Just enjoy the intensity: like all great art it leaves you wanting more; leaves you with the feeling that somehow you've connected with the universe. That's right, I said art. [Mar 2009, p.100]

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

A worthy sequel to an indie pioneer that delivers countless surprises in a refined package. Not for the easily frustrated, perhaps, but essential for everyone else. [Issue#181, p.87]

The warmth in the world has survived the scaling down. [Jan 2010, p.106]

The animations and interaction of on-screen elements ooze character, and add a good dash of humour. [Jan 2010, p.113]

Bayonetta is about as gloriously silly as PS3 gaming gets. [Christmas 2009, p.108]

An experience that's less like playing a game and more like setting up residence in the best Pixar movie you can imagine. [Dec 2009, p.118]

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]

It's idiosyncratic, heart-warming funky and one of the most refreshing RPGs to appear on PS2. [Mar 2008, p.102]

The graphics are endearing and the gameplay immersive. [Feb 2010, p.111]

A technically accomplished, visually impressive game that you'll struggle to work up an appetite for. [Feb 2008, p.82]

The dancey track selection gives the game a more up-tempo feel.

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]

There were questions over whether the Undisputed series would be another journeyman fighter, occasionally shoring up weaknesses but never quite improving enough to beat the best. Instead, this addresses virtually every criticism of the last game, then throws in a load more that nobody even thought to ask for. Champion.

Codemasters' best Formula 1 game to date. [Nov 2017, p.88]

A very pretty and slick platformer that runs beautifully on PS5. Use of the console’s unique features are limited, but it’s still well worth playing. [Issue#187, p.80]

It's a lively way to breathe new life into RPG battles, which are often ugly and hard to follow. [Dec 2008, p.112]

A basic upgrade. The SSD helps load some elements more quickly; the graphics aren’t radically improved. That said, the game is still phenomenal. [Issue#187, p.88]

Resistance is a fine game, and easily capable of standing up to the scrutiny a big launch title attracts. But it doesn't quite do enough to make us add 'the Chimera, on Tower Bridge, with the Bullseye' to our list of classic shooter moments. [Apr 2007, p.104]

A disappointing PS4 port of a brilliant game that revived and revitalised its genre. Cross your pitchforks for a thorough reworking on PS Vita in the future. Handheld husbandry? It'd be perfect. [Feb 2017, p.88]

The sprawling yet accessible career mode has been honed and the game engine absolutely purrs. When ‘prettier menus’ tops your wishlist, hats must come off. [Issue#178, p.77]

The gameplay is also spot on. [June 2009, p.94]

FFX/X-2 HD is everything you could want in a hi-def remake – a beautiful re-imagining of two games that are now a bit more brilliant than they already were. Even the music’s been tweaked – it’s the same classic soundtrack, only slightly richer. Everything you loved about the gems in the series over a decade ago, modernised with fanatical devotion and helpful – rather than horned in – PS Vita touch controls.

If the songs, utterly charming design and frenzied drumming don't win you over, if the strategy leaves you cold and the battles don't crack a smile, you might want to check that your heart is still beating out <I>its</I> rhythm. [Mar 2008, p.114]

Takes what was great about the first and adds to it without diluting it. It’s possibly a little too simple – the boss battles aren’t much of a challenge – but that just makes it all the more relaxing. [Issue#165, p.94]

Each ending is radically different, and there are even two extra ones when you’ve finished the main game which have never been available before in the UK. Fans will love the extra TLC in for this enhanced version of the very static original, and newcomers will experience a visual novel like never before – an anime that is very much yours, and an unforgettable time travel thriller to boot. [Issue#160, p.89]

Snake now has a very serious contender. [Christmas 2010]

You also now get the Winter Classic. [Nov 2011, p.109]

Utterly charming. [Sept 2017, p.86]

The only flaw? It's occasionally too brilliant for its own good. [Nov 2011, p.113]

The game that changed games arrives on PlayStation in fine form with an improved crafting system, tarnished only slightly by a cramped map size. Until the full-fat PS4 Edition arrives, this’ll do nicely.

While the ratio of old to new ideas is a little too cautious, and the Blue Sphere stages can become annoying, this is everything fans have been wanting for far too long. It's the best Sonic game. [Oct 2017, p.90]

A refreshing breath of nostalgic gaming, and brilliant value at under a tenner. [July 2010, p.104]

It’s an ancient evil residing in a new place, and the marriage of Blizzard’s defiantly old-school dungeon-crawling with its mesmerising craftsmanship works unquestionably. A deceptively simple and expertly constructed Beelzebub-basher, translated smartly for a platform not immediately receptive to the genre.

Swing and a hit. Contemporaries such as NHL 18 have caught up with Sony’s big bopper of late, but The Show’s myriad modes and authentic feel keep it among the elite. [Issue@162, p.92]

Touchscreen is implemented nicely. [Apr 2012, p.113]

The truly incredible opening half alone makes this an essential horror game. Mixed fortunes later on recall the series post-Resident Evil 4, but it nonetheless remains one of gaming's greatest ever comebacks. [March 2017, p.80]

A rewarding and tactile experience overall despite the inconsistency. [Christmas 2009, p.118]

Gameplay is the best it’s been on PS3, and presentation is improved, too, with Jeff Stelling’s pre-match, half-time and post-match links upping the broadcast feel yet again. Whatever your thoughts on annual sports games, you really mustn’t miss this one unless you want to spend the next nine months feeling like a defeated play-off finalist.

Feel the laser burn with this neon-lined rhythm game. Just make sure you have enough room to swing a cat strapped to a laser sabre when you play this one. [Issue#157, p.96]

A confident first expansion. [Sept 2015, p.92]

Despite an occasional mean streak, when Cuphead plays fair it’s as much a treat for the thumbs as it is for the eyes– and with these distinctive, cartoon-inspired looks that’s no small feat. [Issue#179, p.78]

This is right up there along side Trash Panic as the best the Store currently has to offer in the sub five quid range. [Oct 2009, p.121]

Huge, diverse and thronging with life. [June 2014, p.81]

There's no reason for it to take any risks, and it doesn't. [Nov 2009, p.112]

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age is one of the finest JRPGs on PS4, and makes a great entry point to one of the most popular series of all time [Issue#154, p.92]

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 user-friendly blend of big-fisted action and strategic thinking. [Aug 2007, p.110]

Immersive, addictive, and authentic, it's a sensational return to form for the series. [Oct 2009, p.118]

Well worth a purchase for diehard fight fans. [Aug 2017, p.96]

And to think it was given away free on PS Plus. [May 2015, p.93]

NHL 08 is every hockey fan's dream, but it's so exciting that anyone up for a speedy, skilful sports game should definitely get involved. [Nov 2007, p.110]

Immaculately presented and infectiously bombastic. [June 2013, p.108]

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]

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

I'm saying this deserves to be picked up by so many more people than the niche of role-players and Studio Ghibli fans it immediately appeals to. I'm saying it's so finely crafted it could warm the heart of an Army Of Two player and soothe the perpetual anger of a FIFA-phile… if they'd only let it.

What we have then is a wonderfully strong start to what looks set to be another great Telltale episdoic. Smart, dark and stylish, and with plenty of intrigue as to where things go from here.

This is as close as you'll get to UFC without sharing Shane Carwin's post-fight ice bath, and that's where we draw the line anyway. Buy it. [June 2010, p.99]

Only minus the satisfying touch-screen interaction. [Apr 2011, p.118]

American football mixes brain and brawn like no other sport, and it's something Madden 09 reflects beautifully. [Oct 2008, p.96]

The action absolutely stacks up to the current PS3 contenders. [Jan 2011, p.120]

Players look like real men rather than EA-style waxwork models. [June 2008, p.94]

Kaiju battles are fun, especially if you like huge damage numbers or big area-of-effect explosions catching hundreds of enemies, but be aware that 13 Sentinels is a drastic departure from the action-heavy antics of Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, though Vanillaware’s signature hand-drawn art style remains intact. Safe in that knowledge, strap in for the wildest narrative ride since Nier Automata as you get lost in its messy conspiracy. [Issue#180, p.74]

The issues aren’t ruinous, and in the case of the multiplayer more an inconvenience that EA needs to address than anything else – but it’s enough to take the shine off what should be one of the best shooters on PS4.

An out-of-this-world adventure that, for better and worse, feels far from alien, even if you’ve been frozen for a few years. The familiar done well and then some. [Issue#169, p.85]

It's during the co-op play that this really hits its stride. [Jan 2011, p.121]

A love letter to old-fashioned RPGs, but like all passionate romances you'll need to take the rough with the smooth. [Nov 2017, p.92]

An important, palate-cleansing release in a crowded genre, Doom is essential playing for anyone who registers as a shooter fan. Heed the call of the FPS daddy and get your ass to Mars, pronto.[July 2016, p.78]

Those who don't bother with the solo campaign won't miss much. Indeed, the online experience in its different incarnations is so addictive and gratifying that it's almost enough to let the balance and technical issues slip. But only almost.

From the first bounce, it feels like a genuinely new generation of sports game has arrived. All the depth, drama and longevity you take for granted by now, and even some new ideas to match its next-gen looks.

Visually stunning, mechanically rewarding – Hollow Knight is a game that works on just about every level. It presents challenge, but always fairly, with plentiful options to explore new pathways. [Issue#155, p.92]

You won't find a better way to work through those anger issues. [July 2009, p.94]

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

Full of instant gratification. Its novelty value does fade, though. [Sept 2015, p.93]

It's enough to make it feel new and shiny again, and well worth buying. [Jan 2009, p.100]

It's excellent - technically strong, visually outstanding and full of welcome fresh ideas. It also has a poorly-told story and a deadening first few hours, but - a crucial but - the de-faced alien at the chewy centre makes it all worthwhile. [Apr 2011, p.97]

Not being able to carry over save data is a huge drawback. However, we enjoyed uncovering the bureau’s secrets all over again, with ray-traced drama. [Issue#186, p.88]

It builds into a complex battle of patience and wills. [Sept 2008, p.90]

A fantastic superhero story. Miles is an easy lead, and the tight design puts him to spectacular use (and is visually jaw-dropping on PS5). It’s a must-play. [Issue#182, p.131]

Exhilarating, accomplished and relentlessly enjoyable. [Christmas 2007, p.110]

So much was promised, and so little that's new has been delivered. Certain fundamentals are woefully sub-par (the horse riding is absolutely shameful), and it's either laziness or a troubling lack of creativity that's led to such a generic and repetitive selection of story missions. And yet the game is saved somewhat by the wealth of content it includes (and the well-integrated, largely compelling nature of these side-dishes), and the moments that remind you just why this series remains such a big draw.

Compared to Modern Warfare, World at War is loud and crass. [Christmas 2008, p.100]

One of the best high-score chasing concepts ever hosted on Playstation. [Aug 2016, p.88]

The rejuvination you've waited a decade for: PES gets everything right on the park, and only off-field gripes prevent this top, top player from earning the top, top score. [Nov 2016, p.83]

Successfully encourages and rewards both patience and quick reactions, and punishes laziness. It’s a VR gameplay loop that you’ll gladly run through again and again. [Issue#182, p.157]

Team Ninja has given the soulsborne genre a unique twist enabling you to match demon power with demon power. This journey through Japanese history is no walk in the park, but it always delights and surprises. [Issue#174, p.76]

Pretty little explosions and detailed alien foes make this a visual treat, and the frantic action is always absorbing. [July 2007, p.107]

With a wonderful story that actually makes sense to newcomers to the series, brilliantly varied fighting and a world packed with things to do, this is the best Yakuza yet. [March 2017, p.90]

Bungie's blaster offers some of the best shooting on PS4, but right now, it feels more like a bumper expansion than a full-blown sequel. The Strikes are amazing, mind. [Nov 2017, p.75]

It's the first import game that punishes you for not being a Yank. [Sept 2010, p.118]

Whatever happens you'll believe it's a real world and a fantastic setting for the action. It's not as dense or as varied as, say, Oblivion - you'll go somewhere, kill everyone, every mission - but it's utterly convincing and engrossing. [Dec 2008, p.98]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

All talk of complexity aside, VF is still brilliant. The new characters are excellent, the fighting's just different enough to force long-time players to tweak their styles and the new moves are a definite improvement. [Apr 2007, p.80]

This remake is a welcome and impressive return, but it makes it clearer than ever that next time Yakuza struts into town, it needs a fresh set of threads. [Issue#153, p.81]

Brimming with some of the best dialogue and characters on in a game, The Stick Of Truth is only let down by needless framerate issues and a lack of additional locations beyond South Park itself.

Brutally compelling and utterly essential. [Oct 2014, p.91]

Charming, engaging and affecting, this is a unique experience that any indie fan should take in. Finally, a positive use for the term 'bro-op.' [July 2013, p.98]

Some dated ideas are masked by the visual makeover, but WipEout still plays and looks like nothing else. If you have the patience, The Omega Collection will reel you back in. [Aug 2017, p.91]