If you have a PS2 it is your duty to own this game. The amount of fun, stunning beauty, fantastic music and wonderful ambient noise all add up to one of, if not the, most stellar titles for the PS2 this year.

Even with the plot issues the series has, Naughty Dog has done a tremendous job with Uncharted 3 and they should be proud of it. It's an excellent game, and definitely one of the highlights of 2011.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not only a worthy successor to Remake, but to the original title. With an incredible and multi-layered open-world, outstanding combat, and a heartfelt story that takes you on a beautiful scenic route, Rebirth reaches heights you’d need one wing to touch. Rebirth is special; First-Class in a way only the best Soldiers can be.

Far more than the sum of its parts. With tight integration between all four instruments, fans that sing along when you do well, and various other touches that add up to a very polished product that’ll should only get better with a few patches.

Mario is known for surprising you with new ideas and strong game design. Super Mario Bros. Wonder contains both in spades. Although it executes on the element of surprise in a way I hesitate to call an outright innovation, it always supports the strengths of both the expected and unexpected.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is a fantastic addition to the Xenoblade Chronicles saga. It ties up the story so far in a nice thematic bow, with equal amounts of new additions and returning favorites. The combat system is tighter and incredibly satisfying, and is even tied to exploration to make you feel like you’re always growing. Once again, I can’t wait to see what Monolithsoft cooks up next.

Bloodborne takes what made Souls amazing in the past, and infuses it with speed, risk-reward play, and a haunting atmosphere. Only a few technical hiccups hold back a masterpiece from Miyazaki and From Software. This is a must-play game for any PS4 owner with a masochistic side.

From a gameplay perspective, this game rocks. The controls are easy to get the hang of after a while and unlike Resident Evil, where you move your stick is where your character goes.

They've taken every aspect I could think of an improved it.

The big thing to talk about in this section is the Owner mode section of the Franchise mode... This honestly is an unprecedented move by EA and it is really an exciting section of the game.

A lot of Forza Horizon 5 feels similar to Forza Horizon 4 in a way previous Horizon games haven’t felt with their prequels, but Adventures bring unique storytelling and slight edutainment to the Horizon formula and if more Horizon’s are in the future, particularly ones not in Europe and America, it’s not a bad foundation to build on. Driving feels as good as it ever has and Playground Games absolutely succeeded in interpreting the beauty of Mexico. The seasonal model returns and it does a better job of incentivizing people to group up, but it’s still not quite enough to entice people to do activities like Forza Arcade.

The Castlevania Dominus Collection is another fantastic effort from M2, though it doesn’t quite reach their lofty standard. The games themselves are a ton of fun, looking and playing great with some amazing convenience features. However, some of these features come up a bit short, specifically controller binding and display configurations. Even so, a full reimagining of an arcade game makes up for those shortcomings for the most part.

Once you start playing, FF12 has an addicting quality to it that will cause you to skip meals and lose sleep, constantly pressing forward towards the next save point.

Luigi is difficult to control and it will be a new experience to take him through the whole game, but it definitely adds to the replay value of this already huge game.

While the game is too easy on Pro and very difficult on All-Pro, some slider adjustments can help the situation.

With 25 characters and 29 stages, and only half of that available at start, you have a fighting game you'll be spending lots of time in. With almost 300 trophies available, you'll be spending lots of time trying to gather all of them as well.

Street Fighter 6 takes the series to the next stage with a wildly fun fighting system that emphasizes personal choice. Each mainline Street Fighter tends to define its era of fighting games in some way, and Street Fighter 6 confidently steps forward to that next era. From its battle system to its bevvy of modes such as World Tour, it dives deep into everything that makes fighting games great.

The gameplay sucked me in, but the Franchise mode stole my heart. It’s deep, detailed and easy to get dragged into.

If you're not sure if the game is for you, there's a demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace. However, if you're a fan of racing games in general, Forza Motorsport 3 is a definite win in my book.

Demon’s Souls 2020 is a gorgeous game that holds up thanks to a lovingly recreation and some helpful quality of life improvements. Although it oftentimes feels like it’s afraid to change too much lest it incur the wrath of the original game’s cult following which makes it less impactful, this stellar remaster is still a must-play for any PS5 owner.

Undertale is one of the most unique efforts seen in indie gaming. Combining a love for the old with a willingness to innovate and utilize game mechanics to express ideas, rather than a binary input-output, this game should be on any and every one’s radar.

It may not be as innovative as "Mario 64," although I would argue the waterpack alone makes it innovative, but it is a challenging game.

Soul Calibur II just oozes replay value. From the extensive Mission mode, the 23 characters you can unlock, the 10 game modes, and over 200 unlockable weapons and costumes means that you will be playing this for a long time, and that is supposing you don't have any friends to play multiplayer with.

Those looking for a challenge need look no further than Fire Emblem: Awakening, and newcomers can enjoy a much more accessible experience via the casual mode. With steady innovations such as the improved sound, relationship system, and online functionality, fans can finally rejoice at the series' return to Nintendo's newest portable device.

The biggest change to this game is the lack of a world map, and I was surprised by how much I missed it.

If you love 4X games, this is the game to get. Due to all of the content, this game is the king of the hill in this genre.

The overall experience has a trim and polish that is exceptional even by Nintendo’s standards, and while there are a few nitpicks that longtime fans of the series might find, it’s hard to argue against this being the best game in the series to date.

Exceeds the previous title in every way..."Guitar Hero" was a staple of the parties I throw at my house, but it looks like Guitar Hero II has stolen the crown!

OneShot is an incredibly unique experience, and one of my favorite adventure games. While there is a tiny bit of magic lost in the transition to console, the additions more than make up for it, especially for fans double dipping with the World Machine Edition. Whether it’s your first, second, or third time adventuring with Niko, this is an incredibly memorable journey that you will never forget.

If you've played CT before and never "got it," or if you've avoided it for whatever reason, now's your chance to give it the shot it deserves. It will be well worth your time.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker caps off a lengthy story arc in the best way possible. The main quest has tons of unexpected twists and turns with satisfying payoff for fans both new and old. Sage and Reaper are a ton of fun to play and the new dungeons and trials will put your skills to the test. If you’re not already playing, you should be.

Overall, Rock Band 2 may be mostly incremental in upgrades and seemingly more of the same, but from where I sit on my drum throne, that isn’t a bad thing at all.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe plays exceptionally well and its pick-up-and-play nature feels right at home on Nintendo Switch. There may not be any game-changing additions, but new items and characters, as well as an insanely fun Battle mode, help round out an already-impressive package.

Out of the Park Baseball 17 is a culmination of hard work over several years that has resulted in a perfect sports simulation experience.

The Horizon series is about the friends you made along the way. It is undeniably more of the same, but the thoughtful social additions and inclusion of non-racing activities into the grander Horizon world makes Forza Horizon 6 feel considerably better. Most of all, anyone can play it. And everyone should.

The key replay value in this game is getting the 5 different endings via getting more items and beating the game in less time. It is somewhat akin to getting the under 2 hours ending in the original Metroid.

Whether you’re a rabid fan of platforming games or you’ve grown disillusioned with them over the years, Rayman Legends has the charm and gameplay to leave you enthralled.

If you must have only one NFL football game, I say spend the $50 on Madden NFL 2005. I think you will find yourself playing it for far longer than you would the $20 "ESPN NFL 2K5."

Unavowed is easily one of the best adventure games ever made. The story and characters are fantastic, the visuals immaculate, and the puzzles unique and inventive. Wadjeteye games are always good, but they’ve set the bar pretty high with this adventure.

The PS2 gets points for tighter controls and easier to see play selections of where your players are going on plays.

Whether you like to sneak, like to slay mercilessly, or somewhere in between, there is something here for you. Dishonored is very easily a contender for Game of the Year.

There is nothing out there like Microsoft Flight Simulator. It delivers the entire world in unrivaled quality, combined with pinpoint precise controls and realism at a level that is unmatched. If you want a taste of the sky, this game is virtual perfection, and if you are learning to fly in the real world, nothing will reinforce what you’ve already learned more than Microsoft Flight Simulator.

This game is cranked to a volume of 11.

If you have a computer with internet and think you might enjoy playing games, do yourself a favor and try it.

This new Blizzard title feels effortless, and already feels like another addition to their list of seminal, necessary releases. It doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, but the way it polishes, presents, and executes is well above and beyond standards. Easily one of the most necessary multiplayer experiences of the last few years, and a shot across the bow at shooters complacent in their defined expectations: whatever you do, Overwatch does it better.

Bayonetta 2 is a worthy sequel, filled with ridiculously over-the-top action sequences and a combat system par excellence. Just don’t come for the story.

Tekken 8 blew us away with its excellent, engaging features that are fine-tuned to fit every fighting game fan's preference. It also offers a battle system that new and veteran players can enjoy...as long as you can take the Heat.

Mission: It’s Complicated is a visual novel that will immediately charm your pants off with a cast of diverse and lovable characters. It’s short enough to just hop in for a quick playthrough, but has enough endings to keep you busy for quite some time.

You have to play the game in the dark, with the volume cranked up, to really appreciate all this game has to offer. If you're into scary games, you won't find anything better than this.

The boss battles, camouflage use, Close Quarters Combat and wound treating are simply revolutionary for this game.

Forza Horizon 3 feels familiar with its already-polished gameplay, but the new setting, cars, and incredible customization options opens the throttle on an already-fantastic platform. The team has built on an already stable platform, bringing entirely new ways to play. I struggled to find a single thing I didn’t love about Forza Horizon 3, and that’s a fantastic problem to have.

Out of the Park Baseball 16 is the gold standard of sports simulator games, and can provide gamers with infinite hours of fun and deep gameplay.

Masterful.

By far the most beautiful game on the Xbox. I'd go so far as to say it is the best looking title on any system.

There are titles for every console that truly define the platform, and God of War: Chains of Olympus is one of those titles. Stunning graphics the likes of which we’ve never seen, an incredible soundtrack that rivals PS3/Xbox 360 titles, standout voice work, and gameplay that is on-par with the two previous PS2 titles makes this a must-own for any fan of the series.

The level cap has increased allowing for more spells, talents, and power for individuals with the insanity to chase them. This is a whole new world.

MLB 09: The Show was a great Next Gen restart for the franchise, and MLB 10: The Show delivers nicely on that promise.

With production value equal to any first party AAA game, Shadow of the Colossus is a technical masterpiece. This is the new benchmark for what a remaster should look like, standing as the best remaster ever released on any platform. Put simply -- this is how it’s done.

ESPN NFL Football has the better graphics and commentary while "Madden 2004" has better controls, gameplay and arguably more replay value if you're into franchise play.

Killzone 2 is a title that grabs hold of you with both hands at your throat and doesn’t let you go until the very end.

A great game. It’s detailed, well thought out, and planned. It has real science in it. It has real politics in it. It has drama and it has humor.

From the opening cinematic to the garage to the customization to the races, you can just tell that the developers just love cars and they have poured that into Forza Motorsport 4.

If you have not played the God of War series, you owe it to yourself to buy this game immediately. If you have played the God of War series, this is a great chance to relive the controller-snapping difficulty present in one of the best pair of adventure games ever made.

For $10, FEZ is one of the most solid “must-buy” titles in the indie game scene.

It's so often that by the third outing both games and movies can lose any hope of a coherent storyline or sensible character arc. Gears of War 3 manages to dodge that bullet, ending up stronger than the previous two titles in every way. The solid multiplayer, a somewhat meaningful single player experience, an epic score, and the chance to share it with your friends is a compelling package.

Compelling epic storylines, characters so rich you can become emotionally invested in them, and a great combat engine that works on multiple platforms - Dragon Age: Origins has what it takes to take the RPG genre to the next level.

Disco Elysium is a difficult game to describe, but it’s easy to recommend. One of the most inventive games in recent memory, it’s an often cynical, mean-spirited RPG that’s nonetheless full of beauty and humanity. While its obsession with the nastier parts of the human psyche will definitely turn some people off, the depth of its story and systems reward a deep dive into the mire, as do its beautiful art and writing.

It’s not just a nostalgic trip; A Link Between Worlds is an excellent game on its own. That said, this title functions most effectively as fan service to us old heads — the references to the source material are as numerous as they are captivating.

Dark Souls 2 for the PC is a far cleaner port attempt than the first Dark Souls port.

Resident Evil 2 is a survival horror masterpiece, and sets an unbelievably high standard for video game remakes. The unrivaled realism, terror, and difficulty creates a tremendous, immersive experience that, honestly, makes other horror games look bad. I can see this game living on forever in speedruns, let’s plays, and even discussions for the greatest horror games ever made.

Donkey Kong Bananza takes everything you expect from a Donkey Kong game and polishes it with such a fine coat that almost any type of player can find something to have fun with. If it’s collecting every Banana, mastering the Bananza’s, completing side quests, or just playing through a fun story, there is something fun for all ages. With plenty of easter eggs for players familiar with the franchise, Bonanza doesn’t rely purely on nostalgia to make it enjoyable. If you’ve missed collectathons or just want to experience a DK game with your kids, Bananza is a great time.

Caves of Qud is a game that will reward you more and more for putting in the time and effort to learn about it. Even just from scratching the surface, however, I am absolutely entranced by the worlds the game can create.

Dark Souls II offers a fresh adventure into what is quite possibly gaming’s most punishing, macabre fantasy world.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a highly enjoyable game that screams 'high quality production.' Despite its lack of gameplay innovation it still provides a certain level of enjoyment most JRPGs do not.

While I was cautiously optimistic in starting up Assassin's Creed 2, within the first three hours it had it's hooks in me.

Superb to look at, listen to and play. It's just too bad online couldn't have had more meat to it.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is easily the best Animal Crossing game to date. This life simulator is the most immersive, feature-filled, and customizable to date, having exponentially amplified all the charm and addicting qualities of New Leaf. A must have for any fan of the series, or anyone who simply needs a distraction from the current state of the real world.

I really enjoy Lords of Waterdeep, and the iOS app is a faithful recreation of the game.

So yes…it’s worth the double dip. If this is your first foray into the world of Diablo, this is the absolute best version you can play.

The greatest part of the game is the final fight. The way you fight the boss is brilliant and very original.

I would like to see some of issues addressed in the inevitable sequel along with: A 2nd squad of teammates, better friendly AI, a full time on-screen compass, and an opportunity to take direct control of some vehicles.

Shovel Knight on PlayStation is just as spectacular as it was last year and the extra content, while minor, is a welcome addition to an already awesome game.

Slay the Princess is a beautiful narrative of pain, death, love, and transformation. It has so many choices and routes that it's impossible to see them all in one playthrough. While some may come for the terrors of blood, bone, and the unknown, the tender core is what will keep the game in your mind.

This is a no-brainer for Tony Hawk series fan, much like the new versions of "Madden" are a no-brainer for me. Little things are fixed, but no re-invention ever seems to come.

Bowser's Inside Story takes a lot of the great things about the series, ratchets them up to 11, and leaves them there the whole time.

Minor issues aside, Chaos Rings is a fantastic new IP for Squeenix, and easily the best RPG available on the iPhone.

It isn't as frustrating as "Jak II" and Insomniac Games simply took the old game and made it better with more enhancements. This game is also the far more hilarious of the two with the funny cutscenes and all.

Pick up Spelunky if you’re a fan of actiony roguelike games, supremely challenging platformers, or if you’re simply a gaming masochist who finds themselves griping about how too damn easy games are nowadays.

It is no surprise to anyone that has played a Bethesda game that they have come through on a beloved franchise, well worth several hundred hours of your life!

Split Fiction is a stunning and emotional buddy co-op adventure that kept us fully invested until the very end. Jumping between Zoe and Mio's different worlds was executed flawlessly, with unique gameplay, storylines, and details for every chapter. It's also the first of Hazelight's games to feature cross platform play, which performed superbly. This is how co-op games should be.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a straight-out-of-the-comicbooks masterpiece, and one of the best superhero games ever made. The narrative swings to heights writers dream of, and every aspect of the gameplay has been gone over and improved off of it’s already stellar design. Insomniac Games has proven lightning strikes several times, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is every adjective it’s namesake’s comic books carry, whether Superior, Ultimate, Spectacular, Sensational, or Amazing.

If you’re willing to power through some unfortunate pacing, you’ll still get to experience a fantastic and wondrous adventure of epic proportions, upscaled for the modern era.

Destiny 2 is back, baby. The Final Shape’s exhilarating and heart wrenching main story quest, beautiful and twisted new destination, terrifying new enemy faction, and plethora of insanely powerful gear solidify this as the new peak of the Destiny experience.

NieR: Automata is a masterclass action game with deep RPG mechanics, and a beautiful open world. While it’s held back by a weak narrative and a clunky game format that mandates replaying hours of content, it offers a wide variety of enjoyable experiences that make it well worth the asking price.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has found its definitive version on PC. The game looks and plays amazingly well. The limited and sometimes odd options can be a bit too restrictive, but if you can find a setup that works for you, it should be smooth, clean sailing.

For those people who own a HDTV, you are in one heck of a visual treat. It's unfortunate that some minor gameplay and voice issues bring down the overall quality of the game.

Free from graphics cards, drivers, and other PC trappings, Microsoft Flight Simulator is the most accessible flight simulator ever made. With the most minor of concessions, it also manages to be the best looking game the Xbox Series X has on offer to date. With the right control surface, you too can slip the surly bonds of Earth, and when it looks this good and plays this well, I highly recommend it.

The Forgotten City is an incredible game with meticulously crafted puzzles and an engrossing time loop story. While it has some quirks, this cloud version is a fantastic way to play the game thanks to the Switch’s portability.