Unity's predictable narrative and constant technical quibbles mar what would otherwise be a solid entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise. Come for the side-content and co-op, but don't expect any important revelations here.
While the narrative leaves a bit to be desired, Grand Theft Auto V on the PlayStation 4 is a technical marvel, a masterclass in world building, and absolutely worth exploring again.
As great as it was when the series first launched on the PlayStation 3 - but that's mainly because, other than a couple of new modes, it's practically the same game.
Screamride has a pretty impressive roller coaster building suite and some satisfying destructible environments, but everything else - from the other gameplay modes to its presentation - is a total snore.
Westerado: Double Barreled has its issues, but it provides a grand adventure on a small scale and lets you find something new each time you play.
Splatoon is a brilliant and unique shooter sorely lacking in maps and modes, and it desperately needs a refill.
Brimming with positivity and encouragement, Super Mario Maker's brilliant toy box gives you everything you need to easily create and share some truly fantastic levels.
Skylanders Superchargers is a competent sequel, but it lacks some of the charm of its predecessors by focusing too much on its collection of vehicles.
While some graphical issues keep the PS4 version from matching its PC counterpart, The Talos Principle remains one of the most interesting, intelligent, and inspiring video games ever made. Absolutely essential gaming.
Hearts of Stone may not make any significant improvements to The Witcher 3's core gameplay, but it succeeds largely on the quality of its engrossing narrative.
Xenoblade Chronicles X offers a resplendent world, fantastic combat, and transforming mechs, but figuring out how everything fits together isn't always easy.
Republique is filled with interesting ideas about the very real fear of modern-day fascism and the omnipresence of privacy-killing technology, concepts that are more often found in literature than video games, and the way it approaches its themes through the security cameras of a dystopian nightmare is admirable. But all the interesting ideas in the world are moot if the game can't make a satisfying experience out of them, and sadly, Republique fails to stick the landing.
There is a good game somewhere inside Star Fox Zero, but its forced reliance on the Gamepad's screen and motion controls cause it to barrel roll right into mediocrity.
A puzzle game dressed like a twisted, Cronenberg-inspired shooter, Superhot's methodical, slow-motion approach to the genre is as cerebral and deliberate as it is unhinged.
Blood and Wine is a gripping murder mystery set in a picturesque new locale, and a fitting end to the story of Geralt of Rivia.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is basically the JRPG equivalent of a nightclub foam party - an absurd fun premise, great tunes, and surprisingly deep combat. Wait...
Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness wants to be a grand sci-fi JRPG, but its mediocre production values undercut it at almost every opportunity.
Headlander has a few rough spots, but its 70s retro/sci-fi aesthetic and head-swapping gameplay are out of this world.
Absolutely gorgeous and a joy to behold, but sticks too close to Journey's formula for its own good.
Combat could be better, but Dragon Quest Builders combines RPG structure and freeform creativity to great effect. It's Minecraft for people who hate Minecraft.