There’s nothing terribly great about it, and there’s nothing especially outstanding either. If you’re looking for a starter hardball game, then MLB 07 The Show is definitely a good choice, but one more season of lethargy and Sony will be caught stealing.

Despite misgivings about the roleplaying elements, Curtain Call is the best Theatrhythm has ever been. It’s telling when a game offers DLC and there’s already so much there that more would just be icing on the cake. If song names like Battle at the Big Bridge and Dancing Mad mean something to you, this is a game you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve never experienced a Pokémon game it’s as good a place to start as any, but if your interest has waned on the series over the years games like Platinum is the reason why.

As challenging as the game is, it’s never unfair. It’s rare to come across a game that has you screaming profanities at the screen one moment in a fit of rage, and then jumping for joy the next as you finally succeed.

Though the presentation isn't up to the original's stellar standards, the core of what made Valkyria Chronicles such a breakthrough is preserved and refined in the sequel.

Odin Sphere is a rare gem - fans of action games, RPGs or just good artwork are in for a treat. Its mix of gameplay styles is near-perfect and the art on display here will remind you that quality 2D visuals never go out of style.

If you're coming to this party, be prepared to play, just not in the traditional way. The 90-something built-in games are a paltry offering for the series, and the tap-only ethos really starts to wear on once you start to hit your stride as a designer. Still, the toolset is inspired, and those with a connected Wii and the ambition (and wallets) could potentially find their 15-miliseconds of fame.

Another solid entry in the series, continuing to scream by with fantastic production values, tight controls, lots of objectives, and above all, an intense sense of speed. Its biggest weakness lies in the time it takes to unlock a decent number of courses, but fans willing to look past that should strap in and hang on.

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.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 doesn’t feel much like a sequel. The limited development time has allowed for few improvements and a truncated, forgettable campaign. The good news is that the formula is so strong that it remains a compelling play.

The five or so hours it takes to escape this den of iniquity are rife with high caliber direction. It balances the new gewgaws with the series' hallmarks to deliver a fitting send-off of BioShock's under-the-sea story.

Much like the original Guitar Hero, Dance Central nails the essence and charm of its ambitious format in its very first act.

Open Tee was and is a fantastic game, and it’s hard to complain about being able to tee off online with that very same feel.

Child of Light may not be the biggest game this year, but sometimes it’s the smallest things that shine the brightest.

Minecraft on the Xbox 360 does an admirable job of reproducing the essence of its forbear, and on the strength of the local co-op, it also manages to improve upon it in a small but essential way.

Dead Space Extraction is certainly worth experiencing, though with its slim feature set, it's a hard sell at the 50 dollar price-tag unless you're a fully-devoted Unitologist. For most, a rental will suffice. Either way, prepare yourself for great ride.

Nagging issues we've been complaining about for years have gone untouched, and the meager additions to this year's game aren't enough to offset the problems. The endless list of bells and whistles is pointless when your team is blowing wide open layups when it matters. NBA 2K10 is barely the best roundball game on the market, but at this point it's starting to look like a paper champion.

What you have here is a full-featured Resident Evil release squeezed down onto the 3DS. It sacrifices little due to the hardware, with its most glaring faults a result of development decisions. The meaty campaign is short on scares, but well-designed and engaging, while the raid mode will sink its claws into you after just a couple missions. While tip-toeing the line between old series staples and its latest evolutions, Resident Evil: Revelations proves that what's old can be new again.

Playing by your lonesome isn't that rewarding, and online play can be frustrating with all those cheap answer grinders out there.

The lack of downloadable content or a custom piñata creator is disappointing, but the card content will suffice for now. With the numerous improvements and its bargain price, Trouble in Paradise is one party you shouldn’t miss.

Refines the strengths of the first game and extends their value indefinitely through the competitive environment of autolog. There aren't any breakthrough new features here, but this is a racer that will constantly push you to improve and make you sweat under the pressure.

Trenched is doubtlessly a tower defense game, just one that falls further from the tree than most. Though it takes a few missteps, particularly the tedious scrap collection and the lack of a survival mode, it's ultimately another notch in Double Fine's belt.

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.

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.

While the more obvious gating puzzles aren’t as charming, Antichamber still manages to craft its conclusion to a crescendo, with the swelling geometry taking on a personality, successfully building a narrative despite a lack of story.

Casual hoops players aren't going to be wowed with this latest iteration of NBA 2K9, but it's meant to satisfy those who live and breathe basketball, as the improvements in the AI and atmosphere alone are sure to tickle the inner twine of dedicated fans.

If you’ve been hankering for another tour of Ferelden, then jump right in. Just don’t expect any fantasy romance; this time around, your companions are keeping it strictly professional.

Undeniably fun, AND has the ability to humble even the biggest self-proclaimed geek, with its staggering amount of characters and references. Its flaws aren't impossible to look past, and with a solid story and improved combat, it's definitely evolved the genre for the better.

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.

It’s like a great amusement park ride: fun while it lasts. But peel off that shiny paint and pause the adrenaline rush and you see there are some core problems hiding in the shadows, like underlying structure and play that just don’t completely congeal. Even so, it’s a hell of a ride, and it’s hard not to be forgiving and embrace this darkness.

It’s all about dropping the clutch, and as unique as the concept is, some lackluster execution keeps this one from reaching the level cap.

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.

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.

Focusing on what's most important to creating a good fighter, Tekken Tag 2 sets a moderately high bar and confidently clears it. It offers a ton of fighters, the tag system is interesting, it plays well online, and it preserves the goofy sense of humor that defines the series. Spinoff or not, this is the best Tekken game in years.

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.

Though it doesn't hold a candle to its predecessor when it comes to sheer breadth, Dragon Age II has quite a bit more soul.

It’s the kind of game that can only work this well on the Nintendo DS, and despite a rather simple puzzle element, ends up being better than the sum of its parts. If you’re looking for your next DS fix, this one will have your head buried in it for days.

Trauma Team is a step in the right direction for the series, adding new elements to keep things fresh while managing to preserve what's worked well.

One of those games that hardcore shooting fans will eat up, but the rest will be left wondering what the fuss is all about. It has some unique ideas with its open-ended world and myriad of mission objectives, but it’s all dampened by its questionable gunplay.

Much of what made Okami so special has been preserved and even refined in the sequel, but Okamiden slips on the execution front a little too often, preventing it from rising above its predecessor. Nonetheless, it's still a beautiful game and a worthy successor that both newcomers and veteran celestial painters will enjoy.

Space invaders Extreme 2 reaffirms that remaking a classic can be done in a very thoughtful and entertaining way. Its gameplay is clever and addicting, and its stunning presentation makes a strong impression.

The anything-is-a-weapon aesthetic is still ace, but the combat system is too unwieldy when tackling multiple foes. It’s a game of ups and downs, but horror fans will be more than satisfied with its bleak and gloomy disposition.

Brutal Legend is ambitious, entertaining, and was obviously wrought with enthusiasm and feeling. The game also wants to be experienced, letting you adjust the difficulty on the fly if you hit a snag and want to keep rocking anyway.

Those who never experienced this type of game in the past won’t acclimate as quickly as veterans, but it’s still an easy to pick up and play game. It just isn’t easy to win. There’s even a surprise ending and plenty of hidden secrets for those seeking something more than just intense action. Kero Blaster is a nice throwback to the older days of gaming that delivers a short but sweet side-scrolling shooter that hits most of the right notes.

The gameplay is addictive and the self-referential material is charming. It also manages to hit the sweet spot between accessibility and depth that we expect from top shelf downloadable games.

Though the series has yet to recapture the magic of the first episode, The Wolf Among Us still offers a grim fairy-tale world worth getting lost in.

The Escape may handily trump the Assault, but neophyte Riddicks have a unique experience to work through. Though vets who return may begrudge Athena, it's doubtful they won't finish. It's an abridged effort, and more of a dreaded point-five than a true sequel, but with both missions it still reigns as the best first-person, melee, stealth, parkour game featuring Vin Diesel.

Legend of Grimrock is an excellent throwback to a genre that seemed in danger of dying out, and with the promise of future dungeons and a level editor to extend the replay value, it comes highly recommended for those looking for something a bit more focused, more challenging, and more atmospheric than the typical RPG. If you've been wishing for a game that stimulates your gray matter as much as your bloodlust, you'll find Grimrock offers a mountain's worth of enjoyment at a molehill's price.

It's wild, intense, and sometimes broken, but within the madness there's an undeniable charm. If you're finding yourself weary of all the Street Fighter in your world, this is a great game to tag out to.

It has its moments, but overall, it’s a disappointing step sideways for one of the more revered franchises in the industry. The good news is that it’s the most in-depth multiplayer shooting experience on the consoles, making it a game still worth picking up.

As a port, Tekken 6 offers some of the best fighting you'll encounter on a handheld, though if you already have a copy on the consoles, there's little point in splurging. For better or worse, the game provides an identical experience across the board.

This is the first case of Nintendo not finding a happy medium between accessibility and servicing hardcore players. Yet if you get a group of people together on a Saturday night to play you'll be the only one complaining.

It's a shame that Split/Second fails to provide new courses later on, and once you've seen it all, it does lose some of its magic. But while it's fresh, Split/Second delivers an exhilarating sense of danger and surprise. It's just simple, explosive fun.

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.

The ways in which the game extends its life aren't exactly elegant, but they transform what would be a relatively short experience into something repeatable and fun. When you finally complete the game, you'll be able to start a new game with your powered up character on a new difficulty level or try a new adventurer. As long as you possess the will to quest, Dragon's Crown will provide you with ample adventure.

The sheer volume of what’s on offer here, combined with the true classics that are included on the disc, make the collection a must-buy for any retro fans or just those who can never get enough of one of the industry’s oldest companies.

Though it expertly renovates one of the defining campaigns of the console FPS, Halo: Anniversary is perhaps less successful at being a tribute, woefully omitting a large part of what made the series a success on top of somehow forgetting about party favors along the way. In the end, Anniversary comes a bit underdressed to its own celebration, but if you've got a soft spot for the Chief or have yet to experience Halo in its original form, now would be a great time to start the fight.

An amazing action game that offers a level of exacting fidelity that few can match. The short length isn’t a detractor--you’ll definitely come back for seconds given everything it has to offer. Hacking enemies to pieces hasn’t felt this good in a long time. Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last we see of Raiden.

With its deeply satisfying series of campaigns, solid battle and progression systems, and a worthwhile multiplayer component, you'd be foolish to pass this one up.

PES 2013 combines the strengths of its recent predecessors to deliver the most focused game of soccer the franchise has seen in a while. As a result, the series comes closer to FIFA's quality than it has in years.

Despite its goofy title and questionable marketing tie-ins, Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed deserves to be taken seriously... just not too seriously. It's a fun, challenging, and easily enjoyable racing game that uses a lot of familiar mechanics and ideas but knows well enough to try and do its own thing. And it does that thing pretty well.

You won't regret your excursion to these ursine lands if you've still got the spirit of exploration, the scars, and the fond feelings of battle etched into your heart. Those less into the prospect of jumping into WoW yet again may just as well stay in hibernation.

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.

It's big, loud, and crazy, and it's clearly not meant to be taken too seriously. But looking past the pageantry, the whole thing is a little too familiar. If you're looking for some innovation, or at the very least, a modest twist in your RTS, you're not going to find it here.

The franchise has finally reached its next-gen potential with a gang of new modes and gameplay tweaks that make the experience much more realistic and skill-based. There’s a steeper learning curve to overcome, but it’s worth it to finally cast aside the 16-bit pass-pass-shoot trappings the FIFA series has endured for far too long.

While it tries at times, ModNation Racers just doesn't have the charm or originality of LittleBigPlanet. The environments in particular are rather generic and lack variety, and the framerate is inconsistent, noticeably dropping in the lobby or split-screen.

Enslaved's length is about standard for this day and age, but it still feels like it's over all too quickly. It's one of those rare games in which the majority of the experience feels imperative and consequential.

It’s accessible, fun, and a mighty shuffle in the right direction, if a tad on the shallow side.

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.

All of the decisions you've made until now converge at this point, and it's a credit to Telltale that you'll walk away incredibly excited to see how it all ends.

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.

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.

Despite these minor issues however, Splinter Cell Blacklist impresses with its scope and versatility. Level designs aren't limited to paint-by-numbers solutions, and the game not only gives you the option to play how you want, but pushes you to perfect your play-style.

The fact Last Light is absolutely stunning on the PC and packed full of crisp detail makes exploring and fighting through this hellish, dimly-lit realm an affecting and exhilarating experience. A few years and a lot of spit-shine make a huge difference on the visual front.

College Hoops 2K7 is easily the best NCAA basketball option out there.

Joe's sophomore outing certainly delivers on its goal of bridging the precise and methodical nature of platforming with the white-knuckle rush of finishing as fast as possible. If you're curious about this sort of hybrid experience, Joe Danger 2: The Movie is well worth the $15 ticket price.

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.

de Blob's Katamari-like premise is simple yet compelling, but repetitive challenge types and a general lack of gameplay variety keep it from being essential.

The Broken Age will win you over in minutes, and what it lacks in length or difficulty it makes up for in pure personality.

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.

Retribution makes the most of the hardware, works around the system’s limitations, and features a solid campaign with lots of incentive for replay. In terms of pure enjoyment, Retribution goes toe-to-toe with its big brothers on the PlayStation 3, and it’s a must-play for fans of the series or those who are looking for a great shooter for the road.

The real disappointment is that so little has changed, so unless you’re pumped to see high-res versions of the Hot Shots characters or can’t resist some online links, you can get the same experience a lot cheaper on the PSP.

Quake 4 is everything that fans loved about Quake 2 and 3 in one package, providing an engaging single-player story and chaotic high-flying multiplayer.

Closure's grip of levels aren't so devious that you won't exhaust them in a few play sessions, but there are more than enough secrets for those willing to repeatedly wade into the shadows. Puzzle aficionados who like their "eureka" moments mixed with a splash of action will devour this shadowy gem.

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.

Capcom has once again successfully recreated a classic Mega Man game while improving the package with tweaks and new content. Those intimidated or even frustrated by the normal difficulty of a Mega Man game can fall back on the easy mode, making the experience more accessible than ever.

A lot of the fluff that has plagued the series for the last couple years has been stripped away, revealing a game that fast, furious, and focused almost 100 percent on the play experience.

It’s a classic “jack of all trades, master of none” scenario and it’s easy to think of other franchises that do every element of Saints Row IV better than it does. That isn’t to say the game won’t keep you entertained, but hopefully the next Saints outing is as refined as it is irreverent.

To put it plainly, Nidhogg is incredibly fun. If you can appreciate the game’s style for what it is and you don’t have an ego as fragile as glass, you’ll delight in testing your mettle against another’s.

It’s rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as NBA 2K8 has this season. It’s missing modes and gameplay features from last year’s game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of.

It’s rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as NBA 2K8 has this season. It’s missing modes and gameplay features from last year’s game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of.

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 first game to copy "Grand Theft Auto" directly. It gets away with it for three reasons: one, it looks better than GTA ever did, two, it has insane online multiplayer that GTA4 will hopefully copy, and three, GTA was a gratuitously rewarding experience to begin with.

Lumines II improves on its predecessor by offering up the same great core gameplay and a ton of new modes and features that are sure to keep you busy.

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.

But if you do own Supreme Commander and want more, Forged Alliance is a no-brainer.

Plenty of important things happen and there’s a lot of action, but none of it carries the weight that it should. Instead, “In Harm’s Way” is mostly a bullet point list of zombie-story cliches without many of the excellent character interactions we’ve come to expect from Telltale. It’s certainly troubling when characters get killed and the only thing you feel is indifference.

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.