Kudos to Grasshopper and Digital Reality: I didn't think that a side scrolling shooter could look this marvelous. This is a well-executed take on bullet hell action with a clever integration of slow motion.

If you know the original strategy gem be aware: This is rather a visually updated remake than a new iteration. But nonetheless the concept still is as fresh as interesting.

I always emphasize how much I like Tekken Bowling – and keep forgetting how much I missed Tekken Ball. With the extra content this would be the first choice for Tekken aficionados – but just if you use the ProController. The standard Wii U GamePad is made with a lot of games in mind but not beat'em ups.

Ring Fit Adventure is a nice fitness package, delivering a lot of fun while exploring the various modes with the Ring-Con. The adventure mode would benefit from more variety, though.

The unique adventure with great characters, an emotional story and a brilliant soundtrack was extensively modernized and improved meaningfully, making this a great modern take on an overlooked classic.

It gives me loads of things I wish for in racing sims. But the plentiful options aside Project Cars offers a mighty engine and authentic physics resulting in a convincing driving experience.

A basically competent campus construction simulation, whose humor doesn't hit enough and doesn't fully ignite with too much repetitive hard work.

It is so hard not to like DragonQuest Builders. With its mix of MineCraft-ish creative freedom, meaningful quests and a very superficial fight system this adventure sparks my curiosity and keeps me interested for a long time.

The game with the Lady and the giant sword may start slow, but the political background as well as the relationship of the main characters drag you into this beautifully designed world with its well executed tactical role playing.

Combining little blocks was never more stylish than with Lumines. Unfortunately this rendition is a mere shadow of its former PSP-self.

Splatoon 2 is the equivalent to a beautiful, but moody girlfriend. Mostly you have a great time, but sometimes the inherited quirks are too much to bear. Having said that, the mechanics of this ink shooter still feel fresh, but some lack of content is still evident - as is the problem with time restrictions with certain modes (e.g. Salmon Run) and the finicky online app. (updated 07/21/17)

A new star in the Metroidvania-sky: MIO: Memories in Orbit enchants with its magnificent art style, captivating atmosphere, and challenging but fair combat system. New abilities constantly motivate you to discover the world and push beyond your limits.

Charming, entertaining adventure game with a cat - attractive setting, strong graphics and the fresh hero make Stray more than just an insider tip.

Yakuza 6 sure has some weaknesses. But it also is a fitting finale for an underappreciated franchise, where storytelling, compelling minigames and above all, beautiful visuals craft one extraordinary experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers more of the same and will definitely appeal to fans of the original.

A lot of games tried to copy Minecraft – or at least participate from its' success. But this two-dimensional take on the well known formula is the only game that is able to step out of the shadow of the indie phenomenon that inspired it. It leads you into a unique world full of creative magic.

With the pressure from NBA Live mounting, Visual Concepts outdid themselves on the court, while the cinematic part of the career mode is the best in years. Unfortunately the impact of microtransactions on the career and development of the player is still felt - although the grind to get virtual currency in-game has been reduced.

With Age of Mythology: Retold, the developers have managed to breathe new life into the aging title and make it presentable for a modern audience without losing sight of its roots. Players who already liked the fantasy spin-off back then will definitely get their money's worth here.

Considering last years’ improvements this years’ focus on the ground game feels underwhelming – but definitely delivers a welcome layer of new choices at the players’ disposal. The new commentary moves it into regions held by NBA2K up to now, but even though there are some improvements in the franchise, the mode selection in general isn’t that much different than in Madden NFL 16.

This is a beautiful homage to the Souls-Franchise, even though sometimes it sticks a little too close to the formula for its own good.

It is loud. It is silly. It is wonderfully weird. The mixture of frantic action and skate acrobatics still delivers a very unique arcade action experience.

Its over-the-top presentation as well as the sardonic smirk after dozens of enemies died in a well-constructed labyrinth of traps make most tower defense contenders look bland. However while an update of maps, tracks, weapons and game modes is a welcome addition to the original, the sequel offers too little to be considered a full-fledged successor.

Captivating old-school RPG with an extensive turnbased battle system and stunning artdesign, but also quite some grind and varying quality in the storytelling for the eight protagonists.

Agent 47 started strong and after a continuous up and down with every episode finishes on a rather low note. The episodic format works well overall, though, and contains some of the most memorable locations of the Franchise. Something that can’t be said about the AI.

On console The Swapper is as impressive as always. An impressive puzzle platforming experience.

The brilliant visual novel is almost as good as its predecessor, once again offering a thrilling case for fans of mystery and crime with great puzzles and an overall fantastic presentation.

Even with the support of potent hardware, some of the technical problems remain. But nonetheless this is a fast paced action game that you don’t see too often on the PC – and it is surprisingly well implemented in the Metal Gear universe.

The seemingly simple puzzler quickly becomes an avant-garde masterpiece asking clever questions and challenging you with a hard to master and astonishingly complex principle.