With so many ways to play for so little a cost, it's hard not to recommend Dr. Luigi. The Dr. Mario gameplay has held up over the years because, like Chess, Checkers, or Don't Take a Whiz on the Electric Fence, it's easy to pick up but constantly shifting. Plus, it only costs fifteen bucks to download Dr. Luigi, which, given the amount of replayability here, is a friggin' steal. If you've got a fever, you know the prescription. No, it ain't more cowbell. It's more Dr. Luigi.
The Lego Movie Video Game should be looked to as a shining example of a movie game done right. It's fast, it's fun, and it feels like a well-polished, video game, version of the movie. Traveller's Tales mastered the format of these Lego games and can pretty much set things to cruise control from here. The Lego Movie Game may not be the most original or complex title out there, but it's an enthusiastic, uncynical bit of fun, filled with brightness, cheer and awesome.
If you own a Wii U, you have no reason not to pick up Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Its challenges are numerous and demanding, but not without leeway, its secrets are nigh-infinite and most importantly, it brings with it that classic Nintendo sense of fun. DKC: TF is meant to be a challenge, but it's a challenge that excites you with the joy of triumph, not one that frustrates you with failure.
Thanks to Coffee Stain Studios' Goat Simulator, now you, too can goat, and you can goat with gusto.
Playing The Elder Scrolls with your friends may sound like fun, but after playing a bit, you might just end up wishing for the sweet release of Oblivion.
Stick It to the Man is so much more than random insanity— it's also a delightful point-and-click-style adventure game draped in the wrappings of a platformer.
Bound By Flame strives to live up to its forefathers, and while it doesn't exactly fail, it does make some serious mistakes that drag the experience down.
If you enjoy SimCity, any of the previous Tropico games, or city-building games in general, you'll probably find a lot to like here— unless you get it for PC, in which case you may not be able to play it until its developers get their coding under control.
Even the most hardened kart-racing veterans would be hard-pressed not to consider Mario Kart 8 as one of the best, if not the best, entry in this phenomenal series. Mario Kart has long been known for bringing players of all size and skill together. This newest iteration, with its tightly balanced gameplay, giant content offering and lush visuals and audio, will have you and yours screaming, cursing and cheering through countless hours of play.
Well, if easy and weird is how you like it, Nintendo's Tomodachi Life may be just the Mii Rap Simulator/news program for you!
Gamers hungry for a bit of creative/critical thinking should most definitely put out the cheese and let this mouse come out to play.
From the very first time you load up the menu it's clear that Abyss Odyssey comes from a place of passion and expertise. Its strange blend of Metroidvania, roguelike, and fighting game elements might turn off those who prefer their gaming experiences to be more straightforward, but anyone who's not too afraid to leap into the unknown abyss will find a finely-crafted, unique experience well worth the jump.
Despite a few quibbles, Sacred 3's action flows freely (even if the treasure doesn't). If you're a fan of the previous, more Diablo-like entries in the Sacred series you might be disappointed with some of this sequel's retooling. But if you're hungry for a game to play alongside a few friends, one where you can relax, laugh, and bust some bad guys, and don't mind a bit of repetition without much loot to show for it, Sacred 3 makes for a passable, if flawed, meal.
As internet speeds have increased and gaming has become a more popular pastime, MMOs have begun rising and falling like the tide, and unless Firefall makes some drastic changes, there's not enough to entice players into logging in and keeping this game alive. If you want to play an MMORPG, you would be better off spending a few bucks up front for something that's actually fun.
Lichdom: Battlemage is an experience that's empowering, but obtuse. The magic and combat are often thrilling, fast and rewardingly tactical, but the dull level design and overly-complex upgrade system mar what is, for the most part, a mystical, ass-kicking good time.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of tower defense games or have no idea what "mazing" means, Defense Grid 2's smart gameplay, strong level design, and great writing make it a strong contender for any strategically-minder gamer's library.
With its top-notch aesthetics, richly flowing action, and uniquely personal ecosystem of foes, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is one game you'll be happy to go there and back again with.
Serious server woes aside, whether you're returning to WoW for the first time in years or have never stepped foot in Stormwind, Warlords of Draenor makes for a great way to whittle away the hours. World of Warcraft's new zones are huge and full of adventure, the story's grand, and the new garrison feature is soul-suckingly addictive, all of which make for a triumphant return to form for this gaming giant.
With Dragon Age: Inquisition, BioWare worked hard to make up for the sins of their past, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions takes twin-stick point-hoarding action to a whole new dimension.