An intelligent update that gives you just enough to make it worthwhile. [Mar 2006, p.96]

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.

Lush, satisfying and thoughtful. [Jan 2009, p.92]

It's simply a tale of new areas and new monsters to left-click on with whatever over-powered kill-stick you have in your inventory. [Apr 2007, p.66]

The adamantium claws sure are sharp, but are they really all you have? [Christmas 2005, p.96]

Tries to include facets of two genres, and feels confused and compromised. [May 2006, p.94]

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]

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

Daft idea, but the basic game does all you'd wish for. [Apr 2005, p.113]

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]

Not spectacular, but solid - a nice surprise for at least short-order strategy. [Dec 2005, p.93]

It's firmly a team game, rocketing from tense action to a tedious slog, based entirely on how the rest of your team plays. [Dec 2005 p.91]

Such ordinariness only reinforces the nagging sense that this is the same game with bits bolted on. That's always the case with Battlefield games, but this time it's too little, too soon. [Dec 2006, p.110]

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

Worth grabbing when the price drops. [May 2011, p.92]

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.

Superlative urban combat, held back by poor AI and some grinding levels. [June 2006, p.80]

A refinement. [Christmas 2008, p.98]

If you're a fan of the sport, there's little bad to say about NBA 2K9. [Christmas 2008, p.99]

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

A fun adventure for a rainy weekend, and great demo of the indie scene. [July 2007, p.72]

This prison lies in a qualitative limbo. The monsters are gorgeous bundles of slime and metal; the atmosphere is dense and layered; it can, on occasion, give you real heebie jeebies. [Aug 2004, p.85]

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

A neat platformer that misses the final leap to triumph. [Oct 2005, p.98]

While certainly more approachable than its US Election themed follow-up "Political Machine," TCM is a much older game and really doesn't have the same smoothness or fun value. [March 2005, p.113]

The STALKER game that we've always deserved, it's just a shame that it's three years too late. [Mar 2010, p.90]

The visuals have lost their lustre in the transition from 2D. Instead of being the studious girl who had her own style who you always fancied, it’s turned into the bubble gum-chewing underachiever who, when she opens her mouth, spouts the worst kind of gutter drawl.

it is more a final sad swansong then a 21-gun salute. [Dec 2005 p.88]