Uncharted 3 shines in every artistic and technological aspect and offers one of the greatest adventures in the history of gaming. It would be a mistake not to embark on it. [December 2011, p.78]

A tower defense type of game with some action elements – it allows you to actively participate in battles as a unit of your choice. Works best in multiplayer. Fun! [September 2011, p.75]

Dragon’s Dogma II is a fantastic sequel. The greatest strength of this game is, once again, the abundance of unusual ideas, mechanics and various cool little things that give it a unique feel. However, it’s a shame that Capcom didn’t find the courage to make a bolder step forward and ditch some annoying outdated elements. While it’s a very good game, it’s easy to imagine it being even better.

A free game that lets you relive Half-Life without having to stomach outdated visuals. Essential to every gamer. [12/2012, p.69]

This 'LittleBigLego' turned out to be one of the best Christmas gifts for the whole family and a great journey across six Disney and Pixar worlds especially enjoyable in 4 player co-op mode. [December 2011, p.88]

McMillen’s dungeon is really worth revisiting. Afterbirth does not introduce any spectacular changes but offers tons of new content. [01/2016, p.73]

With its great mechanics, frantic pace, absurd story and insane missions Sunset Overdrive is mad and uncompromising, and that’s exactly what we need in the age of increasingly serious open world games committed to imitating reality. [01/2019, p.70]

Style over substance – I bet Neon Giant has this cyberpunk principle printed above the office entrance. The design of their game is absolutely breathtaking, with huge, vertical, crime-infested cities and masterful use of lights and shadows. Add a pulp-style story and good dialogues (or rather monologues, as the protagonist is silent) immersed deeply in the cyberpunk lore, and you’ve got a pure gem for anyone who enjoys this setting. The shooting mechanics and progression system might be overly simple, but they get the job done and make it easier to catch the game’s flow. [10/2021, p.56]

If you’ve already played Square Enix Montreal’s previous game, Hitman GO, their take on Lara’s adventures will not surprise you. It’s a simple but addictive and satisfying puzzle game that would work equally great without Lara. [11/2015, p.65]

If ten years ago, when I told my parents I want to learn to play guitar, I had had a choice between a 15W practice amp and this game, I would have chosen Rocksmith. [12/2012, p.74]

The third installment of the series offers more of everything, which means you have broader possibilities and probably will enjoy it longer before you get bored with it. However, in terms of fundamentals it’s pretty much a copy of the previous games, especially OMD! 2, from which it basically borrowed everything worth borrowing. So, is this reheated dish worth giving a try? Definitely, because even if it tastes familiar, it was seasoned perfectly. [10/2021, p.58]

The Game Kitchen’s latest work is ideal not only for fans of metroidvania genre. For me its accessibility and sheer fun of gameplay compares to a “souls” version of last year’s Spider-Man, which is the best recommendation I can give. [12/2019, p.55]

Vessel of Hatred is better than the basic Diablo IV. The game has been overhauled in many aspects, making gameplay more rhytmic and dynamic. However, there are still some elements that need polishing, and Blizzard – aware that most people play alone – introduces mandatory multiplayer.

Everything that I didn’t like about SFIV is gone, leaving a deep yet easy to grasp, spectacular game. [04/2016, p.34]

Pokémon Unite is the first attempt at creating a MOBA with the pocket monsters – and I must admit it’s a successful one. The game is fast and intense, but also easy to get a grip on. I don’t expect it to take the esports scene by storm, but it’s very enjoyable and works great in a doctor’s waiting room or on the bus. As for me, I can’t force myself to stop playing Pokémon Unite and hope the developers will keep updating it. [10/2021, p.61]

Just like Theme Hospital two decades ago, Two Point Hospital doesn’t take the whole medical stuff seriously, which makes it fun and accessible, but despite all the giggles it still is a simulation deep enough to satisfy those more demanding. [11/2018, p.62]

If you enjoyed BPM: Bullets Per Minute, you must know that Metal: Hellsinger is better in every aspect. It’s stellar soundtrack alone is worth checking out, but it’s not the game’s only advantage, because it’s also got great pace, well-designed mechanics and hellishly satisfying gunplay. But why is the campaign so short?!

I feel sorry for Garden Warfare 2. It’s a great game (right now the best utilizing Frostbite 3 engine) that probably will be dismissed contemptuously by those too “adult” to shoot corn kernels at zombies. [04/2016, p.38]

The console version lacks a well-made tutorial and visibly downscales resolution to preserve framerate but other than that I once again found myself fascinated by the game – from now on: one of the rare breed of well-made console RTS. [12/2019, p.57]

Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a balanced cross between an RPG and a strategy game. The tale about a group of kids who acquire a weapon capable of changing the course of war is spun with sensitivity, imagination and charm. It’s a unique experience that takes you back to the era of the best handheld turn-based RPGs. [11/2021, p.68]

Shinji Mikami’s philosophy is to focus on making the game’s good aspects shine even brighter instead of trying to eradicate its flaws. His latest work both benefits and suffers from that approach. The Evil Within 2 offers great exploration, but its story is laughable. It’s a thrilling shooter, but a mediocre stealth game. At the end of the day I find Mikami to be right – a game’s best moments count the most and make us turn a blind eye to its flaws. TEW2 fails to reach the level of my beloved Resident Evil 4, but in today’s circumstances a triple AAA survival horror without online components and intrusive microtransactions is a gem. [13/2017, p.72]

The most impressive thing about this 2D stealth game is that majority of problems can be solved in various ways depending on your playing style – you don't have to kill anyone. Klei Entertainment (known for two installments of Shank) managed to design a game that rewards not only patience and quick reactions, but also creativity. [12/2012, p.77]

Railbound is an engaging, lovable, only seemingly easy puzzle game for everyone. It offers 150 diverse challenges of greatly varied difficulty that will sometimes drive you mad, but I guarantee you the satisfaction of cracking a conundrum will be huge.

The game that I didn't really look forward to turned out to be an extremely absorbing and satisfying experience. The longer I played, the closer I was sitting to the TV and the tighter I was clutching my gamepad. [May 2012, p.48]

Computer adaptation of a tabletop game based on Lovecraft’s work crushes players with distinct atmosphere of ancient tomes, madness, sinister incantations, old cults and Elder Gods. [04/2014, p.70]

Aeterna Noctis is a beautiful metroidvania from an indie studio. I was enamored with its challenging but fair platforming sequences and the multitude of varied worlds to visit. On the other hand, I was not convinced by its nonlinearity, which makes it impossible to get involved in the story quickly and complicated things for the developers in terms of introducing new gadgets related to exploration. Nevertheless, Aeterna Noctis offers almost 20 hours of genuine fun.

The only real flaw I can point out is optimization – Oil Rush slows down randomly once in a while. It does not impair its great playability though. [March 2012, p.46]

Dragon Quest XI clings to tradition, but when you buy a DQ game, you don’t expect a revolution. You expect vibrant characters and thrilling adventures and that’s exactly what you get, amplified by the level of execution unparalleled not only in the series, but in the whole genre. [11/2018, p.66]

It’s basically the same great game we’ve played before but prettier and even more enjoyable. Actually the Tomb Raider series never offered so much fun. [13/2015, p.32]

Humankind features some revolutionary mechanics, but fails to use their potential to the fullest. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the game is simply very enjoyable and Sid Meier’s Civilization now has a major rival. [11/2021, p.78]

A brilliant tactical RPG that easily pulls you into its world with charming dialogues, memorable character designs and perfect soundtrack. [08/2016, p.75]

Some minor but interesting experiments introduced in Chapter 2 are a welcome breath of fresh air and along with excellent writing make the game worth finishing twice. However, it’s hard to overlook the fact that Deltarune was built on the same, rather simple blueprint as Undertale and the formula might soon need a deeper makeover. That’s a worry for the future though. Today I urge you to download the game and experience another portion of Toby Fox’s great sense of humor. [12/2021, p.35]

In many aspects Valhalla resembles most of Ubisoft’s games, but fortunately progression feels a lot more natural this time around. The game’s not perfect but I had lots of fun conquering new territories, plundering churches, and pillaging coastal villages while following a mature story and enjoying gorgeous, believable medieval Britain. [13/2020, p.26]

An innovative, brilliantly designed puzzle game that everyone will enjoy regardless of their age. [02/2018, p.40]

Keeps you on your toes from the first to the last second of a 1.5 hour long playthrough, as usually forcing you to make tough decisions under pressure and dwell on them later. [02/2014, p.57]

Guys from Harebrained Schemes simply outdid themselves with Dragonfall. It’s one of those games that make loving Kickstarter easy. [06/2014, p.60]

In terms of new content this is arguably the most impressive ETS2 expansion to date, richer than Italia we enjoyed a year ago. It might just be a game about delivering cargo from point A to point B, but along the way it shows how stunningly diverse The Old Continent is in terms of both landscapes and architecture – and over 30 completely new cities introduced in Beyond the Baltic Sea are delightfully Eastern European. [02/2019, p.44]

In terms of technical achievements, the game is almost flawless. Animations are fluid and natural, without the small stutters from the NHL 19 edition. Nevertheless all the new modes and details are not a revolution or even major changes. [12/2019, p.69]

New game by Angry Birds developer Rovio puts more emphasis on creative thinking and less on dexterity and is equally addictive. [12/2012, p.89]

Superb visuals, distinctive atmosphere and a punishing Dark Souls-inspired combat system resulted in an engaging action RPG and one of the best indie games I played in 2021. [12/2021, p.42]

A fabulous, wonderfully realized idea that leaves you hungry for more when you finish the game after just 2 hours. [02/2014, p.60]

Distinctive humour, fantastic graphics, tons of weapons and an unconventional world – there's simply no other game like Borderlands 2. What ails me is that a lot of minor flaws could have been fixed with a small amount of work. [12/2012, p.56]

Holy Fury is not only a perfect DLC, which improves the game’s balance greatly, but also the best expansion Paradox has ever created. [02/2019, p.50]

A fast, demanding shooter with a huge potential for the future. It's basically CS: Source, but the maps are more polished and the game looks better. [11/2012, p.64]

During 12 hours I spent with Night in the Woods it grew from an average game to a member of genre’s elite. [04/2017, p.42]

Age of Mythology: Retold is a classic RTS in modern clothing. It works, looks and sounds very good, and most of all it is a lot of fun thanks to an interesting campaign, a mythological setting and diverse pantheons to choose from. It’s a perfect example of the fact that some games are truly timeless and sometimes all it takes to create an excellent remake is a small touch-up.

It’s the same Doom Eternal we know and love, but the DLC managed to make it even more frenetic. The onslaught of demons is actually so intense that it can easily get overwhelming, especially if you haven’t played Doom for a while or never mastered it. It’s a shame the developers were quite skimpy with new content, so we only got three new enemies (of which one is not even worth mentioning), three new runes, and three new maps (huge and well-designed though). [13/2020, p.49]

It’s been 15 years since one of the most intriguing games of the sixth generation of consoles rolled in, and this remaster proves that the concept behind Katamari hasn’t aged a bit, same as the soundtrack and art direction. [02/2019, p.63]

Almost perfect gameplay makes PES 2019 the best football simulation ever, but due to stagnation in terms of available modes and the usual scarcity of licences it’s “merely” a good game. [11/2018, p.82]

After a series of letdowns Team Ninja returns to form it displayed with Ninja Gaiden Black. Nioh is a variation on the Souls series, and although it is not as intriguing story wise, its gameplay is much more enjoyable. [04/2017, p.46]

Black Myth: Wukong’s foundations are clearly soulslike, but it is more forgiving than FromSoftware’s titles and its approach to level design is quite different. The game is technical impressive and offers stunning visuals, while its gameplay delights and frustrates at the same time, mainly during numerous encounters with brilliantly designed bosses.

I can’t express how delighted I was with the first episode. Unfortunately later the game lost some of its magic and oscillated between decent and really good. Despite that fact it’s by far the funniest thing I’ve played in years and I can’t wait to get my hands on the second season. [13/2015, p.63]

The gameplay model developed by Omega Force still works great and if you’re into it, you’ll find it hard to leave this game. It’s a shame that the PC version was ported from PS3, not PS4, and there’s no original Japanese voice acting. [07/2014, p.62]

You can either hate Octopath Traveler’s art direction or love it, but it definitely will not leave you indifferent. Distinct visuals are just one of the game’s many strengths which make it a feast for the fans of jRPGs – and much more than that. It’s not flawless though – the dungeons are bland and there are virtually no relations between the characters in your party as they don’t communicate almost at all. [09/2018, p.66]

Heart of Thorns is so good I forgot the flaws that made me lose interest in the original game after my initial delight with it. [13/2015, p.64]

Upon the release the PC version is the only reasonable way to enjoy Kingdom Come. And there’s a lot to enjoy, because historically accurate Middle Ages are an awesome setting. The beginning of the game might not be spectacular, but give Deliverance a chance and it will develop into a unique, deep, gripping experience. [04/2018, p.42]

Looks great, sound great and plays great. Stacking can really rev your brain cells up. [May 2012, p.61]

A fighting game that you just can't miss! Controls are friendly and satisfying and the level of thrill Street Fighter X Tekken delivers is over the top. It's a pity that game modes seem half-baked and Blanka is available in DLC only. [May 2012, p.62]

Owlcat Games has made huge progress since Kingmaker. Time limits, randomized elements of kingdom management and other annoying aspects were ditched, while combat and character development return in all their glory assisted by very atmospheric new mythic paths and a bit simple but still cool army management system. For me, the new Pathfinder, Wasteland 3 and Divinity: Original Sin II are a trio of contemporary RPG classics, with the first one being the most faithful to the genre’s tradition. [12/2021, p.64]

Excellent crafting system and great combat make up for bland story and uninteresting characters. [07/2014, p.68]

The latest entry in the Tale series offers everything loyal fans could have expected, but also has a chance to enamor many newcomers. The story about two heroes from the opposite sides of a conflict joining forces is surprisingly multi-layered, the combat is flashy and satisfying, and the journey leads you across beautiful, varied regions. As for the flaws, I need to mention problems with map legibility and the necessity to grind, but fortunately both issues are occasional. [12/2021, p.68]

The game’s story is a poor joke, but DotP 2014 is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to get into Magic: The Gathering and see what it’s all about. [CD-Action 09/2013, p.70]

In the latest edition of The Best Game in History: Don’t Even Argue the developers continue to lower the barrier to entry, so less experienced players can grasp His Majesty’s vastness more easily. That’s great, but as a veteran player I expected some more substantial changes (e.g. revamped tactical system or a new take on press conferences). [01/2017, p.54]

Ubisoft acquired Nintendo’s license, added some Rabbids in the mix and entrusted the game to its Italian studio that never developed any large game on its own. What’s more, neither the studio nor both IPs had anything to do with tactical games. I still don’t understand how Kingdom Battle turned out so good. [11/2017, p.46]

I have fond memories of the latest rendez-vous with Miss Croft in the Temple of Osiris and I wish you the same. [02/2015, p.50]

These are mostly unchanged Mega Man X games, but if you haven’t played them yet, you owe it to yourself to catch up on these gems – and Legacy Collection is the best occasion you can get. [10/2018, p.78]

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a musical adventure game that draws skillfully from the rich world created by Tove Jansson. I only wish this perfectly designed, charming and warm title with wonderful visuals and sound was longer, because it took me just 4 hours to complete everything it has to offer except one bugged side task.

The Boomsday Project is a great expansion. The Magnetic mechanic is brilliant, the new cards are very interesting and the return of Dr. Boom is a nice nod to nostalgic players. [10/2018, p.80]

Despite being a low budget game built with assets from A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes is a great Zelda designed for co-op. [13/2015, p.74]

I played the game almost non-stop for several days and I feared that after this kind of marathon I will forever hate it but it didn’t happen. Planet Zoo educates and entertains – in marvellous scenery to boot. [01/2020, p.62]

I’m glad Bayonetta 2 finally managed to escape the Wii U prison, because it’s too good a game to rot along a dying platform. PlatinumGames’ series is the pinnacle of the hack’n’slash genre and I strongly recommend it to every Switch user. [04/2018, p.71]

You may dislike walking sims, you may have never heard of Stanisław Lem or you don’t care for his books. In all those cases The Invincible extends a hand to you. Firstly, it tries to vary the gameplay as much as possible. Secondly, it doesn’t require knowledge of the novel it draws from. Thirdly, it makes Lem’s hard sci-fi accessible even for people who are not fond of his work. Above all, The Invincible is a neatly told story, suspenseful till the very end and supported by an absolutely brilliant soundtrack.

The legend returns after thirty years and it was so worth the wait! Freedom is still the most beautiful thing in Elite. You can reach every star you see in the night sky and do pretty much whatever you wish to earn a living – trade, smuggle, complete missions, steal from others, blow pirates to pieces, harvest resources from asteroids. [02/2015, p.58]

Despite some major issues (e.g. single player campaign is disappointingly easy and AI desperately needs improvements) the game is still wonderful. It makes up for its shortcomings with its world, exploration, atmosphere of grand adventure, loads of secrets, online battles and most of all with its lasting charm. [01/2017, p.72]

Due to outdated technology, low budget and a slight old school feel, Ys IX gives the impression that it got stuck in time a couple of years ago. It has a lot going for it though, including an interesting multi-layered story, enjoyable exploration of a pretty large city of Balduq, and fun combat that has you mowing down crowds of enemies in real time. What’s important, despite connections to the previous games of the series, you don’t need to be familiar with them in order to follow and appreciate Monstrum Nox. [09/2021, p.39]

Although I still do follow the World of Warships PC scene, I find more pleasure in comfort of the ‘lightweight’ console version. Especially now, with crossplay between PS4 and Xbox One which guarantees quick matchmaking either in standard or ranked battles. [01/2020, p.72]

Nintendo celebrates Pokémon’s 20th birthday in the best possible way – with a game that will please almost everyone, from hardcore fans of the series to newbies who only played Pokémon Go. [01/2017, p.72]

The best mobile racing game since the last Real Racing. [01/2017, p.75]

In terms of technology it's not so fresh anymore, but the rest is really likeable. Thanks to the necessity of making choices (some of which are 'hidden' and not obvious) this time I didn't feel like a puppet in the hands of the writers and the multiplayer is amazing. [13/2012, p.42]

Both players and critics agreed that in the last couple of years Mario Party’s quality has been dropping. Nintendo decided to go for broke this time and I hope slapping “Super” in front of the title heralds the restart of the franchise, because SMP finally delivers what we expected. [12/2018, p.51]

We waited for the PC version so long, but it was worth the wait. It’s a game that just doesn’t get old. It still looks great, sounds great and above all plays great. [01/2015, p.64]

Despite rather average controls and a few stretched out moments Luigi’s Mansion 3 remains one of the best Nintendo games of 2019 – and a proof that vacuuming can be proper fun. [01/2020, p.80]

A better polished, expanded and more interesting incarnation of Trine. Plus it demands more thinking than the first game, gives you more freedom in solving puzzles and is the most gorgeous platformer out there. [February 2012, p.52]

It was really hard for me to break away from Stellaris’ grip to write this review. It’s one of those gems you launch in the evening for a moment but quit at dawn. [07/2016, p.50]

Excellent career mode, tons of additional challenges and fast gameplay. Codemasters did great this year, but I would appreciate including more F1 legends. [11/2017, p.75]

I like a lot about Roguebook: the combat system that gives you loads of possibilities despite being simple; revealing the map through "painting” it with brushes and ink that you find along the way; enhancing your cards with crystals that modify their effects. You just feel it’s not a debut project but a very solid game created by developers who have card-based gameplay down to a science. [09/2021, p.50]

Great new modes, some minor changes making the game even more enjoyable, tons of licenses (Champions League!), spectacular presentation and the richest, most varied story mode yet make FIFA 19 an excellent entry in the series. [12/2018, p.62]

For an almost 10-years old grandpa of a game Halo: Reach still stands strong. It’s Bungie’s best Halo and a fitting goodbye with their own franchise. [02/2020, p.64]

In a never ending discussion about whether games can be perceived as an art form To the Moon is a proof they can. [February 2012, p.61]

If you haven’t played Pokémons since the first Game Boy, give Omega Ruby a try, because there’s just no way you’re going to be disappointed with it. It’s the same game you remember, just better. [01/2015, p.75]

Kaleidoscope of available modes guarantees that everyone interested in hockey will easily find a way to enjoy NHL 19, whether they crave 15 minutes of accessible fun or prefer to dig into statistics and play whole seasons. Learning basics is easy, but if you want more (e.g. success in online modes) you will need patience and a lot of practice, as controls are deep and some tricks require uncommon skill. [12/2018, p.72]

After all these years it could have been bigger, better, more polished. It could have had a PvP mode or a voice chat, or at least a more competent loot generator. But if you drop all the 'could have beens' Diablo III is a great, addictive game. [July 2012, p.46]

Despite its amateurish execution Off-Peak is really worth your time, because it’s a brilliant game that tackles the problem of art’s role in modern world with rare maturity. [02/2017, p.52]

Bethesda’s games were never perfect but they made up for their flaws with a promise of a grand adventure. It’s not different this time – Dragonborn reminds us why we loved Skyrim. [CD-Action 02/2013, p.54]

The best, the most interesting and the most elaborate entry to the series. Engine's limitations are more visible than ever before but it doesn't change the fact that Traveller's Tales once again managed to deliver an enjoyable game chock-full of content. [CD-Action 1/2013, p.44]

If you’re looking for a simple but engaging real-time strategy and you don’t mind a large dose of humor, 8-Bit Invaders is a great distraction from more complicated games. [02/2017, p.55]

One of the most original and addictive platformers I've ever played. [CD-Action 1/2013, p.46]