The problem is that such a brilliant editor just makes you wish it resided in a better racing game.

New ideas, but the payoff is disappointing. [Nov 2009, p.94]

Like Roman Reigns, it looks the part, but the wrestling is rubbish. Scrap this and start again, 2K. [Christmas 2016, p.86]

We say the gameplay is 'deceptively simple', because there's effectively two buttons. [Nov 2007, p.106]

It's pretty ropey, and there's little satisfaction to be had from getting through one door only to find more of the same in the next area. [Apr 2016, p.90]

The problem that this and indeed any retro shooter has nowadays is Bizarre Creations 2D tour de force, Geometry Wars. Still one of our Xbox Live download favourites, Galaga by comparison is a poor substitute.

Amiable adventure game that gets more annoying as it drags towards its lacklustre end. [Sept 2016, p.79]

A game most of today's gaming fraternity can waltz through. Its an overhead shooter for first-timers, yin to Ikaruga's bullet-laden yang.

A miniscule improvement over the original. [Feb 2007, p.100]

Quantum of Solace never manages to be a Bond game: at the tiniest of nudges, it panics and starts unleashing gunfire. It's clumsy, it's messy, it's not much fun and most of the time, it's not even the right film.

Fiddly mechanics and non-intuitive gameplay make this a niche within a niche. [Christmas 2016, p.90]

A disappointing interim chapter.

Painfully lacking in every area, lacking any thrill factor, excitement or variety. [Jan 2007, p.90]

Don't be seduced by the trendy soundtrack or gnarly subtitle; there are already too many fantastic racing games fighting for space on the pre-owned racks.

There are brief hints at what might have been, but otherwise this is a walking dud. [Dec 2015, p.81]

A game so scary, even it doesn't know what it is. [Dec 2012, p.101]

I've not felt wronged by a game to this degree in a long time. Hatred just about captures the emotion. Killer is Dead has the kernel of an acceptable game, swathed in unlikable characters, a Benny Hill attitude to women, alienating self-regard and some obnoxious gameplay decisions. It's impossible to recommend.

Nothing we haven't seen before. [June 2012, p.101]

Apologising for broken content with more broken content feels like a bit of a slap in the face, and Dead Kings' confusing, far-from-user-friendly new mechanics make this DLC a bit of a disappointing prospect.

Functional, uninspiring tie-in. [Christmas 2011, p.109]

Football without rules equals a mess. Add some crap gameplay and annoying animations and it's a complete joke. [April 2006, p.94]

This is a way to acquire the entire set at a lower price, but only hardcore retro collectors need apply. [June 2009, p.93]

Stealth fans, heed our warning: Serial Cleaner might promise a hardcore genre fix, but behind the '70s veneer lies a game that takes pleasure in leaving you fuming. And unlike actual cleaning, it awards you with none of the satisfaction of a job well done.

Definitely hazardous, but not funny or fun. [Mar 2010, p.114]

All things considered, Sam's been seriously shafted. [Christmas 2012, p.99]

Tracks are boring. [Aug 2011, p.96]

Angry Birds Trilogy just feels like simple cash-raking from a franchise that's displayed little-to-no creativity since the first bird was fired.

Aged, dated, decrepit and repetitive! [Nov 2006, p.107]