When all is said and done, I really had a lot more fun with a game that feels like it could have come out back in 2010 as an online flash game than I did with most modern big releases. By knowing what it wants to be and sticking with it, the development team has crafted a fun game that harkens back to the days of old in a good way. Crash Drive 3 may be nothing more than comfort food, but at the end of the day, what’s wrong with that?

The soundtrack is pretty good, as are the rest of the sound effects, but you probably already knew that.

The bottom line is that if you’re into the idea of a MMOFPS that requires patience and strategy, there’s no better option, despite the drawbacks (which may only be temporary).

A great first chapter in a tremendously endearing new series. It sets the stage for the second chapter and leaves the player wanting more.

Unlike "Pump It Up," the game is very accessible to beginners, teaching you the basics and then slowly ramping up in difficulty.

The speed is intense, the color and detail is really great, the level designs throughout are impressive, and the control is about as good as we've seen from Sonic.

There are some games that are best described with the simple “fun” adjective, and this is definitely one of them. The action is fast and satisfying, the control is solid, the 80s humor is usually spot-on (and makes some of us all sorts of nostalgic), and the combination of the gameplay and totally sweet retro atmosphere makes for the ultimate guilty pleasure.

It's got a few noticeable errors, especially when it comes to repetitive gampelay, no drastic enhancements, and erratic enemy AI. But it's extraordinarily pretty, the controls are nearly flawless and quite accessible, and the fun factor remains high throughout.

In some ways, The Darkness II feels like a more straightforward, less ambitious and less well-rounded title when compared to the original. And I'm sure that's where much of the criticism lies.

For the money, it’ll be a challenge to find something more entertaining than Battlefield 1943.

The developers should be applauded for trying such drastic changes, even if all of the new additions aren’t that enjoyable.

This is a proper sequel that was certainly worth the three year wait. It's not min[d]-blowing, but at the same time it manages to capture everything that a videogame should be: fun. And it captures it well.

989 has done a tremendous job improving MLB this year, seemingly making two years worth of progress in just one. There’s no question if you want to manage every aspect of a franchise, that MLB is the best game for you.

All in all the list of songs tells the tale. If you like what you see, Singstar Country is worth your money. If not, consider the other Singstar options, which include Singstar 90s, SingStar Legends, Singstar Rocks, Singstar Amped (more rock), Singstar 80s, SingStar Pop Vol. 2, and others.

A true return to form, this is a prequel that gives audiences the chance to once again bask in the wonderful hack and slash glory, this time with a friend and a whole new perspective. Topping it all off with an intriguing story that acts as a cardinal chapter in the story’s canon, Darksiders Genesis completes the tetralogy with Horseman Strife, style, and substance.

A solid racing game from Codemasters - certainly my favorite from them, to date. But in order to enjoy it, you will have to endure a rather steep curve in familiarizing yourself with the touchy controls.

In the end, Evolve is a wonderful concept that boasts a surprising, appreciated amount of variety and strategy. Many may not anticipate the level of depth and practice required to really be proficient, which is why some shooter fans might feel a tad misled.

The controls are tight and responsive, the story is well-written and intriguing, that continuous fear factor is a huge bonus, and the Challenge system for ranking up forces you to experiment.

To the hardcore, NCAA 10 is worth the upgrade with its all new Road to Glory mode, in addition to the mini-games, the teambuilder, online dynasty, and so forth. Certain aspects of presentation are lacking, such as the commentary, but the game does make up for it with great stadium roars, and authentic marching band introductions.

SKATE 2 is great fun, and fans of the original will no doubt love it more than the first. Yes, there are still some gripes to be had, mostly dealing with control issues, but they don't hurt the game nearly enough to damage the experience significantly. With a larger campaign mode, a better playground, more tricks, the Hall of Meat mode, and enjoyable cut-scenes, SKATE 2 is worth the price of admission.

All in all, Euro 2008 is yet another superb soccer game from EA Sports. It picks up where FIFA 08 left off, and adds improvements to the overall experience.

Things are smooth and fast, and it does encourage you to think strategically.

The only major downfall of the game revolves around the lack of multiplayer options.

It offers a splendid assortment of pinball tables, with a superb game engine that boasts great physics, runs at 60 frames per second, can render at 1080p, includes flawless recreations of the original tables, and boasts sound bits directly from the original pinball machines.

It looks and sounds good, it flows well, it has enough variety so it’s not too repetitive, and anybody can pick it up and play, even though there is a decent amount of depth.

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has a lot going for it. I find the single-player a tad disappointing, the learning curve can actually feel too steep for certain characters, and you may start hearing about various combat balancing issues (I'll bet money on that). But the control is rock solid, the entertainment is always of a certain quality with virtually no glaring flaws or drawbacks, the diversity and variety of the roster is absolutely fantastic, and the multiplayer could definitely attract a great many people.

Death’s Door is an excellent action-adventure gem, balancing solemnity with laughs and moderate difficulty alongside forgiving mechanics. Its combat is pure and satisfying, and the light-RPG elements make progression enjoyable. What I admired most, though, is how all of these elements work in tandem as Death’s Door offers an adventure that feels fresh. From the exquisite environments and discoverable upgrades/collectibles to the delightful characters, you won’t wanna miss out.

It's a technical tour de force for portable productions, the cast of characters is satisfying, the combat can be mega-satisfying once you've wrapped your head around all the systems and mechanics, and there's a boatload of content.

A highly entertaining experience from start to finish. The story really drives the game forward extremely well, and it’s helped along by good pacing, top-notch voice acting, and a complex script that will throw you for a loop several times along the way.

But every level is really well done, the combat mechanic is loaded with potential and is almost endlessly entertaining, the variety and diversity keep your enjoyment high, and the voiceovers, characters, and patented Spidey flair are all big bonuses. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives and with a touch more polish, this could've been an elite title.

The developers did put a large amount of effort into creating an appealing world for all ages, there's a surprising amount of depth and longevity, the technical elements and control are good, and the humor is a nice touch. There are a few obvious problems but it could be a real gem for the intended audience.

In the end, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is a good shooter that falls somewhere between "safe" and "chancy."

With two adventures on one disc, both of which boast superb story telling, great audio, and nice visuals, The Chronicles of Riddick is a worthy purchase. The multiplayer may not be the most in-depth, but hey, at least it's there and there's some fun to be had with it.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is a highly accomplished, technically impressive introduction to a brave new world. Even the most legendary franchises have to adapt and assimilate eventually, and Ground Zeroes is an example of a long-running, established IP embracing new technology and trends while still retaining its core.

All in all the list of songs tells the tale. If you like what you see, Singstar Legends is worth your money. If not, consider the other Singstar options.

It was a little heartbreaking to notice that Pure's controls were stiffer than XL; the aircrafts aren't quite as floaty and they don't respond as instantly either. So once again, those who were wishing for an XL-feeling WipeOut are left out in the dark.

Tiger Woods '10 is a good game with a number of improvements over its predecessor. Unfortunately, it doesn't have improvements large enough to warrant a purchase for owners of last year's game.

The physics are excellent as always, it's the best-looking entry yet, the options are insane, and most importantly, definitely appeals to just about any golf fan. It's got everything you could want and even a little more, even if the execution of the enhancements isn't always spot-on.

Grid 2 is an entertaining, nicely polished racing game. With many fantastic locales, awesome cars, nicely devised events, and a really attractive presentation, there’s a lot to like.

It takes winning ideas and simply builds on them without sacrificing anything essential.

It's only about 4-5 hours in length and in some ways, that does feel too short given the amount of unanswered questions that continue to bounce around our brains. Still, the game offers one such a unique and palpable sense of tension, and it excels in the realm of pure immersion.

If you're the kind of person that wants a baseball videogame with trick pitches, turbo boosts, and sucker punches, then I have little doubt that you'll appreciate Midway's take on America's national pastime.

We were a touch disappointed the sound didn't impress as much as the graphics, and the solid strategy formula tends to flounder in identical environments, but that can't stop it from being extremely entertaining.

A slightly better game than its predecessor, primarily because the gameplay has been solidified. It feels faster and more reliable; by direct comparison, the first was just a little more irritating and not quite as sound.

Graphically, this game is a treat. The backgrounds are colorful and depict a wide range of "horrific" settings--ancient castles, gothic villages, bubbling swamps, those kinds of Tim Burton-esque things.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a major improvement over last year's terribly flawed game.

A solid remake of a classic game.

At this point, I'd say that any game made by High Moon Studios should probably be given your due attention; this is the second time they've managed to crush our skepticism and come through in fine shape.

What remains is a good, stable, rewarding strategy experience.

The total package. It's fun, it's involved, and it's portable. Some of you will no doubt have worries that the A.I. may be too challenging or that the career mode may be too time consuming. With regards to those concerns, my only advice is that you cowboy up.

The Godfather II, although a bit easy and not nearly as long as it should be, is still a great sandbox game that fans of the genre will enjoy wholeheartedly. It boasts solid control mechanics, from on-foot gameplay, to fighting, to gun play, and to car control. The missions are always a lot of fun, even if they can be a bit repetitive, because the game does a good job of conveying the life of a mafioso.

Wolfenstein: The New Order didn’t just surprise me. It shocked me. My expectations for this one were decidedly low but within the first hour, I was chastising myself for having doubted MachineGames.

The Move is in dire need of AAA software and although I can't say Sports Champions 2 qualifies, it's definitely a must for Move owners who enjoy being active while indoors.

An exploration title like this does not come around often. Typhoon Studios have crafted a highly enjoyable game with amusing humor and distinctive art direction. Moreover, this debut is a surprisingly stupendous sci-fi romp that shall make its swift journey to gamers' hearts and imaginations everywhere.

It doesn't fire on all cylinders all the time. It can be disappointing and frustrating. But at the end of the day, you will reflect and conclude that all in all, you're experiencing what could be a memorable adventure.

You won't be overwhelmed by its quality but you're almost guaranteed a good time.

Killzone: Mercenary proves that portable shooters can be great. It proves that even with a few shortcomings and flaws, some indigenous to the platform, many players will be more than satisfied with the purchase. Some gorgeous visuals, cracking effects, a cash-based system that emphasizes the “mercenary” part, tight and responsive control, and riveting multiplayer make this production shine.

The amount of depth, coupled with the potentially super high rewards for good players, makes this a diamond in the rough. For those of the correct disposition, Helldivers will be an absolute gem.

You just need to accept the fact that Resonance of Fate will inevitably frustrate you, especially at first, and you have to resign yourself to grinding very, very often.

It’s intricate, complex, rewarding, and always addictive. It keeps you coming back for more because you simply must power up just a little more. It’s the hook that makes it dangerous for me to play any Disgaea game, damnit.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered is an RPG worth your while. While the lack of extras and a locked 30FPS frame rate might deter series veterans from giving this game another go, the heartwarming story and colorful visuals still hold up well and is worth recommending even after nearly two decades.

A boatload of fast-paced fun, infused with an energy that almost seems insurmountable. This energy alone is worthy of your attention.

Until Dawn is a fun, gripping, immersive adventure that you’ll play on the very edge of your seat. It’s a little too short (even with the butterfly effect greatly enhancing the longevity), the story is only mildly impressive, and the camera doesn’t always cooperate. But spurred on by great performances, a disturbing atmosphere, a decision-making system that might be unparalleled in video games today, and a very personal approach to interaction, the game makes a strong case for a purchase.

You've never really seen a game like Sideway: New York before, which is the biggest compliment I can bestow for SOE's latest.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a visceral action spectacle that puts the emphasis squarely on the well constructed gameplay.

Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is a darn good RPG with an admitted emphasis on item creation, which won't be alien to those familiar with the Mana Khemia or past Atelier titles.

With a proper multiplayer setup that allows for ad-hoc, infrastructure and gamesharing, and gameplay that engrosses you from the start to finish[line], Sega Rally Revo really does have everything rally fans, racing fans, and fans of the arcade franchise will love. Best of all, you can take it on the road with you.

A fun, delightful, challenging romp through a beautifully designed world. It can really get on your nerves due to minor control and camera issues but it's also quite rewarding.

For some wacky reason, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first game. Perhaps it was because the concept of a strategy-based Metal Gear was no longer new to me. Perhaps it was because the levels were shorter. Perhaps it was because there are too many cards and too many options to pick from this time around.

For better or worse, this is Sly's biggest adventure yet. The single-player mode itself contains more than 50 individual missions and will take most players a good 20 hours to finish.

Overlord may not be the most dazzling game you'll play this year, but it is one of the freshest in execution.

Tetris HD is a solid entry in the long-running series and while it sometimes doesn't look or feel like any title of old, it still has a lot going for it.

Surprisingly, this game has a ton of staying power. Among the hundred or so people you can talk to, there are a dozen different girls to pick up and at least twice that number that send Larry on fetch tasks or trigger funny events. And I don't mean sort of funny. We're talking wack to the extreme.

Resident Evil: Revelations is engrossing and legitimately frightening. The important control option, coupled with the drastically upgraded graphics and excellent atmosphere, makes this a very playable experience.

There's no doubt you'll get plenty of bang for your buck with this one, but again, it has to be your cup of tea.

Despite all the flaws, Far Cry 4 pounds out an open-world FPS maelstrom of ridiculousness. It’s always in your face and it’s never afraid to throw numerous and diverse dangers in your path, just to see if you can adapt and survive.

All in all, NCAA March Madness 08 is not a bad game, it's just yet another bad PS3 port.

The new super abilities and weaponry makes for a ceaselessly fun experience, even if the gameplay does tend to drag at times. The appreciated creativity and inventiveness is what saves the day; the often unique and twisted mission types, the overarching desire to enforce your own brand of justice, the world itself, etc.

Soul Calibur V is a competent, good-looking fighter that's great with multiple players. It has much of the charm and style that has been the franchise's calling card over the years, and diving into the mechanic will yield rewards for the patient. But the story campaign is so goofy and nonsensical, the lack of popular characters will annoy some fans, and overall, it just feels like a lesser-quality installment despite the lack of any glaring flaws.

The amount of customization options behind the game easily make this the most worthwhile NFS 'tuner' title to date.

Dead or Alive 5 is, to be precise, a game without any identity issues. It knows what it is, it knows its fans like it that way, and it doesn't want to change too much.

NBA Live 09 isn’t quite as good as NBA 2K9, but EA’s effort will appeal more to those who aren’t so interested in a steep learning curve, and you won’t sacrifice much in the way of realism.

All in all, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a really good game. Only because the hype and anticipation was so high might the score be considered a cause for concern.

The fighting is about as refined and diverse as it has ever been, the city of Kamurocho is more detailed and immersive, the story has plenty of highlights, and becoming immersed in urban Japanese culture has never been so entertaining. However, it's held back by one slightly disappointing fact: the series is starting to show its age.

A memorable and incredibly effective survival/horror quest. There are so many moments that will make you feel legitimate fear, and that’s no easy feat.

All in all, if you can get around the learning curve of Top Spin 3 and give it some time, you'll find a solid experience out of this tennis sim. If you're looking for a game that properly represents the sport of tennis, Top Spin 3 fulfills that criteria.

The experience survives on intensity and shameless entertainment. Technically, it isn't exactly overwhelming, and there are other issues that pop up here and there. But with a large variety of attacks, a nice open world, and plenty of reason to experiment with your absurd abilities, you can really lose yourself in this dark, bloody, undeniably titillating world. Just don't expect much beneath the surface.

A relatively lengthy, challenging, satisfying adventure that requires us to use our heads as well as our fingers.

The design, style, attitude, and bearing of the game is great; it's loaded with a certain swagger that is to be expected from Shinji Mikami and Suda 51. There's even a fair amount of genuine comedy...your gun's name is "Johnson," after all.

A fun, challenging, well constructed puzzle-based adventure that occasionally drags due to tedious backtracking. The story isn't anything special, either, and some puzzles are goofy to the point of being obscure. But most challenges are extremely well designed and implemented, the attractiveness of the pleasing visual presentation, and the uniqueness of the seven characters makes this game well worth your time.

While it is not incredibly interactive, République VR is a great PSVR title because it immerses you in the story. It will make you feel attached and connected to the protagonist as she looks up to you in desperate help, and the environments look grander than ever. It may not have the most challenging or groundbreaking stealth action, but République VR is a deftly crafted and timely dystopian thriller.

It’s not a must-play gem due to too many easily noticeable flaws, but Yakuza’s positives greatly outstrip any negatives. And if you’re a fan of a good story, look no further.

The upgrades and improvements are there but a lot the game still feels underwhelming, simply due to its age. Even so, it’s impossible not to recommend this game to baseball lovers, as the purity and authenticity of the mechanics and physics, engrossing Road to the Show Mode, and unrestrained depth can keep you entertained for many months.

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing is colorful and fun, for one player or multiple players. That’s probably all that needs to be said.

So if you've got kids who have all the movies in their collections, there's no reason they shouldn't play this game. I'm almost sure they'll really have a blast.

For the time being, Defiance has started off on a relatively good note. The depth and longevity will undoubtedly cater to the MMO aficionados, the speed of the action-oriented TPS gameplay will interest some of the shooter fans, and sci-fi followers will definitely like the style and ambiance.

It's the proper evolution of the genre, plain and simple. Unfortunately, I'm not sure episodic was the way to go. Due to the repetitious nature of the gameplay and the lack of a cohesive story, one episode seems too small of an introduction, and the user-generated Contracts do little out of the gate to enhance the appeal. When all is said and done, though, this is gonna be an excellent adventure.

They didn't manage to fix a couple age-old problems and we're still not quite there yet in terms of next-gen-quality visuals, but none of that hurts the game too much.