Luckily, there's plenty more to do when you're bored of the main story. [Aug 2010, p.118]

Despite its small-screen setting, Origins even manages a few genuine scares, mostlly thanks to the first-rate sound: this should only be played through headphones. [Christmas 2007, p.106]

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

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

Technical teething issues aside, FFXIV is a blinding online RPG. [Nov 2013, p.92]

The fantasy setting of the first game has been tweaked...but it's still the same crisply imagined carnage we already love. [Issue#51, p.109]

The PSP version benefits from a more reliable targeting system than the superb PS2 version. [Aug 2007, p.106]

Always brilliant. [May 2015, p.87]

When the story kicks into gear, it's well worth the time as it's one of the most thrilling visual novels on the system. [Issue#152, p.90]

It’s an unassuming shooter where the only complexity comes in making your own guns out of bits and bobs you find dotted around on Archivist ships. That provides just enough complexity to keep you moving forwards, while the rest of your grey matter’s simply enjoying the absurd onslaught each fight presents. Simple, effective, cha. [Issue#153, p.89]

It's a huge return to form. [Dec 2008, p.114]

Strong on-ice gameplay and terrific multiplayer are offset by a lack of innovative modes. While this is a solid rebound from a shaky next-gen debut, NHL 16 still has work to do to regain greatness.

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]

The best fun we've had on PSN for ages. [Jan 2009, p.94]

The closest Killzone Mercenary comes to having a thing is in its touch controls, and as satisfying as they are the marriage of console shooter and iOS game doesn’t elevate it into the realm of the exceptional.

If you were in a bad mood, you could hang Dragon's Dogma out to dry for its clumsy camera and controls, simplistic warrior-rogue-mage class choice, shallow combat and bad dialogue (which frequently misuses the words ere, e'er, aught, ought, ill, and so on.) But it's hard to be in a bad mood while playing such a brave, sprawling, original take on role-playing. Accept its failings and you get to enjoy its beautifully esoteric successes.

Learning is half the fun and even the smallest victory makes you feel like you’re winning with a capital FU.

This is the best Atelier yet, and a prime point for newcomers to jump in. [Issue#164, p.90]

Free-running in Super Cloudbuilt is a weightless wonder, and anyone who envies birds should definitely try it. [Oct 2017, p.95]

A fantastic game that makes smart, surprisingly comfortable use of PS VR. RIGS might just be the long-hoped-for killer app that VR needs to reach mainstream. [Dec 2016, p.90]

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]

It's in the realm of multiplayer...that Toybox comes to playful life. [Christmas 2014, p.88]

A gripping story filled with emotional and thrilling moments. Twists and turns in the narrative feel very well done, and may leave you feeling shaken. [Issue#150, p.94]

It's easy to get sucked in. [Nov 2012, p.119]

If you're looking for a new arena for on-screen violence, this is well worth your money. [March 2018, p.85]

Really, it's your enthusiasm for the game and some repeated battling that makes Disgaea's system actually sink in. [July 2012, p.111]

The sequel improves on almost everything about the first game. [Apr 2011, p.113]

There’s a lot of highly polished content in Ghosts, and although it’s disappointing to see that it doesn’t truly embrace next-gen possibilities, I can’t lambaste it because I’d be denying the loveable bombast it doles out in wild, indiscriminate sprays. But yes, there should be a new engine powering all of it, plus genuine innovation always trumps the best-of atmosphere that pervades the solo campaign.

An innovative strategy game. [May 2010, p.109]

It’s neither long nor difficult, but that’s a large part of the appeal. Breeze through this with a smile on your face and murder in your heart. [Issue#163, p.97]

When you finish a level, you get the option to replay what you did in one fluid motion, which ends up a little stiff thanks to the gridmovement and somewhat limited moveset. But you quickly get the hang of how to use each move, and soon you’re reacting quickly to each challenge rather than taking a while to figure out your next move. When you hit that rhythm, John Wick Hex sings, but it doesn’t delight as much as the movies. [Issue#176, p.78]

For all its strides in pacing and character development, the same pitfalls that dogged its predecessor still lurk within. [June 2015, p.88]

It's Lovecraftian genius: your imagination does the work, spinning up dread. [Jan 2016, p.114]

It's pretty much what you've played before. [Dec 2014, p.83]

Though Tacoma's crew inhabit a far flung future with problems to match, I found myself believing in their relationships. [Issue#150, p.90]

Lacklustre puzzling, fiddly controls and a brief runtime disappoint slightly. [June 2017, p.90]

A totally fresh proposition. [Sept 2015, p.89]

Visual Concepts’ tireless scouting for new stuff hasn’t affected its immaculate eye for detail. [Issue#168, p.78]

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]

A refined followup with a totally new cast to fall in love with. You should absolutely play Life Is Strange 2. But you might want a box of tissues ready for the ending. [Issue#171, p.85]

Aside from the bananas plot, what makes El Shaddai unique is its looks. [Oct 2011, p.116]

Strictly in terms of gameplay, this is probably a 7/10 - fun and polished if a little repetitive - but there's absolutely an extra level of enjoyment and quality here thanks to the smart and sensitive use of much-loved material. [July 2009, p.86]

Parachutes fail, chopper pilots die, warheads count down to detonation. All of this makes me wonder, is Sam's heart still in stealth? [June 2007, p.106]

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

When PES 14 truly shines, though, it outplays its megaton rival in several key areas. If you’re willing to scrape beneath the surface and accept its technical and licensing shortcomings, then this offers a nuanced, deeply rewarding game of football. If Konami can iron out those issues next season, PES United could yet be champions.

There's too much trial and error, but this is still a refreshing spin on a stale genre. [Nov 2012, p.97]

Ridge Racer 7 is more of a highly proficient stop-gap, a lightning-quick and not-at-all dirty Playstation 3 update in lieu of the true reworking we'd really like to see this far down the line. Nice, then. Solid even. But not truly next-gen. [Apr 2007, p.112]

Long-time players will be disappointed at Joe Rogan’s absence from the commentary booth this time around, even if Daniel Cormier and John Anik’s excitable tones are perfectly serviceable. And that’s a phrase which perfectly sums up UFC 4 in general. It won’t surprise MMA fans, but it should delight. [Issue#180, p.72]

An undoubtedly captivating experience that has some of the strongest art design on PlayStation 4. While not quite as groundbreaking as Journey, every single fan should give Abzu their time. [Oct 2016, p.82]

The sharp dialogue and heartfelt narrative are let down by the shoehorned relationship between the lead characters. Nonetheless, it's a worthy sequel. [Nov 2017, p.78]

A celebration of videogaming’s brashest decade, Narita Boy at times tries too hard to impress but always feels good to play. Turn it up to 11 and enjoy the ride. [Issue#187, p.83]

Be it throwing chattering teeth with The Joker or hogtieing Doomsday with Green Arrow, there’s a constant playful charm in doling out moves. And unlike Mortal Kombat Vs DC Universe, Injustice boasts a stable netcode, where streamlined matchmaking and lag-free fights make for a solid online offering. A pretty heroic effort all told, then. But one that falls short of super status.

Somewhat limited by its own mechanics this is still a masterclass in videogame horror. The overuse of its core ‘run away and hide gameplay’ lessens the impact overtime but the visual and aural execution are flawless, making for a terrifying opening few hours, an unpleasantly distressing close and a satisfying exercise in fear throughout.

A slow, soaring game with real heart, set in an often stunning realised setting. [Oct 2015, p.91]

Never enough to convince you that it wouldn't be much better if it ditched the retro hardline and splashed out on some graphics. [May 2010, p.113]

This is a rare gem of a wrestling game which, at under 20 quid, every grap fan is duty bound to try. [Mar 2008, p.98]

Thus far the standout episode this season. [Oct 2014, p.93]

The puzzle/power combo is sure to attract your attention. [Feb 2015, p.95]

Changes are plentiful, but don't disrupt the formula of what makes this series so great. Come for the characters, stay for the simple-but-demanding golfing. [Nov 2017, p.79]

Irony Curtain succeeds as a love letter to classic point-and-click games. Its sharp satirical core is perfectly realised, and, most importantly, it’s laugh-out-loud funny! [Issue#165, p.84]

When The Past Was Around is an endearing game that is a celebration of two people’s shared love of music. It teeters on being sappy, but its dreamy, abstract nature brings it back from the brink. It’s an endearing pocket-sized tale and a wonderful gem from the Indonesian indie game scene. [Issue#184, p.86]

Oozing with things to do and inventive classes to do them with, it elevates the act of shooting plants and zombies to fresh heights. [Issue#169, p.97]

Puzzles are clever, if occasionally finicky and for a long time you’ll wonder where it’s going. But when it finally shows its hand, The Missing becomes a heartfelt tale about identity, and the contortions we go through as we work out who we really are. Grab the Krispy Kremes and settle in with one of 2018’s most distinctive, memorable adventures. [Issue#156, p.86]

This is evocative and immersive but will leave you cold - also like space. [Sept 2017, p.88]

An HD remake of the highest order. [Dec 2013, p.84]

A boiling pot of real time strategy, vehicle combat and third person shooting, designed for gruelling tugs of tactical war. If the space setting appeals and you like shooters with a cerebral bite, there's plenty to love. Just don't buy it for the solo campaign alone – the story is thinner than the lunar atmosphere and essentially an elaborate training tool.

Yakuza is really where Sega took much-mourned Dreamcast classic "Shenmue." [Nov 2008, p.108]

Not as confident as Telltale's selection of flagship franchises so far, but the ethos of the show is there in terms of tense confrontations and oh-so-tricky power games. [Feb 2015, p.90]

Great stuff for masochists who think progress ended with 8-bit gaming - not so much if you're looking to have fun. [Dec 2008, p.121]

My advice? Play it alone and relish the fan service, which is truly exceptional. [Apr 2010, p.108]

The result's a game where, though the quality of the fighting is almost as good as the competition's, a whole load of tiny details make the finished product a bit of a mess. [Issue#51, p.114]

Such customisation even translates to Hardcore Mecha’s multiplayer mode, where you can duke it out with another person’s mech either locally or online. The result is an incredibly robust package, and the ultimate small-scale homage to robot anime. [Issue#172, p.86]

As levels progress, the collateral damage skyrockets, which sadly, gets a little tiring. [July 2016, p.94]

Like the game that started all those decades ago, this is a puzzler at heart, but one played out at a lightning pace. A brave, loving, essential update to a bonafide classic. [Nov 2016, p.87]

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]

An infuriating test of trajectory skills and patience that will have you swearing, strooping and (perhaps most unbelievably of all) bloody well enjoying it. [Spring 2011, p.113]

An involving story. [June 2011, p.103]

Difficulty spikes are common and may be off-putting to some players, but the addictive nature of what is a seriously smart battle system will usually see you determined to persevere, just as the Mother did in times gone by. After all, like Mother, like Daughter. [Issue#179, p.72]

A small but mesmerising Firewalk-esque tale inspired by Twin Peaks and The Outer Limits. Just beware: unpicking the ending is a case for Mulder and Scully. [Nov 2016, p.86]

Yes, it’s clunky at times, but get past that and you’ll find a deep, beautifully written RPG set in a massive world heaving with treasure, monsters, and moral dilemmas. [Issue#172, p.83]

Possibly the most disappointing aspect of Shadows is that we know these developers could have made this awesome. [Aug 2011, p.102]

It’s a unique genre mash-up that doesn’t utilise the best-quality ingredients, but its two core elements complement each other well enough to result in a winning recipe. [Issue#182, p.156]

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]

Such is the strength of the online modes, it lifts the overall package comfortably above the scant story offering. It pains my digits to write ‘technical tour de force’, but it’s hard to describe Crysis 3 any other way. Though lacking soul in places, this striking Prophet can still channel the divine.

The one notable downer is that the AI can be unforgiving. [Nov 2007, p.107]

One hell of an invigorating game. [Aug 2010, p.108]

There are just enough endearingly old school boss fights and survival modes to keep you coming back to this. For a day or two, anyway. [Oct 2011, p.113]

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]

The story fails to make an impact, and dialogue often feels like a set of one-liners rather than people having a conversation. However, what Indivisible lacks in plot, it makes up for in interesting mythology and beautiful 2D designs. [Issue#169, p.84]

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

An HD collection to seriously consider. [May 2014, p.83]

A slick, good-looking package. [Dec 2012, p.104]

A fine example of contemporary narrative adventure done well. [March 2018, p.93]

There’s an undeniable charm to be found in conversing with a cake NPC, fighting bizarre bosses, and travelling through the Horse Dimension, but there’s a solid game underlying the comical presentation. Four difficulty settings will ensure you find the level of challenge you’re after, and a PVP Arena mode will let you challenge your friends to switch things up. [Issue#164, p.96]

A compelling game given new dimension. New wrinkles in the tale justify revisiting, but the more abrasive parts of its personality are wearing thin three years on. [Issue#183, p.74]

For a game that spends most of its time grinding you down, smashing you into pieces and throwing you off high-rise buildings, MotorStorm Apocalypse is as much fun to be around as a rock star uncle. [Apr 2011, p.102]

Compelling and respectful in a way few games can match. [Aug 2014, p.90]

The tracklist is one for the generations. [Dec 2013, p.94]