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In today's entertainment software landscape, the pure definition of a true "system seller" is a thing of the past. Gone are the days of 16 bit Zelda vs. a more "graphic" version of Mortal Kombat. And the era of complete AAA 3rd party exclusivity, a la Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid, is virtually extinct. What we have here is a "limited" release. Something that is better defined as NOT being made available on a certain machine. But for the effect that Microsoft honestly needs right now in its effort against Sony, Titanfall is the weapon that keeps the door open. If this game was out on the PS4, or had plans in the near future for a release, this generation's console war would probably be decided very, very early in the life cycle, with the Xbox One having little chance of catching up. I'm not saying this is the cure all, and will drastically tip the sales scale in the other direction. MS still faces an uphill climb in that regard. The only difference is now they have a much needed bandage for the wound from Sony's early, heavy shot. The wide appeal this title has will be a tipping point for people on the fence about which machine to adopt right now. Currently, I don't believe the PS4 has an equivocal "killer app," nor is one known to the public in these pre-E3 2014 months. As much as a game can be a system seller nowadays, Titanfall is, undoubtedly.
Yoshi's New Island follows a similar formula as previous Nintendo remakes/reboots but ultimately falls short of recreating the magic we expect from Nintendo platformers. It is a shame that Yoshi's New Island could not provide enough new content to warrant its "new" name. Even if you enjoy the gameplay pulled directly out of the original title, it's hard to recommend playing this game over its predecessor (even if you've already played Yoshi's Island). Yoshi's Island DS has a little more variety and difficulty but ultimately, Nintendo just hasn't been able to reproduce the greatness of the original title.
Luftrausers' success is its addictive duel between confidence and doubt; what's the best option when every choice is conceivably the best option? Providing the player with heaps of ways tackle problems is nothing new, but creating a large number of choices and making each one uniquely viable? That's special, and it's Luftrausers' specialty.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is a small appetizer for what could be one of the greatest meals on this generation of consoles. It's true the initial mission in the game is short, but the extra content, missions, items and a first-look at the visuals more than makes the $29.99 price tag worth it. Definitely don't miss this.
An overall very well developed puzzle-platformer that can entertain -- or frustrate depending on your skills and patience -- for hours.
The lengths to which Burial at Sea: Episode 2 goes to distance its gameplay from BioShock Infinite's blueprint is outmatched by the indulgent spectacle of its writhing narrative - a risk not fully conscious of its consequences. Through success, failure, and to simply admire the sunset of a generation, the conclusion of Burial at Sea remains a worthwhile experience.
Goat Simulator is stupid, ridiculous, and incredibly fun. Everything from the hidden areas to the different goats make this game hilarious, and well worth the price.
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends - Complete Edition has so much to offer and so much to do that it's difficult not to enjoy yourself. Is it perfect? No, but it gives hope that future Dynasty Warriors titles will look and play amazing on the current generation of systems. I think with a bit more work Omega Force can perfect this game. Right now, it's a really good game, but not yet great.
KSR is better and deeper than most motion controlled games that I have played, especially of the family/sports compilation variety. However, it's still light on content and just doesn't have a great deal of staying power or replay value you would hope for.
The beta is over, and it was 15 million strong; now, we have the product of its revelations. With a thankfully redefined purpose and a much more enticing endgame, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls is probably the game you were hoping for years ago. It's not about competition, but cooperation. It's not about methodically stressing over your loot, it's about the thrill of the hunt. It's not about rushing to the top, it's about the sheer enjoyment of the journey itself. It embraces its core competencies and brashly ignores all other complicating factors—and, with few exceptions, it's a much better game for it.
LEGO The Hobbit brings a bigger world, improved gameplay elements and a deeper gaming experience than thought possible with a LEGO game. If you like the LEGO games, then you need this one in your collection. It's certainly the best of the best amongst its LEGO brethren.
Trials Fusion seeks to layer a true stunt system through its maniacal blend of physics-based motorcycle racing, all the while leaving room for a mixture of surreal weirdness and circus sideshows. Unfortunately, these ideas feel like disjointed appendages to a perfect body, leaving Trials Fusion potent on paper but incomplete as a realized game. It's everything you loved about Trials, just with some roughed up baggage that should have been better.
This one is for the nostalgic fans out there that grew up with and respect the 8-bit era. Nintendo has put together some solid mini-games and remix levels from some of their strongest NES titles. You'll find a lot to love about NES Remix 2. Just beware of the occasional frustrating moments.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe is exactly what you would expect it to be: multiple game modes, creative level design, fun lighthearted style, colorful presentation, and crisp precise platforming. Kirby continues to live as a creative series built around a simple mechanic of move stealing and move-set freedom and will always be regarded dearly in this gamer's heart. It doesn't matter how many times the formula is reiterated as long as fresh ideas are pumped into the gameplay. Recommended.
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.
If you're looking for an accessible and often-fun four player competitive splitscreen game, Cel Damage HD is worth a look.
Mario Golf: World Tour is hardly progressive and rarely creative on the level of its predecessors—and in some ways, it actually feels somewhat regressive. However, the core appeal of the series is still alive and well nonetheless, and with the added extensibility of online play and tournaments—as well as downloadable courses—it's hard to deny its appeal if you ever enjoyed what the series had to offer from the start.
There can never be another Dark Souls. From Software's Magnum opus required years of King's Field and dry run in Demon's Souls before visions of Dark Souls were made a reality. A sequel owes an allegiance to its ascendant, and it's doubly-hard trying to improve upon a game many feel was born perfect. Dark Souls II, as its blessing and its curse, is not another Dark Souls. It is, however, more Dark Souls - and it makes good on its hallowed name.
For all but the most passionate Spider-Man fans, TAS2 is one you can safely skip or get by with on a rental.
Mario Kart 8 won't change your mind if you're against the series' basic conceptual design, of course, but for everyone on the fence who just wants a fun, skill-weighted, multiplayer-centric party racer, this is truly as good as it gets. The balance of luck and skill is very well done overall, and the selection of available features, items, and gameplay elements is the best the series has had to offer yet—not to mention the excellent track design. It's safe to say that this is the best Mario Kart since the SNES days, and that's a pretty heavy statement.