No matter the platform, The Swapper is a game that people should play. It may be a year later, but the game still stands out as one of the most creative and forward-thinking indie releases in recent memory.
But as a solo experience, Resogun stands out as one of the must-own games for the PS4. Its frenetic action provides constant entertainment, and Sony's new console allows that action to be viewed with incredible fidelity and smoothness. It may be a bit light on content, but the craftsmanship on Housemarque's part can't be denied.
Fans of old-school PC RPGs that don't hold the player's hand and focus on depth and freedom will adore this game. Audiences without that experience will also find something to love in Divinity: Original Sin, because depth and player freedom never become dated.
Super Mario Maker captures the childlike glee of seeing a game in action and wondering what it would be like to create one. Players in the game are crafting classic Mario levels just like Nintendo has done for all these years, albeit with simplified tools. It showcases the imagination of the video game community at large, and it hasn't even been released to the public yet. I can't wait to see how Super Mario Maker grows and improves as more Wii U owners purchase the game and join that community.
The HD remaster in particular does wonders for the series and makes Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection an easy recommendation for PS4 owners.
I still love the idea of a game with only bosses and a single weapon, and the contrast between the small protagonist and the towering bosses emphasizes the thrill of victory. It's a shame the game ends when it does, because there's potential here for an even greater product. But even with its short length, Titan Souls is a fresh and inventive indie release.
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin targets two audiences: newcomers and veterans. In both cases it succeeds.
The level of execution and polish in Axiom Verge makes it seem as though it came from a well-established studio, let alone a single person. There's a confidence in the design that channels the best parts of successful Metroidvania games.
Although Hardline probably won't result in any Battlefield converts, it will provide fans with plenty of entertainment.
Fortunately, the hunts in Evolve stand out as the game's greatest strength. There's no denying that some players will find the formula repetitive after a short while, and the lack of other great game modes contributes to that repetition.
NBA 2K15 retains the title of best basketball video game, but it's a far less impressive title this year.
Anomaly 2 largely overcomes its few missteps though. 11 Bit Studios laid the foundation with the first game in the series and Anomaly 2 continues to reinforce the novelty of that foundation.
Those willing to fight and endure will be rewarded a satisfying experience though, one in which the numerous deaths and crashes only add to the momentous victory as the player crosses the finish line.
Unfortunately, Arkham Knight doesn't deliver the Batmobile in small doses, and it turns out to be the most intrusive part of the experience. At least the rest of the game makes up for the Batmobile and the occasional narrative misstep.
Despite the draw of the EASHL and the core gameplay in NHL 16, there's a layer of familiarity that might turn away some folks. But after the missteps of last year's series entry, NHL 16 represents a step back in the right direction for EA's virtual hockey franchise and its fanbase. Some of the game modes feel underdeveloped in key areas, namely Be a Pro, but the variety on display and the hook of online multiplayer make NHL 16 an easy recommendation.
Galak-Z rewards players who stick with it. There's an overwhelming sense satisfaction that comes from seeing player growth, and I know I improved as I played more of the game. I learned enemy patterns and knew when to pick my battles, which is a stark contrast to when I first loaded the game up and went in guns blazing. The mission structure and narrative leave something to be desired, but when I think of Galak-Z, I think of my many triumphs and the elation I felt when I completed a season. Few games manage to instill that feeling of triumph quite like Galak-Z.
There's not much else to Mushroom 11 beyond the core movement mechanic, but the game is confident in its limited scope. It allows the simple and innovate control scheme to take center stage, and though it requires both patience and practice, it contributes greatly to the novelty of the puzzle platformer experience. If players fall into a few lava pits along the way, so be it. At least an overwhelming sense of accomplishment awaits the green organism at the end of each chapter.
The combination of fun rhythm gameplay, impressively choreographed dances, and costume variety make Persona 4: Dancing All Night a worthy addition to the Persona 4 universe. It offers a strong challenge for players and even includes in-game items to make individual tracks easier or harder depending on skill level. The narrative falls short of other games in the franchise, but at least it features the familiar faces that fans have come to love. Now put those familiar faces in wacky costumes and watch them dance for their lives. Ya know, Persona-style.
The lack of meaningful obstacles lessens the overall experience a bit, but Shantae and the Pirate's Curse still stands as an excellent addition to a series with a devoted fan base. The Pirate's Curse adheres to the Metroidvania formula from previous games, but everything here feels bigger and better. I imagine the devoted fan base will only grow after more people play it.
The return of super powers and introduction of flight makes it a mostly enjoyable three hours, but as a standalone experience it falls just short of typical Saints Row success.