A remarkable music game, one that captures the two-handed feel of playing a guitar, pairs it with some fascinating and challenging original music, and, at one shimmering moment at least, successfully fuses music with plot.

While the series is definitely far from its prime, it manages to prove once again that EA and Madden know a good game of football, just not a very new one.

The Evil Within 2 is a worthy sequel that makes a number of bold decisions. For those solely looking for the survival horror thrills of the first game, its spotlight upon combat will likely be a disappointment, as will its introduction of a dull open world. However, there's plenty tucked away in The Evil Within 2 that will both appeal to both fans of the original and new players, with it presenting a mix of Mikami's best ideas and John Johanas' new direction. It's certainly not what I was expecting, but in a good way.

As of right now, Snipperclips is the second best game on the Nintendo Switch, more than deserving of a small investment of time and money. If you enjoy anything about Nintendo’s newest piece of hardware, you will definitely get a couple of great hours out of this game. Just be sure to bring a friend along for the fun.

The battle system controls easily and is fairly easy to learn; those who see this game basically like chess will enjoy it. Those looking for a new RPG to get into, however, should look elsewhere.

No matter if it is your first time dealing with the plagas or you know RE4‘s map like the back of your hand, this is a worthwhile version that should be replayed. Even in 2019, this is still Capcom’s crowning achievement and a master class in game design.

The enhanced character models, lightning-fast loading times, authentic WWE presentation, reconfigured match types, better CAW stat-building, the new Story Designer, and the online upload/download server mean that most fans of the franchise will clothesline anyone who gets in their way to the register. But just as many fans will be disappointed by the CAW point system, CAW restrictions in Story Designer and as downloadable characters, gender restrictions, the ho-hum Career mode, and the polished but still linear Road to Wrestlemania.

Liars and Cheats isn't the perfect downloadable content pack for Red Dead Redemption, but it's a darn good one for the most part. Some of the additions might turn some players away, but playing cards or throwing dice online more than makes up for these faults.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is a safe and sound approach shot from the fairway lie of last year’s golfing venture. Its low risks won’t change your mind about the franchise, and there’s still a level of frustration given that it would only take several minimal tweaks to make the design match the brilliance of its production values.

But in the grand scheme of things, this somewhat underwhelming series is falling farther behind the game currently atop golf's leaderboard, "Tiger Woods," and doesn’t look to be gaining any strokes.

Nearly everyone who's kept up with Assassin's Creed thus far will feel like the latest falls a little short of catipulting Ezio and company past the previous outing. These yearly releases are truly a double-edged hidden blade. If the overarching plot kept moving forward at its previous pace, I'd be faulting it for leaving so many gamers behind. In this case, it'll disappoint the most dedicated fans by retreading a lot of ground to keep everyone up to speed.

Vikings may be a promising starting point, but Valhalla is aimless and bloated beyond recognition, making for a dull and par for the Norse installment in the franchise.

In the end, The Rebel Collection a perfect stopgap while fans wait for news on whatever happened to Skull and Bones.

If you love The Clone Wars TV show, this is probably the most faithful and loving game rendition, and a great start for releases of new Star Wars titles.

The original Dungeon Siege was a study in gameplay refinement, introducing a multitude of simple concepts that really changed PC role-playing for the better. Though some of that is still here, it's not so thrilling anymore. Dungeon Siege II is so streamlined that it has lost its hardcore edge.

Its fluid gameplay, loads of content and decent multiplayer makes for a pretty solid fighter. It's still a port of the most rehashed franchise ever, but at least this old student has learned some new techniques.

The gameplay is just as good as you remember it to be and the engine still hauls a great deal of ass, but considering it's had two years to stew, this tour feels a little too much like the last one.

The ability to explore and choose how you want to approach each obstacle is great, albeit a bit simpler this time around. It’s also much shorter, clocking in at around 15 hours, but again, you can play each level in various ways.

Many wars and battles did Rau fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon his name. In time, he became a legend by his own hand...but that is yet another story.

It’s great for kids and non-serious gamers and a fun party favor, but those of you with a taste for the finer things in gaming life will be let down by the largely disappointing games. It will make your mom and your girlfriend happy, though, and to us, that’s priceless.

While certainly not the most inspired of concepts, it’s still quite fun to explore, experiment and integrate the game’s additions into your Sims’ world even after the novelty of its spells wears off.

How many fighting games out there allow you to (a) fight a guy wearing Speedos, (b) fight AS a guy wearing Speedos, or even (c) beat up a guy wearing Speedos as the school nurse? None. No other game can bring you crazy characters like Project Justice can...a top-notch game.

Manages to breathe new life into an old formula. I love the new rules and hope they show up elsewhere in the Bomberman series.

But really, all the game's complaints won't detract from the simple fact that this is Uncharted on a handheld. It's just slightly diminished. Golden Abyss is more like Drake's Fortune than it is Deception-it doesn't span that many environments, has smaller set pieces, and lacks online multiplayer.

The goal of any superhero game is to make you feel like the hero, and by that standard, Spider-Man 2 is unrivaled. That it also happens to be a fantastic action game is icing on the cake, a true treat for both fans of the webslinger and general gamers alike.

The story kept me up for hours on end, the sub-stories were interesting with hilarious characters and great writing, and the combat felt incredible to master by the end. It can’t be ignored that they had a chance to massively improve the story, but chose to just try and maintain the status quo, but the package is fantastic nonetheless.

As a survival horror game, Condemned 2 is too short on horror. As an FPS game, it’s too short on strategy and level design. At best, it’s a brawler with some horror and FPS elements.

Still, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is so bad that it's oh-so good. Though it doesn't aim to be the best shooter open-world experience ever, it's thoroughly gratifying—the amazing title screen, the jokes in loading screens, the heavily synthesized soundtrack, the whole damn thing.

Firefights are frenetic because of the intuitive gunplay mechanics that use VR intelligently to make normal tasks more involving while also going above and beyond in some instances.

Pulse-pounding scripted events and great presentation create a nice backdrop for the Pacific theater of operations, but small annoyances such as enemy pop-up and lengthy load times stifle the package.

While not being the first ever re-imagining of Space Invaders, Space Invaders Extreme is certainly the most striking, both visually and mechanically.

It doesn’t offer the same personality and smile as Thomas Was Alone, but it’s lovely in the almost zen-like way that easy-to-grasp controls and a lack of direct pressure can create. Sure, it’s not difficult, nor is it as personality-driven as other HAL games like Kirby, but it’s a similar, simple charm. Even for the average puzzle-solving blockhead.

After Trine 3‘s failed experiment, Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a glorious return to form.

Wii Sports Resort fits into the rotation of party games, but it has the breezy weakness of being lost in the shuffle.

The PC version of Assassin's Creed III has been injected with eye-popping enhancements that bring its compelling story to life. It's like personally participating in the American Revolution without the consequences of death. The ticket price of traveling back to the fascinating period of America's battle for independence, and the fictional story that Ubisoft Montpellier has layered within it, is just a copy of Assassin's Creed III and a high-end PC. Just remember that you'll have to leave your social life behind.

As a budget Steam release, Outlast offers some cheap thrills for fans of the survival horror genre. Unfortunately its underwhelming visuals, combined with Red Barrel Games’ over-reliance on jump-scares ahead of more psychological frights, made my experience with it feel similar to walking through a haunted house: It’s scary, but not in a very clever way.

From Dust is the God game for the rest of us, shallow enough for arm-chair deities, deep enough for messiahs who want to come to Earth and shape the world elbows deep. As one of the few games you can actually relax with and still enjoy to its fullest, From Dust should be in your library.

The gameplay becomes repetitive quickly and the campaign is over without much fuss. In the end, this fast-paced game falls victim to its own velocity.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a solid original story from Eidos Montreal that deviates from both the MCU and the comics, providing something for Marvel fans across mediums to enjoy. However, while it’s certainly a step up from publisher Square Enix’s Avengers, it suffers with its own notable bugs and glitches that detract from the on-screen action. The day one patch will hopefully tackle these problems, and if so this is a highly recommendable superhero game that doesn’t quite step it up like Insomniac’s Spider-Man series, though still does right by its unlikely group of misfit anti-heroes.

While this game has already released in Japan, it fizzled out for reasons I don’t understand. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE seems to be mostly faithful to both wildly popular games from which it draws inspiration. Hopefully it will find a second wind and catch on in NA and EU, as I’ve stumbled upon quite the treat with Tokyo Mirage Sessions.

The unique combat is very addictive and a welcome aspect to the RPG genre. Some more innovative RPG elements and a few tweaks to the timing issue would turn this quirky gem into a very serious contender.

Renegade Ops is a fun, if repetitive, vehicular twin-stick shooter that looks great, has a satisfyingly dumb story, and lots of cool explosions. It's a little weak solo, but you could do far worse than spend six hours with a buddy, gleefully blowing things up together.

Darwinia+ is the wine and cheese of video gaming. The palatable mix of genres might turn off some players and delight others, and the art style probably won't fly for gamers who need next-gen graphics. Despite that, Darwinia+ offers a ton of gameplay for the moderate price of 1200 Microsoft Points (or $15 in non-funny-money).

In the end, it can feel like we're left with half a game, sort of like that bad guy we ripped the legs off of earlier. The Darkness II features a tight experience with exemplary voice-acting and wonderfully gory graphics. As a piece of storytelling it is one of the better games this generation.

The PS2 version, though graphically inferior, manages to take its act online making it the best of the possible avenues, er, Streets. As unbalanced as the offense and defense are, this game is clearly all about the big offensive play which, in my opinion, is very diggable.

The finest strategy war game I have played to date. The interfaces are seamless, the learning curve is short, and the gameplay is totally engrossing. The variety of forces, options, and the powerful campaign editor will keep it interesting and playable for years to come.

Unpolished and unsure – too long for an epilogue, too short for a stand-alone title. Still, an enjoyable romp with an intriguing story can be found somewhere between the two, and you won’t have to be wide awake to see it.

Basically a chance for those who have never played a true old school RPG to see where it all started, as well as how things have evolved. The two games still hold up remarkably well, serving up a steaming plate of nostalgia.

Interesting rope dynamics, solid control and creative levels make up for the redundant goals and challenges, leading to a worthwhile dip in the water.

The bland single player holds it back, but things get much better when you play with friends.

While Capcom vs SNK certainly adds some flavor to the "Street Fighter" pot, it doesn't change the main course at all. Too bad, considering what this game could have been.

If you’re not sick of the formula, or if you’re new to the franchise, then it’s easy to forgive the meh story, subpar visual presentation, unchanged battle system, and messy multiplayer. It’s a solid Pokemon game that anyone can enjoy. Nothing more, nothing less.

I feel like this Call of Duty could evolve to become one of the best ever, as there is certainly a solid foundation to build upon. With a number of balancing patches, some new (or classic!) maps, and constant communication with the community, I think Modern Warfare will get better. For now, though, you can find me in Gunfight, which separates the brilliant from the BS.

The game’s hidden strength, though, is in its visual presentation.

While the single-player will leave something to be desired, you'll find more than you need to stay entertained in online matches and the challenges, levels, and weapons therein. Kratos may have a lot of miles on him, but the gladiators that take to the online colosseum are fresh and eager for blood.

This is another retro collection that does an excellent job of preserving a classic franchise in an accessible form on current-gen platforms and is worth your attention whether you’re a long-time fan or someone who’s looking to get into the Mega Man X series for the first time.

LEGO Dimensions is still the best LEGO game TT Games has produced. It's more creative in both its narrative and gameplay, and there was only one small optional section I played where the platforming was problematic (traditionally an issue with the series).

That everything feels organic and genuine in futuristic SF is an incredible feat, especially considering the entire game is just text and deliberately low-tech visuals.

Though the premise of an adventure game about a lovable clown is not enough to win me over on the surface, it’s the complex tale of a cynical and unforgiving world the player is expected to change through loving and non-violent interaction that ultimately seals the deal. Adding in the wonderful presentation and dynamic soundtrack, this becomes an adventure game that should not be missed. It is a must.

Despite a few quibbles that most new players won’t even notice, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is an impressive remastering of three of the greatest adventure games ever made.

A snazzy tactical RTS that breathes some life into the genre without necessarily redefining it.

What 3DS features are present in Black and White Version 2 are negligible and feel tacked on. It's instead best to consider Version 2 as the Fire Red and Leaf Green of the original Black and White pair. In the end, it's possible to skip these two, but the hardcore won't let it go. After all, you can't be the very best if you're not also exacting your commanding power over the latest installment in the series. Still, lapsed trainers would do well with Version 2, despite feeling like a stepping stone to the next generation of Pokemon games on the 3DS.

If you’re not sick of the formula, or if you’re new to the franchise, then it’s easy to forgive the meh story, subpar visual presentation, unchanged battle system, and messy multiplayer. It’s a solid Pokemon game that anyone can enjoy. Nothing more, nothing less.

Its mix of brains and brawn come together for some truly fun gameplay. But for a game that's a year old, it would have been nice to see a little something extra.

With Skate 2 released just a little over a year ago, it's clear that Skate 3 was pumped out too quickly. The ideas are great, but the lack of polish is evident with every flip, flop, and flub.

Where Puppeteer stumbles, the player's hands can catch its fall. As a child, you might find puppet shows at least mildly entertaining and at the very least something to zone out on before naptime. To me, the prospect of playing the puppet yourself was always more enticing. Even in Kutaro's world that rings true.

Feel free to take Lara out for the weekend, but don’t go looking for a long-term relationship.

A riveting if flawed run through Skull Island, one that immerses you smack in the middle of a horrific world teeming with life and, of course, love.

Getting Doom on a new platform is inherent to the series’ DNA as people find more oddball hardware to run the classic game on. Playing Doom on a pregnancy test is not the most optimal way to play it, but it is possible. And Doom Eternal on the Switch is similarly possible but not optimal. The Switch port is still thrilling and has an addictive combat loop with incredible pacing yet it’s inherently held back enough by the platform’s weaknesses to make it the least appealing version. It’s a novelty to rip and tear on the go, but it’s questionable how, well, novel that novelty really is. It runs Doom… sorta.

Despite several setbacks with authenticity and character depth, Sleeping Dogs delivers an entertaining and realistic enough interpretation of Hong Kong to warrant a sequel.

The Adventure mode, while not what it is billed to be, does give a good challenge to both beginners and skilled players alike. If you're a fan of chess and need a new game or have a child you wish to teach, Majestic Chess may just fit the bill.

A solid all-around improvement over last year's game. Still, EA should focus on really nailing the online play missing in "Winning Eleven" and stop embarrassing the franchise with petty control tweaks.

As much as I enjoy Ace Combat 7, though, you can see where Team Aces played it safe. There’s very little in the way of new features, and some of the cool options from past games have been removed in favor of a more streamlined experience. Multiplayer makes up for this a bit, but it too has design problems that put its future in doubt in my eyes. That being said, this is an excellent game and a fantastic Ace Combat game, and I’m glad to see the main series making a return after so many years.

But despite some minor misfires, the core gameplay is stronger than ever, and while it may not break the kind of new ground the original did, Company of Heroes 2 is still a terrific RTS with a ton of content that no fan of the genre should miss.

Its visuals are dynamite, the rebuilt cutscenes stoke excitement in any Crash fan, the music is higher-quality than ever, and the little alterations Vicarious Visions made make a huge difference.

Then again, weak audio is a small price to pay for some high-quality motorcycle racing goodness, and if that were the only price you had to pay, this game would be a must-have for the 360. It’s not, though; MotoGP 06 costs $60 but suffers from some hitches that weren’t present in MotoGP 3, a mostly identical but far less expensive game. Still, MotoGP 06 is a cool new bike for your Xbox 360, and an even better used one.

Wii Fit Plus is everything Wii Fit should have been and more. It's a solid entry in the fitness genre.

But frankly, this type of fun we've all seen for the PSX twice already, and there's not really enough here to warrant dropping the dough and adding it to the collection - so rent before you buy.

Electronic Arts and Maxis could have phoned in this last expansion pack for The Sims 3, but Into The Future is as complete and finished off as the equally strong Supernatural expansion. The wealth of new items, the introduction of Plumbots, and how well it integrates the influence of time make this downloadable content worth the price of admission.

If you’re new to the game, you might check it out and keep an eye out for patches and updates that improve stability. If you’ve played the original I’d say skip this one and wait for Project CARS 2.

It exudes elitism, class, and affluence at every turn. It’s a game every bit as precise and refined as the cars it replicates. But it also doesn’t forget that it’s still a game made for the grease monkey in all of us.

The fact of the matter is Fable III feels like Fable 2.5 rather than a full-on sequel.

Paying upwards of $200 for the full Skylanders Giants experience is a hard sell, but the $75 starter pack which include the game and three figurines (one giant, two regular) is a good jumping point for both kids and parents. I don't particularly care whether Skylanders Giants is age-appropriate for me or not; it's fun for everyone and that's what the best family games should be about. Just don't feel pressured to catch them all, if you know what I mean.

Regardless, if you’re a fan of the blue Astro Boy-like bot, or would simply love to check out great old-school 8-bit era games that weren’t made by Nintendo, look no further.

Gravity Rush 2 is a marked improvement on the original in terms of story, graphics, gameplay and characters. It's not without its plot stumbles and boring ancillary missions, that hardly detracts from everything Gravity Rush 2 does well. Whether its flying through the sky, walking up walls or exposing a corrupt system driven by the wealthy and powerful, Gravity Rush 2 is a delight.

If you’re not sick of the formula, or if you’re new to the franchise, then it’s easy to forgive the meh story, subpar visual presentation, unchanged battle system, and messy multiplayer. It’s a solid Pokemon game that anyone can enjoy. Nothing more, nothing less.

While Battlefield 2142 could stand to remind us a little less of Battlefield 2, its awesome technology has shown us a future worth paying for and dying in.

For those who haven’t played the PlayStation version, this is worth a pick-up for the novelty of it all and worth the time for playing with friends.

Even though its brand of battlefield warfare is by no means new, it’s still plenty of fun and a must for Star Wars nerds. Just don’t be fooled by any claims that Battlefront contains a viable single-player experience. This is an online game, period, and if you can’t get online, then this isn’t the game you are looking for. Move along.

Overall, there's not much to this game, if you can call it a game. If you're looking for a game with a point or a plot, keep looking.

I used to be a certifiable comic book nerd, so seeing Daredevil, the Human Torch, Carnage and many other Marvel greats is a real treat.

Dozens of hours of gameplay, the only racing game on PS4 at launch, a fantastic showpiece for your next-gen hardware of choice, and a hyper-connected experience—Rivals is one of the best games to own on PlayStation 4.

With multiple playthroughs in mind, Dead Rising 2 may provide all the gaming you need this holiday season. There's no way you'll be able to do everything in one shot. Going back to Fortune City with a better grasp of the map is only going to make things more enjoyable. Kill, Chuck, kill!

Going past its flaws, Bit.Trip Beat is a solid buy for 600 Wii Points. It's a fitting revival of one of the oldest, yet most memorable, games ever - this time for the 2000s.

To put it frankly, unless you are some die-hard, old school fan of Pro Evolution Soccer, save your pennies and stick with FIFA. PES 2012 isn't a terrible game at all, but head-to-head, it's not the one controlling the ball; it puts on a show that your little brother might like.

If you're intrigued by a puzzle platformer involving duplication and genetic mayhem, Cloning Clyde will provide a few hours of enjoyable entertainment, but not much more than that.

Trauma Center: Second Opinion may showcase a few beginner's mistakes, but they're nothing to scream 'malpractice' over, and you're far better off mastering the scalpel than any other blade currently on offer for the Wii.

It suffers from several obvious shortcomings, but accomplishes what only a week ago seemed impossible by providing console gamers with the full Battlefield experience.