Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games is easily the best installment in Sega's family-friendly minigame compilation. It's still not going to top the podium, but it's definitely a contender this year.
If you're looking for on-the-go minigame mayhem, Mario Party: Island Tour is an enjoyable sojourn.
Dr. Luigi repackages the Dr. Mario formula with some new ideas, but limited options and slow pacing leave it feeling anemic.
This repackaging of the classic Wii Sports drops the ball when it comes to connectivity.
Hatoful Boyfriend is a unique experience, one that goes well beyond its bonkers concept and intentionally strange visual presentation. I was expecting to simply giggle at a nonsensical game in which I tried to woo feathered men, and what I received instead was wholly and wonderfully unexpected. Anyone with a taste for the unusual would do well to enjoy the company of these fetching fowl.
Persona Q is a cute and exceptionally enjoyable role-playing game that amplifies the series' humor to great effect.
Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker expands tremendously on an already excellent strategy RPG.
Tembo's big action setpieces prove the old adage that great things come in small packages.
This enhanced remake of Etrian Odyssey 2 has a lot to offer both series veterans and newcomers.
Though Ultra Despair Girls' action components stumble at points, the superb narrative and character development make the rest of the game a riveting experience.
The combination of a flawed rhythm game and a disappointing narrative make Persona 4 Dancing All Night an underwhelming experience.
Chibi-Robo: Zip Lash is a solid little platformer that entertains despite faltering at times. It's cute, it's charming, and it offers some nice little twists on the 2D action/grappling formula that make it stand out. Be warned, however, that you will likely come out of the experience with a serious sugar craving. (I want to try some of the tasty-looking German candy I collected, but I don't know anywhere around here that would carry it. Argh!)
Yo-Kai Watch is a rather odd beast in many ways. Kids' trends are always difficult to predict, and even with the massive marketing push behind the game, it's hard to say if Yo-Kai Watch will achieve Pokémon-like levels of cross-cultural penetration. It certainly isn't up to Pokémon's level: while exploring is fun, combat is a passive, frustrating slog that keeps it from being as enjoyable as it should be.
The Wii U version of Rodea is simultaneously a game with a lot of charm and one that's difficult to love as much as you want to. When Rodea works and all of its gears are cranking along smoothly, it's an exhilarating joy to play. But everything can come crashing down at any time: an enemy encounter reliant on overly finicky aiming or a misplaced attack that sends you careening into the abyss can sour the sense of wonder in a flash.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a great-looking, fast-paced anime fighting game that remains true to its roots for better and for worse.
If it's high-quality arcade-style action you want, Dariusburst Chronicle Saviours has you covered.
7th Dragon III’s extensive party customization and pleasing difficulty make for a great portable RPG.
This all-new adventure in the Shin Megami Tensei IV universe ranks among the best games for the 3DS.
It’s a solid action game with a charming retro flavor that leverages RCR's foundation to construct both a new adventure and a different perspective on beloved game.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is among the best games to emerge from this beloved franchise.