Limited freedom, but gorgeous, intelligent and compelling. [July 2011, p.76]

Perfectly balances free-roaming exploration, focused story missions and RPG-style leveling, with sublime handheld controls in Vita's first killer app. [May 2012, p.112]

A noticeable step-up in class from 2K12, especially on court and in the My Career mode. Only poor navigation spoils an otherwise incredible sport sim. [Dec 2012, p.100]

Games like this are what your PSP was made for. Hypnotic puzzle action that you'll play for ages. Just great. [Christmas 2006, p.94]

Addresses every criticism and packs in a load of new stuff. A masterclass in sequel-making. [Christmas 2006, p.74]

An incredible adventure in an amazing setting. Only weak detective bits and boss battles let it down.

Complex and beautiful, one of the best puzzle games of all time. [Feb 2010, p.84]

A rich and bast game designed to treat fans. Great value, lacks 'wow'. [Christmas 2010, p.72]

It's beautiful, that goes without saying, and a relentless beast in combat. But more than that, it understands how players play - what they look for, listen to, and most of all what they expect. That's why, and this is a considerable achievement, it can genuinely scare you with a common sprinkler system. [Feb 2011, p.82]

A glorious balance of challenge, thrills and accessibility. Vital. [July 2011]

The fastest lumines ever. [Apr 2012, p.107]

Simply, the best LBP on any format. [Nov 2012, p.104]

Almost endless replayability. [Oct 2006, p.60]

While Vice City Stories is just as important a chapter in the GTA saga as any, it's another re-tread of the ageing GTA3 game engine. The missions feel familiar and so do the driving and the save system - they're all remnants of a six-year-old game, after all. Upstart "Scarface" feels fresher...But this is top-drawer entertainment. [Dec 2006, p.68]

If you demand a game hold your hand, this might not be truly essential, but if you're seeking the ultimate toy set to flex your imagination, Skate is the perfect way of letting go.

Makes you feel more like being in a band, edging out its near rivals. [Issue#174, p.72]

Challenging, immersive safari shooter with liberating tactical freedom. [Dec 2008, p.66]

Instinctive, with near-infinite potential; only familiarity numbs its raw playable thrills. [Feb 2009, p.74]

Not a reinvention but the most thorough and polished GH yet. [Nov 2009, p.90]

It's more than good enough to call Peace Walker a genuine Metal Gear Solid 5. There's almost too much game here - there's no bigger game on PSP and no more varied game in the entire Metal Gear series. It's a technical showcase, sure, but Peace Walker is also a creative showcase that proves that nobody on Earth makes games like Hideo Kojima - because nobody else ever could.

Simple, smart editing tools and sound racing make this the king of kart racers. [June 2010, p.90]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

Satisfaction in Vietnam doesn't come from being quicker than an opponent, or having better kit, but from being smarter and using what you have to wisely.

Characterful, amusing, violent and intriguing: Yakuza 4 is excellent fun. [Apr 2011, p.72]

Brash, unique and fun - refreshes old-school values to shame most modern shooters. [Apr 2011, p.80]

Its mad humour brings the laughs, while odd weapons and perks make the gameplay feel fresh again. [Oct 2011, p.110]

Utterly unforgiving... But stick it out and you'll see months of crushing lows and glorious highs. [Dec 2011, p.94]

A phenomenal multiplayer FPS with a polished campaign and smart co-op. Looks and sounds great, but - next to the PC - exposes the limits of the PS3 hardware. [Christmas 2011, p.90]