It's a genuinely fun-to-play, feel-good experience that joins Tearaway as one of this year's best Vita games. I suspect that few gamers can resist being addicted to the excellent combat, or fail to crack a smile at the party's banter during conversations.

The lack of online play for either the Xbox or PS2 North American versions is downright deplorable.

Don't even think of renting if for this price. With such a simple-to-use, yet complex control system, you can be fighting in no time and continue refining your skills for months to come.

It has enjoyable gameplay, an engaging story, some freaky visuals, and super-effective sound. And while it is the single player mode that stands out as the best part of this title, the multiplayer is not too shabby either.

Blending melee combat with first-person shooting may have been done before but it's never been done like this... It features a deep control system that once learned, will take you places that the original Unreal Championship could only dream of.

A totally accessible fighter. Almost anyone can get the hang of it in a few minutes, but that doesn't mean it's easy.

Learning to fly can be a bitch but the reward is a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of freedom that you just can't get from Mario.

What I liked most about The LEGO Movie Videogame is that it is completely original. Maybe not in terms of gameplay, though they do get creative in sections, but because it is its own story.

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

The stunts you can pull off on a wakeboard in real life are astounding but the stunts you can pull off in the virtual world are nothing short of amazing.

NHL 2004 has gone the distance and has surpassed the 2003 version by leaps and bounds.

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

The bosses alone are worth the price of admission. You don't have to be Metroid fan to appreciate it - but after you play it, chances are you will be.

The level of graphic detail is astonishing. The dogs are fully rendered in 3D and display incredibly realistic animation as the puppies frolic and tumble all over the screen. It's hard not to get attached to these mutts for crying out loud.

This is definitely one of the best RPGs I've played this year.

A major improvement over its predecessors--of which I wasn't the biggest fan. If it could win over a skeptic like me, I imagine that people who loved the first two games will be thrilled by the way this game keeps the series' heart intact but improves on the level design and gameplay.

It's not a vast improvement over 2K2 but it's going to surprise the hell out of anyone weaned on PSX baseball games.

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 been somewhat updated but not all of the updates are better than the original. Still, you absolutely have to get Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes if you haven't played the original - no question.

A lot of people complained that Episode 1 didn’t stand alone as its own story, and Episode 2 still doesn’t But frankly, it doesn’t matter. There are still unanswered questions, cliffhanger endings, and lack of any real resolution to any character’s conflicts, but it’s still a phenomenal story.

One of the most entertaining games I've played in a long time. It has a ton of injoke humor, action, car chases, explosions, violence, adult situations and language - it's what adult videogames are all about...Should you buy TC? You'd be a damn mother****ing fool not to. You can print that.

Instantly compelling.

After Burner Climax is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting new entries into the downloadable space. SEGA managed to preserve most of the intensity and all of the fun of the original game, and this latest iteration packs in a few extras that complete the package in a meaningful way.

The gameplay and control is what makes Midnight club, Midnight Club. It's an arcade racer at heart, with easy to handle cars, and really good controls. (that you can completely remap to your liking in the options menu, allowing for manual shifting as well) Even when your blazing at super high speeds, you still feel like you're in control.

If you've already dumped countless hours into dozens of campaigns with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, this game is fresh enough to add countless more. If you've been on the fence about the XCOM reboot, there's no better time to find your new obsession.

Story gripes aside, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is just hands-down better than Final Fantasy XIII. It has more replay value, a more compelling battle system, an open world, an innovative exploration premise, and much more. If Final Fantasy XIII's laundry list of flaws turned you off to the Final Fantasy franchise, then Final Fantasy XIII-2 will get you back in.

Empires makes the series bigger and better than ever with new scenarios, large scale battles, new policies and plenty of strategy to keep your mind fully engaged.

Steep and deep. That means it's got a steep learning curve but the depth it reveals will be worth the effort.

Getting hooked up with players in the lobby is about as easy as it gets. The matches are short enough and challenging enough to suit virtually all skill levels. The time I spent with this game has been fun, and with a good community base, it can only get better with time.

NHL 16 came in way above my expectations. To see this classic title returned to its former glory is both relieving and wildly exciting.

Symphony of the Night is a momentous addition to the Xbox Live Arcade family, both because of its incredible depth and the fact that it is the first game allowed to break the 50 MB size restrictions.

Some clever puzzle work and manic action towards the end make for a good time.

Fans of the show should not be without this game. It's like being in one of the episodes.

Metro Exodus is a departure from the cookie-cutter shooters, focusing on a gripping single-player narrative and a more cautious pace than the adrenaline fueled, multiplayer-focused titles bloating the genre. Every character is fully fleshed out, the stealth and survival mechanics are a delight for careful, completionist gamers, and the setting is as varied and detailed a post-apocalyptic playground as you’re going to find.

Instead of simply porting over one of their best-selling PS2 titles, NamcoBandai took a couple extra steps to move the series forward as it made it portable. With only the small misstep in the customizable planes department, Skies of Deception could very well be seen as one of the best titles in the series.

Not a perfect game but considering how much entertainment is jam- packed onto this disk, it's nothing short of remarkable. RPG lovers will be rewarded for their intellectual style of gaming with this title.

With an overhauled tutorial, user-friendly interface and straightforward goals, this is easily the most accessible game in the series.

When all is said and done, FIFA 18 is a game I can get behind. A lot of the small annoyances have been fixed from last year, especially regarding player movements, and there’s nothing like diving full force into The Journey with Alex Hunter. There’s also the gorgeous graphics; it’s truly a work of art when you stop and take it all in. The lack of FUT improvements knock it down a peg, but all in all the title is worth sinking your cash and time into. If anything, you’ll love the way Rolando’s perfect sculpted hair deflects the wind in one of the most beautiful stadiums ever constructed as those rowdy Real Madrid fans engage in a bit of tomfoolery. Just remember to take it all it and enjoy the ride.

The framerate is as smooth as it gets as 60 fps. It gets cut in half for the split screen mode but still looks great.

Not only surpasses the Budokai series up to now, but shows us some new and great additions.

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.

Dota 2 isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t for everyone. But if you play MOBAs, then it is for you. This is the game in the genre you need to play. If you don’t believe me, then consider this: There’s a reason why the community has crowd-funded a total of $900,000-plus to the prize pool for The International 3.

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

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.

Overall, the better graphics, easier controls, and clearer visuals help make this Pokémon game the best in the bunch. The great Wi-Fi connection modes also make this a must have for any Pokémon fan who may own too many versions already.

THE innovative and indepth product that I was hoping THPS3 would have been.

If you are a fan of PixelJunk Monsters, you owe it to yourself to pick up this worthwhile add-on. The gameplay still retains its charm, and chances are good that you'll fall in love all over again!

There is fun to be had with Paper Mario: The Origami King. That much is certain. It is a beautiful game with delightful music and clever moments. Its boss fights especially do a good job of making you feel smart. But, while it looks like a Paper Mario game, it doesn’t feel like its predecessors and abandons more of the RPG elements that originally made this series so special.

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.

A fantastic game to gaze at, with wonderfully detailed graphics, enormous environments, above average lighting effects, and smooth looking characters.

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.

A streamlined, somewhat reworked, version that captures the flavor of the real Max Payne but offers its own unique adventure.

Uru has some of the best graphics and sound of any game. The worlds seem alive. The imagination and talent of the artists would humble Salvidor Dali himself.

The game has several improvements and new features, which adds to the replay value. Although the owner mode may not appeal to everyone, the game offers plenty of other features to keep any football fan happy.

Not only is this a great game but like most Star Wars videogames, the production values are beyond reproach. The game looks fantastic.

Liberty City Stories is a summer time treat for PS2 owners who haven't played the PSP version. Even though it's an almost direct port, the control system is vastly improved on the PS2 and the budget price just seals the deal for this full length GTA adventure.

The game has plenty going for it. Most notably the AI which rivals just about any human that I've played against. What is most interesting is that the AI plays fair. It doesn't have ESP.

In a lot of ways, it feels like Treyarch is giving a gigantic middle finger to Infinity Ward, the Modern Warfare developer that always seems to dominate the spotlight. Black Ops 2 isn't just the culmination of the Black Ops series, it might become the most-loved title in the Call of Duty franchise. Either way, fans won't be disappointed this year.

While the punches lack the power experienced in last years game, EA makes up for it with its innovative total control configuration.

It's going to take some time to learn the ropes but there's a deep game with lots of replay value waiting for you when you become one with the control system.

A game that leaves you wanting more is definitely the sign of a good game, and it's also the sign of a perfect rental.

Voices have always stood out in all the versions of Mortal Kombat. This game may have some of the best voices yet!

A great game with amazing graphics, epic boss battles, good gameplay, and mechfights in the snow. It's hard to go wrong with that combination, and Capcom didn't, essentially creating a great gaming experience.

Every bit as good as the original and then some. It may not have the same impact that the original did in terms of the outcome but an all new storyline with new powers and missions takes us further into a galaxy that's already far away.

The controls are more responsive and as a result you will actually use less combinations of buttons and the sticks to make your moves.

This game may have some of the best use of voice talents ever.

Final Fantasy XIII is an amazing game. With an engrossing story and a thrilling new battle system, this is one title you can't afford to miss as an RPG fan. However, though it succeeds on the most important fronts, there are some notable areas where the game could have been better. The linear level design is a fairly large stumbling block, and if you are used to open-world games, it can make the entire experience feel a little claustrophobic.

A well oiled adventure game that will more than satisfy gamers raised on Link, but will alienate RPG purists...Far from spectacular but highly engrossing and playable, which is really what matters most.

The animation is smooth and the sound effects are top shelf. Bullets whiz by, explosions echo in the valley and the screams of the enemy play like a sadistic symphony across the bloody fields. War has never been this much fun.

I absolutely hate the music which is a mix of cheap-sounding alternative and punk.

Playing Child of Light is such a delightful and immersive experience that it's sad to see it end. Minor quibbles aside, this is one of those titles that anybody who loves games for their artistry won't want to pass up.

The amusing dialogue, fun gameplay, and delightfully absurd missions make this a must-buy for everyone, whether by download (in which case it requires a copy of GTA IV to run) or on disc with The Lost and Damned.

An amazing track list compiling important songs from every album of the bands history, solid character animations of the band, accurate representations of the stages the band has played on that fans will recognize, a digital "diary" of the band, and even special attacks in the Battle mode. There's not much else you could ask for. Guitar Hero: Metallica sets the bar for upcoming band-specific titles.

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

This is a great, unique game that expands on the original. It has everything the first game had and its new take on the formula will keep it from feeling stale.

A breath of pure oxygen to the platform genre... Despite it's inane premise and outward appearance, is really aimed at intelligent gamers with a sense of humor.

Anime never looked so good. I was not a big fan of the new-Link look myself but once I experienced the entire Zelda world as presented in this game, I can only commend Nintendo for a job well done.

A long game coupled with the fact that it's incredibly immersive and addicting; excellent storylines really keep you playing.

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.

This is a serious fitness tool. You don't need costly equipment and the entire package costs less than an average month at the gym. It's also a great alternative for those that may be self-conscious about going to one.

It offers lots of gameplay variety and a down and dirty story that gives us a fair representation of thug life in the 70s. Not to be missed.

Incredibly fun. The best tower defense game on Xbox Live.

Don't be scared of the new Gibson X-Plorer controller because it plays just as well as the PS2 version. Too bad it looks a little too 80s hair band for my taste. No matter, the game still totally rocks.

Its fresh take on the fantasy genre, excellent minion mechanics and morbid humor make for a gaming experience you won't soon forget.

Pandora Tomorrow is the reward for having successfully completed the original Splinter Cell. You identify more with Fisher this time around since you already have the required skills from the get go. The new features are just icing on the cake. Eat it up.

One of the must haves for the system. Finally after a gapping hole in the gaming industry I feel like someone has created a complete game. It doesn't leave you hanging un-satisfied.

EA needs to be commended for turning videogame golf into it's own sport, completely separate from the real thing...If you want the most advanced golf game available you'll want this one.

While Prey brings a lot of innovation and fun with it, it's not quite the system-shattering killer app that a decade of delay should promise. It is, however, a solid FPS with many never before seen features and an interesting and original storyline.

If you were thinking that Rockstar would cowtow to the critics and release something on the PSP that was a watered-down shrinking violet of a story, rest easy. Liberty City Stories is as brutal and harsh as you've come to expect from the series.

The amount of things to see, do, earn, discover, and create in this game is truly impressive.

The competitive ranks are locked behind pay walls or dozens of hours of grinding, but the grind is an enjoyable one nonetheless, with the lure to keep you coming back, especially with friends.

Small visual shortcomings and some audio annoyances might keep Madden 12 from being 100% on top form, but with the crazy amount of content and nearly endless gameplay possibilities, these seem like minor grievances.

The cutscenes are hilarious. They are rude, crude and to some, maybe even a little shocking.

Is it a perfect game? No, not really, but it is well-crafted with obvious care and attention to detail, netting a smooth and enjoyable experience with just enough addictive qualities in the gameplay to keep one coming back for more.

Small visual shortcomings and some audio annoyances might keep Madden 12 from being 100% on top form, but with the crazy amount of content and nearly endless gameplay possibilities, these seem like minor grievances.

There is virtually no difference between the PC and Xbox version. The Xbox Live feature lets you play others worldwide in a series of modes that gives the game good replay value.

One of the few PS2 games that ventures into Xbox territory. In looks, sounds, animation, story and depth, this game has it all.

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.