First and foremost, "fun" was the order of the day when Criterion sat down to make this game. The user-friendly, extraordinarily streamlined presentation, slick technical elements, and emphasis on freedom is all conducive to that little yet all-important three-letter word: F-U-N.

The campaign is just a depressing mix of missed opportunities and one firefight that feels exactly like the one before it. The AI is erratic, the story isn't well presented, and the even the overall design doesn't feel inspired. The general control is reliable and responsive, some parts are quite satisfying, and the multiplayer really is entertaining for long periods of time.

The DOOM 3 BFG Edition still boasts some decent thrills here and there, it controls fine, and the atmosphere remains impressive. However, id Software didn't do enough (if they did anything) to upgrade the presentation, so we're left with glaringly old-fashioned technical elements that hinder the quest at every turn.

007 Legends has its moments but they're too often lost beneath a continual onslaught of repetitive, often tedious, and definitely mindless action. The worst part is that this isn't faithful to the revered franchise; it's faithless.

The solid story, the fantastic voice performances, the unbelievably well designed city, the attention paid to every small detail, the sheer amount of ridiculously fun skills, and the focus on player creativity is all amazing.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a triumph of inspired strategy creation. The critical will focus on the minor shortcomings, perhaps because it's not exactly like the first XCOM, but the polish, relative depth, and overall intensity is absolutely unquestionable.

It's just an insane rollercoaster ride chock full of ecstatic highs and depressing lows. The highs win, but only because it's fun to watch that desperate boxer go nuts in the ring.

If you want a break from the hectic and edge-of-your-seat intensity found in the blockbusters, give your brain a chance to churn.

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.

It should've given us more of an excuse to keep playing by ourselves and the coin usage for power-ups is dumb, but the production values are high and playing just never gets old. And I can't seem to stop.

A great throwback; a retro game that isn't entirely retro, an old-school experience that reminds us of times long gone. It's self-deprecating and totally loony, it's vibrant and rewarding, and although a bit on the short side, you'll want to play it again…and again (ideally with a buddy).

This is some crazy bang for your buck and you won't regret a second of it.

It can be a little tough to get used to and there are a few small hiccups here and there, but for the most part, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita is among the elite portable experiences available. Get it.

Very much a nod to the ardent fans. And I think that's great. I believe they could've done a little more with the presentation and tried a few new things here and there, and I would've made the Fight Lab more user-friendly, but there's no doubt that this sequel is precisely designed to put a smile on the faces of the faithful followers.

The Ratchet & Clank Trilogy is a must for anyone who loves the series.

Yes, it's just Madden but the "just" part is sort of an insult to a series that has delivered so consistently. They just need to recognize that a few more important steps must be taken as we enter a new generation…

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.

Legasista sometimes feels a bit repetitive and I never felt emotionally invested in the story (despite the charming and even emotional theme). But with plenty of depth, nicely drawn characters and enemies, solid control, and that aforementioned "addictive gene," there's a lot to like.

It has its problems but I seriously doubt most action fans will be disappointed. I can almost guarantee enjoyment.

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.

One of the more innovative and atmospheric titles of the generation. In addition to the platforming issues, I had some problems with online connectivity, but both complaints are (relatively) minor. All in all, you're looking at a completely original experience that combines a number of different elements into one undeniably appealing package.

A special game that is both unique and stylish. The developers (those capitals stand for Right Square Bracket Left Square Bracket Games) do a great job of blending slick music with a surprisingly accessible (albeit sometimes out of control) gameplay mechanic.

Does a lot of things well, even if the pacing, depth, and overall immersion isn't where it needs to be. The basic control for each event is mostly intuitive and solid, there are a ton of events, using Move adds a lot to the gameplay, and skill supersedes luck (as well it should, of course). The technical elements are pretty good, too. We just require more in the way of "oomph," more reasons to keep the player coming back for more.

When you're out and about and you've got some downtime, your fancy new Vita is just begging for some classic stealth action. If you're a fan, it's a no-brainer.

The bottom line is that Rainbow Moon is put together fantastically well. It really is a very solid and complete package from top to bottom. There's enough depth to satisfy even the most hardcore, the blending of strategy and traditional elements is both innovative and extraordinary, the feel and style is just beautiful, and yeah, the hours can really melt away.

Lacks some of the polish and refinement that would make it a really solid, even addicting title. We spend too much time indoors..., the story is a little lame, and the difficulty is scaled back a little too much. But it's easy to pick up and play, exploring the city never gets boring, and fans of the web-slinging hero can spend a lot of time battling, upgrading, and just soaring along.

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.

A step in the right direction for a series that was flirting with stagnation. With 50 available characters, a slew of corresponding skills and abilities, an open world that encourages exploration and discovery, a halfway decent story, and rock solid control, this one is quite the package.