Dragon Quest Heroes might not be the Dragon Quest games that fans wanted, but it has ended up being one of the best surprises of 2015.
If you're a fan of rhythm games, then Guitar Hero: Live is a must buy.
There is definitely some fun to be had in Primal Carnage: Extinction, especially on the dinosaurs' side. There is a nice selection of modes, but when the end result is almost always the same it can get boring. Circle Five Studios has a fantastic premise for a game, it just needed some more time to incubate before it saw the light of day.
Ultimately, playing Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition on consoles is a fantastic experience. It may not be the best way to play, as PC still reigns supreme, but it's a fantastic version of an already great game. If you're willing to roll the die, and have luck decide your fate, then you'll have a blast playing through Larian Studios' update of Divinity: Original Sin.
There are glimpses of a fantastic game in The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, but you'll have to play under specific circumstances in order to experience it.
Driveclub Bikes is the rare expansion that manages to eclipse the base game. Not only is the Evolution Studios developed racer the best motorcycle racing game today, but it's one of the best racers, period.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III is the most content-filled game in the entire series. While that would normally be a good thing, the problem is that none of the content is particularly interesting. From the underwhelming campaign to the disappointing multiplayer, there isn't much to really recommend playing over last year's game. Call of Duty: Black Ops III is just okay, but being just okay isn't enough to keep players entertained when there are so many better offerings available from the same series.
A great year for strategy role-playing games continues with Stella Glow, wherein a surprisingly dark story and entertaining battle mechanics combine to keep players hooked.
At its core, Darksiders II is a great game. That is what makes Darksiders II: Deahtinitive Edition all the more frustrating. A horrendous frame rate negatively impacts every aspect. Combat feels clunky, and the graphically impressive game ends up looking bad in motion. At least Nordic Games didn't technically call this a definitive edition, as it's really anything but.
It may be surprising that a PSP title is a potential Game of the Year contender in 2015, but we all know life is strange. Trails in the Sky SC is an excellent JRPG that has managed to age incredibly well since its Japanese release. Although you'll end up lost more often than you would like to, it's absolutely worth taking a trip into the Liberl Kingdom.
Despite never reaching its true potential Xenoblade Chronicles X is still an amazing gaming accomplishment. No other game can provide such a huge world to explore, and one that is filled with variety throughout. If you're willing to embark on the lengthy quest that can easily eat up over 100 hours, and can put up with some technical shortcomings, then Xenoblade Chronicles X is worth picking up. Just be ready to grind.
Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair still has all of the series' quirks which fans love and detractors dislike. It's a flawed experience, but it asks players to overlook its shortcomings in order to have a laugh.
FAST Racing NEO is an impressive racing game that requires a lot out of its players, as a lack of customizable controls, and the steep learning curve really limits the title's accessibility. If you're down for a challenge, though, then step right up.
SteamWorld Heist is the best Nintendo 3DS game released in 2015, and its multiple difficulties ensure that both new and veteran tactical gamers can have fun in its wonderful world of robot pirates.
While it doesn't fulfill its initial promise, Temple of Yog is still a unique rogue-like that you can't find on any other console. If you're a Wii U owner, you owe it to yourself to check out one of the few games that actually takes advantage of the GamePad.
The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure is a movie tie-in done right. It pays respect to the source material, has solid fundamentals, and is an enjoyable platformer while it lasts. It isn't the longest experience, but there is plenty of fun for Peanuts fans to have.
Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star provides more fun for fans of the series, but it's disappointing that the package surrounding it isn't more polished.
Hyper Void is a fun new take on an established formula, but ends up being its own worst enemy. The game is too difficult for its own good, and the lack of difficulty levels is disappointing. However, those up for the challenging task will be rewarded.
Few games completely nail being a difficult game as well as Electronic Super Joy does.
If you enjoyed the previous installment of Assassin's Creed Chronicles, then you'll find more of the same here. It won't convert anyone who didn't like the last game, but it does provide more stealth platforming at an affordable price.