Sonic X Shadow Generations is far more than just a remaster with bonus levels. Shadow is very convincing in his part of this excellent double pack, while Sonic Generations has held up far better than I would have thought.

Easily the best version of the classic sci-fi thriller, which leaves a bit to be desired, though, in terms of transferring controls to modern gamepad standards.

I really hope Immortals of Aveum doesn't get ground down between Diablo, Baldur's Gate, Starfield and all the big games of the year yet to come, but finds its fans. It has at least one, and I'm sure there are more people out there who have a heart for a slightly out of time, quirky shooter with a lot of action-adventure charm.

1000xRESIST tells a surprisingly deep and compelling story. What at times it lacks in terms of pacing and production value, it makes up with an abundance of creativity and unique storytelling.

A great port of an incredibly strong sequel – an experience quite unlike anything else. The only question is whether Kojima’s idiosyncratic post-apocalypse can hold the PC community's attention, with Crimson Desert out on the same day. Regardless of its commercial fate: if this is the final nail in the coffin for PlayStation games on PC, at least it’s a really pretty one.

This is not the game that would have single-handedly saved THQ, but we're still lucky to be able to experience it now. Metro is quite unique in varying its pace, showing you its world and its inhabitants in between the action. All in all, this is an atmospheric, modern and utterly compelling journey.

With a humorous script, lovingly designed characters and a goofy story, Date Everything turns out to be a really cool dating sim.

A strong narrative with charming characters and the relatively free creation as well as interpretation of tarot-like cards distinguish this stylish adventure game.

It plays super-slick, is easy to learn, all the while still offering enough depth to take on the competition. Just like with all the other Beat 'em' Ups, though, you can't help but wonder when the genre will take its next evolutionary step.

An exciting horror-game with strong borrowings from Alien: Isolation, where you explore a convincing setting in a physically believable way.

One of the tactics greats finally found its way to people who understand what the series was all about. Despite the weak onboarding and the cliché laden narrative, an engaging, exciting strategy game that challenges on many levels. Good news, seems you can finally uninstall Jagged Alliance 2!

It's the unquestionable high point of a season that did not really know where it should to go. But maybe that's only apt, considering the bleak backdrop of a world where no one ever is safe.

Steamworld Build is an interesting and skillful mix of different genres you never knew you needed.

Sure, more game modes would have been nice, but this is still an entertaining, funny and likably stylized multiplayer romp for a rather inexpensive price.

Even though the Old Iron King's gameplay twist isn't as meaningful as the one in the first DLC, and one of the bosses a mere copy, this is still a restless, disturbing march into the deepest of depths.

So yeah, short speech, long test, Street Fighter IV 3D be damned, and the same conclusion as 18 months ago: Street Fighter 6 is a great brawler that beginners can tackle without getting too frustrated and pros will find enough depth to really get into it.

Great DLC with largely the same quality as last years’ best game, featuring great attention to detail and some stunning environments. Its only major flaw is that Machine Games somehow had to fit it into the Great Circle.

Its tactics and strategy layers might not be the deepest in the genre. But The Banner Saga is still the sort of adventure that has seasoned warriors burst into sombre campfire song. Sing along, if you dare!

Commandos: Origins still seems a bit rough around the edges in some places, but at its core, it represents a truly successful comeback for the series. Each mission presents a tough challenge, full of various tricky puzzles that you must solve with your limited resources. Try things out and see if they work. You don't always have to get it right the first time, which is precisely why games like this encourage experimentation. Ultimately, Commandos: Origins is a lot of fun, challenges your brain cells, and makes me confident that Claymore could fill the stealth gap left by Mimimi Games' demise.

In its rousing finale, without a single word, Cairn makes me understand what was always inscrutable to me. I realize what Aava feels when looking up at Mount Kami from below. Not a grave, not even a threat, but a gateway to eternity. Powerful.

Even though these are painfully dull games, at the start, that may not engage you quite the way the best games in the genre do it is definitely worth sticking with.

An arduous train journey, but one that is convincing and demanding in terms of gameplay and challenges you with tactical planning.

Assassin's Creed 3 is a fitting end for the series and - to an extent - this generation of consoles as a whole. The characters and story are the strongest yet, but at the same time the game comes with all of the franchise's well-known strengths and weaknesses. So, even though this might just be the perfect finale, the next generation of assassins definitely will have to be more willing to refine the series' systems from the ground up. Then we'll happily listen to their brilliant stories some more.

Whoever picks up a Vita these days, should also get Rayman Origins along with it. Do it for yourself. Do it for Michel Ancel, who put his heart into this one. And most important of all: Do it for that strange sausage creature in world three.

Technically sound and quite varied collection of eight classics, most of them aged gracefully. Could do with a bit more meaningful curation, but offers a lot of options to be enjoyed even by today's standards.

Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is up to a better start than War of the Roses. Torn Banner Studios have shunned any historical accuracy or character editing options, but their fighting system is easier to learn, while at the same time offering a surprising amount of depth. Dynamic rather than authentic, these skirmishes are much easier to enjoy.

Some rallies can become a bit sluggish, but all in all, Top Spin 2K25 is a versatile and accessible simulation with a successful career for solo players and numerous opportunities to play online and offline.

A thriller that is somewhat limited in terms of gameplay and a tad overloaded when it comes to the narrative, but stylistically creates a fascinating world with impressive backdrops.