NBA Ballers: Rebound is difficult to actually fault – unless you plan to play for more than 30 minutes. [May 2006, p.120]

A stellar multi-player and strong Campaign mode mark a return to form for Sony’s favourite son. [June 2006, p.124]

Played as intended, though – in short, brain-intensive bursts – this is a very challenging and inventive PSP title, worthy of attention. [Apr 2006, p.120]

Field Commander has chosen a good series to emulate, and it emulates it with panache. [Sept 2006, p.130]

Legend is the best Tomb Raider game that has yet been made. Despite the game’s few grating problems, that’s quite an accolade. [May 2006, p.102]

A game with enough quality and playability to appeal beyond the boundaries of its subject matter. [Sept 2006, p.122]

Handheld gaming is designed for brief sessions and, in bite-sized chunks, Daxter is a very tasty proposition. [May 2006, p.116]

Probably the best console RTS that we’ve ever played in terms of flexibility and control, but it will still prove frustratingly slow and awkward to seasoned PC and Mac users. [Aug 2006, p.116]

Stubbornly quirky, unashamedly inventive, strangely relaxed and only a little bit broken, Steambot Chronicles is a game quite unlike anything else out there at the moment. [Aug 2006, p.122]

Test Drive Unlimited is occasionally excellent when racing against humans, yet remarkably pedestrian when simply going for a spin. [Oct 2006, p.116]

The game’s innate charm and mixture of overbearing tension and fear still works as well today as it did back in 1996. [May 2006, p.117]

Killzone: Liberation has considerable depth that really manages to please. [Dec 2006, p.130]

It’s more the subtle touches that make the game what it is, a combination of something just that little bit different and a typical Kojima game. [June 2006, p.126]

The game itself is fast, reasonably original and a great deal of fun. Trozei’s disadvantage is its complete lack of modes. [May 2006, p.126]

Regardless of the fact that the game doesn’t quite replicate the sheer precariousness of hurtling down a track at breakneck speed to the degree it should, the refreshing risk/reward balance merits the perseverance of anyone willing to give it a go. [May 2006, p.108]

The conversion is spot on, the graphics, sound and control are superb, and short bursts of the single-player are a joy. It's such a shame, then, that the multi-player is a let down. [Sept 2006, p.108]

Eminently timeless, suitably gorgeous, but unutterably difficult. Everything you want in a retro revamp. [Oct 2006, p.120]

Most will have already seen what this particular version of Mega Man has to offer, however, there’s still certainly enough here to warrant a purchase if you’re craving some quality platform action for your little Sony friend. [Apr 2006, p.116]

Table Tennis really shines as a videogame representation of the long-neglected sport that’s both authentic and extremely fun. [July 2006, p.116]

Genuinely offers something new to a genre whose form is now long established. [Sept 2006, p.110]

An invigorating shot of speed and carnage that tops that of the original, even if it does fall short of the mighty "Burnout." [Aug 2006, p.121]

An invigorating shot of speed and carnage that tops that of the original, even if it does fall short of the mighty "Burnout." [Aug 2006, p.121]

This is a game of two halves: one a highly enjoyable series of extravagant shoot-outs and the other a tedious crawl through two genres that just weren’t made to work together. [Nov 2006, p.112]

Micro Machines V4’s only genuine problem is its overbearing similarity to "Mashed," a game that can be bought for a third of the price. [Aug 2006, p.120]

Micro Machines V4’s only genuine problem is its overbearing similarity to "Mashed," a game that can be bought for a third of the price. [Aug 2006, p.120]

A highly polished action title with a Co-op mode that should provides hours of gameplay after completion. [Sept 2006, p.117]

Some will label it contrived, others experimental. We’d call it flawed but engaging and ultimately entertaining irrespective of that. [Mar 2007, p.104]

The Wii Remote is so responsive that you'd notice little difference if you wired electrodes to your cerebellum and played the game through force of will alone. [Christmas 2006, p.136]

Despite Virtua Tennis 3's crisp visuals and handful of new animations, it still feels like the original. [Apr 2007, p.127]

Size Matters never reaches the highs of the home console versions, but as an example of what can be achieved on the PSP with some time, diligence and money, it’s hard to fault. [June 2007, p.115]

Full Auto 2 is a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience. It’s fun as a pure racer, but include the massive amounts of carnage you must inflict upon your competition and the game ascends to a new level of satisfaction. [Feb 2007, p.121]

Shooters may have reached their peak according to Army Of Two’s lead designer, but as a co-op experience, Army Of Two succeeds only in adding to the pack – rather than leading it. [Apr 2008, p.108]

It succumbs to a bewilderingly dull selection of environments. This might sound like a minor criticism, but for a title that otherwise basks in its videogame status – never once seeking to be recognised as an immersive piece of storytelling or sophisticated art – the generic locales seem painfully jarring. [Mar 2008, p.114]

Despite its condescending moments, Downhill Jam remains an impressive extreme racer that’s difficult to not recommend. [Jan 2007, p.114]

Despite the backtracking issues, Secret Rings remains an altogether more satisfying platform game than many of its peers. [Apr 2007, p.116]

A game with much more emotional depth to it than you might expect. [Chrismas 2007, p.116]

There’s a certain atmosphere to the hotel itself, augmented by the three-dimensional exploration and sketch-realistic characters, which creates a sense of actually existing in this mysterious building full of secrets to discover. [Mar 2007, p.118]

Most notably, the level design in Kirby Mouse Attack is excellent. With three treasure chests to locate in each stage of each world, there is far more complexity here than a simple dash to the far right. In many ways the cavernous level design here is reminiscent of Super Metroid. [Aug 2007, p.112]

While purists might complain about his increasingly frequent appearances in non-platform games, most of us can simply enjoy what is a tremendous piece of handheld software. [Nov 2006, p.106]

Unless you despise puzzle games you can't be disappointed as this does what it sets out to do. It's a charming title and a good way to pass some time. [Christmas 2006, p.137]

So a superb solo experience that can be shared with ease is what’s really on offer. Whereas the addition of better multiplayer options would have seen the title become essential, what’s featured is more than enough. [Jan 2007, p.112]

It shines brightly for a while but is lacking that extra spark that could have turned it into the cult classic it’s so desperately trying to be. [Mar 2007, p.98]

Despite the tremendous atmosphere and occasional chilling enemy, Origins never upsets and disturbs like Silent Hill 2. Its most obvious scares are left to cut-scenes. [Chrismas 2007, p.132]

Those who scoffed at Phoenix Wright’s endless text conversations and backwards-looking point-and-click mechanics will find nothing to love second time out, but Justice For All wasn’t made for them; it was clearly put together with fans of the previous game in mind. [Jan 2007, p.91]

Despite its flaws, it is one of the best-made experiences on PSP. [Aug 2008, p.104]

Rayman Raving Rabbids is a fun-size Wii title with universal appeal. It can’t be considered a serious gamer’s game by any stretch, though it will make you laugh a lot, and even has some staying power with the multiplayer challenges and extra modes to unlock. [Jan 2007, p.108]

Essentially, what we have here is a further improved and expanded version of Xbox 360’s Ridge Racer 6. And that in itself makes Ridge Racer 7 notable as a great sequel. [Jan 2007, p.109]

A little perseverance will reap great satisfaction from this polished RTS, and considering there's around 25 hours of gameplay per faction on the campaign missions alone, this is a title that deserves recognition. [Christmas 2006, p.111]

Gamers can see through inconsequential improvements in wind physics and engine noise-capturing techniques that in real terms bring little new to the table. [July 2007, p.124]

This is a satisfyingly realistic and detailed simulation, and if you have the motivation to get accustomed to its ruthlessly realistic controls it will last you a very long time. [July 2006, p.122]

Excellently constructed and just addictive enough to encourage players to make it through to the end. In multi-player especially, it’s consistently enjoyable and occasionally compelling, if a little old fashioned. [Aug 2006, p.132]

Carbon is bigger and prettier than its predecessors, but due to a lack of compelling new features it only feels marginally better. [Christmas 2006, p.128]

Dramatic music, cut-scenes...it's all there. Odd, but strangely brilliant. [Apr 2007, p.131]

While it may be exactly the same as Mercury at heart, there’s enough extra content to make it interesting. [Nov 2006, p.124]

Despite high quality, Trauma Center: Second Opinion was outdone by itself earlier in the year. The Wii control method, however adequate, can’t live up to what was achieved with the DS game. [Jan 2007, p.90]

Despite its faults, Heroes makes a decent showcase for PlayStation Portable’s power and does justice to the Medal Of Honor series. [Jan 2007, p.95]

A brief, nostalgic, slick and endlessly stylish trip down the memory lanes of the NBA’s greats, but not quite the bona fide hoop dream. [May 2007, p.116]

Tiger Woods remains the most accessible golf game, but ProStroke is easily the title for those who find a lack of challenge in its competitors. [Oct 2006, p.124]

Tiger Woods remains the most accessible golf game, but ProStroke is easily the title for those who find a lack of challenge in its competitors. [Oct 2006, p.124]

Tiger Woods remains the most accessible golf game, but ProStroke is easily the title for those who find a lack of challenge in its competitors. [Oct 2006, p.124]

An interesting and complete fighter that deserves the attention of anyone who enjoys the delights of two-dimensional fighting. [Sept 2006, p.112]

For all its loveliness and in spite of its adventurous battle system, Chopin’s Dream is ultimately too restrained to be classed as revolutionary. [Sept 2007, p.122]

It’s fan service, definitely, but not ill-conceived or exploitative in any way. [Mar 2009, p.96]

This is all about the actual experience and arcade thrill and there’s nothing more exhilarating than flying through a screen of explosions while desperately dodging enemy missiles. [May 2007, p.113]

Isn’t it amazing that a game featuring rappers fighting, and one made by EA no less, can be considered one of the most original games so far this generation? [Apr 2007, p.98]

There’s plenty of fun to be had here, but we’re pretty sure you’ll forget all about it once Epic’s hugely anticipated sequel arrives later this year. [Apr 2008, p.120]

The Wii remote offers probably the most pleasing way to play the game, but there’s very little that could be considered new or different here. [June 2007, p.120]

You cannot earn standard boost with the button held down, so you are constantly having to battle with yourself to lift the finger off the trigger, constantly glancing down at the boost bar, and as a result, constantly snapping yourself out of that glorious Burnout zone. [May 2007, p.110]

Supreme Commander sticks pretty close to the template, and while it will eat up your time, it may not satisfy. [Mar 2007, p.70]

A premiere stealth game, but it has lost some of that old charm that made its predecessors so appealing. [Apr 2007, p.129]

Focused in its style, single minded in its vision and executed with superb finesse, it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved on PSP with imagination and skill. [July 2007, p.111]

With slightly more content and slightly improved visuals, it would have been essential. As it is, if you want a brief and thoroughly entertaining alternative to Banana Blitz, roll with this. [Feb 2007, p.124]

The single-player element is distinctly average, so play Frontlines: Fuel Of War for its online mode, as that’s what it will be remembered for. [Mar 2008, p.118]

FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage has been aimed squarely at those who are sick and tired of fluffy and generous racing games. Indeed, this is harsh, uncompromising, over the top and at times incredibly frustrating. This feels like the point-blank shot in the face that racing games so sorely need. [Aug 2007, p.123]

Fixes addressed, Sacred 2 should scratch that nagging ARPG itch between now and Diablo III. [Jan 2009, p.121]

Heatseeker is one of the more substantial playing experiences currently available on the Wii, and perhaps the first multi-platform release that feels superior rather than compromised. [May 2007, p.120]

Every time you’re about to put the controller down, there’s always something to keep you playing – even if it’s just to see another astoundingly gorgeous area or one more gargantuan enemy boss. [July 2007, p.106]

By even allowing the choice between simple hack-and-slash gameplay and the more complex mix-up combos, LucusArrts has ensured that many will never view the title’s full potential. [Oct 2008, p.104]

In the space of just one sequel, Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights has elevated itself to one of the more interesting and fun racers currently on the market. [Nov 2007, p.130]

Aside from making MotoGP 07 more accessible, Climax hasn’t really made too many other major alterations. [Sept 2007, p.110]

There’s plenty to do here and a lot of reward for doing it, which means that MySims is far more than a kids’ game – even if it is exactly the sort of release that children will enjoy. [Nov 2007, p.122]

As long as you’re prepared to die over and over again, then Richter Belmont’s restored adventure should be considered a rare PSP treat. [Mar 2008, p.130]

Ignition has such a simple premise that it’s easy to leave alone and come back to at a later date with barely any need to familiarise yourself with the controls or gameplay. [Oct 2007, p.120]

It’s as if Michael Bay defected to Japan and made a videogame, and we mean that in the best way possible. [Dec 2007, p.118]

Everything you need from a WipEout title is there in abundance. [Dec 2007, p.106]

One of the most complete lightgun experiences you’ll see on a home console, with a wealth of extras and a lot of replay value. Slightly better controls would have made this a near classic. [Jan 2008, p.126]

Taken as a purely forward-looking puzzle game (with a well-told story, to boot), Layton provides DS entertainment in a unique fashion. [JPN Import; May 2007, p.112]

The question of how much an open city suits Burnout is soon replaced by how well Criterion makes the game work within one. And, thanks to a number of odd decisions on how players progress, the answer is: sloppily. [Feb 2008, p.114]

All too often you'll find yourself thinking about what might have been and how another game - more than likely to be the sequel - is bound to do all of this better in the years immediately ahead. [Issue#75, p.104]

Does Tony Hawk want to be score attack game – and a very good one at that – or does it want to take on Skate? If it’s the latter, then sadly, it’s going to lose. [Dec 2007, p.110]

Every change of camera is greeted by painful seconds as the textures load in. Every opened door is greeted with the loading screen. Every battle features a cataclysmic drop in frame rate. The result callously skims the cream from the top, depriving you of your ultimate satisfaction. [Jan 2009, p.106]

It is difficult to see MC:LA as anything other than a chance to reacquaint yourself with Grand Theft Auto IV’s miraculous engine. [Christmas 2008, p.115]

Overall, you're getting two full games here, both involving and complex - if not a little dated - and well worth your money. [May 2009, p.104]

With its lengthy Campaign, fully customizable Battle mode and insanely good multiplayer experience, Glory Days II offers value for money and deserves your attention. [June 2007, p.112]

Despite sharing a name, Galaxies is a very different experience from Retro Evolved and in its own more considered way, it is every bit as appealing. [Jan 2008, p.118]

Electronic Arts has found a great balance between speed and technical understanding. The game’s tuning system is exhaustive, and given that the only way to acquire new cars is to win them, understanding the modifications and their effects offers greater rewards that ever before. [Chrismas 2007, p.118]

More Brain Training is far more than just a puzzle game and you’ll only understand that if you give it a go. [Aug 2007, p.124]

Every other development studio that dabbles in movie licences should look at what High Moon has accomplished and take note. [Aug 2008, p.100]

There are a couple of interface problems that mar this otherwise solid and entertaining DS title. [Aug 2007, p.117]

Upsets the balance between fun and realism maintained by its immediate predecessor. [Aug 2008, p.108]

More of the same with some nice extra touches that don’t quite fulfil their potential. [Feb 2008, p.118]

An accomplished update but overdue a proper sequel. [May 2008, p.124]

Dewy’s Adventure feels like a full-blown game rather than a collection of brief remote-based tasks that have seemingly become the Wii norm lately. [Oct 2007, p.125]

Prototype's huge setting and impressive characters-on-screen tally is testament to Radical's engine but it's incredible how hackneyed many of its missions and boss fights are. [Aug 2009, p.124]

No concessions are made for anyone other than diehard real-time strategy fans and it does seem a little unfair that the difficulty is so high. [June 2008, p.117]

The battle sequences display commendable ambition and technical brilliance everywhere except in the gameplay. [May 2008, p.102]

A solid expansion to better the original. [Apr 2008, p.119]

A triumph in its own right and, on a wider scale, a huge step forward for sports games. If NaturalMotion decides to work on a sequel, there's a great chance that all the niggles can be ironed out and a true competitor will emerge. [July 2010, p.122]

This sequel has built upon Saints Row’s foundations no end and created an experience that stands alone despite the competition. [Christmas 2008, p.118]

There are very real concerns over the game’s staying power, but with six separate difficulty levels as well as a co-op mode both online and offline, how much of a problem this is will depend on the individual. [Jan 2008, p.130]

Those searching for an exact simulation of the sport should go for FIFA. Those looking to score spectacular goals, have end-to-end matches and play at a ridiculous pace should plump for Pro Evo. [Dec 2007, p.134]

The concept is better than the execution, but that doesn’t stop this being a good game that provides more than enough choice to justify its price tag. [Dec 2007, p.108]

It may have its flaws, but at least those mistakes were made in the course of trying to do something new. [Dec 2009, p.100]

Things haven't progressed enough and, it has to be said, "DMC4" is the better game. [July 2008, p.114]

While games like Jack Keane keep surfacing, the point-and-click genre will continue to defy those that have long since written it off. [Apr 2008, p.123]

Had Capcom pout a little more effort into overhauling the gameplay and graphics, while also preserving the magic of the original cast, Apollo Justice would have been more than just another sequel. [May 2008, p.116]

Even a sadly lacking level of polish can't change the simple fact that busting - as you may have heard - makes us feel good. [July 2009, p.114]

Genuinely good fun for all – A pleasant surprise. [Feb 2008, p.132]

A very accessible game for all to play, and a pretty decent way to spend a few pounds and a couple of hours of your time. [Nov 2007, p.109]

Patapon really feels like a new experience. The seductive façade is a clever mask for an enormously challenging game that requires a substantial amount of grinding and micromanagement to master. [Mar 2008, p.116]

You need to know before paying out for (and therefore committing to) Wii Fit that it has to become part of your daily life for it to mean anything. And if you are willing to commit to it then Wii Fit is a loyal and multitalented trainer. [Feb 2008, p.136]

Despite all of its faults, its lack of content and distressingly limited modding options, Gran Turismo Prologue 5 still feels a cut above the pack. [June 2008, p.112]

You can’t help feeling a proper Rainbow Six sequel, set somewhere else and given proper time to stew, would have been a far tastier prospect. [Apr 2008, p.106]

R-Type Tactics eventually finds its feet and develops into a satisfying and addictive PSP game. [Nov 2008, p.102]

Think of Blood Bowl as a cross between Hero Quest and Speedball, and if neither of these games ignite a fond memory, then this is probably not for you. [Nov 2009, p.122]

It’s worth pointing out, largely due to Aerosmith’s distinctive style of music, that this game is noticeably easier than its forerunners. [Aug 2008, p.107]

The stark landscape, self-serious characters and po-faced story are completely at odds with the sense of mischievous fun the destruction naturally evokes...If Volition is interested in crafting an instant classic, putting this destruction in Saints Row 3 would be an excellent place to start. [July 2009, p.110]

A rare game in which you really need to take an interest in all of its components in order to progress with any of them. [May 2009, p.119]

Family Ski comes highly recommended – even if only to soothe the pain of yet another blue-shell-related defeat. [May 2008, p.118]

Dead good, but no "Ghost Squad." [May 2008, p.110]

With the right people involved, this can turn a dull bus ride or airport lounge into an extremely good fun, and crucially, a very personal gaming session. [Aug 2008, p.112]

The competition is just too strong for Soul Bubbles to ever really elevate itself beyond cute, cult status. A good puzzler then, but not a great one. [July 2008, p.122]

With nine mostly identical levels standing between each boss and each change in style, the game can become rather monotonous when it could so easily have soared, had it changed styles a little more frequently. [Apr 2009, p.118]

For out money, however, the battles are all too often a test of patience rather than an examination of your ability to strategise efficiently. [Sept 2008, p.121]

The studio has instead crafted an accessible, if not necessarily deep, flight simulator that entertains but never exhilarates. [Apr 2009, p.104]

We can’t remember the last time a standard RPG boss needed such an unforgivingly focused strategy. [Dec 2008, p.109]

It may be a straightforward game, but it’s also a fun one, and the imaginative presentation is very well accomplished. [Nov 2008, p.117]

It’s impossible to ignore the problems that detract from what could have been a fantastic seven hours of gameplay. [Sept 2008, p.118]

With three difficulty levels. There are several weeks worth of challenge here, making TV Show King much better value than its disc-based competitors. [Aug 2008, p.119]

A solid puzzle game with some cleverly designed extras. [Aug 2008, p.117]

A licensed game that lives up to its heritage, and a music game that holds its own against the seasoned pros. [Aug 2008, p.109]

The game’s faults intermittently make themselves known but are easy to ignore in such an engrossing and skilfully directed game. [Oct 2008, p.117]

Level design is a cut above most games of this type, using different brick properties as well as imaginative wall layouts to keep the player problem-solving and the ball in the air. [Sept 2008, p.124]

The game feels more like a boss-rush version of a big action game that it does a traditional fighter, and somehow comes off as the best 3D Castlevania game Konami has produced so far. [Jan 2009, p.110]

We hope Atlus takes its time to deliver a more compelling and intelligent game with the next Persona, as the series has some remarkable potential. [Jan 2009, p.126]

It ingeniously updates all the problems with the original without destroying the core concept. [Dec 2008, p.109]

If you like videogames at all - and we're assuming you do, because you're reading this magazine - there's every chance you're going to enjoy Wolfenstein on some level, just don't expect the pushing of any boundaries. [Oct 2009, p.120]

The previous games were marred by simplistic, repetitive gameplay. Lego Batman isn’t entirely free from these flaws, but puzzles are more numerous, complicated and diverse. [Nov 2008, p.115]

Pacific is too dry to ever become anything other than a passing diversion for all but the original game's fans. [July 2009, p.121]

The tragedy is that inFamous contains flashes of something approaching brilliance, yet when we finished all that remained were memories of the cracks in its surface. [July 2009, p.112]

There are better RPGs out there, there are better RPGs on DS, but better Sonic Adventures? You’d be hard pushed to find one. [Dec 2008, p.114]

Never gets bogged down in the endless conversations of, say, Phoenix Wright. [Christmas 2008, p.107]

With friends is by far the best way to enjoy the game. [Nov 2008, p.111]

This dripfeeding of improvements is starting to frustrate. [Dec 2008, p.106]

Rearmed boasts a level of polish rarely seen in downloadable titles. [Issue#73, p.116]

A very tight fighter, with tried-and-tested 2D mechanics cloaked in a 2.5D visual presentation. [Sept 2008, p.111]

The game's lack of a two-player mode will be a profound disappointment for those gamers whose greatest Metal Slug flashbacks are fuelled by the showmanship and camaraderie of co-op play. [Oct 2008, p.123]

The cut-scenes, in all their sincerity, still manage to be completely laughable. Yet it’s hard not to enjoy them despite the fact they’re not really doing the job intended. [Christmas 2008, p.97]

Like Wii Sports before it, this game knows its audience and how to keep them entertained. [Christmas 2008, p.117]

The constant wave of new ideas and alterations on the concept will keep you coming back for more. [Nov 2008, p.119]

Approached with acceptance of its limitations and a willingness to cede true freedom, Afrika can still be a remarkable, memorable experience. [Dec 2008, p.121]

Art Style is one of the best uses of 3D we’ve seen in a puzzler and is a great start for Nintendo’s new brand. [Christmas 2008, p.121]

The ten-minute skirmishes balance depth with accessibility in a manner perfectly adapted to the handheld, and it’s all wrapped up in a completely charming persona. [Jan 2009, p.105]

Taking on the overcrowded puzzle genre is never easy, but Docomodake succeeds by being both original and charming. [Dec 2008, p.127]

What’s the eventual goal here – watching an entire 90 minutes from the dugout? Clearly, a compromise must be struck, somewhere along the line. [Jan 2009, p.124]

Those who have been waiting for this port can relax. However, Konami has done little to improve on what is still a winning formula. [Christmas 2008, p.103]

The pinnacle of the series’ handheld bloodline but also nothing that we haven’t really seen before. [Feb 2009, p.112]

The challenge concept gives Retro Game Challenge a sense of longevity and compulsion that's been missing from real-life compilations like Namco Museum, but is not without its own problems. [May 2009, p.116]

Atmospheric, technically strong and really rather enjoyable to play, Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood is every bit the sequel it needed to be. [Aug 2009, p.112]

If you're a fan of Nippon Ichi humour and love your games in Metal Slug and Ghouls 'N' Ghosts flavours, then feel free to add a point on to the score because, dood, this game's made for you. [June 2009, p.124]

A game that transcends its weaknesses with the winning combination of pure fun and an unending desire to entertain. [May 2009, p.114]

Single-player falls down only by virtue of the fact that repetition of missions is crucial to progress, although with such a clear multiplayer focus, it's no surprise that this is the highlight. [June 2009, p.120]

Although Bad Company 2 sees a confident shift in scope to take in a wider-ranging conflict, DICE's big-budget spectacle isn't so impressive when placed alongside Infinity Ward's effort. [Apr 2010, p.106]

If we're being brutally honest, Lost Planet 2 doesn't really have a single-player mode. [Issue#96, p.104]

Consider this a neat twist on the formula, which will force you to play this old favourite in some unexpected ways. [Oct 2009, p.132]

After more than a decade at the top of its field, this may well be the best golf game released this year, but it isn't appreciably better than 09 or even 08. [Aug 2009, p.131]

A rich, deep and insanely customisable world of strategy action awaits those brave enough to take on its steep learning curve and string of battles where a single mistake can lead to defeat. [May 2009, p.131]

This politically moribund playground plays host to many guilt-free, brainless hours of insanity. Just be prepared to put the ground work in. You've got to learn to walk before you can run on the wing of a biplane. [Apr 2010, p.110]

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a dynamic and visceral amalgamation of genre conventions, showcased in a wonderfully action-packed adventure game. [June 2009, p.125]

Both refines and expands on the ideas introduced in Mark Healey's adventurous pet project. [June 2009, p.121]

You often die for reasons beyond your control. [Issue#91, p.126]

Virtua Tennis's motion control satisfies with a trademark pick-up-and-play experience that nevertheless mirrors the sport to an authentic degree. [Sept 2009, p.127]

While the shortcomings are obvious, this is a cut above most Wii-based mini game fare. [Christmas 2009, p.126]

If muddy textures and a somewhat garish palette are the trade-off for involving track design and vehicular carnage, then it's a compromise we're happy to accept. [Dec 2009, p.102]

Amazing highs marred by a few missed opportunities. [Christmas 2009, p.102]

It's a wholly entertaining romp filled with non-stop nonsense and inspired moments that set it apart from almost every other Wii game. [Christmas 2009, p.120]

An interesting concept executed with a degree of panache. Plus, if you're familiar with even half the characters available, Cross Edge breathes new life into the personalities you long since laid to rest. [Sept 2009, p.110]

Do not underestimate Little Ninjas; it is worthy of everyone's time - a beautifully conceived product by all accounts. [Nov 2009, p.116]

In the absence of a compelling plot to compensate for the muted thrills, ODST's claim to 'must-buy' status looks very shaky. [Nov 2009, p.102]

An accessible glimpse at an obscure yet captivating sub-genre. [Issue#95, p.128]

Tatsunoko is certainly its own beast, but compared to a genre highlight like Street Fighter IV it can't help but feel slightly throwaway. [Feb 2010, p.95]

Nier is so burdened with poor design choices and outdated mechanics that some won't be able to see the ingenuity through the fit of technical hiccups. [Issue#96, p.124]

This is a purist RTS with old-school communists values, where there's power in numbers. [Issue#95, p.122]

It's just a shame that there's such a minimal sense of accomplishment from any given task in the game, because this could have been a chance for a star to rise in the West. [Sept 2009, p.118]

In contrast to an industry dominated by the posturing of 70-hour epics, its geniality makes for a nice alternative afternoon of gaming. [Sept 2009, p.115]

Infuriating and yet stupidly addictive. [Oct 2009, p.122]

Visceral Games has lavished Dante's Inferno with polish and atmosphere. [Issue#93, p.110]

This is a good time for adventure games and there are superior examples out there, but none more loveable than Time Gentlemen, Please! [Oct 2009, p.123]

If Telltale can build on these inspired touches while finding a way to shake off its addiction to repetition and recycling, then we may just have a five-star series on our hands. [Nov 2009, p.111]

Osmos fits snugly into the Zen genre: the music is ambient, the visuals minimalist, and the risk/reward mechanic demands a measured approach. [Nov 2009, p.131]

An unforgettable few hours for gamers of a certain generation. [Oct 2009, p.122]

Each stage is a trial-and-error affair, which is good for longevity but may put some players off. [Christmas 2009, p.129]

For some, the act of simply throwing little computer people around will remain its most compelling feature. [Dec 2009, p.128]

A hugely impressive game overall. [Issue#95, p.108]

Eufloria is significantly more expensive than many games of this type, but it will eat into your life more efficiently than most of them. [Christmas 2009, p.114]

A bombastic revival that shows great promise. [Feb 2010, p.120]

Chime is a small game, but it's one with a big heart. [Issue#95, p.127]

The fun and invention at the heart of Ghost Pirates make it a marginal improvement over the equally likable A Vampyre Story. [Apr 2010, p.126]