The Last of Us is truly the game of a generation, and the Remastered edition brings the harrowing adventure to a whole new generation with expert style.
While other versions of Tomb Raider may be less expensive and offer a similar experience, the Definitive Edition combines the already stellar gameplay with vastly improved graphics, creating what is most certainly the best version of Tomb Raider available.
While some graphical issues keep the PS4 version from matching its PC counterpart, The Talos Principle remains one of the most interesting, intelligent, and inspiring video games ever made. Absolutely essential gaming.
On the eve of the next generation of consoles, it's comforting to know Super Mario still has potential to excite and astound with some of the best gameplay found on the Wii U, or any platform. It may be short and easy, but Super Mario 3D World finds a place within the cacophony of this year's whiz-bang shooters and next-gen tech demos. This is exactly what the Wii U needed.
A slick pastiche of '80s retro cool and modern gameplay, Strider is both faithful to its source material and still capable of finding its own identity. It's basically the raddest Saturday-morning cartoon you'll ever play.
Hearthstone is addictive, highly strategic, and chock-full of fun collectible card battling; the fact that it's totally free (if you want it to be) makes it one of the best values in gaming today. This is your new obsession; embrace it.
Even when it stumbles, Final Fantasy 15's ambitious open-world, fast-paced combat, and the humanity of its four leads make it a fascinating adventure to behold.
Brimming with positivity and encouragement, Super Mario Maker's brilliant toy box gives you everything you need to easily create and share some truly fantastic levels.
Hearts of Stone may not make any significant improvements to The Witcher 3's core gameplay, but it succeeds largely on the quality of its engrossing narrative.
A puzzle game dressed like a twisted, Cronenberg-inspired shooter, Superhot's methodical, slow-motion approach to the genre is as cerebral and deliberate as it is unhinged.
Blood and Wine is a gripping murder mystery set in a picturesque new locale, and a fitting end to the story of Geralt of Rivia.
While the narrative leaves a bit to be desired, Grand Theft Auto V on the PlayStation 4 is a technical marvel, a masterclass in world building, and absolutely worth exploring again.
Metro Redux combines two of the most uniquely harrowing first-person shooters onto one disc, and applies a whole mess of graphical and gameplay improvements that hit far more than they miss.
Appealing to both hardcore shooter fans as well as younger and more casual players, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is entertaining, accessible, and oozing with charm. And while it's only launching with a handful of maps, the lower price point and promise of free content down the line softens the blow considerably.
Filled with strategic gameplay and impactful decisions, The Banner Saga is a gorgeously epic Norse-inspired adventure whose only real fault is that there isn't more of it. I can't wait for part two.
Nidhogg is the 8-bit Bushido Blade demake we never knew we wanted, offering up a sublime one-on-one fencing experience like no other. I just wish we got more.
Bayonetta 2 is a worthy sequel, filled with ridiculously over-the-top action sequences and a combat system par excellence. Just don't come for the story.
While Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy offers little innovation or surprise, it’s still just as charming and entertaining as ever, and it’s a fitting end to a legacy of perplexing brainteasers.
By combining open-world thrills with simulation racing and letting you customize the experience to your liking, Forza Horizon 2 is an excellent entry in the series.
Super Time Force brings a time traveling twist to the classic sidescrolling shooter, and while playing it can feel like you've chugged one too many energy drinks, the hilarious charm and satisfying gameplay helps take the edge off.