There's nothing like it around, and even with its flaws, it's a game you certainly grow to love. [Dec 2008, p.56]

Even without the 3D engine, Football Manager 2009 is still fully deserving of its classic rating, providing a staggeringly comprehensive simulation of the complex world of management. We predict a few patches before the match engine is fully functioning, but even in its current state, it tangibly enhances the experience.

Genuinely clever stuff. [July 2009, p.64]

It has an amusing script, good puzzles and wonderful voice-acting. [Sept 2010, p.88]

A simple little game that's polished and varied enough to compete with the big boys in terms of pure, joyful fun. [July 2010, p.82]

It's one of the most outrageous games I've ever played and for that alone I love it. [Oct 2009, p.67]

The PC version of Gears of War is a welcome reminder of how much better PC gaming can be, and that it can do big, stupid action way better than the consoles that took stupid to the masses.

The uncanny knack of mirroring real life is testament to the massive infrastructure of international scouts that provides the player database, allied to the witchcraft that goes on under the bonnet. [Christmas 2007, p.85]

Anyone not buying it right now is making an idiotic mistake. [Dec 2008, p.66]

It's not perfect, there are little problems and niggles that can be found if you look for them, but none of them spoil the game or ruin the playing experience.

A splendid next step for Dawn of War II. [June 2010, p.83]

I did briefly forego free food and beer and the attention of 20 teenage models dressed a refugees in an attempt to arrest the slide, putting together a four-match unbeaten run. [Christmas 2006, p.68]

The world is fully realised, it feels solid and vibrant. The enemies are smart, the allies are smarter.

Its single-player campaign may be weak and forgettable, but its true genius lies in the untouchable quality of its firefights, its splendiferous visuals, diverse level design, massive attention to detail and downright awesome vehicles and weapons. [Jan 2008, p.60]

This is the best of the best. [Jan 2010, p.75]

There isn't a more exciting and involving racer around. [Jan 2010, p.68]

Immense amounts to do. [May 2010, p.74]

Whilte it may not be totally perfect, the sheer depth and replayability of Kingdoms raises it high above any RTS expansion I've ever played. [Oct 2007, p.68]

Somehow, the game, as a whole, comes together beautifully. [Sept 2010, p.80]

With a great story, tons of missions, beautifully rich settings, satisfying fighting and brilliant characterisation, all swaddled in over 20 hours of play, Jade Empire has transcended its Xbox roots to reincarnate itself as a high-kicking, epic RPG for PC. The chi is strong with this one.

If the combat has been a bit more sophisticated in the latter stages of the game, it'd have been a nailed-on Classic. [Dec 2009, p.62]

The biggest advancement the series has seen since polygons. [Christmas 2006, p.73]

Tightened engine. [May 2010, p.78]

Undeniably fun; a slick arcade racer from an impassioned and talented development studio. [May 2009, p.66]

Call of Duty 4 is just like every other Call of Duty game, but in a radically different setting, and with an ounce of clever-dust sprinkled on top.

Double Agent comes close to earning a Classic award, let down only by the fact that we wanted to see them run a bit further with the trust system idea.

It may be short, but it's a wonderful learning experience, forcing you to rethink rather base concepts of the first-person genre. [Dec 2007, p.68]

Absolutely gorgeous to look at. [Jan 2007, p.66]