Morally bankrupt but creatively rich beyond the wildest dreams of most games. [Issue#107, p.104]

One of the best Kinect games ever released. [Issue#177, p.85]

If we had played Fallout 3 and New Vegas once each and were offered the chance to play one of them for a second time, after much deliberation we'd choose New Vegas. There can be no more telling indicator of a job well done.

For the most part, Xenoblade Chronicles X is astounding. For all its faults it’s still an enormous RPG with one of the best worlds you’ll ever explore and an expanded version of its battle system with fights that, while longer, are still a joy to seamlessly hop in and out of.

Perfect control, sound effects that make the best use of Dolby stereo, and combat that imbues the player with a genuine sense of urgency without sacrificing fun. [March 2005, p.104]

Housemarque has once again delivered on all fronts, creating a compulsive and refined game that showcases the meaty power of the PS4 – and that really isn’t bad for a launch title.

An unhappy marriage of horror and narrative exploration, but - by the end of the satisfying story - you'll be glad you stuck it out. [Issue#166, p.97]

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

With just as many levels where you'll pray for it to be over than where you're actually having fun, the game turns out to be a mixture of styles that don't meld together as solidly as they should, as well as having several frustrating joypad-throwing moments and often demanding extraordinary feats of memory from the player. [Mar 2004, p.114]

It's certainly not high-art then, but Saints Row: The Third is a welcome distraction. [Christmas 2011, p.112]

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]

Bringing the highly stylised environments to life has obviously been a labour of love for the design team. Not only does the game's dazzling aesthetic individuality evoke instant appeal, the immaculate attention to detail plays a crucial role in generating the aura of quality that runs throughout the world of TRON. [Nov 2003, p.120]

For every awful moment in The Warriors, there are two great ones. The mix of story, nostalgia and out-and-out combat is a heady concoction and when it all clicks, it's thoroughly enjoyable. [Dec 2005, p.120]

The creative skating and dexterity demanded keep Skate 2 from ever feeling dull. [Feb 2009, p.116]

In terms of value, Gearbox has created an extraordinary package - one that will offer subtly different rewards regardless of how you approach it. [Dec 2009, p.114]

Ultimately, though, its age has only given it a new layer of context that seems to enhance its fun and intrigue. Grim Fandango remains one of the best of its class and a wonderfully witty noir adventure.

This really is one of those great games where you’re constantly thinking ‘I wonder if I could do that…’ only to discover that in most instances (and usually with a huge grin filling the majority of your face), you probably can. [Sept 2004, p.104]

A pleasant puzzling trip down memory lane. [Issue#187, p.74]

The fact that 1942 was such an enjoyable title means the gameplay's already a proven factor, but combine this with all the other new goodness you get for your money... and you get a game that really entertains, albeit in a fashion that some of us might well have seen before. [Apr 2004, p.102]

A more solid, playable and visually splendid grappler than this will be hard to come by... If it weren’t for the fact that you can easily clock Story mode and unlock everything in a weekend, we’d have a much easier job recommending Fight For New York. [Nov 2004, p.108]

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]

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]

New ‘N’ Tasty is exactly what it claims to be: a new experience still instantly familiar to anyone that played the original, and vital playing for those that didn’t. Oddworld was a defining presence on the Playstation, and New ‘N’ Tasty will remain a defining experience on the new generation of consoles, too. It’s a pleasure to see a remaster done so well.

One of the better multiplayer shooters to have been released in the last year or so. [Nov 2007, p.134]

It’s a nice mix of team building, draft tactics and instant gratification that shows off some of the best side of this area of the game.

FIFA 14 is probably the least revolutionary football game in some years – a near carbon copy of its predecessor that makes tiny adjustments in key areas, the likes of which many players might not even notice.

Mario's Wii U debut will no doubt attract the usual detractors and jaded observers, but there's more to this than rigid routine. It just all depends on what you want from it.

It's considerably better than last year's sorry attempt but there's still plenty of room for improvement. [Christmas 2003, p.127]

It's this fine balance between freedom and linearity that will keep you playing. [Issue#118, p.111]

Undisputed catches the rise of the sport in a timely and accomplished fashion. [July 2009, p.116]

A brilliant game, one that offers something for both the experimental gamer and the mechanical player who wants to 100 per cent every Archive. [Issue#110, p.102]

The real deal, and anyone after something more cerebral than another heavy dose of gunning down swathes of [insert fashionable victim here] should seriously consider tracking this one down. War is finally good for something. [July 2004, p.124]

It’s still great, but next year we do hope EA concentrates on what’s in the game less, and more about what’s fun to play.

If you're looking for a football simulation then grab a copy of PES 2018. If you want a dramatic series of events with every match you play then get FIFA 18. [Issue#194, p.75]

Vanquish proves that there's still space for ridiculous dialogue, clichéd characters, amped-up power-suits and big guns alongside the Heavy Rains of the industry, as long as the intelligent gameplay structure is present too. And it is. Platinum Games knows how to craft a good videogame. It's as simple as that, and right now, the team is competing only with itself.

Vanquish proves that there's still space for ridiculous dialogue, clichéd characters, amped-up power-suits and big guns alongside the Heavy Rains of the industry, as long as the intelligent gameplay structure is present too. And it is. Platinum Games knows how to craft a good videogame. It's as simple as that, and right now, the team is competing only with itself.

Take away the costumes and the lasers and you've still got an excellent example of how to produce multiplayer bedlam. [Dec 2005, p.110]

The action-RTS tomfoolery is remarkably compelling once you get a feeling for the basics... Darwinia is proof that you don’t need huge budgets and flashy visuals to make a decent title. [Apr 2005, p.112]

With just as many levels where you'll pray for it to be over than where you're actually having fun, the game turns out to be a mixture of styles that don't meld together as solidly as they should, as well as having several frustrating joypad-throwing moments and often demanding extraordinary feats of memory from the player. [Mar 2004, p.114]

Sure, it's all beautifully put together, and you'll be hard pushed to find an adventure-lite world as well realised as here... However, despite all the creative effort Jak 3 is exactly the sum of its parts, and feels all the more underwhelming because of it. [Christmas 2004, p.118]

This really is one of those great games where you're constantly thinking 'I wonder if I could do that…' only to discover that in most instances (and usually with a huge grin filling the majority of your face), you probably can. [Sept 2004, p.104]

While it's still an essential part of any JRPG fan's collection, we recommend grabbing it on PS3/Vita instead. [Issue#162, p.104]

You get the impression that "The Sands of Time" was just a warm-up for the main event, a game that's familiar at first but soon reveals a level of imagination beyond that of the original, and displays as little room for error as one of the Prince's most daring acrobatic leaps. [Christmas 2004, p.100]

The biggest success of Two Point Hospital is that once the comedy stops managing to land - and at some point it will simply by virtue of repetition - it still remains compelling and fulfilling to play. [Issue#205, p.72]

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

A superb Battlefield game, then, and an unmistakable sign that downloadable games are ready to give retail a run for its money. [Sept 2009, p.121]

The joy of Blazblue is figuring out what each character's gimmick is, and how it can be used to augment their moveset. [Issue#148, p.110]

A triumph in artistry and gameplay, overcoming the frequently problematic process of reviving an old franchise. So many studios get it dead wrong, but Project Sora has shown that it has respect for the IP, as well as the talent to deliver the world of Kid Icarus to a modern audience and make it relevant to a new generation.

It's a lean game. [Issue#137, p.117]

Sly 3 is a solid and inoffensive kids'adventure which perfectly satisfies the needs of its target audience and credits it delivers with a much more discerning nature than other games of its sort. [Dec 2005, p.98]

Rather than force you from one style of gameplay to another depending on which level you're on, BG&E blends the transitions together almost seamlessly. The additional styles never really encroach on the main crux of the adventure; they're always peripheral and therefore serve to enrich the experience, rather than dilute it. [Dec 2003, p.114]

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]

A safe bet for those who missed it the first time around. [Issue#136, p.116]

Still brings the action and the funny. [Issue#204, p.82]

For the hardcore audience it’s aimed at, it is a logical end point to an important series and for new recruits, it’s the definitive version of a landmark game.

Whereas the first game dragged, Darksiders II offers loot, side quests, an engaging skill tree, and a world four times bigger than the first that constantly keep you engaged with the experience. What's more, its various inspirations and genres feel more solidly packed together, robust and stable like a diamond formed under the pressure of the earth. It's a rough diamond, certainly, lacking the sharper, polished facets that make a real gem like Zelda so irresistibly good, but there's a dull gleam there nevertheless.

A new and improved recipe for family fun. [Issue#204, p.70]

The depth of play and excellent level design make up for any problems that you may have with the visual style. [Apr 2008, p.117]

We’re tempted to say that there are few Wii games as deserving of your attention as No More Heroes but then there are few games as good as this on any platform. [Mar 2008, p.124]

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]

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

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]

Boy racers will love Underground's edgy urban chic, otherwise you should stick with the less fashionable but ultimately more enjoyable "Burnout 2." [Christmas 2003, p.125]

An energetic new protagonist, a focus on piracy and pillaging, excellent naval combat and a huge, beautiful open world make Black Flag an easy game to recommend, and a decent way to kick off the next generation.

In the absence of a compelling plot to compensate for the muted thrills, ODST's claim to 'must-buy' status looks very shaky. [Nov 2009, p.102]

This being a Takumi videogame, each environment lies awash with engaging characters capable of development over a period of hours.

Black Rock’s fast, inventive and polished racing indicates Pure may have enough grunt to keep itself ahead of the pack. [Nov 2008, p.125]

A core mechanic that can be understood within minutes but refined and appreciated for hours. [Mar 2008, p.134]

While Underground tried to seamlessly mix its diversity, humour and gameplay, it was always obvious when you were being dragged away from the combo system at the heart of the series. Thankfully, THUG2 makes a much better fist of keeping classic Tony Hawk’s gameplay at the heart of the tasks. Even when skating as Benjamin Franklin or a shrimp vendor, the focus remains on skateboarding. [Dec 2004, p.102]

In a world of cynical indie games and pretentious mainstream shooters, that kind of levity is appreciable. [Issue#156, p.120]

Gamers can see through inconsequential improvements in wind physics and engine noise-capturing techniques that in real terms bring little new to the table. [July 2007, p.124]

It’s a genuinely interesting story to try and wrap your head around, and a perfect game for the Vita, to boot.

As good as your broadband connection... When everything in Dead or Alive Ultimate works, it's worth an eight, possibly even a nine. However, when it doesn't, you're looking at a five. [March 2005, p.98]

Resident Evil is still a survival horror classic - this just isn't a classic re-REmake. [Issue#157, p.110]

Epic’s latest beauty was designed for the online world and that’s where it belongs, so make sure you take it there – the likelihood is that you won’t regret it. [Jan 2008, p.120]

The slow pace can make it less tempting to try again right away with a different tactic, but perhaps that’s for the best.

Each confrontation is generally exactly the same and victory is sometimes dependent on whether the irritating catch-up AI decides to beat you or not. [Oct 2004, p.120]

When it comes to quality Sine Mora has practically zero peers this generation. If you've been craving a true modern classic since the days of Gradius V and R-Type Final then Grasshopper Manufacture and Digital Reality have provided the best possible reason we can imagine to return.

We'd happily champion Shift as the game to fill the gap that's been left by the absence of Project Gotham Racing. [Nov 2009, p.128]

You can tackle the 160, inappropriately named ‘standard levels’ in any order, so Treasure’s glorious design work is immediately on show. [May 2008, p.108]

A very different Final Fantasy, then, but one that becomes more familiar by the end - and we're certainly not going to bemoan Square Enix for attempting and achieving something beyond the usual expectations attached to the genre. [Apr 2010, p.112]

Almost exactly what we wanted it to be. Story mode and single-player antics are diverting enough but the game excels in multiplayer, offering fast-paced thrills that only the highlights of the "Unreal" series can really contest. [March 2005, p.122]

Focused in its style, single minded in its vision and executed with superb finesse, it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved on PSP with imagination and skill. [July 2007, p.111]

Boy racers will love Underground's edgy urban chic, otherwise you should stick with the less fashionable but ultimately more enjoyable "Burnout 2." [Christmas 2003, p.125]

It's far less intricate than a regular squad-based game, yet it retains all the elements that make them fun - as opposed to a title like Brute Force, which had none of them. A fine display of IO's creative talent. [Oct 2003, p.116]

A serious contender to the Voxel throne. [Issue#181, p.80]

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]

There’s a beauty on the game’s surface, but it doesn’t let you get deep enough for its payoff to truly strike home. Transistor is a game conscientious gamers will want to love. It’s clearly a work of true vision and artistic intent, backed up with skilfully constructed systems.

A majestic evolution of its hit puzzle game. [Issue#120, p.107]

You get the impression that "The Sands of Time" was just a warm-up for the main event, a game that's familiar at first but soon reveals a level of imagination beyond that of the original, and displays as little room for error as one of the Prince's most daring acrobatic leaps. [Christmas 2004, p.100]

Splatoon 2 is yet another example of a company that is hitting a similar stride to when it was at its creative peak - when new features like innovations, not gimmicks. Importantly, Splatoon 2 does improve on the original in every way. [Issue#190, p.73]

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]

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]

By design, you’d expect any MMORPG to offer you a wealth of layers to delve through during the days, weeks and months that you exist within it; even by these standards, though, Everquest II’s scope is almost beyond compare. [Jan 2005, p.98]

Its fluid action and bustling open world full of character will draw you in, while the deeply engrossing narrative will keep you hooked until the emotionally fuelled finale. [Issue#199, p.70]

A basic campaign may have been a good addition when away from the Wi-Fi. [Issue#152, p.119]

If you’re not remotely interested in logic brainteasers, then Picross DS is unlikely to change your mind. But Nintendo’s effort is the most complete version yet of this fearsomely addictive pastime. [June 2007, p.122]

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]