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]

It’s a shame DICE still treads the B-grade storytelling path with its single-player game, otherwise Battlefield 4 would be dangerously close to shooter perfection. [Christmas 2013, p67]

Combat is both satisfyingly bloody and bloody satisfying. [November 2010 p80]

Look past the lop-sided multiplayer, and Doom is still one helluva reboot. It’s a must for any modern FPS fan looking to taste the ultra-violence of yesteryear. Your Nana will hate it. [August 2016, p71]

Needless to say, NBA 2K14 has set the bar extremely high for sports games on PS4. It plays just as well as its PS3 underling, and even if you’re not a super hardcore sports fan we’d recommend a purchase simply to use it as a visual showcase for your new PS4. It never fails to put a jaw on the floor. [Christmas 2013, p83]

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

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

Don't make the mistake of viewing Crysis 2 as a new shooter on the block that has to desperately prove itself to all the established PS3 heavy-hitters. In many ways it's actually the other way around. [May 2011, p.69]

Ubisoft has suggested some plot threads may end in this iteration, but we don't think the end is anywhere in sight. Thanks to the sizeable engine update and an era shift in Assassin's Creed III, this withering franchise has been allowed to bloom once more. [December 2012, p62]

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

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

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]

It would be foolish of us to pretend that Sine Mora is for everyone. The fact is most of us simply don't have the time or patience necessary to properly appreciate a game that demands so much from the player. But for those who do: buy it. Buy it now. [February 2013, p79]

Newcomers, Yakuza 0 is the perfect entry point, and is therefore worth paying the full pinky price (RRP). Veterans will be captivated by these origin stories and a ridiculous amount of minigames. [March 2016, p74]

A technical bell ringer, FC2 is set to be a cult favourite. [Christmas 2008, p.72]

While the fixed-camera isn't always your friend and the platforming relies too much on trial-and-error death, this is still one hell of a tight package. Give Castlevania: Lords of Shadow a chance to sink its fangs into you and you'll be surprised about how exquisite and long lasting its embrace can be. [December 2010 p74]

Trey Parker and Matt Stone mercilessly tear RPGs a new one while making quite a decent one of their own. [April 2014, p70]

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

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is the most charming and important downloadable indie game since Journey, and that’s not a claim we make lightly. [August 2013, p75]

As an interactive story it's one hell of a good piece of entertainment. Taking your first tentative steps into this seriously rich universe, planting the seeds for larger implications later in the series, and tangling with one of the best antagonists ever, Saren, is a trip well worth taking. There's a rich, colourful cast you'll want to meet for the first time (Urdnot Wrex in particular) and very poignant moments to be had (e.g. becoming a Spectre). These are watershed gaming moments that the ME2's 'introductory' comic book could never hope to encapsulate. [January 2013, p69]

Equal parts style and substance. But a brutal old school nature means low accessibility for newbies. Worth persevering with, however. This is PS royalty. [August 2017, p79]

Co-op. Solo. Whatever your angle is, Geometry Wars delivers. [January 2015, p82]

A near-perfect fusion of old and new, video game and animated film. Nostalgiaholics will love the return visit, newcomers will get hooked on what will hopefully become a launch pad into a whole new series. [June 2016, p68]

It's incredibly fast-paced and responsive. Nailing some of the intense combos may twist your fingers off as there are no touchscreen specials except for the X-ray moves that can be initiated once you have a full meter, but fatalities can be executed with finger swipes that match the d-pad inputs. Most of the extra modes, such as Test Your Slice, are gimmicks that either borrow heavily from smartphone games (let's just say you'll slice fruit whilst playing as a ninja) or rely on 'been there, done that' mechanics that use the Vita's hardware. Balancing a man on a beam is old hat, even if he's perilously dangling above a pit. [July 2012, p82]

Far Cry 3 was a truly outstanding game. Far Cry 4 is even better. It introduces one of the most enjoyable open worlds on new- gen, looks gorgeous and features a protagonist we don’t want to bitch slap. Kryat may not be a vacationer’s dream, but it does demand your attention. [January 2015, p62]

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]

A perfect port of what is effectively an emergent fun generator. [March 2014, p81]

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