Spend time mastering the figting system, powering up your various attacks and revisiting stages to improve your combo scores and the game becomes so much more than just a basic hack-and-slash romp - it's a feast of replayable swordplay. [Apr 2004, p.100]

Ultimately, it’s the set pieces that linger in the memory. It never seems more than five minutes before Resistance 2 throws another leviathan at you. (…) There are moments to savour in every one of the game’s ten action-packed hours. [Christmas 2008, p.92]

An outstanding reinvention of a classic brand.

There’s an awful lot to like about Tomb Raider. It takes the gameplay Uncharted has used to such great effect (which was, of course, nicked from Tomb Raider in the first place), and replaces wise-cracking gentleman-thief Nathan Drake with this new damaged Lara Croft, one of the most involving characters seen in a computer game to date.

The feeling of accomplishment that that emerges from the wake of a particularly tough challenge makes all the hair-tearing worthwhile. [Aug 2004, p.104]

The increased level of challenge will be welcomed by those already "done" with the main game. [Issue#152, p.116]

Swing as it might between different genres and gameplay styles, Wrath Of The Dead Rabbit never dips below brilliant. An inventive and entertaining big-budget debut for Arkedo, and one that confirms its ability to deliver both on the indie scene and the main stage.

A thoughtful experience with great gameplay. [Issue#172, p.94]

The sense of mortality, tension and sheer scale makes for a truly stunning experience. [Christmas 2005, p.110]

As Dangerous Golf begins to build on its core mechanics – causing as much damage and mayhem as you can before putting the ball in a hole to bank your score – it continues to deliver a fresh take on the concept.

The price is hard to fault, the work put in is outstanding, and the games themselves are damn-near essential. [Issue#152, p.117]

For a game to strike a good balance between eeriness, traditional FPS action and straight-out frights is astonishing, and F.E.A.R. has managed it in style. [Nov 2005, p.92]

All in all, Trackmania DS is a very worthy addition to both the series and the DS's catalogue of racers, and its multiplayer mode while sadly unable to support Wi-Fi, still allows for some heated competition among friends. [Dec 2008, p.]

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]

In fact, it will suit many tastes better than Blizzard's epic WOW - and crucially, magically, incredibly, it is still free of subscription fees... Honour this innovative and pioneering franchise with your hard-earned money, and you will not regret it. [Christmas 2006, p.100]

City of Heroes is the shot in the arm that the genre so desperately needed. Thanks to some extremely accessible gameplay it's a title that appeals to old hands and newcomers alike. [Aug 2004, p.116]

It looks fantastic and boasts a story worth telling, but perhaps the most satisfying thing about this update is that it offers both long-term fans and new recruits the same thing: a solid, rewarding and relevant space RTS that belies its significant age.

In main character Jimmy Hopkins’ quest to turn one of the worst schools in the US around, you’ll find Bully has a lot of heart. [Apr 2008, p.116]

The sense of mortality, tension and sheer scale makes for a truly stunning experience. [Christmas 2005, p.110]

A tactically rich and rewarding space-merch-mech-sim. [Issue#201, p.86]

This really is one of those great games where you're constantly thinking 'I wonder if I could do that…' only to discover that in most instances (and usually with a huge grin filling the majority of your face), you probably can. [Sept 2004, p.104]

Sets a new standard for not only visuals but licences games in general. And we never thought we'd hear ourselves saying that. [Sept 2004, p.102]

Even when the game begins to repeat itself, it never ceases to be fun. The initial wonderment may wear off slightly, but the engine is so solid and the gameplay mechanic is so enjoyable that SSX On Tour never drops below stellar status. [Dec 2005, p.102]

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]

A survival game that embraces adventure. [Issue#201, p.88]

It admirably builds on that already impressive accomplishment, and makes for a solid entry in the series.

Forza Motorsport 3's most notable achievement, however, must be its unique ability to make simulation 'fun', not a word you'll often hear used to describe the likes of Race Pro or Gran Turismo. [Dec 2009, p.108]

Nothing like it has been done on console before, and we have to respect Bungie – and Activision – for that.