DriveClub has enough good driving components to be worth a spin, but it doesn't come close to living up to the experience Sony promised with its year long delay. The frustrating AI issues, poor penalty system and unrealized social experience puts it second place behind Microsoft's far better Forza. Perhaps next year we'll see a closer battle between the two. Or, hey, how about a next-gen MotorStorm? That would've hit the spot.
Styx: Master of Shadows has a promising set-up that, at times, feels like a much-needed boost to the stealth genre, and that's something fans can appreciate after being let down by Thief. However, broken combat mechanics, combined with audio and level design issues, leave this game feeling somewhat incomplete. Stealth fans may be tempted to give it a try, but not everyone needs to pick up Styx.
Easily one of the best racing experiences in this generation of games to date, Forza Horizon 2 improves upon the greatness of the original, while opening up a plethora of fun through Xbox Live as well. You won't be sorry hitting the road with this one.
Had more emphasis gone into the game's design (and, more importantly, length), Slender: The Arrival could've been one of the better horror experiences on the PS3 and Xbox 360. Instead, it's just a forgettable retread of a better PC game – and one you can easily pass over for a bigger, better game.
The South Park pinball tables are easily among the best we've seen for both Zen Pinball 2 and Pinball FX 2, offering a great deal of variety – and laughs – each time you launch the ball. Some may miss the mature-rated humor – or wonder what the heck Chef is doing here – but overall, it's a swell time in Colorado.
Fluster Cluck is an overall disappointment, a game that tries to recapture the magic of local N64 multiplayer sessions, only to lay a giant, stinky egg. Between the broken gameplay, lackluster AI and poor presentation, this turkey falls flat on its beak.
The Legend of Korra is a disappointment, an unbalanced action game that will likely frustrate its young fans alike – as well as die-hards who live for Platinum Games' over-the-top action roster. Its presentation hits the mark, and Pro-Bending can be fun, but, as such, it's not worth bending over backwards for.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a fine conclusion to the current running trilogy for WayForward's heroine, and a nice approach for an all-new adventure coming to the Wii U next year. It may not follow the tradition of previous games, but it's fun in its own right, with unique gameplay and strong design that will certainly please fans of the series. She can whip her hair around us any day.
Still aching to even come close to the technical assuredness of NBA 2K15, NBA Live 15 does fare much better than last year's debacle. However, crucially flawed gameplay, lackluster commentary and a shortage of worthwhile modes leave this player coming up weak on the court.
While Shadow Warrior is a no-frills kind of first-person shooter, it's one that will certainly stick with you, mainly due to the joy that hacking and slashing enemies brings. The upgrade system is superb, and the presentation is pretty sharp for a year-old port. It won't change the world like 2014's other brilliant shooters, but it's a good junk food snack while you're waiting for the next big thing. Now go get you some Wang!
While Costume Quest 2 does take some getting used to as far as its simple presentation and tricky battle system go, it's still an enjoyable sequel that fans will want to indulge in. Just be careful with the tricks that come along with these treats.
Those seeking an affordable and worthwhile adventure should certainly get their money's worth here.
In the end, despite its lacking content and some questionable character designs (is Triple H from 2002 some form of Frankenstein?), WWE 2K15 definitely feels like a worthy grappler to fans of the "sport." The gameplay is a good time, especially with friends in tow, and the presentation has really stepped up for a new generation. Plus, they brought along CM Punk, so obviously the game isn't a total loss. But here's hoping next year brings a more complete package – this is one brand deserving of that.
While Peggle 2 is hardly as innovative a sequel as we've come to expect from PopCap, it continues the status quo of challenging with puzzles and delightful characters, and for some, that will certainly be enough. The inclusion of additional challenges and multiplayer helps as well, even though we'd prefer something co-op related down the line. Oh, well, you'll still have a ball here. In fact, several.
While this version of Tetris doesn't go leaps and bounds over the others, it's quite enjoyable, especially if you've got other Tetrimino-maniacs to compete against. The gameplay clicks, the presentation is about where we expected it to be, and the additional modes will truly test your line-dropping skills.
A worthy add-on to a franchise that we'd never thought would return, Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions is a twin-stick shooter that's well worth the recommendation. The online multiplayer may not feel like much, but single player and co-op have a lot to offer, and the gameplay and presentation gel nearly perfectly together. It's good to have a little Geometry back in our lives.
Game of Thrones Episode One: Iron and Ice isn't an easy game to play, mainly due to the nature of the theme at hand and the fact that no matter what you do, someone close to you is still going to get it. But that's just how Game of Thrones works, and the more of a fan of the show you are, the more captivated you'll feel playing the game. And if you're not a fan, it just might make you one. That Red Wedding, though…
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris may be a late arrival in the holiday release game, but it's a not-miss title for fans of Tomb Raider and adventure games in general. It looks and sounds terrific, and has plenty of replay value to offer. The fact you can enjoy it on your own or with friends is a startling surprise, especially considering how bumpy Tomb Raider multiplayer has been in the past. Fluff up your couch and prepare for action.
Ivory Tower did have some great ideas in putting together The Crew, but they don't all pan out the way they should. Getting new cars can take forever, and some of the missions are a tremendous pain on your own. However, if you've got a few racing buddies that don't mind cruising with you, you'll find the game's true potential – and even have some fun while you're speeding along. So grab some friends if you can. Otherwise, if it's a single player endeavor you're after, you might consider Forza Horizon 2.
Easily one of the best fighting games of the year, Guilty Gear Xrd SIGN shows that you can stick with basic fighting concepts while trying something new at the same time. As a result, the PlayStation 4 has yet another benefit to its library – and it's just going to get bigger and better as 2015 rolls around.