A charming space sandbox that will keep you busy and entertained for hours.

An atmospheric world with deep, absorbing puzzles, Bonfire Peaks is thoughtful and charming—but without establishing its tricks, it risks leaving less fluent puzzlers behind.

A brilliant marriage of mechanics, level design and music that will be played and talked about for years to come.

DICE is certainly guilty of taking an “if it ain’t broke” attitude to creating BF4, but its modest multiplayer refinements alongside excellent maps are enough to make it one of our favorite current FPSes. A cynic would call BF4 a deluxe map pack in sequel’s clothing. If that’s your predisposition, know that it’s at least a wonderful map pack, one with enough variety, depth, and quality to survive a year of intense play.

A slow start gives way to a thought-provoking adventure in a remarkable setting. A fitting follow-up to a beloved RPG.

Grittier and more convincing than ever, Konami's soccer juggernaut excels on the pitch but barely tries off it.

A few technical issues aside, Quadrilateral Cowboy is a clever puzzle game bursting with personality.

Visually, Painkiller is sumptuous. I won't disclose the awe-inspiring setting of the last level except to say that it's one of the most dazzling displays I've ever seen in a game. [July 2004, p.76]

Vigorous and addictive. [May 2002, p.72]

A distinguished sim of the most fascinating and closely run campaing ever fought on the Western Front. Grognards will love its depth, and newbies can catch up fairly easily. [Mar 2004, p.77]

A PSP classic with systems that show age, but P3P's retelling remains a series best for its stylishly eerie world and intimate look at mortality.

The best Shadowrun to date, but the series is starting to go grey.

War Thunder rules the air but the lack of polish hurts, as does the dull ground warfare.

A worthy send-off to Guild Wars 2's Elder Dragon saga, and a reason to be optimistic about the future of the game.

For SupCom owners, Forged Alliance is a must-have expansion. [Holiday 2007, p.70]

Wonderful writing resting on top of infirm foundations. Almost a classic, Sunless Sea falls a few leagues short of its final destination.

Telltale's character drama is as strong as ever, but Clementine's boldest dialogue options end up making her more capable than the adults around her.

Still untouchable on the footy front—but shelf life and that inconsistent 3D engine chip away at its tender Achilles.

It’s a welcome addition to the Crusader Kings family, but The Republic can’t quite overthrow its liege game’s throne.

Changing weather and festive traditions enrich the four-year-old life sim.

Relink offers fluid combat against inventive bosses in gorgeous landscapes—this is an essential ARPG.

This is still the most fun I've had with a singleplayer shooter since Bulletstorm, and the most substantially well-realised setting for a shooter campaign since Metro 2033. Its writing, music and environmental art all achieve far more than you might expect from the game about a preternaturally durable testicle with a revenge fetish and a gun in each hand. In a genre that is often overtaken by derivative or exploitative games, it's a pleasant surprise—a reminder of a time when a shooter's singleplayer campaign was the main event. A time when these games were made with attention to detail, care, and a bit of love.

Visually gorgeous and emotionally raw, True Colors is an incredible continuation of the Life is Strange series.

A smart, unembellished survival horror adventure which rewards patience and inspires introspection.

Technical issues marr an otherwise slick adventure. A must for Star Wars fans.

Isolation is a taut, confident, and electrifying horror game that perfectly captures the essence of Ridley Scott's legendary film. I just wish they'd been braver with the story.

A fiery test of awareness, speed and accuracy which upholds the series' devotion to teamwork and authenticity, but doesn't nail the asymmetry of modern era combat.

The Witcher is a fantastic RPG, and an amazing achievement for first-time Polish developer CD Projekt. [Jan 2008, p.82]