Flawed but irresistable - Fable is lifted by the weight of its ideas. [Nov 2005, p.93]

A great little shooter, and one that could well give Valve a run for its money. [June 2010, p.90]

The most fun you'll have with Supreme Commander lies in the skirmish and multiplayer battles, where it becomes a high-tech bitch-slapping meat grinder of a game. [Mar 2007, p.66]

Just as serving a delicious cheesecake on a bed of rotten mackerel kills the appetite, so OpFlash: Red River turns the stomach with its nauseating intro. No matter how appealing the main event might be, you just can't get that image out of your head.

The best RPG we've played in a long time. [Apr 2011, p.101]

A super expansion, bringing great new toys to Dawn of War's broiling funbox. [Dec 2005, p.94]

A far more tactical FIFA than we've seen before, though sorely lacking the 360's impressive new online mode. [Dec 2008, p.96]

For intermediate and expert chess players in search of a genuine challenge, the powerful, mature engine and deep analysis available here probably gives Fritz 8 the edge over its rivals. [Jan 2005, p.98]

An ace expansion to an already ace RTS. Essential for fans. [Christmas 2006, p.102]

An almost-perfect war game that manages to deliver just enough for real-time strategy and sim fans alike. [July 2009, p.90]

A silent and deadly change from the usual WW2 percussion. Refreshing. [Mar 2006, p.98]

Mass Effect's impressive storytelling struggles against remarkably clunky combat action, and wins - but only just. [July 2008, p.100]

An enormously rewarding and complicated game Battlefield Vietnam is then, and unquestionably an improvement upon its predecessor. At the same time, it’s so remarkably similar to BF 1942 it’s almost not worth buying if you’re an existing fan.

The simplicity of the design is where the game really shines. [Oct 2011, p.105]

It's delicious to watch. Nexus' whirling space charts and system-spanning ships slip past spiraling asteroids, fend of the shadows of "Homeworld" and make your head spin. [Christmas 2004, p.114]

Modern Warfare 2 is a far more complete package, but DICE proves that it's the master of true multiplayer warfare. [Apr 2010, p.92]

Not big and not clever, but lots of simple, high-paced fun while it lasts... The story fits the action: it's speedy, unchallenging, over-the-top yet quite entertaining. [Apr 2005, p.108]

Worth every one of your 680 pennies for a bit more Fallout 3 and the lack of a proper ending to put a stop to your fun. [July 2009, p.92]

Ticks all the right boxes expected of sub-based MMORPG, but you can happily play without spending a cent. [Dec 2009, p.98]

The focus on wizards adds far more of an edge than Heroes of Might and Magic’s army action, and the increased level of tactics puts Disciples to shame.

For the first time in a good seven years there's a decent Formula 1 game on the PC. An impressive return to form. [Issue#246, p.102]

While it's nowhere near as theatrical as "GTR2," there's a solid core of tight, exciting racing and impressive physics here. [Jan 2007, p.56]

Stunning attention to detail throughout and beautifully fluid game mechanics are impossible not to appreciate. [Sept 2009, p.94]

A tense, nervous gun-ache of a game that will make you jump and scream. [Jan 2008, p.70]

Flawed but undoubtedly fun. An endearing spectacular shooter. [Sept 2006, p.92]

A thrillingly kinetic scramble through gaming's prettiest Orwellian dystopia. It has the feeblest fight sequences, yet its greatness shines through. [Feb 2009, p.94]

Its duffer solo moments are masked by imaginative and visual whizz-band-fizz. [Jan 2011, p.100]

A good expansion that lacks a bit of depth. [Aug 2006, p.94]

Easily the most engrossing and authentic sub sim out there. [July 2006, p.92]

The Thing isn’t a classic but it is a superbly executed, engrossing horror shooter that almost everyone will enjoy, once at least.

Not the longest of games, but one of hte first truly compelling physics puzzlers. [Nov 2007, p.56]

Exhilarating stripped down action-RPG. Repetitive, but compulsive. [Oct 2005, p.86]

Naturally wanting to be played with a PS2 joypad, the controls are difficult to use and can’t be changed, although a secondary keymap allows for the more familiar [W], [A], [S], [D] combination.

Very probably the greatest secret agent game around.

Playing as gaming's most agile character is joyous, which outweighs the lengthy cutscenes and disappointing final hour. [Apr 2008, p.38]

Every bit as ambitious as it is visually stunning. A little more polish, and WoW could finally have serious competition on its hands. [Aug 2008, p.92]

Slick, with better handling but seen-it-all-before gameplay.

It's a hard game, but that challenge and scope will be what keeps you coming back after your arse is handed to you. Again.

What it does introduce is a level of pervasive professionalism, and in-depth statistical geekery that's been reserved for "Football Manager's" army of devotees until now. [June 2005, p.94]

Demigod is simple in concept, but thoroughly engaging and great fun. More content would make this an essential buy. [June 2009, p.92]

Well worth the price in entertainment value. [Jan 2010, p.90]

It's still a fantastic game. [Sept 2010, p.102]

Dawn of War 2 is relentless, grindy, beautiful, but never less than an utterly compulsive real-time strategy game.

A massive upgrade on the first game, but don't blame us if you get a bit tired of shooting people in the face. [Issue#244, p.106]

Player empowerment taken to a ridiculous, gruesome and thrilling new level. Just don't expect design perfection. [Sept 2009, p.92]

Note to Epic: just give us more unique Onslaught maps – and new vehicles for them – and we’ll happily keep playing. But keep churning out endless samey maps and it’s back to "Battlefield" and "PlanetSide" for us.

While non-hockey fans can blag their way through the main game, Dynasty mode is a whole different puck game. It takes a real hockey buff to know what's going on with the different team lines, strategies, player trading and draft picking.

All the licenses you could want, but sluggish controls hold it back. [Christmas 2009, p.93]

Cryostasis is a beautiful, yet flawed, gem of a game. It offers up a thoroughly unique experience, that at its height is as breathtaking as it terrifying. The decision to render this as a first person shooter is slightly double-edged though, because as a shooter it’s less of a stunner, but is still a worthy addition to your game shelf.

So close to brilliance - but, again let down by premature release. [Jan 2005, p.82]

Attractive, accessible and plenty to do – for a golf game, anyway.

Not wholly innovative, but a rewarding tactical shooter.

A new, simpler breed of Splinter Cell action, though with enough of its hardcore gaming roots showing to please us all. [July 2010, p.90]

A slight affair, but tense, focused and the best finger-on-the-button sim ever. [Nov 2006, p.96]

An interesting twist is the lack of fog of war. This takes a while to get used to, but works surprisingly well.

One of the most fun puzzle games since "Bookworm Adventures." [Jan 2008, p.74]

It may take a while to find them, but delve into PES 2011 and you'll discover its great - if unfortunately hidden - depths. [Nov 2010, p.100]

As human mercenary enemies make way for the dreaded aliens, the AI suffers a brain haemorrhage and the game needs to distract you with spectacular visual events to distract you from your stand and shoot enemies. It's as good as any recent shooter at epic moments and gun-toting drama, but it feels a little shallow once you realise how remedial the all-conquering alien force actually are.

I don't think this is going to be as good as the new Island series gets either. [Sept 2009, p.97]

It feels like a retro collection, but it's pretty much a no-brainer for flight sim fans until "Storm of War" arrives. [Feb 2007, p.65]

The best Pacific-based flight sim you can buy, without question. [Dec 2004, p.86]

A fresh breath in the MMORPG genre. In some respects it's ELITE on steroids.

A visceral, engrossing epic noticeably lacking in refinement. [Apr 2006, p.82]

A little like a tavern wench you met in Trinidad - certainly pretty, very broad, but ultimately a tiny bit shallow. [Jan 2005, p.88]

A gorgeous dystopian setting. [June 2009, p.96]

It's a gorgeous, charming and suitably priced offering. [Dec 2008, p.99]

Eminently likeable; as moreish as chocolate kittens, more addictive than smack-sprinkled kebabs. All the key ingredients of an RTS are here: well-balanced varied units, interesting missions, a surprising plot.

Overall, the simplicity is really the only thing that holds Operation Genesis back: it comes across as more of a children’s game than a fully-fledged management title and doesn’t have the enduring challenges to really snare the proper calculator junkies.

Despite all the fireworks it's hard to suppress the feeling that Act of War is as shallow as a puddle. The objectives leave so little room for cunning that if you want to use your brain, you'll have to look elsewhere. [Apr 2005, p.100]

A slightly confused combination of intimidating depth and unnerving shallowness: on the one hand, a monstrous physics engine that'll stir a petrol-head's soul, on the other some patchy graphics and a slightly home-made techno soundtrack that calls up wholly unflattering comparisons to EA. However, it does push the realism harder than the more entertaining "Live For Speed." [March 2005, p.102]

Filled with impressive engine technology and good fun to boot. Not really designed for grown-ups. [Jan 2007, p.68]

Addictive, simple, and enormous fun, Fate's only flaw is that the endless dungeons get depressing as the decor incessantly repeats, and that the simple fishing mini-game often nets you ridiculously expensive top-level items. [Sept 2005, p.102]

A must-have for anyone who has fond memories of the golden age of games, whether you played the original or not. [Oct 2008, p.108]

An accomplished, silly and engaging game of a genre that's woefully under-used. [Feb 2007, p.69]

Battlefield 1942 is absolutely a multiplayer title – and don’t let anyone tell you different – and in that respect it really does the business.

Leader of the field of one, until some credible opposition appears. [Dec 2005, p.92]

Satisfying and technically proficient carnage. Watch that bodywork fly. [Sept 2006, p.103]

It seems that Oblivion wears insanity quite well, and it's a refreshing approach to the established universe. [May 2007, p.65]

They're not perfect, but these beloved characters are definitely in capable hands. [June 2010, p.100]

It's a simple, short thing, but the truly masterful handling of the lightsaber(s) this time around means it's also perhaps the most genuinely Star Warsy game in a long, long time.

Surprisingly more depth than there at first appears.

A game that flies high, but is almost shot down by severe controller issues. [Mar 2010, p.92]

A good sequel that's faithful to its forebears in all the right places. [July 2006, p.98]

Because of the lack of competition at the moment, this is the cricket game to buy. [Nov 2009, p.]

Make no mistake, this is the best version of FIFA ever and maybe even the most fun-to-play arcade footie game ever. [Christmas 2006, p.97]

Still lots of high-octane fun, but even the excellent community may not be reason enough for old hands. [Apr 2007, p.70]

A real romp to play, and there’s very little grind involved – an achievement for any MMORPG. In addition, it doesn’t require you to put your life on hold to get a lot out of the game, unlike the "Everquests" and "Star Wars Galaxies" of the world.

When a game is this gripping, who cares about a slightly cranky engine? [May 2006, p.91]

When you get online, you'll relise how internationally popular this game is. [July 2008, p.111]

PopCap at its finest. [July 2009, p.95]

JC isn't perfect. There are some stolid, on-rails bits, the missions get repetitive, and did we mention the physics is crap? But there's abundant pleasure to be found. [Dec 2006, p.116]

A great sense of humor. [Christmas 2009, p.94]

The best Western game by far, with some outstanding visuals. [Oct 2006, p.100]

A strong stomach is more important than a Pentium IV for this one. [March 2005, p.113]

A well-rendered world, with a well-realised story, though without as much actual gaming as we'd hoped there'd be. [Issue#244, p.81]

It's got entertainment in spades. [Feb 2010, p.86]

Fortunately, the action is so focused, the squad dynamic so intuitive and the banter so entertaining that you won't stop to consider the game's failings... The best Star Wars prequel game yet. [March 2005, p.92]

It's not a painful experience by any means; it just feels like it's little more than extended Fallout 3 DLC.