Somewhat dull resource management. [Nov 2012, p.117]

Probably better from a nostalgic point of view. [Nov 2012, p.117]

If it stops condescending to gamers, Harada and Ono might have some pressure at the top. [Nov 2012, p.117]

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]

Essentially an account simulator (woo!) punctuated by the odd cannon-on-cannon scuffle. [Nov 2012, p.105]

In the harsh light of modernity, this just [whisper it] doesn't seem that great any more. [Nov 2012, p.105]

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

Tells an entirely forgettable story. [Nov 2012, p.97]

Buy this to guarantee a ruck...with your own sanity. [Nov 2012, p.97]

With every element of Xcom's complex yet utterly accessible systems – from meaningful combat tactics, to budget balancing, to life-or-death diplomatic decisions – feeding directly into every other aspect of the game, this is as compelling a world as any in recent memory.

In booting out such a shamelessly phoned-in product it shows a flagrant lack of faith in Vita as a format. If you own FIFA Football, there's no way you should buy this… unless you really can't bear to see the Arse line up minus Santi Carzola. Naughty FIFA.

The buzz Dishonored will give you is unrivalled, and the spontaneous moments of brilliance you'll experience will be unique. It's a wake-up call for first-person gaming, resurrecting long-lost values and casually plunging a knife into the neck of the generic sequel.

The frustrating thing is that with a bit of judicious trimming, this could have been a smaller, tighter and significantly better game.

A brilliantly inventive, beautiful and tender experience. Just don't let its looks blind you to its issues, like that smack-peddling glamour model you pursued at uni.

There are thousands of programs, YouTube tutorials and teachers that do a more effective job of teaching, and an army of clicky peripheral-based games that nail the fun element better.

Higbrow exploration of revenge and the afterlife it ain't, but if you want to wring the most blood, pound for pint, out of your PS3, then Ash is your lop-eared new god of gore.

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.

Despite some irritating moments, Legasista does possess some cool play concepts. [Nov 2012, p.87]

Though the fun eventually wore thin, finding the ultimate combo of score-smashing power-ups kept us hooked for hours. [Nov 2012, p.82]

Sadly the repetitiveness of the gameplay, despite team attacks and unlockable special moves, gets tiring long before the charms of the world. And so, ironically, Luffy just doesn't quite have the legs

Borderlands 2 is a top-class FPS that perfectly captures that 'shooting things is fun' rush into an endless cycle. The game it most reminds me of is Doom: it recreates that lost-in-the-moment, circle-strafing intensity perfectly, so that you never get bored of it...If you're tired of brown military shooters and crying out for something different, then get involved – this is one of the most imaginative and rewarding blasters of the year.

Judge Dread would be more accurate. [Oct 2012, p.117]

F1 2012 feels like the perfect counterpart to the real sport. It's immaculately presented, varied and engaging in ways the previous games struggled to hit on.

While familiar faults persist, PES 2013 marks the biggest step forward for the series on PS3. FIFA 13's liquid animations and peerless physics system still give it the trophy-hoisting edge, but now PES' unique strengths are refined enough to make it a genuinely worthwhile alternative.

Throw in spectacular crashes and the ability to rewind time to avoid them and even us Brits have something to enjoy. [Oct 2012, p.119]

The graphics and gameplay are so simplistic that this could probably be run on a high-end calculator. [Oct 2012, p.119]

The platforming gameplay itself is simple, but in conjunction with the lovely art style and excellent soundtrack, there are times when Sound Shapes becomes a genuine joy. [Oct 2012, p.119]

A reskinned arcade game with tacked-on multiplayer. [Oct 2012, p.117]