While it may not offer the amount of extras that Tekken does, it does offer the most well thought out fighting mechanics a fighting game could have, and that's more important than having a bunch of mini-games.

L.A. Noire is unique. Strangely enough, however, it isn't unique in the most literal sense of the word, as half of it utilizes a familiar – even outdated – gameplay mechanic, while the other half pushes the envelope and pours a strong foundation for the future. Despite the inherent clash of old and new, we can't get enough of it.

What it DOES do is pretty damn incredible. It features an excellent FPS mechanic, surprisingly solid (if a bit loose) driving control, competent and diverse foes, unbelievably detailed environments, great audio, and an overall combination of multiple gameplay elements that gels into a cohesive, riveting production.

Bastion is a joy. It’s a game that has all the pieces in place. The key to the game’s immense entertainment value is how unbelievably well each piece marries to the next; the result is a smorgasbord of color and action, and one you will undoubtedly appreciate.

As it says on the back of the box, it's "a brilliant sci-fi epic." That isn't false advertising, friends.

It’s great no matter what the year or the era. The camera is the only snafu and yeah, it can be significant. Aside from that flaw, I dare anyone to play this game and come away disappointed. If you do, you’re either far too demanding or you have no soul.

Foo Fighters, Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Pantera, Slayer, Queen, Rage Against the Machine, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, The Police, Lamb of God, Nirvana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston, Incubus, Ratt, Alice in Chains, Deep Purple, Wolfmother, Stone Temple Pilots, and Rush...I simply cannot resist.

Joe Danger surprised the crap out of me. I'll freely admit that. It's just so much fun and so ridiculously addictive.

Downloadable games have long ago proven to be a worthwhile feature for both the PS3 and Xbox 360, and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD does nothing but help solidify the fact.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a fantastic game. Let me repeat that: It’s a fantastic game. The lingering control issues (and even these are minimized) and some minor pacing issues as a result of the two-protagonist approach can’t taint this gargantuan project.

It almost seems as if the humungous world they created and the idea that lies beneath the premise was too big to embrace; it was simply beyond current development possibilities. On the other hand, Ubisoft Montreal did come close, which means we end up with a great game.

Co-op is always a blast, the campaign is lengthy and ceaselessly involving, and the promotion of freedom and player choice is amazing.

One of the most enjoyable experiences of the generation thus far.

It’s one of those games that draw you in with its unparalleled atmosphere and style.

A game that begs to be played; an experience that begs to be had. It's super intense and is, in many ways, the epitome of nonstop entertainment. You never feel like it's getting too repetitive, you always feel completely involved in what's happening.

While it’s not perfect, it was definitely worth the wait and successfully melds several different kinds of gameplay together and binds it all up with an open-ended storyline that doesn’t quite end as you might think.

It can look a little too dark in places and there's a strange halt or pause at particular points, but overall, this is a package that absolutely cannot be missed. If you never got a chance to play either title on the PSP, you have no choice; get it now.

Do you like Guitar Hero's tracklist more, or Rock Band 2's? My personal choice is Guitar Hero: World Tour, as its louder and heavier soundtrack puts a bigger smile on my face than Rock Band 2's unusual mix.

Restores any luster to the series that may have been lost with the mediocre reception of "Tekken 4." Its full complement of fighters, sweet visuals, various modes of play, and hidden goodies will keep players coming back for months.

All in all, FIFA 11 delivers the goods. It's got the presentation down quite well, and the overall fluidity of the gameplay is unmatched.

Burnout Paradise is the epitome of the entire franchise. It offers so much to the gamer, all without cutting corners or making any sacrifices in gameplay. It's online component can be added up to nearly half of the game's value, and the amount of things you can do in the single-player seems almost never-ending.

Taken as the sum of its parts, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror isn't just one of the best games on the PSP; it's one of the best games to come out for any platform, period.

The audio comes through with great clarity, and I highly urge people to play this game on a proper surround sound setup. Blasting away with Dolby Digital enabled was like heaven to my ears, and playing the game will become a little easier, as you'll be able to hear each song clearer.

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All in all, and as you might've expected, we have to recommend that you add this to your library. Rapidly.

Playing MLB 08: The Show makes one thing rather apparent: Sony is focused on beating down the competition to a point that it becomes written in stone: Sony's MLB franchise is without question the best baseball sim money can buy.

I'm a sucker for puzzle games, and there's no doubt that Echochrome is easily one of the best I've ever played.

It has just about everything you could want, from an excellent presentation and supremely solid technical presentation to hours upon hours of blissful looting. The rewards are frequent and much appreciated, the pacing is outstanding, and there’s a surprising amount of variety.

The epitome of value.

The combination of many different gameplay types melded into a cohesive style results in a heady experience, and one you don't want to end. There are a few problems with the technical solidarity and I'm not all that impressed with the story, but everything else, from the art design to the music to the silly high fun factor surrounding the combat and exploration; it creates an undeniably appealing package.

Devil May Cry 4 plays exceptionally well. It may not be revolutionary, but it sure won't leave you bored. If anything, Devil May Cry 4 is perhaps even more addictive than the last, thanks to a rather enjoyable, well-done story.

Familiar but hardly boring. The control remains top-notch, the audio is excellent, the developers should be commended for squeezing every last drop out of that engine, and the entertainment level remains high throughout. The campaign is too short (no surprise there), the AI is too erratic (and weird things can still happen when playing), and the story is a little uninspired. But when it comes to over-the-top thrills and plenty of "oh good goddamn" moments, the campaign brings the heat.

It's a definite step up and that's undeniable. We can argue all day long about whether or not it's "worth it."

A Hat in Time is just plain fun. It reminded me of a mixture of Mario 64 and Spryo the Dragon. It’s humorous and charming. It has a bunch of really memorable characters and diverse worlds that are very distinct. The only downsides might be a short run time and some minor graphical issues but it was never enough to ruin my experience.

It's visually impressive, features a great deal of gameplay, superb online features, a masterfully done soundtrack, and a ton of replay value. NBA Street Homecourt comes highly recommended.

For the cost and time involved (it won’t take more than a few minutes to download), Shatter is an absolute must-buy. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Tiburon has done a fantastic job at bringing us a game that controls superbly well, looks smooth, runs quick, and boasts a horde of enhancements to make this the best Madden game ever.

A crazy mix of the first two Devil May Cry titles, with a bit of innovation and a more upbeat Dante. The action is flawless.

Employing some of the best game mechanics in the genre, terrific balance, terrific multiplayer fun, and a technical package you can appreciate, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is an FPS you need to play.

Uncharted is one of those rare games that truly defines its respective genre, becoming the benchmark for everyone to follow. If you've been dying for a proper Tomb Raider game, and have obviously been left disappointed, you must pick up Uncharted.

It remains a mammoth achievement because fans can tell, within seconds, just how much TLC has been put into this production. Into every GT production, in truth. That’s what separates this franchise from any other and if you know cars and racing, you’ve been saying this for years. And I’ve got your back.

City of Brass is a beautiful, highly-polished and mostly successful attempt at turning the genre on its head by making it more accessible to everyone, from rogue-lite veterans to first time players. With a unique and intuitive new combat style and some innovative takes on genre conventions, you’ll find plenty to like about City of Brass no matter what your skill level.

Ghost Giant ended up being a much more immersive story than I expected. VR or not, it tells a tale that many of us can relate to and is very touching. It focuses on a character with child-like innocence all while dealing with some pretty adult issues. It’s playful, charming, and touching. It won’t wow you with the VR experience if you’re used to that, but it does use the mechanics effectively and really engages you with the scenes unfolding below you.

The pinnacle of superhero games. It is without question the best superhero game ever made, and we can clearly see that the numerous delays the game saw have paid off extremely well. This is not just a polished game, but also a very well thought out title with a great story, fantastic visuals, superb gameplay, and voice acting that makes almost everything else out there pale in comparison. Yes, it's that good.

It's unlike any other first person adventure out there, and that alone earns your attention. It's addictive gameplay will have you coming back to it long after you've beaten it, even if the full quest only last six hours, thanks to a surprisingly fun Time Attack mode. It's superb visuals and presentation really make all the more engaging, as do the intuitive controls.

What counts, though, is that these games still excel at what they set out to do, which is tell a compelling and ambitious story in a unique and engaging way, while providing a gameplay experience full of innovation and bold design. Despite having sunk hundreds of hours into these games years ago, I was still awed by the sheer scale of the project, still moved by the more intimate moments between characters, and still heartbroken at the resolution of some plot arcs. Even after all these years, Mass Effect still has the ability to provoke emotions in me that only a handful of other games ever have. To me, that’s more important than a fresh coat of paint or some extra DLC, and why Mass Effect will always, in my book, be the greatest trilogy of RPG games ever made.

Supremely difficult, extremely rewarding and, above all else, absolutely unrelenting, id Software has once again set the bar for the hyper-violent twitch gaming genre with Doom Eternal.

With superior balancing and pacing, a unique sense of awe and wonder, and a traditional role-playing theme to boot, it’s hard to complain.

Fallout 4 is a masterful production that features a wildly ambitious and nigh-on unparalleled scope. There’s just so much to do that it often feels overwhelming, but this isn’t going to stop the franchise faithful. In fact, I’m sure they’ll welcome the deluge of options, content, and endless exploration.

Shadow of the Colossus isn’t just a successful remake of a beloved game. It has set a new bar for what a remake should be in the first place, and left me optimistic, for the first time ever, about the prospect of revisiting old games on new systems. This is how every remake should be.

Dragon’s Crown is an extremely well-constructed blend of old-school action elements and role-playing depth. It looks great, the gameplay is rewarding for the hardcore and accessible to newcomers, the control is rock solid, and the amount of content is worthy of the $50 price tag in my eyes.

Jeanne D'Arc is a huge breath of fresh air for those looking for a kick-ass S-RPG game. This isn't just an S-RPG you can play to tide yourself until Final Fantasy Tactics hits, but this is an S-RPG you can put alongside FFT and hold it up as a standard for others to follow.

A micromanager’s dream come true. It’s the perfect representation of addictive, in-depth gaming with a simplified visage.

FIFA 14 is a rip-roaring success on the PlayStation 4. The older version is great, too; it’s just an understated greatness when compared to the upgraded version.

The Last Of Us II is an improvement on the first in nearly every way while still keeping what made the first game special. Story and characters are well done as expected and the game plays and feels amazing. In keeping with the spirit of the first game, The Last of Us Part II has become one of the best games of this generation.

Multiplayer is always a blast.

Aragami is not for everyone, especially casual fans of the genre; it’s too demanding. Those of you who truly relish the hunt and welcome the challenge, though, will surely find that Aragami: Shadow Edition has what you’re looking for.

With wonderful aesthetics, some cool extra features, a budget price-point ($30 or so), and short loading times, Maverick Hunter X is one of the most pleasant experiences on the PSP.

So, do I recommend Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road? In short, yes. If you’re a fan. If you like football games and have ethical concerns with supporting certain real life football organizations? Yes. If you like engaging and genuinely very nice stories? Very much yes! At full price? I would also say yes, but that’s wholly and only if you can justify the expenditure, and don’t have a backlog of games already. It’s 2025, it’s been an amazing year, and we’ve a wealth of games to play as is. Did you play soccer as a child, and partly want to get lost in your own memories as you play it? That’s a considerably more personal statement, and I cannot comment on it. Although that does apply to me, personally. Do I, personally, love this game? If it wasn’t obvious, yes!

Tales From the Borderlands: Episode One – Zer0 Sum is one heckuva debut. Somehow, the developers allow the action and story to leap off the screen, and they give a sufficient amount of time to each.

An excellent, fun, and whimsical game that once again proves how well Disney and Final Fantasy can play together.

Even the co-op multiplayer seems to be a blast; there's very little in the way of technical issues and in comparison to a lot of shooters, this is a whole new thing.

Final Fantasy IV: Complete Collection is exactly what the long-time followers desire, even if the control shows its age and The After Years isn't the timeless classic FFIV will always be.

With the amount of chaos the game throws at you, the options, and the diversity in gameplay, this one's a no-brainer. Warhawk is simply the s**t - and I highly suggest you ignore any naysayer who says otherwise.

Hellblade is a bold game in that it represents an issue that people have in a more positive and realistic way and more importantly confronts the stigma attached to mental illness. All this is all wrapped up in a tight, purposeful, and meaty package that should be experienced at least once.

Everything one could possibly want in a video game is here. But sadly, the lack of execution bogs things down, sometimes to the point of absurdity and irritation. It’s really sad. What it could’ve been will haunt me for a long time.

If you already own Viewtiful Joe for the GameCube, you probably shouldn't let the inclusion of Dante lure you into buying the game again for the PS2. It's the same game, just one year later.

Overall, it's going to be an extremely tough pick between MotorStorm 2 and Pure. We've played both and we can easily recommend that you get both.

A very good game, but minor issues, and lack of new material make the game fall just short of the high expectations that surround it. Don’t be mistaken, it’s a blast to play, and anyone who has enjoyed any of the previous games will certainly be happy.

It is one of the most refreshing titles available for the little unit, and I highly urge everyone to give it a shot. At a mere $20, it won't break anybody's bank, and it'll certainly open your mind up to a world of gaming that you may have never considered before.

I’ve enjoyed the freedom to make my own decisions and mistakes, the challenge, the complexity, the attention to detail. It’s been one hell of a ride.

It's a visually stunning game running at a superb framerate, with super tight action. While the camera can be a nuisance sometimes and the English voice acting isn't fantastic, the sum of Sigma's parts add up to an experience that no action gamer should be without.

As a total package, Field Commander is easily one of the best turn-based strategy games ever produced. That's no surprise, since it's basically a knock-off of Nintendo's "Advance Wars."

Limbo is one of those games that just begs to be played.

Do you appreciate fast-paced, challenging if — occasionally rather frustrating — combat? Are you a fan of what would be, in other, entirely more cowardly games, unreasonably delicious anime katsu curry scenes, assuming you’re not me and don’t undercook or burn most of them? Do you like love stories? I’m serious. This second to last question is the most difficult part, considering current financial situations throughout the world at the time of this writing: does this sound like it’s worth $50? Finally, does any of this game seem interesting to you? Then absolutely buy it, it’s completely worth it.

The camera and control can be a little iffy, the maze-like quality of certain districts can get annoying, and the AI and technical presentation feels somewhat dated. But the gameplay is absolutely stellar. It's a pleasure to play such a COMPLETE experience. The depth is there, the style and atmosphere is there, the action is there, and the story is there.

A very good game and should be satisfying for fans of the series as well as people looking to satiate their need for online deathmatch action. Insomniac still needs to find the perfect balance for Ratchet, but there are sure signs that they're getting there.

All things considered, I’m proud to say that Astro Bot is a 3D platformer every gamer should play, not just for PlayStation fans. This lovable, adorable white and blue bot offers a mixture of fun and engaging platforming gameplay with the PS5 spin and PlayStation nostalgia to please both new and longtime fans in multiple ways. Astro Bot may not have the extensive history nor brand recognition comparable to platformers like Mario… yet. Make no mistake, Astro Bot is still no Super Smash Bros-type knockoff. Rather, Sony may finally have their own Mario-caliber mascot, and could perhaps be the spark for more variety in modern gaming outside of Nintendo.

One of the best sports games you’ll ever play. I haven’t seen fit to hand out a 9+ score for one of these titles since 2011, and I really thought last year’s entry wasn’t anything special. They’re all great games, don’t get me wrong, but this is the first installment of The Show that absolutely feels like a full, complete, and rewarding package that hits just about every sweet spot. A few of the minor flaws franchise followers will recognize still linger, but the overall experience is nigh-on unparalleled. Like I said at the start: It’s all about feeling like you’re there, that you’re actually trying to master this very complex sport. And when everything seems to gel, seems to fit, seems to reflect reality…well, should we nitpick and complain? No, just rejoice!

Fatal Frame III really ties the entire series together and provides a good and complex plot with plenty of scares and frantic moments.

More than an expansion pack with only minor improvements; it is a complete overhaul of one of the most popular and greatest games ever. With its new features, SOCOM III easily holds on to its title of the best online game for the PS2.

Square did just about everything right the first time around, so despite not taking big enough strides with this remake, they can fall back on something that was damn close to perfection in the first place. And that's not a bad way to look at it.

The technical aspects are not only eye-popping but they’re also quite stable. The graphics are slick, the sound is stellar, the control is rock solid, and the gameplay variety is downright tremendous. I love the blending of puzzle, stealth, action, and adventure, and you have to give mad crazy props to the overall game design. I still say the story could be less predictable (perhaps give the player a little more credit in terms of literary comprehension) and the Batmobile, as awesome as it can be, is just overdone.

Overall, Astral Ascent is a damn fine example of roguelites at their near best. It’s an unfolding mystery set in a beautiful world, and the addictive gameplay loop just keeps you coming back for more. The amount of times I was ready to head to bed before hearing my mind calling for “just one more” happened times than I’d care to admit. It may not topple the giants, but it certainly gives enough to stand amongst them.

A pristine racing game. Nevermind that it's focused on rally, it feels so damn tight and responsive, on top of looking like a dream. It's one of the best playing game engines out there, and one of the best looking too.

Bottom line, if you are a fan of the series you’ll have to play this one as well (if you haven’t already). But you can also jump in without much knowledge of previous games. That in itself says a lot. Good job Square Enix.

It looks absolutely incredible on the Vita, the environment is endlessly immersive and imaginative, the overall creativity is impressive, and the controls rarely let you down.

Tearaway is a triumph of the imagination. It’s a showcase for gifted minds that seek to entertain and even enlighten via quirky creativity.

Velocity 2X is the perfect example of simplicity with kick. The beautiful visuals and silky smooth animations never skip a beat, the music and overall artistry gives the game a singular appeal, the wonderful flow keeps us completely engaged, and for the most part, the game never skips a beat.

The bottom line is that Guacamelee! is one of the most entertaining, engaging, and even innovative titles we’ve seen in the past year, and all avid gamers owe it to themselves to give it a try.

Not many modern video games embroil you into an absorbing world and invites you into that visceral world by giving you a myriad of reasons to explore it while being encouraged to find your own way through it without the necessity of hand-holding, but Hell Is Us is one of those special games. You could deride Hell Is Us as a follower of the video game industry’s most celebrated action and RPG games, but by doing so you would be tearing yourself away from what is a very inspired, yet very gripping and robustly built action title. If you’re at all pleased with what you’ve seen from Hell Is Us, rest assured that it is one of the year’s most compelling AA games, and that the immersion this game builds will enrapture you in all the right ways.

If you can get past the really bland game visuals and a choppy framerate, then in Dragon Age: Origins you will find one of the very best RPG experiences in years. Masterful gameplay mechanics and an amazing story grab you and don't let you go until either a power-outage or sleep deprivation.

Max Payne 3 is a rip-roaring success on many levels. It relentlessly hammers at your emotions and nerves and keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. The borderline unfair difficulty towards the end of the campaign, noticeable issues with the shootdodge, and a couple minor glitches notwithstanding, this is one hell of an experience.

For those that have played it before, it remains as engaging as ever.

It plays well, runs smoothly, and heralds the kind of game play which will keep score-hounds coming back to it again and again.

Hob is definitely larger than the sum of its parts, which come together almost perfectly to create a truly singular adventure. Hob may not have the AAA budget and polish of the franchises it draws inspiration from, but it has lots of heart and something to say, which is impressive for a game without a single spoken word.

There are gameplay and visual improvements, and they’re significant enough to make the game feel like a totally fresh experience when compared to the original title.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic 2D beat ’em that cleverly leans into its bright and colorful comic book roots, that any Marvel fan of even finds a way to pay tribute to its 2D Fighting games in the process. It has the most evolved beat ’em up gameplay yet, with modern touches and a charming and large roster of characters that keep the action fresh. While some design choices do hold it back slightly, a clear love of the source material make this pixel art beat em up, an easy recommended must play.