Just prepare for a sense of incompletion unless you spend around 70 pounds more than the base price. [Jan 2014, p.74]

Step aside Guitar Hero Metallica: this is how you really do a band-specific music game. Drips with Beatles love from start to finish.

A platformer that easily holds it own against the Castlevanias and Metroids of the world.

Though only a small step up, Guitar Hero 5 is now the best music experience on the Wii.

This is a wonderful piece of software for creative types.

Human Revolution respects how you like to play games and is good at all the things it attempts, from the stealth to the shooting to the RPG systems.

A sequel done right. It deals with the original's issues and adds features to keep things fresh.

It's that confidence that encompasses everything here - Mario Kart 8 steps boldly out of the shadows of its predecessors, using their systems, ideas, even tracks, but adapting them to fit its own vision of a truly skilful game that people will obsess over, learning lines, kart set-ups and tricks, but never abandoning what it is people loved about the series.

In an industry embarrassed by brains, this is a shining beacon of measured character work, deep-rooted ideas and whip-smart dialogue.

If only the putting was more consistent. If it were, this would be as essential as "Grand Slam." [July 2009, p.80]

A highly original RPG that oozes class through the screens and speakers. The unique battle system is a great idea, despite being let down occasionally by iffy controls. [May 2008, p.87]

It's still one of the most accessible yet deep role-playing games around. It's still going to capture the hearts and imaginations of kids and adults alike. And, yes, you'll still want to catch 'em all.

Offers hours of fun brain-bending gameplay. [June 2010, p.94]

This might be the brightest of 2013's 3DS stars. A beautiful, generous, warm-hearted game in every way and a worthy successor to Wild World's crown.

A beautiful refinement of a great series. Game Freak has surpassed itself - the best Pokemon ever. [Mar 2011, p.87]

Whether it's teamplay you want or epic solo adventuring, DQIX handles both with class. [Aug 2010, p.83]

Don't expect a revolution, but with dozens of thoughtful changes and the best Pokemon battles ever, X and Y cap an incredible year for 3DS.

The Wii's answer to Dark Souls or Spelunky. Harder than your average Metroid-a-like, but with a greater sense of accomplishment. Dauntingly good.

It may not be too revolutionary but this is by far the biggest, most packed Pokemon yet. [Mar 2010, p.67]

Bigger, better and harder than NSMB DS, this is the Mario game we were waiting for. Essential. [Dec 2009, p.96]

Addictive. [July 2007, p.92]

By all means get DJ Hero if you're a fan of music games and have a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket, because Freestyle Games has put together a fantastic music title. Everyone else will just have to wait until the price drops.

Feels vintage and fresh at the same time. [Christmas 2010, p.56]

Never have we been so amused, challenged and impressed by a game all at the same time. [Christmas 2007, p.68]

Not a huge leap forward for the series but a wonderful game nonetheless. Enjoy. [Christmas 2009, p.91]

It may not be too revolutionary but this is by far the biggest, most packed Pokemon yet. [Mar 2010, p.67]

A beautifully polished adventure with buckets of depth. Game of the year material?

A beautiful refinement of a great series. Game Freak has surpassed itself - the best Pokemon ever. [Mar 2011, p.87]