Overall, Team Sonic Racing is hurt ever-so-slightly by not keeping the transformative aspects of the last Sonic racing game – but that is largely offset by the team-based nature of things. Unlike OnRush, the team-based side of things is pretty seamless and feels like a natural extension of the single character-centric style from before. The tracks are outstanding and feature a slew of new environments for a Sega-based racer, while the controls are great for the relative car class. The game plays like a dream, looks great, and sounds fantastic. No matter what platform you get it on, you’re in for a fun time.

A challenging game that is a little rough around the edges in some ways and the audio is a big overall step down from past games. However, the overall experience is a must for anyone who enjoyed prior games in the series, or even the Wii Sports Resort flight mini-games.

It’s got a delightful cheery exterior, but underneath lies a fairly dark plot that makes wonderful use of the stage play setup to create a visual style you don’t see very often.

The best shooter on the PSP to date, if not one of the best titles on the system itself. A solid single player campaign and a robust multiplayer experience round out Fireteam Bravo.

Makes great strides in improving every inch of the original. This is a longer, deeper and more rewarding experience.

Story issues aside, EVE: Valkyrie is an excellent game and the most-polished of the bunch for the PlayStation VR’s launch lineup.

GRID 2 continues many of the things that made the original one of this generation’s finest racing games, but suffers from a more lifeless career mode.

With multiplayer in tow, Space Marine represents a pretty solid foray into third-person action, particularly for a developer which founded its reputation on real-time strategy.

Dated visuals, inconsistent AI, and lack of dynamic enemy placement cost it a few points. With that said, if you’re looking for an engaging and thoughtful shooter for the Xbox, I highly recommend you add Ghost Recon to your arsenal.

House building very simplistic, no room for innovation.

With multiplayer in tow, Space Marine represents a pretty solid foray into third-person action, particularly for a developer which founded its reputation on real-time strategy.

Just like the first one, but there's more of it...It isn't going to win any new fans over to the genre, but it is very good at what it does.

It’s not without its flaws – the story could have been better focused and the campaign missions less repetitive – but Shadow of Mordor is easily the best video game set in The Lord of the Rings universe to date.

It may be slightly different then original skateboarding games and the controls take some getting used to, but it is definitely worth a ride.

FIFA 14 doesn’t take any major leaps forward, instead focusing on fine-tuning the major innovations the series has taken in the last couple of years.

An impressive addition to the Mortal Kombat Universe, one that handily picks up where "Deadly Alliance" left off. The included game modes expands the replayability for Deception significantly, and the stability of online play will guarantee that this title will stay in consoles for a long, long time.

For the typical gamer looking for something a little more unique, or for the novice gamer (maybe a girlfriend?) looking for something a little less blood-and-guts, Pikmin 2 just might be the way to go.

The story is engaging, the graphics are attractive, and the gameplay is challenging, but rewarding. I'm practically burnt out on WWII games, but this one managed wet my whistle.

An unexpectedly charming title through and through - one of the most surprising titles that I've had the pleasure of coming across this year.

Despite some frustrating gameplay quirks, Motorstorm Apocalypse is a must-buy for series fanatics, and a must-play for newcomers because of its fast action, sharp controls, and incredible sound design.

In short, Mortal Kombat X brings the series to a whole new level.

The gameplay differences between each species make this one of the most innovative games to come out in awhile.

This review is getting long-winded so let's wrap it up. Assassin's Creed III is the biggest and most ambitious Assassin's Creed title yet, but a few missteps leaves it short of being the series' best. In spite of my excessive nitpicking, Assassin's Creed III is great game and a must-have for any Assassin's fan.

While it’s still a pretty good adventure, it doesn’t have the same magic for me that "Syberia" did.

If you think you’d be up for a fantasy RTS title that takes its combat halfway seriously, you owe it to yourself to at least try the demo. If you like that small taste, you can be sure that the retail version is a full course.

The campaign is surprisingly lengthy, and the unit balance is quite well-tuned. Since most of the changes are beneficial, in my view, I can adamantly recommend Dawn of War 2 to fans of RTS games or Warhammer 40K.

What would happen if you took "Tetris," flipped it sideways and injected it with some cocaine? Lumines would happen.

The gameplay in MOHAA is really excellent at times but exceptionally frustrating at others.

From what I've seen so far in Sorrow and its predecessor, this attentive, almost meticulous craftwork put into Castlevania ought to be transferred to a mainstream console or even the PC; my own backhanded compliment to the developers.

While the course selection features slim pickings, the inclusion of the Arnold Palmer Course Designer is a welcome sight, and one that will undoubtedly excite the Links community as a whole.

More of an evolutionary product than a revolutionary one in the series.

Offers many new things for people to do, and that, combined with solid visuals, makes the expansion pack lots of fun to play.

A challenging game with some handling issues that bug me at times and framerate problems that bug me every time they crop up. However, the overall greatness of the game easily overshadows those comparably small complaints.

It pays homage to every facet of the franchise’s history with its gameplay, and the only way it could do more would be to include the past entries along with all of the older character designs as extras.

At $60, it might not be worth buying right away for those who didn’t enjoy either Hot Pursuit or Most Wanted, but if you liked it, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of it.

Both Freedom Force games have the same kooky, over-the-top comic book charm to them, and almost all of the voice actors from the first game returned to reprise their roles in the sequel, and they all did another fantastic job.

You see, like The Matrix, no one can be told what Animal Crossing is. But if you take the time to experience it for yourself, you'll undoubtedly understand why AC is a must-have game despite its technically limited presentation.

Sudeki's graphics are really impressive, both in terms of technical and artistic achievement. The world of Sudeki is one continuous experience, slicing a swath from vast location to location is seamless.

The inclusion of GameFace II, Tour Difficulty mode and Tiger Proofing provides plenty of player customization options that fans of the sport will enjoy. Plus, the inclusion of Tiger Vision allows people who've never picked up a club to feel like a golf pro.

The control system is simple enough so you can pick up and be almost immediately proficient, while leaving enough headroom to keep you learning something new every time you play.

DJ Hero doesn’t stray too far from the formula that made Guitar Hero and Rock Band into household names, but it has a fresh quality about it that the former titles expended long ago.

It feels just as addictive as "Civ2," and that in itself can't be a bad thing. The neat things that got improved, such as aqua-based cities, larger variety of units, unit customizability and a few others make this a great game to play - even if you have to think of it as of "Civ2.5."

In the end, if you really like online CTF style play or a good single player FPS then you can’t do much better than Tribes: Vengeance.

It has a couple of problems here and there (like odd echoes to the dialogue), but it sports a couple dozen intriguing puzzles, it’s well made, and it’s well acted.

Who would have thought that a visual makeover and a few gameplay tweaks could render an otherwise obsolete game into a incredibly entertaining experience that defies all expectations?

One feature I really loved about this game was the way terrain was handled... This is something that I felt was missing from most other games of this genre, and is a welcome feature that really brings the game to another level, especially in multiplayer.

If you’re looking for a game with a ton of depth, replayability and a solid storyline, look no further. Gladius is stockpiled with a ton of features that will appease everyone from the beginning adventurer to the hardcore strategist.

This is classic gaming done right with one of the industries best heroes finally getting his just due and future compilations from other companies would do well to take heed of how Capcom delivered this tribute to fans.

Unchanged from last year, opposing teams don't know how to run a powerplay. You can literally pick up the puck in your own end, rush to centre ice and turn around and head back behind your net. Rinse, repeat, and two minutes later the powerplay is over none the worse for wear.

It’s not a significant improvement as far as gameplay and graphics, but it does help further the claim of AOE as a solid gaming title and a quality multiplayer game. The originality may be gone, but the idea lives on.

If you’re looking for a game with a ton of depth, replayability and a solid storyline, look no further. Gladius is stockpiled with a ton of features that will appease everyone from the beginning adventurer to the hardcore strategist.

Existing Camelot fans and MMORPG players would be smart to take up on Mythic's latest quid pro quo. Time spent versus satisfaction - you're undoubtedly getting the better end of the deal.

While the gameplay is incredibly engaging and the 3D environments are amazing to behold, Lament of Innocence does bare the curse of being incredibly short.

And so am I recommending Return to Mysterious Island? You bet. In a year that has been lacking in adventures and role-playing games -- the two genres I typically review -- Return to Mysterious Island is more than a welcome find, and, along with "Syberia II," is one of the best adventure games of the year.

Though the undercarriage of the game has not changed, EA has done a tremendous job of adding features, tweaking gameplay, and providing visual touches for NCAA Football 13. Heisman Challenge mode really puts this one over the top, providing a new experience and hours of gameplay outside of the well-known modes of play. Even if you have NCAA Football 12 sitting on your shelf, this is a must-own for any virtual football fanatic.

If you don't find the true 360° freedom of movement confusing and subduing, you will definitely enjoy this game. If, however, the likes of Half Life make you motion-sick, then this will be the end of you for sure.

The inclusion of GameFace II, Tour Difficulty mode and Tiger Proofing provides plenty of player customization options that fans of the sport will enjoy. Plus, the inclusion of Tiger Vision allows people who've never picked up a club to feel like a golf pro.

DJ Hero doesn’t stray too far from the formula that made Guitar Hero and Rock Band into household names, but it has a fresh quality about it that the former titles expended long ago.

Some of the magic wasn’t there this time, whether because KOTOR II is a sequel using a similar engine, thus removing the novelty of the game, or perhaps because Obsidian tried to do too much in the game, and the things that don’t quite work or that were cut out due to time constraints have a negative influence.

The inclusion of GameFace II, Tour Difficulty mode and Tiger Proofing provides plenty of player customization options that fans of the sport will enjoy. Plus, the inclusion of Tiger Vision allows people who've never picked up a club to feel like a golf pro.

The inclusion of both the Big Play Control and Pure Swing systems provide a natural addition to gameplay, and the Dynasty mode, issues aside, has a certain level of realism that can only be improved on in next year’s version.

In the end, LEGO The Lord of the Rings is fantastic – very possibly one of the best LEGO games made to date. The level design is ingenious and unique despite using the same tried and true techniques we've seen before. I like how different situations call for unique strategies. I also appreciated the risk taken since there is no central hub.

Even though MLB 13: The Show may not boast any laudable improvements that will raise eyebrows, it is still, without a doubt, the best baseball game on the market.

With a great sense of speed and deep gameplay inspired by Burnout 3, Burnout Legends is one of the best racers available on the PSP. This is one of those games that you can sit down for a few minutes and enjoy or get lost in for a couple of hours.

With long draw distances, fierce competition and frenetic speeds, there's really not much more I could ask for from Moto Racer Advance.

Bethesda's latest expansion pack carries the spirit of the first title and in its open-endedness is night and day different from the more scripted, rigid, and story-driven Tribunal expansion.

Easily one of the most striking titles of the year.

In the meantime, if scratching vinyl appeals to you, or you enjoy this style of music, you should absolutely give DJ Hero a spin.

The improved multiplayer interface, seamless online integration, improved musical diversity, and tricked out visual presentation outdoes its predecessor in every conceivable way. Rhythm-based perfection, thy name is Amplitude.

One can’t help but have the feeling that the series needs something new. The Empire system in this game adds a little bit, but it’s nothing revolutionary, and only provides a distraction from the same old gameplay. This “same old gameplay”, though, is darn good.

It has great graphics, solid gameplay and, while not very original, is a lot of fun to play.

A historian’s best ticket to replaying some of the biggest what-ifs in the twentieth century. The depth in this game is almost unparalleled but it is a double-edged sword. At times, it can seem like the game is filled with a lot of waiting for production (when you put the game at the fastest speed) and a lot of micromanaging your troops (when you put the game at normal speed).

This is classic gaming done right with one of the industries best heroes finally getting his just due and future compilations from other companies would do well to take heed of how Capcom delivered this tribute to fans.

If you love card games or are a fanatic for Metal Gear, and you're fairly patient, then this could easily be the game for you. It's a really great implementation of new technology as well as being very ambitious.

A larger story line, greater number of options and plenty of interactive environments make this title one for any fight fans. It may not completely live up to its design, but it more than makes up for it in style.

Fantastic visuals and solid gameplay, and the addition of multiplayer increases the replay value considerably.

The sound effects in the game - from brewing up a fresh cup of cappuccino, filling a bathtub with water, or typing away at a computer - sound extremely, extremely convincing.

I liked the characters, the game sounded and looked good, and the action sequences were challenging without being too challenging.

More of an evolutionary product than a revolutionary one in the series.

The game is massive. I could radically estimate that unlocking just a small tip of this iceberg could take around 100 hours.

At its best moments, which it makes as easy as possible to find, Black Arrow is a great team-based shooter. I'd prefer a bit more variety in the weapons and a bit more leniency with the health bar, but that's my deal.

Where Silent Storm shines is in combat -- not so much from the combat engine itself, which is nice enough but which uses roughly the same mechanics (with action points and familiar modes of fire) as other tactical games, but in watching and taking part in the combat.

The play by play within MVP 2004 is stronger than many other sports titles, primarily based on the variety of comments found from the announce team.

If you’re looking for a game with a ton of depth, replayability and a solid storyline, look no further. Gladius is stockpiled with a ton of features that will appease everyone from the beginning adventurer to the hardcore strategist.

[It] impressed me mightily.

The inclusion of both the Big Play Control and Pure Swing systems provide a natural addition to gameplay, and the Dynasty mode, issues aside, has a certain level of realism that can only be improved on in next year’s version.

A strategy guide is a sheer necessity (not even close to being optional).

Its depth and attention to detail simply is unrivalled compared to what arcade racers considered 'realistic' beforehand.

Bottom line, when it comes to squad-based tactical shooters, it doesn't get much better than this.

Graphically, the new zones look better. Combine that with the addition of a new race, a new continent, the change from level 50 to level 60 characters, new items, spells and creatures and you've basically got a fantastic addition that is a must for EverQuest adventurers.

The workings of the game are more mature. Besides some minor annoyances, Exodus culminates into a solid real-time strategy title where the term 'real-time' is not a compromise for strategy.

There are no bugs or technical problems, the production values are excellent, and the gameplay is fun. What more could you want? Well, ok, a longer single-player experience would be nice.

It has not only breathed new aspirations into the already high level characters, it has given the up and coming characters a place to look forward to.

FIFA 14 doesn’t take any major leaps forward, instead focusing on fine-tuning the major innovations the series has taken in the last couple of years.

Both games sound really good, however. Plenty of digital dialogue clips were recorded for each character in the games. All the sound effects of the originals have successfully made the jump to the PS2.

Neversoft played it pretty safe with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. It doesn’t break new ground and it didn’t need to. The existing formula has made the franchise a huge success. They did add a local co-op Career Mode, boss battles to the solo Career Mode, and a multiplayer Battle Mode. They also focused on improving the look and feel of the game with tremendous results.

One of those titles that will appeal to action gamers and some strategy players alike. Although it’s a short single player experience, Commando packs a ton of action into every minute, and gamers will enjoy every minute of it.

It's got the same flaws as Painkiller, as well as all its considerable merits.