A fun and nice-looking group beat 'em up. There are literally hundreds of enemies on-screen. Too bad your guard is practically useless and the save system is too unforgiving. [Sept 2006]

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 lacks polish but still has that good, familiar PES feeling. A true football game. [Oct 2013]

One of those games that you either love or hate since it’s basically just full of quicktime events. Luckily they are very well done and don’t require the player to have superhuman reflexes. Instead of being frustrated you can marvel at the high speed acrobatics, which is exactly what you should be doing in this kind of game. Still, it gets repetitive pretty fast, so the game only works while enjoyed in small bits. [May 2009]

Even despite its flaws, Silent Hill: Downpour manages to scare and entertain the living hell out of me. Change isn't always bad, especially for a town so devoted to change its visitors as Silent Hill. [May 2012]

Old idea still has it charm.

An "adventure pack" similar to the legion of previous Sims expansions published over the years. The new quests are good enough and there's a decent bunch of other stuff to make it worth your while (and money) -- if you're into the sort of gameplay that The Sims Medieval offers. [Oct 2011]

A splendid dancing game although the new hit songs mostly suck and some the other songs have been recycled over and over again. Plus there are not that many new ideas compared to Unleashed 2. [Apr 2006]

Battlefield Bad Company’s solo campaign has great characters and blowing stuff up is fun, even if it all does look quite fake. Still the action lacks the final kick for greatness, now it's merely good fun. Multiplayer is the true heart of the game and makes good use of the destructible environments. The weapons are a bit underpowered, otherwise multiplayer works great. [Aug 2008]

The newest Sims add-on is an extensive holiday package with a lot of places to go and plenty of things to do. It is well made, but adds nothing really new to the game. You have that nice sensation that you’ve seen it all many times before. Also, the game’s a little slow from time to time even if you have a brand new computer. [Nov 2007]

Carmageddon is back with a crash. Reincarnation offers little new in terms of gameplay if you have played the first two Carmageddon games, and is riddled with technical problems, but Reincarnation still has its moments after all these years. A solid, gore-filled and violent racer. [June 2015]

The best manager game ever but it is also full of bugs, misinformation and problems with the economic model. Interaction with players and other minor flaws are getting more serious every year. And Finnish league cup at the middle of February is played outside with over 6000 spectators? Give me a break! [Dec 2006]

An intensive 3D shooter with a twist or two. The plot does not make much sense, but it is entertaining. [Mar. 05]

Playing cup matches in the middle of the season against Hartlepool and Macclesfield is refreshing, and the new passing system is a welcomed improvement. However, the controls are too complicated, AI knows how to cheat, the ball behaves strangely and tactically FIFA 07 is much too simple. [Sept 2006]

Beaterator isn’t a game. It’s an application, which allows you to create your own club tracks. The basics are simple to learn, but the in-depth song crafting requires skills and devotion. The complexity of this small application is overwhelming. In theory, you can make your own music with it. [Nov 2010]

Despite the lack of content, Hitman is a joy to play. Fluent game mechanics create a sturdy foundation on which IO may build the best game of the series. At the moment, though, it’s just a promising start. [Apr 2016]

Broken Age doesn’t quite reach the heights of Psychonauts or Grim Fandango, but it still manages to be a solid and fun old school adventure game. [June 2015]

While lacking in 3D-cockpits and graphics quality, X-Plane's flight model is second to none. The game can be modified and extended almost without limits. [Sept. 05]

The game has a nice blend of economics and naval warfare. The basic idea just needs little more variation and wider range of victory conditions to keep the game fresh. [Aug 2009]

Updates some of the old songs from the series to band play, but the set list leaves lot to be desired. Sure, there are lots of hits in there, but also lots of misses that should’ve been left buried in time. Original versions of the songs instead of covers are nice addition, however. [June 2009]

Has moments of greatness but is ultimately a disappointment. Most of the problems can be attributed to incompleteness: there are some serious scripting issues, the game crashes regularly and the vehicle AI is laughable. When everything works, the game is quite enjoyable. [Dec 2006]

It’s got the freedom (partly) and it’s got realism (mostly) but it’s also badly designed with strict time limits, scarce checkpoints, bad AI, loads of bugs and a netcode that isn't worth a damn. It’s still rewarding though and it doesn’t have much competition on consoles. [Nov 2010]

An acceptable shooter, mostly thanks to its subject matter. [Apr 2010]

A simple arcade soccer. Fun for multiplayer sessions, but the lack of depth limits its longevity. Next Level guys come from the team behind Sega Soccer Slam, and it really shows. [Jan 2006]

Has a fun, over-the-top attitude and a great looking world to explore. Unfortunately, the missions repeat a pattern and get boring fast. Still, good entertainment in short doses. [Oct 2006]

Basically it's a well done shooter with time twisting gimmick. Obvious puzzles and stupid AI makes things too easy even on elite-level. Fiddling with time is fun although the game does not use all of its potential. [Dec 2007]

Rejects all the good Ghost Recon trademarks, like free-form missions and a decent save system. This does not affect the robust multiplayer game, though. [Jan. 05]

A good and mildly addictive virtual-life experience. It's an acquired taste, though. [Feb 2009]

A good selection of both old and new rock classics plus some not-so-classics that make you want to grab the microphone and sing. Well done! [April 2006]

The PS3 version is graphically outdated and the loading times are painfully long, but Fear is still a quality shooter. Despite the atmospheric music and sound effects, the game is not as frightening as it could be. Great AI, though. [June 2007]

One of the most refreshing adventure games in a long time full of clever and funny dialogue. The puzzles are much like the main characters: witty and out of control. [Feb 2007]

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is almost pop art. The sequel is still rough around the edges but the fury of the combat, bizarre dialogue and style with 8-bit gaming homage make it loveable. [May 2010]

A bit too dark (as in "no light"), linear and uninventive. It is also strangely entertaining. [Mar. 05]

NHL 16 is a marked improvement from last year’s travesty. The on-ice action is smoother than before and many of the modes that were absent last year make a welcome comeback. [Oct 2015]

Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl has arguably one of the most engrossing game environments ever, but it is annoyingly railroaded by tight fencing-in. Also, the constantly respawning enemies are annoying and take away the feeling of free exploration. Luckily, the great end-of-the-world atmosphere keeps the player interested till the very end. [Apr 2007]

The Lost Crown is a solid ghost-hunting adventure with well-designed puzzles and storyline. The visual design is original. both photographic backgrounds and well used colouring add to the game's eerie atmosphere. There are many flaws, though: you can't skip the dialogue, there's a lot of frustrating walking to and fro etc. But even with its many flaws The Lost Crown is well worth the money. [Feb 2009]

After two patches Shock Force has become a good game. Someday, after the WeGo mode, the TacAI and pathfinding have been fixed, it will be an excellent game. [Sept 2007]

Race Driver: Grid looks excellent and presents many interesting car classes. Still, bad A.I. and unbalanced physics engine that works for some cars and feels absolutely awful for some other of them, ruins the good potential. Grid is great entertainment at the beginning to show the potential of recently bought new generation console, but that's basicly everything it offers. No multiplayer game tested. [Aug 2008]

After an über-boring trip to the present, Call of Juarez has finally realized what makes it special. Code word is a pulp thrill ride, but this is what Techland does best. It ain't a milestone in gaming history, but it is a nice shooter with a pretty good narrative. [Aug 2013]

The Two Thrones on PSP. It is quite good, but not the best version of the game. So what is the point? [Sept 2007]

The omission of Showcase mode really stings, but the sheer number of wrestlers and customization options make up for it somewhat. [Nov 2016]

A smooth shooter with no surprises. Best in small doses. Not bad, but not brilliant either. [Oct 2005]

Table Tennis Wii is the same game as the Xbox 360 version. Nothing’s changed apart from the controls. Rockstar has done fine job adapting the controls to suit Wii’s nunchuk and Wiimote. The game is at its best when played with friends. Because of the lack of career mode single play gets boring quite fast. All in all Table Tennis is a great party game even though the single play is lacking. [Dec 2007]

Insurgency is great in what it does, being like expanded Counter-Strike for competitive players. Unfortunately Battlefield has already corrupted me with is unlocking and achievements and... [May 2014]

Although the animation isn't what you expect, Larry's return makes you laugh. It proves that adventure games aren't relics, and that something we considered funny as we were kids is still funny. The game relies on nostalgia, but adds its own flavor to the mix. [Aug 2013]

Yet another add-on for the somewhat tired franchise. However, for an add-on it's well made and brimming with content, so the target audience should be pleased with it. [Mar 2008]

Goes back to basics and melts your heart as easily as before. If only there were some depth and new ideas, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness would be a true gem. [Nov 2005]

Beamdog’s expansion embraces both the past and the present. The adventure is inconsistent, ragged and the script could be a lot better, but at its best Siege of Dragonspear captures the essence of Baldur’s Gate - even if fleetingly. [May 2016]

Paper Mario Colour Splash is a fun action-adventure, but falls a bit short game design-wise. The fun lasts for two thirds of the game, the last stretch of the game is quite dull and repetitive. The game would've benefited a lot from a little more complex game mechanics and a somewhat simpler user interface. [Nov 2016]

Have you heard from a little game called Portal? The guys at 3AM Games sure haven't, because Magrunner is almost an exact replica of the Valve's award-winning masterpiece. The portals are replaces with magnetism and the level design takes it's from Ctulhu mytology, but other than that, it's pure Portal from start to finish. [Aug 2013]

A slow-paced and an extremely difficult tactical action game that will appeal to people who like a good game of chess. The PS2 version has been done sufficiently well, too, even if it does look a tad ugly. [Sept 2006]

Metroid Prime Hunters has the Metroid Prime atmosphere, but suffers from simplified content, which is not compensated in any way in the adventure mode. Nice multiplayer options, though! [May 2006]

The third installment of the Fear series sees the once fresh shooter descending into the mire of modern mainstream gaming, but it is still a fairly compelling play and a fun co-op. [Aug 2011]

A nice, sunny, feel-good game. Best in free mode with unlimited funds. [Feb. 05]

A strangely captivating mix of real time strategy and light roleplaying. [Feb 2009]

An interesting RPG with some reasonably original ideas. The 2D locations and the semi-real time combat system are nice. The Norse mythology is interesting, but the story does not use it very well. [Aug 2007]

Star Fox Guard has nothing to do with Star Fox, yet manages to be more fun than this year’s actual Star Fox. Nintendo’s take on tower defence entertains while it lasts. [May 2016]

Motion is surprisingly good party game. Besides shaking, Nintendo has invented other uses for wiimote. This is harmless casual fun, which can be used to replace board games or extremely dull holiday photograph marathon. [Aug 2011]

Has potential that can be tapped in the consecutive episodes, if emphasis is put on more inspired character design and wittier repartee. [Aug 2009]

A one-trick pony, but it does it well. Multiplayer options are nice, but Go! Sudoku is not necessarily a party game. [Jan 2006]

Plays pretty much the same as on the Xbox 360 or PC, which means the story is non-existent but the stealth action works well. The only real problem with the PS3 version is the unresponsive targeting. [June 2007]

The fifth and final DLC falls short on its promise to add a sense of futuristic warfare to Battlefield 4. Final Stand is not a total loss, though, as the new maps are quite good. [Dec 2014]

Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise combines gardening to piñata collecting quite pleasantly. At first there seems to be almost too much to accomplish, but all too soon game play becomes repetitive. Pokémon makes better creature collecting challenge and Harvest Moon better farming experience, but Viva Piñata is nevertheless a fun experience for us who like serene gaming for a change. [Jan 2009]

An excellent interactive fairy tale. Due to interesting moral choices, it has a lot of replay potential. [June 2011]

Excellent game to play with your kids and really strange friends. Minigames work better than usual because they use less motion controls and focus more on fun ideas. [Apr 2012]

The basic idea behind A Shadow's Tale is quite intriguing, but the game design fails to drain the main portion of its drive. The game plays it's strongest hand in the opening quarter and unfortunately rest of this trek is repetition of the few good ideas. If the contents were compressed and the game sold via Wiiware, the result would definitely be an instant classic. [June 2011]

A smooth shooter with no surprises. Best in small doses. Not bad, but not brilliant either. [Oct 2005]

Thanks to it numerous upgrades, zero-g shooter is an excellent game nowadays. Pity that no one plays it any more. [June 2011]

You cannot blame Midway for not trying, as Mortal Kombat: Deception is packed with content with kombat chess, puzzle kombat and a disappointing adventure mode. It almost manages to inject new blood into an increasingly stale franchise. [Jan. 05]

A delightful if a bit simplistic retro RPG that’s best enjoyed with a friend. [Dec 2014]

A competent take on MotoGP-series. The Rossi-themed new events are fun. Audiovisual aspects are a bit bland and the multiplayer is already pretty much dead at this point. [Sept 2016]

Has a fun, over-the-top attitude and a great looking world to explore. Unfortunately, the missions repeat a pattern and get boring fast. Still, good entertainment in short doses. [Oct 2006]

Tetris DS jam-packs every conceivable Tetris game mode into one package. Some, like Catch, are unnecessary. The retro pixel graphics and the beeping soundscape will not appeal to everyone. The multiplayer features are great fun. [June 2006]

Although the game has some obvious issues, mainly the controls and the over-the-top difficulty level, the game sure has some character. Fast paced shooter/racer is a great way to get rid of stress. The network game is pure adrenaline packed fun. [Apr 2012]

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars – Director's Cut was first published in 1997 and was followed by three more sequels on various platforms. It was one of the best point and click adventure game of the time because of the exceptionally good plot, funny dialogue, strong and unforgettable characters topped with good playability. Director's Cut updates it on Wii with some new scenes and more to play. Time has dealt this gem gently and playing it today is still great fun despite the clumsy 2D graphics. [May 2009]

Hector is something very unique: a casual point'n click adventure for adults, especially if offensive and gross humour is your cup of tea. The game doesn't shine on puzzle design, but it compensates this with fair amount of well-written and well-acted dialogue. The story isn't too bad, either. [Sept 2011]

Nintendo has made its first mobile game. Too bad Captain Toad ended up on Wii U. This game would've been perfect on iPad. A puzzle game that has a very compact structure is a common sight on iDevices, but rare on consoles, that are meant to be used in a livingroom. [Feb 2015]

An interesting take on fantasy in modern surroundings. The old Silent Storm engine works great once again, but the game is a bit too streamlined and simple. Good fun for one play-through, nonetheless. [Sept 2006]

A solid FPS, but the competition in the genre is so stiff, that no-one has time for "only" good games. [Sept 2011]

A follow-up to last years Crusaders. The only difference is the improved multiplayer mode, which is good fun in teams. The soundtrack and the voice actors are as terrible as ever, however. [Jan 2006]

Unravel is a beautiful, serene platformer with neat idea. [March 2016]

Thea: The Awakening offers an entertaining combination of crafting and card games, but suffers from poor storytelling. [March 2016]

An interactive joke and a good one at that. The controls aren't quite sharp enough, though. [May 2010]

A beautiful and dark interpretation of the early years of Batman starts promisingly, but eventually relies too much on traditional Telltale mechanics that are starting to show their age. [Sept 2016]

Still very entertaining, but too scripted and holds players’ hands far too much. [Apr 2009]

Hardware: Rivals is a fun and fast vehicle shooter. Needs more arenas, though. And what's with the automatic vertical aiming? That's just stupid and completely unnecessary. [March 2016]

Has a fun, over-the-top attitude and a great looking world to explore. Unfortunately, the missions repeat a pattern and get boring fast. Still, good entertainment in short doses. [Oct 2006]

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil would make more sense if it had been a DLC. [June 2014]

The amount of money a player has to spend in order to get all out of this game is ridiculous, especially when all of the content is recycled from older games. The multiplayer is pretty fun, though. [Feb 2012]

Has maybe the most entertaining song list yet in any Guitar Hero game, but unfortunately they are all too easy to play even on the hardest difficulty setting. The price tag for only a 30 song upgrade is a bit hefty, too. Still, it is fun for a sudden bout of 80s nostalgia. [Sept 2007]

Feels more and more like "Pro Evolution Soccer." That is not entirely a good thing. [May 2006]

Alpha Protocol reminds me of old Troika RPG's: the setting and ideas are great, but the technical execution is a bit flawed. Still, if you can look past the ugly exterior it's a fun experience. [June 2010]

Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom is a simple, straight-forward fantasy themed action-RPG. That can be a both good and a bad thing, depending what you're looking for. It's nonetheless very pretty. [Mar 2008]

The Escapists is an amusing prison break simulation, which can get frustrating when you have no idea what to craft next. [Sept 2015]

It's a shame that the AI behaves so irrationally and the levels are so small. With a little bit more ambition Sniper Elite V2 could have been a real gem. [June 2012]

Fails to match up with the visual splendor and high framerates of the PC version. Still, Titanfall is quite enjoyable even on last-gen hardware. It's a real shame that he technical issues end up feeling quite secondary compared to the fact that Titanfall is so desperately in need of new content. [June 2014]

Sword of the Stars 2 had one of the worst launches ever. At present condition (January) the code is quite playable, game is sometimes even fun. Kerberos will upgrade the game and it seems to be getting better and better. [Feb 2012]

Trackmania is back! Except it's the same old game once again, only more beautiful and somewhat more refined. Racing online is especially fun and addicting, but why is there only one environment and only one single player mode? The fact that this has about the same amount of content as the free Trackmania Nations is disappointing. [Feb 2012]

Legendary Cannon Fodder get's an offspring, but when kids go marching in to the Desert Storm, something doesn't add up. This cute and cuddly iRTS would have worked so much better in turns. Now the controversial graphic design that mixes up real life war with cartoons is coupled with real-time action and the set fails to meet its whole potential. [June 2012]