Next Level has found a way to return gamers to the world of Luigi’s Mansion in a way that manages to retain its predecessor’s charm, one that doesn’t take the technical and mechanical aspects for granted. More perfectly than they could have hoped, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon fully executes Nintendo’s original vision.

Acing a mix is as satisfying and enjoyable as ever. [Issue#102, p.98]

It’s not revolutionary by any means, nor is it particularly long, but thanks to some clever creative control the game delivers a funny, engrossing and downright weird experience unlike most other platform adventures. [July 2005, p.104]

Disappointingly by the books, but has charm. [Issue#206, p.82]

Despite its shortcomings, remains deep and complex. [Issue#122, p.111]

Ultimately, however essential we say this update is, it’s only relevant if you’re a Destiny sceptic and haven’t already upgraded. If this is you, pick it up – the price is steep but there’s a huge amount of content here, plus you won’t fall too far behind. If you’re a new player, thanks to this update this is now one of the best ‘shared-world’ experiences out there – one that you’ll find hard to put down due to its stellar FPS mechanics, enormous scope and undeniable progression.

A rock-solid success on all fronts. [Issue#189, p.83]

OlliOlli 2 is polished and thrilling in ways that its predecessor was not.

Enjoyable, but almost marred by convoluted menus. [Issue#193, p.77]

Online play, pleasingly, holds up its end of the bargain. [Issue#135, p.118]

Capcom has provided a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. There are few games that are as stylish and playable, and this is tough enough to challenge even the most dextrous gamer. In short – Viewtiful. [Jan 2005, p.96]

This relatively minor annoyance aside, everything else about Xenoblade Chronicles 3D remains as incredible as when it originally came to the Wii.

A tough tactical adventure. [Issue#175, p.78]

Not since 2004’s Richard Burns Rally has there been a rally game that has approached the sport with the goal of definitively portraying it as it exists in reality: cars that require significant practise to master, terrain as difficult to memorise as it is to slide across, weather that makes ‘white out’ literal and opponents that punish even the slightest hesitation.

The merits of streamlining revealed. [Issue#177, p.80]

Keeping on top of the ever-evolving demands of Radiant Historia's combat makes for one of the most engaging and rewarding battle systems since Final Fantasy XIII and renders any flaws in the narrative design an unfortunate but ultimately innocuous sideshow.

In the cold light of day, however, it's difficult to see what all the fuss is about. [Issue#107, p.117]

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]

The emperor is wearing tense, compelling and entirely seductive clothes. It's just a shame his outfit is from the 2005 collection. [Issue#95, p.102]

The narrative endgame of The Talos Principle is a total cop-out – it eschews complex philosophical querying in favour of trite observations on the nature of gaming. Still, it’s more sophisticated than most titles on Steam, and the puzzles have been refined by a team of true craftsmen.

Ultimately Cities: Skylines has provided exactly what players wanted from SimCity 2013, and that ought to be all it takes to convince would-be city planners.

It is just an extension of PGR3. The shift in style, the new vehicles and weather, they could never hope to revolutionise the franchise in the way online has. [Nov 2007, p.124]

While the game is still intrinsically limited by the conceits of the original 1986 release, it's ultimately a return to a much-missed component of the gaming landscape. [Issue#192, p.78]

Dragon Quest VIII is a pretty lengthy game, with the total playtime for the main story racking up to around 40 hours. However, despite the somewhat basic battle system, the game keeps itself fresh by letting us explore dungeons, grab loot and givingour characters costumes, it never feels like it’s been padded out like so many other JRPGs...Dragon Quest VIII is just a joy to be in, with the world being the main reason you come, evil wizards and looming destruction be damned.

Electronic Arts has once again proved it is the king of American sport, and its constant drive to innovate is something to be commended and rewarded. Roll on next year, we say. [Nov 2007, p.120]

It's impossible not to want more, though. It's delicious. Coming as it does from two creative teams at the top of their respective fields, we expect nothing less. And it's expectations such as these that harm Ni No Kuni most of all – were it not for the near impeccable track records that cut through gloriously in the game's opening hours, the rest of it would shine far brighter than it does when eclipsed by that initial exciting explosion of potential.

The Sway system changes everything. Risk versus reward, knock out or be knocked out. Superb. [July 2010, p.110]

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]