The star in Color Splash definitely is the art design. The consequence of the length the paper theme is executed is admirable, while the scripting of the stories you encounter is right on the spot. A higher difficulty level and a tighter direction are needed, though.

The board game was optimized for mobile gaming needs, but the fun factor of the minigames fluctuates quite a bit.

As a full-fledged action rpg à la Diablo this is merely average. Where Zenith shines is the humor and its delivery. Similar to The Bard’s Tale (2005) nothing in the genre is untouchable and will be used to get a punchline out of it.

Sometimes you ask yourself, if the repetition of tools etc. has run its course, but then again you’ll find more creative and entertaining assassination options than in the last episode, while the story starts to move forward finally.

It has its flaws, but nonetheless the constant change of abilities that first perfectly to the level design makes this one of the better entries in the Sonic games of late.

The discussions about the fetishes catered to aside, this is a solid, albeit grind heavy JRPG.

A good soccer game with a cinematic career mode and a lot of enhancements on the pitch. Unfortunately the change to Dice’s Frostbite engine doesn’t pay off yet compared to last years’ Ignite.

Good things come to those who wait. After three years filled with content and with the added Shadow Lords mode Killer Instinct evolved from an ugly duckling that hardly didn’t offer any content to a potential prospect for the beat-em-up throne.

Somewhere on the way the developers lost their grip on the game. What starts as an ambitious take on the works of David Lynch, slowly becomes boring button-push cinema.

In terms of storytelling this is a step forward to the pilot episode, but it still lacks gaming elements.

Compared to the PC version the controls are not as intuitive and sometimes even finicky. But once you get the hang of it you just can’t get away from this dark heavy metal ballad that combines dark fantasy with horror à la Lovecraft and a gorgeous art design.

The driving mechanics are an (arcade) dream come true, the visuals are fantastic and Australia as exotic location delivers a wide variety of environments, challenges and contest. It has its flaws like the still overly aggressive AI but nonetheless this is definitely the best game in this franchise so far.

Better late than never? I disagree. The visuals are outdated and although there are some interesting control schemes at work, the appeal that the pc version generated a few years ago just isn’t there.

How to Survive 2 could be a really good zombie slasher. Unfortunately every aspect of the game falls short or is superficial. It lacks depth, a good story, pacing – you name it. But if you have a few friends over you can overlook some of the shortcomings.

The direction is good, the actors are convincing. The movie experience is intense, but as a game it just never really takes off.

This is a little puzzle gem for Oculus Rift that would be even better with the inclusion of Oculus Touch. [Tested with Oculus Rift]

If you haven’t played any of the last NBA 2Ks this is the one to pick up. But even with all little improvements in almost every area it still doesn’t feel too different from last year – or the year before.

Solid action, that mixes retro-action à la Xevious with a 360-degree camera control and a hint of bullet hell. After Project Root this is a clear step forward for Opqam.

If you like your action-adventures Zelda’esque then this is for you. What it lacks in depth it makes up in charm and content.

The interest that gets sparked by the sheer “weirdness” of Touhou Genso Rendo goes as fast as it appears. Lack of content, lack of variation and especially lack of balancing take this generally interesting bullet hell mix out of the skies.

In theory 8-Bit Hordes is "just” a reskin for 8-Bit Armies with two new factions and campaigns – which in return means you get battles full of action that will entertain you every now and then.

Building on the strengths of last years damn good version in terms of mechanics this is the best NHL game out there. But having said that, virtually everything else is put on hold – especially in the careers that remind you more of spreadsheets than a world of ice hockey you can dive into.

I hardly identified with the protagonist in any other game as much as I did here: I just want to leave this godforsaken, boring and ugly place as much as he does.

The fights are intense and remind me of a slow Vanquish while the tight platforming delivers some of the most memorable moments of its kind in this generation. But overall the pacing is completely off, while the grand finale gets interrupted by drawn out core searches. The potential is there, but the execution lacks finesse and direction.

While the games in their entirety truly stand the test of time, still show that they got “it” and (at least on consoles) have never looked this good, the bonus content could be more plentiful.

If you like old school JRPGS and don’t know the 16 year old original or if you want to jumpstart your memories, you can’t miss this time traveling adventure.

PES 17 looks great, feels authentic and celebrates complex soccer with new tactical components. But the lack of progress in game modes (especially the career) is alarming.

Rive is as tough as it gets. But while the mixture of platforming and twinstick-action is very challenging and can push you over the edge, it has its heart in the right place.