In short: it's a bit good. [Christmas 2014, p.95]

It does feel like this sequel is a little cut down. [Christmas 2014, p.95]

The quintessential "barely trying" annual sports entry. [Christmas 2014, p.95]

It's lean, with few repeated ideas, and boasts one of the best save rooms you'll ever experience. [Christmas 2014, p.88]

The roster is incomplete and months out of date with the sport itself. [Christmas 2014, p.91]

Gripping even to those with no interest in the world of hoops and dunks. [Christmas 2014, p.89]

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

Strives for, and achieves, nothing more than competence. [Christmas 2014, p.88]

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

Freedom Wars can't match the series it aims to ape, but this is almost as worth checking out for its bizarre, clever conceit as its satisfying, if shallow, combat mechanics. [Christmas 2014, p.87]

A packet of steak McCoy's next to Dark Souls II's ribeye. The action is handsome and combat can bite, yet with Bloodborne on the horizon, Lords is a bit of a hard sell. [Christmas 2014, p.86]

Every action is coupled with a frustrating feeling of unpredictability in a game that really should deliver precision inputs for its harsh, stealthy goals. [Christmas 2014, p.85]

Awful. [Christmas 2014, p.85]

The best in the series since PES 3 way back in 2003. [Christmas 2014, p.82]

A welcome outsider take on a consistent series, increasing the pace still further in online multiplayer to fantastic effect. However, solo play feels a bit safe in comparison. [Christmas 2014, p.79]

A great solo experience; an extraordinary multiplayer one. [Dec 2014, p.95]

There isn't a good enough reason to double-dip if you played the original, but if you haven't had the pleasure, we'd suggest you Triad it out. [Dec 2014, p.94]

The Arrival is also incredibly short in length (you can be done in two hours if you're quick), but it's sinister, unnerving and full of scream-worthy jump scares while it lasts. [Dec 2014, p.94]

That it's free on Plus is one of the year's best bargains. [Dec 2014, p.94]

A beautiful game that captures the essence of Alien and even expands its fiction. There are some cracks under the polish, but it gets more right than it gets wrong. [Dec 2014, p.91]

It could do with a little more polish, but Mordor is still one of this year's better surprises. [Dec 2014, p.88]

There's still fun to be had here if you're a mutton for punishment. [Dec 2014, p.87]

An enjoyable but traditional outing capable of short-term thrills, which is just enough for some. [Dec 2014, p.87]

There's a clunkiness even Holmes can't solve. [Dec 2014, p.87]

2K Australia has done itself proud. [Dec 2014, p.84]

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

A game that screams 'contractual agreement' rather than 'passionate creative endeavor.' [Dec 2014, p.83]

It's just a shame that the gameplay at the heart of its Story content hasn't pushed on. [Dec 2014, p.83]