Gigantic and stupidly detailed, GTA V is everything we hoped it would be. Individual components could be a touch better, but when a game does literally everything, nobody can expect perfection across the board. That it even comes close is incredible. [Issue#236, p.62]

Truly spectacular, and certainly worth buying and playing again. [Issue#251, p.64]

Nathan Drake is a likeable hero, his story is funny, interesting and exciting and the game itself is a masterpiece. Uncharted 2 is absolutely, positively, genuinely fantastic and a reason to own a PS3, of that there is no doubt.

We're sure you've already seen plenty of quotes and sound bites that announce Arkham City as the best superhero game ever made but such statements sell the game short: Batman's latest digital outing is probably one of the best games this year, if not the entire generation.

LittleBigPlanet is certainly more difficult to master than we first imagined, but it pays off on its promise and then some. Media Molecule has created a game that deserves to take the world by storm, and this really is just the beginning.

It's enough to make you want to start chewing t'baccy and eating jerky, if you don't already. [Issue#193, p.90]

It will live with us. Here, finally, is a videogame that will live with us. There are inconsistencies here and there, some lulls in its gameplay, but when The Last Of Us is good (winter), it's better than anything else this gen - we do not say that lightly. [Issue#232, p.62]

It's the best version available of what is arguably Playstation 3's best game and The Last Of Us remains every bit as dramatic, powerful and engaging as it was when first released. Still incredible. [Issue#247, p.59]

No fruity descriptions, no fancy words: just buy it. [Issue#205, p.80]

One of those rare games that speaks to the player on a personal, emotional level with a thought-provoking, mature storyline set in one of the most amazing worlds conceived in a game. Plus, it's a wonderful FPS with deep, tactical combat. Essential. [Issue#230, p.66]

Singularly the best reason to own broadband ever invented. [Christmas 2009, p.68]

It's no revolution, but astounding twists and creative set pieces prove it's a quality purchase. [Issue#160, p.76]

After another year of middling shooters, BioShock is as complex and hypnotic as it was in 2007. It’s an imperfect first-person shooter, and the quality swerves erratically towards the end, but the PS3 port has been handled gracefully.

Engaging, deep, stunningly atmospheric, funny, witty, shiny and - get this - fun. [Issue#201, p.92]

Endlessly entertaining and featuring a fantastic selection of fighters, Street Fighter IV is the best one-on-one brawler your PS3 is ever likely to see. It deserves to be experienced by anyone with even a passing interest in the genre.

A magnificent package. [Issue 145, p.78]

Despite its intrusive storyline, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a varied, engaging and entertaining epic. It may diminish slightly towards the end of the game, but there could be no greater reward for the fans' patience than this. [Issue#167, p.78]

A gaming experience that is truly unlike any other, The Walking Dead should be required playing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of our favourite medium. [Issue#231, p.76]

Violently sublime and logically puzzling there is no better third-person adventure out there. Get it - this is another true classic. [Issue #152, p.56]

One of the best RPGs around, with great characterisation, a gripping story and smart combat mechanics that greatly improve on the formula found in past Persona games. [Issue#228, p.78]

A brilliant title. [Issue#188, p.87]

The perfect marriage of style and substance, a lively, inventive and satisfying game wrapped up in the most impressive and striking visual style of any game on the PS2. There's nothing else quite like this out there. [Issue 150, p.80]

There's just so much to explore and discover here. Never has such a rich and fully-realised game world been committed to disc. [Issue #152, p.64]

Mechanically superb, amazing to look at and offering as much MGS nonsense as players wish to indulge in. The Phantom Pain is everything we hoped it would be. [Issue#261, p.63]

Shepard's story ends with a journey that's exhilarating and dramatic, with fantastic moments that beg to be replayed so you can see what other outcomes are available. [Issue#216, p.68]

Building upon everything that made Oblivion such a joy, Skyrim has easily secured the crown as the biggest game this gen and also as one of the best. Even if you don't ordinarily like ye olde fantasy RPGs, this is brilliant.

Suitably epic and still fun to play, Kratos's last outing isn't necessarily his finest. Hindered by some tired mechanics it's not as much of a step forward as we wanted. [Issue#190, p.61]

It's frustrating and deflating to have to admit it, but Drake's Deception isn't another defining experience on PS3. It's still fantastic fun in the most part and worth picking up, but overfamiliarity holds it back from true greatness. Sorry, Nate.

The hype is real - From Software did not disappoint. Bloodborne is amazing, and easily the best triple-A exclusive on PS4 so far. Come have a horrible time in Yharnam with us. [Issue#256, p.65]

The fact that you're buying a lot of stuff you've probably bought already is the only drawback to what is the best version of the game of its type ever made. [Issue#191, p.69]

Despite the demo being met with scepticism, Square Enix has crafted a truly fantastic game that is a stunning change of pace and feel for the Final Fantasy series, but still manages to stay largely true to its roots. Beautiful. [JPN Import; Issue #139, p.60]

Quality like this doesn't tend to arrive until way later in a generation, so we doff our caps to the team at CDPR for breaking tradition to deliver one of the best RPGs we've ever played. [Issue#247, p.60]

You couldn't ask for more. 40 of the highest caliber tracks, refined gameplay, expanded multiplayer and even a practice mode all make for the finest action game of all time. [Issue #147, p.87]

Once you get to grips with the new guitars and find people to play with, Rock Band is a fantastic title that oozes quality. [Issue#162, p.84]

Its haunting atmosphere sure to leave a mark – just as, say, Flower did before it.

They're absolutely, without a doubt, worth buying. [Issue#210, p.78]

Bold, bright and insanely addictive. [Issue#200, p.102]

With the incredible tracklist, tweaked engine, new modes and the overwhelming quantity of extra songs available for download, this is easily the best rhythm action game currently sitting on store shelves. It must be said the guitars are still second best, but then nothing’s perfect.

An amazing game that will ultimately only be limited by the imaginations of the people who play it. [Issue#201, p.86]

Everything we hoped it would be, giving bedroom air guitarists a chance to live out their rock 'n' roll fantasies. [Apr 2006, p.100]

The best thing you can say about Rock Band 3 is that it's more of the same. [Issue#199, p.90]

It is as you might expect: marginally better than FIFA 09 in several key areas. But these improvements are all that's required to make it the best football game yet. [Issue#184, p.66]

An improvement on the original in just about every way. [Christmas 2009, p.62]

Highly addictive and with a set of challenges that will keep you going for an age, it's a must-have purchase that no PS3 owner should be without. [Issue#189, p.90]

Where Borderlands was 'sent out to die', Borderlands 2 has been sent out to kill. And it does just that. It will easily be one of the best games released all year and the more we dream of that delicious four-player co-op, the more we think it's one of the top games this generation.

The most thrilling game we've played on the PSP, and it only feels like a moderate step down from the PS2 installments. [Issue#165, p.76]

A pure, stripped-down, focused shooter that handles the fundamentals of firstperson violence better than any other titles before it, while also managing to be the best-looking game on the PS3 by quite a margin. Bring on the multiplayer.

Two of the greatest PS2 action games of all time at a bargain price. [Issue#188, p.74]

Rocksteady really should be praised for nailing the essence of the character as well as it has. [Issue#183, p.75]

It's a beautiful game, and some levels are genius, but Murfy is irritating as hell and we wish he'd go away forever. [Issue#235, p.84]

Otherwise, Dark Souls II is outstanding, still a world better than most games and a worthy successor to a game that was, essentially, impossible to follow.

One of the finest representations of a sport out there. [Issue#211, p.89]

A comprehensive update to one of the best games in its class, Reaper of Souls is an absolute must-play for anyone that likes loot. [Issue#248, p.62]

Yes, it isn't the genre-redefining Far Cry 2 follow-up it could (and perhaps in an idealised world, should) have been. It is, however, a beautiful, thrilling and supremely well-made open world shooter; a true epic. There's enough content to challenge open world RPGs, even, and unlike those games, the combat is as good as any FPS on PS3. If not better.

Untouched, beautiful and brings a tear to the eye. We would wax lyrical about this game all day, if we had the chance. [Apr 2006, p.112]

There's a feeling that FIFA might be running out of ideas. [Issue#210, p.83]

A well-written love letter to the classic games of the Eighties that blends a variety of classic platformers into a game that works regardless of any nostalgia. We dig it. [Issue#258, p.72]

A stunning and emotive game, Fallout 3 is compelling, dark, funny and deep. Play it and glimpse the future of videogaming. And, possibly, of mankind.

The perfect package of platforming, abstract thinking, and retro love. [Issue#243, p.60]

As a swan song to the PS2 Persona 4 isn’t the highest note and all the bizarre characters, storylines and Personas you unlock can’t change that. But if you don’t mind grinding too much then there is some enjoyment to be had.

A simply brilliant sequel. [Issue#199, p.72]

Bar some combat control issues, GTA: Chinatown Wars has perfectly translated to the PSP and is a must-have game. [Issue#185, p.68]

The version that both fans and newcomers must own. [Issue#225, p.81]

Oozing atmosphere and filled with deliriously evil puzzles, it's a beautifully crafted game that becomes impossible to put down. [Issue#209, p.98]

Physical, fast and brutal. [Issue#224, p.82]

Fury feels like a standalone game as opposed to a piece of DLC. [Issue#183, p.82]

The story is absolute bobbins. [Issue#206, p.92]

Thinking, planning, failing and dying is back in fashion: XCOM is a phenomenal reimagining of a classic title and an instant classic in its own right. The love poured into it and the sheer depth of the experience has created something truly special.

Tough and unforgiving, Demon's Souls is nevertheless a breath of fresh air in a very stagnant games market. [Issue#182, p.72]

Packed with some of the series' most remarkable areas and encounters, Dark Souls III is an invigorating action-RPG that is undoubtedly one of the best games on PS4. [Issue#269, p.69]

We couldn't have asked for much better from Criterion's first entry to the NFS series. [Issue#199, p.76]

The best football game on PS3. [Issue#197, p.82]

Freedom without control may well be anarchy, but freedom within the confines of the Deus Ex world is a brilliant thing. [Issue#209, p.84]

It's a mature game, too – not just because it includes sex and violence under the pretence of being for adults – but because it delivers such dark and macabre content with the same level of intelligence we would expect from a major television series.

Dishonored basks in artistic brilliance. Dunwall unravels at your feet, reacting organically to your in-game actions in a way that you feel rooted in its rich lore. Stealth has never been so satisfying as it is in Dishonored. One of 2012's finest.

A loving package. [Feb 2012, p.80]

Dead Space 2 is brilliant - no two ways about it. It's everything a sequel should be and it's a fine, poo-your-pants inclusion to anybody's library. [Issue#201, p.90]

An exhaustive and impactful world let down by predictable aesthetics and combat. [Issue#251, p.70]

For one level, Tools of Destruction is the exciting, Pixar-esque platform brilliance that we anticipated from those early screens. After that, though, it's the same PS2 title as ever, and the tired mechanics of this franchise are dead to us. [Issue#160, p.66]

A masterclass in how to make a game truly suited to the PSP. [Issue#193, p.82]

It's five games - every one of which is among the best of its type, if not the best - for half the price of one. Had Valve updated it for PS3 then it would have socred even higher. [Issue#161, p.76]

NBA 2K11 is too complex - and difficult - for its own good. It's also clearly a good game. [Issue#199, p.89]

A sprawling and beautifully built role-player from which there is no escape. [Issue#211, p.78]

A gorgeous game that'll make Beatles fans feel like they're being swaddled in a veil of pure joy. [Issue#184, p.76]

NHL is proof that subtle refinement year on year is infinitely preferable to knee-jerk feature modification. [Issue#198, p.91]

Dead Space lifts gameplay elements from a variety of sources and ably adapts them to the survival-horror genre. It’s let down by some samey environs, but these don’t detract from the compelling horror experience.

Rebirth is the very antithesis of cautious design. [Issue#251, p.76]

A breathtakingly well-made sports game, with almost nothing to fault and everything to enjoy. Accessible, deep, attractive and brutal in equal measure, and highly, highly entertaining.

It's a bit light on the additions and isn't recommended to those who bought 09. On the other hand, it's a solid, fun and well-presented title for fans and non-fans of the sport. [Issue#184, p.79]

One of the best things about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is that it actually has an ending. [Issue#161, p.80]

Alone it's alright, online it's bordering on genius. Bad Company 2 is quite possibly the best online shooter on PS3 today. [Issue#190, p.66]

It's short - perhaps a little too short for the price - but Left Behind exhibits the same exceptional quality that made The Last of Us one of PS3's finest. [Issue#242, p.56]

Disappointing lack of multiplayer aside, the platforming makes this one of the best games on Vita and its strengths suit the platform perfectly. [Issue#216, p.82]

The action in Sigma is the heart and soul of the experience, and it's still strong three years after its original release. [Issue#154, p.70]

Tactics is as immense as it is intense. With a brilliant storyline and a wealth of options for creating and customising characters, there is no finer RPG on the PSP. [Issue#159, p.88]

Black Ops is undoubtedly the best online FPS ever put together. [Issue#199, p.70]

As well as being by far the best beat-'em up on the PSP, Tekken: Dark Resurrection is one of the machine's standout games: it looks great, controls well and is everything anyone could ever want from a handheld Tekken. Truly unmissable. [Issue 143, p.84]

A very good game indeed, well worth the cash, but it doesn't quite reach the masterwork status of the first game. [Issue#189, p.68]