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]

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

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.

Yes, 47's animations and shonky plotting have hardly aged gracefully. But when this killer's aim is still so precise when pulling off thrillingly executed puzzles, I can overlook a couple of wrinkles on that barcode branded bonce.

This is NBA Live as it definitely should be - deep, engrossing, polished fun. [Dec 2007, p.114]

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.

Playable like a digitally remastered greatest hits album. [Nov 2009, p.120]

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift takes on all the beat-'em-up rules and punches them in their stupid throats. [Issue#51, p117]

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

All of the weapons are amazing and you'll switch for the hell of it. [Nov 2011, p.101]

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

Games don't get much more friendly than this. [JPN Import; Nov 2007, p.100]

Forgive its clumsier moments. Play it for its brill soundtrack, loveable-unlovable cast and charmingly rendered brand of nihilism. Then, for god's sake, call your parents. [May 2017, p.97]

If you're a horror geek, you'll have seen worse. But you won't often have seen much better. [Christmas 2008, p.98]

The problem - and the reason Maddden doesn't creep into 9/10 territory - is the (Connected Careers) mode feels like a bets. [Nov 2012, p.113]

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 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]

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

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.

A maddeningly addictive top-down shooter. [Apr 2012, p.118]

Fall[s] just a tad short of greatness. [June 2015, p.82]

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]

A probably-ought-to-be-illegal level of compulsiveness that belies its simplicity. [Nov 2012, p.117]

Sadly, the central story missions are where Thieves in Time trips up a little. [March 2013, p.117]

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 loud, it's ludicrous and more importantly, it's a huge laugh. [Nov 2009, p.110]

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]

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