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.

Forza Horizon 2 is just a better game than pretty much every open world driving game before it. I mean it. It may not revolutionize the formula in brand new and interesting ways, but it understands what it’s trying to be.

I’m not sure if it’s the best game in the series, but it kept me playing for hours on end, and that’s enough for me. The visual and audio competence supported by the rock-solid gameplay is a winning combination, and just goes to show how much EA has perfected the major-league game formula.

The controls are tight, the sense of speed is exhilarating, there are plenty of unlockables and the game has lots of depth to it.

Casual pinball players will love the Plants vs. Zombies table, and pro players have access to a great selection of Zen's most popular tables.

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.

At its core, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is lovely. The campaign is clearly crafted with care and is filled with personality. Each ally and enemy is detailed and expressive. Its challenges are never too demanding and the floors of the Last Resort are fun to explore alone or with a friend. ScareScraper can also be enjoyable, if you can get enough people to join you in tackling a tower. Really, ScreamPark is the only blemish in an otherwise delightful game.

Dance Central 3 is one of the best, if not the best, game the Kinect has to offer, and yet there is still room to grow in Dance Central 4. Here's hoping the next game will have a more refined feedback system and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

Shatter is a refreshingly unique take on a classic genre. The visuals, music, and gameplay combine to provide a simple yet engrossing experience that will please casual and old-school gamers.

Though the main game isn't incredibly long, there are collectables, bonus levels to unlock, and multiplayer modes.

DJ Hero is a lot of fun, although some hardcore DJ and audio engineering types might complain that it offers little of the creative freedom of spinning. Multiplayer modes have been improved, however.

You'll easily spend months playing through the different difficulty setting to unlock new tracks, guitars, playable characters, and other excellent features.

Undeniably the best music game ever made, as it synthesizes the best of the genre into one neat package.

The Taken King is a love letter to Destiny fans and an apology to critics who felt let down by previous expansions. Systemically, this is the game Destiny should have been from the beginning. Content-wise, it lives up to the hype, with huge additions to solo, group, and PvP gameplay.

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.

The addition of a bulked up multiplayer on the PS3 makes this the best version of the game you can buy. The controls and the sound effects are perfect. Unfortunately, the graphics are the weak link.

An outstanding game - the best the series has ever seen. A great technical foundation has been laid with this year's outing, and true Madden fans will appreciate the package EA has put together.

With a long and flexible solo campaign, quick multiplayer setups (including couch co-op), fun challenges, and lots ways to tweak your ride, wardrobe, and income, Turn 10 Studios continues to perfect their skill with another entry in one of the best racing series in the industry.

It has a robust story, an interesting system, a magnificent roster, and wonderful music. It's a great package that suffers from a few design choices I simply don't agree with. However, they are but small nitpicks in an otherwise enjoyable game.

It's hard not to like this game. The presentation is near perfection. It's got a great sense of humor and it's full of personality. The control system takes some getting used to but it's really effective and responsive.

As far as gameplay goes, Bethesda has delivered in just about every way. In fact, I think they've improved what Oblivion had to offer.

For the first time in years, the game has been redesigned which completely alters the gameplay at its core. Tiburon appears not to be satisfied with just creating an entertaining representation of video football but to advance the realism so that the experience brings players that much closer to what it feels like being on the gridiron. They've succeeded.

Personally, I found this remaster to have improved things just enough to cement me as a fan of Twilight Princess. The world is far more vibrant than before, and turning off motion controls removes almost all the frustration I experienced with the Wii version. I have an enduring affection for Twilight Princess' idiosyncrasies, creepy Malo Mart and all, and I'm glad we've had the chance to see the title refreshed for the HD generation.

Monster Hunter Generations is about coming into your own. We’ve always been hunters, but now we’re hunting our way. The Hunting Styles are an incredible means of being true to yourself. Even better, we can spend more time enjoying our newfound individuality and actually savoring the game, because we can spend less time grinding for specific materials.

Though the time traveling mechanic can wear thin at times, Radiant Historia is an engrossing JRPG offering that's better than most.

The consistent level of quality has never been a question with the series and the addictive nature of the gameplay always leaves you wanting more...You can bet that Portrait of Ruin will be one of my top-10, DS picks of 06.

The single-player story is short, but it's filled with a lot of great moments. The co-op multiplayer helps to give the package a lot more bite.

The nicest feature is the absense of a time limit within the game. This allows for a more seamless play experience, with not having to restart every 2-3 minutes.

An extremely challenging but rewarding title.

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

Ni No Kuni easily stands with the best Japanese RPGs of this generation, and I believe it will stand the test of time to become one of the beloved adventures that people remember for years to come. This is the game for everyone who wishes they made RPGs like they did "back then," but who also loves the advancements we've seen in graphics, sound, and gameplay systems over the years.

If you liked last year's UFC title, then you will definitely love this year's.

All of the game's elements mesh, from the music to the storyline, from the puzzles to the control system. I can't find anything nasty to say about this game. Ubisoft have certainly done their homework.

Everything that has been revamped makes me look forward to next year's version and see if they can bring it all together.

There are a lot of new features this year, but none of them are of much consequence. If you own Madden 08, there is no truly outstanding aspect that makes a repurchase necessary. In fact, the Superstar and Franchise game modes are nearly identical, and the Online Leagues aren't impressive enough to outshine the excellent online play of last year.

This is the Guitar Hero to have. While it may not be a true revolutionary step forward, it does take its strides towards what I one day hope the Guitar Hero series will achieve.

A must-buy for fighting fans. Its balance, variety, accessibility, and depth are unmatched on the Wii, and it gives even fighters on other consoles a run for their money.

A great ending to an amazing season, and it ties a lot of things from both seasons up nicely.

Daxter is an amazing looking creature. He's loaded with personality and his animated movements are fluid and well detailed as he slinks around with tail wagging and ears flapping.

As far as I'm concerned, Sony has made the best baseball game ever.

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.

Fight Night fans will be coming back again and again for a while. While frustrating at first, the game is ultimately fun.

While much of the content is lifted directly from the console version, 3D visuals, new control schemes, and a deep Street Pass mode make this the ultimate version of Super Street Fighter IV.

A solid effort in every direction. It's possibly the most accessible, and perhaps most fun, MMORPG ever devised.

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.

It is an expertly crafted, addictive experience that, while short, is easily worth the asking price. Especially in such a slow month for video-game releases.

Provides a great balance of gameplay features with an easy-to-use interface and realistic situations. I wouldn't be surprised if this game was being used in training sessions for special forces recruits.

With incredible attention to detail, the graphics are among some of the best ever seen on the PS2.

Although there aren’t many significant changes to the gameplay, the game still feels more exhilarating and more immersive because of the improved visuals, better storyline, lack of darkness, and the moral choices Sam if forced to make.

A terribly entertaining, meaty adventure that stumbles slightly with too much boss fight repetition near the end.

I honestly think we're looking at a spring blockbuster and a truly worthy reboot of a timeless classic. DOOM isn't for everyone. The blinding speed of play, demonic symbolism, demanding controls, and hyper-violence may discourage some from jumping in. If you can handle it, though, it really is a thrill ride.

With it's cheesy American one liners (think, 'yippee ki-ya' from Diehard and you're on the right tracks!) it's intriguing storyline, it's amazingly beautiful graphics, and it's fun, 'blast away' game play, I think Farcry: Instincts is worth buying, but if I were you, I'd wait for it to drop down in price a little first.

Replay value is off the map. It's like two games in one with plenty to go back for.

An incredibly fun update to an already fun game.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is a game that looks at the entire first-person shooter genre, past and present, takes all the best ideas, and assembles them into what feels like the easiest to recommend shooter I have ever played. The only caveat to that recommendation is that some gamers will find themselves absolutely ignoring two thirds of what the game has to offer, and that makes me wonder if a different model of monetization would have been better suited for what feels like a collection of three different games.

The gameplay is almost generic. You may feel as though you've been manipulated after the game but not while you're actually playing it. That's the sign of good development.

Red Faction: Guerrilla is a great game. Volition did many things right, but they came up short in some areas such as the subpar story, mediocre visuals, and the less than memorable characters.

It's a quality production from start to finish, always letting fans in on the joke and treats the FF universe with great respect and more importantly, a sense of fun that is always present on both sides of the screen simultaneously. Your Diva's await...

The big difference is the technical move forward. Action is fluid, special effects are pretty, and the cutscenes are funny and entertaining. Even the in-game physics, like building explosions and collapses, are comparable to first person shooters.

An outstanding game - the best the series has ever seen. A great technical foundation has been laid with this year's outing, and true Madden fans will appreciate the package EA has put together.

You will be hard pressed to find a better action game on the GBA. The fact that the game features Astro Boy is actually a bonus. Anyone that likes action and robots, (and who doesn't?) is certain to enjoy Astro Boy: Omega Factor.

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.

There’s just a ton of content here.

People who love music video games won't get tired of this one. Not only does it include standard modes of play, but there's also co-op, face-off, battles, several online modes, and a very compelling music studio that allows you to create and share songs with the world.

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

Not only is the game technically solid but it's a real looker. It's easily the best looking console game ever.

There are other, deeper, and ultimately more satisfying racing games out there. But for a pure, pick-up-and-play sense of speed and fun, Pure is hard to beat.

The carefully crafted animations always transmit the right feel at the right time, whether you're bouncing over a spongy surface, gliding through windy areas, or sliding on ice. Everything in this game is charming; it has a cheery vibe you won't be able to find elsewhere.

Mines of Moria is a must-buy expansion for veteran players of the original, but it will not provide a lot of immediate satisfaction for people thinking about picking up both it and the original for the first time.

An experience unlike any other in terms of gameplay, but the bugs drag the score down.

A great addition to the franchise. There's a good amount of play modes, excellent character customization options, a strong character roster, smooth (though intricate) controls, and exciting online play.

My biggest, heartiest complaint regarding KH is the slap together shooting stages between levels. They are so out of place and so frustratingly poorly executed that they should have not only been left on the cutting room floor.

If you're going to play Amnesia: The Dark Descent in the evening, with the lights out and headphones on, make sure the house is empty. Should someone come up behind and tap you on the shoulder it could be game over. You've been warned.

A great addition to the franchise. There's a good amount of play modes, excellent character customization options, a strong character roster, smooth (though intricate) controls, and exciting online play.

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.

Forza Horizon is made of pure, unadulterated open world racing fun, and I can't take off points for that.

Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty is simply an astounding piece of content that should be celebrated with excessive amounts of rum. At a measly ten bucks, I can't find a single legitimate excuse for any Borderlands fan to skip this.

Whether you’re a devout member of the Creed, someone who’s fallen off the hay wagon, or even a prospective new member of the Brotherhood, this is the time to dig your blade deep into a succulent new Assassin’s Creed.

Only the best elements have been preserved and put to good use to continue the series. Covenant gives us great characters, a unique and fun to use combat system and a storyline that takes on a life of its own.

Syphon Filter: Logan Shadow's is one of the best, if not the best, experiences you will have on a handheld this year, especially if you are a fan of the genre.

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

Even if you don't play Batman's story again, just the extra content is enough to justify the purchase.

For a change, the single-player mode is actually better than the multi-player mode. Expect weeks upon weeks of pure gaming fun.

With such an engaging storyline, refined combat, and content that perfectly complements the time period, Assassin's Creed III is a revolution, not only to the series, but to the genre itself.

If you're a hardcore Dark Souls fan, or if you're confident in your ability to wring every last cent of value out of the game, the Prepare to Die Edition is the way to go.

It retains all the action, polish, and fun factor that makes the series wildly popular with a wide range of gamers. However, the game gains little and loses much on the small screen. As much fun as it is to play, it's going to be more fun, more attractive, easier to control, and hopefully more online-capable on the Wii U.

Treyarch did a remarkable job of breathing new life into the WWII shooter. They followed the conventions outlined by Infinity Ward to a tee and, as a result, created a shooter that is every bit as good as last year's entry. Of course, there isn't a whole lot of innovation this time around, but the increased Multiplayer options, new settings, and great enemy A.I. should more than satisfy all but the most jaded Infinity Ward fanboys.

The three distinct arcade games offer some very fun and difficult casual gameplay, and the interactive element of playing all three on the same screen is simply brilliant. Puzzle addicts, arcade enthusiasts, and players seeking a solid and inexpensive multiplayer experience will find this WiiWare title fits the bill nicely.

Overall the HD remasters of FFX and FFX2 are a home run. Square Enix managed to capture the initial feeling of playing these games for the first time as well as making them much more beautiful to look at.

All of the game's elements mesh, from the music to the storyline, from the puzzles to the control system. I can't find anything nasty to say about this game. Ubisoft have certainly done their homework.

Chariots of the Dogs continues on in the same clever, funny, and endearing way as past cases, and it's one of the better entries in the series.

The arcade mode is very short, and the lack of substantial unlockables makes this one a bit of a bummer in terms of play value. Still, you'll at least have fun both online and offline with the new battle system.

Anyone looking for a challenge will be stoked to live in this world, although less seasoned folks might crash into walls within Yokai Realm sequences. Still, Nioh 2 is a great sequel, with tons of depth and secrets to explore alongside the masocore combat loop. Team Ninja has really changed its output style over the years, and it’s nailing this scene for sure.

Nothing short of scintillating. Any developer that can breath life into a standard hack-and-slash, dungeon crawl style game has certainly got my attention.

What's great about Freelancer is that it's relatively easy to learn how to play and relatively easy to play, yet still provides enough of a challenge to give hardcores a real workout.

Despite the aging conventions of the genre, Guitar Hero 5 gets nearly everything right. There is a ton of gameplay packed into a decidedly user-friendly/hardcore-friendly package.

A very short campaign is offset by additional modes and some insane difficulty settings. And Trophy completionists will spend a long time ranking up on their way to Platinum Trophy glory.

Probably the perfect game for those that enjoyed New Super Mario Bros. and don't mind reading a bit too much as it has an actual story and cutscenes...This game is so engaging that you won't quit without finishing the game and finding out what happens at the end.