The game constantly hints at greater things, but never quite reaches those heights. In the end, instead of feeling moved, we felt content. A wonderfully charming game with gorgeous, varied stages and crafty puzzles, but we wish it left more of a lasting mark.

Clumsy puzzles and weird voice clips never dull the joy of smashing everything and everyone in this world to pieces.

The missions, characters, mechanics and flow have all been dramatically improved...It's one of those rare games that's so gripping, you want everyone to play it. Not just those who are already fond of the genre.

The Witness is large, beautiful, and exquisitely-crafted. It strikes an incredible balance of difficulty.

Even with its rough edges, Dragon's Dogma still feels like one of a kind, years after its initial release.

The ultimate resolution doesn't wow us, but the windy road getting there is fully of secrets to scan for and voices to talk to, living or otherwise.

It definitely taxes the brain in addicting ways.

Yakuza 5 looks fantastic... Delivers one of the best stories in the franchise.

It's fun, and funny with plenty of great payoffs for Borderlands fans.

What Xenoblade Chronicles X sorely lacks is a consistently captivating story.

Rainbow Six siege may not be the Rainbow game fans remember, but it lays a solid foundation for the future. Matches are full of constant tension and meaningful kills. Its reliance on having a dedicated group might be off-putting for some, but the heavy emphasis on teamwork is a refreshing focus.

What saves the game from eventual tedium is the absurd action spectacle you can create at a moment's notice.

It enriches the world and makes combat more exciting than ever.

StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void is a fitting conclusion to the story that began sixteen years ago. It lays a solid foundation for multiplayer which we expect to be tweaked and balanced for years to come. It offers multiple ways for new players to learn in a less intimidating environment, and the emphasis on micro-managing individual units keeps experienced players on their toes. Whether or not this is truly the end for the series, StarCraft II doesn’t leave you wondering what could have been, but establishes a legacy that will be worthy of honor for years to come.

At launch, there's not as much on offer compared to other competitive shooters, but there's also never been a Star Wars game that's looked and felt this real before. Despite the lack of battlegrounds, characters, and a story-driven, campaign structure, Star Wars Battlefront is an epic, cinematic experience. If you've felt the force awakening in you this year, let it in.

While the story and extras may not impress, the gameplay in Rise of the Tomb Raider holds up through a long and varied adventure. There are lots of tools to play with and utterly jaw-dropping locations to see, fleshed out with great level design. Rise of the Tomb Raider is right on par with the last game, so if you enjoyed Lara’s previous excursion, there’s plenty to look forward to here.

For the last decade, Bethesda games have had similar issues, and it’s getting harder to forgive. Somehow, in spite of everything, Fallout 4 consumed us. When we’re not wandering the wastes, it overwhelms our thoughts as we ponder where to go, which faction to pursue, and what weapon to try next. Fallout 4 is flawed in very serious ways, but it’s also the only thing we want to do.

Black Ops III is its own game, and the most robust offering in the franchise this generation.

The customization features are a welcome return, and the five-layered career lets you play with different approaches to driving. Some aspects of Need for Speed could use more variety, but it’s a solid foundation to move the series forward.

WWE 2K16 strikes the perfect balance between technical wresting and Attitude Era brawling. Minor online issues hold it back, but the moment-to-moment flow of each match, the huge roster, and the stellar tribute to Stone Cold Steve Austin all combine to make this a must-play for anyone remotely interested in the WWE.

The greatest strength of Life is Strange is that the excellent character work, supernatural twists, and serene environments manage to overcome any technical issues. It was easy for us to get hooked on guiding Max through this tumultuous time in her life, and the ending left our hearts and minds drained.

Halo 5: Guardians is a massive game that we intend to keep playing for the foreseeable future. There are parts that let us down, particularly the story, but it’s hard to feel too stung when there’s just so much fun to be had. Halo 5 has a lot to prove and it seems fully capable of doing just that. It’s a pleasure seeing the series in top form once again.

Exploring this recreation of London is a marvel, but the repetitive cycle of taking territory and gathering pointless collectibles quickly wears thin, while gameplay pillars in stealth and combat still feel lacking. It’s the most modern Assassin’s Creed has been, but the Industrial Revolution doesn’t quite bring the series into a new age.

It’s not better or worse than the old method, but it’s new, and at times it’s incredibly taxing on the brain - in a good way.

Yoshi’s Woolly World doesn’t set a new bar for platformers, but it’s a beautiful game that showcases a constant stream of creative ideas. The yarn mechanics fit well with the classic Yoshi gameplay, and it’s a great choice to get all warm and fuzzy with someone this fall.

Above all Dragon Quest Heroes perfectly captures one of the most essential parts of the series—that it prides itself on joy. It’s a quality that overshadows its shortcomings. Too many JRPGs are overly serious affairs that shove the same tropes down your throat again and again. The levity and unabashed enthusiasm of Dragon Quest creates a childlike wonder that’s still enchanting more than 25 years after the original game.

Lasting ten to twelve hours with complex characters, diverse scenarios, stunning new locations, and memorable bosses, this ten dollar expansion stands out in a period when many DLC offerings feel like lackluster afterthoughts.

So many strategy games bury players in stats and micromanagement, offering an impressive amount of depth but they’re presented with the same amount of lifelessness as an excel spreadsheet. Disgaea is okay with poking fun at itself, kicking back and having fun. It may not entirely excuse its problems, but we'll take a good time over a more technically proficient and ultimately less exciting game any day.

If you need to buy all of Rock Band 4 to get a band going, it’s a lot to pick up, but it’s a worthy investment if you’re in the market for a great party game. If you’re fortunate enough to already have compatible gear or pre-purchased music ready to download, there’s no reason not to rock again.

Although the microtransactions devalue certain aspects of the game, and Pro-AM has connection issues, the on-court changes and additions are worth checking out for basketball enthusiasts.

Quotation forthcoming.

If you’re a fan of any property inside LEGO Dimensions, you’ll appreciate their involvement in this grand venture, and you might walk away a fan of something new.

While the controls can be a little awkward at times, Tearaway Unfolded is a delightful package overall. Its distinctive look is matched by equally creative gameplay that has you interacting with the world and leaving your mark in ways quite unlike anything else. If you missed it the first time, don’t let it slip by again.

If Soma doesn’t get under your skin with its cramped corridors, dark ocean passages, and telepathic freaks, it will stay in your head because of its fascinating narrative experiments with the human brain.

Plague of Shadows is a great addition to an already wonderful game. There’s a lot to experience, and considering the asking price is absolutely nothing, it’s a generous offering. It’s so good in fact, that we’ve enjoyed Plague of Shadows more than most other DLC, which sometimes feel like you’re being charged a lot for little in return.

The vast majority of Heavensward is outstanding and it’s easy enough to endure the occasional slow patch. A Realm Reborn was an impressive revival when it launched in 2013, and Heavensward elevates the game to an even higher level. Rarely do expansions feel so fully formed.

If you are a new, returning, or current player in Destiny, the Taken King is absolutely worth checking out.

With feedback from the ‘GameChangers’ community, NHL 16 not only makes strides ahead for fans of the video game adaptations, but for fans of the game of hockey as a whole. A middle ground has been reached between realism and fun that is wholly surprising. NHL 16 isn’t just a step in the right direction, it’s the game hockey fans have been waiting for.

Forza Motorsport 6 maintains the series’ strong handling, robust features, and its ability to bring together players of varied skill levels. There are improvements in virtually every area, but even with additions like night and weather, it doesn’t really feel like there’s a standout change to push the series forward. It seems like most of the effort this time around went into getting Forza back on track.

Super Mario Maker is worth checking out to prove what’s possible with the Wii U’s often-ignored gamepad controller. Few games have you staring at the second screen for longer stretches of time, and it just feels good to put stuff together.

Few games today receive this much support throughout the year, and have such a dedicated community of people giving users more and more inventive creations to enjoy. If this year of Infinity is anything like the last two, 3.0 is something that kids of all ages will want to be a part of.

Madden continues to improve upon its solid foundation with worthwhile additions like Draft Champions. Most importantly the offensive changes bring more strategy and depth to the core gameplay that makes this one of the more engaging Maddens in recent years.

What’s most surprising is just how well Until Dawn manages to pull you in. What starts as funny and lighthearted eventually becomes quite terrifying. At the beginning, you’re just shaking your head at the ridiculous things these guys say, ready for a self-centered character to get horribly maimed, but once you’ve spent most of the night with them, you eventually want to save everyone you can. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without some shocking revelations.

The Phantom Pain is excellent. It expands and enriches Metal Gear Solid without compromising the qualities that make the series so beloved. Despite the huge scope, Hollywood talent, and technical flashiness, there’s a subtlety to the Phantom Pain that’s truly captured our hearts. Even now we’re still turning its events over and over again in our minds. So rarely do game stories demand so much consideration. Decades later, it’s incredible that Metal Gear can still captivate, inspire, and amaze.

Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is about discovering a story on your own, piecing together the details as you stroll through the countryside. What begins with curiosity in trying to explain what exactly happened soon gets you wrapped up in the lives of who it happened to.

Sure, Galak-Z may be rough around the edges, but the core of it is so good that it’s easy to recommend regardless. It’s a game of ecstatic moments, where you’ll kill a boss with only a sliver of life, or dodge a barrage of lasers at the very last second. Galak-Z may not have the highest production values, but it’s one of the most energizing games we’ve played on the PS4 this year.

Tembo: The Badass Elephant may be a bit short and straightforward, but the gameplay is solid and the destruction is satisfying.

Arkham Knight tells a mature story that cares about its characters. The missions are a little over-committed to showing how much the Batmobile can do, but it also feels like the car completes Rocksteady’s vision of a living, breathing Gotham City; a war zone with lots of problems to solve and lots of fun ways to solve them.

Heroes of the Storm has plenty of room to grow, but even with its numerous deficiencies, we’re simply not having as much fun with any other MOBA. At this point, we’ve overdosed on so many would-be competitors to League of Legends. Heroes of the Storm is a revitalizing and largely successful attempt at looking at the genre in a different way. Blizzard refused to say “me too” and we’re all better off for it.

It could absolutely be a must-have for the system. As it stands, Splatoon is a mechanically solid shooter set in a delightful world, but it just doesn't have enough to it to truly make it exceptional.

The biggest element that feels missing is the incredible character interaction from New Order.

While the novelty eventually wears thin due to lack of variety, Not a Hero offers its share of moment-to-moment thrills. The simple tactical action is sure to please players in the mood for its quirky vibe and pulp setting.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a thoughtful, diverse, and frequently awe-inspiring adventure. Its stories are deep and satisfying, unafraid to touch on themes of personal character, presenting players with choices and consequences that aren’t about turning into a hero or a villain. In the end, it’s quite simply one of the best RPGs ever made.

Like so many RPGs, Pillars of Eternity is immense with an abundance of things to do. But unlike so many RPGs, it manages to fill its many spaces with craft and care.

Mortal Kombat X is another superb entry in the franchise.

MLB 15: The Show has enough subtle additions to gameplay and graphics to keep returning fans satisfied. Online issues have been addressed, there’s more customization and control than ever before, and the addition of legends will please baseball purists. Even if you’re a newcomer this season, look no further than this year’s solid entry in the storied franchise.

Axiom Verge isn’t the best in its class, but it takes a familiar structure and adds a tool belt loaded with interesting weapons and gadgets. It’s a worthwhile adventure that entices you to unearth its secrets and rewards you for doing so.

Between the expansive story, PvP, Chalice Dungeons, the significantly harder new game plus mode, and the countless number of secrets, Bloodborne seems almost limitless. Yet breadth wouldn’t matter if the game wasn’t so captivating. Several moments had us in awe, making us feel things we haven’t felt since the original Dark Souls. Whatever it takes, find a way to join the ranks of the hunters.

While Hardline isn’t the Battlefield you may be used to it offers a unique approach that will surely please fans of the genre. The campaign is a big step up from previous entries and while the multiplayer anarchy has been trimmed down, the gameplay in its place is more tactical and intimate.

Resident Evil Revelations 2 strikes the perfect balance between new and old. Returning plot threads and the emphasis on ammo management will please franchise veterans while anyone can appreciate the thrill of intimate monster encounters and distressing boss battles.

It’s a good action-packed RPG that does the Final Fantasy name justice.

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. represents an exciting new direction for Intelligent Systems. More than once, we found ourselves intending to complete just a mission or two, and wound up playing for five or six hours straight. It may not have the long legacy of other strategy titles, but the game proves that in many ways it’s just as capable.

While there are areas that could be further developed and we’d certainly like to be able to collect the handful of doodads we’ve missed, make no mistake that Ori and the Blind Forest is a satisfying adventure. It doesn’t aim for style over substance, but evokes joy in movement, challenging you without being too punishing.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises is that Grow Home only costs eight dollars, which is a bargain for such an intriguing and inventive little game. Whether you’re spending your time scrambling to out-of-reach grottos, enjoying the view from your glider, or harassing the sheep, Grow Home is well worth the climb.

It may not have the most well-rounded strengths, but it’s a remarkable game nonetheless.

It may not be Kirby’s most triumphant outing, but Rainbow Curse is still an entertaining ride.

To say Total War: Attila is complex would be an understatement. At times it can feel like you are studying for a final exam. If you manage to get past the steep learning curve however, Total War: Attila is a rewarding historical strategy game. There’s a wide range of possibilities on the battlefield and conflicts are a marvelous sight to behold. Unfortunately a few technical problems and an insignificant political system hold it back from greatness.

Evolve may not be as fleshed out as other multiplayer shooters, but it’s still one of those rare games that chases after something different and actually succeeds.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is not only the best portable entry in the series, but quite possibly the best installment, period.

Technical frustrations aside, we’re glad that this piece of gaming history is finally back for anyone to try. With its oddly imaginative world and characters brimming with personality, Grim Fandango is absolutely worth this second lease on life.

At its core Majora’s Mask 3D is still an amazing game, but it’s impossible to overlook some of the flaws brought about by the new changes. Some of these alterations clearly improve the experience, but others diminish what could have been a superb remake.

It’s hard to get hung up on the game’s shortcomings when the core fighting looks and feels so outstanding.

Resident Evil HD Remaster takes one of the best entries in the franchise and cleans it up for modern devices. It still holds up remarkably well. This is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to jump in, and hardcore fans can look forward to the definitive version of a survival horror classic.

Games that are this thought provoking and enjoyable are rare. Rarer still are those that imbue this level of pride and honor upon completion.

World of Warcraft is an achievement that's never truly been outdone and Warlords of Draenor ensures its reign will continue for the foreseeable future.

This War of Mine is a powerful and intimate portrayal of war through the eyes of ordinary civilians. An immense weight is put on the value of human life and moral decisions that can put your own well-being at risk. It’s a thoughtful and heavy game, but one that’s well worth playing.

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix is a superb effort that delivers some of the best games the series has to offer, and reminds us why we’re still excited for what lies in store in the next chapter of the franchise.

It’s a rewarding game that constantly revs up the creativity and challenge to keep you addicted while also throwing in a decent amount of extras to bring you back for seconds. It’s charming presentation and clever puzzles give it a special touch that sets it above other similar games. And frankly, there’s little else out there that’s like Captain Toad.

So PES 2015 isn't quite the FIFA killer that many may have hoped, as there are many things that the current iteration of EA's footie series does better. Yet the gap has narrowed significantly with PES 2015, and the hardest part of any sports game -- the gameplay and feel of the sport -- has never been better than with this year's installment.

Omega Ruby feels like it clocks in a bit on the short side at well under 20 hours to complete the main story, but there’s a lot of stuff to do on the side plus the post-game content.

If not for the inconsistent online functionality, Smash for Wii U might have been the definitive Smash installment. It offers up every control option under the sun, including the much desired GameCube controller support, delivering the most accessible version in the series. It’s definitely an improvement over Brawl and the recent 3DS counterpart, though Nintendo could still learn a few things from Melee to include in future installments, like adding a competent adventure mode back into the mix.

Far Cry 4 will enchant you with its lush forests, scenic vistas, and hostile wildlife but it’s the mission and combat variety that will keep you exploring.

With the challenge of bringing such a distinct franchise to a brand new platform while retaining all of the things that have made it great, including the hard work of the community, all things really were considered.

Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of those rare games where its flaws sound severe on paper, but often melt away when you’re actually playing. We can’t remember the last time we’ve been so thoroughly absorbed by a virtual place or so attached to a cast of characters. In that sense, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a flawed journey, but it’s one that we eagerly want to return to.

Unity is an attempt to get back to the basics of stealth-action, and there are a lot of subtle upgrades that make the formula feel freshly tailored for this new generation. This is an extremely ambitious, beautiful game that you can spend a lot of time with. Unfortunately, system performance may vary substantially, Arno’s story is a bit underwhelming, and if you don’t have a few patriots to join you in battle the co-op missions won’t impress.

It's a grand celebration and a potent reminder why the green Spartan rose to a level of prominence that few can match. Many HD collections or remasters are often pleasant trips down memory lane, but this feels like more than that. It's a gripping reintroduction into all things Halo and something that will likely be enjoyed for years to come.

Advanced Warfare is Call of Duty’s true starting point for a new generation.

Like everything Disney inspires, it’s the colorful and playful energy that will keep you coming back. It’s just tough to stay excited about waving your arms around for very long.

It’s easy to look at Beyond Earth and see it as nothing more than an elaborate reskin of Civilization V. In many ways, it shares a similar interface and borrows many components. Yet as soon as you get to the end of your first game, you’re acutely aware of how different it feels. At this point, it’s cliche to say how time consuming Civilization can be, but Beyond Earth only lends further credence to the phrase “one more turn.”

The Pre-Sequel does feel more like a massive expansion pack than an entirely fresh experience, but the new playable characters are worth exploring and the tweaks to the formula have an impact across the entire breadth of the game. You won’t know what you ever did without huge double-jumps and butt-stomps.

There’s an old adage that says “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” FIFA 15 perfectly embodies that sentiment. This game subtly refines the mechanics of what was already a great series, and while it’s very similar to previous iterations, that’s largely a good thing.

Perhaps where The Vanishing of Ethan Carter succeeds most is in establishing a sense of place. This is the kind of game that you’ll want to get lost in.

From its peerless combat to its outlandishly entertaining world, Bayonetta 2 is a triumph. Platinum Games has created a classic so thoroughly excellent that it can’t be ignored. Action games don’t get better than this.

The Evil Within is a survival-horror masterpiece. Anyone concerned this is just another action game soaked in blood needn't worry. Tense pacing, stunning atmosphere, and terrifying enemy encounters come together to create a journey you may never forget.

Crown of the Ivory King is exhausting, but at the end of it all, the predominant emotion swelling inside of us was sadness. We wanted more: one more boss fight, one more tucked-away room – not because the DLC is lacking, but because we didn’t want to leave.

NBA 2K15 has an awe-inspiring amount of customization that makes the game accessible for new players, and finely tuned for veterans. Each mode has addressed and improved upon criticisms from previous years and despite a slight misstep on defense, offense has never felt better.

Driveclub is a focused, thrilling racer for players looking to push themselves and compete in all new territory, working up a sweat as its captivating sights and sounds fill your senses.

While T-Bone doesn’t do too much to differentiate himself from Aiden Pearce, Bad Blood provides a few interesting twists to the core gameplay and some memorable moments along the way. With a great new set of story missions lasting several hours long, and the addition of co-op play, it’s worth picking up despite some repetitive side content.