A classic continues to live on with Super Stardust Ultra. Although its transition to PS4 feels minimal in places (especially with the lack of online play), it's still rich with content, and its shoot-em-up action will draw you in for hours on end – especially if you're working your way up the leaderboards. Besides, those rocks aren't going to blast themselves, right?
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.
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…
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.
Chariot isn't just a reminder of the classic co-op gaming experiences. It presents a fun, interesting wrinkle on platforming games as we know it, while pertaining a certain sense of charm in its presentation. Frima Games has made a truly satisfying game that should please all sorts of players – even with that nagging king complaining nearly every step of the way. Rest in peace already!
Standing apart from duller entries in the tower defense genre, Defense Grid 2 validates the genre with exciting gameplay and a sharp presentation that avoids the usual pratfalls of said genre. Add in surprisingly good multiplayer and you have a game that definitely lives up to its KickStarter promises.
While First Light comes up just a bit short compared to the full Second Son game, it's a fine continuation for the series, and a fresh take on what's happening within this universe. Now, if we could just get a co-op experience featuring "Fetch" and Delsin, we'd be all set.
The Talos Principle has made an effective jump from PC to PlayStation 4, thanks to the addition of expansion levels and a presentation that really makes use of the hardware at hand. While it's not quite a perfect transition, it remains a very applicable one, as the level design and snowballing level design continue to keep their momentum. Even if you're not entirely a fan of first-person games, Talos is worth a look, if only for the story alone.
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…
Leave it to TT Games to save the day once more with the Marvel license. Lego Marvel's Avengers lives up to the same level of appeal as Super Heroes did years ago, but expands upon it with some fundamental new combat ideas and an overload of content to unlock. Sure, the voice acting may not always fit, and there may be a few visual hiccups here and there, but this crew still saves the day in the end – and that's what counts.
While there are still some areas that could use polishing (like that commentary team – wake up, fellas), Madden NFL 16 continues to make strides with some strong gameplay change-ups and abundant online features. Draft Champions and Ultimate Team will keep true fans busy for weeks, and the casual play is exceptional enough for that audience to enjoy as well. As long as Madden keeps making progress like this on a yearly basis, I'll keep coming back for more.
Earth Defense Force 4.1 isn't out to change the action genre, or win any technical awards for that matter. It simply provides a fun, over-the-top experience where you lay waste to aliens – and the city, oops. It's built pretty solidly, though, and is a sheer joy to play, whether alone or with friends. And when you hop into the helm of a mech, your heroic meter will definitely jump up a notch. Here's to you, EDF!
Firewatch certainly isn't a game for everyone, with its non-violent tone, its heavy emotional toll and its somewhat choppy visuals from time to time. That said, it presents a fresh breath of content to the genre that some players won't want to miss, especially when it comes to its characterization and exciting scenarios. This is one game that definitely delivers the slow burn – in a good way.
Even though the visuals are a bit softer and there are a few elements you may have run into before, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam continues the winning streak for the team at Alphadream. It's done remarkable work mixing the Paper Mario universe into the mix, and the hilarious script, backed by a strong combat system, will keep RPG fans of all ages pleased. This is one adventure that certainly doesn't wear thin.
If you love "shmup" shooters, or the "bullet hell" variety of game, then Deathsmiles should be right up your alley. What it lacks in stages and offering of modes, it makes up for with intense, wildly satisfying shooting action. Plus, the visuals look great and the soundtrack is one-of-a-kind. If you're a fan of the genre, dig in. And if you're new, this is a great place to start. I mean, where else will you find a damn demonic cow?!
There are still some small improvements to be made when it comes to getting on the level of Undisputed, but EA Sports UFC 2 is a significant improvement over the first game, and proof that the team is more than ready to step into the Octagon. Whenever it rolls around, EA Sports UFC 3 will have a hell of a game on its hands. But, for now, part two is well worth trying, especially if you're a fan of the sport.
It may not reinvent the wheel for classic Grand Theft Auto experiences, but it’s nice that it keeps that spin going.
EA Tiburon could be onto something, and if it continues to listen to fan feedback, we could be in for some glorious days of video game football yet. For now, this is definitely worth checking out, as it's far from the same old thing.
The impatient will probably give up just a few levels in, but the devoted will find a lot to enjoy with 1001 Spikes. It's a fitting tribute to the games of old, while embracing a challenge level that today's dedicated gamers will truly appreciate. If they don't break their controller first, that is.
Despite the lack of multiplayer and fetch-quests that interrupt the blood-spilling action, Wolfenstein: The New Order is a welcome return to form for the series. Its gameplay is good fun, whether you prefer blasting enemies to bits or being sneaky-like. The beautiful presentation makes the most out of the new hardware, and it squeezes some impressive life out of older systems.