The charm of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker resides in the unique variety of levels built for the game, as well as the competent, yet simplistic gameplay design it delivers. Add a strong replay value to the mix and you have one of the best surprises to hit the Wii U this holiday season.
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is initially the same type of gameplay that you know from the previous LEGO titles, but with a little bit more freedom and flavor added in to separate it. If you loved previous LEGO titles, especially the most recent LEGO Batman titles, then you're going to enjoy this one.
The visual upgrade to Grand Theft Auto V on the current generation systems would be enough to warrant a re-purchase. It's absolutely stunning and by far one of the best looking games on current gen. The additional online content, modes, cars, people and the inclusion first-person is just icing on the cake.
Dragon Age: Inquisition has incredibly deep and complex parts, while still maintaining the core gameplay values that Bioware knows how to do best with their third-person action titles. The game delivers everything promised, including gorgeous visuals and a strong story. Simply put, Bioware has returned the Dragon Age series to the greatness it truly deserves.
Sledgehammer Games does a great job with their first full go around of Call of Duty. Advanced Warfare features a campaign with an entertaining story, a deep multiplayer experience that is fast and on target, and a co-op experience that has small twists to keep it unique. They didn't reinvent the franchise with their first Call of Duty release, but they did produce something enjoyable.
Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection is a well-designed and deserved trip down memory lane. For those who never experienced arcade games before and never truly saw Street Fighter in its heyday, it's a nearly perfect way of seeing it at its best. Sans the controller issues that still plague the Switch version of this release, and any Street Fighter release, it's a solid collection that is worth the money.
ArchAngel: Hellfire does a good job with PvP. The maps are nice, the mechs and controls are solid, and there isn't a lot to dislike about what Skydance Interactive put together. I will say that the co-op isn't as interesting as the PvP, but that's not the reason you will want to play Hellfire. Hopefully more updates in the future will improve upon this solid groundwork.
NBA Live 15 is an improvement from the previous year. It contains better graphics, smoother gameplay and feels like a more complete experience when compared to NBA Live 14. That said, there is still some work to be done if it hopes to compete with the NBA 2K series. It isn't quite to the 2K level, but it's now officially on the right path.
Driveclub delivers driving fun on gorgeous and expansive maps, offers a variety of ways to race and a bevy of cars to choose from. It won't satisfy your need for a Gran Turismo-esque experience, but it will certainly bring enjoyment to your racing lives.
All in all, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a beautiful third-person action title that has deep role-playing game elements embedded firmly into it. You also get enormously detailed and deep environments, with unique enemies to populate it. This is simply a superb game.
Hyrule Warriors delivers a wonderful Legend of Zelda action game with a large cast of familiar characters, identifiable worlds, a great upgrade/leveling system and endless amounts of action. It's far from a perfect game, especially in regards to controls and repetitiveness, but it's much better than expected. It has certainly raised the bar for the Dynasty Warriors series in regards to design.
Destiny isn't a perfect game, but it's a perfect gaming experience. The girth of the planets, the endless exploration, a fun co-op element and a strong PvP structure has this series on the right track. I can't wait to see what else the future expansions have in store for the overall body of work.
EA Tiburon did a fantastic job with making the right adjustments for this year's Madden title. Improved defense and a more balanced offense makes for a fun football experience. Connected Franchise, Skills Trainer and Ultimate Team are just icing on a nearly perfect cake. The Gauntlet is the ice cream with the cake – take it or leave it.
Firefall has potential, but it's not quite there just yet. A little bit more restructuring and beefing up in some areas will help Firefall evolve, if Red 5 Studios can give more time and money to the project. Hopefully it keeps developing the title, as it does have potential.
One Piece Unlimited World Red is a decent action-RPG. It has a solid fighting system intact that leads the way, though it does need some work, and a building/gathering element to it that will add some longevity to the overall gameplay. One Piece fans will appreciate it, but newbies might want to give it a rent before jumping at it.
What Killzone Shadow Fall Intercept lacks in maps and level design, it makes up with strong, team oriented gameplay and a deep points/reward system that keeps you going. Intercept certainly renews the excitement of owning Killzone Shadow Fall.
Entwined will put your brain to work and force you to think with both hands at the same time. It will challenge you to do better and keep you going, while at the same time relaxing your senses. It's not perfect, but it's engaging enough to warrant the time, money and effort.
War Thunder has some issues here and there, but it's a very competent flying and ground war game that doesn't let its microtransaction component get in the way. There's plenty of tanks and planes to try out and modify to your liking, and just enough visuals to enjoy along the way. It's not perfect, but it's a solid game.
Watch Dogs doesn't have the depth you'll find in a Grand Theft Auto title, but it does have a unique gameplay experience through hacking abilities, a gorgeous gaming environment to play in and enough added content via side quests and online play to make it worth your time.
Daylight is gold when it comes to scares, but is merely sterling silver in the gameplay substance department. The price might be worth the risk, though.