Though the tweaks are mostly small, they're just enough to keep this star a header above the rest.

It looks simply unbelievable, the gameplay and control is easy and intuitive, and the bullet time makes it the premier action game on the PC.

It looks simply unbelievable and the gameplay and control is easy and intuitive. The bullet time alone makes it one of the premier action games on the Xbox.

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.

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.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is far from just an upscaling of the 3DS games. It’s an evolution for the series which makes it appealing and accessible even to those who aren’t crazy about strategy RPGs. It’s a great gateway for the genre and another excellent addition to the Switch library.

Overall, World in Conflict is not bad, but if you've been keeping up to with other RTS titles, it will not come across as much other than a well-written single-player experience.

Some purists may still be turned off by the confusing tracks and the "traffic-check" carnage, and there probably isn't enough new here to warrant a buy for those who have already played through Revenge last year, but the engine is running more smoothly than ever, adding another solid racer to the growing 360 garage.

It sports refined, detailed gameplay that's tailored to the way you want to play, backed up by some of the best level design in the last decade. The glitches blemish the experience just enough that they should have warranted a little more development time, but at the end of the day, this is still a great game that no one should miss out on.

This is another fun, solid entry in what’s quickly becoming the most dependable series in handheld gaming. To truly become an unstoppable power, however, it will also have to become the most daring.

A good game that maintains the excitement and feeling that made it's predecessors classics, while adding enough improvements to insure it's niche in gaming history.

Where Duke really excels is it's beautiful backgrounds. The game settings are magnificently rendered. They have all kinds of animated objects built into them, and the attention to detail is terrific. Hopefully, with Duke Nukem on the scene, the days of endless identical looking corridors and rooms are finally gone for good!

As usual, the Xbox looks the sharpest, with the PS2 and Gamecube just a bit foggier.

I liked SA2, but it could have been even better. If only they balanced it with a touch more quality in a couple areas in exchange for all the quantity.

For all the attention to detail and convincing immersion during the investigation and questioning-the bulk of the main storyline-there are inevitable moments that pull you back out. You'll earn experience as you do well, which pops up on the side of the screen to indicate how close you are to your next rank. There's nothing like virtual points adding to an arbitrary numbered rank to remind you that you're playing a video game.

It’s not gonna revolutionize the way you think of FPS gaming - that’s a job for "Half-Life 2," we hope - but Far Cry will give you a great 20-hour adrenaline shot in the arm. The impressive technology and sheer fun lead to a good choice for FPS fans with hefty rigs.

Dead Space bursts into the holiday season with the pulpy cracking sound of someone being torn limb from limb. Its visual presentation, unique gameplay features, and emphasis on exploration show that this title’s coming into the ring swinging hard and will be a tough contender to beat.

If you go into Resident Evil Requiem without expectations, you’ll find it’s a great game. However, many long-time fans of the series did expect that Requiem would be a celebration of the series’ 30th anniversary. Capcom hasn’t done a great job so far, and using the game to advertise a $215,000 car and a couple of $1,500+ limited-edition watches has me questioning whether the company has once again lost touch with its fanbase. I’m hoping Requiem is a setup for a major twist that rewards fans for their knowledge of the franchise and propels the series into its next phase. Because of just how odd a taste this game left in my mouth, my score is mostly (and optimistically) based on the gameplay and the story, outside of its connections to the series as a whole.

Where Rise of Nations really sets itself apart from the pack is with two innovations: territorial control and a big Risk-like macro game.

This is one of the very best games I’ve played in years, and an instant recommendation for anyone who has ever fondled a joystick or stroked a mouse. Just remember to come up for air though, there is such a thing as dying of starvation or thirst. So get a glass, a plate, and an i.v. drip.

Now, I hear what you're saying: "This Zombie is chewing on my foot, it deserves to be shot." But that's just the response that society has conditioned you to have. So even though this is a great game with good graphics, terrific sound, riveting action, and puzzles that will keep you entertained for hours... As a favor to our Zombie friends, do not buy this game.

High production values, awesome details and options and generally involving play dynamics made last years' World Series one of the greatest ball games ever, and the minor improvements to this year's game seem to be enough to keep Sega Sports' franchise on top of the pack.

Apex Legends has raised the bar for battle royale games. It minimizes downtime, places an emphasis on intense gunfights, and replaces nameless characters with a memorable bunch of heroes.

As far as HD collections go, this one is packed to the gills. A $40 price tag like ICO had would have been a little sweeter, but at $50 you're still getting five amazing games (don't forget MG1 and 2) for less than a new release would cost. The fact that this includes (most of) the Substance and Subsistence versions, coupled with Peace Walker being available in a far more refined form, makes it a rare instance of a collection you might want to purchase even if you already have some or all of the originals.

This is a whole new level of online first-person fragging, and though it's not without its missteps, it's about as close to the front lines as you're gonna get while staring at your monitor....A very, very compelling game.

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.

As long as you go in with the mindset that Dreams‘ community creations are still being developed by those figuring out its array of tools, you stand to be floored by the sheer scale of what’s on offer. If you’re drawn in by the possibility of bringing your game idea to life, no matter how elaborate it may be, then this is simply a must-play.

It sports refined, detailed gameplay that's tailored to the way you want to play, backed up by some of the best level design in the last decade. The glitches blemish the experience just enough that they should have warranted a little more development time, but at the end of the day, this is still a great game that no one should miss out on.

Despite the fact that The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay is a somewhat short, linear romp with limited replayability, it's about as good as Xbox action gaming gets, from its fantastic delivery to its fun combat.

A really good wrestling game. However, its superiority over "Wrestlemania 2000" is marginalized due to technical limitations.

Crash damage is also something we’ve been clamoring for. As it stands now, running into another car has all the impact of throwing a marshmallow against a pillow. It just doesn’t make sense for a title that invests so heavily in realism to let you hit a brick wall going 120 and then drive away.

For a fantasy game presenting dozens of hours of gameplay, Dragon Age: Inquisition largely delivers on its promises, both mechanically and in gameplay that fans will want from the third title in the series.

The gameplay and presentation are perfect and approachable for those who haven’t been introduced to music video games, especially families with wide generational gaps who have at least a remote interest in the Beatles. Though it is short and isolated from the other Rock Band titles, The Beatles: Rock Band is much better than your average day tripper.

Even among other Persona 3 remasters, Persona 3 Reload is the new definitive version of the original game. Though I replayed Persona 3 a few years ago, I was still surprised by the sheer number of improvements and additions in Reload. For the sake of completion, Atlus should consider adding DLC that adds an option to play as the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable. That would make me reload the game all over again.

It's too much of a one-trick pony to be the next killer app, but if "Tetris," "Columns," or "Puyo Puyo" ever sucked you into their local gravity wells, you're going to love it.

For all the attention to detail and convincing immersion during the investigation and questioning-the bulk of the main storyline-there are inevitable moments that pull you back out. You'll earn experience as you do well, which pops up on the side of the screen to indicate how close you are to your next rank. There's nothing like virtual points adding to an arbitrary numbered rank to remind you that you're playing a video game.

The only glaring criticism I have for the game is its lack of multiplayer, online or otherwise. Whereas the last console Rachet and Clank, “Deadlocked,” introduced a promising multiplayer component for the PS2, the PS3 version beats a hasty retreat. It doesn’t affect the final product much, but for those still unsold on the PS3’s online network, it raises an eyebrow.

It's a very easy game to pick up and enjoy.

The versus mode breathes some fresh air into his little lungs, but this latest foray has us wondering: can Mario ever truly be new again?

I'll take SH2 [over "Resident Evil"] any day. Turn out the lights, turn off that damn radio and you'll see what I mean. It eats into your brain (mmmmmm.....) and you won't even notice how jittery you've become until the cat suddenly jumps into your lap and you fling your controller at the ceiling.

This is essentially the same game they’ve been making for years with a couple new characters and updated graphics.

Offers enough graphical flair and gameplay depth to be considered the cream of the current crop of PS2 basketball games.

With an emphasis on characterizations, and battles that are actually fun to play, this game totally grabbed me.

NBA 2K11 has gone out of its way not to be just another NBA 2K game, but a better NBA 2K game. That is something considering the size of its trophy case.

There is a certain appeal to Horizon: Zero Dawn which I have not found in any other open-world RPG game. Perhaps it is the addition of shiny robots to the mix or the story of Aloy herself. Either way, this game has my full attention and I wouldn't call it anything less than stellar. If I had to compare it to another game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Shadow of Mordor would be on the top of my list. When compared to these two titles, Horizon is riddled with less bugs, more engaging combat, and successfully incorporates stealth gameplay. Try and guess what I’ll be playing for the next few weeks.

NBA 2K11 has gone out of its way not to be just another NBA 2K game, but a better NBA 2K game. That is something considering the size of its trophy case.

It isn't common that you encounter a game as charming and delightfully addictive as Stardew Valley. It finds a harmonious balance of progression, activities, and rewards resulting in each day being distinct and memorable.

The Last of Us Part 1 is the definitive way to experience the original story and Left Behind. However, it’s hard to recommend it over the PS4 remaster. I appreciate all the work that went into enhancing the visual and audio fidelity and gameplay. However, it’s just not $50 worth of improvement, and the lack of new content means you’re not missing out too much if you decide to go cheaper.

While the depth of sims like the "NBA Live" series is missing, NBA Street manages to capture the excitement and energy of the street ball most of us are far more familiar with.

With its excellent graphics and myriad game modes, ESPN NBA Basketball is a good, strong title. The gameplay quirks like rebounding difficulty and the canned animations are there and can be frustrating, but are easily overlooked when you take in the big picture.

By far the best fighter out there at the moment. While it doesn't do anything "revolutionary," it's a damn good game that any fighting game fan should definitely buy.

Its small flaws are outmatched by its solid gameplay, excellent graphics and nice online support. It’s also as close as you’ll get to Anna without worrying about that pesky restraining order, and that’s gotta count for something.

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.

These minor hitches notwithstanding, Burnout Paradise is an excellent, solid ride for both solo and online gamers, with superb control, high production values, complete freedom, and so much obsessive, secret-hunting, gotta-catch-‘em-all lasting gameplay incentive that it’s almost ridiculous.

The lack of online play and the sheer difficulty for newbies keeps it from attaining GR gold, but we're just happy to see it back on the podium where it belongs.

The gameplay and presentation are perfect and approachable for those who haven’t been introduced to music video games, especially families with wide generational gaps who have at least a remote interest in the Beatles. Though it is short and isolated from the other Rock Band titles, The Beatles: Rock Band is much better than your average day tripper.

Even while calling back to a previous era, Dusk adds on top of those legacies. This is retro first-person shooter perfection, the next evolution in a genre once frozen in time. Long may it reign once again.

The new features are generally welcomed but don’t change the fact that this is largely the same game you probably spent way too much time with last year.

Then again, in R4 you get to have each race started by a sexy Japanese polygonal model. Hmmm... sex, Pac-Man, and racing. I think I'll go play some R4.

A burly single-player, exciting multiplayer and plenty of nifty additions makes for a Hall of Famer in only its second outing.

But let's not finish on a bad note, because for $10, you owe it to yourself to try Faster Than Light: Advanced Edition.

It's easy to see why Shadow Complex is such a good game - it follows the mold of some of the best and most enjoyable games ever, retaining that feel even though it's built with today's tech behind it.

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.

Mafia takes the idea of the bustling city to a new, incredibly ambitious level with an awe-inspiring sense of detail and forethought. Without a doubt, the game is gorgeous.

Other than the Strike Packages, MW3 really is nothing we haven't already seen. This does not say you won't get your first-person shooter fix. As a standalone game, it's worth every penny and will undoubtedly keep players occupied until the next installment, but as a sequel, it's disappointing.

Ultimately I consider What Remains of Edith Finch less essential than The Unfinished Swan, but certainly not less worthwhile. This is a moody, thoughtful, and often harrowing account of Edith and her tragedy-ridden kin, and if you’re the sort who finds tragic or adverse accounts to be of the highest profundity, you’ll likely adore what’s displayed throughout this exploration of mansion, mind, and psyche.

More than just a fragfest – it's an eerily realistic one. Each of the men in your squad have their own unique personalities that develop as the story progresses, with Baker's narration tying everything together into one nice, neat package.

Designed specifically for the Wii U, this is the definitive version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and is worth picking up at full retail if you skipped the game the first time around.

At least the game makes you feel more like a quarterback than ever before, and that's reason enough for one hell of an end-zone celebration.

Innovation in video games is coveted by many but rarely achieved-Dishonored has this in spades. It may not be perfect, but what Arkane Studios accomplishes is astounding for a debut of an original IP. Its memorable characters, striking game world, and incredible seamlessness between combat, stealth, and magic set a new standard for the action genre. Dishonored is unquestionably Game of the Year material.

Though it doesn't add much to the tired genre, it manages to do everything well.

A near PC quality experience without the patches and expensive hardware. MOH: Frontline is very linear and doesn't warrant much of your time after perhaps the third play through, but the ride is still very, very fun.

It's not a flawless victory, however, and in the end doesn't quite reach the plateau of a masterpiece like "Soul Calibur."

The best version of the venerable kart-racer since the Nintendo 64 era.

The Course World issues are only minor blemishes on an otherwise fantastic game. Super Mario Maker captures the childlike glee of seeing a game in action and wondering what it would be like to create one.

An extraordinary hockey game. The action is hot and fast, and the intangibles and extras add quality on top of quality.

Dead Space bursts into the holiday season with the pulpy cracking sound of someone being torn limb from limb. Its visual presentation, unique gameplay features, and emphasis on exploration show that this title’s coming into the ring swinging hard and will be a tough contender to beat.

It’s not, however, a lot of new game. Tekken 5 is a hefty package, but doesn’t offer much in terms of original gameplay or modes. It’s a celebration of all things Tekken rather than a brave new step for the series.

F.E.A.R. might well be the year’s best single-player PC experience, but it won’t win any awards for its multiplayer. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag are the only game types, and there aren’t many maps.

This stylish adventure is just what we hoped it would be - a deranged, oddball jaunt through a fun, bizarre world - proving that a creative mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a triumphant return for the series and makes a strong claim for the best skateboarding game ever. It’s a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike, and I hope this isn’t the last Pro Skater game we see from Vicarious Visions.

Rich, philosophical story...that's not as clever as the original story.

If you've never played Tribes before, well, heed my advice - "There ain't no butter like butter that's washed down with a healthy helping of squirrel."

Several interesting twists on the classic arcade shooter bring this game up a few notches.

For the players who aren’t scared away by NHL 09’s realistic difficulty, they're whole seasons ahead for training custom characters and learning the stingy A.I..

If Ori burned you before (as it had me), don’t expect an apology here. It’s still pretty, fun, and occasionally frustrating, and it still might burn your parent’s house down.

Despite some questionable (and that’s being friendly) difficulty scaling, Nier: Automata is largely a success. It’s the most unique game I’ve played in 2017, one that will assuredly be in our thoughts when it comes time to consider the best game of the year. You'll have so much to do and so many ways to do it, with a series of endings as vast as a game like Torment: Tides of Numenera (which was mostly text-based). Nier: Automata begs to be replayed, even as it's punishing you for doing so.

Though it doesn’t quite match the intricate strategies of Lumines, it isn’t supposed to. Meteos manages to be interesting and engaging without feeling like just another Tetris clone. Not bad for a new drug.

If it’s hockey you’re looking for, get ready to lose a few teeth and go tough it out already.

It Takes Two is one of the most delightful and ceaselessly entertaining co-op games I’ve played. Hazelight offers so many exciting levels, abilities, set-pieces, and mini-games, but does not let this extreme level of variety affect its quality. Every new idea is introduced to the game with care and used in a way that players can enjoy, before promptly being recycled out for an even better one. That this is the developer’s first platformer is staggeringly impressive, and I can only hope that this won’t be its final flirtation with a genre it’s clearly head over heels for.

This game is as much an adventure for your eyes as it is for your reflexes.

Will of the Wisps doesn’t jump as high as Ori and the Blind Forest and falls in a few extra pits yet it is still a worthy enough successor. Comparisons between the two are not always favorable to the sequel, especially considering how it repeats some of the same beats. But that same familiarity is also what gives Will of the Wisps its vivid art style and well-paced, difficult platforming that make both titles such noteworthy entries in the crowded Metroidvania genre.

What is remarkable is that, even despite these drawbacks, the steep learning curve, accurate controls, and heated tactical challenge make Vegas’ online game the most complete for the 360 so far.

It doesn't change the face of the Warcraft world, but it does bump the experience up another notch. En'shu falah-nah, my brothers. See you on the field of battle.

All in all, if you buy StarCraft, you're buying it for the multi-player. The single-player is just too short and disappointing...The game just doesn't live up to the lofty goals of its predecessors, and for that, it suffers.

These minor faults—jerky background characters and a lack of add-on extras for the sake of variety—may seem silly when we're talking about a gorgeous remake of one of the arcade's few luminaries. Still, the lack of renovation below the surface might make the celebration short-lived.

The new features are generally welcomed but don’t change the fact that this is largely the same game you probably spent way too much time with last year.

Though the cracks with stealth and freerunning are starting to show with time, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag does the one thing it means to do surprisingly well: pirates. Sailing the high seas, finding hidden treasure chests among gorgeous tropical archipelagos, letting the waves of turquoise water crash into the Jackdaw, plundering enemy ships without remorse, and hearing your crew sing authentic sea shanties has never felt better.