Michael Huber
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is a solid expansion building upon a patch that was brought about from player input. Blizzard listened to complaints, and moved to rectify issues, not just remove them, while mixing in an impressive amount of new material. It's more than enough to entice veteran players to return, and if you have never played Diablo 3, there has never been a better time to start.
This War of Mine is a powerful and intimate portrayal of war through the eyes of ordinary civilians. An immense weight is put on the value of human life and moral decisions that can put your own well-being at risk. It's a thoughtful and heavy game, but one that's well worth playing.
Visual Concepts has done a commendable job with just one year of development. NBA 2K16 boasts many on-court improvements over last year, most notably on defensive that help create a better flow during games. Although the microtransactions devalue certain aspects of the game, and Pro-AM has connection issues, the on-court changes and additions are worth checking out for basketball enthusiasts.
Mortal Kombat X is another superb entry in the franchise. Balanced combat is at the forefront of this beautiful fighter, and it offers a variety of ways to play. Brutal fatalities, and the promise of crossovers like Jason Vorrhees and Predator on the horizon ensure Mortal Kombat X will be a champion for the foreseeable future. Regrettably micro-transactions tarnish the experience even if they don't present any real competitive advantage. Still, when battling it out in story mode, towers, or with friends, Mortal Kombat X is a premier fighting game that shouldn't be missed.
MLB 15: The Show has enough subtle additions to gameplay and graphics to keep returning fans satisfied. Online issues have been addressed, there's more customization and control than ever before, and the addition of legends will please baseball purists. Even if you're a newcomer this season, look no further than this year's solid entry in the storied franchise.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 strikes the perfect balance between new and old. Returning plot threads and the emphasis on ammo management will please franchise veterans while anyone can appreciate the thrill of intimate monster encounters and distressing boss battles. With a repayable campaign, multiple protagonists, and a lengthy raid mode all for a bargain price, there's plenty to keep fans coming back.
WWE 2K16 strikes the perfect balance between technical wresting and Attitude Era brawling. Minor online issues hold it back, but the moment-to-moment flow of each match, the huge roster, and the stellar tribute to Stone Cold Steve Austin all combine to make this a must-play for anyone remotely interested in the WWE.