A fantastic-action game that seamlessly integrates its controller in the same way as Guitar Hero did. [Issue#52, p.80]

Maturity be damned! We'll make no excuses for Bulletstorm - it's great precisely because it's fun on such a base level. [Issue#70, p.88]

Fallout: New Vegas is deeply immersive, hugely engaging and brimming with character and atmosphere. [Issue#65, p.78]

Technically the best game in the series so far, but not as refreshing as Saints Row 2 due to a slight shortage of new ideas. Remains a fun alternative to GTA, though. [Issue#78, p.67]

Little mis-steps in design and pacing make it non-essential, but definitely recommended. [Issue#116, p.75]

A truly fine sequel and one that goes beyond the original. If you’re looking for a game that represents skating in a genuine and authentic way, Skate 2 will serve your every need.

A furiously successful RPG and FPS combination that doesn't fall short on either front. [Issue#52, p.86]

Improved in a fashion that will delight gamers of all competence levels and experience. [Issue#63, p.90]

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

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]

A damn good tactical strategic game that has a ridiculous amount of depth for an XLA title. [Issue#73, p.102]

Utterly beautiful and reasonably creative. [Issue#73, p.82]

Not quite as outstanding as it once was, but still a benchmark release. [Issue#77, p.102]

FIFA has PES beaten when it comes to attention to presentational detail and atmosphere, but maybe that isn't enough anymore. For flowing football, though, you should look elsewhere. [Issue#130, p.71]

A fresh take on one of the 360's most established genres, bringing cover shooters, conversely, out in the open. [Issue#64, p.72]

Still brilliant, but the amount that’s gone in to please noobs is grossly disproportionate to that which aims to please fans. Nonetheless, Tiger keeps up his impressive run.

Fans of racing or Formula 1 games will be nothing short of impressed. [Issue#64, p.90]

Vast, sprawling, beautiful and infinitely playable, Darksiders II is the biggest and best surprise of 2012. So far. It will fill all the time between now and other big hitters. [Issue#88, p.26]

Its mixture of razor-sharp design and old-school joy make this as close to a must-buy as you're likely to come. [Issue#31, p.116]

It's hard to justify it as a full release due to its repeating material and its short length. [Issue#51, 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.

Not quite enough variety twinned with not quite enough freedom leaves DIRT as merely a snack between Gothams and Forzas. But then we all eat badly, once in a while. [Issue 21, p.82]

The real problem lies with RE5's focus. Played with two people it's a delight, showing the world that co-op in campaign modes is becoming a necessity in any game that can incorporate it. Even played on the same console, with the most hideous splitting of the screen we've ever seen, it works. Unfortunately, a vast array of individuals will play this as a lone wolf and, to be honest, done this way it can be aggravating. Sheva is simply not competent enough, and her irregular bouts of hopelessness transform a sublime portion into a testing run. [Issue#43, p.76]

Successfully combines elements of both franchises in an imaginative, fun and impressive fighting game. [Issue#83, p.76]

It's fun, and an indication that Treyarch is willing to explore ideas that Infinity Ward has thus far ignored. [Issue#93, p.74]

If you're any good at all at fighters, give it a go. [Issue#98, p.78]

Incredibly polished. [Issue#85, p.102]

One of the most satisfying racing games for some time that has captured the intense nature of the sport incredibly well. With a few tweaks, this could be something very special. [Issue#51, p.88]

A solid success story for Realtime Worlds. Crackdown initially offers all kinds of wonders, but skim off the top and it becomes a teaser of what could've been or is possible. [Issue 17, p.85]

Unless you’re particularly unsportsmanlike when it comes to multiplayer sessions with your mates, bludgeoning a man unconscious on your 360 doesn’t get any more realistic than this.

In truth, we’re in distraction territory – beyond (admittedly quite a few) graphical changes, its only substantial addition will feel to football veterans like throw-in training might feel to, er, football veterans.

There are enough major improvements to the mechanics to appease your average pucker on the street, but fans of the series' casual roots will be left out in the cold. [Issue#90, p.79]

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]

Provides an experience altogether less pretentious and more accessible than the intensely referential platformer. Which is nice. [Issue#57, p.106]

Beautiful, thrilling, epic, and with the depth to reward repeat plays, Castlevania is one of the year's best. [Issue#64, p.78]

There's so much going for Darksiders that it deserves to be played by many. [Issue#55, p.90]

A competent shooter, but fails to replicate the fun, frantic pace or steadiness its next-gen cousin achieved by quite a way. [Issue#111, p.82]

Filing stuff. [Issue#23, p.98]

Tekken games seldom disappoint, but TTT2 is the best in years. [Issue#89,p.73]

It has destruction, character and ambience by the truckload, but it should have learned to walk before it started running.

Understandably minor changes to what we know to be an exceptional football formula add up to create the greatest World Cup videogame of all time. How very predictable. [Issue#58, p.92]

Nail-biting brinkmanship fought with stones, its counterattacking system is pure, liquid genius. [Issue 26, p.116]

Categorically unsure of its place in the world, Alan Wake is absorbing for its duration. Depending on your tastes, this may confuse, but Remedy has created a genuinely intriguing experience. [Issue#59, p.92]

You'll get bored before the end, but Dust's fantastic characters, brilliant combat, engaging platforming and beautiful visuals will keep you smiling for the majority. [Issue#89,p.89]

There's plenty of variety. [Issue#105, p.85]

A classic example of a developer polishing a great idea until it's virtually gleaming. Go get it now. [Issue#76, p.101]

Satisfying, to say the least. [Issue#51, p.104]

For those who played and loved its debut, this simply insn't as good.. [Issue#31, p.74]

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.

A masterful piece of contemporary game design and a richly rewarding experience suitable for all ages. [Issue#86, p.98]

The gameplay could still use a few tweaks. [Issue#53, p.94]

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 respectable attempt at adding variety to a modern classic, but one that fails to meet the lofty standards of its ancestors, though there's still fun to be had. [Issue#119, p.79]

Attempts to open up Viva Pinata kind of miss the point. Whether this is a failure in marketing or development is anyone’s guess, but adults will still have fun.

A truly baffling headline gimmick causes obvious problems for the game, but even if you can get your head around that, notably odd physics routines are the true enemy here. [Issue#71, p.74]

A refreshing take on the genre. [Issue #81, p.102]

Incomparable to the pure fear that accompanies "Rainbow Six Vegas 2" and more akin to taking part in a sport than a war, Unreal Tournament III is the most accessible and technical shooter available, and it’s near impossible to fault it.

Essential. [Issue#97, p.74]

A definitive digital proxy. [Issue#85, p.105]

It's got potential but it needs less linear gameplay. [Issue 14, p.89]

The Darkness delivers on every level. A great FPS with a captivating atmosphere, it boasts intriguing characters, an intense plot and has a heap of depth to boot. It's undeniably impressive. [Issue 21, p.76]

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

The most detailed, realistic, sprawling, long-lasting, and satisfying racing game ever - Eden has actually pulled it off. A must for any high-definition petrolhead; it's absolutely stunning. [Issue 10, p.80]

It's impossible not to recommend, even to people who don't normally play racers. [Issue#60, p.94]

In fixing FIFA 14’s biggest issues, EA Canada has only created some fresh problems. FIFA 15 is worth your money, but this year’s finest football game may still be to come.

A good effort at bringing the OTT planet of Pandora down to earth for a game that's less about guns and more about characters and conversion. [Issue#120, p.74]

Doom has more personality than "Halo"...you know it's true. [Issue 13, p.116]

Without doubt, this is a download for the true hardcore, but anyone who dares will be treated to one of the greatest games yet on Live Arcade. [Issue#38, p.114]

Blood Money manages to strike a perfect balance between compelling and complex. While not the 'next-gen' experience we expected, it certainly delivers in terms of pure enjoyment. [Issue 7, p.84]

Has some invigorating moments but is harmed by a weak strategy mechanic that easily frustrates. [Issue#52, p.82]

It's essentially "Golden Axe" for the 'more pixels, more joy' age. [Issue#38, p.115]

The value is unquestionable, but Assault on Dark Athena is half the game of its predecessor. A worthy purchase, then, but not an essential one. [Issue#44, p.72]

Please make a sequel soon, Capcom. [Nov 2009, p.104]

There's never been a better time to sample one of the greats. Fact. [Issue#23, p.98]

Not likely to win any new fans to the series but seasoned players should be satisfied. [Issue 14, p.94]

Solid, addictive and astonishing to behold, Split/Second: Velocity is a shot in the arm for the arcade racer. It's just a shame that you're left chasing the high after the first dose. [Issue#59, p.80]

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

A dedicated homage to one of the greatest games ever. [Issue#79, p.72]

Moment on moment action is outstanding, boss battles some of the most hectic and awesome we’ve seen in years and the presentation – from the bonkers cut-scenes to the brilliantly eclectic evolving soundtrack – is top-notch.

A wonderful return to form. [Issue#90, p.80]

Blue skies, great control and a real challenge - Transformed has all the hallmarks of one of the classic Sega games it brilliantly celebrates. Still, the less devoted may find it too playful for a hardcore racer, or too hardcore for a playful one. [Issue#93, p.81]

Tactic fiends may fiend it slightly lacking; everyone else will go bonkers. [Issue#20, p.86]

Those looking for a traditional game may find the linearity restricting. [Issue#57, p.88]

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

Find a comfy armchair, arm yourself with fizzy sweets and pretend you're eight again. [Issue 26, p.116]

A significant improvement over last time out - requiring patience and guile to succeed - but unfortunately, shadows of its former self still remain, however. [Issue#25, p.96]

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]

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]

Foibles aside, Enslaved is an engaging fusion of genres with a flair for characterisation. [Issue#64, p.92]

Not quite a revolution, but Halo Wars captures the essence of Halo and presents a fun and demanding RTS experience. [Issue#43, p.70]

At the most basic level, this just isn't much fun to play. [Issue#83, p.82]

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

A rich and varied score attack game of surprising depth. [Issue#90, p.86]

A fresh and unique game, but with a steep challenge that some will find frustrating. But it does feature a giant arse monster. [Issue#82, p.92]

If skateboard antics are your sort of thing, the refinements made will make this right up your alley. [Issue 14, p.92]

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]

Great presentation and a wealth of content make up for technical shortcomings. [Issue#98, p.74]

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