Marred only by some barely-sentient AI, The New Order is 16-odd hours of beautiful destruction, and the characters get a look in as well. Recommended.
Second Son's sky-high production values do most of the heavy lifting, but beneath the flash are solid systems and a well-acted story that's easy to recommend to franchise fans and newcomers alike.
Titanfall is the game Microsoft's new-gen console has been waiting for: a fast, frenetic mix of parkour gunplay and agile mech combat that makes for an incomparable shooter experience.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's enhancements are cosmetic-only so the flaws present in the game's last-gen version are still present. Even so, it's a great game made greater, so for those yet to play it, this is the version to get.
Shadow Fall's multiplayer singlehandedly makes it a worthwhile purchase. A couple of things keep the mode from being truly great, but given the state of the competition this year, Killzone's multiplayer deserves to carve a wider niche.
Killer Instinct is shaping up well and that's the problem – this isn't a full game by any stretch of the imagination. Still, what is here shows that Double Helix will likely do the series proud with an update that is at once reverential and forward-thinking.
There is no doubt that the driving mechanics of Rivals are fantastic, and most of the game's systems are a success. However, it's a multiplayer-oriented game that fails to bring players together, and the content elsewhere is merely good.
Ryse definitely looks the part, but the gameplay simply isn't up to scratch. It feels unfinished, or like a hardcore title whose mechanics have been dramatically simplified for the Xbox One TV crowd. Thumb down.
Ghosts will disappoint those only in it for the singleplayer, although – Extinction aside – the multiplayer feels like just more of the same. Those who play online will still get their money's worth, but a proper evolution of the series' mechanics is now desperately needed.
Rocksmith 2014 many improvements on its predecessor see the franchise elevated from a decent diversion to a great tool for budding strummers and shredders. There's a ton of quality content to get through, but best of all it's presented in an appealing and addicting manner that takes much of the pain from practice. Rock on!
With its extensive licenses, bold and complex yet accessible gameplay, unparalleled online offerings, excellent tutorials, and clean presentation, FIFA 14 may only be a small step up from last year's game, but it remains a fantastic offering overall.