This generous package will sustain and deepen the competitive side, but Legacy Of The Void also does enough not to scare away the casuals once the closing credits role and multiplayer beckons.

Sniper Elite makes headshots a grizzly reward that becomes addictive and, because the battle is always weighted against you, filled with air-punching satisfaction every time you make a connection. Bravo. [Nov 2005, p.96]

So while Age Of Wonders III doesn’t really offer much that you can’t get elsewhere from the 4X genre, it feels fresh and distinctive enough – it has been over a decade since the last Age Of Wonders, after all – that strategy fans will have something to get their teeth into all the same. Hopefully next time won’t be quite so far away, and a little more consideration for the city management screen wouldn’t go amiss.

To be honest, we spent the majority of our time just cruising around the county, drooling over the views and picking off random racers that happened across our patrols.

As simple and addictive a puzzle game as we’ve seen in recent years, Zoo Keeper’s transition onto a handheld platform like the DS couldn’t have been more of a success. Tetris for the next generation? It’s certainly a close call. [Apr 2005, p.94]

Blizzard deals best in the subtle, and there's never any doubt where the focus of Diablo III lies. Even after the final battle is completed and the credits roll, your warrior is still there, ready for the next difficulty level. As such, the balance between the classes, the skills, and the loot get the bulk of Blizzard's attention, which is for the best.

The best game of its kind currently available. [Aug 2004, p.110]

There are no side missions, no conveniently placed ramps, and only a small handful of collectibles that work in harmony with the fiction. 2K Czech has invested serious time and effort into conjouring a peerless sense of time and place – we won't begrudge it for not encouraging players to shatter the illusion.

It ramps up brilliantly and is nicely paced too...It might not have the intense insanity of a "Keep Talking," but it's up there with some of the best implementation of PSVR we've seen to date. [Issue#188, p.82]

We wish that Santa Monica had focused more on the epic scale that the opening of the game promises with such conviction, rather than relying on those elements of design we've already played through twice on the PlayStation 2. [Apr 2010, p.102]

Both wit and genre-expectation emerge almost unscathed. [Issue#99, p.112]

There are no side missions, no conveniently placed ramps, and only a small handful of collectibles that work in harmony with the fiction. 2K Czech has invested serious time and effort into conjouring a peerless sense of time and place – we won't begrudge it for not encouraging players to shatter the illusion.

A great game, despite the gimmicks and déjà vu... Those familiar with earlier GBA incarnations may be appalled at Konami’s flagrant re-use of almost every sprite from the last game here, with almost no changes at all. [Nov 2005, p.94]

As the greatest and most enjoyable recreation of the sport since the 16-bit era, NHL 06 deserves to sit alongside the likes of "Pro Evo" as a sporting highlight that any gamer can enjoy. [Nov 2005, p.111]

And though the final hours are somewhat trite and contrived in the way they weave seemingly unrelated threads together, L.A. Noire won't be remembered for its slightly disappointing finale – it'll be remembered for its pioneering technology, its adept fusion of genres and the respect and talent with which it opens a window on the past.

Yes the story has weak spots – having to actually play through some of the cut-scenes can be annoying when all you want to do is get back to the action – but much of it is as absorbing as you'd expect from an RPG... More than worthy of the Nintendo name. [Christmas 2004, p.108]

SCEA Bend has done an impressive job of making the transition, and Sony can rest assured that its valuable first-party property has survived intact. [May 2009, p.130]

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]

Does what all great remakes should - it improves the game in a way that complements the original design, making you more aware of the gameplay's inner workings and helping you appreciate a classic even more. [Issue#106, p.104]

It delivers a touching story and wraps it around a compelling puzzle platformer. [Issue#166, p.99]

Both the combat and exploration are hugely satisfying, but that warm sense of nostalgia eventually gives way to the feeling that there really should be something more. [Jan 2008, p.110]

It's two games for the price of less than one. [Issue#99, p.117]

Football Manager 2015 is the best version in a series that has been peerless for many years. It’s not the kind of overhaul that suggests players of last year’s game desperately need to upgrade, but the hardcore will not be dissatisfied. And if you’re a lapsed fan, then we’ll see you in your suit come cup final day.

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]

Lost Planet delivers exactly what you’d expect of a quality Capcom title – a challenging, atmospheric, well thought out videogame experience. [Jan 2007, p.86]

If you seriously want to leave an impression on the checklists and charts, we're talking hundreds, if not thousands of hours play. Taking into consideration the multiplayer elements and potential for repeat plays there's probably more to do than you ever actually will. [Oct 2003, p.112]

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]

Sure, PES 2017 may once again rule the play through the midfield, but FIFA 17 has so much to offer off the pitch that it’s difficult to not be satisfied. As long as you can get your head around the possession-focused style of play in FIFA, you’ll have no qualms with its gameplay, but it’s everything else that really sells it this year.