Matt Welsh
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Super Mario World
- Banjo Kazooie
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is an immensely enjoyable experience. Fifteen years later, the time cycle idea is still fresh and it's astonishing that more games haven't attempted to make use of this unique gameplay style. The game's dark tone and heavy emphasis on emotion makes it truly stand out among Zelda titles and it is a story that won't soon be forgotten. The new features may be minimal, but there's never been a better way to play the most underrated game in the Zelda series.
Shovel Knight on PlayStation is just as spectacular as it was last year and the extra content, while minor, is a welcome addition to an already awesome game.
There are a few drawbacks and limitations, but Splatoon's frantic and addicting gameplay is a blast. This is Nintendo's best new IP in years.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a fantastic gameplay experience that shows no signs of age, despite an underwhelming visual upgrade.
With an emotional story and touch-based combat that feels both clever and natural, Severed is an excellent game that will stick with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe plays exceptionally well and its pick-up-and-play nature feels right at home on Nintendo Switch. There may not be any game-changing additions, but new items and characters, as well as an insanely fun Battle mode, help round out an already-impressive package.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a fun puzzle-platformer with a huge amount of polish. The camera angles can sometimes get in the way of its greatness, but Toad's first solo adventure is absolutely a memorable one.
Rocket League may only feel like a glorified minigame, but its wild, tense, and fast-paced gameplay makes it one of PS4's best multiplayer experiences to date.
Simple, inspired, and constantly encouraging, Super Mario Maker gives players the freedom to enjoy Mario the way they like to the most. The pre-made levels are mostly just samples, but the real potential lies with the online community. Super Mario Maker not only respects Mario's 30-year history, it gives players the keys to the Mushroom Kingdom like never before.
LEGO Marvel's Avengers' ties to the cinematic universe make it less imaginative than its comic book predecessor, but excellent superhero gameplay makes up for it. This is one of the best LEGO games yet and a must-play for any Marvel fan.
Klaus is a thought-provoking platformer that usurps expectations and will stick with you long after you've finished playing.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes can occasionally get tedious when playing alone, but the multiplayer is one of the greatest handheld co-op experiences around.
Resident Evil 7 feels as terrifying as it does modern, all while returning the series to its roots. It hits some familiar bumps along the way, but this is the best this series has felt in years.
Splatoon 2 adds some great new weapons and decent new modes, but an over-reliance on the its familiar formula keeps it from feeling like a full-blown sequel.
Lost Orbit is fast-paced, adrenaline-filled fun with a story that, while entertaining, feels like an odd pairing to its gameplay.
Resogun: Defenders' emphasis on risk-vs-reward is sure to please fans who love topping their high score. These new modes may be Resogun's biggest departure yet, but the core experience is still a blast to play.
Resident Evil HD is the definitive way to experience the forefather of the survival horror genre. There may be some elements that are frustratingly outdated but the game is still terrifying and plenty of fun to play.
Adventures of Pip is a charming experience that embraces its pixelated appearance. The platforming can feel occasionally stiff, but Pip succeeds the most when it's not afraid to have fun with its theme.
Affordable Space Adventures is a great example of a game that takes advantage of everything Wii U has to offer. There are a few drawbacks but this is the best use of the GamePad to date.
Familiar series hang-ups lead to signs of aging, but Resident Evil 0 HD's core gameplay and horror element hold up remarkably well. Updated visuals and controls make the return trip to Raccoon City worthwhile.