EGM

• 3DS
• États-Unis

Bravely Default is a reminder that classic Final Fantasy themes and gameplay elements are timeless in the right hands. Unfortunately, its later segments are some of the worst examples of unnecessary padding in RPG history. All told, it’s a flawed masterpiece that shows more potential than any other current Square Enix RPG property.

• PS4
• États-Unis

• X360
• États-Unis

BandFuse leans a bit too heavily on fluffy video interviews with musicians that offer little educational value, but the underlying systems and mechanics are a smart aid for learning to play the guitar.

• VITA
• États-Unis

Adol Christin is one of the oldest heroes in Japanese RPGs—and he may have aged more gracefully than any of them. Ys: Memories of Celceta reimagines his previously Japan-only PC Engine/Super Famicom quest from 20 years ago and delivers one of the Vita’s best role-playing experiences, infusing the classic concept with modern sensibilities and respecting the player’s ability to chart their own course of adventure.

• XONE
• États-Unis

From a mechanical standpoint, Zoo Tycoon works quite smoothly, but a ridiculously low agent cap severely detracts from the game’s longevity.

• PS4
• États-Unis

Contrast offers one of the most interesting gameplay gimmicks in recent memory, but the lack of engaging puzzles and interesting levels prevent the concept from being put to good use.

• PS4
• États-Unis

While the driving is superb and the visuals are stunning, the inherent limitations of Rivals' AllDrive concept begin to hamper the experience near the end. The result is a game that’s three-quarters great fun, one-quarter miserable, frustrating slog.

• 3DS
• États-Unis

• X360
• États-Unis

As far as expansions go, Enemy Within takes a relatively safe approach, opting to flesh out Enemy Unknown with new maps, enemies, and upgrades rather than redefining its core. Thankfully, it works, because the additions are every bit as smart and enjoyable as the main game.

• 3DS
• 4 / 10
• États-Unis

• 3DS
• États-Unis

It’s great to see the iconic Phoenix Wright back in action after six years, and his segments are definitely the high points in Dual Destinies. But when he’s inexplicably MIA—like during the game’s interminable second and third acts—the proceedings slow to a crawl. Still, the story, characters, and courtroom drama are strong enough to draw in newcomers and satisfy lapsed fans.

• WIIU
• États-Unis

At its best, Sonic Lost World delivers some of the best platforming the series has seen in years, with an intriguing fusion of classic design and innovative 3D worlds. Unfortunately, the game simply can’t maintain those temporary highs, resulting in an uneven, frustrating overall experience.

• PS3
• États-Unis

Thanks to a script that shifts gears too often and too rapidly, Beyond: Two Souls never really hits its narrative stride, but David Cage's latest effort is still worth a look if you're a fan of his singular approach to interactive storytelling.

• PS3
• États-Unis

The potential from a reunion of the original three Disgaea protagonists is betrayed by the lackluster execution here. The core strategy is still enjoyable—though several holes are evident even in that aspect—but the disappointingly subpar story, packaging, and writing aren’t worthy of the Disgaea name.

• 3DS
• États-Unis

• X360
• États-Unis

Rayman Legends is the second cartoony platforming tour de force from French industry icon Michel Ancel in three short years. These are the kinds of games I dreamt about playing at the end of the Super NES era—it just took 15 years to get there. This isn’t a mere rehash of 2011’s Rayman Origins, though: New rhythm-based levels play out like a classic orchestrated Looney Tunes matinee in game form, while the worlds themselves are a zany mix of clever nods to James Bond, Greek myth, and the Mexican Día de los Muertos. Levels originally designed for the Wii U make a painfully awkward transition to the Xbox 360, but the main course is as exhilarating as any platformer from the last 25 years.

• PS3
• États-Unis

Strange though it may sound, this port is the definitive version of Diablo III. By removing the auction house and adding in offline play, local co-op, and an effective console control scheme, Blizzard has allowed the underlying gameplay experience to shine through like never before.

• X360
• États-Unis

R.I.P.D.: The Game is really nothing more than a crappy movie tie-in game in the longstanding tradition of crappy movie tie-in games. There's not much substance here, and what you do get is so unpolished and unrewarding that it's not worth your time.