Loot boxes feel like a small blemish on an otherwise outstanding game. Forza continues to deliver year-in and year-out. This outing will also be a showcase for Microsoft’s upcoming 4K console. Turn 10 continues to deliver, and if nothing else Microsoft has this genre on lockdown for the time being. Glad to see the team not get complacent. Forza Motorsport 7 is yet another must-own for racing game fans.

Overall, this is a good deal for any owner of the PS3. The games are challenging, fun, and full of character.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is another outstanding package of classic games that reignites my love for the series. I wonder if THUG will even be in consideration, and honestly, I don’t have nearly as much nostalgia for those games, I kind of fell off at that point. I still played them all, but my memories are from those first four games. I would love it if this sparked the return of the series for a new game, as I feel like the remakes have run their course.

It is great to see series as long-running as this one still impressing over two decades later. Fans of fighting games should definitely take the plunge.

I feel nothing major is lost in the port to the smaller screen and in doing so, you now have one of the best RPGS ever made literally at your fingertips on the go. It doesn’t get much better than that.

While the core gameplay of Fire Emblem: Fates remains intact and enjoyable, the poorly conceived release model, along with a predictable story that feels incomplete holds it back from true greatness.

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.

In the early hours of Trails of Cold Steel, I was skeptical that it could live up to the lofty standards set by Trails in the Sky. However, after my first year spent as a student of Class VII, I can confidently say that it has, and knowing that this is just the beginning of a new series fills me with great anticipation.

Dark Souls Remastered is exactly what the name implies and fans will adore it. I still suck royally at these games. I still want an easy mode so I can manage to get through them without frustration, but the game that spawned a genre is still finely crafted. The jump in framerate and added DLC make this the package to own. For new and old players this is the version to own.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 provides another dark look at war and its effects on those who are waging it. Just like in the first there are some very dire consequences to using certain abilities in game, thankfully the developers have added another option which will only disable instead of destroying, which is nice but still feels bad to use either weapon. (Im being vague on purpose but if you played the original you know what I’m talking about) While I loved this game almost as much as I enjoyed the original, I just can’t shake the feeling that this didn’t do enough to be a full sequel, so much of it is so similar to the original. It doesn’t mean Fuga 2 isn’t great though, the story is just as moving as the original and the relationships players will be stewards over with these kids is one of, if not the best thing about this series.

Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars is a great expansion for the series and feels like a celebration of Chinese mythology by not only showcasing excellent storytelling but also building on the top-notch strategic elements from its original release. By introducing the rich tapestry of Chinese legends and pairing it with refined gameplay and the stunning visuals, the expansion successfully reinvigorates the classic game for a new generation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Immortal Pillars offers tons of improvements over the base game and more to love about the Age of Mythology.

Monster Hunter Generations feels like a slight step forward while changing things up a bit in the formula.

A fantastic game. The story is great and the combat has plenty of depth for any fan of RPG's. I can't recommend this game enough.

Easily one of the best handheld games of the year and quite possibly the best Castlevania portable title yet.

All I can really say is that I think the narrative is extremely well done and I should have expected that coming from the guy who also created Pony Island which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. The art design and the audio design are also top notch. Expect to see this on plenty of GOTY lists as well as GOTY discussions because what I think Inscryption is extremely well done both in narrative and gameplay. I have a hope that maybe someday we see a multiplayer spin off because there’s still a lot this IP can offer, and I have friends who have played this as well and loved it and I really would like to challenge their decks. It could have survived on simply being a great card game and it managed to exceed that simple expectation and left me wanting more.

The game is one of the best Splinter Cells I have ever played, and I feel that Ubisoft has really made a solid game.

If there is one thing I could say about Sparks of Hope, it is that is more of the same, and that isn’t a bad thing, far from it. But along with the improvements to gameplay, there are also some odd additions to be found, such as the Rabbids now spouting dialogue. Overall the package is a generous one, with plenty of content to enjoy and challenges to overcome. But it is hard to ignore the fact that Maio seems like a secondary character in his own game, as do all of the Mushroom Kingdom’s cast. Does the inclusion of Mario make Sparks of Hope a more appealing package, yes absolutely, but it stops at making it a better game. But it is hard to deny the appeal that the first game had and Sparks of Hope certainly makes good on the promises of the original. A game that places fun at its forefront.

As a straight puzzle game The Talos Principle is very solid, but the setting and narrative really elevate it into something special.

What makes PGR 4 so good is the fact that the developers have played to the series strengths while adding in just enough to keep things interesting.

Despite the flaws with its pacing, Metroid: Samus Returns feels like true classic reborn- with all the polish expected of a modern release and stands proudly among the other fantastic 2D entries to the series.

Judgement is a game that was limited by its one console release. It is great to see the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku bring it to a wider audience. If you have never played a game in the Yakuza franchise this is a great jumping off point. It captures what makes those games so great without requiring a ton of investment in older titles to appreciate the story. There is so much to love about these games and I am constantly impressed at the way the team is able to craft genuinely fantastic characters and still pump out hefty experiences on a regular basis. I hope the Judgement series gets to continue, but as it stands this game is one worth checking out.

I cannot stress how much enjoyment Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has delivered. From the compelling narrative to the incredible visual design to the incredibly deep, and well-paced mechanics, this is a game with which every JRPG fan will likely fall in love. Even if you are a casual fan of the genre, this would be one I would recommend checking out if you have a PS3.

The sweeping changes to the games career mode, the effort put in to increasing the quality of the presentation, and the incredible in ring action add a lot to an already great experience. With such a great foundation, UFC Undisputed has established itself as the clear frontrunner in the genre.

Stardust Galaxy Warriors is an exceptional title in an underappreciated genre. Anyone who remotely enjoys shmups should not miss out on this.

For a game that is all about puzzles it was a pleasant surprise to find so much of it set against a philosophical backdrop. Various conversations with Elohim (which is the Hebrew name for God) and characters from Greek mythology led to some genuinely thought-provoking questions. But for as much as this game made me think with its questions and musings about life, death and everything in between it was the puzzles that really pushed me. Players will come across quite a few difficult puzzles throughout their time in Talos Principle 2 but I can assure you that the hit of dopamine that you will get from your brain for the reward is well worth it.

Wasteland 3 is a great ride and fans of the genre should thoroughly enjoy it. It’s an added bonus that familiarity with Wasteland 2 is really not a pre-requisite for picking up Wasteland 3 – the game is accessible and holds up in its own right. Whilst the player-controlled characters lack any kind of development, fortunately this oversight does not apply to the rest of the inhabitants of Colorado Springs. There’s depth to the game’s story and its setting, and for the most part decisions have consequences. With around 60 hours of content, Wasteland 3 is well worth the investment.

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.

Not that fans of the NHL have any other choice if they want an up to date representation of their sport of choice, but NHL 20 is a great pickup. Even if you aren’t a huge hockey fan there is a lot to love here, and the ability to simplify the controls ensures that everyone can have fun even if they aren’t all that knowledgeable with respect to the sport. The new multiplayer modes are fun and the customization options added to CHEL make for a pretty good reward for playing. If you’ve ever enjoyed playing a hockey game, it’s worth checking this one out. If you love the sport, it’s pretty much a must buy.

Wii owners should definitely rush out and snag a copy before it becomes a rarity. If you have even the smallest of interest in fighting games, this is a must-own. There simply isn’t a better fighter on the Wii and this is likely the closest we may ever get to a sequel to Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

Obviously, fans of Borderlands will get much more out of it, but even if you haven’t played the first person shooter RPGs, you’ll still have a great time seeing this world in the eyes of a couple of cons. It is well acted, has tons of style, and brings a great story to the table.

Definitely an improvement over its already incredible lineage. The Champion mode is fantastic, and nearly worth the price of admission on its own. Couple that with the rock-solid gameplay and suite of great online modes, and you have a game that's fit for not only huge boxing fans, but anyone that likes to beat up on their friends a bit.

You may not like the story it tells, and you may not feel totally satisfied with the outcome; but when the story is told in such a well crafted manner it doesn’t really matter. Anyone who appreciates a good mystery will definitely get something out of Firewatch; just don’t let your mind race to much, as you may end up feeling a little let down.

Horizon Zero Dawn is a game Sony really wants you to love. This update is technically impressive on every level. The upgrade price is fair, and kudos to Nixxes for not just upping the resolution and framerate, there is a TON of work done here around the entire world. If you enjoy Aloy’s adventures, this is a no-brainer.

Despite the detour with the some of the controls, Super Street Fighter IV 3D stands as the tour-de-force for fighting games on-the-go and a must-own addition to the 3DS.

Mass Effect 3 on Wii U is a tough sell. The game on its own is fantastic. The shooting is solid, the narrative is great and the characters are memorable, but you are simply missing so much of the experience by not having played the previous two. In the case that you have played them on other consoles, there is no incentive to lose your save and progress to migrate to Wii U.

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.

The balance between puzzling, platforming and combat is, well, delightful.

Fans of Trials need to get this pack, especially if, like me you haven't touched the game in a while due to the massive onslaught of quality software this year. Trials Evolution remains one of the best downloadable packages on XBLA, and one of the feature titles for the service. I cannot recommend the value you get from Red Lynx enough.

Bravely Default stands currently as my first big game of the year contender and while there are a few minor missteps along the way, it’s still a giant leap forward for what a traditional JRPG should be in the modern age.

Jedi Survivor is a great Star Wars game with a lot of technical mishaps that really drag it down. The story is excellent, and I loved the characters. The combat still feels good. I just wish the navigation system was better.

Lies of P comes across as the ‘Bloodbourne we have at home’ from its gothic architecture and dark and gritty themes it feels very much like the Bloodbourne fans have been craving at 60fps. But Lies of P does enough to cut the strings that may be attaching it to Sony’s Bloodborne. Round8 and the team have carved out just enough to make this genre their own, from the tweaks to health and combat to the way recovering lost ergo works; Lies of P has become managed to indeed become a real boy.

Season 2 adds a lot in characters and new updates to the game make it a must own for Xbox fighting game fans. I highly suggest picking up this season’s offerings.

Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII is exactly what is advertised. It is the most complete multiplayer package the series has ever seen. The three modes complement each other well. The Battle Royale mode is fantastic. Multiplayer feels great for veteran players. Zombies is neat if not a bit mundane before it ends. Still, there is a lot here, and for those wanting that online CoD experience will find plenty bang for their buck. I miss the campaign, but they have definitely made up for it for those interested in killing other players online.

Even when I was beating my head against a wall on a certain level, I was still having a fun time with OlliOlli World. The simple controls kept me engaged, the progression was as difficult as I wanted it to be, and the style really sold the entire experience, I think fans of the Trials or Joe Danger games should really give this one a shot and fans of skating games can have a lot of fun here as well.

An in your face, balls to the wall, destroy everything in your path treat. With a ton of missions to complete, an entire planet to destroy, and online modes that will have you sitting in front of your television for hours upon hours, this game has it all. I know this has been said a ton of times before, but it holds true for this game; if Red Faction: Guerrilla doesn't get your blood pumping, check your pulse.

I have been a big fan of the Assassin’s Creed games since their inception, back when Jade Raymond was shepherding young Desmond’s journey. It’s been a long time since then and the series has seen lots of changes and to me Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the best this series has ever been. With its destructible environments, fantastic story and excellent characters, Shadows has managed to dethrone Odyssey as my favorite Assassin’s Creed game.

A fantastic addition to the series, and quite possibly the best football game ever created.

AC3 is a fantastic game that is hampered by its problems, and the Wii U does little to solve them.

If you loved the original there is enough here to replace your copy of the first game, and if you passed the first time around there has never been a better time to dive in.

Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien feels like the natural evolution of the original Bit.Trip Runner. The heart of the game is still the same, but it comes with a prettier look and expanded gameplay. While I felt like some of the expansion was unnecessary, it’s still a very fun and challenging experience. For new players, it’s more accessible than the original, and for returning vets it’s more of what made the original so unique.

Guitar Hero World Tour manages to do a lot of things very well, but the problem arises when you realize that with so many options it is hard for one of them to stand out. The song list is excellent, but suffers now because of not being backward compatible with previous games. The music studio is an excellent first effort, but hurts from sound quality and complexity.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing was a fantastic game and the Complete Pack adds all the extras that were released.

For fans of the series DOA4 is everything you could possibly want from a next-gen iteration of the game; a revamped fighting system, faster game play, and enough T&A to satisfy even the most jaded otaku.

Pure doesn’t set any standards in the department of innovation, but it does take everything fun about the genre and cram it into a tight package.

Soulcalibur IV is the definition of how to make a sequel to a beloved franchise. Everything is dialed up and the amount of content will keep gamers occupied for months to come. The fighting engine is deep enough for hardcores to take pleasure in while easy enough for casuals to simply pick up and enjoy.

So, the big question is whether this is worth revisiting with the HD collection with the original already existing. For me it is a mixed bag. I loved revisiting this absolute classic. The new visuals really do look amazing, and the minor quality of life improvements make it easier to just enjoy the game. Still, I would have loved to see so much more included or updated.

Spider-Man Miles Morales is a wonderful introduction to the PlayStation 5. It checks all the boxes of showcasing the new consoles features. The game is heart-warming, fun, and impressive on all levels. If you bought a PlayStation 5, this game should be mandatory. While it is available on PS4, this version really shows what Sony’s new console is capable of, and I cannot wait for Insomniac’s next game in the series.

Soulcalibur IV is the definition of how to make a sequel to a beloved franchise. Everything is dialed up and the amount of content will keep gamers occupied for months to come. The fighting engine is deep enough for hardcores to take pleasure in while easy enough for casuals to simply pick up and enjoy.

Forza Horizon was definitely a great surprise. Not only does it carry the Forza name, it carries the quality, just in a different form.

I could go on and on about how much I’ve fallen in love with the setting, the improvements to the core gameplay, and the way it feels like Ubisoft have breathed new life into the franchise. The year off and restructure of the game has done wonders for it, almost bringing Assassin’s Creed into the RPG territory rather than just being and action adventure game. While I can see some being disappointed in that aspect, I love role playing games, loot, and exploration, and Assassin’s Creed nails these new elements while still feeling like an Assassin’s Creed game at its core. Combat is the biggest hurdle getting used to, and when the camera doesn’t work in tandem, feels a bit messy. Otherwise, aside from some odd visual glitches that randomly occurred in my game, or some rather typical AI follies, I have little issues with Origins. It’s one of the best Assassin’s Creeds games I’ve played, and probably one of my all-time favorites right after Black Flag and the controversial AC III. This one was worth the wait. Now time to get back to exploring another ancient tomb!

This is still the same great Arkham City we played last year, but the new gimmicks, weird visual issues and glitches make it truly an inferior version when compared to the others. I really wish they had put more thought into how to implement the touch screen into the mix, because as it stands, it is more hindrance than help.

Assassin's Creed III is how you re-ignite a franchise just when fatigue sets in.

If you have the patience, and don't mind some repetitive game play along with very little explanation, this game is for you. Fans of stat-tracking RPGs will eat this game up, and action fans will find a good challenge when trying to strategize situations.

Wii U owners looking for a solid basketball experience are in for a treat. This is one of the best ports available at launch, and it goes toe-to-toe with the other versions on every level. NBA 2K13 is a fantastic game no matter how you play it, and being available at the launch of a console gives the Wii U one more reason to celebrate.

I cannot emphasize enough how great this game truly is and how much respect I have for the team to make a game that not only impresses on a technical level, but somehow manages to make playing in this overdone war fun again.

The game really is just pure fun to play. On a high end PC, the game looks amazing in cut scenes and in the fast-paced combat. If you are an action game fan, you owe it to yourself to own DmC. You will not be disappointed.

For the Final Fantasy fans out there, this is a great collection that should be picked up. For newcomers to Final Fantasy or people who may have missed it the first time around, you get a pretty fine RPG with some decent game play, so there’s actually something here for everyone.

If you played these classic NES games back in the day and are looking for that feeling again, you just found it. Shovel Knight is one game pretty much any gamer should not miss out on.

Roche Fusion is an extremely addicting arcade shooter. It might take a lot of ideas from various other games in the genre, but it still finds itself in the position to stand out and be unique all on its own.

It is awesome to finally have Axiom Verge on all platforms now, and for those that missed it for some reason, there is simply no excuse anymore. It is an excellent callback to classic titles, while also bringing its own flair and making a stamp on the genre. I cannot recommend it enough. I am disappointed that I waited so long to finally dive deep into its world, but now that I have, I can’t wait to go back.

It is next to impossible not to recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of either of these two brands, as you will most assuredly find a fighter that suits your play style. Aside from the lack of spectator mode and redundant characters that made the final roster, I have nothing negative to say about this game.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is easily the most ambitious entry in series to date, with an expansive world map and a greater emphasis on storytelling. It carries the proud tradition of a skillfully satisfying and lightning fast combat engine, paired with a soundtrack that could only have been composed by the legends at Team JDK. It makes a strong case, not only as one of the best Ys games ever made, but also as a contender for game of the year.

However these shortcomings of our metal clad hero does not change the fact that Machinarium is a great addition to the classic adventure genre, and should be played by anyone who enjoys these types of games.

Although F1 2016 won’t be for everyone, it is a testament to Codemasters’ love of the genre and their commitment to their fans. Taking lessons learned from previous games and applying their expertise, Codemasters has created an almost perfect simulation of the greatest racing competition on earth.

Despite the lack of innovation, Nioh’s blend of character action and soulslike still manages to entertain, with its combat being undeniably polished to near perfection.

In the end, it all boils down to the player. If you are looking for a great RPG to sink your teeth into, The Witcher 3 is an automatic recommend. What is not an automatic recommend is if you already own an Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or a PC that can run games well. If you do have one of those, get this game there. It looks way better and can easily be found on the cheap for $20 at any given sale. This version of the game is really only for the Switch only owners or the players really looking for a portable version of The Witcher 3. Sure, there are some of them out there and I can’t recommend this game enough, but just keep in mind, it does have that visual downgrade that can be a hard pill to swallow for some. If you can look past that, you end up with one of the best games to release in the past decade.

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.

While Zenzizenzic isn’t going to set the world on fire with its visual style or gameplay innovations, it’s a solid bullet-hell shooter with a kick-ass soundtrack that’s modestly priced.

Clocking in at around two hours, this is the best looking, best playing and most polished game that Telltale has created to date and while it’s a bit lacking in the idea that each choice has great weight and meaning behind them, it’s still a fantastic title and a truly promising beginning for what might become Telltale’s greatest work yet.

Ultimately, though, Crusade does what all good expansions should do – it takes a base game and improves upon it in significant ways. There is a great amount of new content here that will give existing players a fresh experience when returning to Galactic Civilizations III. It’s also competitively priced, which should entice newcomers as well. There are a few bugs and the rather large shadow of Stellaris that hang over this game, but all in all this is a really decent strategy title that should appeal to any fan of 4X gaming.

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

Curious Village is unequivocally pretty; the well-styled visuals are clean and simple, true to the content and very, well, classy

Episode 3 is the one episode that really makes you think. It's a rough emotional ride that will make you want to replay the episode to see what exactly would happen if you changed your choices. It really is the best episode in the series so far. It will be very difficult to top this one. The cliffhanger to this episode will guarantee that you will want to play the next. I highly suggest the entire series, and especially this episode, without any doubts.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 is a monster collection of the series in the peak of its greatness. FFX alone set so many standards for JRPGs that still hold true today. Both games are well represented here, and it is nice to see them show up on Microsoft and Nintendo consoles. The price tag may be steep, but the content matches it pound for pound. If for some reason you have never experienced these games, get this collection. It is more than worth your time to see a genuine piece of JRPG history.

Blasphemous 2 scratched an itch I didn’t even realize I had, I am not a fan of soulsbourne games, but I think I AM a fan of roguelikes, especially this one that took the best parts from the metroidvania genre and expertly weaved with the ‘Souls’ type combat. Boasting a strange and evocative narrative that is presented with beautifully painted and animated cutscenes that look like works of art hanging in the Louvre, Blasphemous 2 is itself a work of art.

Fans of the series will likely love it, but for newcomers this is the best time to jump in. I am happy to have finally taken the plunge, and over time I can see myself returning to the series, especially with two more games already scheduled to hit PS4 soon. There is plenty here to enjoy, and I guarantee there is nothing else quite like Yakuza.

While the challenge is a welcome change of pace from the slew of unbelievably easy games that we’ve seen released lately, it seems that the developers are just milking the game for replay value.

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.

There’s a lot to enjoy here both solo and as a co-op experience. Any fan of Destiny 1 should take a look at this game, and anyone that has had interest in it but hasn’t pulled the trigger on it just yet should rest easy knowing that while it has a few issues here and there, Destiny 2 is a great game that champions over the first game in so many ways. I highly suggest it to both FPS and RPG fans alike.

While respectful to the source material and even showing us characters that have been referenced in the books such as Headmaster Black; Hogwarts Legacy uses its place in the past to great effect. Laying the groundwork for the Hogwarts that we know and love, it was great seeing the genesis of some of the more common things in the wizarding world. But the games presentation of its choices; in making them seem dire and dare I say ‘world shattering’ only to then have them add up to a big fat pile of nothing in the post-narrative game is just a cop out that sucks. But hopefully we can see this wrong righted as well as some Qudditch in a sequel, that is if JK Rowling can manage not to have the brand erased from existence.

You won’t hear me talk this highly about a ‘Souls-like’ game ever and that should speak volumes to just how good Remnant 2 really is. Any sequel worth its salt should look to improve upon what the original did before it, and that is one thing that Gunfire Games has certainly done with Remnant 2. The entire game feels like a love letter to fans of the original with new systems and classes, improved features and gunplay and the solid co-op gameplay. I just wish the narrative was as polished as the rest of this package though, here’s hoping we get a Remnant 3 where that wrong is righted.

The game doesn't re-invent the wheel, or even try to, but what it does, it does well.

While some people will invariably compare this title to its predecessors, it also stands on it own as an extremely crisp, accessible, and impressive platformer that is well worth taking for a spin.

If you own an Xbox One this game is a must own. If not, it might be time to buy one.

The game will certainly not blow you away by any means, but if you dive in year in and year out you won't be disappointed. I can only hope Madden is this improved because that means that I am in for a great year of virtual football.

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

All that said, if you have already taken Death's journey, there is little reason to come back for seconds. Darksiders II is a great game, but once is more than enough here. I am still dealing with side quests and DLC from the original 360 version personally, so unless you skipped it altogether, there is no single feature that makes this worthy of a double dip. Wii U owners that have yet to embark on the series should definitely check it out. It is a massive game that will last you upwards of 50 hours to complete. As a launch title, that is impressive.

Fans of the series should really pick this one up, and from the stories I heard from players of the previous games, it sounds like this is one of the best ones for newcomers. I would have to agree. I had no idea how to play this game, but I was in, and addicted to the timer within an hour of booting it up for the first time. This is one Switch game I think anyone should add to their library.