As a result, Spelunky 2 isn't attempting to convert any who weren't fans of the first game. The game has a very specific approach and will not be for everyone, but those who adored the first game are guaranteed to feel the same about its sequel. At a time when gamers are less inclined to take risks with their purchases, Spelunky 2 offers the comfort of the familiar.
Sifu is a one-of-a-kind rogue-like that marries an engaging setup with sublime combat mechanics. It scratches that integral itch that fuels subsequent runs, and it tries its best to avoid the feeling that time has been wasted. Progression exists in many different forms, but Sloclap's standout title pulls off one of the more impressive versions of it. Sifu shows players they are actually getting better at the game.
Marvel's Spider-Man makes the jump to PC with a bevy of graphics options that can push even the most high-end systems.
The Last of Us Part 1 brings the classic title to PS5 with a major visual overhaul but the core experience remains largely unchanged.
It has incredible art design and presentation, is so cleverly designed, and has a pace that makes it hard to put down once things get going. The surface-level view of the game is unassuming but digging into the worlds of Cocoon reveals an experience that is unforgettable.
Asgard's Wrath 2 is the killer app that Meta Quest 3 early adopters have been waiting for, an expansive VR experience with a stunning amount of depth.
'Mortal Kombat X' offers fans a diverse roster and tons of variety, but it's the game's ever-changing gameplay modes that are sure to keep players coming back.
'Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare' doesn't change the franchise's identity, but its near future setting and tech help make the component parts exciting again.
'FIFA 15' represents a significant leap forward for the series and offers one of the the best soccer experiences from EA Sports.
Madden NFL 15 is the best the series has looked and played in years, and is very close to coalescing into something truly impressive. One or two more years under these new consoles and more changes like those featured this year, and Madden just might reclaim its old glory.
Diminishing returns may come into play if the next game doesn't push the formula forward, but as it stands, Trials Fusion is another great time with a unique franchise.
It has its flaws, but they are easy to overlook because the game is just plain, unadulterated fun. In fact, the only thing that would make the game more enjoyable is playing in an actual arcade setting.
Fans of anything Marvel has created in the last 75+ years will come away from LEGO Marvel Super Heroes satisfied, as will those who regularly turn up for and enjoy TT Games' LEGO releases. The game by no means introduces any fundamental changes, but it's charming, well designed, and endless engaging all the same.
Resogun might seem innocuous at first, but once players peel back the layers, they will see that Resogun is a challenging, yet rewarding, space shooter with a fantastic sense of style. Granted, some players might not find the challenge worth it, or simply find that this very niche genre is not for them, but those who live for these types of unforgiving shooters will count Resogun among the top tier.
Picking up FIFA 14 now won't leave gamers dissatisfied, but it might be worth waiting to see what the next-gen has to offer.
'ScreamRide' lets player's latent roller coaster fantasies free, indulging every creative and borderline sadistic idea with arcade-style, high score-focused gameplay.
There will be some who perceive the game's specific design decisions as flaws, and they aren't necessarily wrong, but they were likely never going to enjoy Broken Age anyways. Broken Age falls into a very specific genre, one that rarely gets much attention anymore, and makes a strong case for why it should.
Every facet of 'Sunset Overdrive' is bursting with personality, and despite some faults it's still a must-play on Xbox One.
Is it the next evolution of multiplayer? Probably not, but it's so much fun to play that many will overlook its faults and find little time for anything else.
Burial at Sea: Episode 2 is a perfect send-off for a franchise that defined a generation of console shooters. It isn't without its faults, but the new stealth gameplay is a welcome re-purposing of the tried and true BioShock mechanics. More importantly, Episode 2 is a marvel of storytelling: a careful navigation of the existing BioShock universe that provides new insights into a narrative that was already rich with detail. Finally, against all odds, Irrational stuck the landing, bringing everything full circle as only they could. Needless to say, this is a must-play for fans of BioShock.