William Schwartz
Deeper combat and customization could have gone a long way in making Sacred 3 a great game. Instead, it's a game with a lot to do, with little reason to do it.
Blizzard does a lot of things right with its console specific features in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Ultimate Evil Edition. More importantly, these features only add to a game that is reaching parity with the PC version.
Impressive visuals and gameplay innovations for the stealth genre, Counter Spy is an impressive first offering from this new studio. While it's not perfect, and near broken in some cases, stealth fans who buy on PS4 or PS3 won't likely leave disappointed.
Shadow of Mordor takes the focus away from new generation resolutions and framerates, and really starts to show what types of gameplay innovations are possible given the more powerful console hardware.
Driveclub has a lackluster set of features to keep players playing what is a pretty solid arcade racer. The good news is, that everyone with a PS Plus account will be able to try before they have to make a decision on whether to upgrade to the full version, or not.
It's hard to recommend anyone repurchasing Sleeping Dogs for this Definitive Edition, but it could be a great experience for newcomers.
Microsoft Studios tapped on one of the best developers in the business for this Xbox One exclusive, and Sunset Overdrive is a triumphant next-gen coming out party for Insomniac.
Advanced Warfare puts together the most compelling competitive online multiplayer package the series has seen in years. The same can't be said for campaign or co-op, but does it really matter?
Assassin's Creed Unity is indeed the prettiest version of Assassin's Creed yet, getting back to basics and focusing on the Assassin part of Assassin's Creed.
LittleBigPlanet 3 retains all the charm and whimsy of the previous games, while giving its players an unprecedented set of tools to unleash their imaginations in full-scale adventures.
The visual upgrades in GTA V take what was an impressive game on 8-year old hardware, and makes it shine bright on the new consoles. The introduction of first person perspective, and the many refinements to the game make it a trip worth taking, whether you've been there and done that, or not.
Ubisoft has a formula for Far Cry and they're sticking to it, as there's very little deviation from what made Far Cry 3 a success. Far Cry 4 is more of what's familiar, including an aging engine. That said, it's a fun formula for open world gameplay enthusiasts.
Equal parts chaos and creativity, #IDARB is best enjoyed with friends. While online features are lacking somewhat, anyone looking for a great local competitive title on Xbox One should definitely pick this one up when it hits Games with Gold in February.
Saints Row: Gat out of Hell is the Saints Row you know and love, minus the good stuff. A lack of humor, repetitive missions and structure for this short expansion leave a lot to be desired.
A more polished and focused game than their previous effort in open world zombie games, Techland marries graceful parkour and chaotic combat in this sandbox scavenger's fever dream.
Advanced Warfare's first map pack, Havoc, doesn't quite have the fit and finish that the game launched with. A lack of available playlists is a big bummer for anyone who doesn't want to play the handful of available modes. Sledgehammer could take a few cues from Treyarch for the extension of this zombie storyline... if there is one.
Unmechanical: Extended's presentation will please, and its puzzles will challenge you for a few hours, but don't expect it to do much more.
Raven's Cry has very few redeemable qualities. Despite having the potential to be the ultimate pirate adventure, and the inclusion of a ton of features, it's not very fun to play and has quite a few technical issues.
Grow Home isn't awfully deep, nor does it provide any real story to hook you, but this game taps into the pleasure centers of seeing something and going there... however you may choose to do so.
Alientrap has struck a great balance between their core 2-D Platforming and RPG-lite mechanics, and a varied world that challenges players in different ways throughout the course of this tightly paced adventure.