Ben Dutka
Saying The Last Of Us: Remastered is an absolute triumph seems redundant. I said it when the original released last year, after all. And yeah, it's basically the same game with a glossier coating and a few additions.
Anyway, Journey on PlayStation 4 is undoubtedly the definitive edition of an instant classic. It's not drastically different and there really isn't any new content, but the upgrades included in this package are noticeable and appreciated, and vault the production into the stratosphere. We are moved and impacted; some even say they're forever changed after finishing.
No matter where Uncharted goes from here, this will go down in history as one of the finest achievements ever seen, not merely due to its obvious technical and creative merits, but because it can magically connect the player to this endlessly immersive world and its inhabitants. When you're done, Nathan Drake could feel more real to you than any fictional character you've encountered in games or movies. For me, that's what I'll miss most.
Grand Theft Auto V is a tremendous achievement and that achievement is all the more pronounced on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The inherent cinematic nature of the storyline keeps you riveted and when you're not following the plot, you're doing as you damn well please. You're enjoying all that Los Santos has to offer, from its sun-drenched beaches filled with people to the bright lights of the downtown area.
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the role-playing game you've wanted for years. You glimpsed the future and now, with a few minor exceptions, that vision has been fully realized. The odd part about this is that it's not a staggering work of genius; it's not a game that will resound in the annals of time forever and ever.
In the end, though, Hearts of Stone is a stirring good time and a great expansion the whole way 'round. It doesn't just give us a couple new missions spread out over the same areas, bringing in the same characters, and simply offering a few new pieces of equipment. This goes above and beyond, delivering an entirely new customization mechanic, excellent story missions, a boatload of surprising charm, fantastic variety in terms of objectives, activities and locations, and a new romance that's well worth pursuing.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the masterpiece we all hoped it'd be. It's undoubtedly the best game of 2015 and the generation so far and further solidifies Hideo Kojima as a master of the genre. It's no wonder he calls this his magnum opus, the game he's always wanted to make since the inception of the franchise.
Bastion is a joy. It's a game that has all the pieces in place. The key to the game's immense entertainment value is how unbelievably well each piece marries to the next; the result is a smorgasbord of color and action, and one you will undoubtedly appreciate.
The Ratchet and Clank remake hearkens back to a very different time. It wasn't even that long ago and yet, it was indeed very different. But I'm not going to focus on past vs.
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition is aptly named. It has just about everything you could want, from an excellent presentation and supremely solid technical presentation to hours upon hours of blissful looting. The rewards are frequent and much appreciated, the pacing is outstanding, and there's a surprising amount of variety.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a fantastic game. Let me repeat that: It's a fantastic game.
Axiom Verge is a glorious throwback to the 2D days, but it doesn't forget that we're playing in a very different age of interactive entertainment. Those subtle refinements and features that enhance the playability are greatly appreciated. Unlocking a weapon or ability that compels you to return to earlier explored areas to find previously inaccessible power-ups is just plain addictive, and the overall balance and diversity is top-notch.
DmC: Devil May Cry Definitive Edition is a worthy re-release. Not only is there a bunch of challenging new content, but we also get appreciated gameplay refinements and upgrades, most prominent of which is that fantastic 1080p/60fps presentation. The story doesn't deliver as it should, the difficulty can be forbidding, and I'm not the biggest fan of certain bosses. Aside from that, this is a bombastic, massively stylized, wonderfully flowing action game that hits all the high points.
OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliworld is a righteous sequel. It's just so sweet. There are gameplay and visual improvements, and they're significant enough to make the game feel like a totally fresh experience when compared to the original title.
Terraria is a micromanager's dream come true. It's the perfect representation of addictive, in-depth gaming with a simplified visage. There's a boatload of content and from the first moment you stumble upon a glorious treasure trove, you're determined to do it all.
Velocity 2X is the perfect example of simplicity with kick. The beautiful visuals and silky smooth animations never skip a beat, the music and overall artistry gives the game a singular appeal, the wonderful flow keeps us completely engaged, and for the most part, the game never skips a beat. You can't really avoid at least some semblance of repetition, and there isn't a gigantic difference between each gameplay segment, but that's okay.
Even so, if you're a big fan, I can see you grabbing the Super Turbo Championship Edition. The bottom line is that Guacamelee! is one of the most entertaining, engaging, and even innovative titles we've seen in the past year, and all avid gamers owe it to themselves to give it a try. The "Metroidvania" structure somehow blends beautifully with the gaudiness of the Mexican Luchadore theme, and you just never want to stop playing.
Child of Light shines in a sea of dark, gritty, often ugly imagery. That shine isn't especially bright or piercing; in fact, it's softer, muted. It lures us with its softhearted coo, rather than blasting our senses with extraordinary strength and brilliance.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is indeed "definitive." It's a definite step up and that's undeniable. We can argue all day long about whether or not it's "worth it.
FIFA 14 is a rip-roaring success on the PlayStation 4. The older version is great, too; it's just an understated greatness when compared to the upgraded version. For the record, I'd probably give the PS3 iteration an 8.