I can't gush enough about how excited I am that the Soulcalibur name has reclaimed its greatness in the annals of fighting titles.

Speaking of the A.I., this is where my biggest gripe with the game lies...The control is overall a bit slippery at times, even when using a 4WD car with a high Handling rating. That is a bad combo usually, and drove me crazy on several opportunities.

The innovative parts of Fable surround what is a very solid, if traditional, role-playing game, and the whole package comes together exceptionally well.

Forza Horizon manages to feel like something completely different, while retaining enough of Forza's core identity to make it fit really well into this established franchise. I'd highly suggest checking it out whether you're a Forza fan or just a racing fan in general; I doubt you'll be disappointed.

It’s a great game and as I said before, it’s a great translation of the Arkham games into VR. I think it’s worth playing and if you don’t already have a Quest, a lot of the Quest 3 bundles include Arkham Shadow on purchase. VR is a growing market, so jump in and give Arkham Shadow a shot. You won’t regret it.

It's really a no-brainer for RPG fans even with the genre being so crowded this season. Personally, I put Shadow Hearts Covenant in my top three RPGs this generation.

Likewise, the graphics are cute, and full of fun little flourishes; it may start out looking like your standard retro indie game, but when your knight who can't see in 3D turns around to reveal that (s)he is flat, or when your knight with blurry vision sees everything in his or her immediate vicinity with a big blur around them, it's hard not to be charmed.

Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow neither looks nor plays like your typical “handheld” game, and it seriously pushes the limits of what the PSP and portable games in general can achieve. Hell, you’re lucky to find a console game so well put together overall.

In terms of sheer pace, NFL 2k2 and Madden are truly apples and oranges when it comes to game speed. I frankly feel that NFL 2k2 plays too fast.

While some gamers will be turned off by the lack of total simulation, they still may be intrigued by the extras EA threw in for good measure such as the deep dynasty, slam-dunk contest, and three-point shootout.

The length is less to blame than the overall design as an RPG, where players will notice things such as a striking contrast between pacing when considering how strong the story is. Stick of Truth’s main concern ultimately lies in its ability to match a good game to a really entertaining premise, which is a far more alienating factor than whether people like your show.

It combines an atmosphere that will have you changing your shorts at least twice per playing session with beautiful visuals and balanced gameplay that requires some actual thinking to make it through successfully.

It's kind of sad knowing that game characters haven't really evolved much in that time, and that the Monkey Island franchise is still able to capture my attention without any of the glitz and glam of 3D graphics, 5.1 surround sound, and gigabytes worth of information. I guess that's just a testament to how well this game was made.

If you've never had a chance to play Arkham City and are looking for a fun action/adventure game that has awesome combat, fun exploration, and an excellent presentation, you can't go wrong with Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition. The game has enough content to keep you busy for over twenty hours and is entertaining from beginning to end.

In the end, NBA 2K13 is another great release from the folks at 2K Sports. Aside from the confusing menus, the strange inclusion of the Celebrity Team, and the somewhat awkward controls, it's a fully functional Basketball sim with some nice features.

As it is now, online play is virtually useless to me, which certainly negates a lot of the multiplayer fun on my side. Hopefully this will either improve, or be ironed out for the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros.

While Call of Duty: World at War definitely borrows heavily from it's predecessor, it still remains a damn good follow up to Modern Warfare, and well worth taking the time to check out.

I can't imagine the series, or video game golf for that matter, getting much better than this (of course it will).

The lighting effects and polygonal detail has been kicked up a few notches, and for those of you who don't like your grapplers dipped in corn oil, HCTP has the best looking character models on the market - more realistic in motion, musculature and personal detail than Raw 2's sweaty oafs.

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.

An addictive sequel which adds so much to the mix that you can't help but spend hours exploring it all.

The modern day Square Enix track record rarely does itself any favors, but this is one instance where I think the company and talented folks involved should be commended for their effort.

PES 2017 is undeniably a fantastic soccer simulation, but is it any better than 2016’s title? The gameplay additions are marginal at best and if you bought last year’s game, it’s hard for me to recommend picking up 2017

The main thing, though, is that Easy Come Easy Golf is a joy to play. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport/the developer or a seasoned veteran, this game will have something for you. It shows that even if the name on the game may have changed, it’s still fully lives up to Clap Hanz’s very high standards.

I have no doubt that some people are absolutely going to love Jusant – but it’s definitely not for me. If you’re a fan of climbing, you’ll find plenty to love here, but I found it all too frustrating to ever get lost in the game.

The music in Roboquest is fantastic with the synthwave Carpenter Brut-inspired soundtrack amping me up as I ran and gunned my way through each biome. Although the gameplay can get somewhat repetitive after a while, there is still so much variety to discover. If you’re looking into dipping your toe into the Souls/rogue-like pool, I would strongly recommend giving Roboquest a look.

Konami’s return to new titles is strong with Silent Hill f despite its shortcomings in the combat department. The setting is gorgeous and eerie with the music only adding to that, the voice acting is excellent (I played the Japanese dub of the game), and the story is downright gripping. Every new story beat had me eager to theorize with myself and uncover as much as I could of this narrative unfolding in front of me. It truly is a “must play” of the survival horror genre and I wholeheartedly believe this marks the comeback of Konami as a powerhouse in gaming once more.

In a year like this, where we can compare and contrast CrossWorlds with Mario Kart World so easily, its faults seem a lot more glaring. As it stands, it’s a very solid kart racer that has the misfortune of being compared to one that’s just more enjoyable.

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.

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.

There's no doubt that plenty of fun is to be had; it's simply that much of it is hindered by poor design choices.

Nioh 3 is an excellent game with very few rough edges in the moment to moment gameplay. It’s a ton of fun, well made, beautiful looking, and full of content. Another excellent addition to the series, there’s little to desire short of hoping they put some more effort into the storyline. But… that’s not what anyone is here for anyway, so you can essentially just write it off as a con. Boss fights are unique, stylish, and flow well. Chaff enemies even require you to get used to their patterns and offer a bit of challenge on their own. Everything is here to make for a stellar experience for any Nioh fan or Soulslike enjoyer looking for something new to explore. Obviously considering my notes on the lacking storyline, you needn’t worry about having played the previous games. Just hop in and give Nioh 3 a shot.

The Witcher 3 on the Switch is a marvel in more ways than one, and if you want a game that you can sink dozens upon dozens of hours into without ever feeling like you’re doing the same things over and over again, then look no further because it’s right here.

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.

That is a lot of boom for a very little bit of Shakalaka if you know what I'm saying. This is the definitive version of the series, not only as it has up-to-date visuals, rosters, and modes, but it is about as complete as you could hope from this series.

If zombies and the apocalypse weren’t your thing despite all the praise heaped upon The Walking Dead, then I’d suggest giving The Wolf Among Us a shot. In both visuals and plot it’s a pretty far departure from Telltale’s previous effort, but manages to be just as engaging and interesting as anything found in The Walking Dead.

Armed with the updated translation, and new abilities that we did not get in the original release, Final Fantasy IV is definitely a classic RPG worth picking up and playing through again or for the first time.

Overall, Sine Mora is really an amazing game. Simple in it's gameplay, but challenging enough for even the hardcore Bullet Hell Players.

With its zany graphics, hilarious dialog, and first-rate controls, not only is Super Paper Mario a smashing success, it’s also one more reason everyone should own a Wii.

This is a title that no self-respecting N64 owner should pass up. Nintendo has created the first true N64 classic since "Mario 64."

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.

This is a game from the '80s, for the '80s and should be enjoyed as such.

With 30 extra stars to collect, a few new levels thrown in, unique power-ups and characters, addictive mini-games, and even a multiplayer battle mode, the game truly delivers a great experience for Nintendo’s new handheld.

Capcom has done much, much more than just put a camera around a guy's neck and drop him in a mall full of zombies. There's a tightly woven story, the elements of which are actually part of the game...Dead Rising is one of the highest notes of the year, on any platform.

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.

While there are some classic remasters and remakes that leave you wondering what made them so great in the first place, that’s not the case with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. It’s been remade in a way that makes it feel thoroughly modern (in a good way), and even if you’re entirely new to the series, you should find plenty to enjoy here.

At its core, Destiny 2 takes everything you loved about the original and cranked it up to 11. The graphics are flashier, the sound effects are louder, the content is meatier, and the overall experience is better. Plus, there is a ton of stuff to do after you see the game’s ending credits.

Hopefully, for those that bought Halo: TMCC a permanent fix comes along sooner than later, or you can get some enjoyment out of the single-player experience for the time being. But it’s certainly not fair to wait for the product your purchased to work, and because of that, I want to be sure that my review score for this retail product reflects that.

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.

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

The one downside to a gorgeous, fast-paced whirlwind of constant activity is that there's not much of a story to go along with it. I don't know about you, but when the end result is as much fun as Assault Android Cactus, that's a trade-off I have no problem making.

It’s a fun game built around a tantalizing mystery, and once it gets its hooks into you, you’re guaranteed to want to keeping playing until you’ve uncovered all its endings.

The voice acting is all wonderfully done, especially Death. He's such a great character and is very funny throughout the game, especially in the way he deals with some of the side-quests that characters give him. If you already own the game, there's very little incentive to picking up the Wii U version, but if you've held off or never had the means to buy it until now, I highly recommend the purchase.

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.

If you're looking for that epic game to ease your wait until "Zelda" finally makes it out, this is the perfect game to suck away hours of your time.

It's the first to actually get me hooked on an MMORPG.

One of the best NASCAR games I've ever played. With a full 43-car field displayed, the atmosphere of NASCAR racing is front and centre, drawing you in from the get go.

You get a lot of slowdown my friends, which don't necessarily effect game play much, but does hamper the looks a bit.

Underneath the videogame exterior lies a real Ferrari physics model that will make any hardcore racing fan happy, and make any casual racer burst into tears.

Overall this is one sick Marvel Pinball table that once again shows the creativity and thinking outside the box that makes Zen Studios stand on their own when it comes to creating virtual pinball tables. This of course leads to my no brainer conclusion – if you have Pinball FX2, Marvel Pinball or Zen Pinball 2, BUY IT!

Because really, Super Mega Baseball is the sort of fun, easy to pick up diversion that video game baseball was at the very beginning of its lifespan — and if it's as great as it is here, there's every reason to believe it can still fulfill that function.

Minus a few hitches here and there with presentation, commentary, and no online leagues, this may be one of the best Madden titles in recent memory, and easily the best on next gen platforms.

I really, really enjoyed Far Cry 2, and I was happy to see that it's a pretty far departure from the formula of the first title. The open world environment is absolutely beautiful at times, and the little touches in the game really help to heighten the sense that you're in a real world setting.

It's a great game separate from the franchise, and definitely does a favor for the third person action genre, but with the CV characters and license attached, it becomes even more enjoyable for me.

Fighting enthusiasts will love the new characters and moves, along with the finely balanced Vs. play. Newbies to the series or genre, will appreciate the eye-pleasing high-def visuals at first and then most likely be sucked in by the deep gameplay and the enjoyable Quest Mode.

As fun as it starts out to be, it gets old rather quickly. Fortunately or unfortunately, the game is extremely short, and on its easiest mode can be completed in about an hour.

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.

What really impressed me about Thief: Deadly Shadows was its exquisite attention to detail in all regards. From the graphics to the sound to the level design, every aspect of Thief: Deadly Shadows seems lovingly crafted by those who genuinely cared about what they were doing.

It is funny, but the fact that it is so big makes large portions of the game seem like a boring chore.

And really, that's what makes Undisputed 3 work. It's super accessible for anyone moderately familiar with fighters, yet has an insane amount of depth for those willing to spend time with the game. That generally seems to be the hallmark of any great fighter, and I think UFC Undisputed fits that bill. There are still a few kinks to be ironed out, but certainly less than were present in previous years.

This game kicks ass, and remains one of the best games of all time. Now it’s even prettier.

The GC version gets a better graphics boost than the Xbox counterpart, but both versions pack the same great gameplay.

Offline play is extremely polished, and worth price of admission alone. I could not make that statement without Total Punch Control, as it makes the game even more challenging. Online is a great bonus, but it seemed rather rushed near the end.

As sad as it is to think there may never be another new WipEout title ever, I'm still satisfied that Sony at least went through the trouble to remaster some of the better WipEout games for the PS4. But who knows… the series could have some life left in it, and hopefully long-time fans and those new to the Anti-Grav experience will at least get a chance to appreciate it at its best in WipEout Omega Collection.

Tangle Tower is built around an excellent whodunit mystery that moves along at just the right pace. There’s a great balance of plot, puzzle, and humour, and it does a good job of keeping you invested all the way to the very end. In this respect, you could say that the game carries on in the traditions of the very best adventure games from a few decades ago — but it manages to do so in a way that feels undeniably fresh.

It takes strong foundations from both the genre and the source material, then layers things on top that make the entire game a solid, intense experience throughout. It's amazingly fun, amazingly wrong in that Rockstar kinda way, and amazingly right in every fundamental design choice. In short, Rockstar has made a modern classic with The Warriors.

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 ever to find itself into a game should seal the deal.

An astoundingly good debut on the PS4: because Insomniac knows what makes these games work, and they realized that they didn't need to overhaul them from the ground up to make them work on a new system, too.

Previous versions were too buggy to be worth checking out unless you couldn't live without baseball on your home console; this time, they got it right, with an entry in The Show series that reminds you of just how impressive it can be.

The lack of actual innovation is what keeps it from being a stellar title, but it's a game that most RPG's enthusiasts will want to add to their DS library.

It's a pretty over-the-top fighter, with a heavy emphasis on flashy supers and specials more than a complex combo/counter system, so it's not going to be for everyone to enjoy. If you're an old fan of the game though, you'll know what to expect.

There's a lot to love about Mortal Kombat for the PS Vita. The game controls like a dream, the modes and gameplay lend themselves extremely well to short bursts of play, and NetherRealm even included solid online multiplayer gameplay and functionality

Overall, if you like FPS titles, you like your games pretty, and you like to be scared, then F.E.A.R. is right up your alley. Proceed with caution; you will wet yourself on this ride.

So seriously, when I claimed that Far Cry 4 is Ubisoft’s best release this year, I wasn't kidding. At times it can feel a little like Far Cry 3 in a new region with a different main character, and the co-op isn't as seamless as expected, but the journey is certainly an enjoyable one that is very much worth taking.

At $50 this is a solid collection of three really good portable games, rezzed up to modern HD screens and dimensions, with slight tweaks to account for former touchscreen controls and menus, making all three games feel right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you’ve played the original releases or you’re jumping in for the first time, you really can’t go wrong with checking this collection out. It’s great to have the entire main series collected on the Switch, and hopefully this will help open the door for more Ace Attorney games in the near future.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a love letter to Ace Attorney fans. You can unlock different concept art from each game with every accolade completed. You are also treated to some orchestrated piece not released in the US. This game is both great for returning fans and newcomers to the series. It will make you want to scream HOLD IT and OBJECTION during every twist and turn. The humor and the vast array of emotions you’ll truly gives this game its day in court.

FFXI manages to mend the idea of a persistent online community with a story, graphics, and an intuitive interface that begs to be played when other responsibilities rear their ugly head.

It's pretty to look at, fun to play, head scratching enough to make you think, but not so frustrating to the point you want to smash something valuable, and it even has multiplayer on and offline to boot.

It's like the videogame version of a really bad (read: good) B-movie.

It's the best thing since Sliced Bread, other than its sequel, Sliced Bread II: Electric Boogaloo.

I was continually surprised by Turok’s near-perfect mood-setting graphical quality -- the outstanding character animation and the cleverly assembled array of transparent weapon effects must be seen to be believed.

An awesome Castlevania game and an awesome game on its own. If you're a die-hard fan of the series or just a fan of challenging 2d action games, don't miss this title.

It is funny, but the fact that it is so big makes large portions of the game seem like a boring chore.

Most importantly, we're happy to report that the ebb and flow of the game, the technology race, the expansionistic urges, the cycle from martyrdom to world conqueror and back, have been expertly captured in Civilization Revolution.

They even managed to spice things up by re-tooling boss fights, puzzles, and later sections in the game to sit more comfortably with the way gaming has evolved.

With top-notch graphics and a mostly solid game of basketball that rewards practice and knowledge, ESPN NBA 2k5 is loads of fun.

If you have never played Death Stranding and are on the fence about picking it up, this is the version to go for. Everything about it has been improved upon, and navigation has been perfected, so if you don’t want to walk 20 minutes to every destination, the Director’s Cut has supplied you with all the right tools to make it faster and more efficient.

It's essentially the same, full-featured game that console and PC owners have been playing, only with the added bonus of being able to take your terraformed world with you wherever you go, in addition to being able to bring it online.