Automata is a genre-pinching RPG that marries Platinum's combat to an overblown plot that could fuel a standalone anime. A few rough edges conceal a lot of snythetic heart. [May 2017, p.80]

There's a ton of depth here - line changes and create-a-play customisations are just the start - but the main thing is that it plays fast and fluid [Oct 2008, p.104]

The campaign isn't quite as thrilling as the 2013 reboot, but mechanically this is leaps ahead of Lara's last and the extra modes are sublime. At this rate, the next one could equal Uncharted. [Dec 2016, p.70]

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

A sports game that will leave you constantly thrilled and fulfilled. [Nov 2009, p.122]

Sensational storytelling. [Christmas 2007, p.84]

But what's really special is how good Battlefield sounds. [Apr 2010, p.102]

There are themes within this that I’m simply not good enough a writer to dissect (and I doubt few will do it justice). It’s incredible, considering the broader perception of video games, what Naughty Dog has managed to achieve in certain areas here.

A satisfying difficulty curve seals the deal and makes Rayman Origins one of the strongest titles in an already muscular line up. Not bad for a character without any arms.

Hoops: they did it again. [Dec 2016, p.73]

Sloppy storytelling sees it fall short of perfection, but this is a smart evolution over Dishonored, with memorable levels - and memorable ways to tear them apart. [Jan 2017, p.121]

One of the most exciting PC RPGs of recent years effortlessly makes the transition to PlayStation without losing a drop of its tactical depth in the process. [Christmas 2015, p.82]

This is punishingly, mercilessly, remorselessly ferocious. You will never, ever finish it. Until you learn to block. [July 2007, p.98]

An absolute masterpiece. [Nov 2007, p.104]

A nearly flawless package.[Christmas 2010, p.90]

It's more addictive than shelling pistachios. [Nov 2011, p.113]

Another success for Capcom. Devil May Cry has received a fresh injection of demon blood, and is as SSStylish as ever. A treat to look at, and a treat to play. [Issue#161, p.86]

The only thing missing from Rapture is the thrill of the new. [Mar 2010, p.104]

Gripping and entertaining, with an identity all of its own, this is easily one of the best indie adventures you can get. Otus and chums will get you hooked. We're not tawny on the verdict on this one. [June 2018, p.82]

The big surprise isn't that it serves up another great campaign, but that its take on Modern Warfare's world-conquering multiplayer may be the best yet. With Spec Ops and Survival mode, this is one hell of a package, and sees off the trilogy with a bang: not much has changed, but this is as big and beautiful a game as ever.

It's a slice of gleefully inventive oddness that's certainly sated our appetite for sackboy on handheld – and it's very nearly perfect.

FIFA is still the best football game your money can buy. It's not streets ahead of PES but there's daylight, and this is the most convincing representation of the sport – incorporating both the on- and off-field aspects – that we've seen.

Crams philosophical discourse, art, architecture, and magical realism into the story of one drifter, resulting in a unique experience that will leave you thoughtful. [Issue@173, p.85]

With no player limit, only one headset required and endless replay value, this is the perfect VR party game. [Dec 2016, p.92]

With its relaxing atmosphere, pretty environments and interesting theological dilemma, The Talos Principle is PS4's best puzzler to date.

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]

A shooter that drips its frenetic fervor directly into your eyeballs. [Aug 2017, p.92]

The small, scattered levels live in the shadows of the Souls/Bloodborne worlds. Otherwise, Nioh matches - and occasionally surpasses - FromSoftware's genre giants. [Apr 2017, p.77]