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

Some days you'll blow the computer out, while other days you'll be battling to the last pitch. Each game offers something new, something that will surprise you, making MLB 08 one of the most enjoyable sports games you'll play this year.

Battlefield 4 is stout entry to the series and a strong addition to the PlayStation 4 launch lineup. As the first game to demonstrate the prowess of the Frostbite 3 engine, its explosive debut indicates a promising future for its technology. Gear up and strap in, Battlefield 4 sets the new standard for next-generation multiplayer.

The 3DS rendition of Super Street Fighter IV is a smart adaptation that looks, functions, but most of all, plays just like the genuine article. If you can live with the compromises it makes with controls, then it's a solid pick amid a lukewarm lineup of welterweight launch games.

There are a few slight tweaks here and there, and the online functionality is surprisingly robust, but otherwise, this game could have been done on the Game Boy Advance with minimal issues. At the same time, there's more content on this card than four typical DS games combined so you're definitely getting your money's worth.

An exceptional game that's in no way restricted by its modest price tag or status as a downloadable game.

If the trial-and-error aesthetic turned you off in the past, not a whole lot has changed in that regard, and the series becomes increasingly less accessible for new players with each entry. But Double Agent is an unforgettably tense experience no stealth fan can afford to miss.

For all of its strengths, Bravely Default’s best quality is its underlying enthusiasm that permeates almost every aspect.

An interesting, but ultimately weak, single-player experience is a bit of a disappointment to be sure. But the excellent and innovative multiplayer makes Dawn of War II worth the price for real-time strategy fans.

Offering slick, fast-paced gameplay, white-knuckle multiplayer, a lengthy single-player experience, and more B-movie cheese than a plate of microwave nachos, there’s a lot to like about Command & Conquer 3.

It's hard to argue with the general direction the series has taken, and most players will be happy with the end result, but if you're hoping for a game where true skill always determines the winner there is some disappointment to work through.

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.

For all the careful planning that might go in a stickup, it all usually comes down to clutching out impromptu, split second shootouts. Sometimes these quirks manifest as incompetent A.I. behavior or exploitative gameplay, but for the most part, it all congeals in a remarkably tense and satisfying experience with depth to go with its style.

Despite new levels, moves, and critters, LocoRoco 2 is very much the same as the first. But when the same is this clever, it's hard to complain.

Crysis 2 takes the ideas and technological prowess of the first game and focuses them into a multifaceted experience that encourages you to go to town with its tactics and physicality. The nanosuit is what defines the Crysis 2 experience, and once you get familiar with its features, it feels as natural as a second skin.

One of the strongest aspects of Soul Calibur 4 is its sense of style. Meticulously detailed mechanical gnomes, lizard-people wielding oversized tableware, and titanic, lasciviously rendered breasts may not be to everyone’s liking, but there’s no denying it all makes an impact.

One of the strongest aspects of Soul Calibur 4 is its sense of style. Meticulously detailed mechanical gnomes, lizard-people wielding oversized tableware, and titanic, lasciviously rendered breasts may not be to everyone’s liking, but there’s no denying it all makes an impact.

While Forza Horizon does have room to grow, it's fantastic for anyone who wants to take to the open road with more authentic driving and car customization.

Despite some minor technical issues and sometimes abstruse mechanics, South Park: The Stick of Truth is an experience to behold. It’s one of the most faithful adaptations of a television show into a video game, and its signature style of humor and commentary come through in every facet of the game. Even with so much focus on capturing the feel of the show, this still manages to be a solid RPG that’s fun and rewarding. There’s simply nothing else like it out there.

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.

There are one or two things to be wary of here, but if you're willing to sign, you'll have a chance to earn a feeling of true accomplishment.

Until Nintendo manages to nail all aspects of Smash’s multiplayer, it’s just another missed opportunity that has to rely heavily on its solid single player offerings.

Shovel Knight works well because it knows exactly what it wants to be. The people behind it have a clear love of retro games, and that collective passion has created something great. So often we play games that try to prey on nostalgia in the cheapest ways possible, whether it’s half-hearted HD remakes or blatant ripoffs. Shovel Knight is one of the few games that not only honors the past, but something we may be reminiscing about for years to come.

Unapologetic in more ways than one, exulting in the methodized chaos of its fighting engine in a way that few other games can.

Though it can sometimes feel that the series is in a perpetual state of catch-up with Rock Band, Guitar Hero 5 strikes back with a considerable set of new features and improvements that truly count. The band experience is cohesive and party play is at its most effortless yet.

While it could have benefitted from a few new modes, a create-player feature, or mini-games, NBA Jam: On-Fire is still a shoulder-charging steal at $15.

As a first episode, The Wolf Among Us successfully introduces a world we want to know more of. Tidbits of information about places and characters are enough to satisfy while also creating sufficient mystery that your mind will stretch into all sorts of possibilities. The way you play The Wolf Among Us doesn’t earn as much enthusiasm, but that perhaps proves games can enthrall even if what your hands are doing isn’t that interesting.

There are a few hangovers from its prior design that keep it from reaching the upper echelon of video game-dom, but next to Zelda, you won’t find a more robust or addictive game available for the system.

The action is high-quality, free-roaming stuff, and the game earns major points for its smart way of dealing with getting shot up, patched up, and bailed out. The story does keep you on a leash and your objectives tend to repeat without too much variation, but if you enjoy this line of work, Far Cry 2's dangerous African landscape is a great place to be a merc.

If you truly want to put your brain to work and have tired of strings of simple math problems or Sudoku, this is the game for you.

Nintendo hasn't recreated the wheel with Mario Kart 7, but the time spent in the garage has paid huge dividends. With a console-worthy list of modes and options, brand new gameplay paradigms, the best track roster in series history, and new customization depth to plumb, it certainly makes a case to be the best Mario Kart yet. It doesn't turn kart racing on its end, but it finds a near-perfect medium of similarity and discovery as it walks the fine line of risk and reward without spinning out.

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.

The simple concept and limited amount of ready-made content mean Boom Blox is not suited for solo use or hardcore power-players. But if you’ve got friends and you’ve got a Wii, Boom Blox approaches Wii Sports in terms of mass-appeal and playability, which for anyone who’s seen grandma bowl is definitely saying something.

Madden NFL 08 is easily the most realistic 3D football game ever made. And quite honestly, one of the most complex games you'll ever play. There are so many intricacies to separate the men from the boys, and as a head-to-head sports experience, it's hard to beat.

The action is high-quality, free-roaming stuff, and the game earns major points for its smart way of dealing with getting shot up, patched up, and bailed out. The story does keep you on a leash and your objectives tend to repeat without too much variation, but if you enjoy this line of work, Far Cry 2's dangerous African landscape is a great place to be a merc.

Rogue Legacy gives a fresh take on old thoughts, plays well with a keyboard and better on a controller, and stands strong even if some of its own biggest traits are ever-so-slightly underdeveloped. Superbly designed and balanced, this game rides the line of frustration and fun to deliver that one-more-go feel that will have every barbarian king and queen roaring a battle cry, then gearing up to take on that ancient evil one more time.

BattleBlock Theater is a fine little game, and though it has charm and pizazz, it also comes of feeling a bit of a sideshow, just something to pull out on a rainy day for a fast fifteen to buy a new head, play a quick match, or toy around with a level idea. You’ll get your mileage, and scratch that itch to run, jump, and punch with wild abandon, which for fifteen bucks is A-OK.

Were it not for the questionable pacing, this initial outing would have been a brilliant debut, as the fundamentals are certainly there. If you're determined to experience it for yourself, rest assured that there are some great moments in this new Castlevania--just be prepared to endure some tedium in getting to them.

There are a few slight tweaks here and there, and the online functionality is surprisingly robust, but otherwise, this game could have been done on the Game Boy Advance with minimal issues. At the same time, there's more content on this card than four typical DS games combined so you're definitely getting your money's worth.

If you enjoy really digging into a fighting system and mastering its intricacies you'll be astounded at the depth on display here. The lack of online play is a huge disappointment and it's definitely light on the modes, but Virtua Fighter 5 is still the gold standard that other fighting games will be trying to top for years to come.

The Secret Armory of General Knoxx succeeds in not just adding to the Borderlands experience, but improving it in almost every area. There's a ton of fresh content for just 10 bucks. If you're still playing Borderlands, or have been looking for a reason to jump back in, don't pass it up.

Longtime fans may appreciate the engorged roster and Pride rule set, but others may not find the extra purchase, or year long break, justifiable by any other regard. Bear no reservations if you're looking for another year of top notch brawling in the octagon, but if it's evolution you're looking for, Undisputed doesn't deliver.

It's a sequel to one of the most entertaining Star Wars games ever made, and it honors one of the best sci-fi trilogies of all time. Unfortunately, some of the design limitations might keep you from playing each level multiple times to find all the goodies and online achievements.

The best thing about Brave New World is it finally capitalizes on one of Civilization V's main goals: provide multiple and equally viable routes to victory. Culture and diplomacy no longer feel less valuable than science and military might. However, it's almost like you're paying $30 for fixes and alterations. It also doesn't help that the AI is as cryptic as ever. The expansion is no doubt substantial, but it's also paying for sins of the past.

Though Red Faction: Guerrilla delivers on this concept admirably, it wasn't without a cost: namely, the detail and character that makes the best open-world games memorable to begin with. Be that as it may, there's still plenty here to enjoy. Just be prepared to endure some slow spells, and power through some truly unforgiving moments.

Reborn, the DS version remains surprisingly faithful while bringing the game into the modern era. The few additional mechanics are somewhat disposable, but the core gameplay remains engaging so many years later.

The only real shortcoming of F.E.A.R. is how repetitive it eventually becomes.

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.

Trine 2 may not offer many changes over its predecessor and its campaign only yields about six hours of gameplay, but this new release is more refined, more beautiful, and more fun. It's a steal at $15, and if you missed this indie gem the first time around, Trine 2 provides a phenomenal introduction to the series that won't disappoint.

Order of Ecclesia isn't a drastic departure from past installments, but it's a clear step up with tweaks to gameplay and level design and a cast of creative new enemies. Despite being broken up into smaller levels, there's still a heavy emphasis on exploration, and the merciless boss fights provide a satisfying challenge for any seasoned vampire hunter.

Prince of Persia is a well-made product with production values to die for. But as an interactive experience, some conscious design and gameplay decisions will lesson the enjoyment for experienced players. The platforming is fluid yet only vaguely interactive, and the combat is robust but easy.

A streamlined strategy experience for consoles that's easy to play and appreciate. The game achieves balance and variety, letting it hold up to repeated plays, and creates that “one more turn” addiction that defines most great strategy games.

At $10, Bionic Commando Rearmed is a steal. It's one of those games that feels organic to play.

Thanks to its fluid, genre-crossing gameplay and action-packed scenarios, inFAMOUS has established itself as an electrifying new addition to the PS3 library.

Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.

Star Wars: The Old Republic's unabashed resampling of the prevailing MMO model offers a valid and in many ways more approachable alternative to Blizzard's juggernaut. It's a great starting point for those curious about the genre, as well as a refreshing change of pace for seasoned MMO veterans.

If you attempt to plow through the goals you’re going to come across a few of them that will get your blood boiling, and there’s an incredibly steep learning curve to overcome. But if you just want to cruise around popping ollies and laying down grinds, or session a spot to squeeze every last line out of it, it’s easily the most realistic representation of the sport yet.

The action is high-quality, free-roaming stuff, and the game earns major points for its smart way of dealing with getting shot up, patched up, and bailed out. The story does keep you on a leash and your objectives tend to repeat without too much variation, but if you enjoy this line of work, Far Cry 2's dangerous African landscape is a great place to be a merc.

Yet again, the lack of dual analog sticks is a huge problem for a PSP game, mainly because Size Matters attempts to emulate its big brother instead of forging out on its own. Even so, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better platformer, or any platformer, released this year.

Call of Duty: World at War is a great game that feels all too familiar, yet it's undoubtedly the best shooter based on the conflict. Comparisons between it and Call of Duty 4 are inevitable, but even on its own merits, it's a paint-by-numbers affair. The single-player campaign is intense and the cooperative play is engaging, but the competitive multiplayer, despite some added perks and tweaks, is subdued by the era it so accurately replicates.

Dawn of War II--Chaos Rising is an excellent example of a standalone expansion pack. It contributes to the core game in all major categories without going the extra mile that would befit a true sequel.

Crysis 2 takes the ideas and technological prowess of the first game and focuses them into a multifaceted experience that encourages you to go to town with its tactics and physicality. The nanosuit is what defines the Crysis 2 experience, and once you get familiar with its features, it feels as natural as a second skin.

Ultimax is a half-step in the same vein as Super Street Fighter IV or Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. But it’s a step that plants itself firmly and confidently. Practically everything new in Ultimax is outstanding and the core it’s built on is just as robust and exhilarating as it was two years ago. What could have been a meager effort to re-engage idle players is instead a triumphant rebirth. It’s time to enter the ring.

The world feels alive and treacherous, the combat gives you lots of gruesome options, and the enemy army is always evolving. It might not offer the challenge you crave, but if you enjoy killing orcs, there are two maps filled with the savage monsters and they're all looking for a fight.

If you can get into the bizarre and colorful candy-filled vibe, and you enjoy games that give you the freedom to play as you like, you’ll definitely be able to party with Viva Pinata.

Making good on the aspirations of its predecessor, PlanetSide 2's vision of large-scale warfare is the most exuberantly realized yet. And with a payment model a good deal more generous than the 14 day trial teased by Everquest all those years ago, there's certainly little reason not to give it a go.

It has little to offer fighting game fans bridled with brand fatigue and even less to Tekken players still wary of polarizing mechanics and the tricky jump to 2D. But in terms of keeping pace with innovation and bringing something new to the table, Street Fighter x Tekken duly makes the effort worth the while.

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

There's a lot here, the price is right, and games this well-realized don't come along very often. If you ask us, this manic little ball of fire has a long career ahead of him.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009's visuals may not be in the same league as the versions released on the more powerful PS3 and Xbox 360, but it's hands down the better playing game.

The HD upgrade for Beyond Good & Evil is an unmistakable improvement. The conversion isn't quite perfect though. In places, you'll still find blocky textures, odd visual glitches, menus floating beyond the edge of the world, and places where you can fall right through the geometry.

Even if you don't passionately follow Formula 1, F1 2010 is fantastic for those interested in investing the time in each race. Sadly, it's not as polished as previous Codemasters games, and it requires you to be willing to work around some serious bugs.

If you own a Vita, Sound Shapes is a no-brainer, especially since a purchase gets you both the handheld and PS3 versions of the game. That said, we'd also heartily recommend it to those consigned to TV play, provided you have even a passing interest in fiddling with music, and/or games. Few creation-oriented games make it feel so effortlessly rewarding to fiddle in this way.

With Fight Night Champion, the series has gotten leaner and smarter, and has packed on the features. In short, it puts in the effort to live up to its name.

You'll get a lot more out of it than you do from typical games with no competitive multiplayer and while played cooperatively it really sings. It's lost a lot of what has made the franchise a pins-and-needles experience, but that sense of dread has been replaced with pure action that's hard to match.

The inclusion of Ghost of Sparta makes this package a "must buy" for anyone seeking a great action game, particularly those who missed it on PSP.

That said, if you enjoy online, vehicle- and objective-based warfare, it has quite a bit of staying power. Just don't expect to get your money's worth from the campaign.

A sizable number of additions, improvements, and fixes make it a clear choice over the original, and as a fighter, it maintains its status as one of the most technically accomplished and brutally satisfying entries to date.

If you're looking for a good single player adventure and the best online experience on the Wii bar none, then look no further than Monster Hunter Tri. Newcomers will find it very easy to get into the action, while the experience is deep enough to satisfy seasoned adventurers.

While it's a little slow to get going, Assassin's Creed III is a rewarding, elegant game on many levels. It understands that everyone plays open-world games differently, and provides plenty of incentive for players to tackle its quandaries how they see fit. The sheer variety, overall quality, brisk pacing, massive amount of content, and satisfying story make it easy to forget its few rough spots. Heady and well-informed, Assassin's Creed III is the polar opposite of a guilty pleasure.

There's no mistaking Outland for its marvelous presentation or its curious conglomeration of elements, which quite possibly amount to the freshest take on action platformers in a good long while. At 800 Microsoft Points, it's a journey well worth taking.

It isn't the most serious affair, but if shooting the breeze in the bowels of the Normandy provided you with some of your fondest Mass Effect moments, you'll absolutely love this one last chance to bond with your crew.

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.

Devil May Cry 4 is totally saved by its combat system. It’s deep and rewarding, no matter what level of player you are--making hacking and slashing your way through waves of repetitive enemies still fun.

Even if the master of puppets doesn't pull your strings, the sheer breadth of challenge offered by the game's sadistic setlist is yet another ace up its sleeve.

True to its fanciful food title, Guacamelee serves up a saucy mix of eclectic influences in a fresh take on a classic dish. While there’s always the risk of sampling too many flavors, the end result is a delightfully diverse game that successfully showcases a different side of itself at every taste.

No More Heroes 2 desperately wants to be played, giving players a quick but fashionable menu and upping its number game with more enemies, more bosses, more playable characters, and more weapons. It delivers more and better, and it still packs much of the same style and flair that helped the first game succeed despite its flaws.

It’s a sequel to one of the most entertaining Star Wars games ever made, and it honors one of the best sci-fi trilogies of all time. Unfortunately, some of the design limitations might keep you from playing each level multiple times to find all the goodies and online achievements.

Spore will leave you in a state of wide-eyed wonderment one minute, and disappointed the next. The limited online interaction and surprisingly short campaign make it easy to think about what could have been. The fact is, there’s no other game like it, and a lot of things that will be hated by some, will be just as liked by others.

Telltale has presented yet another riveting story that's arguably superior to the AMC television series on account of the level of immersion granted by its interactivity. It's a different experience than the first episode, but it's also a better one.

Unless you absolutely need to have a moderate-looking HD version, you'd be better off with the Wii iteration because it includes multiple control setups and all the same extra features.

The revamped controls result in the best Killzone experience yet, and the thoughtfully-conceived multiplayer elements will keep you in the game until you've maxed out and mastered its finer points. Killzone hasn't forgotten its roots--it's just improved its fundamentals in every way that matters.

While the driving in F1 2012 is as tough as ever, quicker modes and a greater emphasis on driver rivalries make it easier for a broader audience to get into. There's still plenty of room to make for a more exciting depiction of the sport, reflecting the trends of a given season, but Codemasters continues to push its strengths to create demanding and detailed racing gameplay.

Stacking is quaint, even charming, with its silent-film style and the funny ways that the dolls react to whatever nonsense is being propagated. The game is a little on the short side, and though there are some gameplay change-ups in the conclusion, don't expect any keyed-up moments; the experience remains moderated and subtle throughout.

By nature, F1 2011 is a focused racer that demands driving with patience and perseverance. That being said, there's a lot of flexibility built in to let players approach it however they choose, and this season's changes translate well to changes in gameplay that fans will want to explore.

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.

Layton fans can look forward to solving an intriguing mystery with loads of new puzzles included. Diabolical Box doesn’t depart greatly from its predecessor, but subtle refinements ensure that more players will see it through to the end.

Darkly decadent as one of its sadistic X-ray moves, the new and improved Mortal Kombat emerges as an impressively realized reboot that elevates the series to a new plateau of excellence. If your interest in Mortal Kombat has remained in stasis until now, unfreeze your expectations and take a dip in the dark side. You will that find ripping someone's head off is a lot more fun than you originally remembered.