Machine Games has given the franchise a tremendous shot in the arm, and even if you never played The New Order, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is a game you shouldn't miss.

The world of Sym is very cool, but the flaws that don’t belong really hurt the overall beauty of the game.

The gameplay is a bit repetitive, but the strong story more than keeps you interested.

If you’ve already played through State of Decay, Lifeline and Breakdown, then you’re not going to find anything really new in the Year One Survival Edition. Luckily, its already solid gameplay and story eclipse State of Decay’s lack of new content and its ongoing presentation issues.

Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker has a good, lengthy story built on a solid system.

There are some intriguing elements at play, but there are more interesting and engaging rogue-likes out there already.

Double Fine promised a classic point-and-click title when it launched its crowd-funding campaign three long years ago, but the developer didn’t just rely on nostalgia. Instead, it made a game that captures the humor of the games Tim Schafer worked on at LucasArts while creating a modern aesthetic that totally suits the story.

I don't fault Ubisoft for trying something different with its acclaimed Assassin's Creed franchise, and in some respects there's a lot to like. However when the game stumbles it does so in grand fashion, creating an infuriating experience that makes me want to throw my controller more than continue on my quest.

Crypt of the Necrodancer nails everything that it sets out to do. Every moment of Necrodancer is fun and engaging, the music is some of the best original music in any rhythm game, and the entire experience feels very original.

At the end of it all, The Charnel House Trilogy does a lot of things right. I enjoyed my overall journey through it as the suspenseful, yet easily accessible adventure it was. That said, there was a definite lack of challenge that made it feel more like a visual novel than an actual game at times.

It's a bloody, gory bout of glory with intricate controls, a varied and balanced roster, and a ton of ways to play both online against peers or alone on the couch.

Acid Nerve's done a nice job crafting a game that provides a challenge without being overly frustrating, and more importantly, that's easy and enjoyable to play.

The team behind Etrian Mystery Dungeon should have spent a little more time making its gameplay deeper than its labyrinths.

Building on the base game’s careers is a time-honored Sims expansion tradition, and "Get to Work" is a worthwhile addition. It does make the doctor and detective career paths more fun, and managing a retail store is a much-needed challenge. It’s only when you try to do it all at the same time that "Get to Work" suffers.

Stealth Inc. 2 delivers on story, looks and gameplay without comprising one for the other. Fans of stealth games, or even 2D sidescrollers in general would be doing themselves a disservice by not playing this game.

The Show is still the best game in town, but that doesn't mean this year is the best it's ever been.

Visceral's first attempt at a Battlefield game isn't a bad one, but there's little here to be excited about beyond an actual functioning online component.

Even those who have played through Shulk's big adventure before will love experiencing it again in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D. The game survives the console-to-portable transition amazingly well, with only a few minor graphical imperfections to speak of.

It’s not the game you turn to when you’re looking for a challenge or in-depth narrative, but there’s something so comforting about the routine of it all.

Simply put, Boxboy is an excellent puzzle platform game and a great addition to the HAL library of games.

There’s no doubt that Elliot Quest is an homage to games like Zelda 2 and Castlevania, but there’s also a lot of originality here, especially in the game’s narrative.

Axiom Verge is a clear love letter to the Metroids and Super Metroids of the world, playing just like those classic exploration platformers and doing the genre justice.

Even though Life is Strange's second episode didn't further very many existing storylines (that we could tell), it expanded on character and motivations for many of the role players we've been spending time with, and will likely see more of again in the future.

Fortunately, The Handsome Jack Collection's addictive gameplay, excellent writing and charismatic cast keeps things moving in an unforgettable, fun-filled way.

Slender: The Arrival manages to dull Slendy's mystique by shining a light on him and revealing his terrible secret: he's the star of a really crappy video game.

Sometimes things will be tough; you may even swear you're done getting stomped by a cruel and uncaring game, yet you'll inevitably find yourself picking up that controller again, steeling your resolve, swearing to push through the pain to snatch that next triumphant moment of victory from the slobbering jaws of the dark beast we call Bloodborne.

Although its steampunk take on a nightmarish fairy tale is compelling, Woolfe: The Red Riding Hood fails to capitalize on its beautifully rendered environment.

While Mario Party 10 is still a great party game and fun to play with friends,the fun is short lived due to small boards and a lack of any customization.

Though "The Sword in the Darkness" was a bit of a slower-paced episode, it still managed to keep us captivated with Game of Thrones signature political intrigue and secrets.

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is not a bad game. It is, however, a bad sequel.

If "Zer0 Sum" was about introducing us to this world and these characters, "Atlas Mugged" is about getting us invested. The character moments are wonderful, and the few surprises along the way will make longtime fans happy without alienating newcomers.

Type-0 HD's many technical shortcomings may have been forgiven if it were ported to the PS Vita instead of a current-gen console. Despite including stalwarts like chocobos, Odin, Moogles, Airships and a major character named Cid, Type-0 HD did not feel like a Final Fantasy product, especially in terms of quality.

Its few shortcomings aren't to be overlooked, however, as its sluggish, frequently directionless, and deliberately archaic in its design. Don't come in expecting jump scares and big gore; this is a slow-burning experience with an emphasis on style and atmosphere.

There's a solid foundation of ideas here with Codename S.T.E.A.M, both in its outlandish character selection and its unique take on the strategy genre. The problem is both of these elements trip at the finish line, the cast with their boring and repetitious script and the strategy gameplay with its inconsistent pace.

If you’re expecting a full Mario, or even a full Nintendo game experience, you’d be better off skipping this game.

Although the price tag is much more reasonable than your average console title, $14.99 may lead other gamers in a different direction. That said, players who opt for a fiscally healthier expenditure will be missing out on a solid Sid Meier experience, since Starships is a space odyssey that’s definitely worth your time.

Similar to its story, DmC's remastered version of Dante embraces the things Ninja Theory's kept and changed from the old Devil May Cry formula, making the unification of heaven and hell as fun as it gets in the land of Limbo.

Ultimately, Awakened Fate: Ultimatum does provide a unique gameplay experience that caters to players seeking a challenge.

Helldivers is at its greatest when playing with friends in short bursts. If played alone, or over long periods of time, weaknesses like the small number of abilities to choose from, repetitive battles and weapons, and overly-similar missions start to show.

Adventure buffs and those with a flair for the nostalgic need to make Ori and the Blind Forest part of their collections immediately, for it will take players back to the glory days of adventure games in the best ways.

What I thought would be a first-person coaster simulator, and nothing more, turned into a complex and engaging little game, letting me express both my creative and my destructive sides in one fell swoop.

The occasional rough edges show, like its overly sluggish pace and sonorous quiet, but for those who can push through the silence you'll find a deep and engaging strategy title with a solid campaign and enough replayability to keep you entertained until the inevitable Ultra HD VR re-release another fifteen years from now.

Fans have been wishing for the perfect Dragon Ball Z game for a long time, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse makes it clear that they'll need to collect the dragon balls again and wish for something else, because this thing sucks harder than Yamcha.

There are brief moments throughout The Order: 1886 when it’s clearly striving for excellence, which only makes the end result more tragic. It’s easy to toss aside a game that looks bad or is full of bugs, but The Order feels like it should be a good game.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse was obviously an experimental platformer in every sense of the word, and while some aspects of the experiment completely succeeded (the claymation looks so good), the most important parts fell short of expectations.

Evolve stands as a testament to Turtle Rock's unique approach to online multiplayer, and is one of the most enjoyable competitive and cooperative experiences we've had so far this generation.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2’s first episode is a welcome return for the franchise, but it’s a little lacking in the depth department.

While no changes to the game's story mode, this is just the HD remaster of the already Ultimate version of Dead or Alive 5.

Although htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary is cursed with a flawed control scheme, the total package did enough to keep me intrigued throughout.

Hand of Fate mixes deck-building with hack ‘n slash dungeon crawling in a way that’s fluid enough for casual fans to enjoy, but lacks the complexity for veterans of either genre to really sink their teeth into.

Despite not doing anything big or particularly new, Grow Home is an enjoyable, compact experience that knows what it is and offers it in a neat little package.

Majora’s Mask 3D’s small but significant changes push it just far enough ahead of Ocarina of Time 3D to make it as unique of an experience as it was fifteen years ago.

Despite the minor issues, it’s hard to deny that Book of Unwritten Tales 2 has everything I like in a point-and-click adventure: fun puzzles, memorable characters, and plenty of heart.

With a bit more polish Apotheon could have been truly worthy of Godhood, but as it is, this is one very flawed, very mortal game.

#IDARB starts as a leisurely game of basketball/soccer/whatever you want to call it and it could very well stay that way, or it could become a fountain of chaos with random elements thrown in from all sides.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate finally hooked me into the entire Monster Hunter series. I now understand why this franchise has so many die-hard fans, and I get why hundreds of hours are spent roaming the hills and deserts looking for new prey.

A melange of tabletop gaming with hardcore turn-based thinking, set amidst an ever evolve RPG infused world, should have been one hot mess. Instead, Pox Nora shows that life is more than a set of randomized cards. Every step you take, even within Pox Nora’s fantastical confines, makes all the difference.

Nevertheless, Grim Fandango Remastered is a must-have for fans of the original, adventure game enthusiasts and those who simply want something different from the norm accompanied by top-notch storytelling.

It’s not quite as tightly wrought as as the intro, but “Lost Lords” does set up some interesting possibilities for the future.

Radiation Island is a game that may require hours of dedication, but considering it’s a survival adventure that hits almost every creative note, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Resident Evil is an excellent, successful resurrection of a timeless classic. While there may not be enough content to satiate those familiar with the 13-year-old remake, things still felt fresh, in a rotted, unsettling sort of way.

I feel like there’s plenty to enjoy, and the old-time RPG feel bursts from the surface quite admirably.

Dying Light’s core gameplay is solid and offers a uniquely thrilling sort of fun, but for every moment you spend having a good time, you’ll spend just as many frustrated by its shortcomings.

The episode serves as a nice introduction to Max’s world and powers, but it also feels very introductory.

Although it serves as an excellent primer to the impending release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher Battle Arena proudly waves its own sword, carving a path for eager gamers waiting for a new adventure.

Skip this game with extreme prejudice.

It’s a spellbinding, colorful and beautiful world that is hard to shake, even if it occasionally shoots in the wrong direction.

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal is bogged down by slow and repetitive exploration, but there are moments of great, fast platforming that call back to Sonic’s heyday.

There wasn’t a single minute while I was playing this game that I wasn’t smiling, oohing, or aahing at something, whether it be a new detail in a stage, or a big time move pulled off by another player. The Smash Bros. museum is open once again, and anyone who’s ever loved Smash Bros., Nintendo, or video games in general, should immediately subscribe to the lifetime pass.

This is one of the best first episodes we’ve seen from Telltale, and quite possibly one of the best episodes of all Telltale’s work.

Whether you want some hardcore platforming action or an easygoing trip through a land of hugs and high fives, LittleBigPlanet 3 has what you’re looking for.

Dragon Age: Inquisition represents a glorious return to form for the series, with its huge world to explore, great cast of characters, and immensely satisfying combat and character progression. Despite its flaws, this is easily a contender for RPG of the year, and a must-have for most any gamer.

The real draw to return to fold, or jump in for the first time if you missed out on GTA V over the course of the last year, lies in the updated graphical prowess current-gen systems hold. Most significantly, the draw distance in this updated version is absolutely outstanding.

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions takes everything that worked about its already-great predecessors, and brings them together into a new dimension of awesomeness.

This first episode is a bit dense, particularly for newcomers, but the attention to detail is meticulous and appreciated.

Escape Dead Island was almost a good experience, there was just six hours of terrible gameplay holding it back.

Unity is not a bad game, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it advances the series very much, especially for the first title in the series to be a fully next-gen game.

An overwhelming adventure full of violence, warring factions, exploration and the craziest badgers you’ll ever see.

Kingdom Hearts II is another faithful port, but its impact definitely falls short of what BBS accomplishes.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is a great adventure with loads of replayability. It’s much more fun to play with friends, but you can still get some mileage out of solo play.

The captivating stories and kooky cast of characters are completely intact, all with a dazzling new coat of 3D paint that makes them look better than ever.

Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker is a joyous experience in an age where many games go for the grim. This low-cost, high-value puzzler’s packed full of sweet characters, delightful visuals, and its multi-objective level design lets nubile gamers feel accomplished at simply beating a stage while still leaving some nice challenge for the more hardcore among us.

As an indie game by a team known for the wild first-person shooter Serious Sam, not much was expected, and yet what we got was a fantastic puzzle game blended with a story and world surpassing that of most video games by being thought-provoking, well-crafted, and actually having something to say.

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, weird name and all, is a fantastic fighter that does an incredible job of teaching new players the ropes while keeping things interesting for the normal crowd. I love fighters that take this approach, as it can only mean more people playing fighters and my favorite genre can continue to grow and blossom.

The Marvellous Miss Take may, considering its refreshingly light color palette and cutesy moniker, be mistaken as an all too easy stealth experience, but looks are definitely deceiving. Sophia and her partners are beguiling, artful dodgers, and along with stealing a ton of masterpieces, they will also capture a healthy chunk of your time.

Hero Pop is too entertaining to pass up, and eventually I’ll start level 21 and let bygones be bygones. There’s a ton of fun to be had with Hero Pop, and if you don’t mind a little irritation and carry a zen attitude towards free to play apps, grab a balloon, save a few heroes, and pop to your heart’s content.

The character models are impressive, the levels are dark and mysterious, and battles are legitimately fun most of the time. However, the constant repetition of the game’s format and the crippling loading faux pas bring this Contest down a few notches.

Crusaders Quest is a first rate adventure that excels in its combat and customization mechanics. If it wasn’t for the long wait time between missions, I could play this app for hours on end. I usually don’t throw my money away for in-app purchases, but with Crusaders Quest I might just change my tune.

Priced at a reasonable $2.99, Polyform delivers a solid three-match puzzle experience, giving gamers a visually spellbinding and intriguing take on a well worn genre. The title functions as a pleasurable pick-up-and-play app or as a fully immersive adventure.

Rescue Quest is a solid enough puzzler that could keep you intrigued.

Though it can be enjoyed as a pick up and play title, Call of Duty: Heroes is a tower defense journey that also welcomes full immersion into its universe.

This is an endless runner that’s headed in the right direction, and thankfully a portion of that race is entirely free to play.

It’s worth the download even if it gets repetitive after a spell. There’s nothing wrong with a pick up and play puzzler, especially if you love ordering combo platters.

Super Glyph Quest has a foot in both the puzzle and role playing game worlds and delivers on both fronts.

Although Angry Birds Transformers doesn’t reach stratospheric heights due to its repetitive gameplay, there are other elements that should keep you intrigued for the long run.

Despite my critiques on the controls, health regens and continue system of Hail to the King: Deathbat, it still provides an unrivaled experience on the iOS format.

Find The Line is a highly impressive puzzler which literally takes gamers on an unexpected, mind-bending journey.

If you want to play Pokemon on the go, play the real games, play the card games, or play a game you’ve made up in your head, but do yourself a favor and don’t bother with this free-to-play pile of Trubbish.