NBA 2K17 is once again a strong, diverse title that beautifully represents the style and culture of professional basketball and caters to a number of play styles.
NBA 2K 16's strong fundamental basketball smarts, world-class presentation, and multitude of options make it the most ambitious sports game I've ever played.
Strong on-ice gameplay and terrific multiplayer are offset by a lack of innovative modes. While this is a solid rebound from a shaky next-gen debut, NHL 16 still has work to do to regain greatness.
With a focus on the fundamentals and an eye for simulation-style football, Madden NFL 16 maintains the franchise's upward trajectory. Football fans have a solid title in their hands this season.
Despite smooth gameplay and fancy visuals, this game is handicapped by a distinct lack of courses and players, leaving it feeling incomplete and rather bland.
MLB 15 The Show is the best-looking sports game ever made, and it plays great too. Its game modes have grown stale, however, which begs the question: Is stupendous on-field action and stunning visuals enough?
After several years in the wilderness, NBA Live is back and it means business. While it's not yet ready to take on its 2K rival, Live is a fun game of basketball that's easy to pick and play.
Devoid of many important modes and features, NHL 15 feels incomplete, and will not appeal to long-time fans.
A new coat of paint, a ton of actionable analytic data, solid improvement in the trenches, and the extension of two popular modes makes Madden NFL 15 a winner.
If you've got a room full of buddies and a handful of controllers, Sportsfriends is a delightful party game that will have everyone smiling and elbowing each other in the ribs.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 comes in a next-gen wrapper, but feels like a last-gen experience. There's plenty of fun to be had thanks to some fun battles, an entertaining story, and scads of collectibles. Just be prepared for an experience that looks and feels extremely familiar.
With gorgeous visuals, inventive puzzles, and a fresh creative take on the platformer genre, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a welcome addition to the Xbox arsenal.
It's good that NBA Live exists--competition is desperately needed in sports games--but NBA Live 14 needs some serious work to gain equality with its NBA 2K rival. Hopefully EA Sports will back up its talk by supporting the game in the near and long term.