, p.112]

Table Tennis really shines as a videogame representation of the long-neglected sport that’s both authentic and extremely fun. [July 2006, p.116]