One of the pinnacles of last-gen gaming is presented as one of the best looking games on offer for your new console if not one of the best looking games you’ve ever seen, period.

The story is compelling, the gameplay engaging, and the experience of playing is riveting.

At the end of the day Spartan Assault is not a bad game, but there are a few hiccups that hamper what could have been.

With highly addictive gameplay, a fun single player campaign, competitive leaderboards and online multiplayer offering replay value, the new touch screen controls and gorgeous graphics, all of this makes CastleStorm on the Wii U an absolute joy to play.

It simply stands as a slightly above average game for its price but nothing else more. Although future DLC is said to be on its way, I can only hope UFO Dad will be expanded and be given the spark it needs.

GT6 offers a roster of cars that borders on overkill, a wide variety of tracks and tried and solid gameplay. Despite some minor flaws it is simply the best racing experience available on the PS3.

Journey of a Roach is ideal for someone who wants a change of pace in a puzzle game. It is for someone who does not want a complex story line and is looking for an affordable puzzle game for your PC.

In the end, is World of Warplanes worth your time and possibly your hard-earned cash? I think it is as it is fun and something different than the multitude of FPS’s out in the market today, and certainly anyone who is an aircraft enthusiast should check it out.

It might not be perfect but this is probably the most underrated “next-gen” feature I’ve seen on the new consoles. Xbox Fitness succeeds in “gamifying” its workouts like no fitness game before it.

It’s a title that feels devoid of passion, and not even the great soundtrack can save the game’s flying 18 wheelers from utter mediocrity.

Whether it’s the story, visuals, or sounds, Tearaway has proven to be an extraordinary game indeed and is definitely a title PS Vita owners should consider picking up.

FIFA 14 for the Xbox One is quite simply an impressive launch game. The enhanced visuals make for a game that comes alive and for the first time in recent memory I truly felt like I was “in the game”.

In the end if you’ve always wondered about the Saint Seiya series and enjoy an easy and simplistic fighting game, you might want to give this game a shot.

After playing Zoo Tycoon I have to admit that it is quite time consuming, has a long learning curve and is more ideal on a PC platform compared to a console experience. That being said, it is a game that provides a robust zoo experience perfect for any zoo enthusiast, a veteran “sim” player, or perhaps even for a parent looking for a game without any violence whatsoever.

Ys fans may have played better more memorable games in the Ys timeline, but Ys: Memories of Celceta on the PS Vita certainly deserves its time in the spotlight.

Even with its faults, Ryse is a game that one should experience as it does offer a glimpse of what next-gen can be on the Xbox One.

A competent arcade racer that is sure to get the heart rate up with some real ‘edge of your seat’ cops vs racers action.

For my interest in something to be increased, it has to be entertaining. This is where NBA Live 14 ultimately falls short for me.

Driving at insane speeds on a wise cracking sentient motorcycle should be gaming nirvana, but the writing, mechanics, and design of Lococycle are subpar. It’s not worth the price of admission, and is one of the Xbox One’s weaker launch titles.

Sure, there is nothing incredibly original about the game but the sheer size and magnitude of this zombie outbreak is undeniably impressive and certainly gives us a glimpse of what we can expect from these next generation consoles.

Fans of the Killer Instinct franchise need not worry, this is a great game to launch with the Xbox One.

Despite lacking the challenge of other titles in the series, fans will appreciate the nostalgic music and graphics, and enjoy playing through the new dungeons and boss battles that can be easily tackled on the go.

Powerstar Golf has a strange addictiveness to it.

Unfortunately LEGO Friends doesn’t have any extravagant features that make it stand out among other dress-up like games. Add to this that although LEGO is supposedly a main part of the game, it barely utilizes the brand power and you almost forget it’s a LEGO game.

There is no doubt that this is the best game available on the Wii U system to date, and in my opinion it may just be the best game in Super Mario history. Make no ‘ifs’ ‘ands’ or ‘buts’ about it, Super Mario 3D World is a must buy as it is the game Wii U owners have been waiting for.

All in all, Into the Nexus is an entertaining and well put together Ratchet and Clank installment with some flaws here and there that drop the experience from good to just okay.

In the end this game could have indeed been a bit more, but what is there is damn good and driving fans will be impressed that is for sure. Make no bones about it, Forza Motorsport 5 should be a game that you should definitely consider when buying your shiny new Xbox One.

As a whole you can’t go wrong by including Killzone: Shadow Fall as part of your next gen PS4 package. It might be lacking in true next generation gameplay mechanics but it really shines when it comes to the new generation of graphics.

If anything it gives all the Xbox One doomsayers a glaring example of why the Kinect should have been abandoned a long time ago. Even if this game was a fraction of its baffling $59.99 price tag, I would not recommend it for anyone. The Fighter Within has only one good thing going for it and that is you can burn a few calories after a fight or two. Otherwise, do yourself a favour, avoid this game as it’s awful.

Simplistic and easy to pick up, the pure fun that results make this a great game for people of all ages and gamers of all skill levels.

Not only does it look significant better than its little brother on the current generation systems, Madden 25 on the Xbox One seems more authentic and more true to life.

I think I am safe to say that this is not the best game out there, but it is far from the worst, and it can provide kids with some definite fun over the winter months for sure.

With the addition of new character classes, new maps and quests to complete, scenario levels, co-op, PvP, Steam trading cards and a never ending story mode, all for a mere $19.99, it’s an experience that should not be missed.

A fun romp in a B-movie sort of way. I like to compare it to a poor-man’s Indiana Jones movie that you might see late at night on cable.

With two enormous franchise names coming together in one expansive and extremely satisfying title, I think it’s safe to say that LEGO and Marvel has brought us a game that doesn’t come by often and shouldn’t be missed.

Even though Knack isn’t bringing anything revolutionary to the platforming experience it’s still a game that deserves to be played.

With solid visuals, twitch gameplay, and a strange and mesmerizing addictiveness to it, you really can't go wrong by spending time with this game, especially during those times when you need a break from COD, BF4, Killzone, or whatever other mainstream title you may play on your brand new PS4.

WWE 2K14 seems to have stumbled this year presenting a title with graphics that appear somewhat worse then last year, the ever present predictable AI is back, and some historical discrepancies exist. Fans may be able to overlook these issues as the game still boasts a rich story, stellar voice acting and provides an amazing history lesson/reminder for fans, but to the average gamer not emotionally invested in this series I would pass on this title and wait for next year in hopes the game will bring a bit more new offerings to the table.

Battlefield 4, with its huge maps and high attention to detail is just screaming next generation. Playing on maps built for 64 players with a mere 24 seems like not only a disservice but lacking in punch too.

While the subject matter didn’t totally resonate with me there is no denying the strength of the DC Comics brand.

The single player campaign is a wild ride despite its underwhelming storyline and short play through while the multiplayer aspects of the game take the cake and raise the franchise to even higher heights. It's jam packed with all sorts of new content from an engaging squads mode, a hectic Extinction mode and a new slate of multiplayer features to keep the core Call of Duty gamers playing for hours on end.

With issues regarding the AI, graphical glitches, and a high difficulty, I just don’t see myself alien raging again anytime soon.

Though there is some fun to be had, the game lacks the refinement Nintendo is typically known for and the result of such is a game that can vary from enjoyable to mediocre at varying times.

While it may not be the best of the three Arkham games, Origins is still a title that is definitely worth at least a few hours of time for both comic fans and gamers alike.

Ubisoft Montreal has crafted a vibrant world and the strangely endearing Captain Kenway will also likely be your favourite assassin yet. Engage your inner swashbuckler and become the most feared pirate to ever sail the seven seas. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is an experience not to be missed.

The original game was a fantastic teaching tool with a little bit of fun added in, and while Rocksmith 2014 Edition is once again a great guitar teaching tool, it has a whole lot more fun included this time around. This fun factor blurs the lines somewhat as it is way more enjoyable this time around, or at least it feels that way and you may not consider it a guitar-teaching tool at all, which in itself is a testament to the development crew.

Defense Technica is a fully serviceable tower defense game, but I don’t buy the claim of being the ‘next evolution’ in the genre by any means. It is fun in short bursts, but unless you like a grueling difficulty, it’s a game that is tough to hold your interest for more than a short period once you hit that wall.

I was expecting (and hoping for) a spooky and atmospheric thrill ride, but instead got an ill conceived and unpolished first person puzzle game. The story is weak, the puzzles unintuitive, and the experience wholly unsatisfying. Explorers would be better served travelling back in time and playing Myst, or picking up one of the games I mentioned above. Steer clear of this one.

All in all I would say that the 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force is a solid companion game for the home console version. That being said, it does feel dumbed down somewhat (e.g. not as much to explore, not as many secrets, etc.), and there is a lack of co-op play, all of which results in it feeling like a secondary experience.

I found it to be surprisingly challenging, and while it may a bit too easy for veterans of previous games I think it’s a great.

With just the right mix of nostalgia and new features, as well as beautiful, colourful graphics, and a very impressive online experience, Pokémon X and Y both offer a refreshing change to the much loved series that both newcomers and long time fans can appreciate, and these games are one of the best titles available for the 3DS system to date.

Telltale Games clearly has another hit on its hands and I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds… or more appropriately how I choose to unfold it.

Activision and Vicarious Visions could have just used last year’s game engine, added a new story and released it as a new game, but they didn’t. They have taken the existing franchise, added a new twist (swappable characters), upped the visuals and sound, and made a game that is better than those before it.

It’s got the charm and outward appeal, as well as simple but fulfilling gameplay to draw in new comers, but it’s also got the depth and versatility that keeps veterans coming back time and time again. What it lacks in the form of a gripping story, it makes up for with rewarding, fun, and simple gameplay that can be enjoyed by everyone.

There’s always room for innovation, and I know in the future that games will continue to achieve things I didn’t think were possible, but Beyond didn’t hit the points I needed to really be impressed, especially when the bar has already been set high by other narrative-driven games.

Just Dance 2014 is about the about as good as it gets when it comes to a virtual dancing simulation game for your Wii U. With over 48 tracks available at launch and the possibility of more DLC to come, it is perfect for those tweens, teens and adults looking for a fun social game to play.

Is it far from a perfect experience but it is great fun for anyone who enjoys shooters or merely slashing away with a katana sword. Fans of 80’s action movies will unquestionably appreciate what Shadow Warrior has to offer.

Even with its shortcomings Vivid Games has done an admirable job of bringing a somewhat fairly authentic feel to a boxing game for the PS Vita. Sure, it has a few issues but it has enough going for it that most gamers and fans of the sport will like it.

Alien Rage could have been a very good old school shooter a la Bulletstorm, but curious design decisions, poor execution, and a severe lack of polish mar the experience.

I wanted to like this game more. It’s charming, technically competent but ultimately I could not get past it’s shortcomings to consider it much more than an average game.

Rain isn’t the longest game I’ve ever played, nor is it the most frantic or thrilling, but it is definitely an incredibly enjoyable and engaging tale of two children lost in the cold, dark of night.

Castle of Illusion is a beautiful game in imagery and sound yet we are left with some control issues that need some fine tuning and maybe a couple more options to make it a tad more robust. All in all Castle of Illusion is a solid game that Disney fans and those who might be looking for their next platforming fix will enjoy.

It is everything I could have hoped for in a remake as it has gameplay that doesn’t feel dated, it has spectacular HD graphics, it improves most of the problems from the original, and it incorporates fantastic use of the Wii U GamePad. Other than a few frame rate issues I find very little fault with this game as it feels almost perfect, which is why I highly recommend Wind Waker HD to any Wii U owner and Zelda fan alike.

The extra content is neat, but given that most of it is only visual it’s difficult to justify the price point; however, beyond the layer of shiny aesthetics and ridiculous physics is a fun fighting game accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers. If you’re looking to get into the Dead Or Alive series, this would be a great place to start.

The world of Grand Theft Auto V is undeniably a masterpiece and has set a very high bar for sandbox gaming not only for this generation but for the next gen which is so closely upon us. Beyond the game’s story line you’ll be able to put in hundreds of hours just wandering the city streets and never be bored doing so.

FIFA 14 doesn’t bring any “game changers” to the table but what it does do is refine an already superb soccer game.

Perhaps the most surprising title I have played this year. Puppeteer combines fun platforming gameplay, a playful narrative, and excellent presentation values.

Being able to switch back and forth on the fly from classic first-person action to a top-down third-person perspective made for a decent and varied mobile CoD experience.

Rayman Legends is the most fun I’ve had platforming in a very long time. The game’s impossible to put down gameplay really does give the Big N and their Mario goodness a quality ‘run for its money’.

Killzone: Mercenary is a fairly good game, it is as simple as that. It a great title to show off how good games can look on the PS Vita, as well as how good one can play including the touch screen support. Sure, it’s not a true console experience, given a few control compromises and a few technical issues, but it is as close as I have come on the PS Vita, especially for an FPS.

If you’re really dying for a handheld music game KickBeat could fill that void for a bit of time, or in short bursts, but due to the small soundtrack you will most likely get weary pretty quickly unless you’re patient and create a bunch of your own tracks to play with.

I appreciate how the development team really understands the particulars of the real life game as it helps to deliver another great effort. With the advancements made to many aspects of the gameplay and aesthetics this year, both big and small, virtual hockey fans should rejoice as NHL 14 is yet another winner.

I recommend Lords of Shadow, even at the full $29.99 asking price, but if it’s ever on the popular Steam sales for cheaper, make sure you pick it up so you can experience a Belmont’s adventure, as this is the version to play.

It certainly isn’t the most original or innovative DLC drop from the team at Treyarch; however, the new Zombie level “Origins” is as good as it gets when it comes to the Zombie mode and the new (and redone) maps should inject enough life into the multiplayer arena until Ghosts comes out.

With constant rewards and unlocks combined with some great visuals, sound and awesome playability, Rayman Legends stretches your dollar to the max and is absolutely worth the price of admission.

As much as it was an enjoyable exercise in nostalgia, compared to the standards set by today’s games Flashback falls short. The bottom line is this game borders on being technically flawed. Story doesn’t make up for this or the shortcomings of elementary gameplay.

Graphically the game starts off looking rather simple, with basic 3D shapes, but they begin to evolve the farther you get into the game.

Hands down the most ambitious game in the series to date. Ubisoft Toronto made a very bold choice to try and appease fans of every past game we’ve seen and create a ‘Splinter Cell For All’ style game. By and large they’ve succeeded fairly well at their task.

With its wild punk rock vibe, Charlie Murder is a solid game offering up more then the average Xbox Live arcade title. The lengthy campaign is a lot of fun to tear through with friends, and the great soundtrack makes for a fun atmosphere.

For those that played Madden 13 to death you will also notice some changes; however, I am not convinced those changes bring enough “new” to the series and there are some elements in this years game you may find frustrating. You would think, given this is Madden’s 25th anniversary, EA Sports would introduce some “game changers”. If that is what you are expecting you won’t get it here.

Guacamelee is a fantastic fiesta of a game, and Guacamelee! Gold is the definitive version. It has style in spades, charming writing, deceptively deep gameplay, additional content, and is wholly satisfying to play.

Sure, there are some technical bugs now and then, the Play Set missions can be mundane at times, and it may be expensive to ‘buy-it-all-to-collect-it-all’ giving you a bit of “sticker price shock”, but in the end how can one not enjoy what is offered here. The ability to create your own Disney-esque world in the Toy Box is truly amazing, the figurines are very well done, and the thought of future Play Sets is exciting (HELLO…Star Wars, Marvel, or classic Disney worlds).

A game that is rich and deep with personality and unmatched ridiculousness. Saints Row IV is exactly what I needed this summer. It takes everything that I love about sandbox style gaming and makes it better.

The basic nature of the gameplay makes the game quite accessible. The drop in/drop out nature of the co-op play is great for parents who may want to play with their kids and with a relatively good selection of modes and collectibles the game gives even a bit more reasons to continue to play.

A game that I curiously found myself having a hard time putting down. I actually drained my 3DS battery more than a few times as I got so carried away playing.

An ambitious outing for a smaller studio to be sure as Mars: War Logs is big on ideas but sadly a bit lackluster on actual execution.

Rise of the Triad can stand on its own legs if you take it for what it is, which is a throwback to an era of shooters long gone.

Merely chewing gum for the brain. It is a frantic mind numbing twin-stick action shooter that is relentless at times. There is a story to be had but it takes a back seat to the twin-stick shooter chaos.

CastleStorm takes the tower defence genre and adds elements of physics destruction, real-time strategy and role-playing games, making for a very interesting mix that works quite well. It is a casual yet complex game experience that is delightful to play, alone or with a friend, something that this tower defence hater truly enjoyed.

It does exactly what a sequel should do as it retains the roots of an already great game while expanding out into new exciting territory that still feels natural.

The replay value here is undeniable.

Surprisingly deep gameplay, plenty of game modes and unlockables to keep you coming back earn Pool Nation high marks.

Certainly an improvement over its predecessor. By no means is it a perfect game as some of the technical issues did cast a shadow over the experience to a degree. That said, Stardock has been hard at work ironing out the wrinkles and the positives far outweigh the negatives.

A decent LEGO game that comes closer to the console LEGO games more so than any other portable LEGO games have in the past. Though it does have its flaws, it can’t be denied that Legends of Chima is fun.

When you combine the great music, voice work, and amazing physics based pinball action with a great theme like Star Wars you get greatness in a product like this.

Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded is a rehash of the 1987 original. While it has been updated in some ways, the interface and content are firmly rooted in the 80’s.

While I am terribly bummed I find that I am also quite excited at the same time after playing this new DLC from Telltale Games. The Walking Dead 400 Days is far too short, just as the ride begins to get real exciting it ends. The DLC answers no real questions, but it does open one’s eyes to other viewpoints along the Walking Dead’s timeline.

Perhaps a bit over priced at $5.00, considering its 99 cents everywhere else, and there really isn’t much new to offer, although the three stars and leaderboards give you a bit of replay value.