When accurately describing videogames, we tend to use the word ‘dross’ rarely, but this particular X-Men title has forced the word from us in a spectacular fashion. [July 2006, p.130]

When accurately describing videogames, we tend to use the word 'dross' rarely, but this particular X-Men title has forced the word from us in a spectacular fashion. [July 2006, p.130]

When accurately describing videogames, we tend to use the word 'dross' rarely, but this particular X-Men title has forced the word from us in a spectacular fashion. [July 2006, p.130]

It is a fantastic package, no doubt. Despite the single-player’s unfortunate lack of length, and the ease with which many will speed through it, New Super Mario Bros. is everything one could want from a return to 2D Mario. [July 2006, p.118]

NBA Ballers: Rebound is difficult to actually fault – unless you plan to play for more than 30 minutes. [May 2006, p.120]

While some may argue that Factions is ‘more of the same’ and nothing greater than a hefty expansion, the sheer amount of fresh content easily makes the title a worthy purchase. [Aug 2006, p.124]

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]

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]

Its presentation and entirely un-engaging story let it down, but the game itself is very much worth playing after those suffocating first few hours. [June 2006, p.127]

The traditional Guilty Gear gameplay just doesn’t translate that well to the arena style of play: most of the moves would be better suited to a straight one-on-one fight. [Nov 2007, p.120]

Definitely worth a look, but for anyone familiar with the rest of Nippon Ichi's output, Atelier Iris 2 will dazzle and at times almost insult with its simplicity. [Sept 2006, p.124]

As good as The Belkan War is, it’s nothing but more of the same. [Oct 2006, p.125]

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]

Wait for Pro Evo 6 if you can, and in the meantime be happy with FIFA 06 if you really must play EA’s sim. [June 2006, p.122]

Enjoyed for what it is, this is bold and compelling – it draws from the traditional and the contemporary to deliver a uniquely modern and elegantly told adventure. [July 2006, p.131]

Enjoyed for what it is, this is bold and compelling – it draws from the traditional and the contemporary to deliver a uniquely modern and elegantly told adventure. [July 2006, p.131]

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

With drab visuals, lifeless towns, frequent performance problems and little sign of an enthusiastic player community – the chat channels are very quiet – Auto Assault feels like a game where the key is in the ignition but no one’s quite got around to turning it. [July 2006, p.134]

Legend is the best Tomb Raider game that has yet been made. Despite the game’s few grating problems, that’s quite an accolade. [May 2006, p.102]

Legend is the best Tomb Raider game that has yet been made. Despite the game’s few grating problems, that’s quite an accolade. [May 2006, p.102]

Legend is the best Tomb Raider game that has yet been made. Despite the game’s few grating problems, that’s quite an accolade. [May 2006, p.102]

Legend is the best Tomb Raider game that has yet been made. Despite the game's few grating problems, that's quite an accolade. [May 2006, p.102]

We can only come to one conclusion here: Odama really isn't any fun to play. At all. [May 2006, p.122]

The game is so immensely frustrating and linear that moments of fun are few and far between. [Apr 2006, p.124]

The game is so immensely frustrating and linear that moments of fun are few and far between. [Apr 2006, p.124]

Regardless of the fact that the game doesn’t quite replicate the sheer precariousness of hurtling down a track at breakneck speed to the degree it should, the refreshing risk/reward balance merits the perseverance of anyone willing to give it a go. [May 2006, p.108]

The game is so immensely frustrating and linear that moments of fun are few and far between. [Apr 2006, p.124]

Risk shots aside, though, this is a near perfect tennis game, making it even more of a shame that they’re so imperfectly implemented. [May 2006, p.110]

Square Enix has created a great title in its own right, made better by the inclusion of some of the most memorable and popular faces from the world of entertainment. [Mar 2006, p.110]

A cerebral and unusual war game with issues that don’t, in the end, detract from its effectiveness. [Apr 2006, p.122]

A cerebral and unusual war game with issues that don’t, in the end, detract from its effectiveness. [Apr 2006, p.122]

Don’t be fooled into thinking this adventure makes any kind of departure from the model arrangement of any of the series. [June 2006, p.116]

There are worse wrestling games out there. At least Rumble Roses is solid, if you can put up with its general silliness. [June 2006, p.114]

Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires would be less annoying if we hadn’t played it about eight times before. [July 2006, p.132]

The repetitive nature of the majority of missions soon takes its toll, and the primary motivation for progressing soon becomes the desire to see how nice the next level looks, not the love of playing the game. [Apr 2006, p.110]

A cerebral and unusual war game with issues that don't, in the end, detract from its effectiveness. [Apr 2006, p.122]

It's definitely the best home-console game in the series, and the extra depth and involvement that it brings to the table will be irresistible to Harvest Moon fans. [July 2006, p.126]

The repetitive nature of the majority of missions soon takes its toll, and the primary motivation for progressing soon becomes the desire to see how nice the next level looks, not the love of playing the game. [Apr 2006, p.110]

The repetitive nature of the majority of missions soon takes its toll, and the primary motivation for progressing soon becomes the desire to see how nice the next level looks, not the love of playing the game. [Apr 2006, p.110]

EA has turned it into a story about gain. Whereas the motive of violence was once to illustrate Michael’s downward spiral, here it is merely a tool with which to boost your bank balance. [May 2006, p.118]

EA has turned it into a story about gain. Whereas the motive of violence was once to illustrate Michael’s downward spiral, here it is merely a tool with which to boost your bank balance. [May 2006, p.118]

A great Suikoden game, then, but only a fair role-playing game by today's standards. [Sept 2006, p.128]

That it’s the same game as before – albeit with new levels – isn’t that important; that you can take it with you wherever you go and enjoy it at virtually any time is. [JPN Import; Mar 2006, p.108]

It isn’t the PSP debut we had hoped for. With a short lifespan and old missions, let’s hope this is the beginning of the end for what has been a strong franchise. [Apr 2006, p.114]

It’s more the subtle touches that make the game what it is, a combination of something just that little bit different and a typical Kojima game. [June 2006, p.126]

EA has turned it into a story about gain. Whereas the motive of violence was once to illustrate Michael's downward spiral, here it is merely a tool with which to boost your bank balance. [May 2006, p.118]

It's heavily steeped in RPG tradition, however, its appeal stretches far beyond the hardcore RPG demographic thanks to its ease of play, boundless ambition and focused attention to detail. [May 2006, p.112]

It's heavily steeped in RPG tradition, however, its appeal stretches far beyond the hardcore RPG demographic thanks to its ease of play, boundless ambition and focused attention to detail. [May 2006, p.112]

Tetris is an excellent puzzle game and, especially if you’re into the Nintendo presentation, it’s a very good value, well-constructed title. [May 2006, p.127]

Broken arms aside, Metroid on the DS is a smooth, attractive and compelling FPS that shows what the machine is capable of, cramming in a fulfilling multi-player mode to boot. [May 2006, p.106]

A stellar multi-player and strong Campaign mode mark a return to form for Sony’s favourite son. [June 2006, p.124]

Parallel Lines is a stylish game; everything from the cut-scenes and dialogue to the excellent soundtrack has been constructed meticulously to produce an almost Tarantino simulacrum of 1970s Americana. [Apr 2006, p.108]

Handheld gaming is designed for brief sessions and, in bite-sized chunks, Daxter is a very tasty proposition. [May 2006, p.116]

Most will have already seen what this particular version of Mega Man has to offer, however, there’s still certainly enough here to warrant a purchase if you’re craving some quality platform action for your little Sony friend. [Apr 2006, p.116]

Parallel Lines is a stylish game; everything from the cut-scenes and dialogue to the excellent soundtrack has been constructed meticulously to produce an almost Tarantino simulacrum of 1970s Americana. [Apr 2006, p.108]

Firing in the opposite direction of the seasoned games, The Outfit will only appeal to casual gamers who prefer to smash and grab their way through levels rather than apply strategy. [Apr 2006, p.126]

As a single-player game it is very enjoyable, but as a multi-player Xbox Live game it raises the bar for all others to follow. [Apr 2006, p.100]

Even though you might feel short-changed by this visually basic follow-up, charm and adventurous character design count for more than you might think. [June 2006, p.128]

As great as all the action in Pursuit Force is, the fact that many of the stages are very similar to each other soon begins to grind you down. [Christmas 2005, p.102]

If you’re after a fair few hours of well-presented violence combined with a surprisingly interesting history lesson, then look no further than Dawn Of Dreams. [Apr 2006, p.118]

Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai is as soft a beat-‘em-up as you’re likely to find and, worse still, one that offers nothing more than the previous games, aside from the fact that it’s on a portable console. [May 2006, p.130]

The game itself is fast, reasonably original and a great deal of fun. Trozei’s disadvantage is its complete lack of modes. [May 2006, p.126]

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]

If Sony Cambridge had placed as much emphasis on the gameplay mechanics as it had recreating the show’s style, then 24: The Game would have been an excellent action title. [Apr 2006, p.102]

Erase those memories of halcyon days spent nurturing your arthritis with the original coin-op, because Streetwise does it no kind of justice. [May 2006, p.124]

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]

Erase those memories of halcyon days spent nurturing your arthritis with the original coin-op, because Streetwise does it no kind of justice. [May 2006, p.124]

Super Princess Peach is a forgiving and entertaining slice of a game that’s at its most successful when it evokes the same feeling as a two-dimensional Mario. [Christmas 2005, p.103]

It may well be beautiful to look at, but the fighting engine, although improved, is so similar to that of Fight Night Round 2 that series veterans may feel somewhat aggrieved when faced with essentially the same videogame. [Apr 2006, p.112]

There is little depth to the control of the boards, and we don't see why this shouldn't have been an on-foot racer. [Apr 2006, p.106]

Touch & Roll is a fun package, but the control problems force you to all but disregard the main game and treat it, instead, as a collection of mini-games. [Mar 2006, p.102]

There is little depth to the control of the boards, and we don't see why this shouldn't have been an on-foot racer. [Apr 2006, p.106]

There is little depth to the control of the boards, and we don't see why this shouldn't have been an on-foot racer. [Apr 2006, p.106]

It may well be beautiful to look at, but the fighting engine, although improved, is so similar to that of Fight Night Round 2 that series veterans may feel somewhat aggrieved when faced with essentially the same videogame. [Apr 2006, p.112]

It may well be beautiful to look at, but the fighting engine, although improved, is so similar to that of Fight Night Round 2 that series veterans may feel somewhat aggrieved when faced with essentially the same videogame. [Apr 2006, p.112]

As an excuse to consume as many explosions as humanly possible, it’s an extremely wholesome affair. [Mar 2006, p.107]

It’s such an exercise in drear that only a masochist would get any pleasure out of it, and even they’d have to ignore the hackneyed sub-Uwe Boll narrative. [Apr 2006, p.107]

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]

The touch screen is now just another method of input and, as such, a compendium of weak mini-games will no longer cut it as entertainment. [Mar 2006, p.122]

The game’s innate charm and mixture of overbearing tension and fear still works as well today as it did back in 1996. [May 2006, p.117]

As with many Nintendo products, it's the 'feel' that sells this title. It's near impossible not to have fun while playing - even if you're determined to hate it - and it's one of those titles you've really got to play to understand. [Sept 2005, p.104]

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

A passable distraction amid higher-profile titles rather than a direct competitor to the smoking guns of the genre. [Dec 2006, p.120]

An enjoyable and taxing puzzler, and when played in short doses will provide PSP owners with many months of head scratching before all 100 ‘questions’ are conquered. [Mar 2006, p.120]

Tokobot may be disappointingly straightforward for a game that could have involved so much more player creativity in terms of solving puzzles, but it’s still very enjoyable. [Mar 2006, p.100]

Essentially you're probably going to hate Mario Smash Football if you enjoy football games. Conversely, if you were a fan of "Sega Soccer Slam" you'll love it. [Christmas 2005, p.108]

New traps and techniques make for some spectacular exhibitions of skill, and with game being significantly larger than anything previous, there’s enough here to challenge even the most dedicated Prince Of Persia fan. [Christmas 2005, p.94]

New traps and techniques make for some spectacular exhibitions of skill, and with game being significantly larger than anything previous, there’s enough here to challenge even the most dedicated Prince Of Persia fan. [Christmas 2005, p.94]

New traps and techniques make for some spectacular exhibitions of skill, and with game being significantly larger than anything previous, there's enough here to challenge even the most dedicated Prince Of Persia fan. [Christmas 2005, p.94]

New traps and techniques make for some spectacular exhibitions of skill, and with game being significantly larger than anything previous, there's enough here to challenge even the most dedicated Prince Of Persia fan. [Christmas 2005, p.94]

A cheerful snowboarding game which, once mastered, provides a great deal of wintry entertainment. [Mar 2006, p.114]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Anyone buying a Ridge Racer game knows exactly what they’re getting and won’t be disappointed with this shiny and seemingly unending racing bonanza. [Christmas 2005, p.129]

The sense of mortality, tension and sheer scale makes for a truly stunning experience. [Christmas 2005, p.110]