There’s solid storytelling and mechanics behind the numbers, but the art and sound could be much more interesting.

Addictive, if soon over. An intoxicating cocktail of molten merriment, Puddle is a glass-half-full kind of game.

Primordia starts abruptly and ends just as suddenly, and the good story that we’re teased with doesn’t quite ever get told.

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

Fixes most of Elemental’s technical and design problems, making it an addictively complex and rewarding strategy game.

Wurm Online is one of the most innovative MMOs around, but damn, will it make you work to appreciate that fact.

Little Inferno's argument against games I would never elect to play left me rather cold. [March 2013, p.79]

Aftermath retains most of the polish present in DICE's previous expansions. [March 2013, p.79]

The whole thing feels a bit bland. [March 2013, p.73]

The result is a Jurassic Park worth visiting once, but not for a long stay. [March 2013, p.73]

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams may provide a few hours of polished puzzle-platforming, but don't be surprised if you ultimately end up estranged.[March 2013, p.65]

Chivalry is Quake to War of the Roses' Battlefield, and those seeking a faster-paced bloodier experience will undoubtedly prefer Chivalry's type of steel. [March 2013, p.65]

Intuitive and accessible but also repetitive, SSZ is a flight combat game that trades on tradition rather than imagination.

Not as tough or as deep as it could be, Omerta is still a destination well worth a visit.

Clever, but sometimes a little cold, this is an accomplished headscratcher of unusually philosophical ambition.

The Cave isn't bad, but it is mystifyingly bland for what it sets out to be – and that ends up being worse than a glorious failure. We need more games like this, with this much love on display. With its actual adventure bits lacking the spark of its concept and artistry though, The Cave ends up sending you on an ill-fated trudge through platform purgatory in more ways than one.

A witty spin on turn-based strategy with some novel mechanics that briefly makes Windows 8 gaming slightly less depressing.

Whatever your thoughts on the redesigned Dante, this is a worthy entry in the series with a marvellous combat system at its core.

A shameless knock-off that repeats many of DayZ's problems. Worst audio ever. Bullets for sale? Really?

A powerfully evocative and beautiful subversion of point-and-click rote, but occasionally opaque and disorienting.

Legends, you're the worst. [Feb 2013, p.79]

The result is an endearing, intelligent little game that's sadly a bit wobbly at the knees. [Feb 2013, p.79]

WRC3's excellent track design counts for little when burdened with unnatural car handling and uninspired design.

Baldur's Gate is still a game that's well worth playing, but the Enhanced Edition isn't the version we'd recommend.

Traveller's Tales have stuck to their formula, but luckily the source material is so iconic, and the tribute so thorough, it barely matters.

Bugs and dodgy design decisions don't quite negate the novelty of spaceshipping in confined spaces.

Mildly rewarding, but largely unremarkable. There are better options for the management- minded out there.

An excellent idea, not perfectly realised but still ambitious and compelling enough to deserve your attention.