Mass Effect 3 is an amazing experience in and of itself. It's also the perfect capstone to a true AAA franchise, offering a poignant conclusion that'll stick long after the credits have rolled. You're standing on the precipice of one of the best games Earth money can buy. [April 2012, p.60]

The best music game currently available. [Feb 2010, p.72]

This game earns our highest accolade because it is a thoroughly entertaining ride from go to death throe. It finds a perfect balance between taxing platforming, cerebral puzzles, and glorious set-piece battles that loosen the bowel when you realise they're in-game graphics. Top that off with masterful camera work – that makes us totally rethink our hatred of fixed-camera action games – and you have a sequel that easily eclipses anything out there and reclaims it's rightful place at the pinnacle of its genre. [April 2010, p.61]

Braid deserves success for being bold, original, and brilliant. Get it as soon as you can. [Jan 2010, p.83]

The Bat could not have hoped for a better send off. Graphically astounding, narratively compelling, and featuring two utility belts full of new gadgets. This is bat-time very, very well spent. [September 2015, p72]

I'll say it again: Killzone 2 is the best console first person shooter ever. It will be bested one day, and that is as it should be, but this game has set the proverbial bar so high we reckon it'll be the king for a good long while... Hail to the king, baby. [Feb 2009, p.66]

If you’re for the West, you will latch onto Redemption like an ornery rattlesnake. If the old West is of no particular interest to you, you still ought to find it difficult not to appreciate the incredible level of workmanship and depth on display here. It is a true opus. [July 2010 p.69]

It's a game world that makes you feel like a tourist, like anything and everything is worth looking at. If Team Bondi's Los Angeles was a skirt she'd be a blonde. A blonde to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained-glass window... Combining slow-paced adventure gaming with well-executed open-world action was an audacious experiment. Infusing it with state-of-the-art animation tech that pits you in a game of wits against virtual liars was equally bold. Staging all of that in the most richly detailed videogame environment we've ever seen was outrageous. Not only does it work, it works extraordinarily well. It's the evolution of the adventure game, merging slow-burning discovery with the freedom associated with an open-world backdrop. It's the Concorde of its category, rendering fondly-remembered classics like Police Quest akin to simply flapping your arms. [July 2011 p.78]

Is there a more accomplished, accessible, brilliantly precocious example of the modern JRPG? Can’t think of one. [May 2017, p62]

The graphics are utterly gorgeous, and the soundtrack is a wistful selection of haunting folk music. In a lot of ways, this game conjures up nostalgia for a time that never was; but this matters not. This is a game that single-handedly moves PSPs in Japan. Now we can see why. [Aug 2009, p.76]

The new benchmark for open-world Western RPGs on PS4. CD Projekt Red, we love the voodoo that you do in the Witcher 3. [July 2015, p70]

A tight-fisted gut blow of wow! Must own. [Mar 2009, p.70]

"History is written by the victors" says one character. Infinity Ward has just written history. Modern Warfare 2 is fast paced, deep, flexible and utterly, totally belongs in your console. [Christmas 2009, p.64]

Ultimately, Infinite will linger in your memory for a long time after the credits have rolled. Irrational Games, through its own turmoil of lead staff departing, a multiplayer mode that started late in the piece only to be canned (a wise move) have proved that excellence takes time. This is a genre-defining game, and it deserves to be played by anyone who’s ready for a brilliant story, engaging gun-play and a real challenge. [May 2013, p68]

Amazing value for the money. This isn't so much SF5 as it is "Street Fighter 4.9". [May 2010, p.76]

This year isn’t over yet – let alone the generation – so it’d be foolish and premature for us to throw acronyms like ‘GOTY’ or ‘GOTG’ at you just yet. Even still, we simply cannot see anything out on that horizon which looks like it’s up to the task of toppling this titan – and we don’t say such things lightly. Acquire this game at all costs. Thieve it in a heist if you have to. [November 2013, p74]

Not flawless, but easily the brightest jewel in the PlayStation 4 crown. Deserving of a place in your gaming museum. [July 2016, p66]

As a game, The Last of Us will occasionally falter. Imperfect underwater mechanics and careless friendly AI that insists on blocking your path or causing unnecessary firefights can irk, but they are very minor niggles and should be treated as such. Because as an experience, The Last of Us is powerful, emotionally draining and absolutely one of the finest games of this generation. [August 2013, p70]

Combining the depth and difficulty of a rogue-like with the thrill of a platformer, it's an elegant and endlessly replayable gem of a game that is perfectly suited to a portable format. Co-op multiplayer over WAN (no netplay – boo!) is especially rewarding.[November 2013, p83]

Gorgeous. Massively replayable. Packed with an addictive Mother Base meta game. Even if you aren’t a legacy fan, you’ll enjoy this spectacular send off to the series. [December 2015, p64]

Just so there's no confusion, let's state it plain: Batman: Arkham City is not only the best superhero game ever made, it's one of the best games ever made full-stop. Batman: Arkham City takes the already superlative original and gloriously expands on it. It's a deeper game, more complex, more inventive, more mature. In our view it brings the caped crusader's world to life better than any comic, movie, or television show before it ... To say it one last time: this is what it means to be Batman. And when it comes down to it, who the hell doesn't want to be Batman? [Nov 2011, p.62]

The spectacular combination of generation-defining visuals, high adventure and cinematic intensity makes Uncharted 2 absolutely essential. There aren't any reasons not to own this game. [Nov 2009, p.64]

The white-knuckle thrill ride of the year. [Summer 2009, p.60]

Yes, ME2 isn't perhaps the most technical RPG ever created, but it's easily one of the slickest, bearing the unmistakable master craftsmanship of RPG luminaries, BioWare. Not only is this supersized Sony edition of ME2 outstanding value for money – it also represents a sound long-term investment. If the Mass Effect 3 reveals are anything to go by, the conclusion of this saga will be similarly unmissable and the galactic apocalypse will be decided in our own backyard: Earth. [March 2011, p70]

I think the fact that you can go to sleep dreaming of a game, thinking of not just gaming but creation, breeds new life into an industry that is already known for its creativity. [Christmas 2008, p.62]

A stunningly good start to what will surely become a treasured PlayStation series. Brilliant stuff. [April 2017, p.71]

GTA V on PS4 does exactly what gamers everywhere have begged for since the PS3 iteration broke the industry. It provides you with an unprecedented level of freedom, then makes your eyes weep at how pretty it looks when you make the most of it . If you haven’t been introduced to Michael, Trevor and Franklin, then frankly we don’t know what on earth you were doing last year, but now is the perfect time to jump on board. It makes one of the medium’s best games even better. [January 2015, p70]

Videogame worlds are rarely this rich and addictive. No matter your pleasure - story-based campaigning, co-op comradeship, or adversarial annihilation - Destiny delivers on all fronts. Frighteningly, this really does have the framework of a 10 year obsession. [Nov 2014, p.68]

For the most part, the mind-blowing experience you remember with true new-gen visuals. No PS4 library is complete without this. [October 2014, p70]

Hereditary sins aside, the core experience of Assassin's Creed IV is one hell of a thirty-cannon salute that has so many tantalising distractions that we honestly can't wait to sail back into its world again. [December 2013, p70]

This is the definitive version of Diablo III, both content wise and platform. [October 2014, p68]

It's like a 2D Dark Souls with randomising traps and crappy heroes. Funny, brutal, essential.. [October 2014, p76]

It's amazing this has been crammed on one UMD with little sacrifice. Essential. [Oct 2009, p.76]

By the time the post-credits wrap, this long-delayed production will have earned a place in your heart of hearts, alongside its predecessors. [February 2016, p70]

Unlike Super Street Fighter IV each character here is truly unique; no two fighters are the same as each other so you're guaranteed of an interesting battle, and also longevity. This just feels like a better game all round, and while it feels great it's not for everyone. The flavour is distinctly Japanese, so if you've weaned yourself on countless anime and manga, and don't mind some Engrish, then Continuum Shift should be on your shelf right now [December 2010 p81]

Call of Duty: Black Ops still represents one hell of a hefty package. It's bursting with hundreds of hours of entertainment that caters to every conceivable configuration of gamer out there, be they an adversarial gamer, a co-op connoisseur or a staunch offline soloist. [January 2011 p60]

F1 2010 is Codemasters doing what it does best. Unadulterated, realistic racing. It doesn't lose its way with a trailer full of empty energy drink cans and promo girl panties; it focuses on the job at hand. That job is to make you feel like an F1 driver and, in this department, F1 2010 far exceeds our expectations. [November 2010 p64]

We suspect that last year's excellent Shift didn't make as much of an impact as EA anticipated. That semi-serious sim has given way to a positively Burnout inspired iteration that liberally takes the better bits of old NFS titles and makes this gorgeous fast paced treat. [January 2011 p70]

If we had the technology, we’d force all of you to lurch up out of your chairs and go buy this. [November 2016, p64]

Yes, we have a deeply romantic view of FIFA 11. After our initial concerns it would be too sim-like, EA have rounded the edges and made a representation of the world game that rings true. Every soccer fan will be playing this for the next 12 months. Acquire on sight. [November 2010 p68]

As a standalone game it's the best music game available, even though it arguably has the weaker soundtrack compared to Rock Band and Rock Band 2. But it feels a little hollow as a standalone game; it needs you to build a massive library to fully exploit it. [January 2011 p76]

The story, on call dialogue and expansive world make its most recent rival for parkour champ, "Mirror's Edge," look poorly executed. [Summer 2009, p.56]

The game designers at Insomniac have treated their series with some respect, but if you’re meeting these heroes for the first time you certainly won’t feel lost at sea. Ratchet & Clank’s latest adventure isn’t a revolution in platform-jumping, just a solid game that can suck up time like a black hole. [Christmas 2009, p.69]

Chains of Olympus was a pretty title, but even it stands as nothing compared to this graphical juggernaut. While there's no denying that the scenes depicted within can't compare with the exercise in colossal that was God of War III, the amazingly high fidelity of the graphics are guaranteed knock your sandals off in other ways. Don't let the seemingly diminutive size of the PSP fool you, this is one of the best games in the GOW series. [January 2011 p80]

Dead Rising 2 is what you wanted it to be, but it unfortunately suffers on a technical level with too many loading screens and bogus screen tearing. Despite these minor setbacks this is one of 2010's best games. [November 2010 p77]

A fantastic fighting title that will ensure your thumbs are well ready for SFIV. [Mar 2009, p.85]

The list of faults we've found during our time with GT5 is surprisingly long. And yet, we just keep playing it, and playing it. For all its foibles the profoundly realistic handling keeps drawing us back. The desire to tune up competitive cars from old pusbuckets keeps us fiddling with air filters and extractors. We'll criticise the final product, but that doesn't stop us drooling over the supersexeriffic premium car models, lavished with the kind a detail that we just did not anticipate seeing this generation. [February 2011 p72]

It helps that the graphics have been revamped, and they bloom into widescreen HD. It's a given that they look better than the PS2 originals, but even more importantly they don't betray your memory of how good they looked. [February 2011 p 78]

Do you have a job? Book holidays immediately. Girlfriend, boyfriend? Dump them, or tell them not to call for the next few weeks. We've found one of the most addictive and accessible PSN titles ever. [November 2010 p80]

Championship Edition DX is superbly balanced. It rewards skilled players with a great challenge and extremely frantic gameplay, while those that initially struggle won't feel unfairly punished when the game speed knocks itself down every time Paccers dies. You will crave to beat your highscore on the litany of tables, and every time you complete a round something new opens up. [February 2011 p80]

A total package. Intriguing without being obtuse, epic without making you feel lost. [June 2009, p.54]

Who'd have thought the guys behind Far Cry 3 could show JRPGs how it's done? [June 2014, p70]

A worthy sequel to one of the best RPGs ever made. Noobs and casual gamers, it’s time to level up. [April 2014, p74]

Right from the start, you feel like a demigod, dispatching enemies with ease thanks to an overpowered arsenal and a whole bunch of 'breaching' powers that let you slow time, enhance damage and decrease ouchies from incoming bullets. [April 2012, p65]

Short, but brilliantly executed. [Christmas 2008, p.74]

Streamlined and pretty, this is an example of a simple idea being the best idea. [Jan 2010, p.84]

All combined, you’re looking at the biggest and one of the most enjoyable Tomb Raiders yet. Here’s to 20 more years. [Christmas 2016, p62]

While it’s a shade short of perfect, there is no comparison: you will find no finer strategy game on PS4. [Christmas 2016, p64]

In a world full of shooters tackling real-world problems, it’s a refreshing palate cleanser when a game decides to give dinosaurs lasers for eyes, just because it can. Can ya dig it? [June 2013, p75]

It’s taken a while, but Minecraft has arrived in all its creative, daunting and addictive glory. [March 2014, p76]

Could have done with actual new content. Otherwise, a cheaper, shinier version of a criminally under-sold gem. [March 2014, p77]

Great games have a simple concept and message. Don’t Starve will leave you feeling full. [March 2014, p78]

A kick-ass second chance at one of the best action RPGs released in the past decade. [June 2013, p77]

Minor gfx hiccups aside, Battlefield 1 is as mustard as the gas it depicts. Winding back the clock and rediscovering its infantry roots has let DICE craft one of the best Battlefields in the series. Oddly, we want more solo DLC. [Christmas 2016, p70]

Even under duress, it's easy to lose yourself in this strange, enchanting world. Sadly, it's all too brief. We felt we'd barely scratched the surface when the credits rolled. Sure, there was a suitably enigmatic ending, but we wanted more. Much more. [April 2012, p69]

Borderlands starts out great and only gets better from there. If you’re up for an epic, awesome and subversive good time, get your arse to Pandora and explore the Borderlands. [Dec 2009, p.72]

Easily one of the best downloadable titles on the Vita. Grab it pronto. [June 2013, p80]

When PES 2017 gets things right – and there’s a lot of times when it gets things right – there’s simply no other sports game like it. The glory days are back. [December 2016, p72]

Even if you’re not coming into this with a brain full of nostalgia, the astonishing, zen-like freedom provided by Area X is unmissable VR. [Christmas 2016, p76]

Action-JRGs don't get any better than this. [January 2014, p81]

I Am Alive is a surprising triumph. It's an original and satisfying challenge. A breath of fresh air. [April 2012, p71]

Positively hypnotic in PS VR, this is an ideal showcase for your new virtual reality kit. [Christmas 2016, p79]

Positively hypnotic in PS VR, this is an ideal showcase for your new virtual reality kit. [Christmas 2016, p80]

Enlist the right team, and this is an incredibly rich adversarial experience where no one match ever plays out like the last. [Christmas 2016, p82]

Mind-bending and impossible to put down, Fez will have you thinking outside the box. [May 2014, p79]

An essential reintroduction to one of the finest JRPGs for the PS2. Now how about that FFVII remake? [May 2014, p82]

Borderlands 2 is smarter, sharper, bigger and funnier than the game it supersedes. Everything that made the 2009 title so memorable has been improved upon, designed for you to sink your life into. These coming months are going to be packed with excellent titles, but Borderlands 2 has enough potential and sheer stuff to keep you going well into 2013. You need this. [November 2012, p62]

On the surface it may look the same but underneath and in your hands this is complex and wonderful. With a wealth of updates and the impressive inclusion of the training mini-games, FIFA 13 is for anyone who either wants a friendly kick-about or be completely and utterly immersed in the world of football. [November 2012, p64]

God of War III Remastered is a Pandora's box worth reopening. Though the hinges creak with age, and a few edges aren't as polished as they could be, the contents still shine, even after half a decade on. [October 2015, p68]

Still one of the indie game greats. Journey is must-play material on PS4. Wants for extras, however. [October 2015, p74]

Few games will make you smile more vibrantly. [Jan 2009, p.70]

Secures the crown as this generation's greatest fighter. That said, will price gouge returning fans. [August 2014, p81]

A truly evergreen title that looks and handles noticeably better on your next-gen system. [February 2014, p79]

All you really need to know is that Hotline Miami is one of the best, and hardest to master, indie games to ever grace a PlayStation. That said, Hotline Miami still needs to be a permanent fixture on your PS3, and the Vita version executes train trips without mercy. [September 2013, p70]

Hitman: Absolution absolutely nails the modern gaming trope of presenting oodles of gameplay choice. It would be an insult to polarise Absolution into 'stealth' or 'action', where the real beauty of the game is found in the fertile grey area in between. [December 2012, p66]

Possibly the greatest movie-inspired title ever. This positively oozes atmosphere and is a must for the fans. [Mar 2010, p.72]

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is a no brainer purchase. [January 2012, p.72]

All those lonely train rides will never be the same. EA has successfully shrunk FIFA into a rich, technically brilliant version for your pocket. Not only is it visually comparable to its PS3 papa, but it plays brilliantly. To sum it up, FIFA Football is FIFA 12 with a few smart design modifications and apt throwbacks to FIFA 11. [April 2012, p73]

Uncharted: Golden Abyss shines as a fun, authentic prequel that looks bloody amazing as a first generation title. The larger cinematic moments may not blow your mind, like similar set-piece events in Uncharted 3, but there's still no denying how succulent this looks on that 5 inch OLED screen. [March 2012, p60]

If you’re an absolute newcomer to this series, this is must-buy material as it’s the best value PS3 bundle since the Orange Box. Each title has been lovingly remastered and every entry included pushed the boundaries back in the day to be the best titles of their release year, if not their entire generation. No serious PlayStation gamer should be without these. [September 2013, p78]

Super Stardust Delta represents phenomenal value for the pittance asking price. You'd need space rocks in your head to pass this up. [April 2012, p78]

A damn fine batch of DLC that sticks to one power and rocks it. [November 2014, p73]

The overwhelming feeling that shines through in Darksiders II is that this is an all-or-nothing bet that's been painstakingly crafted by a team who's all too well aware of the price of failure. Clearly there's been a lot of love put into this. So, should you cross over to the dark side of this underworld, one more time? Grinding nether-regions for 20 hours straight has never been this satisfying. [Issue#72, p.70]

The truest expression of digital combat around. Amazing. [March 2012, p74]

A surprise package, impossible to write-off as a gimmick: utterly and totally addictive. [Dec 2009, p.68]

Well worthy of the 2.0 in its moniker. Bigger, bolder and bursting with unlockables and emergent DIY fun. [November 2014, p75]

Atmospheric and pretty as hell, Resident Evil has been brought back to life with much love and respect. [March 2015, p72]

It's a turn of the century time capsule that showcases the pinnacle of 3D platforming – a genre that's been rendered all but extinct by our modern obsession with shooters and sandbox titles. [March 2012, p77]