Even at its most frustrating lower points, Tomb Raider 2 satisfies, and when at it's peak of effectiveness, the game is a soaring masterpiece. [Score = 98]

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a perfect jumping in point for anyone who’s ever been curious about the series, however it does not abandon long time players as it includes enough call backs and familiar elements that they expect. Just as we are in a console generation change, this series is going through drastic changes and manages to pull it off seamlessly. I look forward to following the exploits of the Dragon of Rock Bottom for years to come.

By objective measures, Counterspy may be a little lacking, but in my subjective opinion, there aren't many games I've enjoyed more this year.

Indigo Prophecy is unique, artistic, immersive and beautiful. There's no reason in the world why any self-respecting gamer shouldn't have this game in their collection.

Nihilumbra is proof positive that a game can be short and still be indispensable, and if you like platformers, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Seriously, I have no idea where Playground Games can go with Forza Horizon from here. The map is huge, yet well-populated with things to do. The car selection is vast, the controls are spot-on, the game looks gorgeous in all areas, the musical options are diverse, the online play is excellent, and the community tools are rock solid. I have little doubt that we’ll see a Forza Horizon 4 down the road, but I think you’ll find Forza Horizon 3 leaves little room for improvement. It’s an A+ game top to bottom, and absolutely one of the best games you’ll play all year.

While Miyamoto and company certainly made us wait quite a bit, I think you’ll agree it was worth it for Pikmin 3. It’s easily one of the best titles on the Wii U, and something that every Nintendo fan should certainly plan to pick up.

Combining hardcore action gaming with a grand environment and an intense feeling throughout... A crucial title that needs to be experienced to be truly believed.

Graphically the game looks fantastic. The game is insanely colorful and the sprites are well animated.

It’s hard not to recommend Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country to anyone looking for a great RPG experience on the Switch. It’s a great expansion for fans of Xenoblade 2 while at the same time being a perfect way for newcomers to sample the games without signing their life away on a full-length RPG. It also has one of the better stories in the series and to me it plays the best that these games have, so if you’ve been on the fence then definitely check this one out.

Gameplay in a word, is phenomenal. You may ask, how is it different from other FPS? The answer I come up with is that it gives the player a sense of reality, but not to a point where it gets ridiculously tedious (see: "Operation Flashpoint").

The attention to detail given here is admirable, and pretty unexpected, making Retro City Rampage a real treat for retro fans.

So if you've had the pleasure of playing the game previously, rest assured you'll have an equally hard time putting it down on the Vita, much like the original on PS2. And for new players, I envy the ability to go into this game fresh again, because it's really one of the best RPG experiences of the past two console generations. For either or, previous Persona 4 players or newcomers, this is one Vita game that can't be missed.

The addition of the 5 new modes adds a whole lot of life to the game than just Evolved, creating separate leaderboards for each mode. Also, the achievement system in Evolved 2 is pretty great, offering a solid variety of challenges for players that enjoying going for a full set.

A fantastic console experience and it comes highly recommended. It does have flaws, and some strange graphical bugs that pop up from time to time, but despite all that I look forward to playing the game for months to come, and I think 360 and PS3 owners should absolutely plan on either playing, or picking up, this action RPG.

You get 5 outstanding games that give you a little bit of everything, action, story, puzzles, multiplayer, and just flat out addictive content. If you own a decent PC, a 360 or a PS3...you would be doing yourself, gamers, and the wonderful developers a great injustice by not buying The Orange Box. Not only is it possibly the best bargain in gaming history, but arguably the best FPS experience of all time.

I consider it one of the best games to be released in the past 3 years.

Besides being the best R&C adventure yet, it's definitely one of those rare games that puts a smile on your face from the second it begins.

Overall, Ray’z Arcade Chronology is great collection of some classic Shmups. No matter which game you like best, you will find something to love here. The extra modes, save states and the ability to play the polygonal games in full HD are all great additions that make this package worth your time and money. Even if you aren’t a hardcore fan of Shmups, you really should give these games a try, as there is a little something for everyone. There is a less complete collection available that doesn’t include RayForce, and it costs slightly less, but you are really missing out on a classic without it. I would say just stick to this complete collection and enjoy this fantastic series in it’s entirety.

It’s a “blast” to play for those who want a great action game whether or not you’re a fan of retro games. But by now with so many retro inspired games on the eShop both this and the first Blaster Master stand at the top of the offerings as true must-haves.

I can't think of a single negative thing to say about it, and it's definitely in the contender for Game of the Year.

I highly recommend picking this collection up if you are a fan of classic games, or just gaming in general. You can also get this on The Switch (as mentioned earlier), and the PlayStation 4 if you have either of those systems. This might be the best classic game compilation I’ve played in a long time.

Konami delivers once again another fantastic Castlevania game that will not only please fans of the DS, but Castlevania fans as well.

the story is actually interesting. In general terms, of course, the game is focused on the main character, Chizuru, romancing the various Shinsengumi samurai, but there's a clear plot beyond that: she's traveled to Kyoto to find her missing father. After she stumbles into a bad situation almost immediately upon her arrival (in which the Shinsengumi play a prominent role), everything that happens in the game is set in motion. It's appropriately mysterious, which makes this game much closer to an actual novel than most of its other genre brethren.

Silent Hill 2, ICO, Devil May Cry, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 are all must have titles in their own right, but with that said, I've had the most pure, unadulterated fun with Grand Theft Auto III than any other title this year.

There isn’t much else to say about Space Invaders Extreme, except playing it is a whole lot of simple fun, and will trigger your nostalgia greatly. It takes a formula that worked in the 1980s and added just enough spice to give today’s gamers a thrill. At $19.99, it may be a little expensive to some who have never heard of the series (or played it on previous last gen platforms). If you haven’t, I highly recommend playing the original game, then once you are accustomed, jump into Extreme with both feet and have a blast. For those who love the series already, this is a no brainer. Space Invaders Extreme is a must own for your Steam library!

I think it's more akin to the original Halo CE than any of the previous games, and while I totally enjoyed both Halo 3 and ODST a great deal, it's hard to deny that this is the best of Xbox 360 entries into the series.

All in all, I found Bubble Bobble 4 Friends to be a really fun take on the old Taito franchise, and a great experience for old and new players alike. It makes for a really solid family game that’s appropriate for all ages, but one with a difficulty curve that won’t make the game a bore for parents or older siblings. So check it out now on the Nintendo Switch, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I haven’t played Conquest or Revelation yet, so I can’t make direct comparisons to them at this point in time. However, Birthright is an engrossing experience that will keep even the most veteran gamers busy for many hours on end.

Seriously, I don't think I can praise Hitman GO: Definitive Edition enough. It's perfectly suited to the Vita, and as I said, it makes me wish we had more cool little spinoffs like this one.

Great entertainment for the player. Even with no music, a depressing game world and no weapons or tools to speak of, Limbo is a great game. The only draw back, and the reason that I am not saying that you should stop reading this now and go buy this game, is that the game is extremely short.

It’s such a blast to play, and I could easily see DOOM showing up on a number of top ten lists at the end of the year, just for the campaign alone.

Normally this is where I’d note some flaw or issue that stops Kaze and the Wild Masks from being absolutely perfect, but I can’t think of a single complaint. It’s just a phenomenally well-done that captures its influences without being completely indebted to them, and it’s one an early contender for one of my favourite games of the year.

At its core, Tekken 7 is the ultimate Tekken experience. While paying tribute to previous games in the series, it’s also made for the hardcore Tekken fan in mind. Newcomers will also love it once you get a feel for the unique fight system. There isn’t much I didn’t enjoy with during my time with Tekken 7, other than it makes me want a new Soul Caliber with the same TLC that went into this game. I highly recommend picking up Tekken 7.

Psychonauts 2 took over 16 years to reach the masses, and while it was an agonizing wait to return to the wondrous world that Double Fine has crafted, it was definitely worth the wait. Double Fine didn’t deviate from the formula they had crafted many years ago and still retained the humor and heart that the first title had. While this title doesn’t posit anything that remained unanswered, let’s hope we won’t have to wait as long to find out what happens to Raz in the next couple of days in his life.

Iron Man VR is a pinnacle of VR technology and a game that I would show to anyone who was interested in seeing what VR had to offer. It highlights just what makes VR special in a way that few other games have. It ranks up there with Half-Life: Alyx as one of the must-have titles for anyone with a VR headset.

I can’t judge Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition on how well it matches up with its predecessors. What I can do, however, is judge Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition on how much fun it is – and by that metric, I can’t imagine a more enjoyable game.

Of course, if I'm being honest, offline single-player is what I care about most when it comes to MLB The Show anyway, so it's not like multiplayer was going to change my opinion too much one way or the other. And from that perspective — that is, as someone who's probably going to spend a few hundred hours with the game over the next year, with 95% of that being in RTTS — I have to say that MLB The Show 17 once again delivers.

Synth Riders is a perfect way to experience a VR rhythm game. It’s a simple concept that is still fun regardless of your skill level. Most people will be able to pick up and play this for hours on end with no complicated instruction. If you found the music in Beat Saber or REZ not to your liking, than you’ll feel right at home here! For the best experience, I highly recommend you download the available music tracks for some more great music choices. This is one game that definitely belongs in your PlayStation VR collection.

There’s charm oozing out of every single corner (across both screens!), and even if you’re not a long-time fan there’s a good chance this will be the entry that draws you in.

With a pleasant mix of a fantastic storyline, great character development, good pacing of action and adventure, pleasing graphics, and challenging, but fun puzzles, makes Golden Sun practically the “dream” game for fans of the RPG genre.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies. It’s a shame that Capcom didn’t see fit to support this game with a retail release, but maybe there’s still some hope for that.

For fans looking to revisit the series on their current gen console or a potential newcomer to the series, this is the ultimate compilation. Being able to revisit two of my favorites in the series, KH 2 Final Mix and Birth by Sleep Final Mix along on my PS4, reminds me why I fell in love with the series.

Space Invaders Invincible Collection is definitely worth your time even if you never heard of the games included before. Their simple concept and gameplay is suitable for every type of gamer out there, even the hardcore ones. Forget what was released before, this is a fantastic collection of great games that should not be missed by fans and newcomers alike. Pick this one up if you can, highly recommended!

I know that reviewing daily regulations and double-checking birth dates and passport numbers sounds like it’s the most mind-numbing work ever. And, in real life, you may be right (though having known people who worked at borders, I’d argue otherwise). In Papers, Please, however, they’re tasks that are every bit as weighty as any gun battle or puzzle, and they make for a uniquely enjoyable game experience.

Whether you’ve never played a game in the Gradius timeline, or if you’re a shoot ‘em up diehard, I can’t see a reason not to pick this collection up. It’s a great introduction to the genre as a whole, and the emulation work put into this release by developer M2 is as amazing a job as anything they’ve produced previously. It’s an absolute must buy in my opinion, so definitely check it out.

All together, if you've been looking for one racer to satisfy you this year, then Forza 3 is going to be it. I've played the big ones this year, stuff like Dirt 2 and Need for Speed Shift, and Forza 3 is still hands down the best I've had a chance to check out this year, and it's certainly the racing game to get.

It's the perfect game for anyone who's ever criticized their team's GM for doing a crappy job, since it gives you the opportunity to step into their shoes — and, with a few tweaks here and there, prove that all your criticisms are totally valid. It's wish fulfillment of the nerdiest kind, and I just can't get enough of it.

So yeah, if you’ve been enjoying this series of releases on Pinball FX 3, this is certainly one pack you shouldn’t miss. The tables featured are highlights of the 90’s, but Safe Cracker is a game that I think all pinball fans should at least try out. I’m looking forward to the next pack, which promises to make some actual physics changes to the flippers in these games. So hopefully we’ll have more table reviews headed your way shortly.

This is the best version of Diablo III you can currently buy. If you were burned by the PC version of the game, but still found the combat and classes offered to be a lot of fun, then this is certainly worth checking out. Despite wasting an incredible amount of time with the PC version, I can see my addiction starting up all over again here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can take my character with this new and improved loot system.

I usually complain that many single player games these days do not have much in the way of "replayability". That is one aspect where San Andreas sets the bar so ridiculously high, that I can't imagine any non-GTA games coming anywhere near it for years to come.

In the end, the fun, fast gameplay and incredibly cheap $5/400 MSP price makes this a must have. Don't even try the demo here, just download it, you will not regret it.

An essential game to play if only to see Volition's exemplary game design in action. Failing that, the sheer amount of fun derived from taking on an entire military yourself with some of the most over the top weaponry every to find itself into a game should seal the deal.

It’s a gorgeous game that gets to the heart of why people get hooked on golf and, as I said, if you’re a fan of the sport, it’s a must-play.

The intensity, excitement, and frantic pacing that FIFA brings to the table mimics the real thing so perfectly, it's hard not to become a fan after just a few scrimmages.

There's no way you can seriously sit down and play LittleBigPlanet 2 and not have a smile on your face the entire time.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinel of the Starry Skies is an epic game that will keep most players enthralled for hours on end.

Overall, Ōkami HD is an experience that should not be missed. It's stylized graphics and engaging gameplay really show that this game was ahead of its time with its initial release. Old and new players alike owe it to themselves to download it and either relive the adventure, or experience it for the first time. With its updated visuals and awesome gameplay, this is one that should not be missed.

I wouldn't say that Oceanhorn is flawless, mind you. It's a little stingy when it comes to save points, which is kind of annoying if you want to, you know, save your game, rather than just putting your Vita to sleep. And also… Actually, that's it. That's my only major problem with Oceanhorn. It's tailor-made for the mobile experience, and it's about as exceptional an RPG as I've ever played on the Vita.

Whether you’re a Skylanders fan or a gamer who’s looking for a charming and unique family-friendly game series to get into, Skylanders SWAP Force comes highly recommended.

The Enemy Within really begins to delve into the mind of Bruce Wayne and finds him fighting both against outside forces and his own guilt as he struggles to remain the force for good that he intended to be. I think The Riddler is the perfect villain to help get to the bottom of who Bruce is and what he is capable of doing in the name of justice as Batman. Episode One really set the bar for the rest of the season and I cannot wait to see what Telltale has in store for us next.

This is the very definition of a killer-app in regards to the Wii U library, and deserves every ounce of support the gaming community can muster up.

The throwback to classic RE featured in the Mansion and Underground sequence is a nice change of pace from the rest of RE5, and while the story revelations aren't earth shattering, there's enough revealed that lore hounds will find something interesting.

However you want to look at it, though, between its solid story and its just-the-right-difficulty puzzles, It Takes Two is a perfect game if you’re looking for something that will interest non-gamer[s].

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is exactly what it claims to be, an Ultimate version of an already decent Sonic title. Many gamers dismissed it the first time, but if you are a Sonic fan, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. Blind Squirrel Games did an excellent job, changing what needed to be changed and leaving what worked originally intact. Super fun, challenging, and reasonably priced (even for the deluxe edition), this is a perfect title to celebrate Sonic The Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary.

For years beat’em up fans petitioned to get the previously delisted Scott Pilgrim Vs The World a re-release. If these gamers knew that an even better title would be coming down the pipeline, I would dare say the furor would not have been as warranted. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is the game we thought had back then, but it’s actually real now. Licensed games are often seen by gamers as quick cash grabs for studios and IP owners, but this one is definitely the exception. So I would recommend get on this ASAP and find 5 people (hit me up if you know me, I wanna co-op) and go on this joyous romp in New York City!

Arguabl[y] the best 2D fighter on the planet... Mind you, the difficulty is high-high-high. The computer, she can be a cruel mistress, and there's no shame in getting frustrated about it.

A highly polished and much improved product that gives longtime fans, and especially newcomers, a fantastic diversion to enjoy and become addicted to all over again on a shiny new DVD-Rom disc.

Without a doubt the best the stealth genre can offer... One of the best games I have ever played.

Speaking of play mechanics, I can honestly say that I haven't had this much fun playing a game in a very long time. Not only do the controls harbor the utmost precision, but the camera has been refined as well.

The game looks the part, sounds the part, and certainly plays the part. Topped off with a wealth of options that will keep you playing for hours on end, and an addictive online mode, Fight Night is just what the game's subtitle suggest...it's a Champion.

They've grown up again, giving players a more mature role to play as a man fighting to save his family rather than for more selfish reasons, and layer the story with a bit of human condition which hasn't been well-reflected up until just recently in video games.

It looks great, it's easy to pick up and play, and it's fun. What more do you need?

I really, really enjoyed my time with Yakuza Kiwami 2, and as a fan of the series, I’d certainly urge you to check it out. It has very few flaws, outside of some minor animation issues and the occasional cumbersome combat sequence. It also feels like a much stronger remake than even Yakuza Kiwami, which was no slouch to begin with. It also has some solid ties to both Yakuza 0 via the new elements, and pre-existing story beats that feed into the more recent Yakuza 6. So check this one out when you get a chance, you will not be disappointed.

Some may not like the overall presentation, but even players that don’t really like tactical shooters can have a great time here. The community is also lively and fantastic so you should never have problems connecting. Firewall Zero Hour is a must play if you own a VR system. Let’s hope these expansions keep bringing all of the awesome for years to come!

The game looks the part, sounds the part, and certainly plays the part. Topped off with a wealth of options that will keep you playing for hours on end, and an addictive online mode, Fight Night is just what the game's subtitle suggest...it's a Champion.

All in all, this is an excellent, fully featured rendition of one of the best Dynasty Warriors games on the market.

It's easily my favorite in the handheld series at least, and it gives the console Paper Mario titles a run for their money.

The Reignited Trilogy comes in at exactly the right time and hits all the right notes. Spyro is just as accessible and fun for newcomers as he is for veterans, with updated visuals, audio and gameplay allowing everyone to really have a blast with these classic games. Whether you played Spyro 20 years ago and fell in love or just saw his mischievous face on the cover art and were intrigued, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is for you.

Nights is a bargain at only five smackers.

Of course no game is EVER perfect, but damn if it doesn't throw a shutout to the other baseball games out there.

Combining hardcore action gaming with a grand environment and an intense feeling throughout... A crucial title that needs to be experienced to be truly believed.

Thanks to the responsive controls, the over/understeering necessary for drifting soon becomes second nature. The d-pad and analog nub both provide for excellent handling, with neither having a clear advantage over the other.

I feel like I should temper my praise of Donkey Kong Bananza, but at the same time, if I did, I’d be lying. This is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played in a long time. If you’ve been holding out on buying a Switch 2, this is the game that should make you buy one: it really is that phenomenal.

Fist Puncher is really a standout example of how to do retro right, and is something that certainly deserves more attention.

It takes a unique concept — you're a spider, trying to catch various insects — and turns it into a whole game, complete with a mysterious story, cryptic clues, and high score leaderboards. It may not sound like much on paper, but in practice it seems like the most natural thing in the world.

All in all, this is a fantastic version of the best video pinball game around. It looks absolutely gorgeous on the PS4, and the level of detail stands out to me on the tables played in a new and exciting way.

A stunning example of how creativity can blend seamlessly with gameplay without sacrificing one or the other. The top-notch gameplay coupled with out of this world superhero stunts is the freshest take on a classic side-scrolling action seen in years.

Forget "Lemans," forget "Ferrari F355," forget "Gran Turismo 2," and forget "Ridge Racer V," this is the new king of racers.

You won't be sinking days after days into Valley — but the one day or so you do spend with it will be enough to stick with you for a long time.

As for recommending the game to PS4 owners, it's pretty obviously worth checking out — most definitely for those who skipped out on the PS3 version for whatever reason.

I’m certainly impressed on both the visual and audio front, and the VR component is just icing on an already delicious cake. [A+]

Because it’s a) from Devolver and b) insanely violent, I can imagine that My Friend Pedro will get at least a few Hotline Miami comparisons. And while there’s certainly a hint of that game here, make no mistake: My Friend Pedro is its own beast — one that’s gloriously over-the-top, full of well-designed levels and good controls, and, above all else, ridiculously fun.

Overall the game is still the same Persona 3 that I ended up loving back on the PS2, but the new additions and the inclusion of a gender switch for the hero character add a surprising amount of content that's worth checking out for those that already dumped a lot of time into the first one.

I can recommend Steins;Gate Elite to anyone who wants to experience a fantastic visual novel with multiple endings. I cannot, however recommend this if you are hoping for full interaction or solid gameplay because there really isn’t anything like that here. Outside of a few button presses here and there, there is no game to be played. I am not usually a fan of visual novels, but I didn’t feel bored with this one. Check this one out if you love science fiction stories that captivate.

Despite having “cleared” Hades a number of times, and having defeated the same bosses over and over again, I keep coming back for more, and a lot of that comes down to just how much damn fun the game is to play. So yeah, Hades is absolutely worth a purchase, or a second purchase even, on these new platforms. You absolutely owe it to yourself to check it out, and I can confidently say that you’ll not be disappointed.

We haven’t had a lot of opportunities to cheer the Forrester gang on, but this episode certainly gives you a number of moments to do just that.

All I can say is that this is what Mario Kart 64 should have been. Awesome.