One of the standout games of the generation so far, Rise provides stunning setpieces, brilliant exploration and challenging puzzles. This is an Xbox One essential.

Minecraft fans will adore it, Telltale fans will love it, those who like neither might find something to enjoy, and those who like both will literally explode with joy. [Issue#130, p.74]

Finally, the great one is back - it looks cheap, but it plays exceptionally. [Issue#130, p.72]

Fallout 4 is a genuine achievement, an awesome wasteland survival simulator that suffers from familiar Bethesda problems. Clear your schedule, Fallout 4 will demand all of your spare time.

There’s a lot of learning involved to make the most of Smite – and not enough done to introduce the more complicated elements – but as a competitive multiplayer game this is a game you really ought to try.

An excellent playset, alongside a comprehensive and easy to use Toy Box makes this an essential purchase and proof that Disney really wants to beat the competition.

There are some foibles – notably the general attitude of the game – but there’s absolutely no denying Forza Motorsport 6 is a brilliant, deep, rewarding racing game.

Fans of old King's Quest games will find much to enjoy, and several new additions make this new installment feel fresh and engaging. [Issue#128, p.77]

An exceptionally well-crafted compilation, perhaps the best retro package ever. No matter whether you cut your teeth on the ZX Spectrum or Xbox 360, you’ll find something to love here.

A fantastic stealth action game that offers an insane amount of ways to play, just don't expect it to feel like your typical Metal Gear experience.

SteamWorld Dig's ramshackle caverns are a threat to traverse, and while Rusty's underground excursion is over a little too quickly, there are plenty of distractions to be found on the way. [Issue#127, p.84]

It's fun, free and a great way to make it through the summer drought. [Issue#127, p.76]

It may not be quite the epic finale everyone hoped for, but Arkham Knight is still an excellent action game that retains many of the elements that make the series great.

Perhaps we’re a little biased (we bloody love Jurassic Park), but we had great fun with the latest LEGO title. Only a few minor issues keep it from the top of the food chain.

A return to a level of platforming excellence that's been long forgotten. [Issue#125, p.82]

A humorless and business-like simulation that nevertheless manages to thrill on its own terms. There hasn't been a game like this on a console for a long time. Confidently recommended. [Issue#125, p.78]

Not quite the technical masterpiece we hoped for, but the mild disappointment soon melts away. The Witcher 3 is a huge, engrossing time-sink of a game that you'll happily spend dozens of hours on. [Issue#125, p.74]

A brilliantly designed puzzle platformer with a wonderful protagonist that sets varied gameplay scenarios within a compelling world. [Issue#124, p.87]

Fun and endlessly moreish. [Issue#124, p.86]

Add another [10 Points] to the score if you've never played the two games. [Issue#124, p.80]

It's still one of the best RPGs out there at the moment, but the NPC invasions and enemy placement felt a little unbalanced this time around. [Issue#124, p.79]

Fantastically violent and built for online players and loners alike. [Issue#124, p.72]

An even better version of an already great game. [Issue#123, p.81]

A beautifully presented, wonderfully designed game that spins an emotional yard and will challenge every gamer instinct in your body. An essential exclusive. [Issue#123, p.70]

An excellent puzzle platformer that introduces new ideas at a breakneck pace. [Issue#121, p.85]

As a remaster it's not as polished - graphically - as it should be, but it still proves that the core mechanics of Resident Evil as thrilling as they ever were. [Issue#121, p.81]

Clumsy dialogue aside, this first episode of Life is Strange is a brilliant introduction to a story we can't wait to see the rest of. [Issue#121, p.76]

It can sometimes feel a little bit like Far Cry 3.5 rather than Far Cry 4, but it's a fun and enjoyable experience nevertheless, particularly so with another player. [Issue#119, p.60]

A strong start to an ambitious series, held up by a series of thrilling interactions with the characters and actors from the TV show. A genuine must for fans. [Issue#120, p.77]

It’s just a great game tying to be even better. In some cases it works, in other cases it doesn’t. But, ultimately, if the idea of playing a superior version of one of the best games of all time appeals to you (and why wouldn’t it?) then this is a more than worthy excuse for a double-dip.

Its core mechanic is enjoyable enough to sell the game on its own. [Issue#118, p.84]

As smart and slick as fans expect. [Issue#118, p.82]

The Evil Within is less genre-defining and is instead more of a spiritual successor - one that relives past glories rather than seeks out new ones. [Issue#118, p.73]

It's not perfect, but PES 2015 is bloody good fun. [Issue#118, p.62]

In many ways, the game is the perfect distillation of the franchise's core appeal. But it's still just Call of Duty, don't expect it to revolutionize the industry. [Issue#118, p.61]

An incredible historical document, charting the rise and success of the Xbox's biggest franchises. Vital to any collection. [Issue#118, p.56]

One of the better Lego games in the series. Beyond Gotham matches the series’ usual compulsive gameplay with a tighter story and more imaginative setting.

There are plenty of challenges. [Issue#117, p.84]

It seems pointless praising a game everyone knows is great, but this version provides a much more stable gaming experience.

An open-world classic driven by systems over story. [Issue#117, p.76]

A contender for the title of 2014’s best racer, Forza Horizon 2 builds on foundations laid by its predecessor to make a diverse, entertaining experience.

This is just about the dancing. [Issue#116, p.81]

The big improvements have really enhanced the experience this year. [Issue#116, p.79]

Upgraded graphics, improved gameplay and all-new content to see. [Issue#116, p.72]

There’s more than just a love for the source material here; Alien: Isolation also displays a thorough understanding of what made it work. The game is a worthy accompaniment to Ridley Scott’s film, and there are few bigger compliments we can dish out than that.

Cry Wolf isn't without its problems, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to an episodic series that we feared would wrap inconclusively. [Issue#115, p.76]

Cry Wolf isn’t without its problems, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to an episodic series that we feared would wrap inconclusively.

Highly addictive. [Issue#114, p.83]

Fun, frantic and an absolute joy to play through. [Issue#114, p.76]

A chilling and well-realised experience, Outlast accomplishes almost everything it sets out to do. A strong start for the team and a strong entry in this resurgent genre.

Arguably the best episode of this season so far. [Issue#113, p.86]

Still enjoyable after all these years, the new content of Ultra helps revitalise Street Fighter IV and will no doubt keep it going for a good while to come. [Issue#113, p.81]

In just over a year, the Grid series has turned it around. Autosport doesn’t do anything particularly new, but it will remind fans why they love the Grid series.

Some may complain about only receiving three maps in the Expedition pack, but it's hard to argue against the quality of the content. [Issue#112, p.94]

Wolfenstein might not be trying to push the genre forward in a significant way, but by embracing what has come before it, MachineGames has created one of the most entertaining releases of the year.

Don’t let the retro influences fool you – far from being stuck in the past, Super Time Force is a stylish, innovative game which deserves a place amongst your future purchases.

It’s an RPG with all its French-Canadian roots on show, a spectacular and unique amalgam of genres and ideas that creates something we really think any RPG fan ought to experience.

Fun, frustrating and incredibly well designed, this is the perfect game to see you through the summer next-gen drought.

Titanfall is a ridiculous amount of fun. Maybe it’ll be surpassed, but right now it’s the best game on Xbox One and one of the best multiplayer shooters ever.

Only for the bold, Dark Souls II delivers a fearsome challenge, while dispensing with the complexity that bogged down its predecessor. A true triumph of game design.

The definitive virtual South Park experience, pulled off with passion and aplomb. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough of it, either in terms of depth or longevity. A must for fans, though.

A feast for the eyes, a gauntlet for your thumbs and a satisfying puzzle for your brain to chew on, Lords Of Shadow 2 is a competent jack-of-all-trades.

While those that disliked XIII and its sequel might not find anything here to convert them – or at least not allow themselves to be converted by a strong action-RPG due to its cast or past – fans will find an entertaining and surprisingly innovative full stop to this chapter of the Final Fantasy franchise.

Endearing and satisfying. [Issue#107, p.70]

Still a great fighter even without all the bells and whistles that have been bolted on in recent years - it’s more accessible and balanced than later ones, too.

The lack of clear black and white moral choices is as refreshing as it ever was, even if this season opener seems to hint at a slight change in tone.

Max: Curse Of Brotherhood is challenging, fun and ultimately enjoyable as it blends precision physics-based puzzles with beautiful visuals.

Typically impenetrable for novices, but it’s a stunning piece of work and with some time spent learning the mechanics makes for an epic sporting experience.

We may have to wait until FIFA 15 before we get to play a truly next-gen game of football, but EA still went above and beyond here. An Xbox One essential.

Rivals has managed to slip neatly into the middle ground between hardcore and arcade, offering brilliant gameplay mechanics and shameless thrills.

While only minor additions to the game, Enemy Within somehow manages to make the greatest console turn-based strategy game even better. [Issue#105, p.88]

It's a case of more of the same, but with such good source material this isn't a bad thing. [Issue#105, p.87]

Effortlessly demonstrates Telltale's handle on episodic content. [Issue#105, p.84]

Black Flag tightens enough screws and adds enough cool new stuff to make it the best in ages. [Issue#105, p.79]

Simulation gaming with a sense of fun we haven’t experienced in years. Think Viva Piñata meets Theme Park and you’re close. Plus it actually works really well with Kinect. A winning combo.

There are a few frustrations, but with so many characters, side-missions, collectables, puzzles, laughs, unlockables and cheeky nods to both casual fans and super-buffs, this is one LEGO title you won’t want to miss.

Dead Rising 3 might be a little rough around the edges, but it’s unrelenting in its ability to keep you engaged and entertained.

Crisp, manic, gorgeous and invigorating at times, Forza 5 is as accomplished as ever technically. Drivatar is the only real innovation, and car numbers are lower, but it’s an incredible opening act on Xbox One.

Call Of Duty: Ghosts is a familiar experience, but it’s been fine tuned to almost perfection. The multiplayer is the best it’s been in a long time.

In many ways Irrational has combined the best elements of original BioShock and Infinite and returned us to a world we’ve been sorely missing.

Everyone loves karaoke. [Issue#104, p.81]

The improvements all help make it a much better learning tool. [Issue#104, p.80]

For fans of F1 both casual and hardcore this is still well worthy of your attention. [Issue#104, p.79]

Smart advances on pitch make the game skillful and extremely rewarding. It's just a shame that a few small niggles haven't been fixed from last year. [Issue#104, p.76]

Learn the nuances then revel in the gorgeous results. [Issue#103, p.80]

It's one of the best local and online co-op games available on 360. [Issue#103, p.77]

One of the most innovative and fun platformers of the generation. [Issue#102, p.82]

Payday 2's unique brand of co-op mayhem cannot be missed, but for this price and when learning how to pull off a perfect heist is just so much fun. [Issue#102, p.81]

We won't deny that Killer Is Dead has some issues, but what it gets right it does so with gusto and originality, and in today's world they are valuable attributes indeed. [Issue#102, p.74]

The design mantra, it would appear, is to offer you as much freedom as possible. [Issue#102, p.70]

As stupid and amusing a game as we've seen this generation and even though some of it may be repurposed, the original stuff is good enough that it barely matters. [Issue#102, p.66]

GTA V is funny, genuinely laugh out loud funny – and not in a ’shoving a ten-inch purple dildo up your arse’ funny – the humour is told through situation, through incredibly clever writing and wonderful sense of place. Really, that says everything you need to know about GTA V. Rockstar has spent five years, and an insane amount of money, building a game that is not only bold enough to step away from expectation, but brave enough to revel in its combined history as well.

Spaceman dude has a fantastic array of weapons. [Issue#101, p.85]

Simple, compelling and really hard to put down. [Issue#100, p.87]

It packs a lot into its short playtime but still manages to pack an emotional wallop. With intriguing puzzles and solid gameplay, Starbreeze earns every moment. [Issue#100, p.84]

You wouldn't know that this used to be a 3DS game. [Issue#99, p.73]

As absorbing and oddly addictive an experience as you'll find on 360. Just keep an eye on the clock - this game devours hours at a time. [Issue#98, p.81]

The Behemoth's follow-up to Castle Crashers has been well worth the wait. [Issue#98, p.79]