I'm glad that I played Sniper Elite V2 as it gave me a deep appreciation for all of the things Rebellion has brought to the table for the sequel. With expanded set pieces, better sniping mechanics, and an even more visceral look into what happens when bullet impacts blood and bone, they really have nailed that aspect of their product. While the AI may be dumb as a post, scoring a long distance headshot without the aim assist reticule and slow motion feels like you've accomplished the impossible time and time again. For the few things that aren't quite up to snuff, Sniper Elite III gets a whole lot right.
With only a single nitpick, and so many fantastic upgrades, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition truly is the best version of the game, PC and Mac included. Couch co-op with up to four players, online co-op with up to four players, an upgraded system beyond Loot 2.0, better round-robin gear distribution, and all of the social elements added to this version of Diablo III are icing on the cake of the additional chapter and Crusader class delivered here. So yes…it's worth the double dip. If this is your first foray into the world of Diablo, this is the absolute best version you can play.
So back to the original posit that this newest generation of consoles is filling up with HD remakes. At a cost of $1.99 per track times ten tracks, you are essentially getting the game for free and the tracks at half price. This update to the Xbox One costs less than two cups of coffee and is far more than just a new coat of paint. Come for the new and improved features, stay for the far better soundtrack.
Destiny is the sort of game that will need to breathe before it's appreciated. The team has launched the first free raid upgrade yesterday, and they promise far more universe-expanding content in the immediate future. As it stands now, it feels like a strong foundation coupled with a thin story and some baffling missteps on the MMO aspects of the formula. When Destiny is a shooter, it's amazing, but when it aims to make that a social activity it falls on its face. Like Bungie's previous efforts, history will prove it to be the classic it aims to be.
This feels less like a review and more like a love letter to Forza Horizon 2. This game was an absolute joy to review, and I'll play it long after this article goes live. Like opening the hood on a Ferrari, Forza Horizon 2 is filled from fender to fender with absolute awesome.
There are some genuinely terrifying, nightmare-inducing moments in this game. Unfortunately they are few and far between, which is frustrating because the concept here is solid. A little restraint would go a long way here. Stop throwing hordes of enemies at me and just let the game be scary.
I went in with a wary eye, but I was pleasantly shocked by how well this title turned out. It slightly overstays its welcome, but the vast majority of the game is a tense and atmospheric mental battle against a vicious and unstoppable killing machine. We've not seen survival horror done this well in a very long time.
With intuitive controls and great tunes, Disney's Fantasia: Music Evolved is not only a fantastic rhythm game, but one of the best Kinect games ever made.
Whether you are defending a trash barge, grinding a dragon spine, or flinging bowling balls at exploding enemies, Sunset Overdrive is pure insanity – just how I like it. Come for the crazy, stay for the fourth-wall-breaking fun.
Dragon Age Inquisition has raised the bar for storytelling. It's the sort of game you think you have figured out after a few hours, but time and time again it'll surprise you. With a rebuilt combat system, an open and inviting world, 150 hours of content, and a warm and familiar storytelling system, Dragon Age Inquisition is the best RPG I've played in a decade.
We had a lot of praise for Rocksmith 2014 on previous gen, and it's transition to new platforms has only improved on that. At least in my household it remains a fantastic family event that yields a real skill. Who said videogames never taught you anything?
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris's new mechanics and graphical improvements make it a must-have for any couch co-op fan. The devious puzzles are matched by a better story and bigger bosses, making for a fun four-player romp that should keep any gamer entertained.
It's clear that Gat out of Hell is purely fan service. If you liked the lunacy of Saints Row IV, you'll find more of it here. While it isn't bringing a great deal of new to the table, that doesn't prevent it from being a fun ride while it lasts.
Grey Goo wildly exceeds all expectations for presentation and gameplay. While there are a few issues with cheating and infinite units in single player, the multiplayer is rock solid. The Goo itself presents an all-new twist to the RTS world, and any fan of the genre should experience it. Grey Goo is the best RTS title I've played in a very long time.
There is a reason why Grim Fandango shows up near the top of everyone's best adventure games of all time list. Grim Fandango Remastered builds it up for a new audience, offering it's genuinely-hilarious story for a whole new generation of gamers. While it isn't the cleanest port ever, it's a welcome addition to any library — especially at the $14.99 price point. Welcome back, Manny — we missed you.
Literally no game has ever looked this good. It's strange to even write that, but The Order: 1886 raises the bar so far above its contemporaries that it stands in a class by itself. Joined by a soundtrack that perfects the mood, The Order is a cinematic masterpiece. If you want to show off your PlayStation 4 to your friends, this is the title to showcase.
While Jaws of Hakkon is neither revolutionary or ultimately necessary, it is gorgeous and offers 6-8 hours of gameplay for the price of a solo trip to the movies. The new end-game content fits nicely into the fold, even if it offers very little deviation from the well-established formula.
Come for the dungeon management, stay for goofy minions like Jayzee, Am'Adamss, and Kato. We've seen a lot of "spiritual successors" to Dungeon Keeper, but none have lived up to that genre-defining product. Dungeons 2 is the culmination of a lot of hard work, and it's great that Kalypso and Realmforge could finally deliver on that often-promised and hardly-delivered goal. Sure, we may not always know what we want, but when somebody shows up and does it right, you immediately know.
If you are a fan of old school games like Mega Man, this may be the easiest purchase you ever make. JumpJet Rex's new-school approach to old school platforming, and the addition of the time trial elements and collection itch to scratch, this game is an absolutely must-have.
It's always somewhat tacky to compare products, but it's warranted when so very much is borrowed. This game is a bit of a knockoff of the superior Mark of the Ninja. Mark has a better story, less frustrating mechanics, and guards that are slightly less lobotomized than these dolts. If you've beaten Mark and want another crack at a decent sidescroller, Chronicles China should fit that bill, but let's hope they bring some new concepts to the table for the next two outings.