Game On! 2015

November 2015

Another year has come and gone and gaming has never looked better. With record profits and top studio developers there is certainly no shortage of great games this year. I’ve done something a little different this year. Nearly all the games on this list were released in 2015. It spans across all the gaming systems, genres, ratings and best of all fun factor. So sit back, relax and get your game on!

Rated E for Everyone

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer

The Animal Crossing universe is a really big hit among kids these days and for good reason. This game allows them to build and create and most of all use their imagination. It’s a fun game that all kids (and some adults) will surely love. (Available on 3DS)

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Nintendo sure does know its characters. Another fun adventure starring none other than Kirby! The kids will just downright love this game. Plenty to do and the action is just right. Definitely a recommended game. (Available on Wii U)

Madden NFL 16

Are you ready for some football?!? With an all new graphics and physics engine, it’s never felt so real. Pick your favorite team, customize, trade, draft and be in total control and go all the way to the Superbowl! (Available on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-land mayhem

Nintendo goes back to their roots with this game. Mario has to get through tons of different traps (Over 200 to be exact) set by Donkey Kong in order to save Pauline. Will he do it? Not sure? Give him a hand. He needs your help! (Available on DS

Spongebob Heropants

The Sponged little guy is back in all new adventure. The kids will get a kick out of this one for sure. You can get this one for the Xbox 360 but I think a game like this is the most fun on the go, so make sure you get it for your 3DS or PSVita! (Available on Xbox 360, 3DS, PSVita)

Super Mario Galaxy 2

So what does Nintendo do best? Mario! An all new game featuring the Italian plumber himself along with a few friends to boot. If you like adventure, Mario or even just plumbers I can’t recommend this game enough. Of course it helps that it’s a ton of fun too. (Available On Wii, WiiU)

Ultimate I Spy

A take on the old series will have you up to your neck in puzzles and riddles. There are 40 of them to be exact, all with different, varying challenges and levels of difficulty. Riddles should never be this much fun. (Available on Wii)

Rated E 10+ for Everyone Ages 10 and Up

LBX: Little Battlers eXperience

Although geared towards older children and even teenagers, adults can get in on this game and feel OK about it. You play a kid who gets into battling LBX robots and it turns out that you need to help save the world. It’s a lot to ask, but can you do it? (Available on 3DS)

NBA 2K16

Feel the ball hit the court, hear the noise it makes, the squeak of sneakers and the roar of the crowd when you hit nothing but net. It’s an all new basketball game from 2K Sports. Build your team, trade players, draft the right guys and next thing you know, you’ll be bringing home the championship. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)

NHL 16

A personal favorite of mine. After the abysmal NHL 15 last year you’ll be pleasantly surprised with this year’s edition. The passing is tougher, the checks aren’t as hard but the game is the most realistic yet. You rely on finesse and smart plays to really put the puck in the back of the net. As usual, there is a host of ways to play as well. Everything from online vs mode, to Be a GM mode where you control everything involved in running a successful (or unsuccessful) hockey franchise. See you online! (Available on Xbox One, PS4)

The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

In three days the moon will fall and destroy Termina. The age-old classic has got a breath of fresh air as Nintendo hits one out of the park with Majora’s Mask 3D. There is plenty to keep you busy in this large and unavoidably fun game. Keep a lot of batteries on hand. (Available on 3DS)

LEGO Jurassic World

The LEGO games are always fun no matter the subject. This game is no different. If you’ve seen the film, the game pretty much stays on track with that. It’s a real fun way to get the kids involved with the puzzles that only LEGO can deliver. To be honest, I get stuck on them myself sometimes. (Available on Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, 3DS)

Punch-Out!

The old classic comes back to life! Play as Mac in this all new rendition of the game from your childhood. It’s about time they breathed new life into this game. With all new graphics and new boxers, this one is sure to be a hit. (Available on Wii)

ScreamRide

Ever wanted to own your own theme park? Thought you could do better designing the roller coaster you were just on? In this game you can! All different physics and designs can be created and then you get to test it out on your customers. Keep the barf bags handy. (Available on Xbox 360)

Rated T for Teen

Dead Or Alive 5: Last Round

Head to head fighting has never looked so good. Another sequel to the excellent series Dead Or Alive. Even though it says “Last Round” and alludes that this is the last game in the series, I doubt it. Just in case though, get your hands on this one, it’s worth it. (Available on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3)

Destiny: The Taken King

An all new game to last year’s hit Destiny. Continue this movie-esque story-driven game. It’s probably better that you play the first one before picking this one up but it’s not necessary. All I can tell you is if you’re a fan of the original you won’t be disappointed in this game. Get it! (Available on Xbox One, PS4

Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate

Much like last year’s Monster Hunter, this version does a lot of the same things only better. You can now play online cooperatively with friends and you even get two new classes of weaponry. As always, you get old and new monsters to hunt as well. If you’re fan of the series, then you already know you’re getting this. (Available on 3DS)

Ultra Street Fighter IV

The old classic is back! I spent many long hours plunking too many quarters playing this series over the years. With all new characters and many of the old ones, Street Fighter has never looked so good. Lots of new combos and way too many characters to choose from. If you love fighting games, this is for you. (Available on Xbox 360)

Rated M for Mature

Batman: Arkham Knight

Taking place after the previous game Batman: Arkham City, Batman finds himself being attacked from all angles from just about all villains he knows. Scarecrow has launched an attack on Gotham City evacuating it in the process. It’s just Batman vs everyone including a new super villain the Arkham Knight who seems to be working with Scarecrow. A third person tour de force and you even get to drive the Batmobile! (Available on Xbox One, PS4)

Battlefield: Hardline

Much like the other games in the Battlefield series, this is a first person shooter destined to excite the gamer and get the adrenaline going. This game focuses on the police Special Response Units and criminals. It’s intense and violent and is a total blast online with friends or strangers. Also, with all new weapons and vehicles, this is sure to please. (Available on Xbox One, Xbox 360)

Dying Light

A first-person Zombie game like no other…er, well not necessarily true. Even though the genre has been done before and it’s a Zombie game AND is first person, it’s still a really fun game. There is no reason to avoid this because you know you’ve kinda played it before. It does bring some new things to the table like some inventive weapons and health with a myriad of missions. So don’t avoid this one. Zombies need love too. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)

Evolve

From the creators of Left 4 Dead comes a new first person hunt and shoot game. In its revolutionary online game play to the gorgeous graphics, you’ll be saying “where has this game been all my life?” You can play one of 4 hunter characters such as Medic, Trapper, Assault, Support or the monster which has never been done before in a game. Hunt the monster, or be the monster! What are you waiting for? (Available on PS4, Xbox One)

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD brings an immersive world, memorable characters and the production value known of the series, together with high quality gameplay and storytelling truly worthy of the FINAL FANTASY name. (Available on PS4, Xbox One)

Mad Max

Although having nothing to do (other than Max himself) with the film Mad max: Fury Road that was released this year, it doesn’t matter. Set in a third person open world where you can go just about anywhere and do anything, Mad Max is one great game. Building your character and more importantly your car is key. Even George Miller, the creator of the films, was able to oversee quite a bit of the game to make sure it fell into his masterpiece vision. If you’re a fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, this will surely not disappoint. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)

The Order: 1886

Set in the year 1886 you play a member of an elite group called The Order. It’s either kill or be killed by one of the many monsters in the game. The difference in this game is that you all have modern weapons even though it’s only the 19th century. A real fun twist on a third person style of game that can usually get old. Look for this one and make sure to play with the lights on. (Available on PS4)

Saint’s Row: Gat Out Of Hell

You either love or hate the Saint’s Row series. Too many people compare it to Grand Theft Auto or call it a rip off. I just call it fun. It’s a third person open-world game which is new to the series. You can literally go anywhere over 5 different islands with all new and old weapons. Definitely worth checking out. (Available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, PS3)