For those of you who have been longing to fill your F-Zero void, Fast Racing Neo is it. It's a wonderful futuristic racer with plenty of perks, challenges and joys, whether you prefer going at it alone or cruising with friends in tow. It's one of the year's most surprising games, and a ride you definitely shouldn't miss.
While Kromaia Omega can't quite live up to the classic space shooters of old, nor the crazy visual splendor of offerings like Child of Eden and Rez, it's certainly not a bad experience. There's just a lot you have to get used to here, like the navigation system and the somewhat lacking audio. Once you do, though, you'll find yourself happily taking flight for a few hours, alone or with a friend. I just wish it had a little more content to complete the room, man (and, yes, Big Lebowski reference, felt like it).
Xenoblade Chronicles X will likely be a mixed bag to those who step in with very little role-playing skill or knowledge of the series up until this point, so they may want to proceed with caution. Others, however, that absolutely love what Monolith Soft has done so far will enjoy this chapter the most, thanks to its immense gameplay options and fantastic looking world. It's certainly worth a look either way.
In spite of some technical setbacks and repetitive tasks, Just Cause 3 delivers the kind of stress-relieving destruction to get you through the doldrums. It's easily the best looking game of the series thus far, and the awesome gameplay will have you continue to think up ways to bring down enemies. You're due a holiday vacation, and Rico's trip will certainly fulfill the need.
While Deadpool certainly isn't as bad as other comic book fare on the market, it feels somewhat average with its rushed treatment on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Had the developers added better visual details and made it much cheaper, we'd be talking a great value here. As it stands, though, only serious comic book fans or those looking for mindless action should invest. Others can easily wait for the movie and stuff themselves silly with tacos.
This may be one of the most fulfilling Call of Duty games I've played yet, and as manic as it may be, it certainly backs up everything it promises. Kudos to Treyarch for going the extra mile, and proving that, yes, it's still one of the best developers for this job.
An old employment credo stands firm with a game like Xenoblade Chronicles X – the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. The question is if you're ready to endure that trial…and there's no question that many fans will be.
While Snoopy's Grand Adventure doesn't go the extra mile in its design, it still comes across as an enjoyable diversion for younger players looking to get some Peanuts-oriented fun out of their console. The inclusion of co-op is pretty nice as well, if parents should want to get involved in their children's adventure. But it seems like more could've been done for older gamers, and some of the technical setbacks should have gone through some clean-up. Overall, though, not bad for a little diversion.
Some may argue that DICE's Star Wars Battlefront lacks longevity to stay the course on the market, or that more could've been done with it. But the developer went through a massive undertaking to not only reinvent the franchise, but also reassure gamers that this would hardly be another Battlefield blunder. It's great to report that both goals have been completed with flying colors, and, as a result, Star Wars Battlefront is an engaging multiplayer experience that will certainly make your holidays. Plus, think of how much time will pass with it while you wait for The Force Awakens…
This isn't really so much of an Ultra Smash, as it barely qualifies as "just flying over the net."
Fans may be curious, but, honestly, any given Animal Crossing experience (even, in some respects, Happy Home Designer) would be better than what this pale little board game-based hoopla has to offer.
There are times in which Poncho could've used some smoothing over, like with glitches or painfully missed jumps. That said, it's still an entertaining little treat for the retro crowd, especially those seeking something different from the usual platformer.
Rodea the Sky Soldier has to be one of the biggest letdowns of the year. It's missing quite a bit, including comprehensive gameplay, solid visuals and any sort of option to play like the original Wii version does. It's sad to say that this high-flying adventure falls flat before it stands a chance to get started.
In the end, Rodea the Sky Soldier probably should've just come out years ago, in its original form. The controls, we're willing to bet, are way better with the Wii remote, as they simply feel like garbage the way they stand now.
The game as a whole is a wonderful experience, even surpassing the original adventure that put Lara back on the map in 2013. It's that kind of sequel that deserves your utmost appreciation – kind of like a treasure in itself.
Probably one of the most disappointing games to rear its ugly head this year, Overlord: Fellowship of Evil takes everything that worked so well in previous games and smashes it into a billion pieces in favor of a Diablo-based formula that simply doesn't work. Here's hoping this villain gets back to his dastardly ways soon, instead of following a blueprint that just isn't his style.
If you're playing solo, then The Jackbox Party Pack 2 isn't likely to be your speed. However, if you're looking for a game that will suit your fellow partygoers, or want to stream a good, lively game session with your fellow deviants, then it's an essential purchase – especially when you begin to get hooked on Quiplash and Earwax. It'll certainly put a twist on your holidays.
While there are some faults that could use addressing (particularly with the lack of online play), Guns, Gore and Cannoli is an inspired ride, a top-notch mixture of 40's nostalgia and zombie-killing fun. If you're smart, you'll bring some buddies along to dish out the carnage alongside you, if only to see what true mayhem looks like. In a good way, of course.
There are performance issues that come into question, and certain parts of the game that will no doubt be hazardous, especially when it comes to newbies. But Fallout 4 is still a game that shouldn't be ignored, just because it's so damn big and explorable.
Considering the appeal of the franchise, MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore had all the potential in the world when it came to its arrival on new consoles. Unfortunately, it squanders it with a myriad of problems, including sloppy gameplay, a lacking presentation and a lack of a genuine career mode to make you feel like you're getting anywhere. As a result, the ride just isn't the same. Here's hoping that, for its next game, Rainbow Studios goes back to basics and skips this Encore route.