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.

Despite Telltale’s reluctance to evolve Sam & Max further, this opening to Season 2 is still one of the best point-and-click games of the year and remains the benchmark by which all other episodic adventures will be judged. [Chrismas 2007, p.133]

Rock Band Unplugged excels at demonstrating how the tight connection of input and music can provide strong gameplay without the need for a plastic guitar or snap-on peripheral. [Aug 2009, p.121]

A great blending of two franchises. [Issue#175, p.74]

Once the faction-balancing issue has been sorted – something bound to be in place before the Xbox360 launch later in the year – well, this is likely to be the most popular Command & Conquer ever. And it’s all thanks to accessibility. [May 2007, p.100]

A delightful surprise that'll warm your heart. [Issue#184, p.81]

Easier than the classics, but not without difficulty. We got properly stuck once and found the rest mildly challenging. [Sept 2009, p.112]

Skillfully executed, but is it Gran Turismo? [Issue#194, p.78]

Delivers a quality experience on par with, if not better than previous iterations. [Issue#119, p.98]

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

A bold shooter that never fails to entertain. [Issue#194, p.80]

Monolith has done great work in crafting a control scheme that feels completely without compromise and entirely suited to console, and has designed an accessible, familiar and extremely deep MOBA with the just as much panache as the games it imitates.

All that needs to be known is this is a beautiful, affecting and emotionally challenging title that acts as a truly fine love letter and monument to a lost loved one. It will open eyes and it will help people with their very real grief, and because of that it is a success.

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]

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

The fact that as much work's been done under the bonnet as on the gloss of the visuals is an impressive feat, and one that makes Split/Second one of the most highly-recommended alternative takes on the genre in years. [Issue#96, p.108]

Unabashedly mocks you, itself and everything else. [Issue#194, p.82]

One of the most enjoyable strategy games to hit consoles in a very long time. [Aug 2008, p.110]

A cut, thrust, and parry above. [Issue#175, p.80]

Classic golfing with a fun story, and few flaws. [Issue#194, p.83]

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]

The confines of boxing itself impose some limitation in areas such as variation but, in taking this genre from a dead end to the cutting edge of gameplay authenticity, Fight Night is an absolute triumph. [May 2004, p.104]

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]

If it weren’t for the fact that simply picking up the controller makes you by far the smartest racer on the course, GT4 would be perilously close to being the finest, most serious racing game ever made. [Feb 2005, p.8]

A charming yet brief little platforming gem. [Issue#194, p.83]

The scale of LittleBigPlanet's achievement is more deserving of admiration, but ModNation Racers is so much easier to love. United Front Games should be delighted with the compromise.

That Pride mode is a doozy. [Issue#119, p.108]

Builds on an already brilliant indie hit. [Issue#175, p.82]