At times it feels like the mad power trip it ought to be – but repetitive action soon sucks the joy out of its amazing explosions, and unnecessary restrictions get in the way of the fun.

Not the hole-in-one you've been hoping for. [Sept 2008, p.92]

Old-school fare, old-school swear. [Aug 2010, p.110]

Better than expected, worse than it should be. [Feb 2010, p.111]

Innovative co-op...shame about the rest. [Sept 2008, p.92]

There's not actually that much to do here. [Sept 2007, p.108]

This is a pretty, inventive platformer that demonstrates both a clear affection for the original and a willingness to try something new. It might not come close to unseating the genre's best, but if you're up for a challenge, then this is a minor gem.

3D aside, this is uninspiring stuff. [June 2010, p.105]

The tennis is good when your'e in a match. You feel like you're really in control of the game thanks to the array of shots at your disposal, but the pace of it and the euthanasia-like tedium of the Pro Tour will put most players off after half an hour. [Aug 2008, p.84]

Performance issues and progression complaints compromise this survival fantasy. [Nov 2017, p.86]

Though not entirely soul-destroying, Dying Light will leave you feeling like you've just eaten a box of budget chocolates - unsatisfied, underwhelmed and unsure if it was worth the money. [March 2015, p.72]

Not quite forgettable, thanks to sturdy core concepts, a diverse line-up of cards and some infuriating micro-transactions.

What should be lighthearted fun turns into a grind in this knockabout arcade racer. [June 2017, p.82]

A decent diversion, but far from a black belt. [Nov 2009, p.98]

Battlezone is fun, it's enjoyable and it works, which is far better than you would expect from a rusty tank after 27 years of inactivity. [Feb 2008, p.102]

It's too derivative and frustrating to contend for Dark Souls' crown. [Xmas 2014, p.78]

Funny enough, easy enough and familiar enough to feel like an old friend, but this doesn't offer the excitement we expect from a series taking its second step onto a new platform. [Apr 2014, p.81]

Blood Knights holds as much annoyance as satisfaction. [Christmas 2013, p.103]

A disorienting mix of the classic, the needless and the forgotten. [Apr 2014, p.89]

In terms of graphics, in terms of variety, in terms of accessibility, it’s a failure on both 360 and PC. Overall, we’re coming down on the side of foolhardy over brave.

Thing is, in spite of all this peripheral mediocrity, if you pick up Blood Stone, you'll probably get a day or so's entertainment from it.

Our advice: fix the career, add in some quirky new modes other than the Gamer Face, and widen the character's fighting styles beyond one special attack, and we'll be queuing up for Round 2.

Some great ideas, but derezzes in its execution.

It delivers one of Dead Rising's most intense shootouts to date. [Apr 2014, p.93]

It's nothing we haven't seen done before with more energy and enthusiasm in countless other mech games. [Aug 2006, p.91]

Sloppy slashwork fails to hit its target. [Apr 2009, p.84]

Clumsy but just about competent, this plays its one note well enough to satisfy anybody who wants to spend hours peering through a scope.

Trust us: after half an hour, you'll be as sick of it as CJ is of Cluckin' Bell. [Xmas 2014, p.87]