Even though the lashings of blood have been removed, it’s still a sexy and rock-hard title. [Dec 2009, p.79]

Transformers newcomers will be sated by the solid shooting and platforming on offer, provided they don't expect anything revolutionary. But if you are a fan, the many fan favourite cameos conspire to make the stock-standard feel special. [October 2012, p.72]

Makes huge strides forward, is held back from total greatness by two things: a story that falls just short of the shading around it, and bugs. [November 2016, p72]

Sound Shapes' ready-made content is refreshing, creative and fun – but it's also in very short supply. That said, there's a more than capable platformer waiting for you here, and it's backed up by a versatile level editor that's pregnant with possibilities. Queasy has laid one heck of a good egg, and we honestly can't wait to see how many ways the community will cook this up. [October 2012, p74]

Smart subtractions and extremely worthwhile additions make this the best Worms in years. Ignore solo, enlist for multi. The more people, and the more local, the better. [November 2016, p77]

The facial animations, the explosive combat moves and virtual acting are all top notch, elevating Enslaved to being an above-average action game. Also, there's an enthralling story being told here with entertaining characters and it proves difficult to put the controller down. [November 2010 p72]

It's a superb rally game capturing the spirit and the thrills. Recommended. [November 2010 p74]

A surprisingly fun title with a unique look. Flawed but charming. Well worth an attempt. [Feb 2010, p.70]

Demanding. You'll love it and curse it at the same time. Much better with friends. [January 2011 p80]

Will the multiplayer be enough to prise flocks of fans from Modern Warfare 2’s steely grasp? Possibly, because it’s really quite good. It’s primarily the use of destruction that distinguishes it from Modern Warfare 2, because in many other ways it’s very similar. The destruction, however, and its dynamic impact on the maps is a massive point of difference. In almost every way Bad Company 2 technically outclasses the original, but that’s to be expected. We just miss the mischief. [Apr 2010 p.68]

NBA Jam always succeeded by being better with friends, and that hasn't changed. There's an updated remix mode with a few new modes that are more gimmick and curious distractions than serious contenders for your time. You'll get the most amount of playtime out of the standard mode, especially when you're really dominating a game against your mates. [February 2011 p78]

The time you spend playing the game – when you're on the field – isn't as rewarding as all the stuff that goes on around it. Scouting is a dream, and the commentary on each player in this mode adds a sense of realism and character, backed by a stream of social media feeds. So, yeah, it's still good, but next year ought to be even better. [October 2012, p76]

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

But for every archaic design choice that's needlessly re-trodden for the sake of sticking to 'the blueprint', Sonic 4 introduces other new features that help to replace the nostalgia with a bit more substance. Just the simple ability to quick-jump to any zone, act or special stage in any order (and to compete with your mates scores and times) makes this instantly better than its predecessors. Long-suffering Sonic fans rejoice; the magic is back. [February 2011 p80]

Where Street Fighter IV feels like a measured and calculated game of chess, BlazBlue feels more like a game of basketball: it’s easy to get the basics, but once you’ve got to grips with its intricacies you’ll feel be slam-dunking and showing off. [Apr 2010, p.74]

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

It'll test your patience, but persevere and your sense of self-satisfaction will swell. [Jan 2009, p.64]

A big hitter, but not quite a home run due to unfixed bugs and a lack of evolution. [June 2014, p76]

A very competent, atmospheric shooter that isn’t solely about blowing shit up. If you’re not afraid of the dark and need a change of pace, a ride with Metro: Last Light might be exactly what you need. [June 2013, p68]

Without a doubt the best GT in the series thus far, but held back by aging game design and time-delayed DLC features. [January 2014, p70]

It’s not perfect, but Outlast still succeeds at scaring the pants off you. [April 2014, p80]

A solid follow-up that although enjoyable, doesn’t quite reach the same heights of its debut. [April 2014, p80]

For hardcore nerds, it’s a wet dream made real; for everyone else, it’s a spectacle like no other. [June 2013, p72]

An addictive precision racer that only has two speeds: easy, or brutal. [June 2014, p80]

The dialogue choices aren’t exactly Mass-Effect-calibre, but it’s a welcome means of disrupting the match-match-match routine. And of finding new ways to insult Reigns every week, should you so desire. [Christmas 2016, p65]

The niche this mad gun’s aimed at should get this immediately. Everyone else: run. [April 2014, p81]

It may not have any competitors, but it's one that is sure to impress fans. [May 2014, p.80]

Slick brawling, charming visual design, vibrant set-pieces and that glittering guest star mean it’s still well worth crashing this kids’ party. [Christmas 2016, p66]