Just like Portal 2, Vessel is about a universally recommended game as can exist. It's charming, entertaining, stimulating, and a hell of an experience for the price point.

With Pushmo, not only do 3DS owners have a solid game that shows off the system's visual capabilities, but we've also got a truly fantastic title that's really at its best on this particular console.

It is without a doubt fan service to the extreme, but being a fan of the series I can do nothing else but eat it up! A ridiculous amount of modes makes sure there's always something to do, and the game is rewarding you for playing every chance it gets.

If you're digging the dark fantasy of Game of Thrones or the demanding challenge of Dark Souls, buy this game without hesitation.

Amid the Ruins ends abruptly, but the cliffhanger serves to amp up the suspense for the finale.

With dozens upon dozens of tracks to complete by yourself or with friends both on the couch and online, skill games to break up the traditional track racing and obstacle coursing, and an insanely in-depth, user friendly track creator that should extend the life of the game and the Trials community immensely, the game is a rock solid purchase for the price.

Saints Row IV isn’t a dignified sign-off to the current generation of gaming in the way The Last Of Us is. Nor is it a ham-fisted GTA wannabe. It takes the core creative elements of the last Saints Row game and adds superpowers… not only in your character, now the President, but in its awareness, competency, comedy, and enthusiasm.

What matters is what Titanfall is. And that is an expertly formed shooter. It lacks many built-in charms gamers might expect, like obvious eSports functions and game modes that really promote how this experience is truly different. But it’s also clear that this is stage one of an ongoing process.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist both rewards players for focusing on one infiltration style while also encouraging experimenting with others. This kind of play-as-you-like approach isn’t new, but it’s hard to think of another game that means it with such certainty as Blacklist.

GRFS is a solid entry in the shooter genre, and one of the standout third-person shooter experiences on any console. The emphasis on intel and squads make this a must-have for anyone looking to play as a team and work together.

Okami HD is a great example of what games can accomplish outside the realm of guns and gore, and I love it for that.

Mechanically, the series holds up better than expected. But where Rockstar's influence really shines through is in the character of Max. He's one of the most compelling characters in recent memories and following him on this messed up journey of self-discovery is reason enough to play Max Payne 3.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon not only attempts something new in the arcade flight space but absolutely nails those goals and intentions.

It’s incredibly telling that all Wind Waker needs is an HD spit-shine to belong in 2013. No game is released in a vacuum, but the greatest games are fun no matter when you play them. This re-release puts Wind Waker in that column, right along classics like Super Mario Bros. and Pac-Man. It’s an incredible game.

Battlefield 3's multiplayer is brilliant, which is really no surprise for this series. It perfectly combines the absolute chaos of open warfare with the methodical, calculating play that makes modern military shooters so satisfying.

At its most basic levels, The Show is fun, playable, and lifelike in a family-friendly way, but it has the depth, intensity, and detail for franchise or career growth that can suck in stat fans and drag them all through this season and beyond.

Black Ops 2 on Wii U lives up to its Xbox counterpart (that being slightly superior to the PS3 version) in almost every way. The lack of CoD Elite support and live video streaming is irrelevant to your enjoyment of the actual game, and additionally insignificant next to the lack of players at the moment – a limitation that will subside as the user base grows.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is one of the worst PC ports I've played. It's also one of the best games ever made, so don't let a few trivial issues push you away.

The robust Career and World Tour modes offer up an amazing and in-depth game of tennis that fans of the sports will love. Even if you've never picked up a racquet in your life, Top Spin 4 is still a great game that is hard to put down. The controls, while requiring some time to get used to, are intuitive.

If you’re looking for a fun, maddening, and nostalgic romp through your 1980s childhood, DuckTales: Remastered fits that bill.

Making the most of Krieg requires more situational awareness than other Borderlands 2 characters. Between watching your health and cooldowns in your UI while dealing melee kills in crowds, there’s a lot to handle. What you do get out of Krieg is a palatable rush regardless of how often you die, and at least dying gives you the chance of taking enemies with you.

The more time I spent with it, the more the new changes to the formula grew on me. The AI routines are less predictable and scripted, meaning every game feels like anything can happen.

If you enjoyed The Stanley Parable or Dear Ester, or you’re a fan of narrative-driven games, you owe it to yourself to play Gone Home. For $20 it can seem quite steep so you have to be willing to pardon the linear gameplay and short length in favor of the journey. But the few tears I shed confirm that I feel the experience is worth it.

The wacky world that Gearbox has built really shines in Borderlands 2. It doesn't just work as a means to deliver funny lines of dialogue, though. Here is an established universe providing ample free reign to contrive silly gameplay mechanics that defy both first-person shooter and role-playing game conventions in way that has me convinced we'll be seeing a lot more Borderlands in the future.

But if you're a big fan of F1 – or motorsports in general – and you're up for a challenge, you can't go wrong. F1 2012 feels like it comes from a developer that truly gets the sport and has tried not just to simulate the handling of an F1 car, but capture an insider glimpse of what its like to have an F1 career. And it totally nails both.

The game's long-term entertainment value is tied up in multiplayer, and while I'm confident the user-generated tracks will always yield new and interesting experiences, playing with other players won't so much.

Luigi U is absolutely worth playing if you enjoyed the original Mario U… or any Mario for that matter.

And while the additions of features like campaign co-op and survival-based multiplayer are not unwelcome, it's the core aspects of FEAR 3 that should be the reason you play this game.

It’s pretty darn respectable package. The difficult-but-fair single-player was very satisfying and well-paced, with extremely well implemented co-op, something rare in games these days. Overrun is a welcome addition to the Gears multiplayer suite, even if there’s little variety among the modes.

Capcom has given us two excellent titles in Darkstalkers Resurrection that fighting game fans will absolutely love.

If you missed out on Dragon’s Dogma the first time around, Dark Arisen is a must-play. Arisen’s content is different from the original game, but in a way that’s additive when combined with the experience. On the other end of the spectrum, dedicated Dogma fans will get their money’s worth thanks to the increased level cap, scads of new items, and new end-game boss encounters.

Though the level of precision required to solve some puzzles is a little beyond my taste, it's great that games of this nature are starting to become so prolific that those looking for puzzles with a little more bite can find them.

And while all these pieces are solid, reliable, and improve the product, they won't set any soccer fans' pants on fire. So do you upgrade? If you haven't since FIFA 11, then you're due. If you're a new recruit in '12, then maybe you can wait until '14.

Captaining a spaceship is a dream that many gamers have had for years, and FTL pulls it off near perfectly. If the difficulty, randomness, and repetition of rougelikes doesn't scare you away, FTL will give you an experience you can't find anywhere else.

A fun game that does a great job showing off the DS. Unique controls, a fun new concept for the series, and the same fun and imagination that made the Kirby series popular combine to make Kirby Mass Attack is fitting end to the popular handheld.

Driving on both sides of the pursuit/chase coin are equally engrossing, but where the game transcends other racers is the opportunity to race friends and escape the police at the same time. It can be a lot to take in, but there is a near palpable rush in managing these objectives while trying to make it back to your garage in one piece.

The visuals are universally great with detailed character models featuring natty costumes and appropriate attention to detail. The storyline really should appeal to DC Comics experts and novices alike for its tale of superhero battles.

A very good game, if not an unnecessary release. Minor enhancements to the graphics and sound coupled with the addition of an entire new day to play through are nice additions to the game, but shouldn't warrant another play through of the game for those who already experienced the first.

The biggest change the series has seen so far. Layton fanatics may cry foul at the series' change of 2D to 3D visuals, but upon playing the game you'll see the game is hands down the best looking of the series.

They really don't make games like Hell Yeah anymore. It's one of the most random and oddball games I've played. It's one of those games where a bunch of wildly creative developers got together, had a bunch of fun, and made a game without ever asking "why?"

With dozens of hours of gameplay, plenty of replayability with multiple class types, and a difficulty that is balanced with the right amount of reward, Etrian Odyssey IV is far and above the best dungeon crawler I’ve played.

Character drama has rarely been better in the gaming medium, and it most definitely deserves a spot on your hard drive.

There's a certain amount of diminishing returns on the mechanical evolutions made but the fresh, authentic setting along with a brand new protagonist go along way in rekindling the fire.

Blood Dragon is a reminder that a story about one man killing thousands is just silly. That’s fine though, because games don’t always need to be serious. Games should just be fun, and that’s exactly what Blood Dragon is.

It may not be saying much but Dragon's Dogma is the ballsiest, most ambitious thing Capcom has attempted in years.

From a story standpoint the single-player campaign is less ambitious than Black Ops II and less effective, despite several cool, fun moments. But wow, volume of content, tight multiplayer, and interest in Extinction, Ghosts is classic Call of Duty.

This is not a revolutionary game by any means, but it builds upon the established strengths of the franchise. Most importantly this is a fun game of football, one that immersed me in all of the elements that make the NFL exciting to watch on Sundays.

Dark Souls has hooks, and those hooks are in me deep; I'm already planning my next several playthroughs as different classes, and for a game that is 80+ hours, that's a testament to its gripping quality.

Resident Evil 4 was an incredible game in 2005, and surprise surprise, it's still an incredible game in 2011. Graphics and controls have predictably tarnished with time, but the gameplay is still as sterling as ever.

Even with the new bells and whistles the game is starting to show its age, and the complexity of gameplay will steer many gamers away. If you don't mind sifting through a lot of text, I highly recommend this game to anyone who calls themselves RPG lovers.

The Crimson Shroud is a game that's completely comfortable to be exactly what it is: an extremely hard, dense celebration of what makes tabletop RPGs so fun. There are gameplay issues that will aggravate some, but any gamer who's spent a Friday night rolling dice will be more than willing to forgive them.

With loads of unlockables, downright adorable presentation, and solid co-op gameplay, it's extremely difficult to think of a person that wouldn't enjoy LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe if you hate the movies, hate LEGO games, or just plain hate happiness, you shouldn't give this game a chance.

I'm appreciating it not out of some overly indulgent childhood nostalgia but rather for what it's doing right now. It's been way too long since the Transformers property has been this good but High Moon's take on the universe is shaping up to be the modernized reboot the franchise desperately needs.

What is it about this game that is compelling me to a completest level never-before-seen? It's fun, simple, playable, looks okay, and you feel like a bad-ass… that'll do for another eight hours.

With Kurt's character design, the smoothness in his movements, and the challenges he faces, I couldn't help but compare Pid to the award-winning Limbo. That said, Pid's exceedingly inviting visual style is a marked contrast to the overbearing sense of dread and isolation in Playdead's 2010 platformer.

While not a revolutionary advancement over last year, smart gameplay tweaks and the return of a couple favorite game modes make it once again a must buy for hardcore NBA fans.

Nintendo clearly took an "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality to this sequel, and given how good this game is, I can't fault them for it.

The game’s difficulty will likely turn off a lot of casual gamers thinking they’re in for a routine Nintendo platformer, but the dedicated gamers who persevere through the toughest the game has to offer will find a satisfying game with loads of replay value that’s a blast to play.

I love EDF to death. It delivers a metric ton of stupid fun.

The stellar writing and character development continues at a superior level, and the decisions the game asks you to make are gut-wrenching.

The developers have masterfully adapted everything that made the original Painkiller so enjoyable to a new engine that looks fantastic and plays liquid smooth.

The presentation is wonderful and the attention to detail creates a game that has a charm and feel all its own. The controls are a little confusing at times but if you can get over them you’ll discover a fun game.

With a brand new story, more game modes, extra levels to gain for your old and new toys, and enough content and replay value to keep you entertained for weeks, Giants is an easy recommendation to any gamer looking for a fun and approachable RPG.

There’s a gritty, punk spirit here that I haven’t seen since No More Heroes. As such, Shadow Warrior is more than a victory for fans of the original, but a spiritual rebirth of what made games of that era so fun in the first place.

It's a fantastically fun, original, and challenging puzzle game. At the same time, its story explores adult themes that games typically avoid, and will have you hooked on the drama within an hour.

Ultimately you have to scrape to find a substantive problem with Wolfenstein: The New Order. If you mandate profound innovation in the games you play, it’s possible that New Order may be too traditional for your tastes. Regardless, it’s a well-made, extremely create, and fun ass game. If you want to sit down and just have fun, you can’t ask for more than that.

If you already have the core game and first expansion and are satisfied with them, there may not be enough new here to entice you into buying. But if you want to finish out the story of Sub-Sector Aurelia, or you want to try out a different race, or if you just can't get enough, Retribution is a steal at $30.

Any gamer that cries for a new, classic Castlevania should put their money where their mouth is and buy this game immediately. Beyond that recommendations are harder to make.

Sure, the multiplayer might not set your loins on fire but PS3 owners will find the game's single player to be one of the best times they'll have shooting stuff in the face.

The game is crafted like a shoot-'em-up, meaning you really need to dig in and master it to understand where its value lies. If you have the temperance for that type of play, Lollipop Chainsaw is one of the best brawlers in the last few years. Combine that with an effortless sense of humor and Suda 51's one-of-a-kind style, and you have gaming perfection for the right kind of gamer.

The variety in the minigames mixed with the exceptional soundtrack make for a delightful combination.

While the competitive multiplayer will rock your face, the implementation of co-op in Killzone 3 is a little disappointing - specifically the lack of online co-op in any fashion.

There's absolutely no doubt that Trenched offers a deep and entertaining action and strategy experience, built on a familiar premise, molded into an amazingly unique perspective.

No doubt Rayman Legends is not for everyone. But if you appreciate art and you’re willing to put in the hours for completion, you’ll no doubt be rewarded with a grueling and rewarding platforming experience.

YDKJ marries difficult trivia with excellent presentation, biting humor, and an unpredictability that will make you look forward to every episode.

The Show has plenty of room for improvement, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for an annual franchise.

Playing Kirby's Return to Dream Land is a combination of nostalgic fun and the child-like charm felt from every Kirby title.

NFS: The Run is a fast, frantic, and thoroughly enjoyable racer. The idea of a movie-encased racing game is an excellent one, and despite the fact that EA's first attempt lacks due tact or sophistication, the over-the-top plot does add extra context and excitement to the basic premise of driving at ridiculous speeds.

Issues with navigation and annoying load problems are impossible to ignore, and it stings to think of a version of this game that doesn’t suffer from those drawbacks. Still, Thief is just about the best modern Thief game I could ask for.

There is something for every RPG fan in Golden Sun: Dark Dawn: a superior blend of puzzle-solving and gameplay for newcomers and the same charm from the original GBA games for series veterans. The battles are fun, the puzzles are rewarding, and the overall game is addicting, all ingredients needed for a stellar RPG.

The Etrian Odyssey series remains the pinnacle of the dungeon crawling series for the current generation. Though the game’s high difficulty and required vigilance will not appeal to more casual gamers, it is exactly those aspects that will keep the cartridge in many an RPG fans’ 3DS for months to come.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is an excellent game. I wish there was more of it.

If you are an old school WWE fan longing to play with your favorite superstars of yesteryear, then this game is a must buy. Younger fans can learn a lot about the WWE's past by playing through the Attitude Era mode as well.

It’s hard to ask for more from a game in terms of content. Company of Heroes 2 provides a robust campaign, substantive side challenges, and a deep multiplayer that has the potential to foster a thriving community. It’s unfortunate, then, that control issues and obtuse game systems cloud the experience.

If the news of a zombie-themed spin-off signals the series' proverbial jumping of the shark, then at least Sega managed to produce a game that feels as full and complete as Yakuza 4.

If you enjoy action games with quirk and charm, I can't recommend Binary Domain enough. It has all the hallmarks of an unpolished gem - except it's actually polished.

Sims purist[s] will likely wretch at this latest entry, as it guts nearly everything that makes a Sims game a Sims game-the Sims don't even have to pee for Pete's sake! But if you're actually playing games to make things pee rather than slay beasts and bed maidens, you're clearly doing it wrong. This is a great start for a Sims branch that will surely get at least one expansion, and to be honest, it's already my favorite branch on the tree.

Even with the small problems here and there, Trine 2 offers an old-school gaming experience with a new, unique spin. It's already a great game with its engaging puzzles and addictive gameplay; add cooperative multiplayer to the mix, and Trine 2 is a must-have that can bring friends together for some excellent adventuring.

The openness of the levels and the variety of skills at Prophet’s disposal makes each chapter a joy to play and replay.

In all, it's a solid start to what is to be a promising roll out of Borderlands 2 DLC and it's an especially manageable adventure if you're level 15 or higher in your current playthrough (not counting raid bosses).

Now, I don’t want to ever tell you to “buy a game” or “not buy a game” – that’s up to you. But if you like Magic: The Gathering, if you like strategy games, if you like the community of online gaming – you won’t get more out of your 10 bucks with any other title. The ratio of money spent to time enjoyed is hilariously negligible.

An extremely competent and oftentimes innovative platformer that has a ton going for it.

The superlative bosses that serve as the lynchpin for Shadow of the Colossus are worth the price of admission alone.

If you enjoyed EDF 2017, Earth Defense Force 2025 is a no-brainer. And if you somehow missed out? Jump on your chance to experience Earth Defense Force for the first time.

Those looking for a solid platforming experience probably won't find a better one on the 3DS.

With so many different gameplay options, and the ability to make your own levels to put your friends through your own custom hell, BattleBlock Theater was worth the wait.

A great package. The replay value is extremely high thanks to a diverse cast of characters, unlockable content, and online multiplayer. Visually the game is impressive, with various levels to explore and enemies to fight.

While gameplay is overall a great experience, I would like to see more control given to my fighter when it comes to the sway system, and I'm not completely sold on the new submission mini-game.