The eclectic level design makes the chore of unlocking a lot more colourful. [Issue#223, p.78]

On the one hand, it's one of the best entries to the series. On the other hand it's pretty much the same game again, for 50 quid. [Issue#223, p.70]

An impressive simulation, granted, but marred by a reluctance to genuinely progress. [Apr 2006, p.108]

A polished, high-quality product, but its repetitiveness makes it less than compelling. Criterion seems to have lost sight of the high-adrenaline dynamic that makes Burnout exciting. [Issue#162, p.74]

Might not absorb and obsess you like "Gran Turismo," but for in-the-moment racing thrills it's right-on unbeatable. [Issue#167, p.94]

Harsh, unrelenting and imaginative, The Old Hunters is a superb gaming experience and a masterclass in DLC development. [Issue#265, p.74]

The PSN title will remain the preserve of retro fans, and those who prefer either a simpler or more affordable game than Street Fighter II's bigger and better sequel. [Issue#176, p.95]

An intensely satisfying and stupendously intelligent puzzle game that's incredibly well crafted, making it a very early, yet solid, Game of the Year contender. [Issue#267, p.62]

The combo system is so rich and ridiculously deep that just learning one character will take you months. [Issue#183, p.79]

There's no denying that LucasArts is treating its revered series with the respect it deserves. [Issue#195, p.102]

There's no doubt that this is top quality content but playing these modes without the main game is not a full experience. Thankfully the price tag makes up for that in a big way. [Issue#199, p.86]

Finally, football is back to where it should be on PS3 – at the top of our mostplayed lists. But FIFA 09 still has the capacity to annoy beyond all reason, especially when it’s playing in goal.

If you're too hardcore for arcade but too casual for simulation, DiRT 3's masterful balancing of both styles makes it the game for you. [Issue#206, p.84]

One of the PS3's best downloadable games. [Issue#188, p.87]

The continuing saga of everyone's favourite terrible cop has been a long time coming. Maybe too long. It's not bad by any means; there are moments of high-fiving, air-punching joy here. The trouble is it's both as eloquent and repetitive as its lead. Moments of glory clash with irritating, baffling design decisions to ensure that Max Payne 3 isn't quite the sequel we all hoped for. Brilliant in places, utterly frustrating in others.

An absorbing, burtal experience (especially in multiplayer), featuring almost-tactile physics and visuals descending the uncanny valley. Some thought is needed though as to whether a realistic portrayal of boxing necessarily brings about its most spectacular possible videogame. [Issue#181, p.76]

A game that will split opinion, but to our minds it is one of the most immersive, mature and refreshing games in years. If you've been waiting for something new from your PS3, then this is essential. [Issue#189, p.64]

One of the most competent, solid, well-put-together J-RPGs you will ever play. [Issue#202, p.89]

A superb game and a fitting swansong for Dante on the PlayStation 2. [JPN Import; Issue#139, p.104]

Stunning. [Issue#259, p.68]

Mature, thought-provoking and great fun, Tomb Raider is an outstanding introduction to the new Lara Croft. It play well, it looks wonderful. [Issue#229, p.58]

A damn enjoyable game. The characters grow on you after a while and it's not long before you feel as though you're starting to fit in at Bullworth Academy. [Issue # 146, p.72]

If you're into the look of the game, there's no reason not to fall in love with Tearaway. [Issue#239, p.70]

Everything you want and love about Metal Gear Solid is in here, while the gameplay still feels fresh and relevant. All in all, brilliant fun. [Issue #150, p.82]

The first sign of weakness in the otherwise excellent series. [Issue#223, p.87]

Aside from some control issues, this is an essential for the adult gamer. [Issue#233, p.76]

With the best 2D sprite animation around and furiously paced gameplay, Continuum Shift surpasses its predecessor.

An addictive, entertaining and intense racer that can happily sit alongside the genre greats. [Issue#184, p.68]

Sheer brilliance. [Issue#161, p.98]

Evidence of talent and experience is all over it; evidence of effort is not. [Issue#186, p.76]

We would like some improvements to modes and presentation, but the on-pitch action is of such stellar quality that PES 2016 remains the champion. [Issue#262, p.66]

A great retro update that may even prove to be better than the next-gen re-imagining currently in the works. [Issue#169, p.91]

Great music, lovable characters, colour and, most importantly, fun. [Issue#212, p.98]

HD is the most polished WipEout game so far, but doesn’t offer many new features. The single-player campaign warrants the low cost, but fans and newcomers alike will spend the most time seeking multiplayer thrills.

Velocity is great. Really, really good fun. LOVELY STUFF.

This is the Resistance that we’ve been waiting for – beautiful, dramatic and exciting. It may not be perfect, but the American chapter of the Chimera invasion definitely gives Master Chief and Marcus Fenix a run for their money.

It won’t appeal to some PS3 owners, but if you enjoy the smell of grass and have no objection to recycling, however, then Flower is definitely appropriate.

You'll get annoyed - really annoyed - but it's worth it. And, as it turns out, it's actually pretty fast after all. [Issue#233, p.81]

Betters BigLittleBigPlanet in the playing department, while falling a little short when it comes to creating and sharing. [Christmas 2009, p.72]

Don't miss this. [Issue#187, p.86]

So good it will bring tears to your eyes. [Issue#46, p.74]

The most over-the-top, unremittingly silly, astoundingly inventive, consistently thrilling, overtly sexual, guility enjoyable Japanese action game we've played in years. [Issue#187, p.70]

It's just a lot of fun. [Issue#186, p.74]

If you're looking for a classic point-and-click adventure this won't disappoint. [Issue#195, p.103]

It doesn't look very nice, gets repetitive going to school every day and killing demons nightly, and "Rogue Galaxy" is still available and better. [Issue#162, p.88]

Incredibly addictive. [Issue#185, p.78]

Epic has created a monster of an FPS that's only slightly let down by its single-player mode. [Issue#162, p.78]

It's certainly not a drastic update, but it's good value for money nevertheless. [Issue#198, p.92]

It has some minor technical problems, but the care that Bluepoint has put into The Nathan Drake Collection makes it clear that this is far more than a rudimentary cash-in. [Issue#263, p.60]

A sizeable step over its predecessor. [Issue#215, p.84]

We love it, yes, but it's just way too similar to the previous game to warrant a purchase for anyone not completely in love with the series. [JPN Import; Issue 141, p.92]

Japanese RPG and tactical RPG fans will fall in love with this game, but even if you can’t stomach the plot, the cut-scenes are skippable and the gameplay chapters are well worth waiting for.

A quality title that gets better the deeper you get into it. Were it not for Insomniac's reliance on the weapon load-out, thte game may have benefitted from some real innovation. [Issue 148, p.58]

This is the ultimate music title for gamers. [Issue#179, p.81]

A fine remaster. [Issue#243, p.64]

Not quite as enjoyable as "LocoRoco," but containing significantly more depth, Patapon will be immediately accessible to some, but may take a little work with others. Once you're into it though, it's a real blast. [Issue#163, p.76]

The formula is still strong enough to produce a solid, fun game. [Issue#199, p.84]

Absolutely not worth getting if you have any earlier iterations. [Issue#210, p.93]

The character roster might put some off, but this is a truly excellent fighting game that every fan of the genre should own. [Issue#209, p.98]

These five new gardens will last an Eden fan well over ten hours. [Issue#180, p.87]

It's the excellent game it always has been, with as much to get out of it as you're willing to put in. [Issue#240, p.62]

Full of charm and packed with variety, this is easily one of the best PSN games you can currently buy. [Issue#194, p.102]

Better than "Liberty City Stories" in every single way, Vice City Stories is an astonishing achievement and one of the best games of the year on any system. [Issue #147, p.66]

A stellar action-RPG that is easily one of the best games of its kind, Diablo III is a dangerously addictive solo loot grind and one of the most chaotic and compelling co-op games we've played in ages. [Issue#235, p.74]

A truly progressive effort. [Christmas 2009, p.66]

Offers a wonderful package that rewards those who are willing to adjust to it. [Issue#236, p.72]

It's tonally perfect, and it's a hell of a lot of fun. [Issue#224, p.81]

The best fiver you'll ever spend on PSN. [Issue#183, p.83]

An excellent MMO. [Issue#243, p.54]

There are a lot of new features, but most of them just make us shrug, while a few are a little bit annoying. [Issue#184, p.78]

A complete overhaul of the core game, boating improvements across the board. Bungie has raised the bar and reeled us back in, making a year-old game fresh and exciting all over again. [Issue#262, p.62]

A fantastic, tense and deeply tactical game, marred only by a few unnecessary niggles that were not present in the 360 version. [Issue#155, p.70]

Feels even meatier and more believable than ever. [Issue#184, p.81]

If you've ever had an interest in the genre then this pack is unmissable. [Issue#196, p.97]

A joy to play. A huge story mode, rock-hard trials and great online will keep players occupied for a long time. [Issue#231, p.80]

One of the best games on PS4 and with this affordable update, it just got even better. [Issue#247, p.66]

Brutal, yet hugely rewarding, Dirt Rally both understands and respects its eponymous sport. It doesn't patronise with gimmicky mechanics, nor is it a dry, joyless simulation. [Issue#269, p.76]

Brimming with things that will irritate the hell out of you... Better than the first version, and at half the price. [Issue#139, p.72]

Eye-caressingly beautiful, and with a score that could tug heartstrings at ten paces, Ni No Kuni is a stirring if over familiar RPG that takes you on a memorable journey to a world that is wonderful in every sense. [Issue#227, p.66]

If you didn't pick up the last one or are a big UFC fan then it's still absolutely worth your time and money. [Issue#193, p.86]

Another positive step forward for EA’s Madden and one which stands tall against the PS3’s other offerings, including 2007’s entry. No one does gridiron quite like the guys at Electronic Arts. Brilliant.

A good, solid collection. [Issue#200, p.90]

Battlefield 4 feels like more of a ‘true’ Battlefield game when compared to its predecessor, aping that sandbox arena fun that made 1942 such a hit. Thanks to the power of PlayStation 4, we finally have a PC Battlefield experience on a home console, and it’s pretty darn good.

The gameplay is fast and furious. [Issue#200, p.102]

The less said about the ignorable single-player, the better. [Issue#212, p.84]

Red Faction: Guerrilla provides no shortage of jaw-dropping moments, so it never ceases to impress or entertain. It’s by far the most interesting game in the series.

The AI is utter junk, the modes are basic and limited and solo offline play is basically worthless. But as far as multiplayer experiences go, Rocket League is wonderful. [Issue#260, p.66]

LocoRoco 2 is as amusing as the original, but the differences between the two are marginal at best. Luckily, the swell controls and endearing visuals will enchant the audience of the first all over again.

Gets a hell of a lot of things right and is fun - especially if you're willing to experiment with your approach. But some poor design choices and a bizarre level of bugginess let the whole ting down. [Issue#204, p.78]

An amazingly deep and beautiful fi ghting experience, marred by a couple of unnecessary characters, but essential nonetheless. If the online modes simulate the feeling of a traditional one-onone battle, we’ll be in combat heaven.

Linear it may be but as a cinematic action game, you can't fault it. [Issue#161, p.95]

Some interesting and fitting additions don't entirely save an aging formula from feeling stale. Assassin's Creed III is fun and can provide a massive timesink should you give it the chance, but it's a disappointing update all things considered, with all the pre-release promises made.

The gameplay, aesthetics and presentation are solid – impressive in places, even – but we’re not about to turn a blind eye to the shamelessly crass tone. If games are ever to mature as a medium then we need to see an end to this kind of thing.

A nice challenge and it certainly looks good in high definition, but it can become infuriatingly complicated during the later phases of each level. [Issue#155, p.88]

Deeply flawed, but still very playable. If you can bear the frustrations involved then there’s a compelling plot and ample amount of fun with fire to be had before you’ve even started messing around in the map editor.

Exceptional presentation and an affecting, moody atmosphere help to compensate for some mixed game design. [Issue#197, p.86]

Despite the obvious quality of the piece, it's something many of us simply can't get the most out of, and without a good deal of effort, it's something of a chore. It's time for the dreaded, "one for the fans." [Issue #150, p.60]

Even better thanks to far cleverer puzzles. [Issue#194, p.102]