Improves on nearly every facet of the original. I consistently enjoyed it, even in those frustrating moments up against entire gauntlets of robots or some enormous boss, and the RPG elements kept me coming back for more.

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.

It’s no system seller, but instead an excellent addition to the existing Wii U owner’s library—whether you’ve played it already or not.

It does a nice job offering a much cheaper alternative without sacrificing too much quality. It’s just a shame that the online play is broken, though I suppose you get what you pay for after all.

A great-looking game, it uses the DS better than any other title I’ve ever seen, and most importantly, it’s fun to play.

Solid in every department, this one will be hard to top simply for the fact that it has very few weaknesses. While other entries might feature better stat-tracking or deeper Dynasty modes, they’ll be hard-pressed to be as well-rounded as MVP.

It builds on one of the most solid foundations in recent gaming history, expertly incorporates the second screen, puts the stylus to good use, tells a decent story, and magically transforms your dust-collecting Nintendo BS into the powerful and creative Nintendo DS we had been promised all along. Talk about playing with power.

[It] has as set a new benchmark for the platformer genre with its huge environments and gaming freedom. Play this one through, and you'll never look at platformers the same way again.

Even though I'm amazed that such a good game came together in such a short amount of time, I would have preferred to have waited for a few more levels. It's really a bummer, too, because the game is so much fun.

The animations are so stellar, I don't know where to begin. Just about every action in the game has a well-implemented animation that will knock your helmet off.

It is, as a game, everything you could ask for... and it's absolutely a blast to play.

But while some will dig the new chaotic maps and aggressive traffic-checking, others may be turned off by the loss of precision and the dependence upon blind chance.

The real problem is that right to the end, it's just more of the same. There isn't the sharp contrast that DKCountry brought to the SNES as most hoped and expected. While no major ground is broken from Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong is still all there as a 3D platform game.

A good choice; just remember, it's not the whole enchilada. I like the difficulty level of the bots within single player as well as the possibility of 8-player network play. And where else can you find a chance to put those damn dirty robots in their rightful place?

Monster Hunter World is bursting with content and is a game that you can easily get over 100 hours in.

Even as a shooter, its superior control, astounding visuals and all-around enjoyable gameplay come together for one hell of ride.

Thanks to some fancy "normal-mapping,' Escape From Butcher Bay can boast stunningly realistic environments. The entire prison world is beautifully and fully conceptualized, from the sickly green and orange lighting to the cracks in the doors.

One of those rare games that have such a nonchalant, organic, and artful message about humanity that it feels improper to dissect and analyze each of its parts without recognizing the strength of its narrative sum. It shows that a game doesn’t need nonstop, high-flyin’ action or an epic “save the world” theme for it to have lasting impact and purpose.

The game is still frighteningly addictive, constantly dangling new accomplishments in front of players who, at 3 am, are still planning on playing "just one more turn."

A great game, but having to stand around backstage and watch the other characters perform is maddening. I guess that's what any rookie wrestler goes through.

Solid in every department, this one will be hard to top simply for the fact that it has very few weaknesses. While other entries might feature better stat-tracking or deeper Dynasty modes, they’ll be hard-pressed to be as well-rounded as MVP.

This seems to be pointed directly at the veterans of the series rather than new gamers, and I have serious doubts that anyone who hasn't played the earlier versions will stand much of a chance at making it through this one.

Combining a score-attacking arcade game, the addictive challenges of Call of Duty, varying vehicle mechanics, and all the humor and absurdity Haflbrick can muster, Jetpack Joyride is a godsend of mobile gaming. While you still won't sit and enjoy the game for hours, it's an ideal burst of entertainment in the doctor's office, before boarding a plane, or on the can.

Limbo represents a confident step for indie games firmly into the realm of Art, just in case there were any doubters remaining out there.

With Mark of the Ninja, Klei has proven that they're not a one-trick pony, that they've got ideas to evolve and challenge players with. After more of the same in Shank 2, it's a welcome, fresh look at the developer that's made violence and blood a hallmark of their portfolio. Thankfully, they can still put and interesting spin on all that wetwork.

With a campaign worthy of sequel status and a multiplayer mode full of fresh, entertaining ideas, there isn't enough praise I can lay on AC: Brotherhood.

Even though Super Meat Boy will make most casual players shy away from it due to its extreme, raw (pun intended) level of difficulty, there's plenty of content to dig through and it's all well worth the effort.

Chinatown Wars is a big package, and Liberty City’s pants are bursting at the seams.

The addition of multiplayer is, as one might expect, utterly forgettable. It's a less strategic and more claustrophobic version of Left 4 Dead's survivors vs. infected gameplay with too much emphasis on close-quarters melee and shooting.

Though it lacks much of the original's novelty value, Pikmin 2 is a solid sequel.

High-quality graphics along with a new action doused combat system that's bound together with a solid story make for one hell of a game.

A fantastic way to spend your time and money. It takes everything that made the first game work upon it in every conceivable way and is a prime example of the right way to make a sequel.

On the whole, Civilization V is superb.

Super Mario 3D Land is one of the best Mario games in recent memory. It's better than New Super Mario Bros. and just about on par with Galaxy. A few months back I stated that Ocarina of Time 3D was the premier reason to own a 3DS. That is no longer the case. Mario is still Nintendo's man to move hardware, even if he is a bit late to the party.

The storytelling is just one not-so-great addition they’ve made in a series of other great additions, like the spot-on implementation of the Wii controls. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption blossoms into a fun, massive game with a tiny bit of heart, and if this is the high note in the trilogy it is a perfectly agreeable conclusion.

There's something very magnetic about this game that keeps pulling me back to grab more jiggies... The framerate drops can be bothersome, but it's still a fun 3D platformer.

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.

If you've been waiting for a MMO to come out that's well worth its price of admission then you're in luck. Guild Wars 2 presents a diverse repertoire of options ranging from an entertaining leveling experience that constantly rewards you to a deep PvP component that may become the new face of the genre.

There is nothing cooler out for the PS2 right now. Viewtiful Joe is a singular game of incredible craftsmanship and provides a unique experience that no fan of the action genre should miss.

This is just a smart, well-made racer. Props to Codemasters for putting out the two best rally games ever. If you like video games and have two opposable thumbs, I recommend that you buy this game.

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.

This year's installment of FIFA has increasingly improved from its previous release.

The ease of access and quick time to beat each mission is what separates this game from other turn-based strategy games and makes it more appealing for those who don't necessarily have 30 minutes or an hour to complete a map.

Tekken 8 is a competent and appealing entry in the series that shakes up its familiar combat system without making it too unbalanced. Apart from the story campaign, the offline modes sadly aren’t as strong as they could be. But the PvP modes work fairly well and will keep the community afloat, even if crossplay is a bit finicky and the online connection crashes on occasion. Tekken 8 provides a solid base for additional content until the next entry, be it more characters, customization options, or extra modes. Either way, we’re ready for the next battle.

Since the Total War series repeats itself as much as human history does, it’s not surprising to find that Empire: Total War doesn't substantively differ from prior iterations.

If they can just clean up the fighting and add some extra fire to the Franchise, we’ll definitely be seeing this series' “A” game.

A lackluster second offering when so much more could be done with the Command & Conquer universe, but just see how much damage I do to you if you take it away from me.

A great game, but not a perfect one. The battles and junction system have their flaws. At times you'll be too powerful; at other times, you'll just be drawing spells to gain strength. But the long ending that waits in store will make up for most of the negatives.

Essentially, Madden 2001 is just another upgrade, and it's becoming clear that EA has bigger plans than the PSX...namely, the PS2.

It's got great action from two perspectives, mind-bending puzzles, and enough Force-powered Star Wars action to keep you up 'til the banthas come home.

The story is wonderful and has plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting and isn't so happy-go-lucky like you might expect.

Despite this, and despite so much else, X-COM: Enemy Unknown feels like the revival of not just a brand, but a genre. If you told me six years ago that I'd be playing a full $60 turn-based strategy game, I probably would have zapped you with a plasma rifle.

It delivers unbelievable graphics and more cathartic chaos than you can shoot a luger at, but has something of a dumb head on its shoulders, an overly simple control scheme and busies itself providing greater densities of the same old content without doing anything new.

But while some will dig the new chaotic maps and aggressive traffic-checking, others may be turned off by the loss of precision and the dependence upon blind chance.

The core of Dragon Quest VIII is the epitome of elegant design while the aesthetics are nearly unmatched. What it lacks in innovation it makes up for in refinement and delivery, leading to the new king of the old school.

Still, as a new version of a game many never played, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D has plenty of improvements that overall make it a more playable experience.

Clever, innovative, deliciously creative, and just about the prettiest thing I've ever seen. The graphics are simply astounding and remarkably scalable to work on older systems... If it wore a bikini, I'd put a poster of it in my garage.

More than anything, Tiger Woods is an addictive game. The immense single-player experience will have you staring at the set for hours, just trying to win more money, unlock more gear and establish yourself as a legend.

Just don't expect anything new. Like the myths themselves, AoM's gameplay has been passed down from generation to generation for many, many years.

A great new dose of anti-gravity racing magic and a must-have for all hardcore fans. Sure, you don't fix what 'aint broke, but I just wish the game had a little something more… a career more, vehicle upgrades, something.

Not everyone may take to the strategic undercurrent, but as it stands, this Pikmin has already fixed its roots deep in my jaded gamer's heart.

Without the maracas, this game turns into a bad version of "Parappa the Rapper." A REALLY bad version.

There is so much to do in Plants vs. Zombies that it's impossible to become bored with the game.

After Yakuza: Like a Dragon soft rebooted the series, I presumed the next entry would focus entirely on Ichiban. After all, the Yakuza were finished, Kiryu had his curtain call, and a new generation of heroes and villains took the stage. However, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth seems like a step backward for the series narratively. Instead of the Yokohama gang getting a new adventure without eight games worth of lore weighing them down, Infinite Wealth spends around 50% of its runtime saying goodbye to Kiryu yet again. Fortunately, improved combat and excellent side activities compensate for Infinite Wealth’s narrative struggles.

Fun and accessibility are the most important factors for a game of this class, and the solid implementation of the new Trick Stick makes NBA Street V3 one of the most entertaining, broadly playable basketball games ever made.

Despite its uncompromising attitude, Demon's Souls is a rare and unexpected treat.

Add in an extensive amount of lore, as well as great writing and detailed conversation options, and the result is a finely-crafted RPG that will take over 60 hours to complete. Be prepared to say “goodbye” to the sun because with so many classes and side quests, most players will want to replay Pillars of Eternity at least once.

The Elder Scrolls tech support forum is overflowing with user complaints about compatibility issues. At any rate, this is still the biggest, deepest, most detailed RPG to hit the PC since Daggerfall, and for that, earns high marks.

Fable II might be a shallow RPG that's a bit too easy (I have never died), and if you're looking for a challenge, it's not here. But that's because it's not really an RPG. Difficulty, stat-obsession, and death is as pointless in Fable II as it is in "The Sims."

Does an excellent job on the ice, providing the best all around control that I've ever seen. Good physics and a solid presentation add to the show.

The story is so well developed in this game you'll wonder why you've been playing mindless shooting games like "Quake." When you start the game you'll be treated to with one of the most chilling, well-written introductions a game has ever been blessed with.

These are both high-quality RPGs that, for the most part, stand the test of time.

With a campaign worthy of sequel status and a multiplayer mode full of fresh, entertaining ideas, there isn't enough praise I can lay on AC: Brotherhood.

Left 4 Dead 2 may have lost some of that new zombie smell, but its cooperative play is still among the best.

The only thing missing from the game is a decent story for the single-player mode. I understand that this is a game made for online play, but you get this really great animated opening that kind of lays down a general plot and that’s it.

Slay the Spire is one of the most satisfying games I’ve played in recent memory. Laying down a series of cards and watching as they wreaked havoc on enemies made me feel like a strategic mastermind, and that this could be done without spending hundreds of hours building a deck was refreshing. Slay the Spire has spent all its energy in order to firmly sink its claws into me, and I can’t envisage putting this game down for a long time.99

The only thing missing from the game is a decent story for the single-player mode. I understand that this is a game made for online play, but you get this really great animated opening that kind of lays down a general plot and that’s it.

Left 4 Dead 2 may have lost some of that new zombie smell, but its cooperative play is still among the best.

The single-player campaign is a blast while the multiplayer is solid if only slightly underwhelming. Kudos to the developer for creating a work of fun that made me chuckle, smile, and feel good. Who knew an iron giant, accompanied by clever level design, would steal my heart?

Even with minor issues with linearity, framerate, and the originality of level design, Dark Souls III is an outstanding send-off for a seminal trilogy that has influenced and legitimized difficulty in games with unapologetic force.

Despite its random flaws, the game's gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay and top-notch Franchise mode make it an easy All-Star.

Another twist unique (I think) to Tekken 2 is the infinite fighting area. If you hate the cheap 'Ring Outs' in "VF2" or "Battle Arena Toshinden" or if your irritating friend keeps pinning you against the wall when playing X-Men, you'll love the unlimited fighting area.

Despite its generally underwhelming fighting system and lack of depth, this is a solid, satisfying action epic.

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 story wasn't much of a story at all. So for all you readers out there that are hoping for a whopper of a tale, I hope you can be satisfied with a mere kid's meal.

When the online modes work, they really sing, allowing for hours to slip away into tons of entertaining crashes and near-misses. Unfortunately, they can also be extremely broken.

Truly knuckles-scraping-against-asphalt hard, but not impossible. It's completely rewarding when you finally overcome the odds. Yet at the same time, it's a daunting game and is best to take on gradually in small doses.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an excellent combination of games, offering both co-op Mario mayhem and a 3D Mario collect-a-thon in a single package. While Mario 3D World might not be Nintendo at its most creative, it’s still a must-play multiplayer game for Nintendo Switch owners, and Bowser’s Fury is much more than just the cherry on the cake.

If you want a challenging, briefly terrifying, often maddening game with plenty to explore, experiment with, and beat your head against, this is your game.

Fun and accessibility are the most important factors for a game of this class, and the solid implementation of the new Trick Stick makes NBA Street V3 one of the most entertaining, broadly playable basketball games ever made.

The best arcade racer to hit the PS2. With it's combination of really fun gameplay, good delivery, terrific tracks and robust modes, this is definitely worthy of gracing the collection of any console racing fan.

Lengthy, awesome story.

Platformers have technically advanced a lot since the original Psychonauts, though they’ve never really grown up. Despite animated films from the likes of Pixar addressing depression, grief, and even dementia for a younger audience, games rarely explore hard-hitting topics in a way that’s palatable for kids. Psychonauts 2 not only does a terrific job of exploring mental health without the confrontational heaviness of the M-rated The Last of Us 2, while diving in deep enough to warrant lengthy conversations about its themes long after its credits have rolled. While its old-school nature can lead to frustration, I was far too enamored by its characters and their heart-warming empathy for one another to let it dampen my enjoyment of this long-awaited sequel.

It is one of the best hockey games I've played...a picture perfect port of the Playstation 2 version. The graphics are just a smidgen better than the original.

While the PS2 version looks solid and runs smoothly, the Xbox version suffers from ugly framerate issues. Never mind the superior textures - during most plays the framerate will slow down a bit, while on running plays the pace practically drops to 15 fps.

Despite the unfortunate lack of online compatibility in both the Xbox and GC versions of NCAA Football 2004, this is still the premiere college football game and is clearly the best of its breed. If you also own a PS2, though, I'd go with that version instead.

Those areas where Tetris Effect drops the ball doesn’t completely negate how good the classic puzzler still is at dropping blocks.

Polytron has crafted an exceedingly gorgeous world, full of surprises, temples, and eye-melting cuteness. Switching perspectives holds up as a gameplay mechanic, deftly avoiding gimicky traps along the way...Still, technical missteps and a confusing, unintuitive map system, confusing branches and game crashes remind us that Fez isn't the indie hero we need right now, but the one we deserve.