Spelunky 2 doesn't advance the original's formula, but there's more stuff to sink your teeth into.

Ironclad's impressive sequel has made me proud to be a sinner.

A complex, challenging, and grimly satisfying simulator.

A well-crafted off-road racer that'll appeal to sim buffs and arcade fans alike. [Apr 2001, p.85]

Wargame AirLand Battle is European Escalation escalated: more Cold War kit, more tactical tension and more replayability.

How much you enjoy Inquisition will likely depend on what it is you enjoy about RPGs. If you want complex systems and hardcore challenge, it could potentially disappoint. I don’t. I want a rich world, interesting characters, and a dramatic and memorable plot. Judged on those criteria, Dragon Age: Inquisition sits happily alongside BioWare’s best.

A new adventure game classic, and a bit of a tear-jerker.

This is Armored Core. We are blessed to have it back.

A compelling story about rural America that is both surreal and thoughtful, if a little disorienting.

Looking dated, but it beats the first Dungeon Siege in every way. [Nov 2005, p.66]

While not quite a work of staggering genius, and a bit laborious in parts, the brazenly intricate 1701 A.D. handily sails into position as the best empire-builder of 2006. [Feb. 2007, p.67]

At times, Watch Dogs can seem like a game we've played before, just another open-world city to speed through in a series of stolen cars, another crowd of hoods and hitmen to add to your body count, another moody, growling protagonist to endure in cutscenes. When it deviates from the familiar, however, it really soars: hacking the city of Chicago and all its cameras, utilities, and communications is freeing and fun, and invading the games of unsuspecting players is an unusual and welcome thrill.

I can live with a few little pissers when the overall game is so exciting, exquisitely designed, and meticulous in its historical accuracy. [Oct 2002, p.92]

Although its foundation in Civ 5 makes it familiar, Beyond Earth is full of interesting surprises that are pleasantly difficult to master.

A layered and engaging space opera that triumphs both on and off the battlefield.

A fresh new style and smoothed out lines make OlliOlli World an unmissable skate 'em up.

Phantom Liberty doesn't reinvent Cyberpunk 2077, but it is CD Projekt firing on all cylinders to tell a great RPG story.

Delightful deckbuilding that uses starship travel to build upon the Slay the Spire formula instead of merely imitating it. Outstanding.

Innovative puzzle design and truly astonishing visual trickery make this puzzle game a must-play—even if it doesn't quite have the space to make the most of its best ideas.

This enthralling mystery quickly had me in its ghostly grip and refused to let go.

A hugely enjoyable addition to the world of Eorzea with plenty of room to spread your wings and explore.

Intricate, turn-based tactical combat delivered straight to your inbox. [Sept 2011, p.64]

A fun and engaging RPG with beautiful graphics and a bouncy pace.

In spite of its disappointing graphics, it's the best strategy game I've played all year. [Holiday 2003, p.110]

This is where universe sandbox succeeds brilliantly: players experience godly power to create or destroy, while almost unavoidably learning something about the physical properties or our universe. [Sept 2011, p.69]

A new bar for complexity in the historical grand strategy genre that sometimes buckles under the weight of its ambition.

One singular great idea is the foundation for a smart and occasionally thrilling action puzzler.

Simply the best rally sim around, building on its predecessor’s already fine foundations.