Will Kallenborn’s Review: “Titanfall”
Grade: A
In a time that has been particularly lacking in high-profile video game releases, game fans should rejoice over “Titanfall.” “Titanfall” is arguably one of the most enjoyable video games to come out in years. It’s a high-energy roller coaster ride of giant robots fighting futuristic soldiers, and it lives up to the high expectations its synopsis sets. “Titanfall” looks beautiful; it is one of the few titles on a “next-gen” system that looks like it needed more advanced hardware. The game plays very smoothly and it does a great job of making playing as a soldier just as exciting as being a robot. “Titanfall” is not a high-art game, and it does not try to be. Anyone expecting the next “The Last of Us” or “Bioshock: Infinite” will most likely be disappointed. But, for a multiplayer only game, there’s nothing better on the market currently.

Joshua Jackson’s Review: “Rise of an Empire” by Young Money
Grade: D+
Young Money’s collaboration album, “Rise of an Empire,” is the follow-up to 2009’s “We Are Young Money.” The label’s star players, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, make scarce appearances on the record entrusting the outcome of the album to the lesser known artists. Lil Twist and Tyga co-captain the sinking ship that is the album with stereotypical gun references and lazily written hooks. Songs like “One Time” and “Hittin Like” display the lack of effort the artists made to create an album listeners could enjoy. There are two songs, Drake’s “Trophies” and Lil Wayne’s “Moment,” which serve as the album’s life preserver. The intention of “Rise of an Empire” was to remind listeners Young Money is alive and well. Instead, the album proved that the label could be facing their downfall.

Gerald Ducote’s Review: “The Take Off and Landing of Everything” by Elbow
Grade: C+
English alt-rock group Elbow seemed to have put in the hours on its latest album “The Take Off and Landing of Everything.” With tracks leaning on the long side of 6 to 7 minutes, Elbow pull out the stops musically. “Take Off” is a 10-song set of sleepy rockers, lulling the listener into serenity while keeping interest with a variety of sounds. Soothing instruments like chimes and soft keyboards aid to the overall feeling of sleep. If the album’s title wasn’t enough, it is obvious that Elbow has taken a look at the big picture. The songs are meditative and introspective, moving style out of the alt-rock box into areas of indie artists like The Postal Service and Bon Iver. Elbow doesn’t become adventurous with “Take Off.” As a whole, it is something to sit still and doze off to rather than rock out.

Panya Kroun’s Review: “Dark Souls 2”
Grade: B+
“Dark Souls” drove a stake through the hand holding experience popularized by modern games with its above-average levels of difficulty. “Dark Souls 2” carries this torch and sets that experience on fire. The action-RPG is initially more welcoming than its predecessor was to newcomers, particularly with its new and innovative fast-travel mechanic that can be activated by visiting bonfires. Fans of the first “Dark Souls” won’t be disappointed, though – after the first few levels, the game becomes mind-numbingly difficult, but without any of the technical issues that plagued its forbearer. The lock-on system is more refined, and you now attack enemies according to the direction you’re moving, a feature blatantly missing from the first game. You can dual wield swords now, too. Bandai Namco took a good formula and made it better; anyone who appreciates a challenge will love this game.

Meg Ryan’s Review: “Lift Your Spirit” by Aloe Blacc
Rank: A-
Aloe Blacc has emerged with a distinct sound of his own, and his new release, “Lift Your Spirit,” is no exception. Blacc’s sound can be described as a mixture of old school and new school R&B. His voice is free of auto tune, a refreshing change from most new record releases. The album opens with the well-received, “The Man,” and leads into a mixture of tracks that give off a big band feel with a contemporary twist. Blacc placed an acoustic version of “Wake Me Up” on the record instead of the original dance version. It’s a nice contrast from the more fast-paced, upbeat tracks. The album ends with “Owe It All,” a perfect ending track for the record. Blacc seems to be sending a message of work hard, love harder because, in the end, we only have this one life. His message sounds like it’s working.