The free-running and combat are a joy, and you'll be running around for pure fun. But an abundance of weak missions and a daft storyline get in the way all too often.

This game is nuts - simplicity meets sadomasochism. [Dec 2011, p.111]

There's loads to do, and if you've enough mates there's a four-player Wi-Fi mode to get to grips with as well. [Apr 2007, p.87]

The tools are there to turn you into the next Timbaland if you've got the talent and dedication. [Dec 2009, p.103]

An explosive JRPG hamstrung by drab environments and duff characters.

Small, but perfectly formed arcade action for a bargain price. [Nov 2008, p.84]

A fast-paced and violent shooter with Rockstar's trademark style and panache, marred by a lack of variety in tone and content, and an overlong story. [July 2012, p.94]

Shines as a tactical blend between third-person shooting and serious strategy - but is eclipsed by Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare. [July 2012, p.104]

A must buy for fans, but not as accessible or rich as RB: Beatles. [Aug 2010, p.92]

Solid single player, and superb online - a decent "COD4" alternative. [Aug 2008, p.62]

And in that respect, as a life simulator, it's depressingly authentic; an endlessly-looping cycle of tedium interspersed with brief moments of happiness and, eventually, death.

Surprisingly good fun. A tad easy and simplistic to play, but with loads of variety. [Dec 2007, p.78]

Big, ballsy action let down by weak combat and nonsense story. [May 2010, p.92]

A decent racer with minor issues that put it just behind rivals. [Nov 2009, p.84]

Demanding, but with a fine track list and immaculate presentation. [Jan 2011, p.84]

The stages are dynamic. [Feb 2011, p.101]

More vibrant than the original but still falls short of greatness. [Mar 2009, p.64]

Still brilliant. [Christmas 2008, p.86]

Best Gaiden yet, but not as accomplished as Bayonetta. It is less hardcore than previous games, making solo play enjoyable, but the online is a misstep. [May 2012, p.96]

The best F1 game PS3's had - yet issues with AI stupidity remain problematic. [Nov 2011, p.100]

The loading times are far snappier. [Feb 2007, p.78]

It's free. [Nov 2011, p.110]

It's the equivalent of a shrapnel grenade rather than single, well-placed sniper bullets. Some bits will miss, others will lodge deep enough to leave a lasting impression. [May 2012, p.106]

The battle system is surprisingly accessible and doesn't suffer from that modern over-eagerness to hold your hand...Great stuff. [Mar 2011, p.96]

A new direction for LocoRoco that can't match the originals. [Jan 2010, p.94]

Intense, and looks awesome, but lack the tools of a true champion. [Aug 2009, p.66]

Despite the niggles, this is still the usual brilliance. [May 2007, p.79]

Fast, furious and enjoyable; better again in co-op. [Feb 2009, p.82]