A superb campaign, particularly in its level design, coupled with the all-new Warzone mode and the return of arena multiplayer makes Halo 5 the best FPS game of this generation and possibly the best Halo title ever.
Naughty Dog continue to be the best example as to what the artists and engineers in the industry can constantly strive for, and their send off to the poster boy of PlayStation is a feat only matched by their own previous titles.
Halo Wars 2 delivers a superb story that ends with a million possibilities on what could happen in future games.
Tetris Effect, similar to Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo Sport, is designed with the improvement of the player’s skill at its heart.
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is LEGO at heart, with some changes made to the core combat and puzzle-solving nature of the games.
For all of FIFA 17’s additions and fixes, The Journey rounds out what is already the most complete football sim ever.
Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza showcases all of what Hitman can be.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an immense stealth game that features dozens of satisfying mechanics and an undying focus on the art of tactical warfare. Even on normal difficulty, the game will force the player to use every iota of their tactical nuance as they assassinate their way through an emotional story-line that takes them to all manner of settings across the island nation. The game's camera system is the only misstep in an otherwise superb port to console, which hopefully spurs more games of its type on PC to go down the same route.
The focus on sport and competition is the game's most impressive asset
The atmosphere of cup matches and the hilarious commentary from the announcers adds a real authenticity to matches.
In the Rhombus of Ruin is a masterclass of engaging mechanics and brilliant writing, and it’s got me excited for the future of Psychonauts.
Stones Unturned is one of the best experiences I've had all generation and it would have made Mafia III a serious game of the year contender had the rest of the game met these standards.
At its core Rocket League is gameplay perfected and with a suite of multiplayer options, the game will see life for many months to come.
While this year's FIFA entry might not be the complete overhaul I wanted, the changes have significantly improved the meta-game and almost chess like war between two equally good players, with the nuances of the gameplay becoming more apparent as we head further out from launch day. FIFA 16 is as close to the real game as players will ever get and continuous support in the way of match day updates and Ultimate Team challenges will further cement it as the best football sim on the market.
Nevertheless, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a bringing together of what is probably the best set of games of the last generation. Developer diaries and commentary additions withstanding, the three games hold up in 2015 and, leading up to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, offer those who did not have the chance to play last generation to experience Drake's entire tale before what could be his final outing.
All manner of electronic tunes, that somehow always fit the level and scenario, elevate the experience tremendously.
_________________________ “UFC 3 is an EA Sports title that is made to attract more than just a niche, hardcore fan base of MMA enthusiasts and it's all the better for it.
Obliteracers is fast, hectic, beautiful, and a joy to play.
Assassin's Creed Origins blew my expectations away in so many areas, but there's still something missing that made the likes of Assassin's Creed II and Brotherhood so special. However, this is most definitely the best title since then, and one that I'll be jumping back into very soon. The new combat system makes for some incredibly satisfying moments, while the design of the world is only matched by the likes of The Witcher III. Ubisoft Montreal can be proud knowing that they've delivered a level of AAA-production that likely won't be seen again until Cyberpunk 2077 rolls around, but there's just that last leap of faith that needs to be made to once again deliver a generation defining game.
If you're looking for a fighter, there is simply nothing better on the market than Dragon Ball FighterZ in terms of what it offers as a 2D, high action brawler.