Happy New Year 2016 from our team, best wishes to all

'tis the season to be jolly! Time truly flies when you are doing the things you love and with another year behind us, we can't help but feel a little nostalgic and look back at what the past twelve months have brought us. . First things first - we would like to use this opportunity to wish you happiness and peace. Thank you for being with us and we hope to remain your preferred tech website in the year ahead as well. Our YouTube channel now has almost 150,000 subscribers and around 80,000,000 views. It is now entirely dedicated to our engaging lifestyle videos and commentary and we have separated all the camera samples in a convenient new channel that is also growing in popularity. Our Facebook group has also grown and now has over 830,000 likes and counting and so has out Twitter account, with over 107,000 followers reading along. We've also expanded our social media presence over at Google+, where we now have over 85,000 subscribers. But the growing fan base isn't the only milestone we achieved in 2015, as most of you surely remember GSMArena underwent a major redesign and no stone was left unturned. We really believe changes were for the better. Reviews, news articles and blog posts have a new and improved order, not to mention a new wider page design with improvements to readability and a better multimedia experience as well, thanks to the custom image viewer. Specs pages are now easier to read with highlights, the compare interface has an extra slot and everything is a lot more personal thanks to the new Account system, featuring avatars, favorite phones and many other improvements. It was a busy year indeed as evident by more than 3900 news articles, 1200 blog posts and as many as 170 reviews that have passed through the home page. But we are ready and eager for 2016 and can't wait to see what the New Year is going to bring to the tech world and we hope you stick around so we can share it with you. Happy New Year to all of you and the people around you and we wish you joy, happiness and success in the months to come. The GSMArena...

Asus Pegasus X005 is revealed through Chinese certification

Asus is almost ready to launch a new member in its Pegasus line of affordable smartphones, the X005. Before the official unveiling happens, the device has been certified for sale in China by TENAA, the country's relevant regulatory authority. As usual, this process has resulted both in images of the phone becoming available, as well as a pretty extensive list of its specs being outed. While in terms of naming the Pegasus X005 seems to be a successor for the Pegasus X002, when it comes to its internals it basically seems to be a slightly stripped down version of the Pegasus 2 Plus X550. On the other hand, the design of the new phone is clearly different from both previous Pegasus-named handsets. The Asus Pegasus X005 has a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, a 5 MP selfie shooter, a 1.3 GHz octa-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, 4G, dual-SIM functionality, and it runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with Zen UI on top. Its dimensions are 155 x 76.4 x 9 mm, and it weighs 176.7g. It looks like it has a metal frame. It will be offered in three color versions: blue, white, and gold. Source (in Chinese) |...

Alleged OnePlus 2 Mini gets approved by TENAA

The upcoming OnePlus 2 Mini just got a bit more real. The phone was just approved by TENAA, which is the telecommunications equipment certification center in China. According to the certification page, the phone, model number One E1000, has 4.99-inch 1920x1080 AMOLED display, 2.0GHz octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM, 16GB storage with microSD support, 13 megapixel rear camera, 8 megapixel front camera, and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The phone measures in at 140 x 69 x 6.9mm and weighs in at 138g. The images suggest it will have glass panels on the front and back with a metal frame around the sides, similar to the OnePlus X. Some of the specs contradict the previous ones we have seen on GFX Bench results, although TENAA is infinitely more reliable than any benchmark info, as the latter can easily be forged. We will have to wait and see when OnePlus decides to take the wraps off the new model. Source •...

Valve comes clean, admits Christmas day Steam glitch was due to DoS attack

We reported earlier that a weird glitch took over Steam on Christmas morning, as several users reported seeing other users' account information instead of their own. The issue was sorted out in a few hours, and later Valve confirmed that it was due to a caching issue. While that may have been the direct cause of the glitch, it was caused due to another problem altogether. Turns out, Steam was the target of a DoS (denial of service) attack, which prevented serving of store pages to users. It caused the traffic to the store to soar by 2000% over average traffic. In response to the attack, one of Steam's web caching partners deployed caching configuration to minimize the impact on Steam Store servers and continue to route legitimate traffic. A second caching configuration was deployed during the second wave of the attack, which incorrectly cached web traffic for authenticated users. This is what caused some users to see other users' pages. According to Valve, this would have allowed users to see the billing address, last four digits of their Steam Guard phone number, their purchase history, last two digits of their credit card number, and their email address. That's still a fair bit of information, especially since Valve initially said that no real information was seen by other users. The issue has since then been resolved but it shows rather poor communication from the company, especially since it concerned user...

Pink Sony Xperia Z5 coming in January, rumor says

Sony is apparently looking to add a new color version to its Xperia Z5 lineup, if a new rumor out of Taiwan is to be believed. The company will allegedly launch the pink Z5 in Taiwan first, where it will land at some point in late January. Over there this hue will be exclusive to Chunghwa Telecom, which is one of the carriers you can pick from if you're in Taiwan. Hopefully the phone will then make its way to other territories across the world, but obviously nothing's certain in that regard since the pink Xperia Z5 isn't official yet. The launch is going to be perfectly timed for the Chinese New Year shopping season, as well as gift giving on Valentine's Day. Do note that the images are not leaked shots of the upcoming pink variation of the Xperia Z5, rather fan-created concept renders. There have been no leaks about the pink Z5 up to this point. If this pans out, it would sort of emulate the new color launch that Sony pulled off in late January of this year, that time around for the purple Xperia Z3. That one eventually became available throughout Asia, but in the UK as well. Clearly the new pink Z5 will sport the exact same internals as its siblings, with only the hue differing. Source (in Chinese) |...

5 New Year's Resolutions every PC gamer should make

Introduction

People often break their New Year's Resolutions because they're just not very fun. Running until your legs fall off? Painful. Swapping chocolate for tuna? Not too bad if you're a dolphin. For 2016, why not set yourself a few challenges related to something that you enjoy – like PC gaming.

Here at techradar we want to see you succeed, so we're going to impose a punishment should you break any of the following seven resolutions: console gaming only for one month. Best of luck, gamer.

1. Build a new gaming PC

Just received a wad of cash for Christmas? Step away from the pre-build sales and consider knocking together your own rig. If you've never done it before, the traditional new year lull is the perfect time to learn how. Start off by spending some time researching what graphics card and other components you'll need to play the games you're interested in, check out some of the bundles on offer and watch some YouTube videos to learn how to get started.

If you're no stranger to building PCs, take on a build that challenges you. How small you can make one using an AMD R9 Nano? Rocking a Titan X? Try upgrading it with a custom water-cooling solution. If you're feeling really brave, try and put together one of these…

Still not convinced? Here are 10 more reasons why you should build your next PC

2. Upgrade your gaming accessories

If you're still using a bargain bin mouse and keyboard in 2016, it's time to move on to something better. That doesn't mean you have to go wild and pick up a matching set of RGB-backlit peripherals that light up like a 90s disco: just aim for ones that improve on your current setup. If you're using a membrane keyboard, upgrade to a mechanical animal. MMO gamer? Consider a mouse with dedicated macro buttons might be just what you need.

Every precise movement you make in-game is determined by the quality of your accessories, and taking them to the next level can help you become a better player. Though not as vital, kitting yourself out with a dedicated gaming desk and chair can help improve your posture and raise your comfort level when in the heat of battle.

3. Learn new skills from the experts

There's no shame in watching professional gamers do their thing. They might sport dodgy facial hair (the male members, obviously) and wear hoodies that make Zuckerberg look fashionable, but they know how to turn online battles in their favour - and there's nothing preventing you from learning their moves.

Get yourself a YouTube account and start subscribing to gaming channels such as TheWarOwl (Counter Strike: Global Offensive), Dota2Mid (Dota 2) and LoL Esports (League of Legends). You can also learn a lot by watching recorded (or live) eSports footage, which can be found in places like ESL's channel, alongside those run by professional gaming teams.

4. Start preparing for VR

The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are just two VR headsets coming to the PC in 2016, which is going to be a huge year for waving your arms with a pair of wired-up goggles on your head. From water-cooled gaming laptops to ones powered by desktop-class graphics cards, even laptops are going to be getting in on the virtual reality game, so you'll be able to go to your gran's on a Sunday without actually being there - if you know what we mean.

Unfortunately, the cost of entry isn't going to be cheap. Purchasing both a headset and potentially a new battlestation could set you back more than $1,500 (£1,000, AU$2,000). So what are you waiting for? Order three months' worth of baked beans and start saving today.

5. Join a new clan

While content platforms such as Steam and Origin have made it easier to chat with friends and play online, joining a clan and mixing it with strangers can offer a uniquely satisfying experience. You might feel like the new kid at school at first, but any group of gamers worth rubbing shoulders with will make you feel welcome. If not, simply join another.

Keep an ear out for clans that use TeamSpeak, Ventrillo or an equivalent voice chat app. Investing in a decent headset and chatting with members in less populated rooms can be a great way of getting to know one or two members. After all: no clan going to expect you to join them on their annual woodland camping trip after two days of knowing them - unless you're the one who arranged it. (You oddball.)

December 31, 2015 at 06:30PM
Kane Fulton

Xiaomi launching 70-inch Mi TV 3 variant

Over a couple of months after announcing the 60-inch 4K Mi TV 3, Xiaomi is launching a 70-inch variant of the smart TV. As with the former, the new model is also expected to be only available for purchase in China. The 70-inch variant is powered by an MStar 6A928 chipset with a quad-core Cortex-A17 CPU and Mali-T760 GPU, and sports an ultra-sharp 4K display. Internal memory is 2GB, but can be expanded up to 8GB. The TV is also said to feature Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity options. As for the price, it will set you back RMB 9,999, which translates into $1,540 at current exchange rates. For comparison, the 60-inch variant is priced at RMB...

Microsoft says Lumia 950 XL out of stock at some UK retailers due to strong demand, refutes hardware problem reports

A day after there were reports that some retailers in the UK - including Carphone Warehouse (CPW) - have halted Lumia 950 XL shipments due to unknown hardware issues, Microsoft has issued a statement refuting the reports. "Demand for L950XL has been strong. CPW has listed L950XL as a pre-order purchase for more than a week as it has run out of stock and is awaiting more," the company said. "L950XL is available to UK customers via other outlets - see here. We are working to re-supply CPW and keep all our other channel partners stocked." Carphone Warehouse currently has the device listed for pre-order, with delivery expected by January 19. It's worth mentioning that Amazon Germany also recently halted the sales of the Lumia 950 XL saying that the device differs from its stated description, which in layman's terms means it is...

Following ban in India, Free Basics from Facebook suspended in Egypt

A week after it was banned in India, Facebook's Free Basics service - which aims to bring affordable Internet to the 5 billion people in the world who otherwise can't access it - has been suspended in Egypt. The service was suspended following the expiry of a mandatory permit that the Egyptian government issues. Free Basics was launched in the country only a couple of months ago, and according to Facebook, around 3 million people had already signed up for it, of which 1 million were accessing the Internet for the first time. "We're disappointed that Free Basics will no longer be available in Egypt," the social networking company said in a statement, adding that it hopes "resolve this situation soon." It isn't yet clear whether or not the suspension was related to net-neutrality concerns, as was the case in India. Via 1...

OnePlus X Champagne Edition now available for purchase in India

The OnePlus X Champagne Edition is now available for purchase in India, where Amazon has it listed for INR 16,999, which translates into $255 at current exchange rates. FYI, It is the same price at which the standard Onyx variant can be purchased. The model made its debut in China, and is already available for purchase in several other countries. OnePlus has also announced open sales of the device on every Tuesday, but, unfortunately, that's only for international markets. This means, in India you'll have to have an invite to get the limited-edition variant, although an invite to the standard model will do. Source 1...

Twitter for Mac update brings what you've been asking for

Twitter has released a major update to its Mac client, bumping it to version 4.0.0 and bringing features like inline video playback, GIFs support, and group direct messages. With the update, Twitter for Mac users will be able to see videos play directly in their feed, see animations without leaving their timeline, as well as create and receive private notes with up to 50 people. In addition, you'll now also be able to mute specific accounts, and get your Twitter Highlights right on your desktop. The update also brings along an updated design, an optional dark theme, as well as Quote Tweet feature. The updated app is now available for download from the Mac App...

LG G5 to reportedly come with V10-like secondary display, Magic Slot

LG's upcoming flagship smarphone - the G5 - will come with a secondary display similar to the one that the V10 sports, according to a report from VentureBeat. The 160 x 1040 pixel resolution display will also be there on several other LG phones coming next year. As per the report, the smartphone will also come with a dual rear camera set-up - something that we already know - giving the main 16MP camera a 135-degree wide-angle capability. "In between the two lenses is a circle with a quartet of elements in a square configuration, according to the briefed individual, who was also shown images of the upcoming flagship," the report says. "Two of those are LED flash bulbs, while another one is a laser for assisting with autofocus, first deployed on 2014's LG G3. The fourth element is also found on G4: a so-called RGB sensor to further assist with autofocus and other scene-recognition functions." In addition, the device will also feature what the report calls a Magic Slot. "It is said to enable some functional expansion by way of hardware modules. The examples we were given range from an array of specified cameras — action, 360 VR, 'party' — to an audio amplifier to a physical keyboard." As for the other specs, the report notes that the G5 will be powered by a Snapdragon 820 chipset, and sport a 5.3-inch QHD display. RAM will be 3GB, while internal memory will be 32GB. Featuring an 8MP front camera, the device will pack in a 2,800mAh battery, and also come with a fingerprint sensor on the back. There's no word on the pricing. As for availability, the report says the handset will see a "first quarter 2016 launch."...

Surface Pro 4 landing in India on January 7; Microsoft sends press invites

Last month, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the Surface Pro 4 will land in India in January. And just last week, Microsoft's India chairman Bhaskar Pramanik revealed that the device will be launched in the country in the "first week" of the month. And now, we have the exact launch date. The Redmond, Washington-based company has sent out press invites (see image below) confirming that the launch event will be held on January 7 - which is exactly one week from now. If you aren't in the know, the tablet - which was launched in the US a couple of months ago - will be the first device in the line-up to be officially launched in...

BlackBerry Priv reportedly coming to T-Mobile in January

As of now, the only US carrier that sells the BlackBerry Priv is AT&T. This might change, however, next month when T-Mobile (reportedly) launches the BlackBerry "Venice". One of Phone Arena's readers revealed T-Mobile's internal work calendar, with the launch of the BlackBerry Venice (The codename for the BlackBerry Priv) on January 26. Right now, the only way to get a BlackBerry for T-Mobile is by purchasing it unlocked, directly from BlackBerry's US online store. Still steep, it starts at $699.99. T-Mobile customers will now be able to acquire the new Android-powered BlackBerry with Jump On Demand, letting customers switch out their phones up to three times a year. The BlackBerry Priv is the first Android-powered BlackBerry device that put emphasis on security features for enterprise users. It features a 5.4 inch screen with an 18MP rear shooter powered by 3GB of RAM paired with a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 chipset. It also features a slide up screen that reveals BlackBerry's signature tactile QWERTY keyboard. Source |...

T-Mobile's reply to YouTube's throttling accusations: "we are optimizing it"

Remember last week when YouTube accused T-Mobile of throttling video traffic? T-Mobile's reply: it wasn't throttling the video traffic but simply optimizing content for mobile consumption. The FCC will be keeping a close eye on T-Mobile with Binge-On's controversial nature against Net Neutrality since the service technically puts a kind of preference on a certain type of traffic than all other traffic. Remember, YouTube was the one who told the Wall Street Journal that T-Mobile was throttling YouTube's traffic. Saying that while reducing charges is good for customers, throttling traffic without customers' knowledge doesn't justify the former. T-Mobile clams the problem with its inability to correctly identify YouTube traffic is the system that flags video traffic to be exempt from the data allotments. Since the Q&A at the Uncarrier event, the point of implementing a better system to tell video traffic apart came up, T-Mobile answered that there are still some kinks to work out in the process of telling video traffic apart. Source |...

Alcatel One Touch Fierce XL with Windows 10 is headed to T-Mobile

The Android-powered iteration of the Alcatel One Touch Fierce XL has already been announced by T-Mobile and MetroPCS, but we're still waiting for the Windows 10 running version of the same device to become official. That's probably going to happen soon, however, as a new rumor today claims T-Mobile will launch the Windows variant too. This will be the magenta carrier's first smartphone running Windows 10 Mobile. TMo will offer the handset in cyan, a color perhaps more reminiscent of Lumia devices of old. The Windows 10 iteration of the Alcatel One Touch Fierce XL will have a 5.5-inch 720p touchscreen, an 8 MP rear camera, a 2 MP selfie shooter, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 210 SoC powering things, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling 2.0, capacitive buttons, and a non-removable 2,500 mAh battery. So it's definitely in the lower-midrange segment. It's apparently going to become available from T-Mobile "in the coming weeks", and you should be able to buy one for less than $100 sans contract. The Fierce XL could be just the first of many Windows 10 Mobile devices to launch at T-Mobile, because the carrier has set up an extensive training guide on Microsoft's new OS for employees to take advantage...

VR platformer Lucky's Tale to come with the Oculus Rift

ZTE teases a January 5 event, Nubia Z11 might get unveiled

Today on its official Weibo account ZTE's Nubia sub-brand is teasing something that will happen on January 5. It's probably going to be big, hence the need for the teaser, but it's unclear exactly what we are to expect. This may be when the Nubia Z11 becomes official as the company's next flagship smartphone. The Z11 has so far been rumored to sport a bezelless curved screen 5.2 inches in size and with QHD resolution, a 20.7 MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, a 13 MP selfie snapper, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of built-in storage, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset at the helm. It's also reportedly going to have a fingerprint scanner on the back, as well as a metal construction. On the other hand, ZTE could only be launching an international website (and, presumably, online store) for its Nubia brand on January 5. That's because the company has recently purchased the nubia.com domain name for a whopping $2 million, so it stands to reason that it would want to put that to good use as soon as possible. Anyway, we expect some more teasers in the next few days, which will hopefully reveal more about the upcoming January 5 event. Source (in Chinese) |...

The LG G3 Marshmallow update officially available

Well, it is indeed official now - Android 6.0 has been released for the LG G3. And it is happening in Poland as we speak, but just so we're clear, it has started today, not yesterday. From what we gather, the firmware has to be installed via a PC, and an OTA update is not available for the time being though it could happen eventually. Both 16GB/32GB storage versions are eligible, and what looks like a soak test is so far limited to unlocked Polish market handsets. The procedure was more or less established over the past couple of months with the G4 - initial Marshmallow release in Poland, followed by South Korea, and then Europe. So while it may take a while to reach widespread availability, you can rest assured that Marshmallow is coming to your LG G3, sooner or later. Source 1 Source 2 Source...

Best of 2015: Year in Review 2015: The best iOS games

The best of 2015

Hundreds of iPhone games get released each year on the App Store, and though some are quickly forgotten, others stay with us for a long time. If you want to try some of the greatest iOS games ever made, check out our frequently updated lists of the 50 best iPhone games today (featuring both paid and free games) and the 100 best free iPhone games (for priceless gems that will cost you nothing).

But what about 2015? This year brought us plenty of hits and numerous misses, but we've cut through the clutter to showcase a handful of sensational titles that do their genres proud.

Whether you want a shooter, a puzzler, or a racer that will keep you playing it long through 2016, the games on this list are examples of the excellence that can be found on the App Store. They surprise us, touch us, make us laugh, and ultimately deserve a long-term spot on your iPhone or iPad.

Best Word Game

Alphabear (free)

Alphabear is an adorable word game that offers you challenging boards that require you to use the letters on your screen to spell words and meet specific requirements. What makes this word game so special is that you can take collect cuddly teddy bears and take them with you on each game to gain bonuses, extra points, and even more letters. What's more, with each board you finish, you'll get a silly ad lib featuring your bear and the words you spelled. These bears are not only cute but resourceful too.

Best Point-and-Click Adventure Game

Tales from the Borderlands (episodes 2-5) ($14.99/£10.99/AU$22.99)

What truly sets Tales from the Borderlands apart from other games is its impressive writing and witty lines that make the story of a few unexpected friends come alive as they set out on a trip through the barren planet of Pandora. Familiar Borderlands characters and locations make an appearance in this point and click game, and your choices aren't simply there for comedic effect - they can really change how your story plays out. Sit back and enjoy an engaging story and enjoy a few laughs while you're at it.

Best Puzzle Game

Prune ($2.99/£2.29/AU$4.49)

The art of bonsai is a meditative experience, so if you mix in some puzzle elements and a simplistic yet elegant art style, you are bound to get a game unlike any other. Prune will relax you as you solve its puzzles that require you to trim a tree and let it grow tall enough to blossom. Growing challenges like a toxic sun or other environmental obstacles will leave you scratching your head in a good way as you attempt to help your tree flourish under adversity, perhaps even as a metaphor of life.

Best Action Game

Implosion ($9.99/ £7.99/AU$14.99)

Never come back to Earth, he was told - but Jake, on the verge of landing on what seems to be a barren planet, didn't listen. Implosion's opening scenes set the stage to what is an impressive hack and slash title that's dynamic, visually stimulating, and easy-to-control. Your goal in each of its bite sized missions is to reach your destination, but getting there is always different and makes for a surprisingly fresh experience. Levels will leave you in awe, and however you play it, we know you'll enjoy the ride.

Best Strategy Game

Fallout Shelter (free)

What was released as a game to appease people in anticipation for Fallout 4 has grown into a formidable strategy game that rivals others out there. What sets Fallout Shelter apart is its simplistic gameplay that doesn't monetize the experience but instead makes you think under pressure to farm the resources you need when you need them. Assign your dwellers to the right jobs, and you may never need to worry about a thing. And as any good overseer knows, the success of a vault and its residents depend on your actions.

Best Rhythm Game

Guitar Hero Live (free)

Rebooting the franchise in a big way, Guitar Hero Live lets you turn into a rock star right on your phone and tap the screen to the beat of many popular hits either offline or against the world. If you'd prefer, you can also go all out and use its optional guitar controller and master hundreds of tracks that are sure to put your fingers in a dizzy. Its impressive music library will keep you entertained for days and its dynamic audience is sure to let you know how you're doing. No pressure, but don't mess up or you'll get booed.

Best RPG

Chaos Rings III ($19.99/£14.99/AU$30.99)

A good RPG should make you invested in its story and compel you to spend hours of your time exploring its world, leveling up your characters, and enjoying all its intricacies. Chaos Rings III is one such adventure that does all that and then some. Featuring a unique narrative that follows a group of mismatched heroes, this expansive game will take you to a mysterious planet where everyone hopes to travel to so that their wishes may be granted. Exciting battles, beautiful backdrops, and an alluring soundtrack are all part of that majestic journey.

Best Flight Simulator

PixWing ($3.99/£2.99/AU$5.99)

There's a lot of nostalgia at play in the pixelated beauty that is PixWing, but even those who have never played a 16 bit game before are sure to appreciate its subtle touches that truly make this game a joy to see and experience. What's more, its gyro controls turn your whole body into a controller so you can let the game track how many calories you burn while flying. Regardless of how you play, its colorful worlds and intricate missions within each one are sure to leave you in awe of their simplistic splendor.

Best Platformer

I Am Bread ($.99/£.79/AU$.99)

I Am Bread is a unique game that does an amazing job representing what it would feel like to move as a piece of bread. You don't have any limbs so you'll need to rely on throwing yourself and folding your corners in just a way that propels you forward on your quest to get toasted. Find a toaster or any item that may get you nice and toasty but be sure to avoid hitting the ground or rolling over icky areas that may tarnish your glutinous appeal. A dirty piece of bread is a no-no, but this platformer is a delicious taste of the bizarre.

Best Adventure-Puzzle Game

Lara Croft GO ($1.99/£1.49/AU$2.99)

An elegant puzzle adventure featuring everyone's favorite tomb raider, Lara Croft GO showcases that even a seasoned star can shine in a game that's very unlike anything she's been in before. Yes, you're still exploring caves and discovering lost relics on your quest for the big treasure, but you'll also need to use logic and decide which path will lead you to success rather than your ultimate demise. Its gorgeous art style, too, provides a pleasing backdrop to a game that's quite bold, smart, and relaxing.

Best Racing Game

Horizon Chase ($2.99/£2.29/AU$4.49)

Horizon Chase is an amazing example of how a stylish racer can borrow from past games and produce an experience that's both appealing to play as it is to behold. A silky smooth soundtrack and some eye-popping visuals will accompany you as you drive around the world on sidewinding tracks and courses with enough of a difficulty curve to quench anyone's thirst for speed. Your opponents are no pushovers either, and with enough collectibles to keep you busy, this is one game you'll be racing back to every time you take a break.

Best Shooter

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions ($9.99/£7.99/AU$14.99)

Just like its console counterpart, Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions brings fireworks of color to your screen with each geometric shape you shoot down. This simple yet effective twin-stick shooter is sure to test your quick thinking skills with its array of levels, modes, and score requirements ensuring you do more than just gawk at its sleek visuals and get mesmerized by its catchy sounds. Keep your finger on the trigger as enemies will come at your from all sides and impressive boss battles will test your quick-thinking skills. It's fast, frenetic, and just plain fun.

December 31, 2015
Giancarlo Saldana