Brilliantly realised for hardened MMA fans. [Issue#198, p.75]

It might not appeal to everyone, but Ether One is an exceptional example of what can be done with simple game design. It has a quality not commonly seen in smaller indie titles, and the courage to do things a little differently.

Tight stealthing and funky style. Not to be missed. [Issue#191, p.80]

As enjoyable as anything you'll play this year. The mechanics and weapons can leave something to be desired at times, but 'one more go' syndrome is seldom this acute and this is by far the game's biggest strength. [Christmas 2003, p.90]

It's a unique and interesting way of handling time travel in games too, and while XIII-2 might fall foul of all the usual time-hopping pitfalls (read: it's really rather stupid at times) it's hard to recall a sequel that makes such major changes to a great game and still manages to get things so right. If XIII was making a case for the quickest route from A to B being a straight line, XIII-2 instead argues that a time gate directly to your destination is both more practical and more interesting. We're inclined to agree.

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]

Child of Light is incredibly adept at guiding the player to the place they need to be without them knowing it. [Issue#148, p.104]

There's not much more you could ask from a sequel. Almost everything that you might have thought the first game was lacking has been provided. Our one minor complaint we have is that it's maybe not as much of a challenge as the first game was and it's not going to take long to see everything the game has to offer. [Nov 2004, p.114]

An evocative exploration of the art of storytelling. [Issue#198, p.78]

We're just a little bit disappointed that this Civ evolution isn't as polished as we'd expected. [Issue#102, p.108]

Thankfully, the speed comes at the cost of realistic handling, allowing the player to rip around the tracks with maximum enjoyment and minimum frustration, making Rallisport 2 one of the few games that provides enjoyment even in defeat. [June 2004, p.104]

Given the sheer time investment required to really do it justice only the truly committed will ever discover the deeper joys and wonderful complexities if the game. Then again, only the truly committed will give Phantom Brave a second look. [Feb 2005, p.104]

A calculated and intelligent game that favours forethought and tactics over button mashing and impatience. [Aug 2009, p.110]

By the end of the episode, Telltale brings together its excellent characterisation and gameplay to create a very clever finale that perfectly captures the kinetic chaos of a Wallace & Gromit short without resorting to the reflex-based action so dreaded by genre fans. [May 2009, p.124]

It's simple work. [Issue#139, p.116]

Enslaved's satisfying blend of narrative and gameplay is bang on the money. [Issue#102, p.111]

It's a precarious house of cards. [Issue#121, p.108]

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.

Microsoft's true standout exclusive for 2017. [Issue#194, p.70]

So much more about Battlefront manages to impress than disappoint – from the solid gameplay to the overall application of the Star Wars universe, which has been done with so much care and attention that even the most hardened fan will be satisfied. If only all Star Wars games could be made this way. [Nov 2004, p.100]

At its finest, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the pinnacle of the war genre, mixing cinematic flair with rock-solid gameplay, but when it reverts to type and simply throws waves of enemies in your direction, its symptomatic of a series that is bordering on stagnation. [Chrismas 2007, p.106]

A hugely entertaining, tongue-in-cheek and fulsome experience, it’s a worthy expedition whether you’re a Rings fan or not.

An engaging and refreshingly svelte JRPG, but one that offers mere hints at where the genre may go from here rather than the new blueprint it could have been. [Issue#121, p.110]

That it does all this without feeling at all compromised in the name of accessibility is testament to its design. [Issue#139, p.117]

The game's return to the fundamentals of blocking, countering and simple evasion as opposed to the unnecessary abuse of 3D movement and stilted enclosed environments of the last two games helps reintroduce the skill element for those willing to learn. [Apr 2005, p.86]

Dark Messiah has the uncanny ability to tap into the primeval bloodlust of anyone that devotes more than a few minutes to it. A resounding success. [Dec 2006, p.102]

It builds to a highly satisfying and visually stunning conclusion. [Issue#149, p.119]

It's brash and ridiculous, but better for it - the insane climax easily among the most entertaining endings we've seen in years. [Oct 2009, p.132]