A solid overall package, just lacking some finesse. [Apr 2010, p.107]

Expect an open world Hot Pursuit and you’ll be enthralled in the maniac violence of weapon-fuelled cop chases and beautifully rendered exotics. View it as an ambassador for next-gen racing, and it falls a little flat.

Crazy fighting wherever you like, personalised contestants and a knowing sense of humour make this far more fun than catching a fly with chopsticks.

An escape room adventure that’s thrilling, frustrating, and rewarding. Last Labyrinth is an enjoyably disturbing workout for the brain that ought to go a little easier on you. [Issue#170, p.87]

The concept and delivery deserve praise. [Jan 2016, p.115]

It's undeniably simple. [Christmas 2014, p.88]

As mixed in quality as you’d expect of an arcade collection spanning the ’80s , it’s the rare gems and added extras that make this a treat. [Issue#160, p.97]

Boasting bitcrushed soundbites and bitpop beats by Defense Mechanism, it sounds the part. As for looks, the sprite work has the bobble-headed charm of chibi art styles. The vehicle aesthetic is more realistic but they still look like they’re straight out of the doll’s house. The art direction feels far more confident rendering nuts and bolts rather than our protagonists, but the pixel art is nothing to sniff at. There is a clear understanding that bosses are sold not only through their challenge but also via visual spectacle. They’re still diminutive but not to be trifled with, bringing the pain with screen-sweeping attacks in standout arenas. The Beljantaur Kingdom can take us on again any time. [Issue#177, p.156]

So-so gameplay is buoyed by a fantastic script and great acting, offering an unofficial stopgap for R&M fans waiting for season four. [Issue#164, p.97]

The Heat meter effectively turns GTA’s wanted level into score attack, which is awesome. But the open-world busywork, generic city, and too-flimsy obstacles dilute the otherwise decent gameplay. [Issue#170, p.88]

Play alone, if you dare. [Jan 2016, p.115]

Less polished than PS4’s big-money sporting contingent, AO2 nonetheless pleases thanks to user-friendly controls, cute details and a clever creation-sharing mechanic. [Issue#172, p.92]

Given the dodgy quality of Batman games in recent years, this may be the best one ever. [Dec 2008, p.121]

Some may enjoy a thoroughly planned itinerary but the brochure led us to believe this fine establishment would allow us to go with the flow just a little more. [Issue#164, p.88]

A great novelty knockabout, dwarfed by a near-flawless game you should already own. [May 2008, p.108]

A splendid adventure, but it's also one that never steps out of the comfort zone. [Aug 2007, p.112]

It's got multiplayer appeal that deserves a busy community, pick-up-and-play appeal for the casual speedster, and a clear sense of character that gives even experienced players a genuine challenge (and a unique play style). So while it stands out for lack of serious competition rather than ingenuity, new Dirt is nonetheless a show worth buying a ticket for.

This isn’t a game for hunting high scores or even for getting your hands on new lore (you get about 20 minutes of new, low-stakes cutscenes), but it is a good fit for lovers of Kingdom Hearts music or young players who are usually put off other rhythm games by the high difficulty. [Issue#183, p.81]

It can't quite live up the the standard set by its more playable big brother. [May 2007, p.108]

You have to admire the commitment to staying true to the series. In so doing, it remains a wholly unique, slowpaced detective game that fans will love. Not a fan? Maybe you should be. [Issue#170, p.84]

Despite (literal) rough edges, Time Machine VR conjures up dino wonder like an aquatic Jurassic Park. Pity it's a little too short to fully justify its price tag. [Jan 2016, p.116]

Flat Heroes is great if you want to square off against a friend. Just don’t expect it to change your life or linger in your memory. As much as it keeps your brain in shape, the developer hasn’t thought too far outside the box for this one. That said, if you’re a platformer fan, then be here or be square! [Issue#172, p.80]

This gruesome shooter is a must-have for any zombie-slaying aficionado. Know that its solo mode pales in comparison to co-op, where utter havoc can be wreaked. [Jan 2016, p.117]

It suffers from a couple unfortunate problems but counters these with some neat new innovations. [July 2012, p.101]

Subtle uses of the new console abound, with the DualSense’s triggers ‘hardening’ if a power is still in cooldown.2 Running at 60fps in 4K, Chaosbane manages to feel fresher than it should. Even when the screen fills with enemies, zinging notifications, and colourful projectiles, it never misses a frame. All that said, Chaosbane remains the same generic game behind the PS5-ness. [Issue#183, p.67]

While far from being the Uncharted-meets-Sekiro-meets- Star-Wars we expected, and plagued by problems, Fallen Order still manages to feel like a Star Wars epic. [Issue#170, p.81]

Visionary ideas unfortunately fall to a formatted medium. The game world is ambitious and brilliantly realised, but sadly the fighting and platforming can’t keep up. Still, Remember Me is fictionally fresh with a finger on the pulse.

Though the game is brief, you’ll return to it for a go at beating your high scores, or to take on a pal in the competitive mode featuring the Prince’s colourful cousins. It’s a truly bizarre game through and through, but all the better for that. [Issue#183, p.67]