LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens probably would have sold well enough on the license alone, but TT Games wasn't content to coast on this one. The company put its best foot forward, and players are the ones to benefit. I haven't had this much fun with a LEGO video game since LEGO The Hobbit. Even if you weren't completely impressed by some of the recent LEGO titles, give this one a go. LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is well worth your time.
If you've already beaten Hitman GO on your phone or tablet, there is no reason to double-dip on console, but if you missed out on the original release, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition is an ideal choice for the Vita. It is a solid puzzler, plays great on the handheld, and is very easy to consume in small bites if you're limited on time. It may be a different experience than the traditional Hitman games, but Hitman GO: Definitive Edition captures the spirit of the franchise nicely.
Ultimately, LEGO Marvel's Avengers delivers plenty of fan service, but it fails to top its predecessors. Instead of something new and innovative, LEGO Marvel's Avengers is a by-the-numbers sequel that scratches the LEGO itch but doesn't offer much more than that. It's also the easiest LEGO game yet.
If you didn't like Rise of the Tomb Raider, the Baba Yaga DLC isn't going to change your mind, but fans of the base game will find plenty to love here. The content is finely polished, the additional rewards are worthwhile, and the story fits in well with the world, even if the finer bits are a tad predictable. The Baba Yaga DLC is also priced right, retailing for $9.99 when purchased by itself, ensuring that you'll get your money's worth with this one.
As an adventure game, Rise of the Tomb Raider is up there with the best of them. The story feels like something right out of Indiana Jones, and the game nails the atmosphere that you'd expect from a Tomb Raider game. It's easy to see why Microsoft paid for time limited exclusivity with this one; the game really is that good. Even with the problematic melee combat, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a system seller.
Halo 5's single-player campaign is fun, but the game is at its best when you're coordinating with others and attacking objectives as a team.
If you're a hardcore fan of the Blue Bomber and don't otherwise have access to the games, the Mega Man Legacy Collection is a convenient way to replay these Capcom classics, but as a collection, it doesn't compare to Rare Replay or even the last-gen SEGA Vintage Collection games that were put together by M2.
In the end, Rock Band 4 offers up plenty of fun, especially if you can regularly gather a group of friends. It's an excellent party game and an enjoyable way to pass the time solo. However, it isn't really an upgrade from Rock Band 3. Rather, Rock Band 4 is more like a straightforward HD update for the current generation of systems.
When it comes right down to it, Forza Motorsport 6 is a big improvement over Forza 5 and a must-have for driving simulation fans. Winning races here is all about precision and timing. If you want to showboat, stick with Forza Horizon 2. If you prefer pure skill over splashy moves, Forza 6 is your game.
It may not be perfect, but Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is certainly a game worth playing. There is plenty of value to be had, no matter if you are a Gears fanatic or someone who is brand new to the series. Just make sure to experience it with a friend at your side.
Ultimately, Rare Replay is a must-buy title if you have even a passing interest in a handful of the included games. While the technical issues prevent it from being an ideal collection, the value justification is impossible to ignore. The majority of these games are great choices, and at an average price of $1 a game (even less if you get it on sale), you're not really missing out even if you end up not liking a few.
When all is said and done, LEGO Jurassic World is still going to appeal to fans of the LEGO franchise, but it's not going to impress them. This is a by-the-numbers game that doesn't bring anything new to the table. Unless you've played through all of the other LEGO games or are a massive dinosaur fan, there is no reason to buy LEGO Jurassic World at full price. Wait for a sale on this one, and save your pennies for LEGO Dimensions.
A competitive, online-only game is a difficult thing to design, as it is as much reliant on an active player base as it is on the game. With Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard seems to have succeeded on both fronts. The game is appealing to both casual and hardcore players, seamlessly splitting them into different player groups. If you've never given a MOBA a try, Heroes of the Storm is the perfect entry point.
Taken as a whole, Massive Chalice is basically tactical strategy "lite." It is easy to pick up and play, and there are enough varied elements to keep veterans of the genre interested, but it doesn't break any new ground. If it were a $60 game, Massive Chalice wouldn't hold up, but as a $20 game, it fits the bill nicely. This isn't a title that is going to compete head-to-head with the next XCOM, but it is a good way to pass the time while you wait for XCOM 2.
Ori and the Blind Forest had the potential to be a game that appealed to all gamers, casual and hardcore alike. Unfortunately, the difficulty spikes (and the aforementioned bugs) keep this one solely in the realm of core gamers and speed runners. While it's still a good game, it seems silly to limit its audience unnecessarily. Perhaps Moon Studios will hit perfection in its sophomore outing.
Judged as a stand-alone budget title, Forza Horizon 2 Presents Fast & Furious is surprisingly robust and worth playing. As a piece of Forza Horizon 2 DLC, it's a harder call. If you download the game before April 10 (while it is available for free), it's a no-brainer. Don't hesitate; just get it and enjoy. Once the price bumps back up to $10, the decision comes down to your ownership of Forza Horizon 2 and the "Furious 7" Car Pack. If you already own the car pack, buying this is going to feel like double-dipping on the content.
In the end, Battlefield: Hardline is its own worst enemy. There are some great ideas here, but they aren't fully realized, and the game suffers for it. It's not a bad game, but it's also not an exceptional game. Battlefield: Hardline does an excellent job of being downright average. You probably don't want to pay full price for it, but it's one to keep on your radar when a good sale pops up.
Far Cry 4 excels because it provides the depth that so many other shooters lack. It is not revolutionary, and it doesn't push the boundaries of the genre, but you know what? Far Cry 4 knows that in the end, all players want to do is "shoot some goddamn guns" and have fun doing it. Far Cry 4 delivers that in spades.
With all of its improvements, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is easily the best LEGO Batman game, but it doesn't quite take the crown for best overall LEGO game. LEGO: The Hobbit is still more impressive as an overall experience, as the sprawling open world seamlessly integrated the story and side-quests in a way that Beyond Gotham can't match. However, Beyond Gotham is most like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes in terms of overall experience, and that's not bad company.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the video game equivalent of a Michael Bay movie. There's a lot of flash and not much substance. If you just want explosions and spectacle (and don't mind being penalized in multiplayer for having a fast connection), then grab the disc and pop it into your console because Advanced Warfare delivers those in spades.