Xenoblade Chronicles X will likely be a mixed bag to those who step in with very little role-playing skill or knowledge of the series up until this point, so they may want to proceed with caution. Others, however, that absolutely love what Monolith Soft has done so far will enjoy this chapter the most, thanks to its immense gameplay options and fantastic looking world. It's certainly worth a look either way.

Nova-111 is a humorous and quirky quest that rivals the sheer charm presented in the PixelJunk games. It's not the most varied adventure, but it's fun nonetheless, and it makes a great portable companion if you go with the Vita version.

Despite including several different game types and modes, Ubisoft clearly designed Rainbow Six Siege with a very specific kind of player in mind. If you have an abundance of patience, fortitude, and maybe a few gamer friends you can wrangle up, Siege could be just the tactical shooter experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a fun game you can kick back with and enjoy in a more casual way, you might want to look elsewhere.

In spite of some technical setbacks and repetitive tasks, Just Cause 3 delivers the kind of stress-relieving destruction to get you through the doldrums. It's easily the best looking game of the series thus far, and the awesome gameplay will have you continue to think up ways to bring down enemies. You're due a holiday vacation, and Rico's trip will certainly fulfill the need.

While Deadpool certainly isn't as bad as other comic book fare on the market, it feels somewhat average with its rushed treatment on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Had the developers added better visual details and made it much cheaper, we'd be talking a great value here. As it stands, though, only serious comic book fans or those looking for mindless action should invest. Others can easily wait for the movie and stuff themselves silly with tacos.

Epiosde 3 gets Story Mode back on the right track, adding a great new character and taking players through some dramatic, emotional moments.

While Snoopy's Grand Adventure doesn't go the extra mile in its design, it still comes across as an enjoyable diversion for younger players looking to get some Peanuts-oriented fun out of their console. The inclusion of co-op is pretty nice as well, if parents should want to get involved in their children's adventure. But it seems like more could've been done for older gamers, and some of the technical setbacks should have gone through some clean-up. Overall, though, not bad for a little diversion.

Lumini is exactly the type of digital work that's best referred to as an experience rather than a video game. Designed for the Journey and Flower crowd, this game excels at creating a mellow, relaxed state for those who float into its spectacle of a world.

It isn't perfect, but StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void allows the series to end on a high note, offering a comprehensive experience which should make every type of RTS player happy.

While Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden has its fair share of disappointment with its heavy unlocking system and lack of online competition, it's also a not-so-bad take with its fighting, mainly because of the 2D setting. If Bandai Namco could somehow produce a version for consoles with a bigger roster, a less strenuous adventure system, and online play, it'd have a winner on its hands. For now, it's a decent pick for fans of the series, and maybe even for those that don't mind earning their keep in the fighting arena.

A decent fighter, and it’s nice that it got an English release. Anime and Arc System Works fans will be at home here, but fighting fans may find it too generic.

Some may argue that DICE's Star Wars Battlefront lacks longevity to stay the course on the market, or that more could've been done with it. But the developer went through a massive undertaking to not only reinvent the franchise, but also reassure gamers that this would hardly be another Battlefield blunder. It's great to report that both goals have been completed with flying colors, and, as a result, Star Wars Battlefront is an engaging multiplayer experience that will certainly make your holidays.

There are times in which Poncho could've used some smoothing over, like with glitches or painfully missed jumps. That said, it's still an entertaining little treat for the retro crowd, especially those seeking something different from the usual platformer.

Rodea the Sky Soldier has to be one of the biggest letdowns of the year. It's missing quite a bit, including comprehensive gameplay, solid visuals and any sort of option to play like the original Wii version does. It's sad to say that this high-flying adventure falls flat before it stands a chance to get started.

A very niche title, and disappointing even at just $2.

Probably one of the most disappointing games to rear its ugly head this year, Overlord: Fellowship of Evil takes everything that worked so well in previous games and smashes it into a billion pieces in favor of a Diablo-based formula that simply doesn't work. Here's hoping this villain gets back to his dastardly ways soon, instead of following a blueprint that just isn't his style.

If you're playing solo, then The Jackbox Party Pack 2 isn't likely to be your speed. However, if you're looking for a game that will suit your fellow partygoers, or want to stream a good, lively game session with your fellow deviants, then it's an essential purchase – especially when you begin to get hooked on Quiplash and Earwax. It'll certainly put a twist on your holidays.

A combination of traditional strategy with layers of modern tabletop mechanics that work well to create a game that's fun to learn and satisfying to master.

While there are some faults that could use addressing (particularly with the lack of online play), Guns, Gore and Cannoli is an inspired ride, a top-notch mixture of 40's nostalgia and zombie-killing fun. If you're smart, you'll bring some buddies along to dish out the carnage alongside you, if only to see what true mayhem looks like. In a good way, of course.

The silver lining of The Park's poor showing is that it could lead Funcom to try harder should it attempt subsequent single-player adventures. In the meantime however, The Park is one attraction you should definitely skip out on.

Considering the appeal of the franchise, MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore had all the potential in the world when it came to its arrival on new consoles. Unfortunately, it squanders it with a myriad of problems, including sloppy gameplay, a lacking presentation and a lack of a genuine career mode to make you feel like you're getting anywhere. As a result, the ride just isn't the same. Here's hoping that, for its next game, Rainbow Studios goes back to basics and skips this Encore route.

Super Mario Maker is more than a just an amazing toolbox for content creation — it's also a big, beautiful toy box filled with all sorts of incredible, remarkable toys each with individual parts for you to spend hundreds of hours falling in love with. Even if you've never liked this type of game, Super Mario Maker may just win you over.

While 2013’s Tomb Raider reboot was great, fans of the series were pining for more tombs to explore and relics to collect. Crystal Dynamics addressed that and then some in Rise of the Tomb Raider, improving on its upgrade system, telling a fun story, more puzzles, and adding bears, tigers, cheetahs, and more packs of wolves to kill and skin. Just like we remember.

It's probably the least buggy big huge open world game Bethesda has ever released, which is saying something, but it's still an audaciously ambitious title with a lot of roughness around the edges. With some of those previous games, buying the game near launch was a recipe for frustration; it was better to let the patches and modders fix it up before experiencing it for the first time. Fallout 4, however, is a fantastic game as it exists right now, and the technical issues don't even come close to providing a reason to wait to play it.

While Need for Speed may look and sound great from afar, it's sadly little more than a mostly empty box wrapped in shiny wrapping paper (and one which you can only open when connected to the internet to boot). If you're desperate for a new racing game experience, you could do worse, just bear in mind that your mileage will definitely vary.

If you can accept the fact that some Drivatars are going to be weird, and some cars will take a heaping amount of time to unlock, Forza Motorsport 6 is an awesome ride that you'll return to often. In fact, it's likely to keep you busy until the next Forza ride – potentially 7 – makes its arrival.

While there are some very minor cracks in the foundation, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 still proves itself to be an excellent continuation of not only the Black Ops series but also of the entire Call of Duty IP. If you're looking for a fun, challenging, and comprehensive new-gen shooter experience, Black Ops 3 should definitely tide you over for the next several months (possibly years) at least.

M2 has once again produced a commendable presentation of a classic for the 3DS with 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It continues to be a fun game after all these years (and way better than whatever Sega's been churning out with the blue guy the last couple of years), and the 3D conversion is simply fantastic. Vintage Sega fans – and new players as well – shouldn't miss this gem.

Yoshi's Woolly World makes a fine addition to any Wii U owner's library. It's full of charm and personality, and it doesn't forget to test you with its high difficulty. You'll spend more than a dozen hours doing everything and collecting every hidden item, and you'll have a blast practically the entire time.

There’s so much missed potential here that it’s a bit frustrating. Game updates are coming so maybe one day...but not today.

Just like a superstar getting vindication at Wrestlemania, WWE 2K16 has completed a grand comeback following last year's lackluster entry. It feels like a total package this time around, and the gameplay, for the most part, is balanced and entertaining. I love the visuals too, even if the commentary leaves something to be desired. And there's a ton to do, without Vince McMahon getting in the way. Pick up a copy and go wild.

The Talos Principle has made an effective jump from PC to PlayStation 4, thanks to the addition of expansion levels and a presentation that really makes use of the hardware at hand. While it's not quite a perfect transition, it remains a very applicable one, as the level design and snowballing level design continue to keep their momentum. Even if you're not entirely a fan of first-person games, Talos is worth a look, if only for the story alone.

Evoland 2 is a game that will appeal mostly to longtime RPG aficionados. It's not a perfect execution of its wonderful concept, but it's still a successful showcase of various gameplay styles and formats that's sure to make you smile and reminisce about your fondest gaming memories.

The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is a decent return to a genre that's starting to emerge from the woodwork of other games on the market, but it's not quite a shining example. There's a question in regards to its pacing and execution in some spots, as well as some puzzles that can take time to resolve. That said, those that do get into the game will be rewarded with a worthy presentation and plenty of chuckles. If you're a fan of the genre, it's worth a look. But don't expect this Book to be absorbed so easily.

There are certain aspects to Maiden of Black Water that I can't help but question, but overall, it's a solid addition to the series, and finally provides gamers with the feeling of holding a Camera Obscura with the help of a GamePad. And that pushes the gameplay a long way. If it's a scarefest that you're after this Halloween, Fatal Frame is worth the download. Just make sure you have an external hard drive set up first – it's a massive 13GB.

A fun, short-lived game that’s one of the better Walking Dead experiences roaming the market.

Assembly Required is nowhere near bad enough to stop you from continuing on your Minecraft adventure, but enough to raise some concerns about whether Episode 1 was a fluke.

Whether the game is worth six months of subscription fees will be a different decision for everybody, but it's clear that Knights of the Fallen Empire is a worthy chapter in the history of Star Wars.

Had Nintendo taken the time to produce a sequel with the same amount of depth as the original Chibi-Robo, we'd be getting somewhere. But Zip Lash just feels like a routine platformer, not offering enough bang for the buck to satisfy die-hard fans of the series. Kids may get a kick out of it, but more could've been done to assure a long-lasting life for our environmental hero. Here's hoping we haven't seen the last of him.

Going through the campaign once by myself was fun. But doing it again on heroic or legendary with friends is even better. Plus Warzone is addictive.

While there are some things I could've done without in Syndicate – like the occasionally frustrating "kidnap" mission and some weird ghost-like glitches – it's still one of the best entries in the series in some time.

Ubermosh won't win any awards for most varied experience or vast amounts of extra content, but it is a highly enjoyable, super-explosive arcade action game.

It seems like Ripstone could've done more with Extreme Exorcism's gameplay, as it seems kind of one-note, in spite of the "ghosts doing what you do" idea. Regardless, it's definitely fun at times, and makes for a good multiplayer romp, provided you have players that have no trouble concentrating.

Best sports game ever made (probably!). I can’t wait to see them top it next year.

Overall, Guitar Hero Live is a huge jump forward for the music game genre while at the same time abandoning some of the things we loved about music games. If you can get past some of the things that are gone and embrace the new ideas, you'll have a great time playing fantasy rock star.

Tales From the Borderlands may be the best series from Telltale to date. It blends humor, action, and drama in a way that few games, of any kind, have been able to do.

Mushroom 11 is one of the weirdest games of the year. It's also one of the best.

Engaging and addictive action RPG gameplay makes Dragon Quest Heroes worth a look even for gamers who aren't fans of Dragon Quest or Dynasty Warriors.

SOMA isn't perfect, but it sets a certain standard for what horror games can achieve with a bit of inspiration. Though it isn't heavy on the scares, the bits of horror spread throughout work well, and the story will leave a lasting, hard-hitting impression.

A no-brainer purchase for fans of both Minecraft and Telltale. Those who prefer Telltale's more complex and mature works may find this title a bit lacking, but the exciting story, quality writing, and talented voice cast make this a hard game to dislike.

Platinum has made a great debut in the series, packing over-the-top action with a presentation that stays true to the form of the 80's cartoon.

Overruled feels like something that would have been on the first Xbox at the same price. The gameplay has its place in the systems' library, but there is a lot of room for improvement here.

Where last year’s game sometimes felt like a non-stop shooting gallery with blazing ping-pong action across the entire field, this year’s game more closely follows the pace of a typical real-life match. And that's a good thing.

It may not be the best in terms of graphics or value, but none can deny that Call of Champions is the ideal way to get a quick MOBA fix, even when you’re away from your PC.

With the 65 songs available with Rock Band 4, a downloadable library that can add up to 1,500 songs, and the future exporting option of previous Rock Band discs, you’ll playing for a while.

The visuals have their fair amount of issues, the gameplay can't quite measure up between the frustrating missions and poorly placed "slam" technique, and the online sessions need a serious overhaul. It's still playable, and might be fun for devoted fans for the series, but there's no question that a lot more polish could've gone into Tony Hawk's revival.

If you’re looking for a beautiful world to explore and great boss battles to be had you can’t go wrong with Jotun. For $15.00 on Steam you’ll certainly get your money’s worth. It won’t be easy to earn the gods' favor, but it’s something you’ll be playing again and again in order to do it.

While NBA Live 16 is still a slightly better game than what EA Sports has produced over the past couple of years, it still doesn't even come close to feeling like a complete package. The gameplay is fundamentally flawed, mainly with the inaccuracy of the AI and shooting system, and the presentation needs sprucing up, especially in terms of commentary.

PES 2016 lives up to the hype and is a wonderful tribute to 20 years of hard work from Konami and PES Productions.

If you can accept the role that randomness plays in the overall game, Blood Bowl II offers a great deal of turn-based strategic fun.

Even though some might be groaning at the cost of having to buy all new toys with it (relax, older ones work just fine as well), Skylanders SuperChargers still qualifies as one of the better games in the series to date. It's fun to play whether in a vehicle or running around, and it looks and sounds very nice for the most part. If your wallet is prepared, you'll have no problem reaching top speed with this one.

While Xeodrifter could've benefitted from more levels and a bit more boss diversity (are these guys related?), it's still an enjoyable Metroid clone that fans of the genre will certainly want to venture through. Here's hoping that, if we get a sequel, it's bigger and better.

Corpse of Discovery could've been a worthwhile narrative experience had it not been ruined by its massive performance issues and obnoxious platforming gameplay.

Super Time Force Ultra mixes shmup action and rewind mechanics to create a bold, action-packed experience that's also heavy on fun, referential, and witty writing.

If you’ve been playing consistently for the past year and already have the past two expansions, The Taken King is a must-have. Bungie made this for you.

NHL 16 is definitely a return to form the NHL series, now I think I’d like to see them break that form and come up with something different. The features are there, the graphics are amazing, now the gameplay needs to catch up to the rest of the game.

The rapid, mini-game-like design of Shutshimi makes it ideal for quick bursts of play. Even then, the game is so captivating that it's hard to put down even after you've spent an hour or two playing.

Back to Bed on the PlayStation Network is a competent albeit unremarkable puzzler that's over before it can get satisfying. Great art and a decent bonus mode at least help to make the experience somewhat enjoyable, though the hefty $20 price is hardly worth paying when you can get it for much less elsewhere.

Asteroid Base's Lovers In a Dangerous Spacetime turned out to be worth the wait, perfectly blending elements from space shooters with a bit of strategy and throwing in some entertaining co-op as well. There are times it can be overwhelming – especially if you're going at it single player – but it's still an adventure you can't help but fall in love with.

Leo's Fortune can't quite overcome the hump when it comes to avoiding being categorized as a mobile-to-console game – more levels would've done the trick. As it stands, though, it's a solid platformer that fans of the genre will appreciate, and the various challenges it presents more than justifies the somewhat moderate price tag. Besides, you can't help but admire Leo's confidence and attitude – or his mustache, for that matter.

Castle Crashers Remastered keeps the game relevant to Xbox again and comfortably keeps a void in the systems library filled.

For better and for worse, Party Hard is one of the most faithful tributes to the slasher genre. It overstays its welcome, but it's still a bloody fun time for the most part.

It's hard to recommend Blues and Bullets Episode 1 because it feels like two games in one. The first half feels tedious, confusing and poorly paced, but then the second really shows the promise that A Crowd of Monsters has put into the game. If Episode 2 can really keep up the momentum that the second half of Episode 1 had, we're in for a treat. Otherwise, this is one cold case you probably shouldn't open again.

Luckslinger is an engaging 2D platformer with a lot of brilliant moments, wacky luck-based randomness, and a memorable hip hop Western soundtrack. You'll likely get angry a lot while playing, but you'll also feel good about yourself every time you reach the end of a level.

One of the best indie games to surface this year, Runbow is a sheer delight, whether you're running through the game on your own or taking up with a group of friends in a fight to the finish. Make sure you rush to the eShop and give it a download.

This is the Metal Gear universe as it was always meant to be.

While the gameplay is solid and Avalanche Studios did a great job digitally creating the Wasteland, Mad Max starts off slow in the story department and may turn off potential players. However, if you stick with it, you'll finally get the Mad Max you were expecting.

If you're even remotely intrigued by the prospect of an FMV game being able to tell a good story with interesting characters, the first episode of Missing is $4 well spent. There's no word on when the next episode will arrive, but let's hope it's not too far off.

Mixing a unique setting with classic strategic and board game elements, Armello is easy to recommend.

Life is Strange: Chaos Theory moves the series' plot forward, if awkwardly at times. The third chapter makes up for the weak decisions players have to make by maintaining a superb production quality and delving into increasingly mature issues.

It may not be the most eye-catching or accessible digital CCG, but players looking for a fun F2P twist on an old classic need look no further than Final Fantasy Portal’s version of Triple Triad.

In the four hours it took me to get through Gryphon Knight Epic, all I could think about was how I wanted it to end so I could move on and play something better.

While there are still some areas that could use polishing (like that commentary team – wake up, fellas), Madden NFL 16 continues to make strides with some strong gameplay change-ups and abundant online features.

With only one episode left Tales From The Borderlands has proved itself a worthwhile experience. If you haven’t picked this up yet, do it now.

Taken as is, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is everything a fan would want in a remake of this game, whether they plan to play it alone, with a friend, or against a bunch of people they meet online.

When Until Dawn was announced, expectations were low, because I was afraid that Supermassive would simply follow the same horror movie tropes without innovating. But how wrong I was, as, thanks to the "butterfly effect" and some savvy game design, there are multiple ways to experience fear here.

While War Chest could've used better matchmaking with player match-ups and a little more variety with battle missions, it's still a fun trip through kiddie nostalgia, especially if you double down on the Hall of Fame Edition and pit G.I. Joe against He-Man. I mean, who doesn't want to see that battle happen?!

The controls take some getting used to, and the graphics could've been a little bit better, but overall, this is a sibling rivalry you should check out.

This isn't the kind of game you revisit multiple times, but rather the kind of game you tell your friends about with the utmost enthusiasm on account of just how silly and pleasant the whole thing is.

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture has an original and engaging story to tell over its roughly 5 hours of play time. If you enjoy narrative-driven games it could be worth a look, but it's not a huge step forward for the genre.

Galak-Z: The Dimensional delivered on every front for me. While it may seem challenging for some, it doesn't disappoint with its space action and strategy, and the presentation is right on the money when it comes to emulating your favorite anime.

Submerged just ends up being a disappointment. Great ideas in the storytelling and presentation are lost with a poor connection to characters and truly lacking gameplay. All the great intentions in the world don't mean anything if they don't convey into a fun game experience. Go play Journey instead.

A worthy successor to the King’s Quest name and a worthy first episode for this ongoing series. If you are a fan of the classic adventure game, A Knight To Remember is one you won’t forget.

Rare Replay is a well-done collection of titles and special features, and is almost as much of a no-brainer purchase for every Xbox One owner as Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Rocket League is easily one of the best games of 2015, a true surprise in the sports department with its stunning combination of soccer and cars. Between varying modes, a sharp presentation and fun-as-hell gameplay, you'll be free-wheeling to get into another match (we'll see you there).

With a superb conversion handled by M2 and lots of options to take on solo or with a friend, 3D Streets of Rage II is a game that has managed to stand the test of time. It's a must play on the 3DS, and fairly affordable for just a few bucks – a far cry compared to what the original game sold for.

Guild of Dungeoneering can get frustrating due to all of the randomness, but even then there's just no getting around the fact that it is a wonderful game. And if it ever does come to handhelds, I'll be eager to give it another go.

What could've been a turning point for the F1 series instead feels like the same old grind.