With so many degrees of gameplay, and so much fun packed into a single game, it's hard to not recommend this game to anyone who has ever picked up a controller.

I could go on for another couple thousand words about the amazing experience that is GTA IV, but what's most important for you to know is that this game is an absolute masterpiece.

With its simple, yet addicting gameplay and amazing visuals, Super Mario Galaxy is by far the best game available for the Wii, along with the best Mario title released in years.

I wish there was more I could say about the game. There is so much to discuss, but that would take away from the experience. Avoid spoilers, avoid videos of this game, just buy it, play it, and fall in love with this world the same way I did.

Grand Theft Auto V is certainly more than worth your time, but the question is, do you want to spend another 30-50 hours in Los Santos, if you already made the trip last year? For me it is a resounding yes, as the new additions really drew me back into the world, and I had forgotten how much fun I had just exploring, planning heists and even hopping online with friends to cause havoc.

I could do all of those things, but I’d rather just say that GTA V is as close to a perfection of the Grand Theft Auto formula as has been created thus far. If you have any interest at all, it should already be installing on your system.

There are already a ton of great games in 2017, with plenty more to come over the next nine months, but Zelda is a once-a-generation title that I think no one should miss out on. Fans of the series will be in love, those that never managed to get into it will be enthralled. This is the next evolution of the series, and quite possibly one of the best games I have ever played. Do not miss this game.

There are endless joys to discuss with Super Mario Odyssey. Being a huge fan of Mario 64, this game is a love letter for me. I enjoyed every minute I was playing it and cannot wait until I get some free time to return and continue collecting moons. Switch owners need this game, players without a Switch need to go buy one to play it. Nintendo knocks another one out of the park, and this may very well be their best year of games since the Super Nintendo.

One of the most engrossing experiences in the history of interactive entertainment.

Spread across twenty-six chapters is a story as playful and worthwhile as the gameplay.

I can’t help but compare it to a great session of Dungeons and Dragons with your friends, it's something that when done correctly will stay with you long after you have finished a play session. The team at Larian Studios are to be commended, Baldur’s Gate 3 is nothing short of a masterpiece when it comes to RPG’s.

You will be hard pressed to find a better deal this holiday season and to those who think gaming was better back in the glory days, enjoy your 8-bit sprites while I continue to indulge life as a Freeman!

If you even remotely enjoy a good narrative, this game is a must buy. Fans of the original are in for a treat as everything that was wrong with the last game has been fixed. Mass Effect 2 truly is the definitive entry in the series, and quite possibly the best BioWare game to be released thus far.

Simply put, this is a beautiful game. The scenery on display here is almost unparalleled in the genre. From scenic viewpoints atop snowy mountains to the rushing streams and waterfalls I found myself often just stopping and admiring for a while.

Nintendo continues to keep this series fresh and while I do love what these new entries are doing, I would be remiss if I didn’t say I do kind of miss the classic design. Still Tears of the Kingdom is by far one of the best games of this generation and if you somehow haven’t played it yet, there is no excuse.

Consider the purchase of your PS3 more than justified.

You really can't afford to miss this one! It has set a new standard for sandbox games.

The Last of Us is a testament to game design. Naughty Dog continues to perfect their craft at immersive storytelling, while still delivering one amazing game to play.

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.

Players who missed this on the PS3 will find a lot to like here, but for those who have already completed it I doubt the graphical upgrade is worth another play through.

You really can't afford to miss this one! It has set a new standard for sandbox games.

On one hand I love the game play. Building up Mother Base, the missions, the stealth and gunplay all feel so refined. The open-world sandbox is endless fun. The Metal Gear portion though sadly disappoints. The boss fights are lackluster, the cut scenes are not as wacky and outlandish as I expected, and the story never really grabbed me.

The dialogue from Stephen Merchant, J.K. Simmons and, of course, Ellen McClain as GLaDOS steals the show. The writing is top-notch, and you will actually be upset if you miss some of the quips and humorous banter.

I cannot stress how much is packed in this. I saw cameos I never expected. The nostalgia overload is almost too much at times. I haven’t had this much fun with a game in a long time, and even though I have rolled credits, I am going back to 100% this. Astro’s Playroom was my first Platinum Trophy, Astro Bot will be my second. This game brings me more joy than I expected, and it will be at the top of my favorite games of the year.

While it may not reinvent the wheel, it makes it a much more enjoyable ride.

God of War is, simply put, the best PS4 game I have played in the console’s lifecycle. I can’t stop thinking about its world and characters. I had so much fun exploring it and taking on its combat. I wanted more, and the game delivers. After having hesitations about the direction I thought the game was going, I am thrilled to report that all of my concerns were nullified within the first hour of the game. This is the true evolution of the series, and quite possibly the best game of the year. Well at least so far.

Even with a disappointingly short campaign CoD 4 is a must own for fans of the genre, I know it seems like there have been a million FPS game released in the last three months, but this is yet again another must have. The highly addictive online mode is the first game that I could see knocking Halo 3 off its pedestal as well as becoming a staple for future online games.

Batman: Arkham City is a rare treat, much like its predecessor. Not only is it a great licensed game, it is quite possibly the best superhero game ever made.

Metroid Prime is one of the best games ever made and this new version retains everything that made it special. I have enjoyed revisiting this masterpiece so much and am so happy new players are able to experience it in its finest form. I hope this shows Nintendo that the Metroid series is truly one of the best in their repertoire and we see more games in the series. I cannot wait to see what Retro accomplishes with Metroid Prime 4 when it finally releases.

There are few games that truly define "classic" in this day and age, and Ocarina of Time is one of them.

The game is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced by everyone who calls themselves a gamer. If you have already been through the vistas of Rapture there is little here to warrant a return visit, however if you have managed to remain closed off from the story it is definitely worth the trip.

Mass Effect still proves that it is one of the best game series this console generation. The story, characters, game play, and overall presentation are one of pure quality.

The biggest draw to Epic’s newest masterpiece is obviously the visuals. Gears looks better than every other game you have ever seen, and yes that includes every single one of the PS3 launch titles.

With its enormous amount of quests, the beautifully expansive environment, and a degree of subtlety that most games don’t even dream of, Bethesda has created a gaming masterpiece that will be hard to knock off come Game of the Year voting.

Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- is a remake handled with expert care and fully realized without losing any elements that makes the original a legendary classic of the genre. It stands as one of the pinnacles of the genre and makes me feel truly fortunate that the original to this wonderful remake is the title that kicked off a love affair with visual novels that endures to this date.

CoD 4 is much more than a new subtitle and change of weapons; the team has crafted one of the best paced, most beautiful shooters ever created. Couple this with the highly-addictive and extremely well balanced multi-player and you have a package that is the epitome of how sequels should work.

The combat wore thin, the collection aspect is archaic, yet the narrative payoff is worth every hindrance. That speaks volumes to the construction of the story Ken Levine and his team at Irrational Games have achieved here.

What it does do is take a great game with superb gameplay and improve upon it in every way imaginable. You will also not find a more complete package for your money this year.

For the price you simply will not find a better deal this year. Even if you beat the first game to death including both Hurricane Packs, NGB is still worth owning.

While the technical issues of the barebones PC port and the familiar trappings of the open world formula substantially soured my experience, Elden Ring is still an impressive achievement of fusing compelling world design, exploration and combat.

This game deserves a place on everyone's shelf, from the most casual fan of fighting games to the most hardcore. No matter your personal skill level, you owe it to yourself to buy this game. SFIV's incredible art style, rock solid gameplay, and infinitely compelling multiplayer make it stand out as one of best games of this generation.

God of War Ragnarök is an outstanding game with some questionable pacing and flow at times. There are moments in this game where I was simply in awe of what was on screen. Then there are times when the game feels like it is doing everything in its power to keep me from progressing or enjoying its playground.

Deliver[s] an intense and satisfying gaming experience.

When all is said and done Metal Gear Solid 4 is exactly what the fans wanted for Snake's final mission.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the type of game that actually delivers on every promise as well as exceeding every expectation.

Last of Us 2 is a hard game to critique. On one hand it sets new bars for performance capture and visual fidelity. Naughty Dog is truly head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to these areas. The world is impeccably detailed and the game is a true showpiece for visual fidelity. On the other hand it is just not fun to play at times. Whether it is the uncomfortable nature of what is happening or the fact that the game play feels like an afterthought to everything else included in the package. Combine that with a story that is sure to disappoint fans of the series and we have a mixed bag of emotions. There is no doubting the quality of this game, but I am not sure I needed or even wanted this sequel upon completing it.

A great game for the handheld and can satisfy any hardcore gamers' craving for something more than cooking games and language teachers on their DS.

Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing, and this game has it in abundance. In a way, it saddens me to think that I have likely already missed numerous small-yet-endearing side quests; that I’ve passed characters by without ever knowing the stories they have to tell. This game is magical, and magically intense – it is an experience that has been passionately and painstakingly realised by developer Larian. How to sum it all up? I’ll (finally) be succinct and simply say this: Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the best RPGs I have ever played.

Bioshock Infinite is a really remarkable game. While the combat may get old at times the story never does, and I really don’t want to write anything about it, because discovering it was such a joy. Any complaints I had were immediately washed away by the game’s incredible ending, which is one of the best game endings I have ever experienced. It’s a well-polished, exceptional experience, and something that I would recommend to anyone.

Braid is the kind of game that will likely change the face of downloadable entertainment.

Combat seemed flawless; the puzzle element, while at times unnecessarily misleading and therefore frustrating, was even more rewarding because of the joy of discovery.

Super Mario 3D World justifies a Wii U.

I am however completely enthralled with the game.

This game deserves a place on everyone's shelf, from the most casual fan of fighting games to the most hardcore. No matter your personal skill level, you owe it to yourself to buy this game. SFIV's incredible art style, rock solid gameplay, and infinitely compelling multiplayer make it stand out as one of best games of this generation.

If you are a fan of rogue-lites there is absolutely no reason for you to not be playing Hades, and if you aren’t a fan of the genre but enjoy action RPG’s with the above ingredients then you should give this a try. If Hades becomes the gold standard for rogue-lites going forward, then consider me a willing convert and long live the rogue lites!

Split Fiction is a clear and early frontrunner for my Game of the Year for 2025. Every moment of this game was enjoyable, even just sitting on a bench and overlooking some epic landscape while the characters shared a bit about themselves.

Needless to say, Persona 4 Golden is a must buy for Vita owners. Large amounts of gameplay are wrapped in the shroud of an incredibly deep story. It touches on death, murder, other dimensions, moral ambiguity, suicide, celebrities, media exploits and even corporate greed via major department stores; this game has it all. I feel that Persona 4 Golden is a very fitting title; this game truly is golden.

With all the issues I had with the game, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Persona 5 is one of the best games in the series, as well as one of the best JRPGs to come out in years. The story is well told and exciting while still being emotional, the combat is fun and really engrossing and allows for some great combinations, and the presentation is both stylish and really fun. There is so much to do in this game that it would take another three pages to go over it all, and in the end, if I haven’t convinced you to pick this game up by now, I have nothing else to give you. If you’re an RPG fan by any means, you need to get this game. It’s a great time with both deep mechanics and a deep story. Not to mention, it oozes style the entire time.

Visually this is one of the best looking games on the system to date. Even more so than the already gorgeous Xbox 360 version released last year, the PS3 iteration features some much appreciated improvements that really show off the engine and the environments.

Fallout 3 is among the best games I've played this year, and represents both Bethesda's legacy and the legacy of the Fallout series incredibly well. It's easy to sink hours into exploring this world, and its depth will consume you if you let it. Fallout 3 is a must buy for anyone who loves games, regardless of your preferred genre.

Gears of War 2 does everything you wanted the original to do and then some. I have never been so hooked on a game. I couldn't put it away until I beat it. I just couldn't get enough of the intense action, the beautiful visuals and I especially couldn't get enough of the story.

Mass Effect 3 is about as good of an ending as anyone could have possibly hoped for.

You may hate motion control, but once this game clicks, it is genius. If you are a Zelda fan, you cannot miss this game. It is simply the best Wii game yet, and definitely up there as one of the best Zelda games I have played in years.

Rock Band manages to be the definitive music game experience and if you enjoyed the previous ones chances are you will fall in love all over again.

Hades stands not only as the finest, most well-crafted game from the exceedingly talented developers at Supergiant but as one of the pinnacles of the genre. If you never looked at rogue-likes seriously before due to differences in personal tastes and what you believe that they represent, this might be the very title to change your mind.

This is the best Uncharted game to date, and quite possibly one of the best games that will come out this generation.

After the short reign of Super Mario Party, Super Smash Bros Ultimate has now become the de-facto game of choice to play at the office as well as the home. It encapsulates the timeless elements of the long running series and sprinkles a wealth of content unmatched by its contemporary rivals. Simply put, it’s couch gaming bliss.

Resident Evil Requiem is easily my favorite game so far in 2026. It is very high on my list of Resident Evil games, only fighting with RE2 as the best of all time. This is an easy recommendation. This game is one of the best I have played in years, and I cannot recommend it enough. Do not hesitate, play this game. Capcom continues to hit on all cylinders, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.

Overall Forza Horizon 4 is the greatest game I feel just kind of meh about. I mean there is absolutely nothing wrong with so many aspects of this title. It is polished, fun, smooth, and gorgeous. I think I am just growing tired of its structure. Still it feels like this title may see more updates than any previous entry. It has dozens of hours of content already packed into it. It is visually stunning and a blast to play with friends. It is hard not to love what Horizon 4 does.

It will stand out as the perfect end to one of the best action series in a long time. If it truly is the end.

I can go on and on about how great Original Sin II is and honestly, I’d love to, but I think I have said what needs to be said here. ANY role playing fan needs to pick this game up. It has the options, the story, the look, and the feel of a truly amazing RPG, and it shows. D&D players will love the role playing aspects of it, and tactical fans will fall in love with the turn-based combat. It has damn near everything in it including co-op, so you won’t even have to experience this alone. It’s one of the best RPGs I have played in years and one that no one should pass up.

The Xbox 360 adaptation is far and away the definitive version of the game and certainly worth the extra ten bucks. With an expanded track list, the promise of downloadable content, and the addition of leaderboards and Achievements you will be playing this game well into 2007 and beyond.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is a fantastic game that should get even better when the aiming and shooting is patched. It's an absolutely worthwhile experience for anyone who loves the series or simply enjoys a heart-pounding adventure. Unfortunately, the pacing, puzzle segments and platforming just aren't quite as good as those found Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

There is so much more I want to say, but I do not want to ruin any part of this experience. Being such a huge fan of the original game, I could not be happier with how this sequel turned out. After being lukewarm on the first entry, this one squashes all my concerns and doubts about this remake.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fantastic entry. It takes chances with its mechanics and feels like yet another testing ground for Nintendo to see what works and what doesn’t. It is the best 2D Mario in a long time, but still doesn’t dethrone the kings from the NES and SNES days. I loved every minute of the 10 or so hour campaign and want to revisit stages over time. I cannot wait for the next iteration of the Switch as I feel like we may finally see the next big 3D Mario, but until then Wonder does an outstanding job of satisfying that Mario platformer itch that has been missing since Odyssey.

Bloodborne is the next step in the Souls series, and the new, faster combat system opens up some new ideas and scenarios. For those that never could grasp the series, this new entry is not going to change your mind.

Horizon 5 is one of the most technically sound games I have played this year, but it definitely feels lacking in the evolution department.

SFVI’s launch marks an impressive effort by Capcom, having learned from previous failings and while the lackluster World Tour mode and gross battle pass stains an otherwise spotless package, it still shines brightly as the new standard for fighters to come.

This is worth your time more than anything if you enjoy puzzles. Please please please don’t sit on Blue Prince (and bring a note pad, you’ll absolutely need it.)

Squeenix once again delivers a grand adventure, with the main quest being at least 60 hours. In a genre which many think has become redundant and stale, FFXII stands out with a unique battle system, endearing characters, and a beautifully crafted, well presented story.

Braid was an iconic game for its time and revisiting it has been a treat. Say what you will about its creator, but most of the issues are not present in this package. This is still a game I think about regularly. It really defined a service and elevated indie games to a new level when it came out. Solving these puzzles still felt magical all these years later. If you have never played this title, do not skip it, even if you have it is worth revisiting. There are certain games that feel timeless, and Braid is easily one of those.

Coming hot off the heels after Shadow of the Colossus and now with Demon’s Souls, Bluepoint Games have cemented their name as the best in the business when it comes to remaking beloved classics. Not only have they managed to capture and retain all the elements that made the original so great, they have brought it to the modern age as the absolute showcase title for a new generation of consoles.

In the case of Undertale, I can’t think of one particular flaw or a way it could’ve been made more enjoyable. As is, it is as perfect as anything could be in this imperfect world of ours.

One of those games that comes along every few years that will have gamers talking about it long into the future. It is this year's BioShock, and I for one could not put it down from start to finish. If you enjoy great narrative, interesting boss encounters, fresh gameplay and of course everyone's favorite detective then Arkham Asylum will not disappoint.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is one of those games to which I couldn't help but become addicted. Even as someone that has a difficult time with strategy games, I was able to see just how brilliant this game is.

Smash is yet another reason to own Nintendo’s machine, and anyone looking for a fun romp would be wise to pick it up, along with some Gamecube controllers for maximum enjoyment.

Rock Band truly raises the bar for the genre, and with continually updated downloadable content it's no one night stand.

Not only the best RPG this generation, but it's also my favorite game on the Nintendo Wii. If you like RPGs, then you own it to yourself to buy this limited time gem of a game. The world and story of Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the most profound gaming experiences in recent years.

With 84 tracks on the disc, an additional 20 more coming before year's end and the gigantic amount of improvements to an already stellar game Rock Band 2 is a music game lover's dream come true.

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.

As long as you go in with your expectations appropriately set, you will find something to enjoy in both of these titles whether you are going on these adventures for the first time or are coming back to experience them in HD.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastical adventure, brought to life in expert fashion by a team with all the experience and talent they needed to achieve a vision which truly feels like a culmination of the many lessons learned throughout their storied legacy.

I want you to reward the development team of Dark Nebula: Episode 2 with your dollar, I want them to experience the positive affirmation of your purchase. I want this app to sell well, so that they can go forth and create more awesome. Now hop to it.

If you have any interest in playing this game after reading this review, do yourself a favor and get it now. If you allow yourself to be enthralled with its atmosphere and game play you’ll become an avid fan just like me.

The sheer amount of content and improvements more than warrants the price tag and you would be crazy to pass up this delightful package.

An immaculate piece of software (and hardware) that should at least be experienced by everyone, especially people who love playing guitar.

Diablo 4 feels like a wonderful homecoming, with its darker tone and sublime cutscenes which Blizzard has always been wonderful at; the whole game just feels like a love letter to us fans who have waited so long to return to Hell and defeat its denizens once more.

A gaming experience that’s more polished and exciting than I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing and one I’ll be sure to continue to play for the foreseeable future. If not for the inclusion of microtransactions, this would have been a perfect game in my book.