A solid first effort and actually makes me look forward to a sequel. I really hope they can mess around with the control scheme a bit next time to allow for more versatility in your trick making so you can be more creative on the pavement.

It’s probably absurd and unfair to expect him to be able to do that every time, but at the same time, since he did it once, it feels like a letdown that he couldn’t do it again with Volume. By any other standard, this would be a perfectly fine achievement, but by Bithell’s standard, it feels slightly lessened.

I really don’t have any gripes with Resident Evil 7. The story hooked me, it’s beautiful to look at, and the gameplay is new and refreshing with sprinkles of homage to franchise signatures… whats not to like?

The best representation of the sport ever created. I don't think I can praise it any more than that.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a blast to play. This sequel blends together combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving better than its predecessor, balancing all of these elements and stretching them out in a way that makes the pacing feel spot on.

There's nothing else quite like it, however, and for fans of music games or cool indie projects, this one's worth taking for a spin.

A pretty fantastic first entry into the series, and turned out better than I had thought. The controller itself feels well built, and I don't get the sense that it'll breakdown from any extended plays.

Outside of the vast amount of content, another big feather in Forza Horizon 2’s cap is how damn beautiful this world looks. Draw distance is incredible, environment pop-in is kept to a minimum, and the weather effects are stunning. Driving haphazardly through fields at night in the rain is a sight to see, and there’s nary a technical hiccup to be found.

Despite the sometimes-baffling challenges (which, in all honesty, are pretty typical to the genre), EMI delivers exactly what the Monkey Island name promises-a lighthearted, entertaining, and well-written swashbuckling adventure game.

Whether you were a fan of SteamWorld Dig or not, I think you’ll find that Heist offers up a considerable departure from the previous game, along with a much lengthier and challenging campaign.

It’s clear that a lot of care, polish, and attention went into making it. It looks fantastic, it plays even better, and it’s simply a joy to play from beginning to end.

I do think that series fatigue is starting to set in a bit, as I wasn't nearly as willing to spend as much time with DC3 as was with the previous titles, but if you're new to the series I have no doubt you'll have a blast with what Dance Central 3 has to offer.

A fantastic title on the PSN, and one that nobody should overlook. It'll easily appeal to all players, and manages to turn a pretty stale formula on it's ear without really tossing a great deal of new play mechanics your way.

Overall, this is definitely a sequel worth checking out. Even if you’re not familiar with the original GameCube title, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to love about the sequel.

I’d wholeheartedly recommend checking out Dragon’s Dogma 2, whether it’s a game you’ve been anticipating for the past 12 years, or you’re just curious as to what all the hype is about. It’s an extremely fun RPG in a year that’s already seen a number of excellent RPG’s, which is really saying something when you look back at what’s come out since January. Definitely give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

It remains one of the best party games around, and it's still engaging and fun in a single player setting, and if you can't find people locally to play with, then the online mode will generally satisfy that itch.

All in all, while this isn’t necessarily a fresh take on the Dragon Quest series, it’s still one of the best entries in a franchise that has been around since the NES days.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is a fantastic RPG, and is something I’d easily recommend checking out. Just keep in mind that this is very much a sequel to Trails from Zero, and I’d strongly suggest giving that first entry in the series a go before tackling this one, even if I think you can kind of pick up on core gameplay elements and story beats after a few hours of commitment. Provided you’re willing to spend the time to check out both titles, I think you’ll be pretty happy with the overall result.

Forty dollars to access the base content may be steep depending on what players expect to get out of The Taken King. If it's hundreds of hours across all activities, then it's a bargain; if it's just the campaign and some casual competitive play, notsomuch.

If the inexplicably maze-like levels weren't irksome enough, the fact that you will spend quite a bit of time negotiating them looking for save points will really strain your tolerance. Turok 2 is Quake with gorgeous graphics, poorly-planned (but attractive!) levels, and gimmicks out the wazoo.

It may be a simple thing - but as Code: Realize shows, simple can really work.

Focusing on combat in a game like Metro 2033 is kind of missing the point. You’re here to survive to see the next day, not go in with guns blazing and rack up body counts. It’s a dark, tension-filled experience, and it’s well worth checking out on the Switch if you haven’t yet had a chance to play it.

However you want to classify Metro: Last Light Redux, there’s no denying that it’s an excellent game. Both it and Metro 2033 feel right at home on the Switch, and combined, they make for a fantastic — and incredibly gloomy — experience.

So whether you’ve played Madden year after year, or have been a hold out since the 2K franchise’s demise, all fans of the pigskin will be happy to hear that this is the Madden to own no matter who you are. Not only is this the best representation of the franchise to date, but is quite possibly the best football title to date.

Games like Braid are best experienced when playing with little knowledge of gameplay and/or story. While the levels are challenging, this was one of the first games I remember feeling a true sense of accomplishment once each level was completed. It’s an inexpensive title that is worth the price of admission, and if you have played it before and may not be interested in revisiting it, I would encourage you to recommend it to newcomers so it can grow a new fanbase.

Without a doubt, I can recommend GG Xrd Revelator REV 2 to any fighting game fan. If you've played the previous versions of Xrd, there are enough additions and changes that make this upgrade worth it. If you've never played it before, this version is a great starting point. It is an absolute blast to play and even watch, and should not be missed. If you aren't a fighting game fan, I believe this game may just turn those who experience it. Definitely a Winner.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed Forza 7 so far, and look forward to playing more of it. The game isn’t without faults, but I’ve managed to progress at a steady pace despite the mod system and collection tiers put in place. There’s a whole host of optional events in addition to the standard races, and a nice variety of vehicle types that in turn help make most of the race experiences feel fresh and unique. If you’ve ever enjoyed the Forza series in the past, I’m sure you’ll find something to love here, regardless of what brings you to the game.

I can easily say without a doubt that this is not only the best EA hockey game since "NHL 05," but quite possibly the best hockey game ever. Fans can be happy to know that the series they grew up loving has finally delivered in all department to create the most realistic and authentic hockey game on the market. Second place is the first loser, and that means you 2K Hockey.

Graphics and gameplay probably don't get much better in a 2D game than they are in Viewtiful Joe2. The faint of heart might long for a few more difficulty options, as the action can get hairy in a hurry. But this is still a fun, challenging game that's extremely easy on the eyes.

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.

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.

This marks an excellent port for one of the best RPG’s in recent years, and it’s a title that every RPG fan should not miss.

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.

Twilight Princess HD is one of the best remasters I’ve played.

The only real, but minor, issue I have with Allegiance is the stiffness of the tech tree. While it is a very big tech tree full of all sorts of upgrades, once a person commits to a path on the tech tree, the amount of resources required makes it really hard to change tactics if required.

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.

Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about Mini Metro whatsoever. It’s an incredible blend of gorgeous graphics and addictive gameplay, and if you want a great puzzle on your Switch, you owe it to yourself to pick it up.

This is a short game under 10 hours with replay value for speedrunners but for those expecting a lot after their first play then you’re going to find the only reasons to return being another playthrough. There are also not as many puzzles as a Zelda game and with the heart of this game being the strategic combat that might not be a huge draw to some. But with that said it is also a Zelda game at heart and a great time for fans of the series looking for something different or another couch co-op game to play. Newcomers will also not feel left out so if you can’t wait for a sale then check it out.

I’m absolutely in love with Monster Hunter Generations. While I don’t think it’s a huge visual step-up from Monster Hunter 4, it’s still a great looking game made even better on the New 3DS. But more importantly, the gameplay is rock solid, and the new additions are positive changes that help to enhance the classic Monster Hunter experience, and ideally can be useful when it comes to bringing in new players.

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

Splinter Cell: Conviction is a return to form for the series after the slight hiccup that was Double Agent, and anyone that's put off trying out the game at this point would do well to give the series another chance.

I mean, I’ve clearly fallen in love with it. How could I not, when it’s as fun as this? Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope doesn’t just prove that the first game was no fluke, it shows that it’s possible to take a crazy idea and turn it into one of the best games of the year.

Despite the fact that Z-Axis games are consistently entertaining, each of them has run into a similar problem of being released decidedly unpolished. Sadly, Aggressive Inline is no different.

Every aspect of Project Gotham Racing 4 is top notch, yet it feels just a little too much like the same racer we've been playing for years, even with all the changes. There's a lot more racing competition on the Xbox 360 these days and PGR4 still performs well enough to race to the top.

Metroid: Samus Returns is an easy recommendation and you can’t go wrong with this in your 3DS library. The team put a lot of work into polishing this remake and it shows. I can’t even tell who gets the better deal here between fans of the original or newcomers like me. All I can say is that this game makes me realize how much I miss a true Metroidvania game made by masters of the craft. If this is how Nintendo wants to pay homage to classic games, I say let’s go for more!

The good news (if that continued dedication to being insanely hard doesn't count as good news for you) is that OlliOlli2 is also just as addictive as its predecessor.

The story is exciting and fun, plus the characters are very memorable. Dragon Quest VIII is a must-have for JRPG fans and should earn a permanent place on your HOME screen.

I can easily say without a doubt that this is not only the best EA hockey game since "NHL 05," but quite possibly the best hockey game ever. Fans can be happy to know that the series they grew up loving has finally delivered in all department to create the most realistic and authentic hockey game on the market. Second place is the first loser, and that means you 2K Hockey.

Mechanically it could be a better game, sure, but it’s still definitely a game worth playing.

I don't feel like enough effort went into this to improve upon the flaws of the original, and something needs to be done with career mode to make it a little more exciting and enticing in my opinion.

While I'd be hesitant to recommend it to hardcore FPS players, gamers looking for an easy going way to unwind should have quite a bit of fun with PvZ on PSN.

Abe also manages to remain challenging while never becoming irritating. Words cannot express how important this is. [Overall Score = 97]

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.

Everything from the visuals, audio, and presentation have been bumped up a notch to a level that would make any fan who has turned their heads for the last 3 years take notice.

The note charts, which everyone was the most worried about with a new developer, were surprisingly well done and most importantly fun to play.

The gameplay has never been better and it carries over all the favorite modes from last year. I didn’t expect to be so glowing on this year’s release because on the surface this looked like NHL 19 the sequel, but I can happily report I was wrong and NHL 20 blasts a goal from the blue line.

The fighting is simple enough for anyone to pick up and check out, whether they've played a Street Fighter game in the past decade, or are new to fighters in general. At the same time, there's enough options here to keep high level players interested and entertained, and a diverse enough roster of characters to keep the action from being mundane and boring. Tie that to a multiplayer system that works really well, with the occasional lag issues of course, and you've got what amounts to the best fighter on the Wii at this moment in time.

If I had to hold one thing against Daxter (and Ready at Dawn) it’s that they raised the bar so high that it’s probably going to be a while before there is another PSP title that reaches this level of quality.

I found it to be a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. Because of this, you’re left having your attention continually and equally divided, forcing you to pour in tons of hours just to start feeling invested in the world.

In other words, it’s hard to say that Meetup in Bellabel Park makes Super Mario Bros. Wonder any better than it already was. To be sure, “what it already was” is a must-play game, so if you missed out on it a few years ago, now is definitely the time to play it again – but unless you really like moderately enjoyable minigames, you can stick with the base game and get the most important experience.

What more can I say that hasn't been said already. MLB 08: The Show raises the bar once again and delivers the most complete baseball experience money can buy.

The game looks fantastic and is the ideal leap above its predecessor you would want in a sequel. Fourteen unique characters move and fight with such splendid animation, that you would be awestruck if you had the time to really see it between spawning.

As criticisms go, that’s hardly a terrible one: saying that a game gives you freedom to play it as you want to is probably something more games should aspire to. That The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom gives you all that freedom without ever feeling unfocused or overwhelming is evidence that it lives up to its iconic lineage.

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.

The Outer Worlds is an absolute steal if you’re opting to go the Xbox Game Pass route, but even at $60, it’s well worth your time. It’s exciting to see a viable alternative to the Fallout series, which is exactly what Obsidian has created here.

I really don’t have complaints about Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. It’s exactly what it claims to be: a new, recut version of Yakuza 0 on the Nintendo Switch 2 with enhanced visuals and smooth performance. It takes advantage of everything very well, and being able to play it on the go is a massive bonus. For existing fans that picked up a Switch 2, it more than earns itself another playthrough. For those of you that are new to Yakuza and may have just started with Kiwami on the original Switch’s release, this is a prequel you don’t wanna miss out on. It’s the biggest and best version of Yakuza 0, and I’d argue an absolute necessity for Switch 2. You simply won’t find a better experience than the Director’s Cut.

It's so damn near identical to the home console versions that it's almost worth checking out just to see how close Capcom managed to get. It also helps that it's immensely playable, with a working online mode that can quickly match you up with other players worldwide, with little to no lag to boot.

Ok, when I said solid gameplay, I meant, "Oh my god, the combat is fun!"...I don't know if I can ever go back to single pulling, auto attack type battles. You don't even have to be into MMOs to enjoy this game.

It's a great game that I'm happy PS3 owners will now have a chance to play, and I look forward to playing through the co-op adventure mode a few more times in the near future.

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.

This has to be one of my favorite downloadable games to date. With great game play, great co-op, tons of collectibles and a great price, you can't go wrong with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

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.

The framerate and action more than makes up for the slightly less than average graphics. This is a title that no self-respecting N64 owner should pass up. Nintendo has created the first true N64 classic since Mario 64.

In terms of the quality of Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age on Switch this is a very worthy port. And in terms of value that’s up to how you want to look at the whole package because where it’s virtually double the cost of any previous Final Fantasy port yet you do have a load of added features and content that weren’t in the original PS2 version and even extras to the Switch and Xbox One since then which make this one the definitive and best way to play Final Fantasy XII. So it almost squares even and really you can’t go wrong with this version of the game no matter when you choose to jump in.

When all is said and done, Pinball FX2 for the Xbox One is easily the best version of the franchise thanks to its new interface — even if you have to deal with a hiccup or two when importing your titles.

If you have any affinity for the Final Fantasy brand, you’ll absolutely love Bravely Default.

In other words, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a game that’s an absolute joy to play. Exploring these worlds, slicing through enemies, customizing how Cal looks, uncovering the game’s lore: it’s all done perfectly here, in a way that should appeal to anyone, regardless of their familiarity with Star Wars itself (though being a fan probably helps). There are minor flaws, to be sure, but they’re so minor, they feel like nitpicking. In a year that’s already featured some outstanding games, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor still manages to stand out.

Although TTT doesn't innovate or provide tons of replay value options as Namco's Dreamcast opus "Soul Calibur," it is nearly perfect in what it does--and it is guaranteed to provide you with hours upon hours of solid fighting enjoyment.

The last entry could have been a less conservative on the fighting gameplay, but it doesn’t prevent players from having a good time.

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.

X-2 comes off as a flashy expansion pack, and not the full fledged sequel promised. The mission-based approach will work for some, but to me, it comes off as a cheap excuse to skimp out on a proper narrative.

So whether you’ve played Madden year after year, or have been a hold out since the 2K franchise’s demise, all fans of the pigskin will be happy to hear that this is the Madden to own no matter who you are. Not only is this the best representation of the franchise to date, but is quite possibly the best football title to date.

Even if you don’t know the world of Batman or its characters, you will enjoy what Rocksteady Studios has created!

If you’re on the market for a dramatic and original episodic series with unique gameplay mechanics and an intriguing story to tell, then consider checking out Life is Strange. I definitely need to reiterate how impressed I am with Dontnod Entertainment's first foray into the episodic adventure genre, and we're definitely excited to see where they'll be taking us next.

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!

It is innovative, it is humorous, it is intense, and most of all, it's a heck of a lot of fun.

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]

The franchise mode is so well done that it actually feels like a baseball RPG with a fantastic underlying, playable baseball engine.

It really is hard to imagine how games this good keep getting better and better, but they apparently are finding ways.

The end result is a Dead or Alive game that's arguably deeper, dizzyingly beautiful and a blast to play online when the damn thing isn't just locking up.

Game play is a godsend for fans of the Cup, as NASCAR Sim Racing is exactly what it states…it is sim racing. While some newbies to the sport or gamers who prefer arcade style action may be turned off by the relentless realism, I say it is better to sacrifice the weaker links in favor of the hardcore fans that make this sport what it is today.

I absolutely loved Pure, and while I've played a fair share of decent off road racers in the past couple years, nothing compares to Pure in my opinion.

Once again, the LocoRoco 2 soundtrack takes center stage for me, with some great tunes scattered about the levels that are only aided by the different noises the LocoRoco and other creatures will make that seem to run in tandem with the music at times.

If I had to sum this game up in one word...that word would be "WOW!"

It’s an absolute blast to play through, with impressive visuals, an appropriately metal soundtrack, and some really wild set-pieces that deserve to be seen. Absolutely pick this one up when you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.

Well Soulcalibur IV has done both, it has wowed me and evolved all in one fell swoop. In four words…Buy Soulcalibur IV today!

Despite the sometimes annoying, repetitive combat sequences, Kingdom Hearts is filled with plenty to see and do.

If you’ve played Metal Gear Solid 3 before, then you know what you want. Do you want Metal Gear Solid 3 exactly as you remember it, but looking much better and running much better? If so, then great- you want Metal Gear Solid Δ. That’s that. Have you never played Metal Gear Solid 3, been interested, but deterred by the fact that the game is 20 years old? If so, then great – you want Metal Gear Solid Δ. Just get it, you know you want it. It’s as good as a remake is ever going to be.