There are several great ideas here, but they're sort of mired beneath the weight of a generic shooter. The multiplayer isn't overwhelmingly great, either, and despite a really solid story with a lot of potential, a few compelling characters, and an immersive, challenging environment, Spec Ops: The Line doesn't make good on its lofty claims.

Some of the fundamentals are nailed right on the head (such as the combo system and level design), but other basic elements (physics, congruency, etc.) need to be drastically improved.

Nostalgia is the fuel that burns constantly through Yooka-Replayeein the same way it did with the original. There are many examples of games that aim to pay homage to their forbears, but they usually include twists and clever complements to the works they take inspiration from. Yooka-Layleealways appeared to prioritize Rare’s platforming classics over its own identity, and as such it can feel like a parody or a pastiche rather than a game with a unique voice. If you didn’t like Yooka-Laylee, you might diminish Replayleeas merely polishing a turd, but that’s not a fair assessment to make. It’s a true effort to correct a game that was divisive upon its initial release, and the result is a platformer that is sparkly and has been polished well. Yeah it’s still a nostalgia trip riding on the coattails of Rare’s finest, but Yooka-Layleewas always meant to be a tribute rather than an innovator in the genre. Replayleeis definitely the best way to play this game and you should definitely check it out, but you better love Rare platforming classics and gratuitously incessant character voices.

A solid production that delivers several gameplay surprises and innovations. And we give credit where credit's due. Just fix the damn frames per second conundrum, EA!

A solid, but unspectacular game. It’s not that it’s a bad game, but it doesn’t really break any new ground, and it doesn’t do any one thing particularly well.

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype is a beautifully composed and ceaselessly entertaining shooter, one with an old-school feel combined with modern flash.

The fixed camera isn't 100% perfect, the "sticky" zombies get a little annoying, and the dark environments sometimes have a been-there, done-that feel but this is overshadowed by the good points.

Arcana Heart is a solid 2D fighter with a unique style that sets it apart from any other fighter you may have played. The controls can be a little iffy at times, but theres a good amount of depth involved in the battles even beyond the Arcana addition.

Its addictive gameplay will make sure that you play through all 80 missions, and come back for more. Furthermore, it features a solid amount of depth, and its presentation is quite easy on the eyes.

Soul Sacrifice is a game that rewards the patient and those who enjoy wide open worlds with lots to do. If you don’t mind putting those stories aside for the sake of more action, and you can tolerate the tediousness of some of the optional missions, you’re good to go.

Personally, I had fun with Return to Arms, despite its flaws… until the end. I won’t spoil anything, but after 20 hours, one would expect more than the anticlimax at the end of the journey.

If you like good, creepy atmosphere, a world that draws you in, and a well done narrative, then you should probably give this horror game a try. It’s smart and well done. And while it can be a bit predictable in story, it makes up for it with a good, well thought out presentation. I'm starting to feel like Bloober Team might be the place to go to get that pyschological horror fix. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for their next project.

The Suffering has a lot of good stuff going for it – scary creatures, fast-moving gameplay, and a good story. It also has enough flaws that anyone who’s grown tired of the genre will likely be unable to look past its faults.

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.

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.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is fun. Perhaps that’s the simplest and best way to describe it. No, the story isn’t as enticing as I would’ve liked, the Cryo freeze feature doesn’t really enhance the experience, and the zero-grav idea has its drawbacks. But when all is said and done, this is Borderlands.

Strider successfully reinvents a classic. With its tight, super-fluid control, engaging and dynamic 2.5D presentation, and excellent balancing throughout, the game is destined to hook you from the outset.

There is an admirable amount of customization that really cannot be understated. It has a superb track builder as well as a mindboggling amount of ways to customize your car, it is seriously impressive. These features are very much optional, leaving it to be something that you can pick up if you ever need a break from the racing. This is a really solid title that should be looked at by anyone who needs to scratch their racing game itch or anyone who is just a massive fan of the Hot Wheels franchise. There is an awful lot to do here, so those who commit to the game will be here a long time. This is a really solid game and worth checking out.

A fun game – for a few hours. If you’re playing the series for the first time, the game is certainly better than the first NFL Street, but it still lacks replay value.

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.

Though the experience may not be long, nor is it as epic as it's made out to be, what's there is genuinely entertaining most of the time and faithfully captures the rough-and-tough atmosphere of the frontier.

A solid RPG with a compelling, fun battle system, a mostly traditional setup, a few appealing characters, and a story that gets better with time. It's dragged down by some pacing issues, occasionally mediocre voice acting, and a slow start, but that shouldn't deter the hardcore fans.

It presents a nice visual package, but an even better adrenaline-rushing gameplay experience that really has you engrossed all throughout the game. The controls take some time to get used to, and the graphics aren't super hot, but they do the job well enough.

Yeah, the game can be more frustrating than we would’ve liked, and the control is just a touch less solid than it has been in recent LEGO entries, but LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures still fits the bill.

The Show may not be a powerhouse looker, but it is still a very sharp looking game with life-like animation that is a sight to see. The commentary is leagues better than anything out there and it really immerses you into the game. Most importantly, though, this is one baseball game that won't drive you crazy with stupid quirks, balance issues, and overly juiced gameplay.

The game is very good in its own right, and for DBZ fans this is a must have title.

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.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is indeed a blockbuster movie in the form of a video game. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. The control won't let you down, all your favorite characters are here, there's enough variety and diversity in terms of missions and gameplay elements, and you always feel super powerful.

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.

The fun factor absolutely cannot be denied, as the Dogfight Mode will bring you hours of white-knuckle, ultimately rewarding entertainment. The control is tight and accessible to all, the variety of two distinct flight types adds plenty of flavor, and the challenge is just about right.

Everything tends to work really well, it's just as addictive and involving as those old 2D games could often be, and really…guys, this is Zelda.

In short, if you’re a big college football fan and you know what to expect, go for it. Otherwise, wait until next generation.

It's completely average. As a next-generation title, its visuals leave a lot to be desired. And when you're not peeved at how boring it looks, you'll be peeved at how dull it sounds.

If you just accept that it was always going to be about multiplayer shooting, and the rest might be underdeveloped gravy; you’ll probably have tons of fun. And if you look to the future and see what Bungie has created – a very solid foundation – you should be excited by what the team will deliver in the coming months and years.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is yet another competent and fulfilling entry in the Telltale's successful LEGO series. It feels a little too similar to Years 1-4 and the control and camera can still be problematic, but the rest will be quite appealing to fans of J.K. Rowling's blockbuster franchise.

A smooth, polished, original puzzler that’s well-paced and rewarding. Both the story and the puzzles will keep you involved throughout and despite a few puzzles that aren’t as expertly designed as others, the developers should be commended.

Once again, most songs are performed by studio musicians instead of the original artists. That’s actually fairly typical of karaoke CD’s.

It really is too bad that the Campaign has to fall so far short of expectations. If they had only managed to refine that entire mode, and allow us to dive into the nuts and bolts of the game earlier, R.U.S.E. could've been a great – perhaps even an elite-level – RTS.

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.

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

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.

Whether or not Tropico 6 is for you really depends on your affinity for the genre, and Tropico in particular. If you’re a fan of previous games in the series, you’re apt to like this one, mostly because it’s less an evolution and more a simple refinement. That said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and Tropico hasn’t needed much fixing for a while. This is definitely a case where more of the same is more than welcome.

Considering that the biggest problems with this compilation are that the games are exceedingly difficult and don't offer a two-player mode, I'd say Konami has put together a winner with Gradius Collection. If you enjoy old school shmups; the kinds with spaceships; you'll feel right at home here.

Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway is a decent WWII FPS that fails to separate itself from the pack but still offers some relatively accessible and somewhat realistic entertainment.

For R&C fanatics, Into the Nexus is a return to its traditional, glorious form.

Ratchet and Clank fans should really find themselves loving everything about Quest For Booty. At $15, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals out there for all gamers.

Almost entirely satisfying from top to bottom, as the control is still wonderfully solid, the speed is still off the wall, and you still get that ol' familiar feeling of "domination" upon performing an ultra-sweet Takedown.

An excellent side/future plot to Infinite, Burial At Sea is a must for all true Bioshock fans. I don't think it is as accomplished as Minerva's Den and both the story and gameplay feels highly compacted.

NeuroVoider is a very satisfying romp in the rogue-like genre. It has the challenge and the satisfying gameplay loop. Prepare for some frustration of course, this game can be unforgiving at times. But it looks good and the customization and loot systems are a high point for the game. I enjoyed my time with the game and found myself wanting to keep trying even after dying a lot.

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.

The button-mapping can take some getting used to, the story isn't particularly thrilling (although it is gross and oddly engaging), and the online issues are real. But the level design is awesome, the music is great (love Rob Zombie!), the action is ceaseless and well implemented, and the potential for addictive online multiplayer is there. Heck, it's darn close as is.

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.

This $10 package just feels a trifle light on content, that's all. Otherwise, PixelJunk SideScroller is nod to the golden age of gaming; for the most part, it moves right, the design and atmosphere is a big bonus, and the soundtrack continues to set the PixelJunk franchise apart. But with three stages, not a ton of gameplay options and variety, and a two-player option that seems too frustrating, I can't recommend this with as much conviction as I've done with other titles in the series.

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).

All in all, the list of songs tells the tale. If you like what you see, Vol. 2 for the PS3 is worth your money, if not I suggest taking a look at the first PS3 SingStar, it should be more in line with the readers.

The MVP engine truly is the best when it comes to portraying all of the subtle on-field nuances of the game and putting players in complete control over every aspect of play. The switch to college teams and players hasn't hurt the game's playability one bit.

I think a little more could've been done; a little more in the way of innovation and freshness. Because even a die-hard follower like me felt a touch a ho-hum going through the events.

It doesn’t take much in the way of brainpower, but that’s good: it’s the perfect complement to games like echochrome and Cuboid. Light ‘em up, chop ‘em up, shoot ‘em up; whatever’s up your alley. We promise you’ll have a blast.

Far Cry Primal is a healthy, well-designed, immensely immersive experiment within an established franchise. Bottom line is we need more developers to take such risks. The result is indeed a fantastic experience due to the blending of multiple genres - survival, adventure, action, first-person, strategy, etc. - and the retaining of a familiar, tried-and-true formula.

Band Hero brings very little to the table, offering only a small number of minute features that add virtually nothing to the overall experience of the game.

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.

If you’re unfamiliar with the game, but you enjoyed "Exit" or some of the older (not the new crappy 3D) "Worms" titles, you’re sure to enjoy the simple yet engaging gameplay that Lemmings has to offer.

The core -- the gameplay -- is solid...The lack of an online component really hurts. The Tony Hawk franchise is built for online competition, and to only feature split-screen just doesn't cut it. Then, the absence of a Classic Mode makes things feel sorer.

I liked the twists to battles we usually find in the Naruto games; with the items and spells and other exploration/RPG elements – not to mention the focus on character development and plot – I was able to enjoy myself for quite some time.

If you're looking for a good real-time strategy game, EndWar should fit your bill. It's got a fairly lengthy single-player campaign, despite having an absolutely hollow story, and it's also got a pretty epic online mode.

If you played Neon Chrome or other similar isometric twin stick shooters and enjoyed them I would recommend giving this one a go. At first glance it doesn’t seem like much but once you get into the meat of it you’ll realize that there is more then meets the eye. The game is short but has some depth.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the video game equivalent to that one kid in class with a sugar rush and an addiction to pixie sticks. Sure, it might be entertaining for a little while, but the more time you spend with it, the more you realize it’s just rambling on aimlessly. Ultimately, with its lack of a clear vision and focus on what makes a game fun, Cold War isn’t going to entertain you for long.

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.

It's unfortunate that Manhunt becomes such a redundant game so quickly. The game employs a few very good concepts, but they are off-set by the game's mediocrity and pointless gore.

The game is chock full of content, the new animations are awfully sweet (despite the repetition of use), a few of the new gameplay mechanics are intriguing, and multiplayer with the right peeps is great. But why are all QBs Joe Montana? Why does even the best defensive line struggle to get any penetration? Why do all the crowd-pleasing moves and additions do little to fix this lack of realism? Why is the interface so slow? Why am I still seeing brain-dead AI?

It's an average game, and I don't recommend a $60 purchase for it. Just like a popcorn flick isn't worth more than a rental, Stuntman: Ignition is ultimately the type of game you'd want to rent. While the multiplayer is fun and the Constructor mode is cool, the Career mode can be a bit short, and the game in general doesn't offer a whole lot to keep you coming back to.

Batman: Arkham Origins is a bit of a letdown for me. That’s mostly because the previous two titles from Rocksteady Studios weren’t merely great games, they were legitimate Game of the Year contenders. Although Origins has a lot going for it, most of that was expected and in truth, I anticipated much more. And this really feels more like a hybrid open-world/linear game, which is a little disconcerting.

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.

Suikoden V by and large shines if you can get through the sticky parts in the beginning.

I realize this seems a bit harsh and others aren't saying the same kinds of things, but they are strolling through poppy fields. In this shortage of JRPGs we are letting anything go, and this game needs serious help rather than free passes. Give it a go only if you really need your Tales on the go.

Sports Champions is a solid piece of entertainment that gives us a glimpse of what is to come. You really do have to "move" and many of the available events highlight Move's super advanced reliability, precision, and responsiveness.

I'm happy to say that this round of Mortal Kombat, while unconventional in concept, may be the best one we've had in over a decade. Don't let the DC Universe mash-up fool you, because at the core of this game is the very essence that made Mortal Kombat 3 so great over a decade ago.

So ridiculously fast paced and explosive, and so loaded down with features, that it’s hard to punish it for what are primarily just minor gripes.

The environment is continually interesting and involving, the character and enemy designs are highly accomplished, the third-person action is reliable and responsive, and the deep weapon crafting system adds intricacy. But the subtler aspects, the slightly more artistic elements, the more cerebral parts of the production; they take a back seat to the insanity. Hence, the epitome of flash over substance.

If you’re curious, spend one of those new twenties in your wallet on some old favorites.

Last Recode has its highs and lows, but overall I think that as a bundle it has a great amount of value to it.

Despite the fact that you can beat it in as little as 12 hours (closer to 20-25 if you do everything), the game also feels artificially lengthened due to the tremendous amount of cross-town driving you’re forced to do.

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.

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

The control is a little off and I get this feeling the whole thing would be better on PC but either way, Telltale, Christopher Lloyd, Bob Gale (writer), and the rest of the crew haven't disappointed their fans.

A very solid shooter with a lot of variety and charm. It offers players of all ages a dynamic, entertaining experience that encourages practice and experimentation.

But the game is marred with gameplay that features a number of annoying quirks, such as aim issues and lifeless artificial intelligence. Moreover, variety isn't a strong point, and the multiplayer is horrifically barebones and limited to only eight gamers.

With crisp visuals that feed your eyes nothing but visual sugary sweets, 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, with multiplayer, and a solid number of things to unlock (such as cars and tracks), you're certainly getting your money worth.

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.

An appealing introductory sequence, a huge selection of fighters, multiple and diverse gameplay modes, the option to create and train your own character, and several destructible arenas just waiting to get demolished.

Hohokum can feel like a chore at times but for the most part, this is an original, inspired piece of interactive art.

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

The more I played the game, the more frustrated I got with the camera, controls, and collision detection. Had those technical issues been resolved, Eidos would've had a great game on their hands.

Red Alert 3 boasts a deep single-player experience that allows you to take control of three separate nations, and watch a rather cool story unfold. The co-op experience and the solid visuals are also a pleasant surprise for an RTS game. And sure, the acting is stale, but that isn't enough to hurt Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3. Fans of the series and/or genre, pick this up.

A nice old-school survival horror game that does an excellent job at building tension and atmosphere.

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.

It's a well done port that runs superbly well on Sony's little unit.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame isn’t anything new, which means two things: 1. fans of previous LEGO games will certainly enjoy it, and 2. those who have never found an excuse to pick up an entry in this franchise still don’t have one. Basically, we’ve played this before.