If you have any interest in platform games at all, or were a platform gamer when you were young and gravitated away from them over time, I implore you to play Super Mario Galaxy 2.

The pointless debate rages on whether to buy this game for the PS3 or Xbox 360, but the root of that argument is correct – you need to buy this game.

Red Dead Redemption 2 raises the bar for sandbox adventure games. It’s organic in a way almost unseen in any genre, creating an authentic open world that is as cohesive as it is compelling. This title will set the bar for action adventure games for years to come.

I can’t imagine the pressure behind the scenes, but everything that Rockstar has attempted with Grand Theft Auto V gels together perfectly. As we look forward to the next-generation launches in just a few months, it’s pretty awesome to see the best game of this entire generation cap it off.

I’ve mentioned Ocarina of Time a few times, and there’s a reason – it is the benchmark by which all other Zelda games are tested. Somehow, and beyond all of my expectations, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild exceeds that mark. I can confidently declare that Breath of the Wild is the best Zelda game ever made.

While the narrative leaves a bit to be desired, Grand Theft Auto V on the PlayStation 4 is a technical marvel, a masterclass in world building, and absolutely worth exploring again.

Game of the year on the Gamecube, hands down.

This is game design at it’s best.

Super Mario Odyssey is a treat that needs to be experienced by everyone who has a Switch. The attention to detail mixed with a host of expansive content and enjoyable gameplay will have you coming back for more.

I have had a dream of how good this game could be for a long time, and it was immediately kicked out the door for not being grand enough.

Grand Theft Auto V on the PC takes an already amazing game and makes it better. Every aspect just seems sharper and better than previous releases. This is how all ports should be handled.

There isn't another game out there that can come close to offering a more movie-like experience and at the same time not short-change the gameplay like in other cutscene-heavy titles.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is an impossibly good RPG made with a great deal of passion and skill. While there are some last minute issues to iron out, Larian Studios has delivered an adventure beyond our wildest imaginations.

The Orange Box is packed with enough content to keep gamers satisfied for a long time. In addition to the original masterpiece of Half-Life 2, the continuation of the saga with Episode 2 and Portal provide more fun than we’ve seen in years.

Simply put, Mass Effect 2 is a game that everyone should play.

Elden Ring is the culmination of all the Souls entries up to this point, creating a near perfect gameplay experience filled to the brim with incredible boss fights, gorgeous graphics, and an insanely large world to explore. A variety of new ideas, including crafting and the addition of the spirit horse Torrent, help bring a new level of immersion to the proceedings while simultaneously helping Elden Ring feel like a unique entry in the Souls genre. With gameplay tailored for players who want to experience the world solo as well as those who wish to play nearly the entire game in co-op, Elden Ring is a masterclass in design. Minor gripes about a couple of boss fights and the sheer density of the world to explore leaving many areas potentially undiscovered aside, Elden Ring is a nearly flawless experience which old and new fans of the Souls series will enjoy.

Skyrim delivers a mind blowing level of content wrapped in a package that would be worth the experience at twice the price.

Baldur’s Gate III is a wonderfully crafted game now jumping on the Playstation 5. The addition of Splitscreen Co-Op makes for an entirely new way to play with a friend. While Splitscreen has some issues with lag during casting and conjuration, there was nothing that stopped us from playing hours and hours together. Online Multiplayer is a breeze to set up and works so well considering how much goes into Baldur’s Gate III as a whole. If you're looking to jump into the world of Baldur’s Gate but don't have a PC built for it, the PS5 version is here to save the day.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a wondrous adventure that somehow makes exploring the same Hyrule magical again. The returning Zelda tropes aren’t quite at their strongest yet and there are some technical and mechanical issues, but this incredible feeling of adventure is something that can only be done through a video game. Tears of the Kingdom masterfully builds on its predecessors to bring the new and old together once more.

The game does so much right, improving on an excellent formula, adding a bit of its own style, making one of the most original, vibrant, and downright colorful games ever. Just make sure you keep an open mind, and don't let others try to get you to stay away just because it looks like a cartoon; it's not childish, it's character.

A masterpiece. The story and scope of MGS2 is much larger than the original and Kojima should be commended for creating a game that makes you feel like you are in the game. I never put this game down until I beat it.

A thrilling, albeit frustrating, gaming experience that will have you yelling for joy one minute then screaming in anger the next.

This is a long game, longer than GTA3 because there are far more missions in this game in a far larger area.

Families will enjoy Little Big Planet because of the ease of gameplay and the four player co-op. Hardcore gamers will enjoy Little Big Planet because of the collection aspect and the user created content. Future game designers will love Little Big Planet because of the incredible level editor.

While there are some niggling bugs and occasional minor frustrations in the game, Red Dead Redemption gets so many things right that you’ll hardly even notice. Red Dead Redemption is the best Western game I’ve seen and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Controls are extremely tight and responsive. You are in complete control of Master Chief's movements, so any loss or mistake is completely your own.

From finding all the unique items to helping a boy stuck between the worlds to rescuing all the maidens to finding out who is behind everything, the game has tons of adventure to spare. This is simply one of the must-haves for the GBA.

Persona 5 Royal makes the leap to PC with aplomb. There’s a decent suite of options including rebindable controls and resolution scaling, but it’s not quite perfect. Keyboard and mouse leave a small amount to be desired and the UI looks awful at resolutions below 1080. Still, if you’re looking to play one of the most stylish and fun JRPGs around, PC is the perfect way to experience it.

The Last of Us spells the magnum opus for Naughty Dog on the PlayStation 3, offering us a unique experience that easily eclipses anything else we’ve seen on the system. This game is easily a contender for adventure game of the year.

The game is huge and you may not even get to the first dungeon for hours.

Hades II is an absolute blast from moment one, and only gets better from there. Everything from the dialogue to the music, visuals, combat, and build possibilities feels polished to a mirror sheen. It’s going to take you a long time to even reach the depths of Hades or the peak of Olympus, but when you finally do you’ll get hooked all over again.

Persona 5 Royal is the crown jewel of the series. It expands and improves upon everything that made the original a powerhouse title in the first place. The new activities and confidants staggeringly stand out, and the numerous minor improvements subtly propel the game into a masterful league of its own. Roll out a scarlet carpet and hail the king of JRPGs.

The Last of Us is truly the game of a generation, and the Remastered edition brings the harrowing adventure to a whole new generation with expert style.

Rockstar San Diego has captured the environment and the emotion of the time masterfully. So much is done right that the bugs which do exist do not detract from the game. If you enjoy open-world titles at all, Red Dead Redemption should be in your gaming library.

Portal 2 is hands-down the best game thus far released in 2011.

Astro Bot captures all of the strong points of a brand new puppy. It’s cute, playful, and doggedly loyal to PlayStation’s history. While it still has room to grow into its legs and sharpen its teeth, most missteps are easily forgiven. I mean, just look at it!

Perhaps the greatest feat that Infinity Ward has performed is not only living up to the hype of Modern Warfare 2, but actually exceeding it.

It’s very rare that a game grabs me this completely, but God of War is, without a doubt, an early contender for Game of the Year. It’s flawless in its execution, and the new benchmark for action titles. Well done, Santa Monica Studios, and thanks for taking us on this entirely new adventure.

I’m both happy and sad that Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and last expansion for Elden Ring. On one hand, it’s a masterfully woven experience that expands on the contents of the base game, whereas on the other it leaves much more to be desired with its disappointing final boss. That being said, it’s still very much worth your time if you’re craving some more Elden Ring.

There are huge staircases, statues and mystical spheres…oh wait, that last thing is not in a typical gothic-style castle. The game is well polished and I never saw a graphic I didn’t like in the whole game.

I’m sure that it took a lot of convincing to get Activision to sign off on moving to a modern setting instead of the wildly successful World War II model that has performed so well since the game’s inception, but it has paid off in spades.

A fantastic romp with the Dark Knight through a suitably dark and depressing city, with your fists, your toys and a fantastic new take on the story. While it engages more sandbox gameplay, it ultimately is a true sequel to the Arkham Asylum in both feel and presentation and is a worthy purchase, even if it isn't that long or that large.

Metroid Prime Remastered is an amazing update to a classic game. Despite some remaining issues like clunky combat and platforming, the new control scheme and visual updates make this a must-play in the Switch’s library, even for those who didn’t enjoy the original. This is how you update a game for modern audiences.

Containing all of the downloadable content from the other two versions, as well as a fantastic story to boot, Bioshock is an incredible title.

Raiders of the North Sea Digital is a beautiful and fun implementation of a great board game. With the simplicity of placing and removing workers, and quick AI games are short. With a few additional tweaks to the interface and gameplay, it could be even better. Thankfully Direwolf has already released some improvements and is continuing to work to make the game as polished as possible.

There is one area where Gears of War does not shine – bugs. Four big ones affecting multiplayer are fairly widespread.

Overall, Metaphor plays like a dream from start to finish. There’s less downtime than Persona and fewer frustrating moments than Shin Megami Tensei, with the whole game feeling like a high-stakes road trip with your best friends. The road to the throne is a tough one, but it’s one well worth walking.

I’m sure that it took a lot of convincing to get Activision to sign off on moving to a modern setting instead of the wildly successful World War II model that has performed so well since the game’s inception, but it has paid off in spades.

Clearly Bungie's efforts were focused on the multiplayer facets of this game; and that alone makes it worth owning.

While the game does have a few flaws, there is simply nothing else out there like Oblivion. This is your early contender for Game of the Year, regardless of platform.

Street Fighter IV is proof that you can take classic gameplay and update it for today’s game consoles and it will be hit.

With this much improvement in the online mode after just one new game, I think Ubisoft will knock our socks off on the next generation of hardware.

The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine is a nearly flawless sendoff for Geralt of Rivia, and the world of The Witcher.

It’s rare to see a sequel nail it this hard, but God of War: Ragnarök has once again raised the bar for every action adventure title. It’s the best game I’ve played in a very, very long time, and is, in a word, perfect.

The only question you can ask yourself is how much time can you give a game that sucks you in and doesn't let go?

It absolutely boggles my mind that anyone could find watching a game for 10+ hours and interacting with it for less than half that a quality game.

Perhaps the greatest feat that Infinity Ward has performed is not only living up to the hype of Modern Warfare 2, but actually exceeding it.

Coupled with a download via the Playstation Store that’ll explain the series to you so far, this game is playable even if you haven’t been following the series for years.

Possibly the best first-party game to ever come out on the Playstation 2. That’s a tough thing to say with Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper and Gran Turismo out there, but it’s simply the truth.

A long quest, replay value and the ability to ride either the Light or Dark Side of the Force make this game something you have possibly never seen before on consoles. The story is phenomenal and the fact that every line is spoken just makes my jaw drop.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ends Geralt’s tale in spectacular fashion, finding ways to fill a giant world with thrilling combat, beautiful sights, and a bevy of compelling content.

While I'm certain that battlefield commanders from that era didn't have such instant information and control over the units under their command, the game does a wonderful job of limiting you to a WWII level of information. Combine that with the well thought out interface, and you have a winner!

The Last of Us Part II is a stunningly beautiful and impeccably written story of family, consequences, horror, and loss. It pulls you in and holds tight, forging a deeper connection with Ellie, her fellow survivors, and the hostile world in which they live. From start to finish, this could be the best game on the PlayStation 4 -- ever.

Discovering what this game has in store for you is a lot of the fun, so allow me to conclude by saying that if you are a DS owner then Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars needs to be in your collection ASAP.

Supergiant has made another modern classic. Hades offers some of the best rogue-like gameplay out there and delivers a satisfying experience in all aspects. From the wonderfully voiced characters to the fluidity of combat, there’s a lot to love here as you die over and over again.

If you can’t play on PC, Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Switch is a perfectly fine way to play. It has its issues and quirks that make it more of a companion to the PC version, but being able to play wherever you want makes up for it.

No game has captured the nuance of pen-and-paper RPG quite like Divinity: Original Sin 2. Every moment is filled with meaningful choice with real consequences, and every character has a story to tell. In an RPG landscape where dialogue options are dumbed down, and quests have become package delivery to a specific map coordinate, Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands out as one of the best RPGs I’ve played in a decade...maybe even longer than that.

Bioshock Infinite is a masterpiece, and few games can stand up to it in terms of quality of writing, presentation, and atmosphere. I present to you, your stand-out contender for Game of the Year.

Not many games reach this level of polish and immersion. The brutal action, the fantastic sound and voice work, the incredible cutscenes, and the well-crafted storyline makes for a complete package that rivals any game you’ll find on the shelf.

Super Mario 3D World is a masterclass of game design, and the result of decades of iteration and improvement — which makes its overall brevity that much more painful.

Blizzard was facing a monumental challenge when it came to releasing a sequel for the genre-defining Starcraft, and they have answered that challenge magnificently.

God of War on PC does have a few strange issues, but it is the best way to play the game if your PC is powerful enough. DLSS does a great job at reducing the load, but if you want an increase in quality over the PS5 version you will need a rig capable of handling it.

There’s a reason why Metal Gear Solid is so beloved — if you’ve never had the chance to find out, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge.

Atlus has done such a good job with this version of Persona 4 that it truly deserves the "Golden" moniker. While I enjoyed the original PS2 version, the Vita version has so much added to it that it enhances the experience. It's amazing how good the game looks on a portable.

Persona 5 brings to light modern issues in a powerful, symbolic story of youthful rebellion. Outfitted with a stylish aesthetic and complex systems, it confidently pulls off moments of grandeur and intimate moments of character growth to create a remarkable experience.

After the overwhelming success of "SSX Tricky", SSX 3 had monstrous expectations to meet... not only does it meet them, it slams them head on like a Mack truck into a flea.

For everything it gets fantastically right, it has an inherent level of frustration contained within that made me reach the limits of my patience.

Chock full of character, life and just plain old fun. It's got enough stuff to keep you busy for hours upon hours, and the ride is rarely slow or drags it's feet.

There is more gameplay in this game than any four other holiday titles combined, and every minute of it is compelling.

Fluid controls, good graphics and sound, and gameplay that rocks the gaming world proclaim this one a winner. The Weapon Master and other modes will keep you busy for a while, and the multiplayer fights seem to never get old.

Whether it be friends you've made along the way, or long-time companions, everyone is at risk...Very few games pull me in like this.

The Phantom Pain strays from the formula to perfect a new one, offering the best in open-world emergent gameplay we’ve seen this generation. While the story sometimes falters under expectations, the characters, aesthetic, and polish of this game set it apart as one of the year’s best.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is not only one of the best Wii games of the year, it's one of the best games to hit the system ever.

It’s crazy to say that Tetris, a game from 1984, feels brand new, but with Tetris Effect: Connected and a dash of virtual reality, it really does. The new single players offer a handful of new modes beyond simply trying to set a high score, and the multiplayer provides an ever-expanding set of new ways to play. It’s a worthy addition to the PSVR2 launch lineup.

Everything here is amazingly responsive and easy to use. A is jump, X is kick, Y is punch, L is slow, R is speed, and the C-stick or B is zoom. It's all right at your fingertips and nothing requires a second thought.

Resident Evil 4 was a 10/10 game when it was released and remains so to this day. Despite the years since its initial release, Leon’s adventure has held up incredibly well thanks to a combination of fantastic gameplay, a fun story, campy characters, varied environments, and a lengthy campaign. Now with a new facelift which modernizes the gameplay while providing an incredible graphical update, adding thrilling new set pieces, and expanding the story, RE4 will undoubtedly remain on top of best game ever lists for years to come.

Hands down this is the absolute best fighting game available on the market right now. Any fighting fan should rush to their store and purchase this game immediately, as this is a very in-depth fighter, one that has more longevity than most RPGs.

It takes great strides to outclass its previous entries because it knows there won’t be another chance. From the opening moments to the credits rolling, Uncharted 4 is built from the ground up to close the curtain on the series with its most well-rounded, personal, and fine-tuned entry. With its new and polished mechanics, unrivaled technical prowess, human story, and thrilling action, nothing in Uncharted 4 is less than top tier. In saying goodbye, Uncharted soars to its highest heights, and bids farewell to an icon with a finale befitting of the history that preceded it.

The sum of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s parts is nothing short of excellent. From single-player to local multiplayer, there are very few flaws with the experience. Whether you’re hoarding spirits in World of Light, spiking your friends in a versus match of Smashdown, or running through Classic mode with your favorite fighter, there is no shortage of smart, creative action to be had. That said, in a game so well assembled, its lackluster online portion stands out even more starkly. However, when taking Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a whole, that one blight does little to diminish the overall mastery on display. This is not a game Nintendo Switch owners should be caught without.

Inside is an incredible sophomore swing from Playdead, as the atmosphere, aesthetic and gameplay meld into one glorious experience that demands attention. Don’t read about it, don’t seek more, don’t ask questions — just clear your afternoon schedule and experience it.

I don’t enjoy the gameplay enhancements that Rockstar put on the game where it becomes more of an RPG with doing the upkeep on C.J. I also don’t enjoy the subject matter much with all the racial epitaphs flying around.

This is easily the best soccer game out there, now if only they could come close to what FIFA does with overall presentation in the menus.

It’s hard to put into words how impressive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is. From the breathtaking world, to the emotional and sincere story, to the deep and sensational turn-based combat, to the award-worthy soundtrack, every aspect of Expedition 33 hits the perfect note. This grandiose adventure is a monumental debut for a new studio, a true masterpiece from Sandfall Interactive.

The comparisons to "ICO" are striking, but this is simply the better game between the two...that's something I never thought I would say.

Plants Versus Zombies, for the small investment of $2.99, is one of the better purchases on the App store.

While some developers develop for the console platforms and then hand off their PC port to other people, Infinity Ward holds onto their PC roots by handling this title personally. The result is a PC version that is as solid as its console counterparts, and we the gamer reap the benefits no matter which platform we choose.

Forza Horizon 4 is one of the best games I’ve ever played. Incredible driving mechanics, cutting-edge seasonal changes in a shared-world, and addictive RPG mechanics make exploring Great Britain an absolute blast.

Saving the best for last, God of War III requires NO install and the load times are fairly short, few, and far between. That's pretty amazing for a game that takes up over 35 Gigs of space on the BluRay disc.