The dichotomy of play styles breathes new life into favourite stages as they're re-envisioned and redesigned for Sonics they were never originally intended for, while some genuinely imaginative and exciting level design recaptures that core thrill – of rolling a hedgehog around a colourful fantasy world – that endeared so many to Sonic two decades ago.

The title does offer features and functionality (for Xbox owners, at least) that can only otherwise be obtained through pricey PC software, and the fact that a console title can even approach this kind of professional software has left us particularly impressed. [Aug 2004, p.114]

It’s anticlimactic, but perhaps intentionally so. After all, it’s the journey that counts, and both Vella and Shay have come a long way from where they started. Double Fine has proven its honed and tested skills in this genre again, but we can’t help but feel that there was more it could do.

A tough-to-watch vignette of familial love and loss. [Issue#203, p.80]

While it's not likely to satisfy anyone looking for deep fighting action, existing fans will be pleased with what's on offer. [Issue#152, p.123]

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

So a superb solo experience that can be shared with ease is what’s really on offer. Whereas the addition of better multiplayer options would have seen the title become essential, what’s featured is more than enough. [Jan 2007, p.112]

A delightful and demanding trip down memory lane. [Issue#203, p.82]

A rich, vibrant world despite its lacklustre campaign. [Issue#205, p.78]

It's hardly a stunning RPG or an essential purchase but Radiata Stories is a charming, entertaining and compelling adventure, nonetheless. [Dec 2005, p.104]

Even without the new weapon parts, characters and maps that will be joining the roster, it's a worthy side-dish to whatever passes for your multiplayer main course. [Issue#145, p.121]

The action-RTS tomfoolery is remarkably compelling once you get a feeling for the basics... Darwinia is proof that you don’t need huge budgets and flashy visuals to make a decent title. [Apr 2005, p.112]

If you’ve not got half a lifetime to invest - or even if you have and you’re just up for trying something a little different - Stella Deus is an interesting and competent strategy title just waiting to rob you of over 40 hours. Good stuff. [Aug 2005, p.108]

A few rough edges don't detract from an adventure that is as emotional as it is brain teasing, and is worth experiencing whether or not you can relate to the subject matter.

Smart, brutal and to the point. [Issue#205, p.83]

It's rather good...You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this. [Issue#180, p.47]

It might not sound like much of a change, but the shift of focus into multiplayer territory is quite enough to make Wario Ware appealing all over again. [May 2004, p.108]

Arslan: The Warriors of Legend doesn’t stray too far from the tried and tested Warriors formula. But, once again, Omega Force has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of a brilliant source material while combining it with a solid, combo-filled slasher – and arguably the best-looking Warriors-style game to date.

Great game when it works like it should – but is that a disclaimer we should really tolerate?

A flawed but enjoyable rework of Papers, Please. [Issue#205, p.84]

Dustforce does itself no favours for having such a grim outlook, but when a game offers this much challenge it's easy to brush such criticisms under the carpet. [Issue#145, p.123]

Eminently timeless, suitably gorgeous, but unutterably difficult. Everything you want in a retro revamp. [Oct 2006, p.120]

Cross-breeds cats and pigs with great success... The whole experience is one that at no point takes itself seriously and the gorgeous cartoon world of the first game returns shinier than ever, complete with similarly insane bouncy tunes. [Jan 2005, p.102]

It’s important that The Witcher doesn’t take itself too seriously, because that’s what helps it stand apart from the rest of the pack. [Chrismas 2007, p.134]

If you recognised the clever retro nods in the visuals without having them pointed out then this will appeal. If not, scroll on. [Issue#117, p.119]

A brave game that deserves recognition. Gladius rises above its initial shortcomings and delivers a lengthy and enjoyable experience. [Dec 2003, p.112]

Every time you’re about to put the controller down, there’s always something to keep you playing – even if it’s just to see another astoundingly gorgeous area or one more gargantuan enemy boss. [July 2007, p.106]

A generously long-lasting slice of festive entertainment for the peripheral. [Issue#117, p.120]