Crypt of the Necrodancer offers just about every feature imaginable, and each one is executed absolutely masterfully. It's wholly unique and provides a tension found nowhere else, offering up some rhythm to the roguelike genre just as it started to feel like it was getting stale.
Big Boss' supposedly final outing puts players in the middle of the most ambitious entry in the series yet, and it delivers on almost everything it promises. If this is Hideo Kojima's final game, then he is stepping out at the top floor of the industry.
Yoshi's Woolly World brings an astounding amount of features to an aesthetically impressive title. It stands as one of the best Wii U titles this season, constantly delivering creative twists on what the platformer genre that Nintendo has been tapping for so long. It's an absolute must buy for fans of the Yoshi series.
Enter the Gungeon is one of the most polished games I've ever played, especially considering the multitude of items that are available. Just when I thought that the rogue-like genre had been done to death, this game comes along and completely turns me around. I'm not sure I'll ever master the Gungeon, but I'm not sure if I'll ever want to leave, either.
Need for Speed Rivals is a great entry in the series and a huge improvement from Most Wanted and Hot Pursuit. AllDrive brings multiplayer to a new level, and the experience sets the bar for all racing games from now on. That said, since AllDrive is so important to the overall experience, multiplayer gamers will likely get a lot more out of it than those who play alone. But, if you're looking for a racing game that's rewarding, fun, and visually impressive, then Need for Speed Rivals is the game for you.
Cities: Skylines isn't without its flaws, but even the things wrong with it add to its charm. It might not be that much of a challenge, but it delivers on the glee of expansion.
It might be tempting to write off Unravel as another indie-made platformer, but you'd be denying yourself a surprisingly deep puzzler with an unmeasurable amount of charm. There might not be much replay value, but you'll be glad you took the time to see it to the end.
Fight through that frustration of wondering where to go when you start The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Once you learn the rules of the game, you'll find a deeply satisfying, if short, story within.
Whether you're in the mood for stealth or all-out action, Rise of the Tomb Raider has got you covered, but when it comes time to put down the guns and start talking, the game screeches to a halt. Even so, it's hard to deny what a blast it is to slip into Lara's shoes once more.
Superhot executes the ideas at its core without flaw, but doesn't step very far outside of those bounds. If you're looking for something to shake up your view of what can be done in a shooter, this is the game for you.
The many unique twists of Magnetic: Cage Closed do so much to set it apart from the other first person physics puzzlers that have tried to dethrone the genre mainstay. Its carefully constructed puzzles, accompanied by clever world building, make it intriguing and sophisticated, but never to the point of pretention.
It's not quite a triumph, but Zen Pinball 2's Portal table is a stand out in the series' expansive table list. While there may not be enough meat here to thrill Portal fans with a passing fancy for virtual pinball, it's definitely a solid choice for anyone who has enjoyed Zen Pinball 2's other games.
While Hand of Fate can get aggravating, the novelty and personality oozing through it is undeniably alluring. The game's simple but satisfying combat and risk versus reward card game will have you coming back for one more hand, waiting for your luck to turn around.
A Realm Reborn fits well into the scene of MMORPG's today while still retaining its identity as a Final Fantasy entry. Even so, while it does have a few genuinely novel features, it fails to add much to an already stagnant genre. If you like MMO's and are looking for that next fix, then I suggest A Realm Reborn over its competitors, but if you have the means, then I'd say you should pick up the PC version of the game.
Strike Vector is a game with great ideas, and really breathes some life into a dying genre. The game's challenge may be a bit too much for casual players, but if you're looking to scratch that aerial shooter itch with a frantic edge, then take to the skies — but don't expect to live long.
Garden Warfare 2 is a simple and approachable team-based shooter that may be lacking on game types, but isn't lacking in content. There are plenty of reasons to stay in Zomburbia once you sink your teeth in.
Ratchet & Clank is a return to form for the series, but anyone looking for something more than that may be disappointed. The game tugs on many of the original's addictive strings, but is also bogged down by a few slower, more passive segments.
If you're looking for a simplistic zen-like experience in a game, look no further than flOw. Simple controls and the itch to explore will keep you entertained for hours, and with the game supporting Cross-Buy play, allowing you to play it on PS3, PS4, and Vita, flOw is definitely worth having in your library.
Problems aside, Tiny Brains is an undeniably enjoyable experience. While it may not amaze you, it'll definitely be worth your time if you and a few friends are looking to have a go at a co-op puzzle experience that isn't extremely demanding.
Rebel Galaxy is a robust trek through the stars, even if it is bogged down by a heavy reliance on repetition and a weak narrative. A host of systems that are all built to generate organic emergent moments, no matter what your play style, make Rebel Galaxy one of this year's biggest surprises.