Syndicate can't quite escape the series' lingering problems, but it gets by on the breezy charm of its leads, ably assisted by a sprightly score and winning script.

Lacking a map-editor, co-op, and charismatic central villain, Primal sacrifices its forebears' 'big event' status, but this back-to-basics approach makes for an all-natural off-the-reservation romp.

It's the most accessible entry to date, but not the most compelling. [Apr 2008, p.80]

Like the outfits its drab protagonist wields like weapons, Lightning Returns is all style and very little meaningful substance. Combat works well, but the world is altogether forgettable.

Caught in the right light and this glitters like a racing visor in the sun, but it’s very similar to last year’s game. Ultimately only worth it if you’ve spent years out - and haven’t picked up stablemate, Ride.

No surprises here. If you're in the market for an NFL game in 2016, look no further. [Nov 2016, p.79]

Ironically, in trying to cram loads into Blitz: The League II, Midway has actually made it less enjoyable. The tacked-on mini-games only delay the proper action. That's not to say it's not a fun game: it's just not consistently fun. Shame.

Won't give you shivers, but will make your thumbs itch.

Adds four decent new maps and the chance to see Bruce Campbell firing John Malkovich. [Aug 2015, p.97]

Traveller's Tales could use a magic compass, we suspect - there's a definite sense of diminishing returns here, a worry that for all the franchise's simple amusements and dumbshow gags, LEGO is sailing close to the rocks.

Ballsy cartoon guts and supersploding stupidity. [March 2013, p.89]

Asura's Wrath begs for negative criticism. But no unhelpful intellectualising about the boundaries of TV and videogame can magic away the wide grin that sat on our face for most of the game. If you're a fan of massive-attack anime and characters who are only mortal when the battle ends, Asura's Wrath is Naruto for post-pubescents. It's not great value, but it is spectacular entertainment.

One of the better sci-fi puzzlers not starring GLaDOS, with plenty to keep grey matter happy. [Nov 2016, p.86]

Short and sweet but still satisfying. [Jan 2010, p.115]

True to its heritage, the combat is the weak point. Upping the enemy numbers to double figures for most battles looks impressive, but the fighting system is still surprisingly ungainly for such an acrobatic warrior.

A unique sci-fi horror which is deliciously complex, if a little ugly. [April 2017, p.94]

A game that doesn't always balance the line between reward and challenge. [May 2018, p.78]

All in all, a decent package for Resident Evil 5 fans, especially those who have a partner to tackle Lost In Nightmares with.

But casual strategy fans will enjoy dispatching waves of cavalry, artillery, and airplanes in head-to-head online multiplayer matches. Just be prepared to take a few beatings while you find your footing.

A pleasantly straightforward and playable racer, Gravel is capable but ordinary. [May 2018, p.80]

A treat for fans and better than "NBA Street." [June 2008, p.66]

Sadly, the floaty handling returns, which limits the feeling of tactile connection to the game. Similarly, while the simplistic trick system is adequate for boost hoarding in races, the stunt events are a fiddly chore. Techland still hasn't entirely 'nailed' it then, but you definitely won't feel robbed for the price.

Gotham City Imposters adds daft gadgets and a massive dose of style and humour to an old template, and it's a hugely entertaining way to pass any number of evenings, once you get through the matchmaking. But its biggest problem is that the unlocking system and stingy coins system constitutes its own form of psychological warfare with the player. And there, it misfires.

On-rails action for the morally oblivious. [Jan 2012, p.100]

A busy, challenging, and intriguing take on the city-building genre. [May 2018, p.86]

We'd happily plough through the whole thing just to hear the jokes and see the characters again. [Christmas 2007, p.102]

It's cute, and you can use the character creator to build some ruddy adorable puppies and kittens. But if you've got The Sims 3, this might feel like little more than a loveable but only semi-substantial expansion pack. On it's own, it's yet another decent slice of wholemeal life-sim.

A huge action RPG that is bursting with love and detail. And a fair few bugs, too.