By combining elements from collectible card games and Plants vs. Zombies, Zachtronic Industries has created a game that feels weirdly familiar yet brand new. Ironclad Tactics mixes the American Civil War with robots, creating an addictive strategy game overflowing with charm.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus follows up on its predecessor with a bang. With a dynamic protagonist and amazing characters, this is an entry in the foundation of what modern shooters, if not narrative games in general, can be. The mechanics are as stellar as the guns are loud, and it'll leave the player itching for more even when it's over.

Pirate Pop Plus is a game where fans of the classics will likely enjoy it, especially fans of Pang and Buster Bros. If you’re not normally fan of arcade-style games, you might want to check out Pang first, then decide if five dollars is worth spending on a game that resembles Pang with a couple of other mechanics thrown in.

Ten long years have culminated in a game that's a bit rough around the edges, but enjoyable. Kudos to Hajime Tabata for getting this thing done. For me it was enjoyable throughout, and I'll be seeing this one through until I have the platinum trophy, but I think that feat is reserved for only the most dedicated franchise fans.

MX vs. ATV: Untamed is a solid performer and offers a broad experience in off-road racing. It's fun in both single- and multi-player and is definitely worth a look if you enjoy getting dirty.

Broforce finally explodes into its final release. The old-school difficulty might shock more casual indie players, but the pitch-black absurdist humor and deep, dynamic gameplay will keep you coming back for more.

With two distinct but well-integrated strategy modes, Brigandine offers a huge amount of gameplay that feels both old school and fresh at the same time. A fantastic tutorial eases new players into the game with little friction, and the seeming complexity becomes quickly manageable. While the graphics are nothing to write home about, the care taken in each story thread is evident, and the tactical gameplay offers a ton of replay value. Brigandine is an utterly unique offering on Switch, and should appeal to RPG fans and strategy buffs alike.

Even if you haven't played any of the other Lost Planet games, Lost Planet 3 is a great game with a lot of action and a good story.

World of Tanks on PlayStation 4 is as good as it ever was on PC and Xbox. It’s the focused, pared-down launch that every new platform gets from Wargaming, but there's plenty to digest. Taking time to line up a shot and punch through enemy armor makes the grind well worth it.

SOCOM hasn’t changed much since we saw it last year, but who cares when Fireteam Bravo 2 is so much fun? With its satisfying single-player experience and addictive online modes this is one game that is extremely easy to recommend, no matter what type of gamer you are.

Mortal Shell embraces the Souls-like moniker with open arms. They welcomed comparisons, and, for the most part, delivered. What's more impressive is that a team of only 15 people created it. Mortal Shell will make you to rethink your ideas around patience and frustration. You will love this game for all the same reasons that you hate it.

Neverwinter is one of the best free-to-play games this year, with its fluid combat, extensive amount of quests, and Foundry tool in which players can create their own adventures. Most importantly, premium points and items don't affect the game for those who choose to adventure on the free route. Role-playing fans owe themselves an extended journey to the world of Neverwinter.

One of the best games I’ve played all year, and one of the best entries in the Need for Speed series. The driving is sublime, the cars are gorgeous, the art style is striking, and the soundtrack is exceptional. Despite falling short in a couple of facets, Unbound is a must-play racer.

Aside from a really frustrating online experience, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax delivers a compelling story, which is an odd thing to say about a fighting game. The balanced roster and additional characters definitely make a strong case for why you need to pick up this game. If you've got an itch for a solid 2D fighter, look no further.

Mass Effect: Andromeda doesn’t quite live up to the hype, but it comes close. Considering the situation in which the developers found themselves, they put out an addition to the franchise that really feels like returning home even though you’re millions of light years from Earth. With stunning scenery, a distinct Mass Effect feel, and an abundance of things to do, it’s a worthy investment for any Mass Effect veteran or newcomer—but don’t expect it to be perfect.

Onrush is one of the better multiplayer games on the market and is easily a game for all ages. The customization, competition, and teamwork all make for a heck of an afternoon of gaming. And where it is 7v7, you can’t possibly run out of spots for friends to come get some.

Who says you can never go home again? Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral town takes an already great game in the storied franchise and throws it into HD, with a hefty bushel of new content along for the ride. Whether you're a nostalgic veteran like me or a greenhorn just starting out, Mineral Town is a worthy addition to your Switch library.

Without a doubt the most accessible Guilty Gear game to date. Plus, it is absolutely stunning to see in motion thanks to its unique and impressive visual style.

Battlefield Hardline is a worthwhile entry in the series that shouldn't be passed over by fans.

And that sums it all up. Bye-Bye Boxboy! packs a lot of punch for its size. Its combination of platforming and puzzle-solving is unique, and its simple premise gets complex early in the game. The additional content is anything but slim, and not only adds, but enhances the experience of the game. The developers did a great job of crossing classic platforming with new puzzle-solving to create a new style of game that exercises the mind.

While some might balk at the shorter length of Transference, I found the experience to be spot-on, particularly while played experienced in the very high-end VR. With a unique take on walking simulator mechanics and some fun (and not overly difficult) puzzles, Transference feels like an afternoon well-spent. Just be ready for some dark, adult themes. They don’t call mad scientists ‘mad’ for nothing, and Transference has one doozy of a mad scientist.

Does a good job walking the thin line between economy-sim and RTS. Gives a good “build it and then knock it down” feeling with varied and colorful units.

ArcheAge is one of the best free-to-play games to be released this year, with a near endless amount of content awaiting eager adventurers.

This is a good expansion/patch to a good game. It fixes some bugs, adds some interesting features, and slips in lots of changes to quietly improve gameplay and balance. It's definitely worth $20 for “Fallen Enchantress” owners, and $40 for anybody looking for a good 4X fantasy TBS.

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos places players smack dab in the middle of a living anime story, with all of the cool world-building and unique characters implied by that statement. Players used to a lot of action in their games will have to adjust to the slower pace of this plot-driven experience, but will quickly discover that it yields its own unique rewards.

With a robust and deep career mode, connected tournaments, and the new Legends of the Majors challenges, Tiburon has given fans of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series what they wanted: Necessary changes to Total Swing Control, new courses, and plenty of replay value.

DarkStalkers Resurrection is yet another high-quality fighting game collection from Capcom, a company that has gotten real good at this sort of thing. With an online mode and plenty of goodies to unlock, this DarkStalkers compilation is easy to embrace with open arms. Don't be intimidated by the chaotic action, the two games found in DarkStalkers Resurrection are well worth the asking price.

Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment transcends its license to become a truly engrossing portable role-playing game. Unfortunately, this lengthy adventure is far from perfect, with problems ranging from bad translation to simplistic missions. But none of that gets in the way of one of the most ambitious anime games ever constructed.

For a game about the simple act of killing zombies, Dead Rising 4: Frank’s Big Package supplies players with an unbelievable variety of ways to get the job done. Some of the modes that might have felt slight as individual DLC purchases just become icing on the delicious cake of destruction that is Frank’s Big Package. Weirdness and chaos can take you pretty far when the core game play is as solid as it is here. There is a ton of fun content here that makes Frank’s Big Package well worth the purchase.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is great for veterans and tough for newcomers, but a joy to play for either party once you get a hang of the mechanics. It gets tedious at times, and there are missed opportunities here and there, but the Nemesis System that was a beacon of success in the first game has come back bigger and better than ever. It’s definitely a return to Middle-earth that is worth the play, and an homage to Tolkien’s works that everyone can appreciate.

Exactly what one would expect from one of Kratos’ adventures. It’s gritty, action packed, super-violent, and feels as epic as ever. As fun as it is, one can’t help but feel like we have played this game before...perhaps a major change of scenery is needed before this patented formula wears out its welcome.

Toys for Bob shows that they make better Skylander games than anyone. It’s simple, fun, and there is an absolute crap-ton of things to do.

This War of Mine delivers a setting that is depressing and unsettling. It's a slow-paced resource management strategy game that will hang over you long after you walk away from it.

The first glance at Democracy 3 can cause an immediate "it's too complicated" reaction, but the well-designed interface enables a fairly quick understanding of how to manage the policies required to create your own personal political utopia. For those that are into this kind of thing, Democracy 3 is a great way to test pet political theories in a (mostly) consequence-free way.

Fishing game, open world adventure, gorgeous nature simulator – whatever bar you want to set for Call of the Wild: The Angler, it succeeds at meeting your criteria. Quiet but never boring, graphically beautiful, and with rich and entertaining fishing mechanics, The Angler is one of those rare games that creates a class all its own. You have never played a game like this, and it is likely rare that you have played one this good at accomplishing what it sets out to do. Highly recommended, even for those that might not think they would like fishing games.

As Dusk Falls offers a great new take on the adventure genre, focusing on a story that feels grounded in the real world, made all the more impactful through its stellar artwork. The multiplayer works fine and is fun, but I found myself wanting to play without others. Satisfying narratively regardless of your choices, As Dusk Falls is weighty and serious, surprising with great writing, realistic characters, and plenty of twists. Highly recommended.

Sniper Elite 4 is one of those games that has something for everyone. Being a borderline recluse, I was attracted to the idea of playing as a lone wolf, but the multiplayer co-op Overwatch game was even better!

Apart from the humor, the well done mechanics, the unique presentation, the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system, and public health, what have Here Be Dragons or the Romans ever done for us? My only real criticism is that while there is little to fault on that first go, the game does struggle to offer real replayability. It's an excellent strategy game. So play it once through for that good trip and let that be enough.

Noitu Love: Devolution is a fun and challenging game once you get used to the controls. While the Normal difficulty is rather easy after getting used to the controls, Hard difficult is where the challenge truly begins. If you’re into these types of games and are up for the challenge, Noitu Love: Devolution is definitely worth the money.

An addictive mix of strategy, RPG, exploration and storytelling, Halcyon 6 is slow to start but should satisfy anyone craving a deep, retro-affectionate science fiction adventure.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is an excellent LEGO game featuring a vast array of Marvel heroes and villains. Lack of online co-op and some difficult puzzles for younger ones holds it back a little, but not that much. You'll definitely enjoy the writing and animations.

Hard West 2 offers a fun mix of text adventures and turn-based strategy battles, with just enough of each to keep things fresh. Awesome and unique mechanics are highlighted in a combat system that forces players outside of their "overwatch" comfort zones, allowing new tactics not seen before in games of this ilk. A bit of fiddly control work does little to tarnish the stellar gameplay. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

MLB 13: The Show is what a gamer wants out of a baseball title: A great presentation, a challenge both on the mound and at the plate, and plenty of features to entertain anyone for a long period of time.

With multiple paths to take, tons of hidden areas and an endless barrage of cool boss fights, Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara is one of the best brawlers on the Xbox Live Arcade. Throw in online multiplayer, fun challenges to complete and plenty of extras to unlock, and suddenly you have an old school arcade compilation that is tough to put down!

This is the family game to get for 2015.

Layers of Fear 2 is an abstract, slow burn psychological thriller that strings you along with increasingly skilled and disturbing imagery, then leaves you shaking and looking over your shoulder.

Deathtrap's unique take on the tower defense genre by expanding player interaction with action and role-playing gameplay elements results in an entertaining and worthwhile experience. Both fans of tower defense and role-playing games are recommended to take a journey into the world of Deathtrap.

A worthy successor to the previous game. While Mario and his friends feel like themselves, the Rabbids provide the right spark of humor. Each character brings their own style, and finding the combination of characters that work best for the fight at hand is part of the fun. Different difficulty settings make Sparks of Hope playable for all skill levels, whether you want a challenge or just to enjoy the content. I didn’t find much replayability in the fights, but there were more than enough to hold my attention with the side content taken into account. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope makes me feel like a kid in a good, old, classic, Nintendo way.

The game does a fantastic job at delivering accurate content and historical events. It does all this while allowing the player to go in any direction during a campaign.

The Division 2 takes a step forward on the original in just about every area. In a world where so many titles in the genre stumble out fo the gate to fall flat on their face, this is a sequel where the developers really listened to the shortcomings of the first effort and came up with real solutions to overcome them. It's not the fantasy I wanted, but it's a game that really delivers the vision it has. And by every measure looks to have a roadmap to keep it well supported and reasons to keep grinding for the next year to come. It might suffer from a lack of a cohesive narrative, but it offers a vibrant open world with so much going on you can write your own stories on its canvas.

Another year and another good outing for SCE San Diego Studio. MLB The Show 16 has some great improvements for Road to the Show, but some problems still persist. Baseball lovers will definitely enjoy the game.

With Jak 3 everything seems so passé and normal again, as if the well had run dry and the developers had lost their passion for the franchise.

A bit more thoughtful than many RTS games, Kohan 2 is perfect for those wanting a deeper real time strategy. With yet another rush of RTS games being released, don’t overlook this gem.

No matter if you're new to the Land of the Dead or a returning visitor, Grim Fandango Remastered is a must-play.

Urban Flow is the best kind of puzzle game: one that is easy to pick up, difficult to master, and lovingly developed exactly for the hardware on which it runs. It's not perfect, but has so much to offer and it so well done in places it's easy to overlook the few warts. It is a welcome addition to the Switch library and a great example of why this console is so good at what it does.

It’s easy to look back with rose tinted glasses when it comes to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. But after spending a week back in this world I can easily say there are no tinted glasses here. It’s as good as I recalled it back in the day. If you’ve never played Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic this is a great way to jump in. I couldn’t believe a game that came out in 2003 could still hold my attention, even on the fifth or sixth playthrough that I had while reviewing the game. The atmosphere created by the game is second to none when it comes to Star Wars games. Playing on the Nintendo Switch might be the best way to experience, load screens were fast, and the game looks great in handheld mode. The Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic story is one every Star Wars fan should experience.

DiRT Rally 2.0 is a worthy successor to DiRT Rally. The driving/car physics which feel as sophisticated as anything else out there, are only slightly hindered by mediocre force feedback. The tracks and surrounding countryside are gorgeous in their own right; the environmental lighting and shadows serve to make them stunning at times. The addition of Rallycross serves to make DiRT Rally 2.0 two great simulations in one package.

Carrion is a fascinating reversal of the typical Metroidvania. Playing as a hungry, tentacle abomination is fast, fluid and unnerving. My only complaint is that there is no mapping function, which can make progression a chore.

Gravity Oddity is a roguelike game that plays differently than other games in its genre. Instead of improving yourself every time you die, you actually improve yourself with every completed run, unlocking new game modes and mods. While each run isn’t necessarily that long once you know what you’re doing, getting the hang of the controls and mechanics can be a real challenge, especially when a lot is happening on screen. Once you can master that though, you’ll find a game with a lot of customization, challenge, and replayability that’s good to play in small bursts of time. Strap on your gravity boots, save your roommate, and pay your rent.

The Council is a revelation. While the technical aspects of the game are somewhat questionable at times, the storytelling, world building, and RPG mechanics are simply stunning. I found myself propelled from episode to episode, salivating at the idea of advancing the story and outsmarting the game’s lifelike characters. With twisty surprises, diabolical puzzles, and rich historical context, this is a game that makes the player feel intelligent for playing it. The fact that the story is deliciously twisted is just the icing on the cake.

I had a lot of fun with Arizona Sunshine with a superb single player experience. I wish the multiplayer modes were more stable, because playing with friends was a blast.

I Expect You to Die provides everything I want in VR room escape type of game. Objects are easy to manipulate, the puzzles don't require great leaps of non-intuitive logic to solve, and the experience itself is quite entertaining. It can look spendy at full price, but it's on Steam so it' just a matter of waiting for a sale.

Hand of Fate is a devastatingly addictive adventure game that mixes card collecting with fast-paced third-person action and board games. Although full of disparate ideas, the game is never confusing. It has a few technical issues and I would have preferred a way to continue, but none of that should keep you from experiencing Hand of Fate.

If you've played the first two, The Banner Saga 3 is impossible to ignore. In this final chapter, everything is broken and mended and broken again. I was never sure if there would be--or even could be--any kind of happily ever after to this massive mythology Stoic Studios has built. It's an excellent uncertainty.

If you're in need of a good beat em' up with plenty of wild gameplay and a captivating story, Soul Sacrifice Delta fills a great void for the Vita.

Prison Architect is one of the more unique game releases in years. What would seem daunting at first, with building and managing a prison, quickly reveals to be both an addictive and entertaining gameplay experience.

Dark Souls 3 is going to be the most accessible game in the series, while still maintaining the brutal levels of difficulty and reliance on skill. If this is the end of the Dark Souls series, then they've chosen the perfect time to bow out.

While not the next-generation Final Fantasy game fans are anxiously waiting for, Type-0 is a fun action/adventure with a lot of compelling ideas. There's enough variety in the gameplay to keep the combat fresh for dozens of hours, and the story is surprisingly emotional for a political thriller. Sadly, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is held back by its handheld roots, but don't let that keep you from discovering this oddity.

Weird West is a fun not-quite-RPG that feels like the beginning of a great new franchise. Perfectly enjoyable to play, this first iteration lays a lot of groundwork towards what will likely become an ongoing series. Darkly funny and surprising, each character's story arc is unique and rewarding. While a system of branching choices impacting the game's story feels like a natural evolution from what is here, what is presented is very enjoyable. Weird West creates a universe I don't want to leave. When it was over, I just wanted more - which is the biggest hurdle a new franchise can overcome.

If you can take punishment as well as you can dish it out, then XCOM 2 strikes the right balance. Its tactics are hardlined, its urgency is persistent, and it will wear you down even as it builds you up. A beautiful, brutal beast of a tactics game. But do what you can to clean up these graphical and gameplay hitches, Firaxis; this game deserves it.

Skyrim on Switch is the same excellent game it’s always been. It doesn’t support mods but the fact that such a massive, engrossing game is now portable is justification alone for another purchase.

Simply put, if you liked The New Order, you’ll like The Old Blood. The more than competent shooting, likable protagonist, writing, and gameplay choices make up for some small issues and a few static characters.

Original Sin 2 shakes your hand a little too hard when you first meet. It needs to relax until you get to know it better. It's endlessly surprising, with characters that lose their stiffness over time, in dialogues and battle logs that piece together a dangerous, thoughtful world. It's tough. But the reward is that you get tougher, too. It still needs to clean up some of its tactical sloppiness, though. Having a ton of options in battle is only good if its rules are fair and make sense.

While the single-player offering is lacking, the well-polished skirmish modes make up for most of that deficiency.

Until the sequel arrives, however, we now have even more GalCiv goodness, adding more addictiveness and content to an already insanely addictive game.

Beautiful, engaging and every bit as fun as it was nearly 15 years ago, Mass Effect Legendary Edition lives up to the name. It's a gorgeous, robust title that will make veterans remember how much they enjoyed the series while giving newcomers a memorable ride for the first time. There's no question you should pick this up if you fall into either category because Commander Shepard deserves that much attention.

Excels because it manages to combine action and strategy in a way I never saw coming.

I will go out on a limb and say that given some more love and (lots) more patches, “Eador: Masters of a Broken World” could become a classic in its genre. If you're a fantasy TBS fan you should definitely pick this up (it's only 20 bucks) and watch the patches roll in.

Need for Speed Most Wanted is an expertly tuned and turbocharged port that brings a superior experience to the Wii U. The game is just as good, even better than the other versions, the new Wii U features are fun and best of all it runs like a dream on Nintendo’s new console.

A solid campaign and endless customization for single-player, co-op and online play, Age of Empires IV deserves a ton of credit for making turn-based strategy a treat to play.

The wealth of content and addictive nature of collecting loot and replaying levels with increased challenge make Victor Vran highly recommended for action RPG fans.

Overall, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare lives up to the franchise's expectations.

Rainbow Six Extraction offers players a surprisingly new experience, a more stealthy take on co-op shooters than is found in the competition. With blistering difficulty, tension to spare, and a delicious argument-inducing bug out mechanic, Extraction uses shooter mechanics in ways that feel utterly unique and original. Perhaps a bit light on content, but we all know that more will come in time. A stress-filled creepy good time, even for non-shooter fans.

Riftbound is a total nailbiter of a game. Barrel Smash Studios takes the Plants Vs. Zombies model and elevates it to something that requires speed, strategy, and precision at its highest levels, ultimately showing what heights this neglected genre can achieve. Show up for the casual fun, stay for the hardcore gameplay and irresistible addiction.

The game is very accessible.

It may take a few rounds to warm up to, but Frozen Synapse Prime proves to be one of the year's best turn-based strategy games.

If you're interested in experiencing a story that isn't just the standard fantasy lore, then Blackguards 2 is worth a try.

The original game is a classic. The “Enhanced Edition” is a near-clone, with some additional content. If you haven't played it before, or would like a deep RPG to put on your tablet, this is a good buy.

Pentiment is a slow and deliberate novel of a game. Though quite lively at times, this is still a game that asks players to read long, intricate conversations and remember scores of characters in a historic setting. The mystery is interesting, and the history is fascinating, but if these aren’t enough to pull you through, you might want to look elsewhere. For patient players, Pentiment is a game like no other, teaching lessons on history, community, and the nature of life itself.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak tells one of the better science fiction narratives I've seen in a real-time strategy game. While the campaign is short, I enjoyed most of the Homeworld-inspired gameplay. Skirmish and multiplayer modes beef up the content, but the overall content-to-price ratio doesn't quite even out. Minor gripes aside, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is one of the more compelling real-time strategy games I've played in some time.

Soul Sacrifice is as rewarding as it is twisted. It is very similar to Monster Hunter but with a much better framework to the experience and gameplay that rivals some of the most popular action games on the market. There is a ton to do and love here, but you have to work for it, which may turn some people away.

This is a gaming thoroughbred that will demand you feed it over the holiday season. If your first priority this week is the DS, make your second one a copy of Spider-Man 2. It’s the game that will show your friends what the hardware truly can do.

Atlus one-ups themselves with the first real sequel in the Trauma Center series.

With a robust story mode, a deeper grappling system and the addition of online play, this is the best wrestling game available today.

It’s one of the few games where I’ve had a ton of fun even when I m losing a match. I’ve had many cool experiences playing it and a lot of “did I just see that” moments but all of that is crapped on by the bugs and quirks in the game.

PGA Tour 07 for Wii adds realism without compromising gameplay.

I enjoyed all the unique aspects of terraforming, unit transformation, and using the Perimeter field, but for some this may just be too much complexity in an RTS.

A very fun, and very strange, take on the 2D platformer. Yet another example of why we need to continue to support our independent game developers.