Chad Goodmurphy
Assassin's Creed Rogue is more of the same, and resembles a Black Flag expansion more than an entirely new game. Still, despite its familiar gameplay tropes, it succeeds in concluding the series' American saga via a very interesting storyline.
The Assassin's Creed series' first 'next-gen' only iteration should have launched to much fanfare. However, although Assassin's Creed Unity is a really good game, the coding behind it isn't up to par. The result is an enjoyable experience that is marred by unfortunate technical issues.
Konami has claimed the interactive soccer crown with Pro Evolution Soccer 2015. While last year's iteration was an obvious stepping stone, this one is the real deal, and may be the best soccer game ever made.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel leaves us wanting, due to its overt familiarity. It's a decent game overall, but fails in its attempt at being something great.
DriveClub, Evolution Studios' "Forza Killer," has broken down at the starting line. Once it's up and running, it'll surely draw a crowd of hardcore enthusiasts, but being accessible to newcomers is one thing it isn't. Frustrating artificial intelligence and a cheap difficulty system mar what could've been a much more entertaining game.
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is the best way to experience one of the better games from the last-generation of consoles.
Skylanders: Trap Team is full of polish, and expands upon its predecessors' mechanics in interesting ways. It could very easily be the series' best outing thus far.
Despite borrowing some of its more prevalent mechanics from both Assassin's Creed and Batman, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor manages to be a very solid and memorable game.
If you love racing games, Forza Horizon 2 is a must. In fact, it's so good that it's worth buying a new console for.
Bad Blood won't win Watch Dogs any new fans, but those who loved the main game will want to give it a shot.
FIFA 15 is a great soccer game, but it feels a bit sterile due to a lack of creative thinking.
By overlooking features that have made other massively multiplayer games and first-person shooter/RPG hybrids successful, Bungie has created a game that lacks immersion and is in need of a wow factor. Still, thanks to some quality gunplay, addictive multiplayer and beautiful presentation, Destiny exists as a decent game and isn't a bad way to spend one's time.
NHL 15 is a missed opportunity and a bit of a mess overall. It feels unfinished, and is lacking fan favourite modes, making it hard to recommend to anyone but the diehards.
inFAMOUS: First Light is an entertaining and well-made prequel to inFAMOUS: Second Son, but it's kept from greatness by repetitive mission types and familiar tropes.
Risen 3: Titan Lords suffers from many of the same faults that affected Risen 2, but offsets them by presenting a lengthy and immersive quest.
With Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Ubisoft Montpellier has created something magical. That is, a game which manages to convey the seriousness of war, while also being creative and imaginative. All of this is done in an incredibly respectful manner; so much so that the game acts as both a teacher and an entertainer throughout its colourful narrative.
Murdered: Soul Suspect is a flawed interactive crime drama, which will only appeal to a certain audience. Gamers who like narrative-focused titles should give it a chance, while those who usually avoid linear experiences should save their time and money.
With Watch Dogs, Ubisoft Montreal has created an interesting, immersive and innovative new IP, which will hopefully end up marking the beginning of a great series.
Wolfenstein: The New Order is made up of some interesting parts, but is decidedly unspectacular as a whole.
Mario Kart 8 is a nearly flawless kart racer, which is only marred by its developer's confusing decision to alter its traditional Battle Mode.