The gameplay of Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is standard stuff, but the game's lighthearted tone makes it an appealing multiplayer shooter that stands out from the crowd.
Outlast loses momentum occasionally, but its unsettling atmosphere and pulse-pounding chases keep pulling you along for the ride.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch has moments of comic brilliance, but much of it is uninspired, and it ends before it really even gets going.
NES Remix may bring back fond memories if you've played the games it features, but it doesn't actually capture what made some of those games great in the first place.
All That Remains establishes characters and conflicts that may pay off in forthcoming episodes, but it doesn't stand up well on its own.
The Novelist doesn't tell the most tightly constructed of stories, but the choices it forces you to make have real, affecting weight.
Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW is a terrible excuse for a dungeon crawler with nothing to offer anyone.
Powerstar Golf sticks to tried-and-true methods to deliver a reliably enjoyable take on the sport.
Zoo Tycoon's animals are adorable, but a clunky interface prevents this management sim from reaching its potential.
Need for Speed: Rivals smartly builds on the strong foundation of its predecessors to deliver an aggressive arcade racer that bristles with energy.
Wonky physics and prosaic puzzles prevent Contrast from making the most of its intriguing concept and intoxicating atmosphere.
Torchlight II is a lovely, well-crafted game. Its colorful and inviting world is a pleasure to explore. The eclectic soundtrack provides an alternately haunting and energizing accompaniment to your exploits. The classes are distinctive, and each has a terrific assortment of skills. To top it all off, this sizable and thoroughly satisfying game is a great value.
The absorbing tactical battles haven't evolved much, but a great cast of characters and consistently funny writing keep Disgaea 4 entertaining.