This is a solid start for IO, but it still needs to do a lot to convince us that this release model has more worth to the player than the traditional ‘release a finished game’ method we’ve grown to love and appreciate.

A beautiful but flawed farewell. [Issue#91, p.112]

As its own beast though, it's simply okay. [Issue#140, p.98]

While the great entries to the Sim City series, the Civilizations of the world, even Ubisoft’s Anno series and Galactic Civilizations II all give more back the more you put into it, Tropico 5 is unable to do that. And a lack of longevity in a game that should last so very long is just, ultimately, disappointing.

The frantic and smooth combat translates to multiplayer far better than the plodding solo campaign, and ultimately save Insomniac’s effort from irrelevance. [Jan 2007, p.96]

Always Sometimes Monsters again shows up that ‘game’ is a word whose time is done. There is nothing playful about this experience – it’s a mixture of repetitive tasks that riddle your fingers with despair and increasingly-depressing plots. This then is a ‘life failure’ simulator, like Cliff Harris’s sandbox Kudos 2. Like that, it’s compelling, enlightening and moving – but hard to call ‘fun’.

Competent, but not wholly compelling. [Issue#194, p.84]

Lost Planet 3's mere existence? It's a mystery. [Issue#140, p.102]

It's a quick thrill – a little bit of fiery eye-candy and raw destruction to pass the time – but as its explosions grow more tiring, there's little else to see among the streets of Shatter Bay, and its focus is clearly muddled. While Unbounded is no doubt a step in the right direction for the franchise, perhaps it was a little early to leave the safety of Ridge City behind.

Lacks polish, but worth a try. [Issue#175, p.83]

Loud and silly, but a little hollow. [Issue#182, p.76]

Not quite as well-rounded overall as last year. [Issue#140, p.106]

This situation isn’t helped by an array of dreary technical problems either: scenery is flat and lifeless, dirt and dust effects are disappointing, while the sound effects will leave you wanting. This, combined with a frequently erratic frame-rate, produces a game that desperately needed more time and money for the developers to fully realise its vision. It’s a shame, because Rally Evo boasts such an attractive feature set – and from a studio we know is capable of mastering simulation mechanics – but this year it just couldn’t compete with Codemasters’ stellar return to the scene.

Konami has made a concerted effort to make the game more accessible, but by speeding up and simplifying much of the action it risks alienating the fans of the series who are used to the ebb and flow of the real thing. [Christmas 2008, p.113]

There's plenty to do and see (within the golf spectrum, naturally) but at the end of the day, there's just not enough real magic to keep you coming back for more. [Christmas 2003, p.125]

Anyone looking for a more substantial or skill-based party game will be better served elsewhere. [Issue#143, p.107]

It's a nice, clean package that delivers enough hi-octane chases and enjoyment to warrant a purchase. [Christmas 2005, p.121]

Underbaked. [Issue#146, p.114]

We'd expect a new KOF to offer more depth. [Oct 2009, p.118]

That lack of consistency is sadly pervasive. [Issue#140, p.112]

High on spectacle, low on substance. [Issue#182, p.83]

It’s a nice, clean package that delivers enough hi-octane chases and enjoyment to warrant a purchase. [Christmas 2005, p.121]

Even though you might feel short-changed by this visually basic follow-up, charm and adventurous character design count for more than you might think. [June 2006, p.128]

A game that succeeds in being like no other but falls short of realising its potential.

While Sphinx's adventures are rather average and play very similarly to "Starfox Adventures" and the Zelda games, the Mummy levels are a different matter - stealth and laughs abound in equal measures and there are some extremely clever puzzles that fully exploit the Mummy's undead status. [Mar 2004, p.119]

The repetitive nature of the majority of missions soon takes its toll, and the primary motivation for progressing soon becomes the desire to see how nice the next level looks, not the love of playing the game. [Apr 2006, p.110]

We can't help feel this game deserves better; that Sony should have better prepared its overachieving child for its second run at online domination. Sadly, it's still the average game that SOCOM was, and without any novelties to paper over the mundane gameplay it's hard to see this repeating the success of its predecessor. [Apr 2004, p.96]

Even with its overly ambitious new 'Off The Ball' interface the FIFA series is still a long way from capturing the true essence of the beautiful game. [Dec 2003, p.127]