The whole drop-in drop-out nature of the world tour, both online and off, is outstanding. It’s also worryingly addictive. There never feels like a good enough reason to stop. [Jan 2009, p.98]

Fetch quests interrupted by relentless, contrived fight sequences may have worked once, but in the altered landscape of 2008 Yakuza 2 really feels like it should be offering more. [Nov 2008, p.123]

If you’re a massive fan of the original then you should be aware that this game is incredibly similar to the 360 instalment, but newcomers should consider this essential. [Nov 2008, p.114]

This is one of the most ambitious, fun, and stimulating pieces of software for the last decade and, frankly, what does it matter whether its 100 percent videogame or not. [Nov 2008, p.94]

The cosmetics and style that FaceBreaker offers in spades fail to raise the mechanics and gameplay above average. [Oct 2008, p.125]

A solid expansion to better the original. [Apr 2008, p.119]

Hopefully tri-Ace will revive these characters for a second game, which can fix the niggling flaws of this imperfect but enjoyable adventure. [Nov 2008, p.106]

Although the formula is very similar to the first title, the sheer number of extra elements makes it fun to collect all those piñatas again. [Nov 2008, p.98]

With a little more substance it could have achieved something greater, but as it stands we’ll be looking to Far Cry 2’s release later in the year to satiate out non-linear jungle needs. [Nov 2008, p.108]

The evasive gameplay may not be sophisticated, but the original concept will keep you entertained for a few hours, and the sound effects and music provide a real sense of charm. [Nov 2008, p.111]

With friends is by far the best way to enjoy the game. [Nov 2008, p.111]

The bones are here for a stunning adventure, but the imagination simply isn't. Our disappointment is palpable. [Sept 2009, p.116]

Every quality the game has ever displayed since its 2004 debut is matched or surpassed in this, the culmination of Nippon Ichi’s creative vision and talent and doubtless the best Disgaea yet. [Mar 2009, p.108]

You can’t fault it in terms of artistic design, and although it’s no better than its predecessor, it’s certainly no worse. [Oct 2008, p.120]

The resource management and skill chasing on offer is sound, but everything else is repetitive, undemanding, and forgettable. [Oct 2008, p.110]

Rearmed boasts a level of polish rarely seen in downloadable titles. [Issue#73, p.116]

It’s perfectly functional, neatly presented, and consistently enjoyable to play, but there’s nothing here to make it particularly memorable or great. [Oct 2008, p.106]

You can tackle the 160, inappropriately named ‘standard levels’ in any order, so Treasure’s glorious design work is immediately on show. [May 2008, p.108]

Unless you’re a big fan of the Homestar Runner series of web cartoons, you’re likely to spend much of your time with the game scratching your head. [Oct 2008, p.114]

The visual flair and meticulous puzzles will delight any gamer willing to lose themselves in Braid’s considerable challenge, but its true worth is grounded in something far more abstract. [Oct 2008, p.127]

It’s a fun, frothy take on a scene that could have easily led it to drown in detestable ghetto references and urban nods, but even though B-Boy manages to avoid travelling that dangerous path, it remains no more than a guilty pleasure. [Oct 2006, p.121]

Small, affordable, and utterly absorbing. [Oct 2008, p.121]

Does exactly what a good sequel should, retaining the core appeal of the first game but with enough twists added to make it feel as altogether new and exciting as a completely original title. [Oct 2008, p.118]

This is easily the best Soul Calibur package to date, though there is a niggling feeling that things may not have moved on enough. [Sept 2008, p.114]

The game’s faults intermittently make themselves known but are easy to ignore in such an engrossing and skilfully directed game. [Oct 2008, p.117]

A game that's just as enjoyable as any other in the series but with a wow factor that far exceeds the vast majority of them. [July 2008, p.123]

It’s difficult to label Go! Go! Break Steady’s use of two genres as a hybrid, because the rhythm–action and puzzle elements sit side by side, rather than one informing the other in any inventive way. [Oct 2008, p.121]

It is possible to learn the delicate demands of each event of course, but that can often take close to an hour of practice for each one – hardly the mark of a casual-interest game. [July 2008, p.125]