The most obvious addition to the gameplay is lead blocking control. This basically allows you to control another offensive player when the ball is snapped, make a block with that player, and then take control of the runningback. It takes a long time to get the hang of it, but once you do the results can be devastating.

Not even counting user-created content, LittleBigPlanet is one of the strongest games on the platform this year, even with the minor control issues.

Capable and shaped to its purpose, Bastion proves a well-crafted and entertaining experience. Easily justifying its $15 price tag, this downloadable game offers a simple but complete package that's charming, playable, and worthwhile.

Blur is essentially Mario Kart with deeper driving mechanics and more strategy, but those characteristics are potent enough for it to stand on its own. The unpredictability of races packed with drivers, as well as the wealth of vehicles, tracks, and challenges, ensure that you’ll keep coming back for more.

From the seamless online options that encourage you to compete to the graphics engine that ensures a level playing field, the entire game has been built to maximize play. The result is a game that's just flat-out fun. The more interesting moments tend to be fleeting and the single-player is anemic, but it's a great mix of old and new that will satisfy both fans of the series and first-time rippers.

GRID 2 has a handful of head-scratching design decisions, but it's a solid, varied, and challenging racer set in strongly realized environments. Allow yourself to think outside of the cockpit, and you can't go wrong.

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.

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.

Dissidia boldly marries an interesting new approach to fighting with some of the touchstones that the Final Fantasy series is built on. And though it takes some sizable risks at being different, the end result is great. It's everything that you wouldn't expect a Final Fantasy game to be, but if you're looking for a feature-rich time-sink with fight and flair, then Dissidia is well worth your consideration.

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.

It evokes classic Metroid, without the massive backtracking, as well as Ratchet and Clank's weapons.

There’s a whole lot of game here, but that was true last year, and for every gameplay improvement there’s something annoying to dampen the enthusiasm. It’s still an excellent football game, but the casual player is going to like it a lot more than the grizzled vet.

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.

If you've never experienced Sins of a Solar Empire before, you'll find no better entry point than Rebellion. But if Rebellion commits any sins of its own, it's in the $40.00 price tag, which seems excessive for an expansion that will almost certainly strike its loyal fans as little more than a meaty content patch.

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.

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.

Despite infuriating DLC practices Forza remains a fantastic drive, and with some improvements, Drivatars could set a new path for competitive AI.

Dishonored goes out of the way to encourage freedom in how you approach your obstacles, and it plays the long game, offering up layers of experimentation.

The world of Tearaway is one you’ll want to soak in until your battery dies. That said, the story is sweet, but the story is short, and the game can be finished in a few sittings.

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

Both the music and mini-game markets have become quite crowded since the original Japanese GBA release, but Rhythm Heaven still stands out among the crowd with its charming presentation, catchy original tunes, and addictive gameplay. This is one beat you don’t want to miss.

Mixes up the series' gameplay fundamentals in interesting ways without fouling up what makes it unique, reinvigorating the multiplayer game in process. It's a remarkably ambitious standalone expansion, and at a mere $30, it's a great introduction to those who've yet to take up arms.

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.”

This nightmare is decidedly brief, clocking in at around an hour or so. At the five dollar price point, though, it won't break the bank. If you're hungry for another dose of horror, don't hesitate to check it out.

If you didn't play the original Ninja Gaiden II, the changes baked into Sigma 2 can be difficult to spot. But trust us, it's undergone a huge overhaul. Everything from enemy placement, frequency, and AI to the effectiveness of each weapon has been massaged to a point where the average player will be able to complete it without losing their mind.

With so much to do, achieving 100% completion will take some real effort. It’s fair to say the game earns the Deluxe in its title, and almost everything here is well done. Charming and light like its hero, Kirby Triple Deluxe has some real substance under all the pink fluff.

Without a doubt, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves tops any current Wii minigame collection on the market.

Hybrid is a game that you might not expect from the creators of Lock's Quest and Scribblenauts, but if the sort of imagination behind this jump-jet cover based space shooter is anything to go by, the connections aren't all that difficult to make.

A powerful tech demo for the PlayStation Vita, but it's also an engaging game that's a blast to play in spurts. Touch screen use is a little heavy-handed and it's missing those "wow" moments we're used to getting from the franchise, but it's a solid action adventure with production values strong enough to quell any sense of system buyer's remorse.

It’s a vast improvement over its predecessor Tales of Graces, but it doesn’t quite surpass the excellence found in Tales of Vesperia.

Alan Wake paints a vivid nightmare that you won't soon forget. It's the freshest take on the horror game in a long time, and every moment feels like it was painstakingly scripted. There isn't much fluff here. That said, the game is lacking in the frills that we've come to expect from a triple-A release.

Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix is a game long in name, short on modes, but overwhelmingly high on quality and replay value. It comes up a bit short on some counts, but fans will definitely not be disappointed with the end result. If you're looking for a well-balanced online fighter with plenty of competitors, this is your best bet.

Scribblenauts is a terrific toy and a decent puzzle game. Its ambitions are bigger than the tiny screens that house it. The clumsy controls and ill-simulated nouns don't break the game as much as they fuel frustration, but as a toy and a portable game, Scribblenauts succeeds even if it doesn't exceed its big aspirations.

Armageddon delivers the culmination of all things MK. The roster is huge, the modes are many, the fighting has been nicely tweaked, and overall, it's a fitting way to turn the page on another generation of this classic franchise.

The overall high quality of the game is so impressive that it doesn’t really matter that much that the zero-gravity gimmick barely adds anything that’s truly new. Next time around, though, Nintendo might need to come up with new tricks if it hopes to keep us coming back for more.

It's hard not to get lost in Rhythm Heaven Fever's charming and addictive gameplay. Whether it's the relaxing bass hits of a boy kicking away balls on a date or a rockin' interview with a rambunctious wrestler, these games will undoubtedly warrant repeated plays. We got a fever, and the only prescription is more Rhythm Heaven.

As the traditional RPG goes the way of the dodo, a play through the original Final Fantasy is a nice, entertaining way to rediscover the genre’s roots and remember why a lot of us got into these games in the first place. And this really is the ultimate remake of the game that started it all.

Left 4 Dead is a fun game while it lasts, but that’s not long. There’s not much nuance to the combat or weapons, but the realistic enemy behavior gives it a sense of unpredictability.

There are miles of terrain to discover in Far Cry 3, filled with numerous trials and objectives to explore at your own pace, and an excellent sense of connection with the game's unhinged cast. The co-op and competitive multiplayer components stand as comparative low points, but chances are you'll be so busy trekking through this vast island that you'll likely write them off as just another symptom of jungle sickness.

Keeping pace with the infectious, obstacle-based hook that made the original a hit while boldly charting new ground with tuned up features and an ambitious outdoor angle, Trials Evolution brings the breadth of its namesake to bear in a well-equipped and enthusiastically realized sequel that fans of the original shouldn't pass up. When it comes to providing an endless loop of frustration, fun, and harebrained antics on wheels, you'll find few other stunt racers quite as hopelessly addicting as this.

Wasteland 2 may not be the best looking game nor does it play in any sort of revelatory fashion, but it can still pull you in and refuse to let go.

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.

Final Fantasy XIII embraces a feeling of immediacy that ultimately serves it well. Yeah, there aren't any towns, at least not in the classic sense. But once you're fully invested in the deep, demanding combat, you probably won't miss them. If you've been waiting years for Final Fantasy XIII, don't let its streamlined approach scare you away.

Dead or Alive 5 capably reaffirms the intrinsic charm of the series: fast, technical fighting that's easy to pick up, easy to appreciate, and easy on the eyes. But rather than advance the series into a new level of play, it merely repackages the its strong points rather than evolve them.

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.

Few driving games will make you clinch your controller this tight or make your eyes water this hard. If you’re looking to sling some mud in the living room without ruining the couch, there are few choices better than Pacific Rift.

Despite some brief rough patches and a structure that requires replay, The Cave is a thoroughly entertaining descent that lives up to its pedigree. Gameplay and narrative work together to create a funny and surprising adventure with inventive puzzles that hit the challenge sweet spot just right.

Red Steel 2 has it where it counts, with a deep combat system that continuously improves as the game progresses. It could do with more interesting tasks outside of battle, but it nails the swordplay like no game before it.

The relationship between boosting and tricking carries an interesting dynamic that's sure to spawn different strategies from player to player. No matter the tactic, the trick system definitely rewards those with nerves of steel.

Disney Infinity is a source of constant amusement and there’s never been anything quite like it before. It’s a driving game, a shooter, a platform-heavy action-adventure game, a stealth game, and it includes modes of customizations that challenge you to invent your own genres or make worlds greater than the ones the developers have already built.

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.

Armageddon delivers the culmination of all things MK. The roster is huge, the modes are many, the fighting has been nicely tweaked, and overall, it’s a fitting way to turn the page on another generation of this classic franchise.

The 40 dollar download feels about 10 bucks too much on principle, especially with the lack of a single-player campaign and only five maps. But this is simply the best online experience on the PS3 as of now.

Like a fifth-year senior, NCAA Football 12 relies on its experience more than improving its game. With minimal improvements where it matters most, it doesn't have the benefit of updated rosters of real players to help its case. It's undoubtedly the best game in the series to date, but when you can pick up last year's game for a fraction of the cost, it's difficult to recommend at full price.

Left 4 Dead is a fun game while it lasts, but that’s not long. There’s not much nuance to the combat or weapons, but the realistic enemy behavior gives it a sense of unpredictability.

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.

The decision to give Samus a voice is sure to be controversial thanks to the ho-hum script, and this coupled with a plethora of side characters clamps down on the feeling of isolation. Even so, it's a solid game from top to bottom that rolls the dice several times without them ever coming up snake eyes.

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.

Straightforward in approach yet exceedingly effective in delivery, it elevates the notion of melee combat past a last ditch combat maneuver and into a realm of medieval, multiplayer bliss.

Simply put, Kane's Wrath is an expansion pack done right.

The controls are tight, though a little complex, but that’s only because there’s so much to dig into. It’s a little ragged around the edges, but if you’re looking for a great way to unwind after a long day, boot up Prototype for some serious therapy.

It’s the early days of Card Hunter, but it feels charming and exhilarating, with the promise of co-op and new campaigns in the future. We’ve played with and without spending a dime, and while cash can assuredly speed things up, Card Hunter is a valid experience for penny pinchers and pizza lovers alike.

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.

Madden 15’s new additions to defense and attention to detail make it a must have for existing fans, and a great entry point for newcomers. If you have never touched a football game before, it’s a fitting time to begin, with this fresh start from an old franchise.

The game's production values--from the artwork and voice acting, to the music and video sequences--are among the best in any handheld game to date.

Fable II is a game with heart, and there are so few of them released these days. It will make you think, and take you beyond bloodlust, yet you can satisfy that too if you wish.

The new features and time period are definitely welcome, but it's disappointing that Empire: Total War has so many minor glitches and oversights that mar an otherwise excellent experience.

If you can make peace with the ridiculous vibe, it's almost a sure thing you'll have fun with it. It doesn't have the legs to sustain it for months, so you might want to approach the game as one of its characters would approach a leather-clad Mad Max reject: wham, bam, thank you, ma'am.

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.

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.

By delivering a sandbox environment that's imaginative and surprising, New World Blues delivers on the overall promise of the Fallout series. But by doing so with such delight and gusto, it goes above and beyond, resulting in the finest expansion the series has seen yet.

This year, Pro Evolution Soccer fans are being treated to the best entry the series has seen in quite some time. Ultimately though, the adjustable gameplay is still a bit too arcade-like for simulation fans to take seriously, and the lack of authentic clubs is a deal breaker for many.

With cheats to unlock, multiplayer ranks to climb, and new, devious, level-specific crown awards to figure out, this blast from the past is still a blast to play as an un-evolved envoy of modern-day shooters.

Mom and dad might even enjoy themselves as well.

The Layton series has held up remarkably well over the years, and The Last Specter is no exception, but that's not to say Professor Layton isn't getting a bit long in the tooth. The next installment will need some innovations lest the series run the risk of stagnating.

Despite the daily chores and bee stings, there's something truly captivating about this virtual life, and you'll grow attached to its endearing characters as you chat and exchange letters. For long-time fans, there's much of the familiar, but the vast array of tweaks and additions to Animal Crossing: New Leaf blow through your town like a fresh breeze. It's good to be mayor.

It isn't completely successful with some of its experimental features and still lacks some of the fun auxiliary modes of its sister games, but it's clear that it isn't just a glorified track pack. For all the aspiring b-boys and b-girls out there, Dance Central 3 is a great game to experienced, and an even better one to share.

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.

Dyad's heart and soul ultimately reside in the hard-edged and inventive gameplay mechanics that prop-up the aesthetics. Both easy on the eyes and exciting to fiddle with, it'll simultaneously dazzle and bedevil you. If you're game for the challenge, a ticket to this vivid world is yours for a song at $15.

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

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.

With all of these musical elements in tow, gorgeous cel-shade graphics with fantastic designs and fluid animations round out the package for a complete storybook aesthetic that’s a refreshingly fluorescent sashay away from the gravelly grays and browns of next-gen post-apocalyptic realism.

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.

Fallout: New Vegas is a hugely satisfying game that manages to put you into a believable world that you have a great deal of influence over.

Many games aspire toward aesthetic sophistication, but only a precious few manage to emerge as great game in the process. El Shaddai achieves this, and it leaves you smitten and awestruck. It's both simple to grasp and rich enough to keep you coming back for more. Those seeking something refreshingly different will be well rewarded by this rare and original experience.

Diddy Kong Racing was great back in 1997, and it’s managed to hold up almost a decade later. The added content is nice for those who completely destroyed the original game, and those who’ve never played it will be surprised at its quality, depth, and longevity.

Anyone feverishly clawing at their 360 for more Oblivion will venture forth through this new dimension with a smile on their face, but once you do the math, Shivering Isles is just as overpriced as Knights of the Nine and the downloads that came before it.

If you enjoy deep RPGs and you're looking for a great time-killer--or just ask a lot from your video game purchases--you can't go wrong with Pokemon Black and White.

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 enjoy deep RPGs and you're looking for a great time-killer--or just ask a lot from your video game purchases--you can't go wrong with Pokemon Black and White.

Providing a delightful glimpse of the past in more ways than one, Skulls of the Shogun is a tactical treat for fans of old school, Japanese-style strategy games. Equal parts quirky and complex, it only comes to prove that the glory days of this often forgotten genre aren't quite gone.

The single player game has its high points, but it's an inconsistent facsimile of its HD counterparts. Meanwhile, the multiplayer is a huge step forward for the platform despite the absence of a few features. Call of Duty: Black Ops delivers the Wii's best online experience yet.

As far as mini-game collections go on the Wii, this is undoubtedly the cream of the crop. You'll be surprised how much fun you have with some events, and how little you garner from others, but there are still some rock solid experiences that you'll come back to again and again when friends and family gather.

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.

The Witcher, in all its facets, screams quality. There are a few places where ambition exceeds feasibility, and it’s quickly becoming apparent that there’s not a lot of wiggle room left within the genre, but The Witcher delivers one of the most intense and rewarding role-playing experiences this year.

GoldenEye 007 has a surprisingly impressive single-player campaign that remains true to its roots despite deliberately rewriting the script. The multiplayer doesn't break any barriers and it's weighed down by performance issues, but it's still fun for a few rounds in the living room or online.

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.

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.