IDARB throws a lot of goof spaghetti at the wall, and a shocking amount of it sticks. But its absurdity can, when cranked up to 11, distract from the real joy of the game — its satisfying mechanics and miles-deep strategy.
The Crew's big wins are buried under a mound of frustrations
Pound for pound, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has been the most fun I've had playing video games in 2014, and a well-polished crown jewel in the Wii U's library. I've spent dozens of hours Smashing roomfuls of friends into oblivion, grinding through events and hunting down unlockables — and, happily, I feel like I'm just getting started.
In ORAS, your motivation for progress is the same as it ever was
Music Evolved's structure can get in the way of its fun
Smash Bros hasn't been compressed for 3DS — it's been tailored to it
Even in virtual worlds, variety is the spice of life. The Sims 4, for all its polish and cleverness, simply isn't very spicy.
Shovel Knight is the kind of game people write love letters about
Tomodachi Life is undeniably charming
Daylight has moments of fear but too much boredom
Mario Golf: World Tour delivers on its pedigree
TowerFall Ascension is never not fun.
Tearaway is fresh, inviting and intricate
Pokemon X and Y is a completely interconnected experience, which is exactly how Pokemon is meant to be played — a fact I'd forgotten since my schoolyard days.
Neverwinter's engaging combat and plentiful free content make up for limited customization.
Though it struggles with scale, PlanetSide 2 provides a unique, fascinating view of war.