An oddity that provides richness and balance to the softwre library. [June 2008, p.96]

So much has been improved, and with a tightly scripted plot where a gun known as the Destructor makes a perfect weapon for a Lego Joker, cinematic camera shots and a clear love for the series, TT Games has surpassed its previous titles. This is a huge game, with a world fans won't want to leave.

The upgrade paths and gear-gating lend genuine longevity. [May 2015, p.94]

I don’t want to hear that you don’t like point-and-clicks. You like beautiful things, and Broken Age is truly beautiful. And that’s all you really need to know.

Dark Room's shadow is so long the series' conclusion may struggle to step out from under it. [Oct 2015, p.94]

Whether it's playing Buckaroo on your board for 15 seconds straight or hearing the game manually mix your custom soundtrack during an über-trick – bloody surreal when you're listening to Bankrobber by The Clash – there's nothing else quite like this on PS3. After years of waiting to get royally piste up, SSX's blizzardy brilliance remains as intoxicating as ever.

These remain absolute must-play games, no matter what format they're on.

Jak can still turn heads. [Apr 2012, p.112]

A fantastic reboot that reworks Samurai Shodown’s best ideas into an accomplished Street Fighter V-alike. It can’t truly escape the trappings of its own heritage, but fans will adore SNK’s return. [Issue#165, p.82]

Ridiculous tricks and the gritty visuals impress, but Street's flashes of brilliance are undone by glaring flaws - such as the ball hitting an invisible wall at the sideline. [May 2007, p.112]

There are absolutely leagues of depth lurking beneath the cutesy surface. [June 2013, p.104]

Despite the sometimes unbalanced challenge it presents, Children of Zodiarcs is a brilliant tribute to tactical RPGs of old, with the tabletop elements adding a fresh and engaging twist to the beloved genre. [Oct 2017, p.95]

With just 13 (visually interesting and welldesigned) levels, the long-term appeal lies in loot grinding; earning chests for better weapons and accessories, while levelling up each character individually. Otherwise, it’ll only last you about five hours. Bot AI and server activity can support this approach, though whether your tolerance for playing the same levels again and again can is another matter. [Issue#159, p.82]

Got a PSP and WiFi at home? You've found your next shooter. [June 2007, p.104]

A consistently strong introduction to the Diaz brothers and their plight. We only want the best for them but know full well things are going to get worse over the course of the season. [Issue#155, p.88]

In its single-minded effort to deliver the best console racer handling the world’s seen, Polyphony lets a number of technical issues drive on by for yet another game.

New endings mean the leading ladies feel slightly more fleshed-out, but those aforementioned old chestnuts have deep roots in the game’s numerous and extremely varied – er – routes. That is to say, it’s more of the same. Obviously that’s not a bad thing but, like marriage, it won’t be for everyone. [Issue@168, p.92]

Very similar to Patapon, but it just about gets away with it. Partly, that's because there's loads more stuff (units, weapons and consequently strategic depth), partly because the core mechanic is still top fun (albeit exactly half as fresh as before), and partly because it seems ludicrous to criticise a game about dancing, warlike eyeballs for lack of originality. [Feb 2009, p.96]

Still an excellent port of the game you know and love. [March 2015, p.93]

The large dungeons aren’t the only places for larger-scale puzzling. Every overworld is essentially a dungeon-space: this is a game of dungeons within dungeons. You automatically jump off the edge of platforms, and the game has a great sense of physicality, compounded by the twisty environment design. Combine that with plenty of inventive puzzles, obstacles that react to certain elements, and battles, and you have an intense retro throwback that constantly presents new challenges throughout its 35-plus hours of playtime. [Issue#178, p.76]

Despite a "Miss" in the story slots, series staples and modern-day mechanics converge to create a seamless spectacle. Cue that famous victory fanfare. [Jan 2016, p.109]

Our biggest concern is the putting. The analogue control that's so effective for approach shots lacks sensitivity on the greens. [Apr 2007, p.110]

There’s less focus on building up a single party than in some games in the series. There are so many characters you’ll often switch them around without having time to outfit everyone to perfection. But it’s fun to see everyone come together for this finale, and being an ensemble piece means that four games in, this is an epic-feeling send-off. [Issue#182, p.136]

Despite its shortcomings, Assassin's Creed is still enjoyable simply because of the breathtaking playground you're let loose in. In terms of sheer visual spectacle, the size and beauty of the world alone sets a new benchmark, showing what developers can really achieve with next generation visuals. [Christmas 2007, p.92]

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]

A huge surprise - a nerdy, technically accurate flight sim that's also loads of fun to play. [Oct 2009, p.114]

With a beautiful world you'll repeatedly die for and lethal toys to play with, Assassin's Creed Origins finally delivers the game you always wanted from the series. Brilliant. [Christmas 2017, p.87]

Short on innovation but engaging and full of character, Tales Of Vesperia is one of the best tales games and sits well in the collection of any JRPG fan. [Issue#159, p.96]

It all adds up to the perfect environment for a game that rewards timing, perception and strategy in a way that just about any gamer can understand. But don't be intimidated by the good looks and graceful moves; shimmy on over and get to know Soulcalibur V. You've got nothing to regret but the shakes.

Addictive, fun, and one of PSN's best strategy games. [Issue#51, p.118]

Unique, rewarding, and brilliantly conceived both on and off the pitch. [Christmas 2008, p.119]

Niggles with the art style and slightly sub-par storytelling mean this isn't a classic, but with a few minor tweaks there's no doubt it could have been. Roll on the sequel.

It's not overly long and the price is right, so if you fancy something different and clever, with just enough characters to keep you going, Minit might well be the one for you. [June 2018, p.80]

Its linearity is a happy tradeoff for the sharp characterisation and dialogue on offer here. [May 2015, p.93]

The slower pace might frustrate those used to COD4's adrenaline-soaked battles or Warhawk's arcadey clashes, but it's still a thrill. As a Metal Gear game it works beautifully, capturing the series' essence perfectly. [July 2008, p.108]

An utterly compelling process. [Issue#151, p.84]

Pinball is awesome - this is just a massively unsatisfying version of it. [Dec 2009, p.18]

For a series that was consistently outstanding for so long, being merely 'good' simply isn't good enough. [Nov 2007, p.108]

A mostly excellent sandbox that delights with its gorgeous world, breadth of activities, and stellar shootouts. It can be a bit grindy, mind.[June 2018, p.93]

Strung together in gleeful union, it's impressive and exhilarating. [Jan 2011, p.116]

There's no question that this journey of music and life is one well worth taking.

Some of the most fulfilling murder mysteries going. [Nov 2014, p.94]

FIFA 08 is a workmanlike effort from EA. [Dec 2007, p. 98]

Despite the shortfalls, this is an excellent FPS, raising the art of virtual shooting to a new level with the sort of OTT gunplay that makes other games look watery weak by comparison. That, combined with the exceptional art style, makes this an experience worth having – and id a more relevant and contemporary developer than it's been in years.

As a pure fighting experience, this can't compete with its MMA counterpart. But there's so much to do that the actual wrestling is often secondary...It's those rich, user-generated elements that make this the deepest, most playable WWE game yet. [Nov 2009, p.114]

A little threadbare and not as revolutionary as it appears, but poignant and breathtakingly realised. [Oct 2015, p.95]

It can be restrictive, but overall The Warriors works thanks to its recreation of '70s NYC. The clothes, music and graffiti combine to lift a simple fighter into an atmospheric trawl through the Big Apple. [Apr 2007, p.111]

Accomplished and addictive. [Aug 2009, p.117]

A very likeable game. [Dec 2009, p.122]

Mixing up your items is still the name of the game, though. While you level up in fights, a lot of your sense of progression comes from creating more powerful items (and finding higher-quality ingredients to do so). Holing up in your atelier, mixing the perfect items for quests, is still one of the most satisfying crafting systems around. You frequently return to your home to store materials, encountering warm little character events. A degree of automation makes mixing easy to get into, but customisation has evolved to the point where you can’t help but think up alterations to make, for instance, your bombs more powerful. There’s a strong connection to your items and equipment. [Issue#185, p.82]

F1 2012 feels like the perfect counterpart to the real sport. It's immaculately presented, varied and engaging in ways the previous games struggled to hit on.

It’ll take you a handful of hours to get everything back up and running. However, this runtime feels far from insubstantial as every element is perfectly pitched. [Issue#175, p.80]

Solid, but not startling. [Issue#51, p.103]

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]

With only one further episode to come, you feel like the gravity of your decisions is magnified given what's sure to be a blockbuster finale. [Christmas 2012, p.109]

Pulsating. [Sept 2015, p.82]

A bit like go-karting. [May 2013, p.109]

If you love racing sims and the WRC, you’ll get a lot out of this; but for the second year running, if you can only pick one rally game, Dirt 2.0 is the better choice. [Issue#180, p.75]

Gallivanting through online co-op is an absolute hoot of the simplest and most addictive order. [March 2012, p.103]

Everything this kind of expansion should be. [Christmas 2011, p.97]

The remastering has been handled sloppily, and accessibility additions are flawed, but the game underneath still stands proud. A good jumping-on point for new players. [Issue#168, p.87]

It's still the only game guaranteed to get everyone in the family playing, swearing, calling you a cheat and loving every dangerously competitive minute. [Feb 2010, p.115]

Watch Dogs relies on unfiltered girth to entertain. Another victim of cross-gen releases, there’s nothing particularly ‘new-gen’ about the game, but there are plenty of good ideas and a lot of activities to keep you busy. The fundamentals for a truly special game are in place – but as was the case with Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, it now falls to the sequels to fully realise it.

It's absolutely worth bearing in mind when weighing up a purchase: you're getting two full games here, both dark and complex, and both well worth playing. [Mar 2009, p.86]

A beautiful, exciting representation of the sport. You'd be hard pushed to find a better, more accurate simulation of basketball on a modern console. [December 2017, p.82]

For 2D shooter nostalgists this is close to essential, but for everyone else it's just a comprehensive curio. [Aug 2007, p.114]

As a conclusion for Ezio's chapter, Revelations proves an utterly brilliant swansong.

When Valhalla is at its best, it evolves series mechanics. And when you’re cruising down river, about to blow your raiding horn, there’s nothing quite like it. [Issue#183, p.71]

Whether you’re dipping in and out or hunkering down with it for a long ol’ gaming sesh, Ys IX is captivating, rewarding, and worthy JRPG. [Issue#186, p.83]

Few games are this consistently surprising, let alone this well designed. [Issue#158, p.88]

A good game, but one you’ve played before. The single player is sorely lacking innovation, but the online side is strong like bison, even if the power of PS4 is sadly missing.

Star Wars is a huge draw that's hard to overlook. [Nov 2015, p.108]

Strange, but somehow comforting. [Mar 2009, p.94]

Although it's enjoyable from start to nearly finish, the game's 11-or-so-hour running time (told you it was fully-fledged) is about two hours too long. The last sections just recycle the same set-pieces and environments, dragging out the run-up to a conclusion that, although fitting, comes more as a relief than a busting great climax.

In short: it's a bit good. [Christmas 2014, p.95]

With a world that you'll end up knowing by heart and characters you'll want more of, Kiwami is unique, moving, and serious; everything you love about games. [Oct 2017, p.92]

Quietly confident and perfectly suited for Vita. [May 2016, p.94]

It’s not perfect but Blood & Truth is one of the more complete experiences for PS VR. Some control issues are eclipsed by high production values and a playful use of PS VR’s capabilities. [Issue#164, p.86]

Worth playing for the humour alone, its twists on genre staples set it apart as a bitesized, approachable roguelike that’ll have you grinning for its duration. [Issue#181, p.95]

This is - at pretty much all times - entertaining, stylish and hugely enjoyable. There are tightly scripted blasts of action one minute, more open, pensive situations the next...There are individual parts of Metro: Last Light that are easily the equal of Bioshock Infinite, and sections that are better than COD. [June 2013, p.95]

If you were already in, you'll stay in. But if you want to join the club, it's only worth it if you're going to put in the hard yards to get your member's card.

This straddles the generation gap rather awkwardly. [Feb 2014, p.90]

The core gameplay is so well-balanced. [Mar 2008, p.103]

Still a classic, but slightly less fun when you don't have the option to play it on the go. [Spring 2011, p.116]

Buttery-slick controls. [Dec 2011, p.91]

Fingers crossed it gets a patch, because when it does, it'll be essential. [May 2010, p.105]

Modern Warfare is the best Call Of Duty in years, but it still can’t shake-off the cartoonish trappings. Off- and online it’s a quality shooter that does more right than wrong. [Issue#169, p.89]

Neon Abyss really shines when you you have unlocked enough upgrades to experience the carnage in full.2 Getting to that point, however, can feel like a long, hard slog. If you’re up for the challenge, persevere and this will offer you a dense, addictive experience that you’ll keep coming back to. [Issue#179, p.80]

Although the length is typical for a PS VR title (it lasts a just few hours), the depth of emotion this game can evoke during that time certainly is not. Ghost Giant raises the bar, not the dead. [Issue@162, p.88]

Whether multiplayer was a distraction that led to standards ever so slightly slipping in single-player is debatable. With such a strong combat system and beautiful looks, Kratos’ prequel could have eclipsed them all with a handful of key tweaks. Not quite the murdery meteoric rise we were hoping for then, but certainly not a fall from grace either.

It plays like Street Fighter, but can't look it square in the eye. [May 2013, p.114]

Buzz's transition to next-gen is further proof that Sony continues to "get" social gaming brilliantly. [July 2008, p.107]

Two great retro packages. If you only want one, go for the first: like the Police Academy movies, the quality dips as the series progresses. [Issue#153, p.95]

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

You'll get plenty of enjoyment from the younger touchdown slinger too. [Nov 2009, p.131]

Eden might be an acquired taste, but with its one-of-a-kind controls, creative art style and cracking multiplayer, it's definitely worth the hard work...and the 4.99 BP asking price. [Oct 2008, p.94]

If you're just updating, think twice unless you're desperate to see a heartless Ryu murder everyone in his path. [Aug 2011, p.110]

As the backbone of a larger game, though, it's solid, and an interesting alternative to the combat system of most RPGs. [Issue#158, p.91]