If you have never experienced an Uncharted game before, you owe it to yourself to pick up this collection as soon as possible, as you are missing out on an incredible journey. This is a fine example of how to re-release a great collection of games for a shiny new console. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection definitely belongs on every PS4 owner’s shelf.

Shivering Isles is like Oblivion unleashed and on some kind of psychedelic steroid. While the gameplay remains the same, the artists and level designers kicked things up quite a few notches.

Overall, there’s a lot of fun packed into Rocket League, and this port to the Nintendo Switch manages to keep all of that intact. If you’ve never played, you absolutely should, and the Switch version of the game makes for a solid addition to Nintendo’s ever growing library.

In other words, even if The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles has “Ace Attorney” right there in its name, it’s not the Ace Attorney that you may be expecting. This game finds the series branching off into a new and different direction, and as I said up top, it’s not inherently good different or bad different, just different-different.

Humour - GOOD humour - is hard to get across in entertainment software, but Startopia succeeds in not only being a fun game, but a funny game.

Though while showing some nuances, the game is still old news for the ones who've gone onto the next generation systems.

One of the best handheld games to come out this year. It’s loaded with fresh ideas and new play mechanics.

Fans of the Burnout series will be hard pressed not to be impressed by what was crammed into such a small disc.

The default difficulties are done so well that you'll have to play a lot to even consider going into the slider screen.

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough: Overboard! is one of the best games I’ve played this year. It’s a delight in every way, and if you want something that’s unlike anything else out there — except, I guess, for 80 Days — then you owe it to yourself to pick it up ASAP.

Fight Night Round 4 can honestly claim to be what Mike Tyson once quoted many years ago, "...I'm the best ever, my style's impetuous, my defense is impregnable, I wanna eat his children..." Well, okay, maybe not the last part, but damn if this isn't a great boxing game! If you are a fan, you are doing yourself a disservice not picking up a copy.

You have all the trimmings expected in a baseball game, and the action is quick and enjoyable, so much that you can get games in under a half an hour if you wish.

A lot of effort went into creating distinctive worlds, and they help the game constantly feel fresh and fun. Really, that could be the tagline for Crash 4: fresh and fun. It may be based on a franchise that started a few decades and generations ago, but this new entry feels resolutely modern. It’s a wonderful addition to a series that you’re sure to enjoy, regardless of whether you’ve been waiting for it for many years, or you’re coming to Crash Bandicoot for the first time.

Once you get your gaming fingers moving to the beat of the gameplay you will realize that Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007, ugly or not, is still KING of the soccer field.

Currently the best real-time strategy title I have played since "Homeworld."

One amazing game. If you love hack and slash action or resident evil type games, you should definitely get this masterpiece, especially with the replay value.

This game is a big step up in visuals compared to the Thunder series of old, which gives even more hope for future titles to come.

We've been through years and years of Final Fantasy Tactics lookalikes and play-alikes, many of which I've enjoyed and will continue to enjoy. Valkyria Chronicles, though, is truly a much needed step forward for the genre. It proves that SRPGs can look great and can even further push the envelope of human tactics in a video game. Hands down, this is the best RPGs on the PS3, one of the best of the entire genre, and one of the best games this generation.

Frame rate is rock solid with lots of enemies and effects on screen. Vehicle based levels feel like more of an afterthought, but they fit the story perfectly. The weapons selection and abilities are one of the best in any FPS.

Diablo IV is a triumphant return to the series that captures the essence of what made the franchise so beloved while introducing fresh and innovative elements. With its stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, addictive gameplay, and robust multiplayer features, Diablo IV is an absolute must-play for any fan of the action role-playing genre. Prepare to be ensnared by the dark embrace of Diablo IV, as you embark on a journey that will leave you hungry for more.

Not the huge advancement many might expect from a new year and especially a year when they are the only game in town, but the game still plays solid, the rosters are updated, and the new modes may appeal to those coming over from the competition.

Overall, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is just more of what you already know and love from the game. It provides further functionality to existing weapons and some new monsters but makes sure not to change too much. For me, it took about 16 hours to complete the main questline of Sunbreak, but as usual, there are easily hundreds of hours to pump out of the content if you want to. Just don’t buy it until you’ve finished Rise’s main story.

BlazBlue's online system puts titles like Street Fighter IV to shame, and the overall beauty of high-def 2D sprites put it at the top of the graphics department as well.

So overall Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a retro inspired platformer and shows the genre at its finest. Not to mention it feels right at home on the Switch despite being a multiplatform release. If you’ve never played a Monster Boy game but have been looking for anything to scratch that Metroid or Castlevania itch then this is for you. And if you’re a Monster Boy fan wondering if this installment is any good then you should probably already own it. But if you don’t then take it from me you won’t regret your time with Cursed Kingdom.

And for that, warts and all, Saints Row IV became my favorite gaming experience of 2013. Cynicism couldn’t hinder that.

Overall, it's not worth a double dip if you own the game on another system, but if you have a younger child and/or are really interested in jumping in, I do highly recommend the Wii U version.

The PC port for Monster Hunter Rise is the definitive way to experience this game. I am excited to see where the franchise goes from here, although I will find it hard to slide back into any Monster Hunter game without the new traversal and streamlined elements. Whether you want to hunt alone or play with your friends, play “Fashion Hunter” or experience the main quests, there is something for everyone in Monster Hunter Rise.

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.

It has beautiful graphics, eerie music, and a very low learning curve. Each level is different enough to keep the gamer interested.

For fans of the Guitar Hero franchise, Guitar Hero: Metallica might be the best entry we've seen yet. I was somewhat lukewarm on my reception to the other band-themed title that Neversoft put out with GH: Aerosmith, but Metallica absolutely blows that game out of the water, not only with the track listing, but the overall time and attention put into the actual presentation, and how the band seems to be infused into every aspect of the game.

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.

Addictive, fun, and remarkably exciting.

Overall, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a fantastic game! As a fan that has played all three it’s hard to say which version I like best. I like the system changes made in Tactics Ogre: Reborn, simplifying removing skill points from the game and entirely relying on magic points in fights makes a lot more sense. The biggest problem with this version is removing random encounters from the game. While I understand the choice, they could have just added the level cap and possibly kept random encounters — which is something I enjoyed doing in other tactical RPGs such as Final Fantasy Tactics. Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Tactics Ogre: Reborn and look forward to many more hours with the game.

Rolito's designs really stand out and are a huge part of what makes the game so damn lovable.

I’ve found Dragon Quest Builders 2 to be an absolute blast, and I’ve had a hard time putting it down just to write this review. I’d absolutely suggest checking it out when it releases, regardless of whether you’ve played any type of Dragon Quest game prior to this. The heavy emphasis on exploration and building mixed with breezy action is a real joy, making Dragon Quest Builders 2 one of my favorite games so far this year.

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.

Overall, I really think NBA 2K16 is worth picking up this year. There’s so much to do, and the gameplay is really top-notch. It’s not perfect necessarily, but it’s remarkably close.

Death Stranding still stands as one of the absolute coolest and most unique games of this current generation, and maybe one of the most unique of all time. It is such a wild blend of third-person action, open-world exploration, inventory management, “fetch quests” and incredible cinematics. It stands out even among the other wild games that Hideo Kojima has created, which really says something about it. I love Death Stranding, and I recommend that everyone who has any sort of interest in it try it out, and if you have a PC capable of running it the way it is intended to run, the PC is without a doubt the best place to check it out.

While Titanfall sadly lacks any single player story mode, it is how wonderfully the game looks and plays along with some exciting game modes that will draw gamers in and keep them sucked in for quite some time.

All in all, this Tomb Raider reboot isn’t perfect. But it is a step in the right direction for the series, and again marks the most fun I’ve had with a Tomb Raider title in a while. It’s got enough of that AAA polish to make it a contender, but I feel that the series is going to need some fresh ideas if it really wants to compete with the big hitters.

Not that being more emotional and being fun are mutually exclusive – as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart proves time and again. As the series enters into its third (!!!) decade, this PC port is a fine way to show that the Ratchet and Clank are still compelling characters, and even if there are a few points where it feels like the game could use a little more polish in terms of performance, they can’t take away the fact that Rift Apart is an outstanding game.

I cannot recommend this enough to fans of the series and anybody new curious about jumping into Silent Hill as a series for the first time with this remake of Silent Hill 2. This is an absolute must play for 2024.

But look no further if you are among the game playing ranks that is looking for a Herculean challenge, a complex and involving story, and tight, responsive gameplay.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trek through the games' magical world, and the only thing keeping this title from achieving an A rating is that it shares the common problem with most RPG's today: once it's over, it's over.

If you have Pinball FX 2, then you would be doing the pinball world an injustice by not grabbing this bargain of a DLC package.

The sound design is incredible, with many varied tracks with authentic and unique sounding instruments that organically change depending on the on-screen action.

Next Level has taken one of my favorite NES titles and turned it up a notch, making it feel right at home on the current-gen hardware but still managing to capture everything that worked so well in the original. Wii owners owe it to themselves to pick this one up; it's not one to be missed.

A true workhorse, it does everything strongly and efficient, and doesn't have any real weaknesses that can't be overlooked over a short bit of experience with the title.

The XBLA port of Radiant Silvergun is pretty close to identical in content with what the Saturn port contained.

The big drawback to The Lost Crown is that if you’re not already a fan of Metroidvanias, it’s hard to imagine anything here will suddenly make you a believer in the genre. It’s a well-made Metroidvania, to be sure, but there’s nothing here that breaks new ground. But if you grew up with Prince of Persia, that’s kind of beside the point. The Lost Crown shows that there’s still life in the franchise. Now, hopefully, we don’t have to go another thirteen years until the next entry.

The best racing game I’ve played in months, and anyone looking to release a title in this genre now should look long and hard at what Rockstar’s been able to pull off here.

In most other circumstances, I might be put off by the game's extreme difficulty, since I usually gravitate towards games that require the least amount of sustained effort…yet in this case, every death just spurred me to try again so that I might get a tiny bit further. Likewise, I'm not usually a fan of endless running games…yet, again, Runner 2 is a clear exception, with so much extra added in that it seems like comparing it to Canabalt or Temple Run does it a huge disservice.

Like the films it seems to draw inspiration from, it takes on an artistic sheen — and like both of those movies, it's a look the game wears very, very well.

Monster Slayers is a must buy if you are a fan of this genre. It is $9.00 on Steam and has DLC already out with more on the way. You can easily lose 20+ hours here if you allow yourself and that is only scratching the surface of the content that you can get into if you delve deeper. I do not know what the developers plans are moving forward but I will continue to support and play this game for as long as they release new content and continue with it.

Much like Choose Your Own Adventure books could be reread over and over again as you tried to find all the different paths, Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! is the kind of game you can play over and over again as you try to uncover all the different twists and turns you missed the first few times around (and given the sheer number of possibly story combinations, you’ll need to play through the game several times and several ways to see everything). Much like inkle’s other, later games, Sorcery! is highly replayable and an essential experience for anyone who’s even kind of interested in adventure games.

Sure, it might look a little better than it did before, but when we’re talking about a fairly recent game that was already widely praised for how beautiful it looked, unless you’re pushing it to its maximum settings, you probably won’t notice a huge difference. But if this remastered version is what it takes to get more people playing a modern classic, then so be it – Horizon Zero Dawn is a great game, and this remaster just reinforces that every step of the way.

Ghost of Yōtei isn’t a full blown sequel, but I would consider it more of an “evolution” of Ghost of Tsushima’s foundation. It improves on a good bit of Tsushima’s framework to make it more engaging and even more fun, which is an impressive achievement. It’s not a huge improvement, because it’s hard to improve on something that was already so solid the first time, but it is exactly what you’d ask for as a successor. A new region of Japan, a new protagonist with an interesting background, kickass combat, and an overall complete package. Whether Yōtei will get an expansion or extra content outside of the already announced “Legends” mode, I have no idea, but as it stands, Ghost of Yōtei is a great experience deserving of your undivided attention, especially if you enjoyed Jin Sakai’s journey in Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch have done it again and released a powerhouse of the PS5’s roster.

These games still hold up today, and while the visual improvements do not make the games feel “Next-Gen”, they definitely bring the games up to date and make them more than playable. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the perfect way for both longtime fans and series newcomers alike to experience one of the finest franchises in gaming history.

If you’ve grown tired of the same old stuff filling store shelves and hard drive space, then you should really consider Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for a more unique, emotional ride than you’re likely to see all year.

The new modes are weak, there is no online play, and with only 3 new characters, the game will begin to feel too similar after a few short hours of game play.

You want depth, well this year you have two huge game play options that will take you deep into 2011.

The parry system, once you start to wrap your head around the timing, can be both satisfying and impressive as hell to pull off.

Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age gets its reputation from Final Fantasy XII being such a smash hit, along with incorporating the revisions in the International version. Add to that the updated graphics and orchestrated score, and you have what could safely be considered the definitive Final Fantasy XII experience. While not much can be done for the compressed voice work that was carried over, it's a tradeoff for having an updated version that offers a lot more than is worth getting hung up on part of the game's audio quality. I'd recommend this version any day of the week.

The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic, and the enhanced visuals, soundtrack and audio, along with the inclusion of the original art and music is just icing on the cake. Drop that FPS, pack up your rubber chicken-with-a-pulley-in-the-middle, and book a trip to Monkey Island.

By fixing the elements of the original that needed it, providing a richer backdrop for the gunplay, and tweaking the dialogue to better fit the film noir atmosphere, Remedy and Rockstar should be commended.

Homeworld was, at the time, my favorite RTS. With the release of Homeworld Remastered Collection, this game has crawled back into my heart and is now firmly planted there for quite some time to come.

$29.99 is a great price for this level of digital pinball perfection. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking this collection up. I’m looking forward to what Zen Studios is cooking up next!

Arc Raiders does more than any other game I’ve seen to deliver an experience to the extraction shooter genre that allows everyone to feel good. This is a release that you shouldn’t miss, and even if you’re afraid of extraction shooters, Arc Raiders is worth your eye if you’re even generally interested in shooter games. At a $40 day one price, it’s more than fair for the quality delivered, and Embark has proven with The Finals that they are reliable with keeping fresh updates dropping regularly to keep the experience fun for regular players. The numbers don’t lie; there’s a reason Arc Raiders is sitting in the top 5 games for player count on Steam since launch day.

The multitude of options available for single and multiplayer modes is outstanding and the game is just plain fun to play.

Animal Crossing: Wild World doesn’t do anything extraordinary, but it’s highly addicting nonetheless.

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

Capcom has done a brilliant job of changing the entire dynamics of how dinosaurs can be dealt with.

It's definitely one of the best first person shooter experiences out there, and while it more of an expansion pack to MoH than an all new game, that doesn't detract it from being a must own for fans of the genre, the original game, and gaming all together.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a fantastic remaster of a game from the golden era of JRPGs. The newly arranged music is great and the voice acting is good as well, and the improvements to the battle system from the original to this one is leaps and bounds better. The graphical choices made in this remaster is spot on with a nod to the original sprite graphics mixed in with more modern environments. Anyone looking for a classic-style JRPG to play should pick this one up.

There are very few games which are released that break up the monotony in the usual gaming genres, and the Katamari series does just that. It gives gamers that unique experience that can be taken in small or large doses.

It's a hell of a workout, and a lot of fun to play with friends. It doesn't really make any significant strides over the original game, but the first Dance Central didn't seem to need many improvements to begin with.

The character has style, the game presents some unique gameplay concepts, and most importantly, it is fun to play.

Sure, it is not perfect, takes a step back on the career mode, but does provide many satisfying hours of boxing action.

Superior to the original in every way, and retains its charm while creating a new direction for the series to follow. It is without a doubt one of 2003's best titles, not only for PS2 but across all platforms.

What's important to know is that the new levels are just as gorgeous, musically fit, and well-designed. If anything, Encore seems to be a bit more accessible to newcomers than the level of difficulty presented in the original, thanks to a couple new additions.

It seriously is one of the best Xbox Live Arcade titles to be released so far this year, and I highly urge every 360 owner to give this one a look.

It’s a fantastic entry for the franchise, and it certainly has helped to reinvigorate my interest in the character going forward.

Little touches, like the clouds casting shadows on the ground as they float overhead, and improved lighting create a solid looking game.

It's amazing to say that this little gem came from a development team of only 4 guys, and not a Sega or a Nintendo developer. It is a case of David vs. Goliath where David kicks ass again, and provides enough content, game play, and charisma that many will take notice of this little studio by the name of Hello Games.

A fantastic looking title with a pleasant mixture of traditional and non-traditional RPG elements to create a refreshingly new gaming experience.

Does a pretty solid job, but it’s a shame the graphical improvements made to this new island were not shared with the rest of the EverQuest world.

It’s the best that the genre has to offer thus far, and with a new detailed mapmaker, new weaponry and exceptional graphics, sound and game play.

Quick fun whenever you want it, regardless of skill or time investment.

As far as realism, physics, and attention to detail, Colin blows away the competition.

Now where NBA Live 2004 excels is in the gameplay department. NBA Live successfully gives you almost total control of the game of basketball, crossovers, pivot moves, shot adjustments, and fade-aways, are all aspects of the game that EA has given you control of.

The co-op online component is really the big selling point. That's not to say that the there isn't a compelling, if not addictive, single-play mode included.

As far as realism, physics, and attention to detail, Colin blows away the competition. Other racing fans, especially casual fans, will pass on Colin for its difficulty and lack of modes.

The only real hamper on Katamari Damacy’s greatness is the length of the title. Even with a two-player option, the game is far too short and is over before you know it.

Quest progression is fantastic, the presentation is top notch, and there's plenty of side stuff to distract you from the main game if you so choose.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does to Indiana Jones, what the PlayStation’s Spider-Man games did for Spider-Man, and what the early Arkham games did for Batman. My biggest worry was that MachineGames would try and replicate Uncharted, and it thankfully does not, nor does it need to. This game is a near-perfect love letter to any Indiana Jones fan. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers easy-to-pick-up gameplay, an engaging story, and sensational performances that will keep you busy for hours and unlock that inner explorer in you.

Playing over a LAN without the headaches associated with internet play can be a blast, either in head to head, teamplay, or grouping against those vicious computer opponents.

If you want a true-to-life baseball experience, this is almost certainly it. But when you get so close to doing everything right, what you do wrong stands out more. With MLB The Show’s track record, I have no doubt that, come MLB The Show 20, they’ll fix the niggling little issues that prevent MLB The Show 19 from being a truly great game — but for now, those issues still exist, and they’re what prevent the game from making the jump from very good to great.

If you own an Xbox 360, then here's another essential title for it.