It’s the end of the year and it’s definitely been a long trek.  However, we’re finally here, looking towards the new year.  In that regards, I’ve decided to do the same as I did last year and pull together a list of all of the best reviews from each month.  This kind of list was even requested by a forum member not too long ago.

How these games are decided is mainly on review score.  I go through every review for any specific month and put together the games that got the top scores.  Since the highest I’ve ever scored is a 9/10, I basically pull those together and pick a game out of those.  To keep things out of bias, I use a random number generator when there are several 9/10 scores in a single month, and will put the others in the “Runner Up” section.

Also, now that I’ve expanded, these future lists will vary a bit.  Since I do more platforms now, each month will have a Top Review/Game for each platform.  You won’t be seeing a lot of that this time around, but it is thrown in at the very end.

Enough of this talk.  Let’s see the Top Reviews of 2015!

January 2015 – Dead or Alive 5 Plus

Dead or Alive 5 Plus brings the entire console experience of DoA5 down to the handheld market with its own selection of exclusive game modes.  On the downside, the difficulty can get very frustrating towards the end of the Story Mode and some of the combos are difficult to pull off.  However, with the exceptional presentation, DoA5+ shows just how well a handheld fighter can be done.

http://www.reviews2go.com/dead-or-alive-5-plus-review-video-review/

Runner-Up: Ys: I + II Chronicles

February 2015: – Minutes

Minutes is a good choice if you’re looking for a fast-paced pick-up-and-play game.  On the downside, the game only takes a couple hours to completely finish.  Otherwise, you will find a fun and fast-paced game that not only will challenge your patience but is also one of the better-optimized games on the Vita as of late.

http://www.reviews2go.com/minutes-review-video-review/

Runner-Up: Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, HtoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary, Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart

March 2015 – Scram Kitty DX

Scram Kitty DX is an enhanced version of the same game for the Wii U.  On the downside, the game doesn’t tell you what the story is or how to play the game, requiring you to look at the manual.  Outside of this is a cute and well-optimized arcade platformer that will keep the kitty fan busy for a good while.

http://www.reviews2go.com/scram-kitty-dx-review-video-review/

Runner-Up: La-Mulana EX, LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin

April 2015 – Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight is a fun throwback to the games of the NES era.  On the downside, some of the controls are not explained to you.  Outside of this is an addicting platformer game that looks good, plays good, and is a fun experience, whether it’s on the go or at home on the PSTV.

http://www.reviews2go.com/shovel-knight-review-video-review/

Runner-Up: Toukiden Kiwami

May 2015 – Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends is the newest entry in the Rayman franchise and a lengthy platforming game for the PS Vita.  On the downside, there is some slowdown in a few areas.  Outside of this is a beautifully crafted platform game that series fans and newcomers can dive into and enjoy.

http://www.reviews2go.com/rayman-legends-review/

Runner-Up: L2/R2 Trigger Grip, Persona 3 Portable

June 2015 – Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation

Hyperdimension Neptunia Rebirth 3 is a faithful remake of Victory and improves on many things from the previous Rebirth games.  On the downside, some of the voice-work is incomplete and there are still sections where there are frame drops.  Past this is a cute and colorful RPG that will make you laugh but also challenge your mind.

http://www.reviews2go.com/hyperdimension-neptunia-rebirth-3-v-generation-review/

Runner-Up: Badland: Game of the Year Edition, Invizimals: The Resistance, Mega Man 8, Sword Art Online: Lost Song

July 2015 – Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions is a successful and strategic twin-stick shooter.  On the downside, the game will constantly keep trying to sign you into PSN, which can be disruptive to you navigating the menus.  Outside of this is a shooter that plays well and will challenge you from start to finish.

http://www.reviews2go.com/geometry-wars-3-dimensions-review/

Runner-Up: The Sly Collection

August 2015 – Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls

Danganronpa: Another Episode is another great game from Spike and NIS.  On the downside, there is a small glitch in the dialogue audio.  Outside of this is a casual shooting game that will give series fans much-needed answers about the world of Danganronpa and the history behind Monokuma.

http://www.reviews2go.com/danganronpa-another-episode-ultra-despair-girls-review/

Runner-Up: Actual Sunlight

September 2015 – Amnesia Memories

Amnesia: Memories is the western debut of Otome games on the PlayStation Vita (outside of PSP games).  On the downside, a lot of the controls aren’t explained to you, leaving you oblivious to many features.  Outside of this is a visual novel with enough story elements to make it stand out as more than just a dating simulator for female gamers

http://www.reviews2go.com/amnesia-memories-review/

Runner-Up: Persona 4 Dancing All Night

October 2015 – Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy comes to the Vita in all its disturbingly-cute wonder.  On the downside, the game has a nasty habit of bombarding you with network pop-ups.  Outside of that is one of the most well-done indie ports the Vita has seen in its lifetime.

http://www.reviews2go.com/super-meat-boy-review/

Runner-Up: Corpse Party Blood Drive, Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax

November 2015

Nintendo 3DS – Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a simulation game that really can change a gamer’s perspective on how to play games.  While it does get a little repetitive with gathering currency, it’s a game that simulates town life well and has near limitless options of what to do all year round. 

http://www.reviews2go.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review/

Runner-Up: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Smash Bros.

PlayStation Vita – Superbeat XONIC

Superbeat XONIC is a new music game exclusive to the PS Vita and PlayStation TV.  With a large soundtrack and very challenging gameplay, it’s a game DJ Max fans will fall in love with, despite its tendency to crash while loading the Leaderboards.

http://www.reviews2go.com/superbeat-xonic-review/

Runner-Up: Killzone Mercenary

December 2015

Nintendo 3DS: Pokemon Picross

Pokemon Picross is just as it sounds.  It’s a Pokemon-themed picross game.  On the downside, the game’s micro-transaction model really puts you in a tight spot if you don’t want to pay-to-play.  Still, at its core, it is a charming and challenging game that is worth 732 blocks of any picross fan’s memory card.

http://www.reviews2go.com/pokemon-picross-review/

Runner-Up: Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

PlayStation Vita – The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Second Chapter

Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is something many people have wanted in the West for a long time.  On the downside, it still has a bit of blurring from the presentation.  Outside of that is an RPG just as grand and deep as its predecessor, and in some ways, even more so.  If you’re a fan of the first game, this will not disappoint.

http://www.reviews2go.com/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-second-chapter-review/

Runner-Up: Earth Defense Force 2 Invaders from Planet Space

Well, that’s all we have!  I hope you enjoyed the list, reviews, and everything I’ve done this year!  I’ll be back in just a few days with a new review to kick the new year off!