If you liked Borderlands, you’ll love Borderlands 2. If you missed out on the original, don’t make that same mistake twice.
I'm never thought I would be this enthusiastic about an MMO again, but I'm in love with A Realm Reborn. Its beautiful world always offers something fun and interesting to do. Sure, it's not "the next big thing" for the genre, but A Realm Reborn shines with a hundred smart ideas and small touches. Final Fantasy fans in particular will love adventuring in the gorgeous world of Eorzea.
Pokémon X and Y might mark a big visual jump for the series, but the structure remains steadfast in its dedication to tradition. These are still fun games that offer the potential for hundreds of hours of entertainment, and some of the new additions, like the Fairy-type, are certainly welcome. But X and Y don’t really stand out from their predecessors, and I really am starting to wonder how much longer Nintendo can repackage what is essentially the same game.
A Link Between Worlds is one of the 3DS’s best games and a new highlight in one of Nintendo’s most storied franchises.
Bravely Default’s decision to transform turns into a currency adds a layer of complexity to classic JRPG combat, and the flexible job system gives you tons of room for customization. Honestly, if you’re a fan of the genre, then there’s little here not to like.
Tropical Freeze does little to justify the Wii U's existence, but it's still mostly a fun, challenging platformer. Fans will certainly enjoy this difficult, beautiful romp through Donkey Kong's islands, but it will frustrate less-enthusiastic players.
The Stick of Truth is surprising. Not only is it a great South Park game, but it's a fantastic RPG in its own right. The plot has enough ridiculous twists to keep you engaged, and the battle system offers enough variety to keep encounters from growing stale and tiresome. Meanwhile, fans of the show can get lost just exploring the town and searching for references to their favorite episodes.
Moebius: Empire Rising is a decent adventure game that becomes harder to recommend because of its technical flaws. I can't really tell you if it's a worthy successor to Gabriel Knight, but fans will certainly enjoy the old-school joys of pointing and clicking their way through puzzles and dialogue.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe looks like just another entry in an old series if you only peek at screenshots and trailers, but this is the best 2D platformer I've played on the 3DS. Levels offer tons of secrets and hidden items to find, and the game's use of the portable's 3D effect is delightfully clever. It's nice to see charm and wit take center stage in this beautiful adventure.
This is a tricky one to score. Again, MLB 14 The Show on the PlayStation 4 is a great baseball game, and I undeniably have a great time playing it. Still, as a next-gen debut, it is a little underwhelming. Sure, all of the features of the PlayStation 3 version are here, but the graphical improvement is more of a single than a home run. Of course, sometimes you need those small base hits to win a game, but let's be honest; the homers are more fun.
Transistor is beautiful and engaging with a brilliant combat systems that encourages careful planning before and during battle. It's just a shame the story holds it back from being a true classic. It's a more flawed experience than Bastion was, but it's also a more interesting one. It takes risks. It ditches Bastion's charm and lighter moments for a darker, more somber story. Not all of the risks, however, pay off.
Pushmo World is a fun puzzle game, even if its presentation will make you feel like a preschooler. Still, the easy-to-use level editor really helps make it an easier recommendation to anyone looking for an interesting little addition to their Wii U library.
Shovel Knight isn't just a nostalgic act. Yes, nostalgia plays a big part in its charm, but it's an expertly crafted action-platformer that's just as enjoyable to play as Mega Man or Castlevania. Old school gamers will love Shovel Knight's retro sensibilities, but they'll also appreciate its modern touches.
Hyrule Warriors has little in common with a traditional Zelda game. You don't solve any puzzles, you don't explore any dungeons, and you certainly don't break into anyone's house and destroy all of their pottery. Still, it definitely works as a spin-off that focuses almost entirely on action. It's fun to see Link and friends battle with the kind of glitz and glamour you'd expect from an episode of Sailor Moon or Dragon Ball Z. I'm not saying I'd want that in a real Zelda installment, but it works in this surprisingly engaging off-shoot.
You can never tell how great a fighting game will really be until the public has time to master it, but Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS has everything it needs to finally get the competitive community to move on from Melee. The new characters are excellent, and the gameplay is smooth, fast, and exciting.
Rock Band and Guitar Hero are about playing music. Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is about playing with music. While it won't have the party appeal that comes with instruments, it's a more intuitive, beautiful, and creative experience. Disney loyalists hoping for fan service in the same style of Kingdom Hearts of Disney Infinity might be a little disappointed, but this is one of the most interesting music games to come out in some time.
WWE 2K15's greatest addition is the MyCareer mode. It finally gives us a way to play out our WWE fantasies with our self-made superstars. The new character models are also a nice touch, but they're offset by the loss of customization options.
When I'm playing Smash Bros. with my friends, nothing can be better. We scream, we argue, we laugh, and we never want to stop. The Wii U version is a fantastic addition to the series. The new modes are great, but the excellent mechanics and huge, varied roster make it potentially the best entry in the franchise yet.
It's not quite Persona 5, but it's still a meaty (down, Chie) role-playing experience.
If you’re an old fan, don’t expect the visual upgrades to blow you away. Sure, Grim Fandango definitely looks better, but it’s not as significant an update as you’d get from Resident Evil HD or Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. But it’s still Grim-freaking-Fandango, the greatest adventure game ever made. And, after playing it for the dozenth time thanks to this new release, I can still happily confirm that it’s my favorite game of all time.