More than merely a 20 copy of Dark Souls, Salt And Sanctuary has some of the most multidimensional, exquisite gaming torture you'll ever endure. A must-buy. [May 2016, p.88]

As remasters go, it's not a total washout - but it's not the stunning revamp it could have been. As a PS3 classic now available on PS4, however? Essential. [May 2016, p.87]

Though technically unpolished, at at times frustrating, Kholat's imposing mountain is impressive. A good few hours of horror, hiding, swearing and reloading await. [May 2016, p.86]

Future levels offer better value for money, but this Intro Pack is a confident first chapter containing the ultimate Hitman experience. Scrub Absolution's nightmares - the series is back to its prime. [May 2016, p.84]

It won't win converts to the genre and the plot is problematic, but The Division is a handsome open-world offering, spiked with treachery. [May 2016, p.81]

The main attractions are set-pieces that play heavily on the series' combat systems. [Apr 2016, p.95]

It's the most broken game I've played on PS4. [Apr 2016, p.94]

It's hard to be cross with any game that has you rescuing space rabbits. [Apr 2016, p.94]

The tactical depth is somewhat let down by an inconsistent technical quality. [Apr 2016, p.94]

A cute and charming speed-runner that races straight for your heart through winning nods to childhood days and the best damn butt-slide you'll find on PS4. [Apr 2016, p.92]

Overall, it's a deliciously addictive experience. [Apr 2016, p.92]

Ultimately it suffers from clumsy controls and simplicity, but the ABC Murders still boasts a solid storyline (obviously), if you're not seeking a serious challenge, the cosy-crime feel makes it passable for a rainy Sunday with a mug of a hot chocolate (Belgian, of course). [Apr 2016, p.92]

RUN/r is never disastrously bad, it just lacks ambition. [Apr 2016, p.92]

A platform-puzzler with real heart, Unravel makes up for mechanical shortcomings with a world as palpable as it is pretty. It's no classic, but it's a memorable journey all the same. [Apr 2016, p.90]

There are plenty of ideas here, it's just a shame it's so frustrating to get to the good bits. [Apr 2016, p.89]

It's sure to put a big smile on your face, but doesn't entirely satisfy as a puzzler. [Apr 2016, p.89]

While engaging modes shake things up when it all gets a bit shallow, think twice if you're looking for a fighter with depth. [Apr 2016, p.89]

A horrifying affair that will have you flinging the pad across the room in terror, ending any hope of a restful night's sleep. In the best possible way. Job done then. [Apr 2016, p.88]

Not as experimental as it wants to be, as Far Cry recycling hampers its endearingly silly premise. Primal finds itself stuck in the past in more ways than one. [Apr 2016, p.85]

The best couchplay fighting game you can play right now. Both party-starter and competitive tool, its sheer sense of fun will inspire everyone to rise up to the challenge. Reliant on solo or online thrills? Wait for the updates first. [Apr 2016, p.78]

The most exhilarating driving game Codemasters has created in years, and undoubtedly the best rally game on PS4. Dirt Rally is an essential addition to any committed rally enthusiast's collection. [Issue#122]

It can be devilishly challenging, but never seems insurmountable. [Apr 2013, p.115]

Newly fashioned turn-by-turn combat elements, meaningful narrative choices and glorious bears make this Scandi strategy title an exciting breath of fresh air. [March 2016, p.94]

Even an elephant chase can't save this from incoherent mediocrity. [March 2016, p.94]

Rhythm and roguelike make a perfect pairing complex and undoubtedly frustrating, but always a joy. [March 2016, p.94]

The mechanics just can't rival other PS Plus freebies for depth. [March 2016, p.94]

The Little Ones ups the survival stakes, testing restraint-or-risk strategy and morality. There are frustrating bugs, and too much signposting, but it's a powerful, brave experience. [March 2016, p.93]

An essential play if you've never had the chance, Gone Home is an engrossing journey through a universal tale and has a personality unlike anything else on PS4. [March 2016, p.92]

This is a sublimely addictive action throwback with an occasional habit of shooting itself in the foot. At least I can say this: politics has never been so exciting. [March 2016, p.89]

By no means a bad game, it's hard to shake the feeling it'll end up as a stopgap until Dirt Rally hits. [March 2016, p.88]

For those who see beauty in a solved Rubik's cube, this is the therapeutic engineering equivalent of an adult coloring book. [March 2016, p.88]

Clumsy menus and the endless randomness quickly ensure the adventure is lost in space. [March 2016, p.88]

There are plenty of pacing and puzzle problems, but Zero can still be a horror hero at its best. [March 2016, p.87]

Seasoned shifters will fall (in love) again. [March 2016, p.86]

An exceptionally beautiful, insanely clever puzzle game that demands only the best from its players. If Mensa did holiday getaways, they'd look something like this. [March 2016, p.83]

A shallow hack and slash that's fun in short bursts but outstays its welcome, even at a scant six hours. A step in the wrong direction for the series. [Feb 2016, p.91]

It won't be dislodging your go-to online game from the play queue any time soon. [Feb 2016, p.90]

A mobile freemium game in a poor disguise, then, Guns Up! feels soulless, with all the variety locked-up tight, early on, behind level gates and constant, nagging pleas for cash. [Feb 2016, p.90]

Some will get an old-school kick out of it, but most will wish it followed the lead of its villain and took a few more chances. [Feb 2016, p.90]

Loud, dumb and more than a little buggy, The Shadow of New Despair may be average in single-player, but it's a rich source of co-operative comedy. [Feb 2016, p.89]

A disastrously addictive 'rogue-ilke' time sink that clearly benefits from more than two years of PC Early Access tweaking. Don't argue - just get it. Now. [Feb 2016, p.88]

Impossible to recommend as a single-player game. Siege is an absolutely splendid multiplayer shooter for well-organised (and forgiving) teams, with great tactical terrain destruction. [Feb 2016, p.86]

Barring the occasional niggle, this is a fantastically imaginative return. It brings an addictive appeal that'll have you scratching the musical itch long after you've unlocked everything. [Feb 2016, p.83]

Shaky at second glance, but deserves the PS4 promotion. Remix mode and stats screens provide a fresh way into Jodie's story, should you revisit it. [Jan 2016, p.95]

Arcade fans might be willing to muddle through the comms breakdown, but while enjoyable, this is nothing to phone home about. [Jan 2016, p.94]

The maps and monsters are pretty lacklustre and its storyline is basically all fluff, but a unique cast of characters and a fluid aerial battle system give this one a sugary sweet coating that's hard to resist. [Jan 2016, p.94]

A disappointment considering its potential. [Jan 2016, p.94]

This first season doesn't skimp on shocks. [Jan 2016, p.93]

Early frustrations aside, it's compulsive experience that plays heavily to PS Vita's strengths in both the core gameplay and its structure. [Jan 2016, p.93]

For Adventure Time obsessives, there's six hours of simplistic fun to be had, even if this is still far from the game that the show richly deserves. [Jan 2016, p.93]

The Old Hunters is DLC as it should be: an essential challenge that enriches the original rather than diminishing it. Being horrified has rarely felt this rewarding. [Jan 2016, p.92]

A flimsy-feeling team shooter that squanders an appealing premise in a mess of poor controls and design. This is one set of dinosaurs that should be put to rest. [Jan 2016, p.91]

More than an (unsteady) walking simulator, Among The Sleep is still in need of a bit more game than the comfort blanket of puzzles it cuddles. The payoff's great, though. [Jan 2016, p.90]

For all its booms and bangs, Just Cause 3 is never quite the unrestrained fun-maker it threatens to be. Whenever Rodriguez dons his wingsuit, however, it positively soars. [Jan 2016, p.88]

It's not the most complex shooter, but it's the ideal pick-up-and-play experience for Star Wars fans. Stunning environments, solid shooting and immersive sound design mask the shortcomings. [Jan 2016, p.82]

It's a starting block, but while it's not made of dirt, it's a way off gold. [Christmas 2015, p.95]

Rough around the edges, yet with plenty of fun to be had. [Christmas 2015, p.94]

This scrappy outing has little to offer apart from easy trophies. [Christmas 2015, p.94]

Rarely has a game balanced comedy so well. [Christmas 2015, p.94]

A strong return for the franchise, boasting incredible customisation, a fascinating world and brutal yet brainy shooting, slightly tarnished by lacklustre AI and tedious inventory management. [Christmas 2015, p.88]

An enjoyably grotty world hampered by unintuitive controls. [Christmas 2015, p.87]

Beyond its puddle-deep characters, Zestiria is a decent addition to the series. [Christmas 2015, p.86]

A smart, tough base game completely obscured by janky execution. [Christmas 2015, p.83]

Its worst sin? It's boring. [Christmas 2015, p.83]

The problem is it's not fun. [Christmas 2015, p.83]

One of the most exciting PC RPGs of recent years effortlessly makes the transition to PlayStation without losing a drop of its tactical depth in the process. [Christmas 2015, p.82]

Some great modifications, but lacklustre world design, shallow progression and awful cutscenes deprive it of traction. [Christmas 2015, p.80]

A nearly perfect interactive experience. [Christmas 2015, p.79]

Fractured. [Christmas 2015, p.79]

It's no exaggeration to call this phenomenal between the ropes. [Christmas 2015, p.78]

A few awkward steps threaten to spoil its performance, but strong characters and exceptional production values earn Dancing All Night a rousing reception. [Christmas 2015, p.77]

One of 2015's biggest surprises. [Christmas 2015, p.74]

Fans of the series will appreciate it for what it is, but Syndicate doesn't repair all of Unity's damage. [Christmas 2015, p.72]

Despite some questionable multiplayer level design and an absurd story, Black Ops III is a return to form for COD - so long as you play it with friends rather than alone. [Christmas 2015, p.69]

Yakuza 5's combat may feel dated, but its characters, sense of place, and absurd wealth of minigames and side activities are as fascinating as ever.

Penarium's quirky design - modeled after retro arcade games - and dark influences definitely give it impressive razzle-dazzle, but not enough to warrant unlimited repeat visits. [Dec 2015, p.94]

Gravity says you can't put it down. [Dec 2015, p.94]

No sports experience comes close to NBA 2K16's presentation. [Dec 2015, p.91]

A novel twist on traditional sports games, then, but one that's equal parts New York Giant and Jacksonville Jagu-arse. [Dec 2015, p.91]

The game could learn from its pint-sized protagonist. [Dec 2015, p.91]

A satisfying return to form. [Dec 2015, p.90]

A no-brainer for Lego enthusiasts - a no-thank you for those upset by locked content. [Dec 2015, p.88]

SOMA's a fascinating interactive story that occasionally wants to murder you dead. [Dec 2015, p.86]

Finally, a Transformers game where the characters look like plastic toys. While limited, this is no mere cash-in. [Dec 2015, p.85]

Not just a missed opportunity, but an insulting and pitiful gamble on the Tony Hawk name that deserves little more than a collectible agreement to pretend it didn't happen. [Dec 2015, p.84]

At last! The long-awaited PlayStation release proves that great game design never dies, and now it's even better with Cross-Buy. Fresh hell, hot from the infernal BBQ. [Dec 2015, p.79]

A cheerful, compulsive and enormously likeable action-RPG, it should convert a few Dynasty Warriors non-believers, though DW fans may not be quite so convinced. [Dec 2015, p.78]

The most challenging FIFA to master in years, if not ever - but that's exactly why you'll be playing it for ten months rather than ten matches. [Dec 2015, p.76]

Three of the best games on PS3 remastered so they look like they came out last week, and all on one disc to boot? It's a no-brainer for fans and newcomers alike. [Dec 2015, p.72]

Despite being smaller than regular Driveclub and lacking variety, this is serious fun, surprisingly accessible and features a more sophisticated handling model than the main game. Great stuff.

The Taken King is a bold, brilliant expansion that brings out Destiny's true potential. It's pricier than I'd have liked, but still a massive new adventure whether you're a newbie or a veteran Guardian. [Dec 2015, p.92]

A steep investment for anyone not a veteran rocker returning with tracks, mates and instruments in tow - but the full band experience is the most fun PS4 offers. [Dec 2015, p.81]

With its relaxing atmosphere, pretty environments and interesting theological dilemma, The Talos Principle is PS4's best puzzler to date.

Hearts of Stone may not make any significant improvements to The Witcher 3's core gameplay, but it succeeds largely on the quality of its engrossing narrative.

Mike Bithell's long-awaited Thomas Was Alone follow-up is a bigger, fancier puzzle game, but one in which the levels don't quite come together as much as the Robin Hood plot. [Nov 2015, p.109]

Gimmicks aside, however, this is fairly rote and restrictive by modern tower defence standards. [Nov 2015, p.108]

Will it change gaming? No. Is it almost perfect in and of itself? You bet. [Nov 2015, p.108]

If you're willing to rise to the challenge and master its crumby controls, there's just about enough novelty to make it worth your while despite its limited shelf life. [Nov 2015, p.107]