10. Resogun (PSN)
Resogun demonstrates that even in this age of sweeping story lines and cinematic spectacles, simple is still fun. The core formula places a very high emphasis on survival and getting high scores. While the enemy count is kept high to facilitate this, it isn't overwhelming and doesn't become a bullet-hell shooter. The multiple difficulty levels make the game accessible to all types, and the multiple ships make the experience somewhat different each time you play. Voxels make every explosion more beautiful than a fireworks show and make level-ending sequences beautiful and chaotic.
Tomb Raider is a reboot that's mostly done right. The lack of the franchise's trademark puzzles is unfortunate, but everything else captures the feel of the original games with a more modern twist. There could be more tombs and less fighting, but none of that detracts from the well-crafted experience. By and large, it's worthwhile for anyone looking for a solid adventure game.
8. BioShock Infinite (PS3/X360/PC)
When BioShock Infinite is on, there is no other game like it. The story line is clever, and the gameplay veers between some of the most exciting you'll ever play and being workmanlike and tedious. This is a rare example of a good game that disappoints because it could have been even more. Despite that, it's completely worth playing and an overall well-made product.
Basically, if you own a Vita, you should own Tearaway. It's the best piece of software the handheld has seen to date, and it's the best Sony release since The Last of Us. It's a remarkably interesting, charming and emotional platformer from Media Molecule, and it shows that this studio is capable of more than just Little Big Planet. While this is certainly one of the busiest video game seasons in recent years, you should take a little time out of your next-gen schedule to experience a modern-day classic.
6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (WiiU/PS4/XOne/PS3/X360/PC)
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is a nice entry for the series. From the graphics to the sound, the presentation is top-notch, and the inclusion of an app makes it so there isn't a moment when you're not playing the game. The open world gives you plenty of things to do and see on both land and sea, from collection quests to naval battles and everything in between. The story is less dour, and even the present-day environments have been livened up. Most importantly, the game is purely fun because it runs with the pirate motif and highlights the more romanticized aspects.
5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is one of the most fun Zelda titles on the market, and it's easily the best handheld Zelda game since Link's Awakening. It's well crafted, fun to play, charming and interesting, and it mixes up the Zelda formula in some exciting ways while maintaining a healthy dose of nostalgia. It isn't the longest game, but it's fun from beginning to end. The highest praise I can give A Link Between Worlds is that it's a worthy sequel to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Zelda fans should absolutely add this game to their libraries, and newcomers to the franchise should find it to be a fun and accessible title.
4. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (PSN/XBLA/PC)
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an experience that doesn't occur too often. It has a story that doles out a familiar tale but tells it in a way that feels more personal despite the lack of a familiar language. The puzzles are a tad too simple, and unless you're hunting for Achievements or Trophies, there's no motivation to replay the short tale. Look past the singular co-op, and you'll find an engaging title that also looks and sounds great. Brothers is certainly worth playing if you're tired of the same old, normal video games that are being offered nowadays.
3. Grand Theft Auto V (PS3/X360)
From a gameplay perspective, Grand Theft Auto V may be the best GTA yet. It stands head and shoulders above GTA 4 and offers one of the most impressive video game worlds. It isn't a game for everyone due to some brutal and psychopathic characters, even by GTA standards, but the game is so well-crafted that it's possible for almost anyone to find something to do, even if it's just playing tennis and golf all day. There's so much to do in the game that it's almost overwhelming. Rockstar put tons of time and effort into polishing its winning formula. It isn't a dramatic change for the series, but it's a more polished, and very enjoyable, addition to the franchise.
2. Super Mario 3D World (WiiU)
Odds are good that if you're reading this and you're a Wii U owner, you already own Super Mario 3D World. It's the defining game for the system and easily one of the best Mario titles in years. Based on the basic concept behind Super Mario 3D Land, it expands and evolves it into entirely new directions. There are new power-ups, new gimmicks, and plenty of top-notch level design. It also brings multiplayer to the 3-D Mario games for the first time. Super Mario 3D World is Nintendo's platforming mascot at his absolute finest. Packed with content and an absolute dream to play, it provides perhaps the single best reason to own a Wii U.
The Last of Us is a must-play title for any PS3 owner who's not squeamish about violence and depressing subject matter. It has flaws, but they don't detract from the overall experience, and at worst, the game could use a little more interaction. Naughty Dog has crafted an engrossing and interesting tale, and I can think of no higher praise for the game than that they could remove every shooting sequence, and it might be better for it. The characters are likeable, the story is interesting, and it's an engrossing experience from beginning to end.