Later Format
A new format of PC Zone was introduced in October 2005 for issue #159. By issue #220, the magazine cost £5.99 and included several regular features including Supertest, where reviewers discussed which game is best in its genre (later audio only); Steve Hill's NeverQuest, which followed the often unsuccessful attempts of Hill's venture into MMORPGs; Developer's Commentary, in which developers looked back on their recently released titles; Retro Zone, with a focus on a different retro platform emulated on PC each month; How To..., a guide with 8 tips for a recently released game and a Buyer's Guide, in which top games were listed, divided into 9 genres. The Buyer's Guide developed from an indexed list of every game reviewed in the publication, along with closing comments. When the longevity of the magazine made this completely impractical it was pared down to just the best from each genre, becoming shorter with each redesign.
As of issue #220, the leaders in each genre are:
- Shooters: Half-Life 2 (inc. Episodes) : 97% / 91% / 82%
- Strategy: Empire: Total War : 94%
- Action/Adventure: Grand Theft Auto IV : 91%
- MMOs: World of Warcraft : 95%
- Sport: Football Manager 2010 : 88%
- Simulation: X3: Reunion : 92%
- RPGs: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion : 95%
- Driving/Racing: GTR 2 : 92%
- Oddball: Spore : 95%
The oldest game in the Buyer's Guide was Deus Ex, reviewed issue #93 and given 94%.
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