Brodie

A fine evolution for the Mario Kart formula and a fun game to have at parties.

The 2017 sequel takes everything great about the first Injustice and takes it to the next level with a new story campaign, a beefed-up roster of playable characters, and a new customization system that lets players add a personal touch to the epic superhero battles. Fans (myself included) are still waiting for the third installment of this dark saga.

Combining the iconic characters of DC Comics and NetherRealm's polished 2D fighting gameplay, Injustice explores a world where Superman falls to the dark side and becomes a brutal dictator. While this isn't the most original concept out there, Injustice's story campaign is well-produced and includes plenty of fun battles. Brutal attacks, interactive environments, and some delightfully over-the-top special moves replicate the feeling of playing through epic superhero battles with your action figures.

Like a top-tier wrestler, the WWE 2K series keeps refining its moveset with each year. This time, Showcase mode follows the esteemed Anoa'i wrestling family, allowing players to take the role of iconic performers like Roman Reigns, The Rock, Rikishi, the Wild Samoans, and more. Each pre-match intro features The Wiseman himself, Paul Heyman, and he really gets you pumped for the fight ahead. Other noteworthy changes include a branching MyRise mode and the new Island mode.

Mass Effect has everything a great sci-fi saga needs: iconic characters, cool worlds and creatures, and a complex universe filled with themes that speak to our world as much as it does its own. Commander Shepard's choices carry over from each game, making the story's themes of war, sacrifice, and tough decisions in the face of a great galactic threat all the more gripping. The ending remains controversial to this day, but the journey to get there is well worth the price of admission.

My first Zelda game, Twilight Princess is truly a marvel. While the first couple of hours are slow, the game picks up from there and becomes a thrill all the way to the end credits. Link must battle to save two realms this time, with the help of the mysterious gremlin Midna and his newfound ability to transform into a wolf to solve certain puzzles. A beautiful and rewarding experience all the way through.

Easily one of the best JRPGs I've ever played. A fun turn-based combat system, stylish visuals, a memorable cast of party members and an engaging plot that sees young heroes stand up to corruption and injustice make Persona 5 a masterpiece of the genre. Well worth the hundred-plus hours you'll put into it.

Sucker Punch trades furry thieves and lighting-powered superheroes for samurai warriors in this beautiful journey into ancient Japan. Ghost of Tsushima follows Jin, a Japanese solider who must fend of an invading army while struggling to balance the honorable teachings of his upbringing with his morally grey mission. Whether you choose stealth or a direct attack, the game plays like a dream and the presentation is top-notch.