With a good amount of single player content, really solid, tried-and-true gameplay, and an extremely playable online multiplayer mode, it'll be difficult to put the game down any time soon.

Yooka-Laylee is a great experience, and well worth playing if you are a long-time fan of the work that Rare did. This is a game for veterans and newcomers alike though, and there is plenty here to hook a new player or new generation. A lot of the mechanics are a throwback to how things were before, and I don’t necessarily mind that. Some people however may find it slow and tedious at times. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Yooka-Laylee and would recommend you give it a try if you are even the least bit curious about it.

Easily the best basketball title on a handheld to date.

This should be an easy one for the PSP owner on your Christmas list. These games are classics and are now yours to behold and enjoy on the go.

A great game that introduces a fresh feel to a genre that really needed it.

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward has the light touch that one would hope for in a lifestyle simulator. Even more fascinating is that it's not targeted at a 20-something like myself, but the game's attitude makes it feel accessible for all audiences. It's coherent, well-composed, and actually interested in fashion. Although it's not my typical venue, it's easy to imagine that those looking to relax and find their style will be able to dig very deep in Fashion Forward.

Despite having to re-buy tables and some minor low quality visuals here and there, Pinball FX2 VR works incredibly well on the PSVR.

What probably makes this game so interesting as an action game though is the ability to play up to four players cooperatively. Even better is how seamless they make this experience.

Is Enthusia the Gran Turismo killer? Nah, but it is a nice standby for those who want something more after playing it, or are just sick of the GT series and want something fresh.

While the console versions of Tony Hawk's Underground 2 may be a better game than the original Underground, you can't help but feel that the game is something you've already played before.

Capcom vs. SNK may not have as an impressive roster or flashy supers but it does bring together the two worlds we thought would never collide.

7’scarlet is by Otomate, which means that you need to go in expecting the story to take more than a few seemingly unnecessary romantic detours. But, like Bad Apple Wars and Psychedelia of the Black Butterfly before it, has a decent story underneath all that romance, and if you’re willing to give it abit of a chance, it definitely pays off.

For me, it doesn’t get much better than this. Sure, it is a port, but a damn good one that will keep me busy for quite some time.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition doesn't do anything groundbreaking or new with the original, but does give it a nice facelift and the treatment it deserved.

I found it to be a pretty rewarding experience. It's definitely best if played with friends, but the single player side works well enough.

It's a lot of fun, and while it's not without flaws, I think it's a definite improvement on the original, and certainly one of the better multiplayer shooters available on the Wii.

The greatest next-generation wrestling game on the market and completely makes up for the control issues that THQ foisted upon us last year in "Just Bring It."

Finally the game fans of the series have waited all this time for.

Capcom Arcade Cabinet is a fine example of a true classic collection. The DLC packs and a few strange games may scare some away from getting this one.

That said, I don't want to dissuade anyone from getting Toukiden. It's obviously not the most original game the Vita has to offer, but it's still done incredibly well — no small feat when you consider that even if the genre may be overdone, the two similar games that have come to the PS Vita in North America before it (Soul Sacrifice and Ragnarok Odyssey) both whiffed in their own unique ways.

It's a tough little game, but it has a lot of content to check out, and a pretty appealing art style, along with a catchy soundtrack.

DICE did a great job of refining the Battlefield formula into a cohesive package that should tide fans over until Bad Company 2, or may create a whole new fanbase in itself under 1943's small-but-strong design philosophy.

If nothing else you're getting a lengthy, brand new campaign out of it, and there's just enough refinement to make it an obvious improvement over the previous title. Also, the game has an incredible amount of charm built into its setting.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands proves that Ubisoft has taken what they have learned from all of their previous titles and used it to work for the future. There are noticeable aspects from Rainbow Six, The Division, Assassin's Creed and Far Cry all at work here without ever making Ghost Recon feel like a copy. What may be lacking in the single player elements of the game are made up for over and over again when playing with friends. If you are on the fence about getting this to join with your buddies, bite that bullet and grab this game up. If you don’t have an online connection or anybody to play with, maybe hold off and catch it when it goes on sale.

Even long time fans of the series will find plenty of new and exciting things to do to last you another full year.

Overall Nioh and its sequel are a worthy additions to the Soulslike genre, both games are fun and incredibly challenging and the Yokai look every bit the part of a Japanese demon. The biggest issue with this collection is the popup on the original Nioh, though aside from this it is a good collection. Also if you already own Nioh on the PS4, make sure you are playing the PS5 version by clicking on the options button and selecting the PS5 version (the first time I launched Nioh on PS5, I was playing the PS4 version). Also, of note, if you have the PS4 version of Nioh 2, you can upgrade that to the PS5 version for free, but the original game you will have to purchase in order to get the remastered edition.

The maps offer opportunities for strategy and the online battles are a blast.

It looks nice, it plays well, and it doesn’t try to be anything more than it is. What more could you want in a game of pool?

The title lacks a lot of strategic variety in its weapons and a little in its ships as well. This may strongly enforce the idea of close quarters fighting, but it might also limit how a person can play the game.

Gears 5 has something for every Gears fan. The campaign plays well, even if the story is less than it could have been. Horde offers endless hours of co-op gameplay and depth, and the Versus modes are the best they have ever been. With Call of Duty still a few months away and Halo next year, Gears 5 hits at a time where this kind of great multiplayer gameplay is definitely lacking.

The Xbox Live support is just the icing on a particularly tasty cake. So if you’re a Tetris fan, this is the version I recommend you check out – just remember my warnings when your dreams take a weird turn.

FIFA 08 is not only the best EA soccer game in years, but one of the best soccer titles in recent memory.

While Blackwood might not shake up the game, or make any huge changes to the core of what Elder Scrolls Online has become, it stands as another solid chapter to an already incredibly expansive game. ESO is my favorite MMORPG, and I come from a place of genuine love for the game when I say that I hope for something *more* in future chapters. I want ESO to continue to grow and draw in new players while retaining veterans, for another decade to come.

Even if it’s not the most original game, Mekorama still presents a fun challenge. It’s hardly some deep game that’ll occupy you for hours and hours on end, but that’s not the point. If you’re looking for a fun puzzle game that you can drop in and out of without missing anything, this is most definitely it.

Throws out the typical RTS paradigm and delivers a engaging game that comes through where it really matters-gameplay.

I like the dungeon crawling. I like the character customization. I like the loot. But most of all I like the multiplayer. With four players going at it, the battles become pandemonium and I love it. Dungeon Hunter: Alliance has everything I look for in a downloadable title.

It's a price to pay for sticking to their guns, but honestly, if games like Destiny can get away with subjecting players to hard limits without taking a beating, I don't see why Nintendo isn't allowed the same permission for what's ultimately a rewarding experience. Nintendo deserves, if anything, some recognition for what Tri Force Heroes accomplishes when requirements are met.

If the underutilized genre of puzzle platformer is your thing (and you're ok with dealing with a decent amount of frustration), Unravel will challenge and wow you visually throughout. If you can stick it out through the game's twelve chapters, you’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment and just might want a Yarny for your own family.

Overall the action feels really great, and while the combat system doesn't have the depth of other top-tier action titles, it does the job of filling the gaps between action-packed sequences.

The graphics will help draw you in, but the tight controls and mission advancement will keep you around.

While I may not be super psyched about the film or the upcoming Sega game based off the film, Capt American pinball had me at hello as the game looks sharp, plays fast, and has a lot to offer to encourage lasting appeal.

Battlefield: Bad Company may not be the award winner that COD 4 was, but it is damn near as entertaining and a lot easier to get into. This is a war game for the casual gamer who just wants to have fun blowing stuff up.

And if it doesn't fulfill your platforming needs at least it'll be good for fair amount of mindless laughter.

It’s a fun action-adventure game that builds upon the lore of the series in a way that works pretty well, with interesting combat mechanics and an addictive upgrade system that gave me a good 20 or so hours of playtime. Even now I could go back and clean up some of the collectibles and optional challenges, and still plan to do so at some point. So yeah, I think Darksiders Genesis is certainly worth a look, but you’ll likely get more appreciation out of it if you’re at least familiar with the series up to now.

Even though it may have been lost in the PS Vita launch mix, Escape Plan is very much a game worth checking out. It's dark, it's funny, it has some head-scratching puzzles and it finds some unique ways to use the Vita's touch and motion control capabilities.

The depth of The Godfather while you rise through the ranks is incredible...What EA did well is incorporating the Godfather story line along with yours, versus having you control one of the main characters. This opens up the gameplay immensely and allows you to unfold the Godfather story at your own pace.

Artistically, however, the game is one of the most interesting and most well-done games of the past decade. While other games have taken on the idea of a game emulating a certain type of film, Wet is the first to truly embrace it.

Every aspect about the original has certainly been improved this time out, besides the Psychopath encounters, so it's definitely worth checking out.

Every aspect about the original has certainly been improved this time out, besides the Psychopath encounters, so it's definitely worth checking out.

A very good racing game, no more no less.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a really, really good remaster of a iconic ’90s game series that’s due for a revival. And with three games in the bundle, a remastered cut level from the original game (of which GameShark let you play, back in the day), and a brand-new level with level design and art that make it feel like that revival’s probably in the right hands… I think N. Sane Trilogy, past its inherent issues from the source material, is a great set that’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for some platforming action.

All in all, both Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection volumes are pretty fun representations of GBA era games. If you have any affinity for this series from back in the day, I can’t really see a reason not to check these collections out. If the series skipped you by originally I think these games are still interesting takes on the Mega Man series for newcomers to check out, but I’d also keep in mind that none of the six games are necessarily flawless. Whether it’s the lackluster battles of the first few entries, or some of the frustrating and annoying dungeon designs found throughout, there are definitely some archaic aspects that don’t mesh well with modern RPG expectations. Still, if you’re willing to look over some of the rough patches or have any love for checking out older classics, then you’ll likely find Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is right up your alley.

Right now though, I'm enjoying the hell out of this game, I think you will too. Even if you're not the world's biggest fighting game fan, which I surely am not, there's a whole lot of spectacle to take in with Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which makes it damn fun to watch if not play.

Think of this game as a survival horror game that allows you to kick ass instead of being a helpless victim who is low on ammo and courage.

All in all you can't go wrong picking up this year's FIFA edition, even if you have played for years or this is your first time with the series.

While not every event is a winner in Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the experience is a fun one that is easy enough to pick up and play for family and friends yet still competitive enough to hook players into upping their skills and going for the gold. If you’re a fan of the genre or the Olympics themselves, certainly consider checking it out.

All in all, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven is a unique fighter, but many players might have a hard time getting into everything to enjoy it. It does have a few minor problems that may alienate some players, while serious fans of the series will jump right in and love every second.

A shooter fan's dream, and it's chock full of personality and presentation.

For an expansion pack, there is plenty to do and see and it adds a completely new level of variety to your Sims' already busy life.

A fine racing game indeed. I only wish there were more Road Rage modes and other varieties spread along the map as I would say a good 65% of the modes are races. While this is fine and certainly fun, I don’t buy Burnout titles to race, I buy them for the carnage.

It surprised me by its visual quality, and how much fun I had with the combat.

Wolf of the Battlefield succeeds. It's flashier, more detailed, more exciting and lets you play with friends while feeling a lot like Commando must have felt like way back before we knew any better.

Right now though, I'm enjoying the hell out of this game, I think you will too. Even if you're not the world's biggest fighting game fan, which I surely am not, there's a whole lot of spectacle to take in with Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which makes it damn fun to watch if not play.

The biggest difference between 2K9 and 2K10 is My Player mode. It's yet another new take on a single player version of the game, and it adds a layer to what is already an high-octane version of basketball.

The game is surprisingly lengthy, clocking in at almost 30 hours, though it is also still quite easy.

So there you have it console gamers, a fully fledged Sims title without the dreadful feeling of missing something or not getting what the PC gamers have gotten.

Axiom Verge borrows heavily from the classic games of yesteryear, like Metroid and Master Blaster, but unlike so many other indie games out there, faithfully recreates the gameplay elements found in those titles.

To be sure, Super Tennis Blast isn’t flawless. Because it’s so no-frills, the matches and venues and opponents can start to seem the same after awhile. It’s hard to have personality when everything is so basic, after all. But that doesn’t take away from the fact this is a very solid, well-made tennis game. Super Tennis Blast isn’t going to wow you, but compared to its competition, it doesn’t need too — simply being competent is more than enough to make it stand out.

It’s the big things — like, again, the 8 main characters and the 100+ hour story — that really define Romancing SaGa 3, and on that front, the game is…well, it’s an acquired taste, for sure. But if you’re a fan of JRPGs and you want to see an interesting time capsule from the genre’s evolution, it’s well worth investigating.

If you love the Hot Shots Golf PSP titles, and are itching for something similar, I can definitely recommend Pangya: Fantasy Golf. While being a little more casual feeling, it still has quite a lot of depth and variety, a lengthy single player campaign, and a ton of content to unlock.

People who love the classic title will really enjoy it on the 3DS, as it's the best entry in the series and puzzle lovers who love a challenge will enjoy it.

Even with touchy fielding and no stat tracking, the BIGS is the best baseball game in years.

All in all, Dying Light is a lot of fun, thanks entirely to the way it handles movement and city exploration.

It surprised me by its visual quality, and how much fun I had with the combat.

Despite my frustrations, I really dig the overall vibe that Darkwood goes for. Again, the sound design is the real champ, making great use of audio cues and sound effects to drive home the horror aspect in a way I wasn’t fully expecting. If you’re looking for an interesting take on the survival horror genre, I think you’d do well to check this one out.

Limbo is probably the perfect dark, side scrolling puzzle-platformer.

All in all the best of what fans have loved about the NCAA Football series has honestly only gotten better with age.

Elite Force is faithfully to the series, loaded with action, and is a lot of fun to play.

It’s a very straightforward pseudo-3D platform game that’s loaded with character and some truly magical visuals.

But, hey: if you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers, chances are you probably don’t mind a bit of repetition and backtracking. Exist Archive has a bit of a unique spin on the genre, but I imagine that it’s not so different that it’ll alienate anyone who wants to grind their way through dungeon after dungeon. At the same time, though, it’s easy to imagine that it’s the kind of game that really could appeal to a wider range of people than just its core audience.

This is a game for fans only, for better or worse, as it has some of the most relentless A.I. developed in an RTS.

As a moderate fan of the anime, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed XenoVerse, and I suspect you will be too, provided you have any affinity for the source material.

With it's great game play, gorgeous graphical engine, and appealing extras, who can resist giving this game a "test drive"?

The great news about Destiny of Spirits is that, as Free-to-Play games go, it's pretty awesome.

A great simulation racer that does almost everything well. The Racing Life mode is too short and the rally racing can be unforgiving. But the pressure sensitive gameplay, realistic AI, and event challenges round out a great race package that’s tough to pass.

The game constantly rewards players with secret items to find and an intriguing story that captivates from beginning to end. Nintendo is promising new weekly puzzles that can be downloaded through its Wi-Fi Connection right to the DS, so even after you're done with the game there should be new content available. It's a no-brainer.

Demon’s Tier+ is a solid twin-stick shooter, and even if I wouldn’t say that it’s elevated Cowcat to the point where you can say that they’re making essential games, at the very least they’re making good games.

A unique and refreshing console style RPG whose superb story and irreverent characters easily overshadow its minor technical limitations.

There's plenty to do, a great mix between easy and very difficult shots, and solid visual effects. It's a creative table. It requires plenty of play before giving up the big scores, and the journey is a pleasure – can't ask for much more than that.

The good parts of ESPN far outweigh the bad and combine to make one of the most satisfying and challenging sports games ever. It's such a steal you might want to wear a ski mask to the store – just in case.

Overall, this is easily one of the best forms of expanded content for a game in years.

It's bigger, prettier, and ultimately more of the same.

It’s highly addictive thanks to how quickly those dates breeze along, and even if it’s all done with a wink, the game never seems like it’s looking down on the genre (which, I’ll admit, I may have been doing going into it). It all makes for a fun way to pass the time, and if you’re looking for something a little different on the Switch, you’ll find it right here.

Better a fun short game than a long game with lots of padding, though, as far as I’m concerned. Frederic: Resurrection of Music is pretty enjoyable for what it is — and, as a bonus, you get to feel all cultured once it’s all over for having played a game built entirely around classical music.

Being a fan of Batman, and the Animated Series especially, there's a lot to love with what Traveller’s Tales has done with the license.

To all the PC nuts that are reading this, imagine "Motocross Madness 2" with 4 wheels and you know what to expect from this PlayStation 2 classic.

SingStar Celebration is much better than its competitors, and if you want a karaoke game that gives you more guidance than just the lyrics on the screen, you’re in luck. As long as you don’t mind singing the same 30 songs on repeat and/or paying out a bit of money, it’s pretty fun.

Not for those who crave instant gratification or casual gameplay; rather, it is geared towards those that can sit for hours and immerse themselves in the world of the game.