Despite the blatantly rushed execution, it's impossible not to love The Walking Dead Episode 2. This is thought-provoking, clever, and genuinely grown-up entertainment. Heart-rending decisions and spectacular pacing make this one of the most intense gaming experiences we've ever had.

Codemasters has tweaked the driving physics to work surprisingly well with a stock Xbox 360 controller.

Original, beautiful, and one of a kind.

While it's never going to be as surprising or novel as Codies' first stab at Formula One, for a seasonal update there's a remarkable number of tweaks and changes, all of which are for the better. What's more, the game has become one of the most substantial and compelling multiplayer racing offerings around and, with the addition of co-op at whatever diffi culty you choose, is more inclusive for all skill levels than the majority of online racers.

This is b-ball for the hardcore. You know it!

One of the series' highest points. [June 2014, p.90]

A masterful continuation of a captivating tale - powerful, sad and deeply involving. [Sept 2016, p.85]

Perfectly balanced fights in a small package, we just wish there were more stages. [October 2018, p.83]

A compelling argument not just for Criterion's continued stewardship of Need for Speed - assuming Hot Pursuit left you in any doubt on that front - but for the reproduction of those inescapable, irresistible online features across rival genres.

Bloodstained: ROTN is a deceptively hard game (that’s a good thing), so careful exploration of each room and a considered approach to each encounter is required in order to reach the next big boss with enough health and magic points. [Issue#180, p.85]

Still awesome online. [Aug 2009, p.94]

The only downside is that at £100, it's asking you to put your wallet on the line for an experience that offers the same thrills as GH, but still represents a big gamble if you didn't get on with that series. It's just a fraction too expensive for our liking.

An early contender for game of the year. It really is that spectacular. While the hand of Epic is evident, as the team that did the bulk of the work this catapults People Can Fly onto our list of the most exciting shooter devs on the Xbox 360. Brilliant writing, unparalleled production values and thunderous action: this deserves to be number one with a bullet.

Fallout: New Vegas does betray the age of its engine every now and then, but it also shows why it has aged so well, powering the same tasty mix of great gameplay, endless side-quests and a world to get lost in.

A glorious example of how much fun there is to be had when you let rip with both barrels. Screw reality - ridiculous overblown madness like this is exactly why video games are so great. Thanks for justifying our pastime, Volition.

Perfectly evokes the brilliant point-and-clicks of old, from the puzzles to the one-liners. [June 2017, p.77]

4A Games can't turn back time, but it's done everything to ensure that both Metro games feel comparable to today's standards. Beautiful, compelling and distinctly original, Redux is a must.

Beautifully made if somewhat linear. Fun to play through even though the town is quiet. [Aug 2018, p.82]

Much more than the sum of its parts, but unfortunately said parts are only an okay FPS and an okay RPG, both fairly no-frills and functional. It's a roast dinner without gravy followed by an apple pie without custard. Nothing's wrong, but you can't shake the nagging feeling that something's missing. Borderlands is a good time, but it should have been a great time.

Madden 11 is without a doubt the best American football game on the Xbox 360. [Issue#65, p.85]

Smart alterations to the throwing and catching game shake up the Madden formula enough to pass the taste test, without necessarily adding any new ingredients. [Nov 2015, p.84]

FIFA 14 represents a difficult step forward for a very popular franchise, but a successful one nonetheless. The changes have such a significant effect, that returning fans may find them off-putting through the first five to ten games. But those that embrace them will be rewarded with perhaps the most satisfying, engaging FIFA yet.

The definitive version of an already excellent fighting game, Ultra Street Fighter is the pinnacle of Capcom's tinkering with the title, and shows just how far one game can go with a little bit of love from its fans. That said, we're ready for Street Fighter 5 now, please.

A faithful upgrade of a handheld classic.

Haunting, amazing, but not for everybody.

A stylish shooter that subverts and surprises at every turn. A little glitchy, though. [Issue#182, p.79]

Let's put it in football terms: PES = modern, continental manager. FIFA = Mike Bassett. Like Liverpool, FIFA has talent, but it could be a long road back to contention.

Rogue Legacy mixes up genres and, through some inspired design choices, brings out the best in both. A deep and challenging game designed for small sessions and maximum satisfaction.