Rise of the Dark Spark is a colossal failure
Forza Horizon 2's foundation is stronger than the underwhelming tracks built on top of it
Isolation isn't the worst Alien game, but it is the most disappointing
Bayonetta 2's blatant over-sexualization puts a big dent in an otherwise great game
Low gravity makes The Pre-Sequel more than a simple rehash of the Borderlands formula
Sunset Overdrive is contagiously enthusiastic
Advanced Warfare shows what the series needed most was risk
Ultimately, these issues are small nicks in an otherwise intimidating facade. Halo: The Master Chief Collection sets a bar that other remasters and collections will have difficulty reaching, much less topping. For players new to Halo, who have missed any of the included games, it is a stunning introduction to one of the most beloved series in video games. For Halo fans, it's a package that shows almost as much respect and affection for the Master Chief as they do.
Unity falls short of the fresh start Assassin's Creed needs
Tallying its original content on its own, Dimensions offers a very replayable, highly varied take on a too-long dormant modern classic.
For anybody else, Captain Toad's weird little experiment would be an afterthought. But Nintendo's exercise in digging has found something pretty special - an action puzzle game that succeeds on charm and smarts, rather than reflexes and spectacle.
It's a smart game that doesn't punish you for it, a puzzle game that allows a sense of creativity. And while it isn't the most upbeat thing out there, there's a vein of hope that runs through it — and ties it all together neatly at the end.
Dying Light too often loses track of what it's best at
Evolve offers something different, even if it doesn't always succeed
ScreamRide is one of 2015's first great surprises
Ori and the Blind Forest is a rare realization of fantastic design and production values in a space where I wasn't expecting to find it, displaying a spectacular level of confidence in what it is and what it does.
In areas where Battlefield has always excelled and pushed forward, Hardline presents experiments, rather than refinements or fixes. The result is multiplayer that feels very familiar, very quickly. But its campaign, while feeling not completely sure about what it wants to be, is more interesting and certainly all-around better than the last few years' worth of Battlefield games.
Titan Souls finds its best moments when its willing to spare the rod
The Witcher 3 is a great game — with some major qualifications
Ultimate is the best possible demonstration of Gears of War's classic shooter bonafides