Perhaps a bit too divergent from the Final Fantasy formula, but rich characters and spectacular combat still make it an impressive sequel.

Slick and generous, Magic: The Gathering Arena is finally the adaptation the CCG originator deserves.

"Not every conspiracy has to be the f.cking Templars." If that made you smile, buy with confidence.

A satisfying, if conservative, return to the seminal roguelike's 2D roots.

A quality remake that broadens the scope of the original and massively improves its final chapters.

Given Bug Huge Game's big huge ambition level when crafting <i>Rise of Legends</i>, some dents in the genie lamp are to be expected. But they don't come close to spoiling <i>Legend's</i> fabulous magic carpet ride. [July 2006, p.65]

Toca Race Driver 3 offers advancement over its predecessors, but until Codemasters recognizes and repairs the game's physics and AI weaknesses, this franchise will continue losing track position to the superior offerings from either side of the Atlantic that currently steer this game. [Apr 2006, p.98]

Polished and involving, FTL spews superb sci-fi adventures like a cornered Mantis boarder spews hot formic acid.

Vessel of Hatred gives Diablo 4 a beating heart: Compelling characters to root for, creative loot to chase, and fiercely expressive action.

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.

A masterpiece of audio and visual design, SOMA is atmospheric, cerebral, and occasionally frustrating.

Defcon is delightfully fun in its simplicity and payoff, so don't expect incredibly deep strategy. [Dec. 2006, p.78]

Tense and atmospheric, Teleglitch wields difficulty, action and horror to create an unsettling survival experience.

A packed, rewarding, and frequently thrilling looter shooter that should have a bright future.

No matter what you think of the movie, Tron 2.0 stands out as a thoroughly entertaining, infinitely playable, and visually spectacular experience. [Nov 2003, p.96]

A beautiful, melancholy action RPG that’s effortlessly stylish and utterly unpredictable.

This intense semi-sequel significantly ratchets up the enemy AI. [Holiday 2005, p.56]

A generous, history-respecting rethink that adds weeks of fun to one of 2011's finest strategy titles. [Holiday 2011, p.70]

Nioh is hamstrung by a sloppy PC port, but still manages to bring new ideas to death-treadmill action RPGs.

A confident remaster of a true classic. The puzzles have aged badly, but the sparkling humour and world design still shine.

A polished, wide-ranging update that brings the classic RTS into the modern age.

A thought-provoking and bittersweet adventure that understands that death is part of living.

A quality adventure game with challenging puzzles, oddball characters, and an intriguing, mystery-laden plot.

It's hard to find much fault in this fun and well-balanced game. It's set in arguably the best fantasy universe ever and its production values are sky-high. [May 2006, p.68]

A breakneck platformer that uses classic Sonic as a foundation for something fresh and exciting.

Viking doesn't have all the enhancements I would've liked, but its new gameplay mechanic is refreshing, and Medieval fans will definitely enjoy it. [Aug 2003, p.60]

Just an utterly fantastic multiplayer shooter, and while it doesn't replace "Battlefield 1942," it's a perfect complement. [June 2004, p.64]

A brilliant, massive sandbox of systems, albeit largely the same one Bethesda has been making for years.