None of this package is new, which is why we've deducted a point. Still Alive is a pricey luxury for Portal fans. But hey, if you've never played it before, feel free to slap that point back on and enjoy one of gaming's tastiest treats from the last few years.

Just like the original Fable, this is a game that's hugely likeable, but only if you put the effort in. Make no mistake, it's genuinely charming, but everything from unclear storytelling to rubbish mini-games to glitchy graphics to sluggish menus makes an appearance, and you've got to take it all with a smile.

Child friendly but not alienating to adults - this is an enjoyable adventure for one or two.

Looks flashy, and fun but ends up being a shallow, repetitive trawl.

Far Cry 2 is this year's equivalent of Assassin's Creed... when it comes to enveloping the player in exotic sights and sounds, Ubisoft has absolutely nailed it. [Issue # 40]

Happy, sunny, cheesy singing fun. [Feb 2009, p.89]

Midnight Club: Los Angeles is most successful when it keeps things simple. The game's checkpoint events and time trials are the best we've seen, and the option to create circuits from scratch adds the potential for some truly epic contests. For slick graphics, intelligent design and pure arcade fun, this is the racing game to keep your motor running this winter.

A decent port of the classic board game. [Mar 2009, p.93]

Booty's multiplayer oozes longevity. [Nov 2008, p.101]

More revolting than it is a revolution. [May 2009, p.87]

Exactly like the original, and that's a bad thing. [Dec 2008, p.94]

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]

It might not be adding much to the Resi formula, but it's hugely enjoyable despite this. Roll on the inevitable and much-deserved sequel.

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.

The best game in the franchise to date. It's genuinely good enough that it might even convert diehard PES fans if Konami's update this year ends up being as lacklustre as last year's.

A clever idea marred by a dull, dull world. [Nov 2008, p.72]

Pretty annoying. [Christmas 2008, p.97]

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

Who knew agony could be so much fun? [Dec 2008, p.100]

Workable horror, but missing some charm. [Mar 2009, p.86]

The smartest dumb game on Xbox Live. [Dec 2008, p.101]

Replay value is immense too, thanks to open tactics, large maps and good Xbox Live modes including Co-op.

Tight, fun and fast-paced racing action that just about anyone can enjoy. [Nov 2008, p.89]

Warriors Orochi 2 isn't short on content, but it's unlikely that many will want to persevere past the staggeringly poor frame rate and distinctly old-gen graphical flaws.

Stylish, competent, but a bit too familiar.

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.

This isn't just another franchise game: it's the closest thing that you'll ever get to a sequel to the movies. It's not the cleverest game ever made, but there's certainly enough excitement, intrigue and massive explosions to keep you interested. [Oct 2008, p.74]

Armored Core is best enjoyed with other enthusiasts, and For Answer has an impressive array of online options. [Sept 2008, p.88]