While Fight Night Round 3 was delayed from being a launch title, I can't help but feel that some aspects were skipped or omitted due to time constraints, mainly because there are portions of this game that are flawless.

Bastion is a solid action-RPG that is put over the edge by its unique and entrancing concept.

Returnal is a solid roguelike that does a very good job of encouraging you to play just one more run over and over again. The shooting and traversal are solid, and the fights may be tough but never feel cheap. The inclusion of the DLC and the Suspend mode from the get-go ensures that the game seems more fair, even though death can still come easily. The presentation shows that the PC can still provide a top-of-the-line experience for modern games. The stuttering is the only real thing dragging down this experience, but if you are somehow immune to that or are reading this by the time the patch has been released, Returnal is a must-have for those who enjoy difficult solo shooters.

Sonic Mania is a must-have title for platforming fans, retro enthusiasts, and Sonic fans of all types. It captures the essence of what made the series memorable, with a balance of high speed and thoughtful level design that guides you to secrets but always takes you to the end. Boss fights are inventive, and the title's replay value is immense, given the unlockables and various available pathways based on your chosen character. All we can hope for now is an official sequel, spiritual or otherwise, from these same fans-turned-programmers.

You have to have some serious hardware to play Four Swords Adventures the way it's supposed to be played, but if you can manage that, you'll find it's one of the better reasons to own both a Gamecube and a GBA.

Buy this sucker. It's got "diamond in the rough" written all over it.

In terms of sound, NBA Live 2004 does a great job of presenting an authentic aural presentation with ripped-from-the-court sound effects of player's shoes squeaking on the wood floor, the undeniable swish of the ball slapping into pure net, and dynamic crowd reactions.

The soundtrack is slightly odd and different and gets repeated throughout a stage, which will either be a considered a nuisance or fuel your search for the game's original soundtrack. It's all a matter of personal preference.

Probably the biggest question about LotRO is, "Does LotRO have the potential to surpass World of Warcraft?" The answer is yes.

It’s hard to rate this game, as it is meaty, contains a gameplay formula that people are used to (despite its lumps), and contains just enough good to counter the bad.

Desperados III is a solid and enjoyable RTS. The fun of setting up combos in Showdown mode can't be underestimated, and the variety in level design keeps the game feeling fresh long after its basic mechanics become repetitive. If you're looking for a Wild West-style game that's more about subtlety than shootouts, Desperados III fits the bill.

Simply a great game. The streamlined gameplay stressing combined arms tactics over brute force should and will appeal to any RTS gamer who is looking for something new.

Each incarnation of The Show I've played has been better than the last, and MLB The Show 19 keeps pace. I do wonder, however, if there is a "next level" coming for the series or if we're content to accept a layer or two of steady improvements for the next few editions. I'll take it. After all, it's a long season.

If you did not play GRAW, GRAW2 will astonish and amaze you. If you played GRAW then GRAW2’s impact will be very much diminished.

My only real gripes come in single-player action. Max has a very annoying habit of automatically switching to a handgun any time he's about to enter a cinema screen despite the fact that he might be carrying a perfectly usable assault rifle. There were some occasions the strongest rifle I was carrying in my arsenal practically disappeared after a bit of storytelling. This sometimes put me in precarious positions where I had to pull out a ridiculous combination of Bullet Time, rolling and melee (not always Max's strongest suit) to reach a weapon with more ammo in it. That led to a few expletive-laden moments, but it wasn't enough to get me to stop playing.

Despite minor issues, Skate absolutely does for skateboarding what Fight Night Round 3 did for boxing early last year — it delivers a true, undeniable next-generation experience in nearly every significant way, from the visual presentation to the sheer scale and structure of the environments.

It's difficult to recommend Warhammer Online to anyone who isn't into player vs. player, as that's the real focus of the game, but for those who do, it's definitely an interesting take.

A solid and very enjoyable reinvention of the series. It returns the franchise to its roots and does a great job of updating and improving the archaic PS1 gameplay mechanics without losing the Resident Evil feel. Both the strengths and weaknesses of the franchise are present. The high-tension atmosphere, spooky monsters and cheesy cornball villains combine to create something that is undeniably Resident Evil. Fans of the series should love that it's spooky, silly, and requires you to solve puzzles in order to find a shotgun so you can fight biological horror. Isn't that what Resident Evil is all about?

NHL 12 is a very good hockey simulation offering a full year of up-to-date sports gaming. Certainly, there's nothing here to put anyone off the series. Lamentably, there's not anything to convert pro hockey simulation abstainers to the fold, either.

As an adventure game, Rise of the Tomb Raider is up there with the best of them. The story feels like something right out of Indiana Jones, and the game nails the atmosphere that you'd expect from a Tomb Raider game.

Chants of Sennaar is a fascinating puzzle adventure game, and that is mainly due to its translation aspect. While it can lead to frustration in some cases, it greatly enhances the puzzle aspect by adding an extra layer of challenge on top of some brain teasers. The stealth elements feature a combination of solid mechanics, quick restarts and a generous checkpoint system. With an alluring presentation to back it all up, Chants of Sennaar is a game that adventure fans will definitely enjoy.

The more mature storyline, revamped unit list and redesigned CO system are all quite positive, and online play is something that Advance Wars has needed for a long time. Unfortunately, these good points are countered by the poorly designed COs themselves, the wacky unit balance, and the lackluster number of single-player offerings, which mean that unless you really enjoy playing Advance Wars online, Days of Ruin isn't going to have much appeal for you beyond a single playthrough.

In DJ Hero, I really do get the distinct sense that I'm spinning for a full house. This title will appeal to both casual and core gamers alike, with a beginner's mode even toddler children can play fairly well and enjoy.

Forza Horizon 2 may not break new ground, but it excels at what it does due to a high level of polish and a laser focus on fun.

Steamworld Heist is one of the most enjoyable budget RPGs I've ever played. It's accessible, fast-paced and balanced.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a charming, delightful and enjoyable game. It doesn't break any molds or do anything particularly new, but it executes the gameplay with almost perfect precision. The only really flaw is the lackluster combat, which is at odds with the rest of the excellent experience. If you enjoyed the original Luigi's Mansion or are looking for a fun adventure with a certain green plumber, this is the game for you.

Packed with features and polished to a sheen, Dance Central 3 is a true evolution of what has come before. It hasn't lost focus of the core features that made its initial success popular, but the developers also haven't rested on their laurels. Much more than a simple track pack or yearly update, the latest game is sure to please anyone who plays it.

Shatter is the rare game that takes a concept that's been around nearly as long as gaming itself and completely revolutionizes it. Simply put, Shatter is the new standard that all other block-breaking games will have to meet.

It plays to the original's strengths and adds a batch of new features. Most importantly, the multiplayer mode alleviates any concerns about short length and is a ton of fun.

Ultimately, DJ Hero 2 is a rare game that delivers exactly what it promises and does it exceedingly well. It's not quite perfect, but it does improve on the original effort in a number of noticeable ways.

A small issue I had with the game is the replayability; while you can go back and clear out all areas, there is no real payoff for doing so. Even with these minor issues, Psychonauts definitely comes strongly recommended.

Dragon's Dogma II doesn't feel like anything else on the market. Despite fantasy action-RPG being one of the most common genres, Dragon's Dogma II manages to stand out from the crowd. The unusual atmosphere, excellent combat, and general sense of place and weight make it feel distinct in a world full of Soulslikes or Skyrim clones. It's a boatload of fun to play, and it manages to make what could be a tiring genre feel fresh and full of life. If you're looking to hunt some monsters and cast some spells, Dragon's Dogma II is easily one of the best titles on the market.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a darn fine entry into the franchise. The buttery-smooth gameplay and incredibly cool combat make it an absolute delight to play. It's easily one of the best mecha action games, and only Gundam Breaker 3 has a more involved and enjoyable mech customization system. If you're looking for a really fun and well-crafted robot bashing experience, look no further than Armored Core VI, which is a delight to play.

The new mechanics work extremely well, and the visuals have received a nice new coat of paint to really make performances pop and give you the feeling that you're watching actual concert footage instead of a simple video game.

All in all, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a standout example of the franchise. It's undeniably safe, but on the flip side, it's engaging, enjoyable, and polished, and it showcases almost all of the franchise's strengths. It also has its share of weaknesses, but in terms of nostalgia for the olden days, it's an example of how to do it right. It might be a bit too repetitive for longtime Dragon Quest fans, but if you were going to play one Dragon Quest, DQ11 is the one I'd recommend even over my personal favorite. It's a great entry point to the franchise, and it's a charming, fun, and likeable JRPG on its own merits.

Octopath Traveler II is a case of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Almost everything is very similar to the first game, but there's more content, and the features are smoother. There are a number of areas where the developers clearly had more confidence than they had in the original Octopath. I loved the first game, and I found the second to be a more enjoyable experience in pretty much every way. It's a charming, delightful, and incredibly fun JRPG experience that fans of old-school RPGs should relish.

The game is appealing to both casual and hardcore players, seamlessly splitting them into different player groups. If you've never given a MOBA a try, Heroes of the Storm is the perfect entry point.

The tactical level of this game is brilliant and the strategic significance of many of the Conquests scenarios really up the ante in terms of involvement and fun.

If there's a sticking point to Returnal, it's that it's a big PS5 exclusive that is most definitely not for everyone. It's next-gen beautiful all the way, but if you've never played a game like this before, even all that beauty and amazing design might not be worth the sense of dejection you might feel as the body count starts mounting. Returnal and other games like it will force newer players to ask questions about what kind of games they want to experience. It takes a little bit of weird thinking to relish the prospect of repeated punishment. I recommend it, just for the experience of it. If you're part of that wider audience who wants to give a next-gen roguelike a shot, then be prepared for an awakening. And another one. And … another one.

I'm pleased to say that this year's Madden is one of the best entries into the franchise in several years

As a package, Forza Motorsport 7 is a solid game for racing fans and a technical showcase for the Xbox One X. While it doesn't look quite as good on the Xbox One, the game still holds its own on the older console and puts in a respectable performance. Just don't spend too much time looking closely at the scenery if you're not playing on an X.

There's no competition for the cup in hockey games this year: NHL 08 sweeps the final series. No game is ever the same. Some are far better than others.

Overall, Mortal Kombat X is great. The small improvements in the fighting system make a huge difference for the better, and the new fighters feel like they fit perfectly with the old cast.

Despite the gatekeeper glitch, and a few tolerable crashes at transitioning points, Elder Scrolls IV – Shivering Isles is certainly money well spent. Characters are well developed and the main storyline is interesting.

The Switch already has a number of terrific fighting games, and Blazblue: CentralFiction Special Edition is certainly in the upper portion of that list. The more offense-minded system, along with the different control styles, make it great for fighting fans of all skill levels, and the deluge of modes means that it can take a very long time before you come close to exhausting it all. The best part is that relatively little gets sacrificed in the port, so there's nothing to reacclimate yourself should you decide to play this on multiple platforms. In short, CentralFiction is a must-have for fighting fans.

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is a fantastic addition to the series and easily one of the best Fire Emblem games.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is an excellent, well-made RPG.

Though it didn't launch day and date with the console versions, Injustice 2 remains a solid fighting game for PC players. The fighting system is a marked improvement over the original, and the online performance is solid, but the single-player content and loot system are what will keep people playing. There's so much content here that those who aren't interested in playing online will still feel like they got their money's worth. Fighting fans and those who enjoy the DC universe should definitely own this game.

The new game has applied a generous amount of polish to the things that it carried forward, and the new modes, such as Braking Point and the two-player career mode, add some appreciable entertainment to a solid racing game. It is equally enjoyable to an F1 nut as to someone who is entering the sport fandom, and I have been having a great time whenever I fire it up for a few laps.

Monster Hunter Generations is the greatest hits of the Monster Hunter franchise. It's not going to change your mind if you never understood the hype, but if you can easily spend dozens of hours grinding monsters for equipment, be prepared for a lot of sleepless nights. Newcomers will find a lot to like here in terms of gameplay and pure design. If you're ever going to get into the Monster Hunter franchise, Generations is the best place to start.

All in all, Castlevania Portrait of Ruin is very short, fairly slapdash and kind of easy, but this doesn't stop it from being a worthy addition to a fantastic franchise.

It gives some of us a chance to release a lot of the pent-up energy from having to chill in the shadows for years, and any time you get to let the beast out and stop hiding, it feels good.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is an absolute delight. The new mobility-focused combat trades some difficulty for a more flexible and dynamic battlefield. The more JRPG-styled tone and structure of the game gives it a solid basis that the first game didn't quite reach. Most of the improvements are for the better. There are still some nagging problems here and there, and the frame rate is rough, but if you can get past that, there's a ton to love here.

The Talos Principle can easily be called the next big puzzle game in the same vein as Portal.

The selection of cars and motorcycles is incredibly fun, the graphics are self-evidently gorgeous and the array of gameplay options are both staggering and compelling. It is very rare that a game this polished and well-designed is made in any genre, and Project Gotham Racing 4 demands your attention regardless of your skill level or taste in gaming. There is literally something in this game for everyone.

Metroid: Samus Returns is a solid remake that doesn't reinvent the wheel or eclipse the high points of the franchise but represents an enjoyable and well-made return to what makes Metroid work. It's low on story and high on exploration, and that's all it needs to be. The frustrating moments are few and far between, and the 3DS iteration eclipses the Game Boy original in pretty much every way. It's a Metroid title that shows why the old 2D classics were popular, and it succeeds wonderfully. With a ton of hints dropped throughout the game about a new Metroid game after Samus Returns, it should be interesting to see what Mercury Steam can do with an original game.

If you are looking for a masterpiece of racing as a genre, Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition Remix probably isn't quite it, but it's plenty close, with open-ended free play where you can choose what to do freely.

With intuitive controls, exciting gameplay and a one-two punch of audio and visual goodness, this game has just about everything that any hockey gamer could want.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a breathtaking place with the wistful charm of Studio Ghibli's works. With a long roster of side-quests, an open word filled with secrets, clever puzzles, and some of the best-looking credits in any game, you can almost overlook the sharp edges and lackluster AI by focusing on the cel-shaded glow of the magic around one of the rarest, and most spectacular, team-ups anywhere.

Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remake is a wonderful remake of a pair of classic games. It's clear a lot of time and energy was invested in attempting to modernize the originals without losing what makes them distinct, and they've generally succeeded and succeeded well. Most of the improvements add to the game, and the revamped plots are a step up from the original. The game's only problem is that it's an extremely shiny and well-crafted update of two NES-era RPGs. Assuming you're not turned off by that concept, there's no better way to experience the origin of the genre than by playing Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remake.

Wasteland 3 does everything you expect from the series but in a sleeker package. From the freedom in building character abilities to your approach to the missions or which ending to strive for, there's plenty that's within your control, and those variations help if you want to play through the game multiple times. The story is interesting thanks to all of the decisions you get to make, and while your created characters don't add much personality, your companions are chatty enough to make encounters worthwhile. If you can forgive the occasional bugs, you'll find Wasteland 3 to be a top-notch RPG.

On one hand, it's Guitar Hero. Messing it up would've been sacrilege, and Activision did a pretty good job of not doing that. It's just as fun as it ever was, and the song selection is pretty great. On the other hand, they could have done a little more. Revolutionary new steps forward weren't exactly expected, but Guitar Hero III feels a little too much like more of the same.

The Sly Collection is proof once more that great games are truly timeless, and upgrading the visuals not only doesn't ruin the experience, but it absolutely enhances it.

When all is said and done, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is a great example of fan service done right. It's not perfect, but it's close and it fills a niche that has been long underserved on the Wii.

With such deep variety of familiar but accomplished gameplay, and visuals that are always immersive and frequently arresting, Daxter easily leaps ahead of the PSP platformer pack to put such concerns to rest.

It is quite obvious that Sony took all the criticism leveled at last year's game and used it to craft MLB 08: The Show, an extremely fun and addicting title. Nearly all of the bugs have been fixed, with only the occasional AI problem, poor base running, and cumbersome career progression besmirching an otherwise incredible game.

While the presentation of the story and combat in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim takes some time to get used to, I was deeply engaged with the characters and plot. The bulk of my complaints boil down to wishing the combat looked better and not loving some of the reveals, neither of which detracted from the rest of my experience with the game. As long as you approach the title as a visual novel with some light strategy rather than a strategy game with some light story, you'll find a lot to like. It's an easy recommend for fans of Virtue's Last Reward or Steins;Gate or those who have enjoyed previous Vanillaware offerings.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a wonderful first (no, CD-i doesn't count) outing for the titular princess. It's at once nostalgic and brand new, combining classic Zelda gameplay with the flexibility and freedom of the modern styles. It's a genuine delight from start to finish, with the only real complaints revolving around the fact that the performance hasn't improved from the last game that was developed on the same game engine. If you're a fan of Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom is a must-play.

Fight Night: Champion isn't a perfect boxing game. The addition of the referee is distracting at times, especially since it feels like he wasn't implemented well. Veteran players will lament the fact that their old practices make for a twitchier boxer until they learn the proper control scheme, and the training games aren't exactly exciting. Despite this, there's still plenty to love about the game. The Story mode is engaging, if familiar, and the Legacy mode gives the solo player something to work toward. The online mode performs well, the game still impresses graphically, and the fighting engine feels like a better tweak of what was offered in Fight Night Round 4. Boxing fans, both die-hard and casual, will find plenty to enjoy in this game.

The Outer Worlds is an excellent attempt at capturing the Fallout formula in a new setting. It's honest about what it's trying to be, and it never shies away from it. While it may lack the sheer size of Bethesda's behemoth, The Outer Worlds still captures the fun and enjoyment of exploring, completing quests, finding new loot, and being a futuristic adventurer. Anyone who enjoyed the previous-generation Fallouts or is looking for a solid RPG will find a lot to like in The Outer Worlds.

The decision to pick up Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered is completely dependent on your status with the original PS4 title. If you've never played the first game and like open-world adventure games, then this is definitely worth getting. From the story to the action to the decidedly different postapocalyptic setting, the game delivers a good time from beginning to end, even when factoring the expansion pack into the mix. Those people can look at the score and rate it higher. If you've played and beaten the game, then things get more complicated. For $10, the upgrade gets you much richer-looking environments and some better graphics during some of the cut scenes while also introducing some minor issues. Proper DualSense support is also thrown in for good measure, and if you're big on those things, then the price for the upgrade makes it worthwhile. However, for those who aren't so big on aesthetics and were fine with the original controls, you're best waiting a bit for LEGO Horizon Adventures to drop to get a completely different experience in this world.

Overall, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is a solid but unexceptional port of a phenomenal game. It runs smoothly, plays well, and is a ton of fun from start to finish. However, the new content adds nothing to the game, and if you already own Yakuza 0, then there's no major reason to pick it up again. However, if you're interested in learning about the franchise or if you've only played the recent RPG-like entries, Yakuza 0 is by far the best starting point for newcomers. The unnecessary extras don't prevent it from being arguably the high point of the entire franchise and well worth playing if you're curious about the Like a Dragon/Yakuza titles.

Even if you don't have a top-of-the-line gaming rig, this is a superb title that is so good (even on medium detail settings) that you just might postpone that eBay sale so that you can play it through a second time.

This is easily the best title in the 3DS launch lineup, and it's proof that the potential is there for the slow-starting system.

Overall, from a scale of Pat Sajak to Bob Barker, this game is Alex Trebek without the mustache: sharp-looking, packed with features, witty, and fun, but with just a little something missing.

It's Pokemon. Moreover, it's Pokemon with online play. If you're a Pokemon fan, that reason alone is enough to pick up Diamond and Pearl, ignoring the new Pokemon and new features.

Call us old fogies if you like, but there's a pretty firm belief that when a game ships, it should be feature-complete, not "mostly done" with a promise of completion at some unknown future date.

I will say, though, that the vibrant, stylish graphics and unique gameplay will have me choosing a night of SWAT 4 over "Counter-Strike: Source."

It comes so close to greatness that it's possible to overlook its glaring flaws. Just be warned that it'll be a slog to get to the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and would recommend it to anyone who is remotely a fan of the Star Wars universe, whether they're getting exposed to it for the first time or are of a certain age and have loved it since they heard Luke Skywalker whine about power converters decades ago. Respawn is onto something here, and I've low-key been waiting — wishing — for Cal Kestis to show up in one of the upcoming shows or movies. These games have made that kind of impact, and I'm looking forward to where the story goes next.

Ultimately, Starfield is a very enjoyable game that takes the overall formula that Bethesda established in games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 and expands upon it. It is familiar in the ways that feel comfortable, but the game feels like an exciting new experience. It's unfair to compare it to games like No Man's Sky given the vast difference in scope, but at the same time, I wish that the ways the ships are handled didn't feel so compartmentalized with the reliance upon menu-driven fast-travel. Starfield really tries to be many things all at once, and although there are varying levels of success to that end, the game is a downright joy to play.

Doom is a fantastic single-player experience bundled with a weak multiplayer component.

Far Cry: Instincts on the Xbox is a much more balanced and fun game than the PC version.

For a game that tosses so many RTS conventions out the window, Dawn of War II is a surprisingly solid real-time strategy title that pretty much lays down the gauntlet for any game that follows in its wake.

Battlefield 3 is a fine objective-based multiplayer shooter, but that's it. In all other respects, it comes up short.

The game keeps the repetition to a minimum, mixing whips, swords, and guns into the Onimusha equation. I just couldn’t drop the controller until the very last minute before I had to go to class.

Esoteric Ebb is a multitude of things: a low-stakes political mystery, a comedy with solid writing and fleshed-out characters that have personalities even if there are no vocal performances to go with them, and it's a good-looking game that feels like the spirit of Disco Elysium. Most of all, it's an enjoyable experience that begs for multiple playthroughs to see all of the different scenarios and personalities. This is a pleasant surprise of a title, and those who value good dialogue above all else will be very happy with Esoteric Ebb.

As good as the single-player campaigns are, the multiplayer capabilities are where the game really shines. Going head-to-head against a human opponent doesn't involve a storyline, but victory is always more satisfying against a real person than against a computer opponent programmed to perform at "normal" difficulty levels.

For all of the things that Madden NFL '10 does right, it's certainly not the perfect experience. It's easily the finest incarnation of the series since the arrival of the 360 and PS3, and it signals the first true statement as to how the future of the series is going to be.

Batman: Arkham Knight has been billed as the most complete Batman video game experience in existence, and it lives up to that billing in spades.

As of right now, World Tour puts on a solid show, but when the next game comes around, we're going to be expecting one hell of an encore.

If you want updated Moto GP rosters and tracks, more variety via the new, visually attractive extreme mode, even better Xbox Live play, and the same superb feel of previous editions, then MGP3 is for you.

Dead or Alive 4 has enough new content in it to set it apart, and although the gameplay itself is liberally borrowed from the previous title, it also remains the same solid fighting engine and definitely doesn't feel like a rehash as much as it does a resemblance.

The developers also do a great job of placing you right into the action, including the national anthem, flyover, and the obligatory “Gentlemen, start your engines.” If you've seen it in a NASCAR event, you will see it in the game.

When it comes down to it, Pure is fun. It's simple, it's effective, and it perfectly captures that "just one more race" factor.

You'll wind up playing through levels a couple of times past the point when you've unlocked everything - without even knowing there's nothing left to figure out - and it won't be a minute wasted.

Crysis 2 feels like a much more refined version of the first game. The plot isn't amazing, but it's much better than the first game, and the pacing is well done.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the result of all the lessons id Software has learned from previous entries and wrapping the tweaked gameplay in a distinct and oddly compelling setting. It is simultaneously unmistakable as a DOOM game, but it also feels like a fresh approach to the series. I love everything about this game's combat loop, which feels much better integrated than the disjointed loops in the previous game, Eternal. Frankly, I am going to be sad when the next game in the franchise doesn't let me have my shield.