Half the game it should have been. Whoever came up with the inventive level structuring or spent months mapping LA has every reason to be furious with the lacklustre implementation of their ideas. [Christmas 2003, p.106]

If you’re after a light and engaging time sink, look no further.

A beautiful simulation of wilderness survival. [Issue#192, p.76]

It's doubtful that anyone is hard-hearted enough to not instantly fall in love with the cylindrical, part-watermelon drum dog that acts as your host, and his equally bizarre pals all do a superb job of dancing around in a distracting manner as you attempt to pump out an amazingly complex drum solo. [Oct 2004, p.111]

It doesn’t move at the breakneck pace of most games nowadays, nor does it ever seem particularly concerned to address some of the plot points or character gaps it leaves dangling, but those that take the chance on the full Quantum Break experience (episodes and all) will find a quirky and unique experience waiting that you just won’t see replicated anywhere else.

Solid (if somewhat easy later on) combat mechanics also make up for shortcomings elsewhere, with the stack system presenting some interesting tactical possibilities.

If Telltale can build on these inspired touches while finding a way to shake off its addiction to repetition and recycling, then we may just have a five-star series on our hands. [Nov 2009, p.111]

While #IDARB has an undeniable spark of ingenuity and humour to it, it doesn’t quite have the depth and variety of games of its kind like Super Smash Bros. It’s #IDARB’s simplicity that holds it back, but it is also this quality that makes it so refreshing to pick up and play.

IT does offer a great time, as well as a chuckle now and again. [Issue#162, p.109]

This is a purist RTS with old-school communists values, where there's power in numbers. [Issue#95, p.122]

It needs work in terms of visuals and could do with some more maps and game types, but World Of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition ticks all the boxes that it needs to. Add in the free-to-play aspect and you’re left with a game that’s more than worth a spin – just don’t expect to use your brain too much.

If you're after value, Surge Deluxe delivers: it's pretty, it's cheap and it's a good quick game to play. Just don't expect anything game-changing. [Issue#145, p.115]

It's not that this is a bad game, but to ignore the more important elements of gameplay in order to add more gratuitous elements to the cauldron is unforgivable, and in that sense The Suffering is most similar to Soldier of Fortune II and the like. [June 2004, p.123]

Great concept, solid execution. [Issue#204, p.74]

When you're sat next to someone, playing ARMS in local multiplayer mode (or Ranked, once you finally get it unlocked), is absolutely brilliant. It's as likely to get you screaming at your pals as Mario Kart, but it also possesses the depth and strategic options you associate with the best fighting games. [Issue#189, p.75]

The throwaway fun of the first game is sadly lost due to the prevalence of microtransactions. [Issue#142, p.117]

When only a couple of challenges require you to break the million point barrier, only the weakest players will have trouble acing the game in hours. [Christmas 2005, p.107]

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]

For those who like their shooters feisty rather than thinky, this is the perfect choice. [Issue#115, p.109]

Everything about it feels lovingly crafted. [Issue#168, p.88]

It's possible to sit through the game in one (admittedly long) sitting and this comes dangerously close to ruining the game. Fortunately, with five initial characters to play as and the typical Dark Alliance secrets, you'll still find yourself going back long after the main adventure is finished. [Feb 2004, p.100]

For something light and enjoyable, we would certainly recommend it, but don't expect this one to reach down and really grab a hold of your soul. [Issue#203, p.78]

We've been spoilt over the years, and we simply expected more from Kirby. [Issue#117, p.114]

Maintains most of the fun, but loses some style. [Issue#184, p.78]

Unfortunately, the extras and vehicle customisation can't change the fact that the actual racing feels very average. The tracks seem to be more winding than the last game, which detracts from the feeling of speed, and the handling feels very sloppy when compared to other recent games in the genre. [Christmas 2004, p.117]

Players now react quicker and more like their real-life counterparts when handling the first touch of the ball. And first touches are generally smoother now, with players being able to flick on, trap or kick straight away on receipt. In practice, however, it’s not such a massive advancement and the player movement and control is still fairly sluggish. [Nov 2004, p.121]

Heroes Of Might And Magic V has sufficient appeal to become an entry level into the genre for the mainstream player, at the price of not quite having sufficient subtlety and depth to completely satisfy its natural target audience: the lesser spotted geek. [July 2006, p.128]

As great as it is to watch, it's simply nowhere near as much fun to play, and no amount of whips, snakes and Holy Grails can ever change that. [July 2008, p.116]