The learning curve is steep for new players, and the new features will disorient veterans for the first few matches. But once you grasp the concepts, you won't want to loosen your grip on the mouse.

StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void is a very solid installment to the already critically-acclaimed series.

The third game is near flawless, embracing the standards of its forbearers while complementing their blueprint with every form of solo and multiplayer content we could have asked for. Most of these features are improvements, though some pose strict barriers on gameplay and technical issues unfortunately keep it off the pedestal of perfection.

The attention to detail is painstaking with perfectly weather wood, rich rustic colors, dense and varied vegetation and of course the odd and highly imaginative creatures that make up Oddworld. The animation is smooth and fast.

With some new features and a shift in focus, I think that Thrones and Patriots has earned its place under the category of "Darn Good Expansion Pack."

Largely feels like an iterative title...This isn't to say that Modern Warfare 3 is at all a bad game-it's an attractive and polished effort with tight controls, addictive multiplayer, and the sense that one is truly on a battlefield, rather than carrying on a miniature war behind the scenes.

With the number of licensed clubs, Career options as a player and manager, and online component, FIFA 11 will keep you busy for a long time.

LittleBigPlanet is exactly the type of game that the Vita needs right now. It's equally playable in short bursts or marathon sessions, it uses the Vita's unique controls in ways that feel intuitive, and its creative tools and level sharing provide the potential for almost unlimited replayability.

All things considered, FIFA 13 is a good football game. It's much better than FIFA 12. It feels more fluid, and in turn a bit more like an actual match.

It's quite a phenomonal take on the sport. Where most developers spend their time making sure their physics engine, models and sound effects accurately portray vehicles driving extremely fast, EA Tiburon has already accomplished this years ago, so instead they focused on the personality of the sport and it makes all the difference.

If you want to play against a friend there is a two-player mode but if you want to really squeeze all the fun from this game, hog it and play against the AI. Having no friends has never been so much fun.

The career mode is just deep enough, but the online mode feels like it could have been fleshed out a little.

Everything just feels so unbelievably right. The control you have over your car is so spot-on that you can literally "feel" it when you nail a drift just right or when you’re careening down a straightaway at speeds of nearly 200 MPH.

The game’s grindy premise has been exhausted for what seems like decade and will leave you feeling more defeated than anything else. The combat mechanics are certainly worth noticing, but the environment restricts them, making it a wash. Do yourself a favor and pass on this compilation of recycled concepts and frustrating gameplay.

It's the pinnacle of the series, inviting people of all kinds to take a load off and spend a little time diving for scallops, re-upholstering furniture, installing a new fountain near the town square, and joining up with their friends for a bug-catching contest.

It's difficult to fully emphasize how immersive and impressive The Witcher 2 is. With their second game, CD Projekt has become the new champion of the Western RPG genre, blending a complex yet compelling story featuring truly impactful role-playing choices with a near-perfectly executed world.

Simply put, The Walking Dead from Telltale Games is a shining example of what interactive media should be. If you miss out on this, you are missing out on one of the greatest works of art of our generation.

The hilarious presentation, unusual subject matter, and super addictive defense gameplay are good reasons alone to give this game a try, but the bevy of content to explore, zombified adversaries to fight, and plants to collect will stamp out any doubts you might have had about whether participating in a war between zombies and flowers was a good idea.

Controls are perfectly forgiving. I love the arcade feel of the title that is extremely well recreated through either of the 360 or PS3 controllers.

Doom 3 is basically a "Best of Doom" with incredible, state-of-the-art graphics... Regardless of whether you like this game or are disappointed that it's too much like the original, I think we can all agree that this is the best, and most definitive version of Doom.

Is GRID the next big thing in the automotive game genre? I think so. The game has incredible arcade form, and I think the Flashback feature is one of the best new ideas we've seen come from this genre in a long time.

Aside from my story gripes with Lady and Trish and my couple of issues with the Devil Breaker, Devil May Cry 5 practically exceeded my expectations. As a fan of the series all the way back to day one, and especially a fan of Devil May Cry 4 and my man dude Nero, Devil May Cry 5 is not only an excellent character action game. It’s also a mostly satisfying end to the story. I’m sure there’s more Devil May Cry to be had from here, but the story that started all the way back 2001 finally feels like a complete work, and that’s a rare treat.

The multiplayer for Halo 4 is something of an enigma wrapped inside an awesome plasma grenade. To say that I am in love with what 343 has done with it would be a disservice. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed the multiplayer enough to go out on a second, third, and probably fourth date.

Solid arcade play, great one-on-one local matches, and a multiplayer mode that is almost lag free - this adds up to one of the best gaming values fighting fans could ask for.

DJ Hero is a well made title that even old farts can enjoy. From the quality set list, accessible turntable peripheral, and generally nicely implemented mechanics, there's a lot for any gamer to enjoy. On the downside, the multiplayer elements aren't nearly as convincing as they should be, making this a game you'll likely play alone.

Realistic is the effect that the designers are going for and they have certainly come closer with this version. Compared to the original all the graphics and animations have been improved greatly.

The fighting system in BlazBlue is the deepest I have seen this generation, and the level of exploration that is possible within the combat is something that is rare indeed.

For sheer variety RallySport 2 is hard to beat. It doesn't really do any one thing great but it dishes out liberal amounts of fun in arcade doses.

From Cloud’s journey of self re-discovery and vulnerability to Mark Hammil hamming it up as Don Corneo, expansion of as much minutia as possible feels like the primary goal here. And that goal is met in glorious fashion. Final Fantasy VII Remake reveres its source material, but isn’t afraid to get sillier, weirder, and even more earnest and emotional. It’s a classic, old school JRPG from the 90s, reimagined as a bloated, contemporary triple-a video game. It’s also, in a way, a significant meta text, but you’ll have to dive into that aspect on your own. Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to be weird in so many different ways for so many different people, and for that reason alone I have to give it an enthusiastic recommendation.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

With more than 600 Pokémon to catch, you won't be putting this game down any time soon.

The extensive single player adventure is complemented by accessible multiplayer trading and battle.

Shorter than the average RPG, this game should take you about 18 hours to complete but the two player co-op and the two other class characters will add to the replay value. Truly an instant classic that will be enjoyed by gamers of all persuasion.

If you haven’t played FIFA in a while, now’s the time to jump back in; this is a great game of soccer. But, if you’re an old hat to the series, the most compelling reason to purchase FIFA 09 may only be the roster update.

I was thoroughly enraptured by Jeanne D'Arc. It's a sweeping epic that has both the mechanics and visuals to make it a must-play title.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

If you haven’t played FIFA in a while, now’s the time to jump back in; this is a great game of soccer. But, if you’re an old hat to the series, the most compelling reason to purchase FIFA 09 may only be the roster update.

With great new moves, excellent graphics, plenty of deep, exciting modes including a variety of mini-games, NCAA Football 06 comes highly recommended. If you passed on last year's game this is definitely the year to buy.

Is GRID the next big thing in the automotive game genre? I think so. The game has incredible arcade form, and I think the Flashback feature is one of the best new ideas we've seen come from this genre in a long time.

With a variety of things to do and loads of replayability, the events list will keep even the most enthusiastic players busy for quite a while.

This addictive puzzle game is lots of fun and comes loaded with dozens of adventure, puzzle, and challenge stages as well as local and online multiplayer gameplay. Best of all, it's super cheap!

FNR4 is the most realistic video game portrayal of the sweet science to date as well as being incredibly enjoyable to play. It has improved upon the previous Fight Nights in every way imaginable.

With a zest for life and a fresh impression, Pokemon Sun and Moon feels like a new introduction to the series, and not a weary inclusion to simply capitalize on the brand. Whether you are devout follower, a jaded former trainer, or a fledgling enthusiast, now is the perfect time to embrace the Pokemon splendor, pause the real world, and take a paradise vacation to the Alola region.

Combining elements from different genres is a risky proposition, but Ironclad has managed to create a truly unique hybrid with Sins of a Solar Empire. It may leave purists of either genre confused, but it will undoubtedly cultivate a following of its own.

It took me almost six hours just to get through the first three levels on easy with all the handicaps listed above. It is a truly challenging game, and is probably one of the best games out on Live Arcade.

Believe me; you will care enough about these characters to want to see just how things play out differently each time. Heavy Rain potentially marks the beginning of something new in the industry and I hope the rain continues to fall.

It's addicting and it never gets too cute so as to be annoying.

For fans of the genre, this may be better than Ivalice. Simply outstanding.

Perfect for quick sessions or marathoning through, MI2:SE packs a lot into its package.

If you’re a Half-Life fan, you simply can’t ignore this one. If you’re not a Half-Life fan, prepare to become one.

It's one of the most intense action games available on the PS2 and it's just begging to be opened up and shot (figuratively of course). Even if you've beat the original; heck, even if you own the original, it's money well spent.

With a variety of things to do and loads of replayability, the events list will keep even the most enthusiastic players busy for quite a while.

It's intense, exciting and varied. Not since the original has a Syphon Filter title felt and played this good. Welcome back, Gabe.

Although the gyms and Johto region remain unaltered, the game has plenty of new features to make the experience feel fresh for even the most seasoned Pokémon trainer.

The replay value is off the chart. This game alone may be a reason to purchase a GBA. I have played card games on the PC over the years that weren't this comprehensive. I highly advise purchasing Ultimate Card Games. It's an instant classic.

If you have the time and patience, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is worth a look, if not for the meandering plot and lore, than for the history porn, the earnest humor, and the massive, mystery-filled world.

Simply put, Batman: Arkham Knight is an awesome game for any fan of Batman, any fan of action games, and I would even say any fan that enjoys just good games.

Extremely colorful and detailed, the environments and character models will make you think you're playing an Xbox game - and an excellent Xbox game at that. The environments are huge and imaginative.

A bit of a disjoined collage of gameplay elements. One must muddle through seemingly endless bits of stats, rules, and micromanagement but the end result is a very deep game that should keep you and another pal busy for months.

With great new moves, excellent graphics, plenty of deep, exciting modes including a variety of mini-games, NCAA Football 06 comes highly recommended. If you passed on last year's game this is definitely the year to buy.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

The lore is spot on and the pacing makes it feel like someone is going through Spider-Man comics brought to life.

It's another Nintendo masterpiece with gorgeous and vibrant graphics, loads of original characters and enemies (both classic and new), beautiful and unique environments, classic Mario tunes, superb voice acting, amusing but challenging gameplay, engaging multiplayer action, and more.

With a zest for life and a fresh impression, Pokemon Sun and Moon feels like a new introduction to the series, and not a weary inclusion to simply capitalize on the brand. Whether you are devout follower, a jaded former trainer, or a fledgling enthusiast, now is the perfect time to embrace the Pokemon splendor, pause the real world, and take a paradise vacation to the Alola region.

A RPG that captures the excitement and fun of the Super Mario Bros series and combines it with depth found only in top-shelf RPGs. It all adds up to what is sure to be consider another Mario classic.

DJ Hero is a well made title that even old farts can enjoy. From the quality set list, accessible turntable peripheral, and generally nicely implemented mechanics, there's a lot for any gamer to enjoy. On the downside, the multiplayer elements aren't nearly as convincing as they should be, making this a game you'll likely play alone.

Like almost every other home made first party release for the GameCube with a few exceptions, MKDD feels like the same old thing with updated graphics and a few new innovations that unfortunately come up short.

One of the best looking games on the PS2 to date.

Forza Motorsport 6 is the game everyone was hoping to have when they purchased their Xbox One the day it released.

Retro has done an incredible job bringing DKC's traditional mechanics into the world of modern game design. The only thing distinct lament is the absence of more rideable animal buddies. Still, a must-buy.

Bully is filled with entertaining and diverse gameplay. It’s got a great story with lots of humor and emotion – and just enough violence to satiate all you little bastards out there.

There is so much content packed into this game that I couldn't even fit all of it into my review. However, even the multiplayer alone is enough to warrant this rating.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is loaded with streamlined action and a full bevy of features that would make Baskin-Robbins jealous.

I can't state this enough; so far, this is one of the best Wii games of the year. With its complex gameplay, beautiful graphics, interesting controls, great sense of humor, and user-friendly approach, this is truly a game that will appeal to virtually any gamer.

This, dear readers, is art, pure and simple. This is what the video game medium allows us to do. This is cinematic gaming at its absolute best-a direct, personal, jarring, dark narrative. Savor it while you can, before the zombie apocalypse brings an end to all things.

An excellent visual package and a versatile control scheme help to set it apart from its competition and secure it a spot on store shelves for years to come.

Considering how good this game is, you will get your money's worth regardless if you take in online or not.

To touch on how huge this game is would take an entire book to explain all you can do and add.

The forty-plus hour new story mode, plus the new bonus modes and characters give fans a lot to play with. Beginner mode makes it easy for newcomers to jump right into BlazBlue.

It's not quite as lengthy or extensive as a Zelda game for the Wii, but it certainly includes all those elements Zelda fans are looking for: lots of dungeon crawling, puzzles, good storyline, charming visuals, etc. Best of all, you can take it with you on your next trip and even play it with a friend.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

DiRT 2 is a worthy successor to the original, getting practically everything right. While I would have liked to have seen a greater emphasis on more technical rally racing, I had a blast with every aspect of the title. From the solid visuals to the sweet tracks, DiRT 2's got a lot to love.

It's hard to believe a tiny UMD disc can pack this much game.

Although the gyms and Johto region remain unaltered, the game has plenty of new features to make the experience feel fresh for even the most seasoned Pokémon trainer.

[The 360] title provides near-perfect football gameplay with a decent dynasty mode. But when stacked next to the Xbox and PS2, its hard to justify the extra ten dollar price tag for a less extensive overall experience.

If you're a Western-style, fantasy RPG nut, you simply can't go wrong with Dragon Age: Origins. BioWare has outdone itself once again - they've created an RPG masterpiece that more than rivals its competitors, even if it loses its tactical luster in translation to consoles.

A relatively short, but sweet, action adventure game that is packed with a compelling story, intense gameplay and excellent production values in both the audio and visual department... A lot less about action than it is about adventure.

It’s really only giving fans of the original a few more toys to play with. Unfortunately, the $40 price of admission weighs heavy on this title, and the sparse new content doesn’t quite justify it. In short, if you weren’t a huge Diablo III fan then Reaper of Souls won’t change your mind. However, if you enjoyed the original then Reaper of Souls adds a new class, several new environments, and a bunch of replay value.

This lengthy, challenge, and utterly adorable title has great potential to bridge the gap between different audiences on the Wii. It's easily one of the best games on the system so far this year and one you absolutely won't want to miss.

Bionic Commando Rearmed is one of the best downloadable titles to date. The production value, quirky humor, outstanding platforming challenge, and low cost make this a game everyone should pick up.

All of the VR missions, Snake Tales, palette swapped characters and the Boss Battles make Substance a must have for ANY Xbox owner.

Playing ball was never so personal. With an incredible amount of slider options you can customize the gameplay to accommodate any style of player. You can go from arcade to sim and all points in between.

There's a ton of content here; enough that the forced repetition of old levels could have been avoided.

With more than 600 Pokémon to catch, you won't be putting this game down any time soon.

It’s a game about killing Nazis, and reveling in that violence. It’s part righteous fury, part joy in the face of madness, and part dope-ass first-person shooter. To put it simply, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a lot.

Saying United Offensive is just another expansion pack for just another FPS is like saying Hurricane Jeanne is just another hurricane.

WipEout HD is a remix in the most proper sense - it takes what made the series popular, gives it an ample layer of polish, and slaps on a hard-to-resist price tag.

Larian Studios has delivered on our wishes by providing a world ripe for discovery, and gameplay that gives as much freedom and roleplaying options as we could ever hope for.