An intelligent and self-aware sequel, this successfully shifts the tone of the series' debut. [Jan 2017, p.80]

Full of an overwhelming amount of stuff to do this is insane value for money and pretty to boot. Still, we can't help but feel a shake-up is needed for Far Cry 5 to prevent series fatigue.

Well designed and addictive. [Aug 2008, p.95]

Resident Evil 5 has to unfortunately go down as one of the biggest gaming disappointments in recent memory, simply because it's merely great rather than unbelievable. It lags behind 2008's better games in each and every facet it seeks to excel in - Dead Space is scarier, Left 4 Dead is a superior co-op experience and Gears 2 is still the best third-person, cover-based shooter money can buy.

You play "Forza" for the modding, community stuff and realism; you can play Colin because it's a bloody good, old-fashioned arcade rally game. [July 2007, p.96]

AvP is well worth your time and, with the unique online offering as well, there's plenty to get your teeth, claws and wristblades into. [Mar 2010]

Glosses over the changes and additions made in Black Flag, but it's more than deserving of recognition. The skill and attention to detail make this hugely accomplished, if flawed. It's a return to Brotherhood - but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Like its heroes, Revelations 2 is a mix of elements weak and strong. But what a team they make when they're mixed together.

One of the best family games out there. [June 2008, p.78]

Alan Wake is a strange beast - a great story, told clumsily and strewn with odd characters saying vaguely unbelievable things in an earnest way that might or might not be a joke. However, as baffling as it can be, it really does hold its own, keeping you nervous, excited and rolling your eyes indulgently so regularly that it simply won't occur to you to stop playing.

Established missions are still there - loverlorn villagers still need perking up, and there are races a-plenty - but much more on offer besides. And alongside flashier fights, a more helpful HUD and gorgeous new locations, it helps build the ideal sequel for every budding Hokage. Believe it.

Inventive and original, this is retro done right. Another success for Pac-man. [Dec 2016, p.87]

What takes all of this simple arcade fun and elevates it, of course, is Lionhead's flair for detailing, whether the design team's throwing in nods to the rest of the Fable series via the locations - which range from the sunflower meadows of Millfields to the sandy wastes of Aurora - or tossing in classic enemies, including bobble-headed reinventions of hollow men and balverines.

The most realistic football simulation yet: PES' depth and control are simply stupendous. [Dec 2016, p.88]

At the end of the day, you'll be left feeling warmer and happier than if you were in the heaving bosom of Lara herself. That's got to be worth the asking price. [May 2006, p.70]

Dust will see you past ten hours easily, and may last you past 15 if you're serious about completing all the fetch quests and finding all the hidden goodies. It doesn't quite have the repertoire to justify the second figure, to my mind, but the 1200 MP outlay shouldn't give you pause. This is a labour of love for a bygone era that will be remembered just as fondly.

A lovely, surprisingly clever reinvention of Plants vs Zombies for shooter fans of all ages and persuasions.

Strong characters entertain throughout the game's uncharacteristically involving story, with sheer imagination turning those limited core systems into something just that little bit more magical. There are tears, laughter - and most importantly, the first successful stab at Kinect-enhanced immersion - as Fable: The Journey gallops toward its epic conclusion.

This is a truly entertaining game. There's no pretension - just enjoyable mayhem. It doesn't claim to be the Messiah, but it is a very naughty boy. Volition has tapped into nearly every wanton act we'd want to commit in an open world and more besides. [Nov 2008, p.67]

If we have one complaint, it's the fact you have to waggle the thumbstick for a few seconds to blow up the thing you're occupying. You're not using B or Y, guys. But otherwise this is an intelligent and modestly-priced puzzler that'll lovingly abduct an evening from your life.

A Diablo clone that still has plenty of its own character, and is great in couch co-op. [Issue#179, p.78]

A comprehensive bike sim that benefits massively from its new management mode. [Sept 2017, p.88]

The phone is smart, but the story is dumb, and all the better for it. Just don't expect major innovation. [Dec 2014, p.90]

Surprise attack from some chopsy 'copters. [Aug 2013, p.91]

Some of the most inventive use of Soulsian systems we've seen yet. [Dec 2014, p.91]

Technically superior in every way to plain Diablo III and still as ruinous to your everyday life as ever before. The hearty challenge remains beyond the credits, making it definitely worth your time.

It's a delightfully tricky exercise in plate-spinning, complicated further by the need to keep every instrument up to speed to maximise your score.

It's just too easy to forgive Payday 2 for looking shonky though. This game isn't about appearances; it's about the tension and excitement and thrill found in the heat of a moment. It's about hard work and co-operation and a well-placed bullet coming together to pull off the perfect crime. If you've got a tight team of four bank-busting buddies ready and raring to go, and you can overlook some below-average scenery, you're in for a hell of a time. Mask up.