Nex Machina is Jarvis’ Robotron retuned, but when those revisions are a rock solid 60fps, swirling voxel storms, and an array of play-extending modes, it’s hard to shoot it down. [September 2017, p78]

A solid entry into the FIFA family, but not a necessary upgrade if you're happy to stick with last year's offering. [December 2014, p74]

The strides made in-ring make this an essential play, but [the] missed [outside ring] opportunities sting harder than a Big Show turnbuckle chop. [January 2015, p74]

LBP Karting doesn't run a perfect race, but it definitely earns its podium finish thanks to a glorious track editor. It mashes together the approachability of ModNation's DIY editor with the overwhelming possibilities of LBP's 'if you can think it, you can create it' motto. [Christmas 2012, p.77]

If you’ve waited until now to give this series a shot, Skate 3 is as good a place to begin as are. It’s more of the same in some ways, but certainly better in others. We just haven’t fallen in love with the city. [July 2010 p74]

For new players, this isn’t the best the series has to offer but it holds its own. If FFXV’s modern magical setting didn’t appeal, this might be the antidote. [October 2017, p72]

The graphics are as strong as the combat. While everything's very simple it all runs smoothly and everything's nicely animated. Cutscenes tend to drag, though, and some of the voice acting will have you cringing, but we're truly impressed by the size of the game and the direction. [Oct 2010 p78]

The best basketball you can buy, and a great effort for 2K’s 10-year bash. [Christmas 2009, p.77]

When everything is laid out in the debriefing, it's clear that H.A.W.X. 2 has made worthy improvements on an already solid concept. True, the adversarial multiplayer still won't ignite many people's afterburners, but almost everything else about the game has been tweaked as per player feedback. If you enjoyed the first title, you should definitely engage. If you were on the fence, we think there's enough new stuff here to make you bank over. [Oct 2010 p.72]

A solid introduction to Telltale's darkest world yet that looks to keep Thrones fans happy. [Feb 2015, p74]

All you really need to know is that this is a very capable port of one of the most celebrated games of 2012. Prepare to be drawn into a superbly written apocalyptic tale that will hook you in completely and aim for your feels. [November 2013, p83]

Though Zero Escape comes with reams of text, it's all well written, thoroughly addictive stuff that encourages multiple playthroughs to see its 24 endings. Any Vita owner looking to try something different is advised to make the leap of faith and scoop this up immediately. [Christmas 2012, p.81]

The atmosphere is top notch, and the game bristles with a raw energy that is a joy to behold. The art direction is excellent, particularly in Rage Mode, and the soundtrack is one of the best we’ve heard. It’s unfortunate the gameplay can be a little repetitive and dying is just plain annoying. [Nov 2009, p.78]

Compelling, different, addictive - Heavy Rain is all of these things. Will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike. [Mar 2010, p.70]

A solid update to this apex icecapade. Feels like EA's holding back for the next-gen though. [November 2013, p83]

Enough has changed here to warrant a lazy capture. [December 2014, p81]

Despite the flaws this'll be on your mind well after the credits roll. The plot is engrossing enough to make any techno freak froth at the mouth with lust. Human Revolution is a truly authentic Deus Ex game, and a great gaming experience in its own right. [October 2011 p74]

Take Burnout Paradise's massive open world, strip out the wild, physics-defying, cabin-crushing crashes and insert a generous handful of the world's hottest or most iconic motors. This is Need for Speed that only Criterion could create. [Christmas 2012, p.83]

Could do with shorter 'mini-loads' between retries. But otherwise great. [Christmas 2012, p.83]

You're missing the point if you barrel through this trying to complete the chapters like a workman ticking off his list of tasks. For better or worse, Mafia II sometimes feels like more of a guided experience than a game but then you'll be totally engrossed some of the most epic firefights ever seen, and the sound design is amazing. [Oct 2010 p.68]

As an RTS game R.U.S.E. succeeds. It's tough and it's tight. As an RTS game, however, it's destined to only be embraced by a small, hardcore community. [Oct 2010 p.75]

Overflowing with new content, offers much more for soloists, and is just as hilarious as ever. Garden Warfare 2 is not to be underestimated. [May 2016, p77]

Shank is one of those games that sums itself up in its own title. It's also a game wears its influences proudly on its arm like a 'mum' tattoo. You're looking at a 2D brawler that nods at classic beat 'em ups and pretty much every arcade game released in the late '80s. Aesthetically it's a beautifully animated homage to the greatest graphic novels and golden-age comics. [Oct 2010 p.75]

When the dust settles and the credits have rolled, Resistance 3 stands as a very solid shooter, even though it is a slightly disappointing conclusion to the series. Resistance 3's single-player may be at a slightly lower point in the franchise, the multiplayer offerings have never been this much fun. Either way, this is an apocalypse trip that every sci-fi fan out to saddle up for. [November 2011 p68]

Addictive platforming is rarely this sweet. [Feb 2015, p80]

The gameplay stutters slightly in minor ways, and the visuals in major ways; but we still found this to be irresistible to put down. If you're the type of level-headed gamer who values fun over graphics,or you nd some mates are looking for a great co-op game, then we'd say the bludgeontastic Dead Island is a bash well worth your cash. [November 2011 p70]

Three games in, this series is now a full-armed and operational destroyer of wallets. Combat and creation have been greatly improved. Use Force-buy. [December 2015, p78]

While FIFA 12 is certainly solid, there's a big part of us that prefers FIFA 11. The tackling might have been brainless, but compared with the almost-there Tactical Defence it's almost the better devil. Last year's game might not have required the extra skill, but it was less frustrating. While FIFA 12 has fixed a lot of annoying bugs and introduced some great new features, at our next football gathering we'll still be kicking around with last year's champion. [November 2011 p72]