Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive edition of a franchise-defining kart racer, no longer constrained by Wii U’s teensy install base and poised to dish out hours of enjoyment from its new hybrid home. Not everyone will be tempted, but if you missed the original Mario Kart 8, it’s an absolute must-buy.

These two games make a superb collection which I highly recommend at a mere $40. Even if you already own copies of both games, you'd do well to pick it up for the HD, stereoscopic 3D, and Trophy support at such a bargain price.

If you want more of what you enjoyed in the first Metroid Prime, expect to be pleased as it is duplicated here in vast quantity. High production values, solid gameplay and classic Metroid design combine to form another winner.

Even with the flaws, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a masterpiece that sets a new standard for the classic JRPG genre, bringing over all of the expertise Atlus has with the Shin Megami Tensei series. A lesser game would have crumbled under the weight of such precariously loaded subjects — politics, governance, discrimination, injustice, religion — but Metaphor is able to navigate through them without becoming preachy or predictable. The epilogue in particular addresses the assumption that a hero who can fight villains would know anything about statecraft and tempers the game’s main conceit about the importance of fantasy. On that front, Metaphor’s maturity and self-awareness are real enough.

This is a real treasure and a tribute to all-things Witcher, perfectly captured in the final moment before the credits roll: a close-up of Geralt, who turns to look directly at the player through the screen with a subtle grin, as if giving thanks for the chance to tell one last Witcher story.

Strictly as a platformer based on fun and timing, Rayman Legends is as good as it gets and can hold up to any Nintendo-published game on the Wii U (not that there are all that many). But taking into consideration the variety, polish, and subtle charm, Rayman has Mario by the coin purse. It’s a nearly flawless game you don’t want to miss—especially if you own a Wii U.

It actually offers less new material than "ESPN NFL 2K5", which struck a chord with its VIP system and Weekly Prep. However, Madden's gameplay is more consistent and more solid than ESPN's, especially in terms of playbook depth and passing, and ultimately that's what distinguishes the champ from the challenger.

It’s unfortunate that Street Fighter IV steals much of the would-be impact and innovation from Super Street Fighter IV, but when all is said and done, SSFIV is the best modern fighter in video games today.

If ESPN wants to compete with an EA Franchise that has made some serious leaps and bounds this year, they’re going to have to buckle down in the off-season, tighten up their offense and maybe learn some new plays on defense.

If I ever need to make a war movie, I know exactly what it needs to sound like.

The graphics and realism are breathtaking, if only the single player game wasn't so difficult! Experienced gamers will certainly get their money's worth out of this one, but novices should run screaming.

LBP2 is just about the toughest game I've ever had to score. You'll only get as much out of it as you're willing to put in.

Asobo’s work with Azure feels like something we’ve never seen before — a true next-gen step forward that realizes the potential of cloud-based gaming more than any other game before it.

I've already spent more time with Guitar Hero than just about anything this season, and it's as entertaining as it was the first day. Harmonix has created a game that’s addictive, tougher than John Wayne's sinew and, to be frank, simply rocks.

It just feels great to finally unleash all that power you built up through level 70 endgame in a whole new romping ground once again.

After you've played a game you'll feel like you just participated in a real NFL game and that's addictive to any football fan. I've got the controller blisters to prove it.

This is, without a doubt, the closest thing out there to actually getting together with a bunch of your friends on a Sunday afternoon, taking your characters into a dungeon, and using you own BOO to find out if that bottomless pit was actually bottomless.

Blizzard has always excelled at delivering enjoyable games with beautiful presentations, and Overwatch shows that it can extend this talent to genres that it’s never visited before. This might be its first shooter, but it’s rich with beautiful art and has a remarkable fun factor that you would expect from only the most elite shooter-oriented developers. It’s recommendable to just about anyone even if it falters when it comes to solo play. It won’t be difficult to invite your friends to come join you, after all.

While I didn’t spend much time in this mode, I did come to laugh more and more at Bayonetta’s awkward animations and slightly less-than-believable narrative shifts.

The only thing I'm left wondering is where Harmonix can go from here with the series having pretty much crammed everything you'd want out of the series.

The new ships, new weapons (such as the extraordinarily nasty TAG missile...you'll see), the unbelievably large cap ships, and just the sheer joy of playing this title makes it an easy pick for space combat sim of the year.

Using graphics that are (pardon the pun) light years ahead of the competition, Colony Wars has the best graphics ever seen on the Playstation to date. Graphics aren't all, however, and Colony Wars is not just another pretty boy. With gameplay as fun and addictive as any other good game, Colony Wars is the brightest star in the galaxy.

Really the only problem with Up Your Arsenal is that it doesn't do anything new so much as merely refine the heck out of its past.

The original game looked great when it came out on the PSX, but compared to this GC version, it looks like "Pong"...anyone with even a vague taste for rotten meat should look into it immediately.

Assassin's Creed was easily one of my favorite games of the last decade, and I love the sequel even more. It has managed to improve on almost every aspect of the game, despite missing a couple of obvious and unfortunate mistakes. This side trip to Italy is a truly fantastic vacation and worth every dollar, euro, or gold Florin.

The result turns what should be an engaging, clever and straightforward story about a super-agent out to save the world into a never-ending, philosophical after-school special. Luckily, the gameplay is still so good that we'll surely forget Kojima's ego and his lack of tact when Snake's next course is served.

The Hunter S. Thompson of car carnage, a hardcore title teeming with brilliance, flair and just enough attitude. And it works great with a few drinks.

The fact is that Tomb Raider for the PSX/Saturn looks like a 64-bit game on a 32-bit machine. It is incredibly good (revolutionary, in fact).

Clearly the product of a talented group of developers who apparently give a damn about whether or not anyone actually likes playing their games. And unless there's something severely wrong with you, you will certainly like playing this one.

Sekiro is a great game. Despite my complaints with its boss fights and the elimination of the equipment system Dark Souls was known for, it was a challenging and exciting adventure through Feudal Japan. If you’re a From Software fan, it’s a must-buy game, even with the changes, and it’s a decent place to start even if you’ve never played a From game before. However, Sekiro is far from perfection.

RE4 for the Wii is the definitive edition of the game to own.

Shadow of the Colossus puts its money where its mouth is, providing unrivaled boss fights in an uncommonly realized world. You won’t find moments like these anywhere else, and its few mechanical problems do little to bring down this absolute goliath of a game.

In the absence of other open-world racing series like Burnout Paradise and Test Drive Unlimited, the Forza Horizon series has steadily become a racing staple, and with Forza Horizon 3, it's now on cruise control. With a revised skill system, a wealth of racing content, and a co-operative campaign, you'll want to bend and curve around every corner in picturesque Australia landscape at least once, even if that's the only time.

A port handled as well as this comes up practically as often as a deal like this. Bear in mind, it's still a port, and noticeably aged compared to brand new RPGs. But it's still a terrific game.

Though Borderlands 2 doesn't shoot for the stars, it does more than enough to retain our most awesome recommendation. As long as you have several friends who can join your party, there's no way you will be disappointed.

Splinter Cell's gameplay is perfectly adapted to the mouse and keyboard.

Despite its niggling flaws, NCAA Football 2003 for the PS2 takes the managerial aspects of college football to new, unexpected heights. There's just a ton of stuff to fiddle with.

If you want a game with fast action, huge scale, stunning graphics, and intelligent gameplay, then Crysis is for you.

Yes, the camera can be very annoying and the game is unquestionably difficult and at times frustrating, but the whole is much better than the sum of its parts. It's rare for an action game to get better the longer you play it.

Ready at Dawn has brought this titan down to UMD-size and triumphed. Chains of Olympus is as faithful a version and as clean an action game as you might want on the PSP. The structure is there, the polish is there, and the simple pleasure of slinging chain-swords around is an absolute joy.

"Tekken" fans will probably dislike the somewhat limited depth of DOA Hardcore, though the cool reversal system and tremendous graphics make it worth the price of admission for most.

Sure, you get a new continent, ten levels to gain, and hundreds of quests, but compared to "EVE Online’s" upcoming free expansion (which includes a total graphical overhaul) it’s easy to be a bit under-whelmed, and feel a bit overcharged.

Shadow of the Colossus for PS4 makes the original game and its PS3 remaster obsolete and is the version of the title to play from now on. For longtime fans, it retains the entirety of the original with nothing taken away, and for those who are playing for the first time, it has tight controls and smooth gameplay that makes it approachable.

A masterful adventure game. Although not incredibly impressive technologically, it encapsulates all the elements of a good adventure and is an absolute must-have for any adventure gamers out there.

Jedi Knight combines all the good aspects that a game should have: good graphics, interesting story, innovative game-play and superb multiplayer support. Anyone who has a good system (fast w/ a 3D accelerator) will definitely be pleased with Jedi Knight.

If ESPN wants to compete with an EA Franchise that has made some serious leaps and bounds this year, they’re going to have to buckle down in the off-season, tighten up their offense and maybe learn some new plays on defense.

Complementing the graphics is audio which simply must be heard to be believed for its sheer inspiration of awe.

While no game will ever be perfect, Halo: Reach is as close as Bungie is going to get with the series, and I think they knew that going in. So they did their damndest to make sure it lived up to its namesake, probably even more so than Halo 3 did.

Truly massive, with enough material for at least three all-nighters. . . the first time through.

The game grows on you the more you play it. It doesn't make any giant leaps, but it's still a blast. And it made me laugh. Hehe.

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When it comes down to it, you've really got to ask yourself if Forza Motorsport 4 is for you. There's a ton of content and laypeople like myself will get sucked in when they realize that the enjoyable, speedy racing will unlock them tons of new cars. Still, if you've never dreamt, then what's the point of driving?

This is exactly the kind of revolutionary title that we applaud. Sure, others like it will come along, some will even surpass it, but hats off to Resident Evil for getting there first.

This review only skims a bit of what the game offers, as it’s incredibly complex. However, I feel like CK3 introduces its various systems in a much easier-to-grasp way than CK2 did. So, if you’ve been intimidated about Paradox’s grand strategy games, CK3 makes a new beginning that continues to provide all the fun of medieval intrigue, drama, and history, while making it a lot easier to pick up and play.

Now if only DICE can figure out how to address some of the issues that have plagued the Battlefield games since 1942, like bad single-player content and a pervasively noob-hostile atmosphere, we'd be in gaming heaven. As it stands, we're slightly below that.

God of War Collection doesn’t really change anything about the God of War series other than a graphical facelift and there’s no way to go back to the game selection screen other than reloading the game, but it’s hard to complain about two HD-enhanced ‘A-‘ titles for $20 apiece.

It actually offers less new material than "ESPN NFL 2K5", which struck a chord with its VIP system and Weekly Prep. However, Madden’s gameplay is more consistent and more solid than ESPN’s, especially in terms of playbook depth and passing, and ultimately that’s what distinguishes the champ from the challenger.

For the most part, the graphics and gameplay are identical to its PS2 brother...[but, of course] the revolutionary online component is sadly missing from the Gamecube version.

That’s the beauty of survival, and this world of fallout: It feeds on adventure and breathes in freedom, yet it dreams of order and the safety of the Vault. I can describe it, explain it, tell it in finely chosen words, but I can never make you fully understand for as long as you sit and listen. But even if I die, I do not worry. There will come a time when you will seize that lever and open that metal door, and it is then I will return.

The most amazing part is the environmental audio. The intermittent background music is great and the background noise is fantastic.

As a package, Gears of War 3 is simply the best. Small nags you may be left with--like less than stellar dialog or some overpowered attackers in Beast Mode--fall by the wayside as balanced competitive multiplayer, deep Horde Mode mechanics, and a driving campaign win out. Epic Games have trimmed the fat and churned out one lean, purposeful Gear, ready to stomp some locusts back into the ground.

A terrific game, one of the best computer translations of D&D ever created. Though its gameplay is a bit ubiquitous, it offers more dork depth than anything else in town.

With fantastic voice acting, gorgeous graphics, and a well-written plot, what else could you want from a game? Great for hardcore Batmaniacs as well as gamers looking for a solid action/adventure game, I'm happy to declare Batman: Arkham Asylum as the best Batman game ever.

Meets my expectations with beautiful animations, well-written enemy AI, and a shorter but still engaging single player mission.

The horrible ending to this game has ruined what looked to be a good contender for the best Playstation game of the year. All the potential is there, but Eidos and Crystal Dynamics simply released an unfinished product.

After a four-day marathon of couch-indenting focus playing Dragon Age: Origins for at least fifty hours, I can safely say that there was not one moment of regret. It shows why BioWare is one of the leading developers of our time.

It does an excellent job of bridging the worlds of literature and gaming, and offers a unique blend on the venerable CRPG formula. However, its design does limit its appeal somewhat. It’s not a game that seeks to universally please, but that’s okay. Those who dig CRPGs and don’t mind some heavy reading with fall in love with Disco Elysium. I know I did.

While we’re sorry that the series still lacks an online component for its console versions, we love the cyclical player skills system, as well as the new player search.

A Link Between Worlds gets fearless and distinguishes itself from the franchise’s history. On top of that, Link, Zelda, Rovio, and some of the best bosses Zelda fans will ever fight turn that history on its head, both narratively and mechanically.

While it’s a bit disappointing that the bulk of the package is just a compilation of already released content, it’s still easy to recommend NieR: Autoamta Game of the YoRHa Edition to anyone that hasn’t already played the best game of 2017.

Whether you're a long time fan or a newcomer, Resident Evil 2 remake is an absolutely fantastic game. It's the best in the series yet and wholly outshined my most optimistic expectations. It doesn't supersede the original, but it's an excellent retelling, a wonderful update, and an excellent experience.

Though somewhat safe and predictable, Dark Souls II is more refined and somehow more challenging than its predecessor.

With such simple and smart gameplay, Call of Duty rocks in all the right ways. It looks outstanding and plays well without any needed patches. The single-player is very engrossing, really the best thing since "MOH:AA."

It goes the distance with its plentiful single-player content, provides intelligent, affordable local multiplayer and actually lets you race online.

A barrage of good things. The graphics, sound, music, levels, and difficulty all come together perfectly. Naughty Dog has made Crash a much better game, something that is commendable when so many sequels come up short.

Assassin's Creed was easily one of my favorite games of the last decade, and I love the sequel even more. It has managed to improve on almost every aspect of the game, despite missing a couple of obvious and unfortunate mistakes. This side trip to Italy is a truly fantastic vacation and worth every dollar, euro, or gold Florin.

Perhaps the only major thing that really holds back PGR 2 from challenging the likes of "Gran Turismo" is its lack of real progression. Considering the time I put into the game, I never really felt as if I was working toward a goal.

A perfect entry-point for series’ newcomers and a warm comfort blanket for veterans, this is what I wanted out of my favorite series’ Switch debut.

More of a refinement of the original game than an exciting new offering. While that’s not a bad thing, per se, it’s lacking the innovation that enticed people to play the game in first place.

As of right now, I can’t recommend Shadowbringers as a direct starting point for Final Fantasy 14. Instead, play through the base content a bit and get a feel for it. You’ll thank yourself later.

The fact that Cataclysm has changed virtually every aspect of Azeroth forever is just mind-blowing for an expansion pack.

Now players can create their own school. Logos, fight songs, playbooks and, of course, players are all at your disposal in what is the most comprehensively immersive college football game mode I've ever seen.

An action game fan’s wet dream. Despite a derivative structure and a few technical stumbles—like occasional slowdown and frequent screen tearing—Bayonetta takes everything that’s good about every other combo-heavy action game, cranks up the intensity, fine tunes the combat, and bundles it in a single, sexy, “au naturel” package.

As a value buy, Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition is unquestionably solid and, given its enhancements over the last two years, is difficult to fault.

Playing Far Cry 3 in short bursts or actively distracting yourself with a mini-game will take your mind off its underdeveloped and restrictive story, but the tedium of its objectives still wears thin after a while. It's not a problem of "all style, no substance," but "all style, partial substance." That said, it's hard to deny its prowess for gunplay, exploration, and graphics, with the exception of minor pop-up issues and framerate drops. As long as you don't take the game as seriously as the game does, you'll be entertained.

For everything that it is, ICO is a painfully short game. I finished in about 7 hours. The game really begs the argument: Would you rather have less fun drawn out across more hours, or highly concentrated fun in a scant few hours?

Though the single-player content is a few bullets short of a full clip, this package is a mission accomplished.

FIFA 12 should be applauded for its attention to detail. The little things make a huge difference with sports games and there are some minor details that help push this year's title past the rest.

It’s a massive, exceptional product that expands every aspect of its predecessors without sacrificing much, though it’s a better game on the PS2 than the Xbox or Gamecube thanks to its great online functionality.

The right stick control feels truly intuitive and you'll wonder why you haven't used it more often.

The enemy AI is great; perhaps the best part of the game. Enemies will roll, crouch, sidestep and run to evade your fire. They'll even attempt to sneak up and ambush you.

Perhaps the crowning achievement of "Marvel vs. Capcom 2"'s is the game's ability to get around the Dreamcast controller's lack of six buttons.

More experienced players will wish there were fewer diversions and a harder difficulty setting in addition to the challenge mode, but Nintendo’s hallmark for ingenuity, imagination, and polish shines through.

The most important aspect of Trials Evolution is its lasting power. I could play this over and over for a long time without succumbing to boredom. It's all so well-polished and with its continuous updates of playable content, there's no reason not to keep playing.

Building off an already impressive design set by its predecessor, this DLC pack only shows what awesome scenarios can be told in future content packs. Its story can feel disjointed at points, but it is contained between exciting missions and just about the exact amount of time you'd feel comfortable roaming around in a downloadable title.

FIFA 12 should be applauded for its attention to detail. The little things make a huge difference with sports games and there are some minor details that help push this year's title past the rest.

The only “sin” Monster Hunter World: Iceborne commits is lack of accessibility since you have to complete the story of the base game to get to the new material. However, that’s just the way expansions work, and in exchange for that mild inconvenience, you get another 20-30 hours of new content with the same high quality that generated critical acclaim for the game when it first released.