Despite the decidedly rough first impression of sea exploration and combat, Ys X was a title I found myself enjoying more and more the further I got into it. The fun, fast paced combat, complimented by the wonderful chemistry between the two leads and an intriguing story that culminates in a final boss that is my favorite of the entire franchise thus far, Ys X: Nordics is easily one of the best entries in the long running series and an easy recommendation to anyone that enjoys ARPGs.

Grim Dawn is still a fantastic game that any fan of the action RPG style will enjoy. There are tons of customization options not only with the game mechanics, but with the character builds as well. It’s a beefy game and with all the expansions added in, this is a complete package that any RPG fan will enjoy and get a ton of time in and while the menu navigations aren’t the best in the world, it’s something that now Xbox fans can enjoy.

With over sixty playable characters, kreate-a-fighter, and all the mini-games packed in you get more than your money's worth. MK fans will drool with delight seeing some of their favorite fighters from every game packed into one arena.

When it’s all said and done Under Night as a whole is a great fighting game. Although, I d have a small issues with the $49.99 price tag when the previous version was only half of that. With the [st] version out with new fighters, new mechanics, and a much needed full tutorial with challenge modes it makes this the best version yet. I highly suggest checking this game out for hardcore fans of the fighting game genre. It’s fast, fun, complex, and very stylish. If you’re not that big into fighting games, you may want to look elsewhere. This has the potential to be an easy to learn game, but it will take a lot of patience and practice to hold your own online.

Madden NFL 13 is a fantastic update to the series. It feels like a complete overhaul. Sure, some of the new things will need tweaking in the years to come, but this is a great step in the right direction.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a stellar title for the fall season, and a sequel that addresses most of the complaints about its predecessor. Crystal Dynamics is really knocking it out of the park with the reboot of Lara Croft and I cannot wait to see how it evolves over time. Anyone with an Xbox One needs to pick this title up. It once again makes a solid case for my top ten list of games of the year.

There are enough improvements to both exploration and combat to appease the old school FF players while keeping the game play fresh. If you're a fan of Japanese RPG's, you'll love the game. Despite the story slowing down at times, the game is really impressive and a lot of fun to play.

Revelations really knocks it out of the park when it comes to bringing that classic Resident Evil feel but a bit more modernized.

It completely changes the way an entire genre is played. Though the game has its share of problems it succeeds in not only becoming the Xbox 360’s best hockey game, but the systems best sports game in general.

Elite: Dangerous is a massive game. I can’t even begin to talk about how many star systems there are in the game, and you can go to them all if you choose to do so. That statement is both what defines this game as well as holds it back, but it only does that for the first few hours.

Obviously, if you already own MK11 in some form, going for this Ultimate version is a bit redundant. I would suggest getting everything you wanted piecemeal through your respective online store, but if you haven’t picked up this game yet or have just got yourself a shiny new system and are looking for a great looking, great playing fighting game, you just found it here. I highly suggest this title to any fighting game fan.

Everything about Assault Android Cactus feels perfect. From the controls and gameplay to sound and design.

The game is one of the hardest in the series, the bosses are still awesome and the old-school challenges will keep you pulling your hair out for months.

The Witness is an example of superlative game design. Carefully crafted and mentally challenging. Everyone should dive into this world, it is the perfect game for several players to sit on a couch and solve. It will make your head hurt, it will tease your brain more than any game before it, but it also delivers satisfaction in solution better than anything else before, and perhaps after it.

Torna ~ The Golden Country marks a wonderful send off to the world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 with its cast of likeable characters, compelling narrative and a revamped combat engine that feels even better than the original. Having spent more than 150~ hours in the world of Alrest combined through the two titles, I can’t help but feeling that I still want more- a desire that serves as undeniable proof to the excellence of this series.

This is still one of the best games of last year, and the enhancements make it one of the best looking games to come out in a while.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a hard game to review. On one hand, the value is insane. The tracks, modes, and sheer amount of content found in the game are unmatched. On the other hand, hardly any of it is new for those of us who bought the game on Wii U. Another factor in the mix is that the Switch simply is lacking another big blockbuster to purchase after Zelda, so MK8 Deluxe is certainly tempting. Either way the game is still just as fun as it was on Wii U, and that is the most important bullet point.

To say I’m pleased with my return to the series after a brief hiatus is an understatement. This feels exactly like the Show I remember with some fantastic additions. The only thing that keeps it from getting higher marks are the online connectivity issues and some other small concerns (including some strange ball physics in the outfield that has led to a lot more ground rule doubles than seems realistic). If you’re a fan of the sport and you have a PlayStation 4 you have to buy this game. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on a tremendous entry in this seminal series.

Steamworld Dig is a simple game that capitalizes on a simple concept and uses it to its advantage.

Whether this is their way of trying to make the avid fans of the series who imported the JPN version of the game double dip in order to play with their friends or just a minor bug is unclear, but it’s a shame nonetheless. Still, even with the issue of compatibility of different region copies of the game, P4U2 sets a high standard for how to do a sequel to a fighting game right.

When it’s all said and done, ibb and obb is a great puzzle game, built from the ground up with Co-Op in mind, and it’s an absolute blast to grab a like-minded buddy to tackle this challenging and highly rewarding game.

The controls are simple, there aren’t a bunch of sub menus and things, and everything just works well. I would like to see some improvements to AI and things in the future but with an aggressive post launch plan that includes more monsters (kemono) and story beats, Omega Force is firmly behind Wild Hearts and that can only mean good things for the monster hunting market at large.

I said it before and I will say it again, I loved Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

Clocking in at around 6 hours, there isn’t any real replay value unless you’re someone like me who likes to go back to see how the experience changes after I’ve been enlightened with the full picture. While some may claim that it is far too short of a game, I would argue that it is the perfect length for this particular title, and as it retails at half the cost of a typical triple A game at $29.99, it more than justifies its asking price. After all, I certainly don’t think this would have been a better game if it was double the length at twice the cost.

After all, a Vita exclusive first person dungeon crawler RPG with touch controlled combat seems rather long in the genre definition, and a rather insane proposition all things considered. However, despite all odds, they’ve managed to craft a title featuring a fantastic world that begs to be explored, and a combat engine that’s intuitive and the finest use of touch controls since Tearaway.

Bravely Second is a title that builds on the success of its predecessor without taking too many risks. There are only a handful of new mechanics and ideas present here, but as the original was brimming with so much innovation, I have a hard time holding it against the sequel for upholding the precedents made by its predecessor. In turn, it also stands amongst the best JRPGs on offer for the 3DS.

Donkey Kong Bananza should have launched with the Switch 2. This is the first game that has made me super excited to own the console. This is the next great platformer from Nintendo and gives me even more excitement for the next proper Mario game. DK holds his own though and I cannot recommend this enough. If you have a Switch 2, this game should be in your library.

PowerSlave Exhumed is yet another outstanding port from a team with a genuine love of games from that era. I cannot wait to see what they deliver next and if you have not checked out their previous work, Turok 1 and 2, ShadowMan, Blood (please put out a console port!), and so many more are just begging to be revisited. This team continues to deliver with every game they put out and I am ecstatic for what they decide to bring next.

I’m not going to pretend that Enter the Gungeon is for everybody, it’s not. If players can’t stand the idea of starting over from scratch mostly after each death or don’t have an appreciation for games like Binding of Isaac, there isn’t much to change their minds here.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the first game on these new consoles that screams next generation game play.

Dishonored is truly a gem in a field of sequels and "me-too" titles flooding the market. It is a new IP developed with a lot of the conventions of game design in mind. From the beginning the game draws you into the world and never lets you go.

The Walking Dead Season 2 has finally hit its stride for me. I really didn’t enjoy episode 1 too much due to both technical issues and having to set up back-story for many characters. Episode 2 remedies that by fixing all the bugs, putting the player in constant tense situations and having some truly frightening set pieces.

As a freshman effort in an established franchise Neversoft has done just about everything perfectly. The game feels like Guitar Hero with just enough new spice to make it feel fresh at the same time. The track list is absolutely amazing and the addition of online and co-op career are much welcome additions.

Once again The Show stands out as a must own for sports fans looking to dive in at home or on the go.

For the regular fighting game players, this is a no brainer. People that once were into Street Fighter IV will find enough here to bring them right back into the fray.

Clocking in at around twenty hours and with time attack/new game + unlocking after the completion of the game, there’s a lot to see and explore. While I was a bit surprised to find that the normal difficulty was a bit too easy for Ys standards and wished that I had started off on hard mode, I had a great time with Adol and company exploring the land of Celceta.

The game is just so original and fun to play that you would be hard-pressed to not enjoy it. If you even remotely like games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, then Guardian Heroes should be in your collection. Don't let this classic slip into obscurity for a second time.

Still, there is a lot of things to see and do, and if you are one of the five people that have yet to experience this game, there has never been a better time than now.

Only time will tell, but so far A New Frontier is entertaining and exciting in the best ways possible.

I really have to give it to M07Games. They completely changed their game and made it much better. Sure, it still has a few technical hiccups here and there, but it still plays great, and with the much needed new additions, it makes it a pretty great retro-inspired game that I think fans of Mega Man and Shovel Knight should pick up. Especially at the price point it’s at.

The Eternal Cylinder is a fever dream of a title that satisfies a lot of my tastes: exploration, puzzles, survival, lots of different abilities, truly alien landscapes, geometric shapes that desire uniformity through destruction of all of life, and hoarding. Oh, and quite a bit of heart. Nothing here feels so alien that I can’t feel something for this world except the familiar but nightmarish servants that stand out in this world. I think ACE Team has something really special here and I really can’t think of anything else that does all of what The Eternal Cylinder as good as The Eternal Cylinder does.

Besides the excellent story and dialogue localization, tight controls and new gameplay elements, the art direction is top-o-the line.

Only time will tell, but so far A New Frontier is entertaining and exciting in the best ways possible.

If you’re looking for a title with both style and substance and a hint of nostalgia, Citizens of Earth is your next RPG purchase.

While this is a pretty great RPG, it’s still not for everyone.

Pinball FX 2 is one of the best impulse games on the market. It is great for twenty minute sessions or two hour marathons. If you are a fan of pinball in general, you need to download this impressive collection.

While this is a pretty great RPG, it’s still not for everyone.

Hitman: Blood Money accomplishes what it set out to do, improve on an already successful game formula with minor improvements that fans have been asking for. Both seasoned veterans and new comers to the series will take well to this game that tackles the world of contract killing, with a sadistic smile.

One of the best remasters [of] this generation. Not only is this game fantastic, but it is also one of several hidden gems a lot of gamers may have missed its first time around. Also at the super cheap price of $19.99 it is impossible for me not to recommend. Go get this game now, and hope with me that the third game finally comes. It is time for the next Horseman to appear.

There is plenty here to keep you occupied for at least 20 hours if you want to max everything out. Some may be a bit disappointed in the size by comparison, but for $40 this game is twice as long as most full-priced titles.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a stellar addition to the franchise, with its multiplayer and zombies’ modes offering countless hours of entertainment. The game successfully combines smooth gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Although the campaign has room for improvement when it comes to character development, it still provides a bombastic and thrilling narrative that complements the other modes. Overall, Black Ops 6 is a testament to the enduring appeal and continual innovation of the Call of Duty series.

This game has single-handedly stolen my soul since it arrived at my doorstep and I find myself needing to level up once a night, much like my wife and her World of Warcraft addiction.

Once again Image & Form continue to pour heart, soul and quality into their games. Steamworld Dig 2 is another near perfect entry in the Steamworld universe, and the enhanced art design makes me wish that they go back to both the original Dig and Heist and update them and release them on the Switch. I would be the first in line to buy them again.

Evaluating the worth of a remake can be difficult, as it’s often unclear how to weigh its strength and weaknesses in comparison to the original. This bodes doubly true when it’s the remake of one of my favorite games of all time. While I have some contention in regards to the changes made to the main campaign, the additional stories are well worth the cost of admission by itself for fans, and even though I hesitate to call “Elite” the definitive way to experience the beauty of Steins;Gate, there is simply no bad way to experience such an exceptional story.

The Mass Effect trilogy is one of the best RPGs in gaming history and now is the best time to jump in for the first, second, or tenth time. It showcases a type of game that we rarely get to see. Something that creates a world fun to get lost in. A game that makes talking to NPCs interesting. A world that is a joy to explore. We can only hope the next chapter continues the legacy these games have created, but for now this collection is a must own.

It proves that a simple style that we once loved and cherished can still be pulled off in today’s world of flashy visuals and 80-hour game time. The level design is fantastic, the music is nostalgic and the sheer joy I get while playing this game is indescribable.

Without a doubt, this is a great party game that has all the makings for a must have Wii U title. I can’t suggest it enough.

NHL 10 is the epitome of hockey games. Granted the changes are not as revolutionary as last year's game. What is here is the best experience a fan of the sport could ask for.

Time Loader was a nice breath of fresh air for me. It was simple, fun in execution, had a nice little story to tell, and was never overly long. It may be a bit too simple for the hardcore puzzle fans out there, but even then, they can find enjoyment out of this one with everything else it has going for it. This is one game that many will find themselves wanting to see all the endings and it is one that is worth it.

Bringing the game to Xbox comes with no real upgrades. Sure it supports 4K resolution, but it would have benefitted from HDR for sure. The colors in the world are so vibrant and varied. There is no additional content, but at least Xbox gamers can now discover this incredible title. Do not pass it up, do not sleep on this one, Stories is one of the best games I have played this generation, indie or not.

With the addition of true online play, content download, and some creative touch screen use this is certainly one of the better games available right now for Nintendo’s handheld wonder.

The game’s writing is one of the big highlights. The tutorial sections are hilarious, as is the dialog between characters. Rex is constantly spouting insanely cheesy dialog, and it all works really well.

For a very inexpensive price, you get a polished, well made fighting game that is well worth the money for newcomers to the series and the Virtua Fighter veterans alike.

It’s a no brainer for anyone who missed this gem of an SRPG when it first released and a worthwhile purchase even to those who have already experienced the original just to play through the new content.

While the game stands leagues ahead of its competition, there are some needed changes that I hope make their way into next year's version. Updated presentation, a new commentary team and some rudimentary facelifts to RTTS would go a long way towards refreshing the franchise and ensuring its continued success for years to come.

Vita has one of its first killer apps here, and it belongs in everyone's library.

Despite my few complaints, SMT V: Vengeance is a worthy upgrade that expands on the story and mechanics of the original in meaningful ways and easily earns the title of the definitive way to enjoy SMT V.

Telltale delivers an episode that capitalizes on the story built in the first four. It's a thrilling, entertaining epitome of adventure games.

Downwell is a $5 game that anyone can pick up and play and have a fun time with. It’s not a game you play hours on end, but definitely something that can be enjoyed for small chunks in between games, and for that cheap price, it fits right in with the entire rougelike nature of the game. It’s a small, fun, and easy addiction that many will really enjoy all for a cheap price.

Helldivers 2 on Xbox is more than just a port; it’s a chance for new players to experience one of the wildest, most unpredictable co-op shooters out there. It’s not perfect: UI issues, glitchy dropships and mission objectives, and the live-service trappings might not sit well with everyone. But in the right conditions, with the right squad, it’s one of the most fun experiences you can have on the console.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 on the Wii breathes new life into the franchise. Everybody golf clap, Tiburon has created a very robust, non-boring golf game where sim meets sport in a scalable experience. WiiMotionPlus brings unparalleled immersion to a game brimming with content, and this Wii title earns its place among the greats as the Tiger game golf fans have to own.

While I may have a few grievances as to how Arcsys is handling the balancing of the characters, it’s apparent that this is the best entry in the series yet, and it remains my personal go-to choice for a 2D fighting gaming.

The presentation remains the same from previous Gold Master games, but it works. There is a gamification of working through the entire timeline and hearing that chime when one is completed. The game museum is a little wonkier than this one, but I got used to it. Controlling the games is simple and digging through the entire collection is a breeze. It does suck that the audio is still out of sync on Xbox as game mode will cause that, but it isn’t awful. The Gold Master Series remains the gold standard for telling these stories. Living in the era when almost any game can be playable on modern consoles is truly great. I always get excited when Digital Eclipse announces a new one of these. I cannot wait to see what they cover next and hopefully this series never ends. Big game publishers would be wise to get in on this trend, no one does it better than Digital Eclipse.

I would have to say I'm very impressed with the first piece of DLC Borderlands 2 has to offer. It constantly keeps you moving from one area to the next, and nothing ever gets monotonous.

It’s a well done package, and on top of that a fun and charming little game.

Street Fighter Alpha Max 3 isn’t going to win any awards for innovation, but what it will do is bring back some great memories and remind gamers that it isn’t all about bump mapping and resolutions anymore.

If you love pinball, no one does it better than Zen. Although the price is only $10 (800 MS points) for all four tables, that is the only way to get them. If you want just one of the four, you're out of luck, but that shouldn't be a problem, because all of these tables are awesome and each has its own special concept that will have you playing for hours and hours to try and see what they all have to offer.

In conclusion, Pokemon Conquest is an incredible game that is both easy to get into and incredibly deep at the same time. This game might not be for everyone, but those who are open minded enough to give this a shot (Pokemon fans and just RPG strategy fans alike) will find that this game is strange, charming, and just completely awesome.

The best thing about the next-gen version though? The menus no longer lag – which has been a pet hate of mine for years. Yay! It only took a new console for them to fix that!

Like any good DLC pack though, this game also has some tweaks and fixes for the core game. Sure it was great, but it wasn’t perfect. Some mechanics have been altered and a few of the bosses have been tweaked. This really feels like the definitive version of the game. For those that already own it, the $5 for the DLC is a no-brainer. For fans wanting a physical copy, the additions and price are outstanding. Sonic Mania Plus is the best version of a great game. It feels good to be talking about Sonic in a positive light once again.

In closing, Tales of Vesperia is a must buy for fans of the series, and a Must Try for those new to the series, or new to the genre. Vesperia is, what I hope, the tip of the iceberg for next gen capabilities as the series continues.

Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the game, and unlike the recent Tokyo Mirage Session re-release on Switch, the new content adds a lot to the experience. It may be a big commitment to play through the whole game, but there is no better reason for old fans to re-visit this world or new fans to get their first taste.

For pinball fans looking for more, this pack is quite the steal.

Otherwise, Quiplash provided tons of laughter and its ease of use makes it pick up and playable by almost anyone. The ability to stream and get people in the game is another great feature and really can liven up any party, online or off. Just like in real life though, who you bring to the party will determine just how crazy it ultimately gets.

Everybody’s Golf was exactly what I was looking for in a relaxing, yet fun game. It has the makings of a great arcade golf game and some pretty nice longevity with the online mode. The single player is no slouch either even when it does get slightly grindy. The customization is giant, and the way the game teaches the player the simple mechanics of golf and slowly discusses the more complicated aspects of the game and how to do certain shots really makes the game accessible to pretty much anyone. I highly suggest this one to anyone remotely interested in it or the game of golf. There’s a lot of content here, and for the most part, it’s all good.

Even with an exclusive license and no reason to improve their game, Tiburon and EA Sports continue to refine the best football experience ever made.

It’s charming, fun, lighthearted and has a plethora of content to play and create. It’s a shame that the experience of LBP 3 couldn’t be a little more polished or the story mode just a little longer, because these are the only two blemishes on an otherwise excellent addition to the series.

Just in time for the 35th anniversary of Final Fantasy, THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE impresses with its wealth of content and feels like a true celebration of its timeless legacy. Whether you are a beginner who has never played a rhythm game before or a veteran of the genre, if you like Final Fantasy music, this is one title you don’t want to miss.

Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.

Everything about Gears of War 4 is as polished and perfectly executed as I expected. The Coalition have done an outstanding job in continuing the series, and I am genuinely excited to see where the series goes from here. This new trilogy has opened up a brand new story that is sure to entertain for years to come, and now PC players can join in on the fun. The series is in good hands, and anyone who enjoys Gears is in for a treat when the game launches. [Tested on an Origin PC]

NHL 18 will satisfy hockey fans; that goes without saying. Its real achievement though is in its design, which will seamlessly teach and assist a player who knows nothing about hockey. They’re likely to stick around too, because as it turns out, hockey is a blast in videogame form.

Jitsu Squad is the definition of a pleasant surprise. I only learned about the game a month ago, the console launch has brought it to more platforms and I had an absolute blast playing through it. If you are like me and cannot get enough of the genre Jitsu Squad is a must own. I find myself revisiting this game over and over and learning the nuances of combat. That is a great sign of a great game. Definitely do not sleep on this colorful brawler.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is one of the best entries in the series to date. It really showcases the power of Sony’s new console, especially with the SSD loading times and switching between dimensions.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a must-have for players that enjoy the series. It is a lot better than my memories led me to believe, and I cannot stress how good the dungeon design in this game truly is.

Definitely recommended for fans of the genre, as this is the pinnacle of what Shinji Mikami created all those years ago.

One things is for certain though, The Division is a great step in the right direction for people coming together to take down the enemy or working alone. They might have similarities to others that they have followed in their footsteps, but everything looks to be coming together extremely well and I have faith in the Division’s future.

Cave Story 3D provides the perfect blend of action and adventure that embodies the days when Jason was the kid with a mutated frog and an awesome tank and not the kid that wandered away from his Dad and got lost in a mall.

Batman: Arkham Knight may mark the end of Rocksteady’s trilogy, but it goes out with a bang. There is so much to love about it, it is easily in contention for one of the best of 2015.