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

An unexpected and unforgettable co-op gem. [Issue#199, p.77]

Another unpleasant but entertaining experience. [Issue#187, p.80]

For newcomers, it's a good starting point, but for everyone else, the series probably needs a rest or at least a graphical overhaul, because despite being a good-looking 3DS game with excellent direction during combat, we have an alternative handheld console in the Switch now, which can do far better visuals. Over to you, Nintendo. [Issue#188, p.76]

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]

Shovel Knight is all about learning patterns. [Sept 2014, p.106]

The few features Neversoft has introduced are less than dazzling. They are what they are – nice additions. [Chrismas 2007, p.108]

An enchanting RPG...A claimant to the JRPG throne. [Issue#199, p.78]

Its simplicity is also its greatest strength. The combat is fluid and utterly engaging from the very first moment, leaving Remedy free to build atmosphere, drama and tension through the stunning game-world and its oddball inhabitants. Granted, by the end we were wishing for another dimension to the gameplay, but only in the interest of elevating the experience from very good to legitimate greatness.

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]

Fable is an intensely personal experience and one that's difficult to describe to someone else – you really have to allow yourself to become immersed within the boundaries of this twee little world to fully appreciate its magic and discover what it means to you. And, indeed, what it says about you… [Nov 2004, p.96]

It’s the new Raid that comes out on top, however, and it’s arguably the best one yet. Areas are large and ripe for exploration, jump puzzles are kept mercifully brief, every boss fight feels original and exciting, and there’s a laser focus on skill and coordination during encounters – plus the rewards it offers are largely excellent.

A socially driven experience that focuses on random party play at the expense of precision. It's not perfect, but it's still the best of its kind in a sub-genre that has yet to be mastered. [Christmas 2009, p.106]

It’s the game that makes the entire franchise as relevant as it was in Nineties and early Noughties and it has fulfilled the destiny Square Enix wanted for it in that it has created a new platform from which even better things can be expected from it in the future. Without question, Final Fantasy is once again a giant within the RPG world.

An unforgettable journey. [Issue#187, p.81]

It’s a small package but there’s a wealth of value to be found in the creative gameplay that’ll spur you through many hours of gaming.

If you've been flirting with the idea of buying an action-RPG but fear the time commitment, The Lightning Kingdom might just be the compromise you're looking for. [Issue#187, p.82]

It takes a lot for a falling block puzzle game to impress today, but Puyo Puyo Tetris succeeds thanks to its comprehensive set of opinions and satisfying skill-based game design. [Issue#188, p.81]

Beautiful, fun and Kirby's best game. [Issue#176, p.78]

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]

Such free-thinking touches recall a more experimental age when you could rightfully expect every other DS game to be crammed with esoteric concepts. [Apr 2010, p.118]

Not only the best NFL game yet on a next-generation platform, but also one that could even rival the best in the series. [Oct 2007, p.122]

It’s debatable whether or not this is worth buying if you own last year’s game…it comes down to how rich you are and how much you like golf. [Nov 2004, p.118]

An exceptional strategy game, but needs more variety. [Issue#199, p.80]

It’s polished to the nth degree, the set pieces come together nicely, and the mix of freeform and linear play works well, but there’s nothing here to distinguish it from the original. [Nov 2008, p.100]

A brave, different twist on the survival genre. [Issue#176, p.80]

Every moment spent with Echochrome is a refined and edifying one. [May 2008, p.109]

A game that's still unique, impactful and wholly entertaining despite containing every FPS cliche conceived since Halo and Half-Life. [Issue#108, p.98]