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

Where the game really excels is in its beautiful, colourful graphics and the relaxing atmosphere they help to create. There is also a deep lore to discover as you travel across the archipelago, culminating in a seafaring experience that’s sure to make waves. [Issue#180, p.72]

There's nothing else like it. [Dec 2009, p110]

Nothing groundbreaking, but it's a sweet and tasty slice of nostalgia that delivers a welcome warm, fuzzy feeling to new-gen. [Nov 2014, p.94]

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]

The only downside to this year’s game, as with The Golf Club, are the visuals. Even knocking balls about a clifftop woodland can feel sterile. But then the game offers an easy-to-use course creator and all is forgiven. Placing accessibility on par with accuracy, this is a golf sim so realistic you can smell the freshly laundered acid-blue chinos. [Issue#180, p.72]

A decent enough start blossoms into a rush of "greatest hits" set-pieces that will leave Uncharted fans eager for more from the lead duo, and send newcomers hunting eagerly for the original games. [Nov 2017, p.88]

An essential addition. [Feb 2018, p.90]

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]

An emotive gut punch that takes rusty shears to the heartstrings. [Jan 2013, p.111]

Worth playing for the visuals alone, to take in and explore these strange and beautiful environments, which will be timeless. The puzzles are fun, but not as revolutionary. [Issue#179, p.68]

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

Weird, wonderful. [Christmas 2010]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

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]

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

The superior game in the series. [Feb 2018, p.91]

Despite the inconsistent online mode, this is an instantly satisfying slice of arcade sports, and the most fun you can have with a Frisbee without heading to the beach. [Nov 2017, p.93]

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]

The important parts work perfectly. [Christmas 2010]

There's a genuine feeling that the enemies can come from anywhere. [Jan 2011, p.115]

With a focus on care and comfort, this is textbook cosy gaming. Its world of spirits is one you’ll want to get lost in and there’s unlikely to be a single guest you won’t be endeared to by journey’s end. Set sail under a snuggly blanket as the nights begin to pick up a chill, and let your heart be warmed. [Issue#180, p.74]

A hearty fantasy banquet. Tuck in. [Aug 2011, p.104]

A (literally) gut-busting dive into made genius. [Feb 2018, p.91]

A short, tightly designed, and satisfying puzzler. Changing perspectives to alter sizes and shapes is intriguing. It stumbles awake but sweet dreams are made of this. [Issue#179, p.73]

Stealth Inc’s mechanically fascinating, and holds you in just the right level of contempt as a player to keep you bashing your head against its heavily guarded walls. Now go forth, and break my heart on those leaderboards, you nimble-thumbed dream-stompers.

A great example of how to adapt something on VR to create an experience that's familiar, and true to the game that spawned it but something all its own at the same time. [Feb 2018, p.92]

It succeeds throughout because every element feels like it's pulling its weight. Flying, driving, shooting, free roaming chaos, linear missions: Everything feels big and in your face. [Apr 2010, p.94]

Things look very good for "FIFA 09." [May 2008, p.106]

Into cult classic territory. [July 2010, p.107]

Despite the uber-cute looks, Everybody's Tennis isn't a game that wants to hold your hand, and that only adds to its considerable charm. [May 2007, p.119]

A supremely confident blaster that's delicious like a midnight Domino's [Jan 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]

Too little remade to justify the price? Perhaps. But we've not had a racing game quite like Burnout Paradise since it debuted. Still essential. [May 2018, p.95]

Feels oddly satisfying. [June 2011, p.112]

There’s a lot of text, but you only have to read enough to get the information you need. It’s more of a detective game, offering just enough guidance to ensure your snooping genuinely feels like an investigation into the denizens of this strange, surreal internet. [Issue#180, p.76]

It's a slow burner, but once you get to grips with the ridiculously deep battle system, its hooks won't loosen until you see all 16 long chapters out. [June 2010, p.117]

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]

Gradual improvements mean FFXV is in slightly better shape than it was when it launched in December 2016, but it'll take more than a few additional cutscenes to make its story feel complete. [May 2018, p.96]

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]

While the gameplay is better than ever, the overstuffed presentation makes sticking around long enough to master anything that little bit tougher. [June 2010, p.110]

What it might lack in terms of raw driving appeal, LBP Karting compensates for with a charmingly unhinged single-player, chaotic multiplayer and all the customisable bells and whistles you could ask for.

It's achieved a vicious racing experience that thrills so much more than it frustrates, and it's pushed vehicular multiplayer forward significantly, setting the bar so high it's hard to imagine who can better it.

This has the rare, old-fashioned appeal of being a real pad-passer. [Apr 2013, p.110]

The only thing counting against all this is the overall size of the package. [Sept 2009, p.102]

Part of me wanted to give WWE 13 an even higher score. Namely, the 14-year-old part that would love to dust off his '98 King Of The Ring VHS and watch it on repeat until it disintegrated. Although my inner Attitude-loving teen doesn't quite win out, this is still the most authentically detailed, lovingly crafted grappler ever committed to disc.

It's a serious, focused and for the most part excellent sime that's more dynamic than "Gran Tursimo Prologue." [Aug 2008, p.96]

Amazingly it works - particularly in online co-op. [May 2009, p.97]

Utterly charming. [Sept 2017, p.86]

Most importantly, of all the launch shooters on PS4, this is the only one to try and do something different and vary its formula. Something it also does with visibly new tech rather than shored up current-gen code. It’s a combination that makes Killzone Shadow Fall a great experience and strong start to PS4.

It's great to have a solid grap alternative to UFC Undisputed. [Dec 2010, p.106]

Mastery is ultimately what will keep pulling you back in, and thanks to a wealth of modifiers, you can tweak the gunplay to be as accessible or as challenging as you want. Stick on Deadeye and you’ll discover just how much you’ve been relying on the default aim assist. Truly a whip-smart workout. [Issue#180, 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]

You must download this now. [Sept 2009, p.110]

Less a game, more an endlessly inventive creator kit, LBP3 will disappoint fans looking for ready-made adventure but thrill those looking to craft their own Sackboy saga. [Jan 2015, p.81]

A surprisingly faithful adaptation of an unforgettable fantasy journey: you're likely to fall in love in the time it takes to get there and back again.

A flawed almost-classic. [Jan 2015, p.84]

Play it right and it builds into a hypnotically rhythmic blur of colour and sound. [Mar 2009, p.91]

A colourful sonic wave of imagination and joy with possibly the best soundtrack of any videogame this year, No Straight Roads is sure to pluck your strings in the best possible way. [Issue#180, p.70]

The controls are smooth. [Aug 2011, p.113]

If, like us, you found the first game a bit sticky and imprecise to play, you can rest easier with this sequel - this is a crisper experience. [Apr 2008, p.110]

The best tennis game on PS3. [March 2012, p.101]

Not a bad package for casual training. [Jan 2011, p.118]

It's still number one - barely. [Dec 2009, p.122]

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.

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

Substantial, and makes us excited to see what’s next in Remedy’s Connected Universe. Our only question is ‘Alan Wake remaster when?’ [Issue#180, p.81]

An intense hit for Batfans, this is an incredible example of what PS VR is capable of. You'll want more, of course, but this is clearly Rocksteady's love letter to the series. [Dec 2016, p.84]

A pretty picture concerned with memory and mortality that strides through its emotional beats with confidence. A 3D puzzle platformer that trips where so many others have before. [Issue@#171, p.94]

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

There's been nothing quite like this conducting-meets-combat mashup since its original release, and it's still as wonderfully barmy and deeply moreish as ever. [Oct 2017, p.94]

This type of game is exactly what PSP needs more of. [May 2010, p.111]

Don't be fooled by the cute elephants - this is puzzling at its most brutal. [Sept 2008, p.98]

The most subversive and suprising new-gen shooter so far, Wolfenstein delivers heart (and a load of entrails) in a gory FPS that should stay with you for years.

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]

Unevenly brilliant and infuriating, CLOS2 combines incredible, tight combat and some spectacular visual treats with ropey stealth and a clunky narrative. Thankfully, the good outweighs the bad.

A game even irritating glitches can’t keep you from loving, Wasteland 3 is unique, inventive, and always fun. Make the right choice and put this one on your must-play list. [Issue#180, p.73]

While familiar faults persist, PES 2013 marks the biggest step forward for the series on PS3. FIFA 13's liquid animations and peerless physics system still give it the trophy-hoisting edge, but now PES' unique strengths are refined enough to make it a genuinely worthwhile alternative.

The attention to detail and the way the original atmosphere has been maintained is wonderful, and something Final Fantasy remasters should take note of. [Issue@#171, 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]

As an exercise in Playstation fear, it doesn't come any purer than this. [May 2012, p.104]

Mad Riders' only real problem is a lack of originality, as most of its makeup is borrowed from ATV games that have come before. But it's tweaked and mixed these ingredients together so well that it deserves to be called the best of them – and at £7.99 there's more than enough value on offer to appeal to anyone out there.

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.

This violence-’em-up’s improvised armoury delivers frenetic fights that makes you feel like your favourite action movie scrapper. A bloody great time. [Issue#173, p.95]

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

Between the starboard immolation and occasional, rapid decompression aft, it’s silly fun, boasting a bubbly personality that’s hardly stern. One to pull into port. [Issue#155, p.83]

A worthy successor to Guardian of Light, this isn't enough for us to forgive Lara's betrayal but it's a - small - start. [Jan 2015, p.94]

This is one of PS VR's more complete adventures. [Apr 2018, p.88]

A beautiful puzzle platformer with a clear artistic and mechanical vision. However, its story holds you at arm’s length and makes it tricky to find its heart. [Issue@#171, p.96]

Well-paced, well-acted and brilliantly-written. [Jan 2015, p.94]

A brilliantly weird and different experience. [Dec 2009, p.124]

A cunning, demanding game, but never overwhelming or confusing. It wants to challenge you, but it also wants you to succeed, feeling like the coolest killer of all. [Oct 2017, p.96]

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]

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]

With a beautiful ambient soundtrack, and a warm story wonderfully told, it’s one that will stick with you for a while. [Issue#155, p.78]

A surprisingly meaty, touching miniaturised romp. Ready up a player two! [Issue#187, p.79]

Cold, brutal, clinical...the real face of modern warfare. [Christmas 2007, p.110]