Revengeance has moments worth 90/100 but it is surprisingly short and rather shallow. Apparently turbulence during the development process forced the team to make some cutbacks. [CD-Action 04/2013, p.70]

This game should end around the 6th hour – which is roughly the middle of the campaign – when artsy visuals and fairy tale charm concealing the rather shallow content cease to suffice and the originally relaxing pace starts to make you drowsy. [06/2014, p.52]

An interactive cartoon, a 2D adventure game, a puzzle game embellished with small arcade challenges – Lost in Play does all of that and it does it well. It’s also a great family title, as it’s funny, virtually non-violent and satisfying both to kids and adults.

The Last Guardian is definitely not to everyone’s liking, but everyone should play it at least for a moment, because it is an extraordinary game. [01/2017, p.62]

If you're loyal to Pro Evolution Soccer series you got used to its various shortcomings and you will be pleased with the 2013 edition – it's the best one yet. But today choosing PES over FIFA is like watching a match in the second division instead of the Champions League final. [12/2012, p.52]

Out of three recently released karting games – other two being F1 Racing Stars and LittleBigPlanet Karting – this is the best one, especially if you look at them through the eyes of a real gamer. [1/2013, p.70]

Technobabylon proves that adventure games are the best genre to convey mature stories. [07/2015, p.68]

I appreciate the new interface (it needs getting used to though) and talent system (those dilemmas!), as well as changes to crafting that raise its importance. I enjoyed dragonriding a lot and found quests to be engaging, but was disappointed by dull dungeons and repetitive endgame content. World of Warcraft: Dragonflight is a pretty safe expansion and I expected a bit more from it, but I do feel it has a huge potential that could be fulfilled in the near future.

I must admit that Blizzard learns from its mistakes – Mists of Pandaria is much better than Cataclysm. For the first time in ages I'm having fun playing WoW. [12/2012, p.70]

In its current form FM7 is not perfect (loot boxes!), but when it comes to the most important thing, namely the joy of driving, it’s simply the best racing game available regardless of platform. [12/2017, p.64]

Some minor disappointments did not prevent me from soaking in the atmosphere worthy of Lovecraft’s horror stories. [Dec 2014, p.46]

A New Day is more of an 'interactive story' than a true game, but fortunately it's more interactive than Telltale's previous achievements (Jurassic Park and Law & Order) and the story itself is great – emotional and engaging. [June 2012, p.60]

Everything Blacksad: Under the Skin did ineptly, Chicken Police does perfectly. This Hungarian visual novel offers much more than I expected: a feast for eyes, a great duo of detectives, polished and varied supporting characters, and a story that treats social issues (e.g. systemic racism) seriously. [01/2021, p.36]

Volker Wertich has earned my lifelong respect for his past attempts to breathe life into the genre of games widely known as RTS. His new project belies the image that had formed in my mind – that of a bold, creative, ambitious creator.

If I were to compare Vermintide II to other titles, I would choose Left 4 Dead and Diablo, with Dark Messiah of Might and Magic coming in a close third place due to how combat feels. The game will eventually wear you down with its repetitiveness, because replaying scenarios is embedded in its design, but before it happens you’ll spend dozens of fun hours with it. [05/2018, p.42]

Gnosia is a fascinating and extraordinarily engaging game. It’s based on written word and static illustrations but it engrossed me much more than any AAA title. [06/2021, p.62]

Prey is victorious on almost every front. It’s like a compilation album which lets you listen to the greatest hits by System Shock, Dishonored, Thief and Deus Ex with some smashing original songs as a bonus. A strong contender for the Game of the Year title. [07/2017, p.34]

It looks like Crown of the Sunken Kings was developed by interns, as it misses many elements that made Dark Souls II an exceptional game. [10/2014, p.66]

Contrary to appearances this is not a game for everyone. Its difficulty level is really old school and the necessity to learn the tracks and retry (and retry, and then retry) will put off everyone who thought SSX to be a relaxing little arcade game. [April 2012, p.60]

One of those games that truly deserves the reputation of a cult classic. [03/2014, p.76]

It looks like a simple little game, but give it some time, acquire more cards and it will surprise you with its unfolding complexity and addictiveness. Admittedly, initial loops are boring, but ultimately I spent hours on end with Loop Hero and had tons of fun. [05/2021, p.38]

Dragon Age: Veilguard leaves us with the impression that we bought the wrong title. Instead of a true RPG, we get a mediocre action adventure game. A scenario stretched to the limit, a poorly constructed world and monotonous gameplay bored me to tears.

Citizen Sleeper – an enjoyable journey into a mind trapped in a stolen artificial body – is a game where the story is more important than gameplay mechanics and the questions that arise along the way are more important than answers. This narrative game that creatively combines the randomness of dice with some survival and management mechanics does not fully deserve to be called a „Disco Elysium in space”, but the association is basically correct.

The most accessible Tekken in ages keeps you on the edge of your seat with its top-notch gameplay mechanics which ensure that what happens on screen is always unpredictable and exciting. A new worthy king! [08/2017, p.48]

It’s not Metro 2033 anymore – Ukrainians look up to the western style of game development now and you have to get used to it. Last Light could have been better, but only a bit better. The atmosphere is amazing, there are moments when the game is poetically beautiful and in terms of sound it’s one of the best titles out there. [CD-Action 07/2013, p.50]

I expected something close to Battlefield but Rising Storm is far more demanding. It’s been a while since I cursed so much while playing an online shooter. With every round I was telling myself it’s enough, but I kept coming back to get my butt kicked again. Try it – you might enjoy it too. [CD-Action 08/2013, p.73]

No crucial changes, no revolution – that’s new Mega Man’s primary problem. It’s a really good platformer, but it lacks a spark, so I won’t try to make everyone I meet play it, like I did with Mega Man X. If you’re not passionate about the little blue robot, you can sit this one out. [12/2018, p.88]

Main principles of all 80 levels are similar, but thanks to dozens of ideas introduced to spice up the gameplay there is no room for boredom in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. [09/2018, p.65]

An interesting mix of a card game and a tower defense, played in real time. You build your little rat town, recruit warriors, and defend against an ever-growing horde of enemies. Ratropolis is crazy fast and makes you think and act on the spot, but it has some serious issues which take away from the fun. Above all, your units are annoyingly sluggish and rarely reach the enemy in time (and if they did, I often felt I do not have sufficient control over my army). [03/2021, p.37]

Amanita Design are still in great shape. If you liked Machinarium, you must play Botanicula! [June 2012, p.90]

The new character class (sadly only one, but it’s just one of numerous additions introduced in The Crimson Court) is definitely worth your money and the DLC as a whole is fantastic. [09/2017, p.38]

Despite the narrative touching heavy subjects of death and its meaning, She Remembered Caterpillars is an extremely relaxing game with simple mechanics that even a kid can fathom. [05/2017, p.65]

I could not shake the feeling that gameplay changes were introduced only to justify publishing a new FIFA. I launched brilliant FIFA 14 for comparison and could not believe how much the designers lost their way. Why try too hard to reinvent something almost perfect instead of just polishing it? [Dec 2014, p.58]

Still not as complex and technologically advanced as FIFA, but this is the best PES in years, the game fans were waiting for. Konami managed to resurrect the spirit of Pro Evo 6, but with modern visuals that are breathtaking at times. [13/2014, p.54]

The wait was long, but it was worth it! LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga has a lot going for it, offering plenty of action, many puzzles, rich environments and a very enjoyable co-op mode. It’s still the familiar LEGO games formula we’ve seen many times, but skillfully expanded with new ideas and improvements. A must-play title for both Star Wars and LEGO fans.

Marathon is a very good shooter, but in the long run, it may paradoxically suffer from being limited to just one game mode.

Tim Schafer’s Kickstarter game is finally here and it does not disappoint. After finishing Broken Age I spent an hour coming up with theories on how the story will unfold in the second act – and that is the best recommendation. [03/2014, p.70]

Eyes with dark circles around them, irregular meals, cat looking at me reproachfully. For the last couple of weeks I’ve spent every spare moment on Nexus, where I kill, craft and have a blast enjoying a very pleasant combat and delightful visuals. [08/2014, p.46]

The game’s biggest draw is the fact that it is based on true events. The developers changed the names of some places and people but all the stories you get to experience – some funny, some sad, others dramatic, or scary – really happened to someone. [12/2020, p.54]

You can definitely feel Shovel Knight vibes, which is not surprising, as the developers of the 2014 hit platformer offered to help polish Cyber Shadow and published it. The result is a spectacular game full of surprises, ingenious pitfalls and fantastic boss encounters. Add a simply brilliant level design, wonderful art style and great adrenaline-pumping music, and you get a game you want more and more of despite of dying all the time. [03/2021, p.46]

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]

This technically superb tribute to Destruction Derby could use some more insanity (especially in terms of unimaginative, repetitive arenas and challenges) and a broader color palette. The default driving model (with active assists) is both believable and satisfying and the destruction model is very detailed. [09/2018, p.60]

Burning Shores introduces an amazing new region that takes advantage of the flying mount and lets the Decima engine shine to the fullest. Although the DLC doesn’t expand Horizon’s lore, it’s an elegant bridge between Forbidden West and the upcoming next game in the series. It’s a shame, though, that such a large map offers so little side activities.

Victoria 3 hides its light under a bushel, but once you invest enough time to get acquainted with all of its mechanics, you’ll realize it’s one of the best, most engaging grand strategies ever.

Those who want to relive PS2 days might pick this up, but the rest will probably be put off by these oldies. [02/2015, p.53]

It’s not just a Minecraft rip-off. Square Enix expanded Mojang’s concept and infused the game with tons of Dragon Quest. [03/2018, p.74]

The price to fun ratio is amazing, but Starbound’s biggest advantage is the freedom it offers. I took a long break from Elite Dangerous to play this indie gem – it’s that good! [10/2016, p.58]

A very simple game with a very enjoyable, addictive gameplay – especially if you play it online. [03/2014, p.59]

A truly next-gen game that I will invest dozens of hours in. You will not find another shooter like Battlefield 4, so complex, with such verve and so full of goodies. [13/2013, p.40]

Special Edition is a boring remaster – there’s no new content and the visual update is modest. Nonetheless it’s the best way to play Skyrim on a console and a good reason to spend another couple hundred hours in one of few games that are truly worth it. [13/2016, p.67]

Doubtlessly it’s the best written RPG game in years and there are moments when it borders on true brilliance. Fascination, reverie, delight, admiration, fear, joy – I experienced all of it while playing this game. On the other hand the abrupt, mediocre ending felt like a slap in the face, skill checks become meaningless over time, the in-game economy is awful, there are plenty of bugs and overall the game feels like a budget product. [04/2017, p.66]

A simple but effective roguelike. [01/2016, p.75]

The DLC features Yuffie Kirasagi, a 16 years old ninja, whose immature attempts to make people take her seriously are both cute and comical. In combat she offers a perfect combination of agility and power. I wish her adventure was longer than 4-6 hours, introduced a new hub, and expanded the main story somehow. [08/2021, p.81]

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 worry you’ll get stuck because of all the hacking (done by typing in commands), rest assured that Quadrilateral Cowboy turns it into pure pleasure. [11/2016, p.65]

The story could’ve been more engaging but I intend to come back to D5 regularly for months. [08/2017, p.65]

A brave, flashy, self-destructive spectacle that made me chuckle like a madman right up to one of the best endings in the history of video games. [12/2017, p.58]

It’s not the triumphant return the series deserves, but this classic holds its own surprisingly well. 25 years later it’s still wicked fun and will surely delight nostalgic veterans, especially that the package includes four expansions, one of which is brand new and damn impressive. [11/2021, p.72]

The game grew in scale since the previous Shadowrun – locations are a bit larger and story lasts for over 20 hours. The visuals and the interface were improved a bit. The third trip to The Sixth World is worth every penny, but the game mechanics could really use a facelift. [11/2015, p.54]

Do yourselves a favor and buy Planet Robobot. Both its gameplay and wonderful visuals are worth it. [11/2016, p.73]

Live A Live is fresh and surprising – there are moments when it’s really hard to believe that it’s a remake of a 30-year-old game. Despite its shallow story and the fact that the combat system’s potential went unrealized, this experimental jRPG is definitely worth your time thanks to its creativity. And if you’re a true fan of the genre, you’ll have lots of fun spotting elements borrowed years later by jRPG masterpieces.

As all of us I would like games to be ambitious, unconventional, surprising and thought inspiring. But sometimes I just want to blow stuff up and this intense, good looking traditional twin stick shooter satisfies this need perfectly. [November 2011, p.82]

Please don’t just look at the score and “meh” Splatoon, because this online shooter is the best thing that happened to Wii U in a long time. It just needs some major updates, because on arrival it’s just 75% of The Game of the Year. [09/2015, p.46]

While I admire the technology that lets you mix two or more completely different tracks together to at least a decent effect, I must warn you that the gameplay is shallow and you’ll quickly get bored unless you’re a DJ at heart. [01/2021, p.80]

Written narrative in Sunless Sea is almost as good as Shadow Run’s, thus inviting players to use their imagination to the extent rarely possible while playing more visually advanced titles. [04/2015, p.58]

Redesigned interface and wealth of various small improvements make Football Manager 2016 much more accessible to newcomers without sacrificing even a bit of its astounding depth. [01/2016, p.64]

The only thing in the new Wolfenstein that turned out really well is music. Shooting is decent and some weapons give proper sense of power, but developers failed to build an interesting game on these foundations. It has some good moments but none of them lasts long enough to be satisfying. Plus the writing is terrible and the way the game constantly forces all that ‘war is evil!’ preaching and Blazkowicz’s moral dilemmas down your throat is ridiculous. I actually couldn’t decide whether the game is being serious or not. [07/2014, p.56]

You shoot monsters with your shoes while falling at high speed. Why? Because video games, that’s why. [13/2015, p.71]

An indie psychological horror that's scarier than many 'Triple A' games. [July 2012, p.86]

GTA V aged really well and it was a pleasure to return to Los Santos. Almost a decade later the attention to details is still amazing, literally beyond reach of most modern games. If you’ve never played this classic, you really need to catch up. However, if you’ve already finished it on PS4 or Xbox One, you will lose nothing if you ignore the next-gen edition, as it does little beyond adding new rendering modes.

Fallen Order is a must have for Star Wars fans and the best Star Wars game in years. Both literally and figuratively: the Force is strong with this one. [01/2020, p.42]

This game makes you crawl like a goddamn worm, in constant fear of being squashed. I was scared to leave the closet I was hiding in, because the monster was somewhere out there. [Dec 2014, p.68]

A perfect party game, simple but brilliant. [10/2018, p.84]

Inspired by traditional point’n’click games, Kentucky Route Zero steers clear of puzzles, picking up objects and using everything on everything else. Instead it offers a distinct mood comparable to Alan Wake. [CD-Action 05/2013, p.75]

One of the best point’n’clicks released on iOS in recent times. [12/2016, p.79]

A miniature work of art, full of radiant colors. A pixel perfect animated film. Unbelievably well polished. A candidate for the biggest surprise of the year. [03/2019, p.74]

In its best moments Stygian really reminded me of the two original Fallout games but heavily spiced up with Lovecraftian horror. [12/2019, p.53]

All those who can’t get over the fact that Nintendo forgot about F-Zero can now play a really decent indie substitute. The same goes for all of you who miss Wipeout. [02/2016, p.63]

Faeria falls somewhere between Hearthstone and some more tactical card games like Scrolls or Duelest. I wish its artistic direction was farther from Blizzard’s hit, but at least Belgians managed to evolve gameplay to some degree. A nice touch is that Faeria can be enjoyed without resorting to microtransactions. [06/2017, p.75]

I fell in love with this highly addictive gem after just a couple of turns. If you don’t mind that it was created with RPG Maker and looks like a decades-old relic, if you’re able to turn a blind eye to poor enemy AI and you’re willing to give the story time to really get going, you’ll probably lose track of time. Just like I did when I spent 16 hours with Symphony of War just on the first day with it.

The latest installment of the popular Formula 1 simulator puts the series back on the right track. You can still have some complaints about F1 23, but improved AI, a new driving model, and more restraint in bombarding players with DLC purchase offers have made the new Codemasters game worthy of attention.

Unfortunately, poor optimization, boring plot, stumbles in gameplay balance, and a number of minor bugs negatively affect what is otherwise a very good gaming experience.

The easiest way to describe Ghostrunner is to call it an illegitimate child of Hotline Miami and Mirror’s Edge. It fails to match the latter in terms of body awareness, but it makes up for it with well-thought-out, satisfying level design and looks great regardless of whether you’re putting your parkour skills to the test, or slicing enemies with your katana. [13/2020, p.74]

Everspace 2 is a great space combat game infused with the spirits of Descent, Freelancer and Elite: Dangerous. To some degree it also resembles Diablo or Skyrim in space. You roam around planetary systems and complete missions, while upgrading your ship with heaps of varied armor pieces, weapons and gadgets. Overall, it is a very good game with tons of content, but sometimes you can notice that the developers had to cope with a limited budget.

F1 22 is one of the best racing games on the market, especially when it comes to the career mode. I’m also happy with the VR support, but putting so much emphasis on supercars and cosmetic items is a step in the wrong direction.

The game’s strength lies in its simplicity. The Pedestrian keeps evolving up until the end and the graphics are both very clear and very pleasant to look at. [04/2020, p.66]

It has everything – great environmental puzzles, Prince of Persia style acrobatics, spectacular combat and an advanced character development system. It's definitely the best slasher available on PC and X360 and one of the best in genre's history. [10/2012, p.48]

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]

Once or twice The Cat Lady made my heart race but the game would benefit from some more tweaking, especially when it comes to story coherence. [CD-Action 03/2013, p.63]

The figurines are great (the car from the starter pack became my son’s favorite toy!) and the really good platforming gameplay will keep both parents and their kids occupied. [12/2015, p.47]

Vessel's creative puzzles and almost perfectly balanced difficulty level ensure great fun that lasts around 10 hours. [May 2012, p.59]

As usually Nintendo squeezed every last drop of fun out of a simple idea. [04/2015, p.59]

Shadows of Valentia is a mediocre tactical game, but a relaxing RPG. Whereas the best Fire Emblem games are like a steak you need to sink your teeth deep in to really appreciate it, Echoes is a popcorn that’s fun from the start but will not sate your hunger. [07/2017, p.66]

Ghostrunner 2 is not the sequel I expected. Instead of just “bigger and improved”, I got a real rollercoaster of crazy events, brilliantly designed levels and new additions that turned a one-dimensional story into a futuristic anime. From rushing down neon corridors to riding a motorbike through wastelands to exploring cyberspace – everything offers incredible experiences.

A solid, pretty and enjoyable tactical game held back by lack of the strategic layer and unengaging story. [09/2016, p.44]

You can play Helldivers alone but there’s not much point to it, because it’s the co-op that’s teeming with dramatic moments that make this twin-stick shooter easy to fall in love with. Not for a lifetime maybe, but for a dozen evenings of heroism, sacrifice and brotherhood in arms. [05/2015, p.52]

I really doubted the single player campaign in CoH2 could surprise me in any way, but the introduction of the strategic map made Ardennes Assault worthy of even being sold as a separate game. I’m impressed. [01/2015, p.56]

Finding Paradise is not as heartbreaking as To the Moon but still arouses strong emotions and encourages reflection. [02/2018, p.50]