Children of Morta might be quite predictable and even a bit uninspired when it comes to battling the hordes of enemies, but it nevertheless succeeds in providing a fresh experience for the genre of roguelites. How it succeeds in that? By investing in developing its characters and creating actual bonding with the members of the Bergson’s family, not a mean feat for the genre.

More of an "expansion" than a true sequel, PixelJunk Shooter 2 manages to offer some great gaming moments, paired with unique visuals. On the downside, it tends to get too repetitive and has a checkpoint system that's one of the most unfair we've ever seen.

A collection that includes three all-time classics, but not in the way we would have loved to see and play. For their suggested retail price and their limited availability, we would have loved to see a project equal to Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES, rather than a mostly upscaled increase in resolution and all the necessary conversion edits. Being a limited release, it should address only those who haven’t had the chance to play the games in their original release time. The rest could just unearth their old consoles and give these games a go as intended.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is keeping alive all the things Namco's franchise is well known and loved for and delivers a superb single and multiplayer experience. Until the release of the new Soul Calibur game, this is probably the best fighting game out there.

Τhere was no time nor passion for Dragon Age II. But still, the gameplay mechanics are great and the battle system is so furious and rabid that could challenge even the most hardcore RPG players. And at the same time, it can be a great introduction into the Dragon Age Universe for the less experienced ones.

It is a decent addition to the franchise, but Hitman 2 feels more like an expansion of the original game rather than a true sequel that pushes forward what IO Interactive did in 2016 and 2017.

The main issue of A Plague Tale: Requiem is the absence of any real improvement to its already simplistic gameplay. Thankfully, its amazing set pieces, great visuals and -especially- its intense story of Amicia’s and Hugo’s survival make up for these gameplay shortcomings.

In an era that survival horror gaming seems to make a strong comeback in the AAA sphere, “Signalis” offers an unexpected, near perfectly crafted, old school experience that fans of the genre should not miss.

It’s hard not to be taken in by the allure of driving a train through infinite space. Maintaining, expanding, and improving your locomotive never gets old, especially as the rails unfurl into the cosmos. Voidtrain can certainly hook you with its premise and well-made crafting systems. However, it’s held back by repetition in everything outside the train, from the overly similar station layouts to the one-note arenas. A diamond in the rough, then, but one that’s still worth the ticket price for fans of the genre.

Death Stranding is one of those epic games where you reach the ending after many, many hours and you have the sense that you played something unique, fresh and a game that could be a comparative point for other games to come. Kojima reaffirms our acknowledgment for his talent of creating engrossing worlds, both in terms of lore and visuals, with well-designed gameplay. What drags it down from a higher grade is its overreliance in, basically, one quest type and the utterly derivative action sequences (thankfully not many of them).

The breathtaking art (inspired by Czech shadow puppet theatre) and the wonderful experimental music from Hidden Orchestra create a hauntingly weird and enticing underground world that you will want to explore, even if you have to go through some repetition, padding and filler during your journey.

This version aims only for the one or two persons in the world that haven’t played the game yet. Besides the 1080p resolution and the 60 fps framerate, it is still a lazy port.

Mortal Kombat 11 is packed with content, the fighting system is as rich and enjoyable as ever and the graphics are some of the best we've seen. But, in the end, it all seems like a different skin of Injustice 2 with little to no innovation.

The charm of the original trilogy of Spyro games has endured through the years and with this collection, where everything looks shiny, beautiful and modern, the adventures of Spyro are better than ever.

A respectful tribute to a nearly dead, but never forgotten genre, Legend of Grimrock reminds us the pure basics that can make an RPG so much fun to play: addictive gameplay, strong difficulty & puzzles and pure gripping cold atmosphere.

Remedy delivered a solid action game accompanied by Sam Lake's signature "weird" writing and some great gameplay mechanics. Add to this the superb atmosphere we get from the Oldest House and some amazing graphics -as well as physics- and what we get is a strong contender for Game of the Year.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a love letter to the franchise and a game Lego and Star Wars fans have been waiting for since the Lego franchise’s first visit to George Lucas’ universe. It could have been a rather ideal experience, had it not been for the lack of memorable gameplay innovations and for lack of features that should have been part of the experience from the onset.

This new addition to the Mario Party franchise is definitely the richer one yet, with a great variety of modes and boards. Its extensive selection of minigames guarantees hours of fun, especially with friends, though the A.I. is solid enough to make solo play enjoyable too.

Even though not much have changed since last year's edition, PES 2020 retains all the superb gameplay mechanics and unique sense of football the franchise is known and celebrated for since the mid 90s.

Death of the Outsider has neither the out-of-this-world level design nor the masterful story writing of Dishonored 2, but it does not fail to impress as it offers a true Dishonored experience and a satisfying closure to the “Kaldwin Era”.

Even though the PC version remains the best place to experience Two Point Hospital, the transition to consoles was smooth, with great controls and with no compromises whatsoever to all the great gameplay and fun the game can offer.

As a tribute to one of the most important FPS game of all times, the Anniversary edition of Halo C.E. delivers a somehow dated but surely superb experience to fans of the series.

Metal Gear Rising proves that the Japanese industry can still amaze, and solidifies Platinum Games as one of the top action-games developers. If you're a fan of the hack 'n' slash genre don't miss this one.

Even though some of its mechanics are indeed stuck in an older era of gaming and the camera can sometimes be painful, The Last Guardian is a unique and almost monumental game in its narration and in the way it bonds the gamer with the two protagonists. Just like it happened a long time ago with Ico and Yorda.

Konami made the decision to do some radical changes in the gameplay of PES 2013 and succeeded in creating the most enjoyable PES of the past few years.

Blizzard returns to glory by re-balancing the whole game, introducing some great new areas for gamers to explore and adding some quite interesting classes.

An immersive, story-driven, supernatural adventure thriller, with enchanting and melancholic atmosphere and captivating storytelling methods that offer a genuine and personal experience to the player.

The latest entry in the Trails Series offers an excellent continuation of the saga, which presents a great escalation of the story, accompanied by new and old well-developed characters from the series.

Aside from some limitations in its progression system, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is a highly enjoyable kart racer that can look Mario Kart straight in the eyes.

Vermintide 2 steps on the known Left 4 Dead gameplay tropes and pushes the genre some significant steps further. The melee battle system feels rigid and organic and the various characters/ careers add some significant replay value. It respects its lore heritage, but bear in mind that it is aiming at hardcore players, who are ready to accept recurring failure and equipment/ xp grinding.

Coalition comes back to reverse the reception of the rather unremarkable Gears of War 4. Saying that Gears 5 is an improvement is an understatement, offering possibly the largest campaign of the franchise, filled with diverse and beautiful environments, mature writing and the familiar cover-based gameplay that remains one of the best in the industry.

It might be difficult to understand why someone wants to play backgammon, dominoes or toy boxing on the Switch, but if you do so, this collection is going to worth your money and time.

If you longed for an Advance Wars sequel you can finally stop searching for it. WarGroove is a true spiritual successor, and even though it doesn’t take many changes with the formula it is nevertheless filled with charming and highly challenging (albeit fare) content.

Gnosia is more than just a visual novel game: It is a quest to help some characters discover universal truths. It allows players to break the boundaries of time and space, to move ahead and explore every single aspect of its expansive story.

After last year’s step back, NBA 2K19 seems to be back on track. With interesting gameplay additions and refinements, impeccable presentation, a much improved MyCareer and literally tons of content and modes, it really is a candidate for one of the best sports games ever. However, there’s still a particularly shady system in microtransactions, and while it seems to have been improved, we can’t help being suspicious. But for now, NBA 2K19 will truly please even the most hardcore hoops fans.

The new SSX game by EA delivers a unique sense of sliding down with your board from a tall mountain in full speed. Probably, the best snowboarding game of this generation.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a well-written adventure with rich content and high-quality level design that honors the legacy of Dragon Age while expanding upon it. After a series of mishaps Bioware seems to be returning to form, reigniting expectations not only for the future of the Dragon Age franchise but also that of Mass Effect.

Surprisingly, Blacklist "ticks every right box" as a really good, modern game ought to do. It has an interesting single player campaign with great structure, superb co-op missions and an engaging multiplayer mode.

By offering rich content, a great multiplayer experience and some of the most beautiful graphics we've seen in a 3D fighter, Tekken 7 is indeed the king of the Iron Fist Tournament.

Besides some "western" touches, 4A Games delivers a very special and almost flawless game which proves that Eastern European development scene is here to stay.

Probably one of the best online FPS games with a WWII setting. This stand-alone expansion of Red Orchestra 2 is a must buy for fans of online shooters.

Mega Man 11 finally takes the big step and leaves the 8-bit presentation for an arguably slicker engine. You shouldn’t mistake its updated visuals though for an easier, modern platform experience. This new iteration retains the high challenge of its predecessors with well-designed boss climaxes. Unfortunately, though, it still remains too close to the mentality of all the 10 previous titles, something that in the end leaves us with a heavy sense of déjà vu and a slight anachronism in the challenges we face.

A wondrous surrealistic adventure on and through the living branches of a "magical" tree, Botanicula is a beautiful addition to Amanita's game roster.

FIFA 15 is not a bad game by any means. It is the best choice any football fan can make at the moment. We just wish that there were more substantial improvements in this year's edition, a more stable multiplayer mode and a better AI system.

A great return to the roots of the franchise, proving that PlatinumGames was the ideal choice to carry it forward, even if there are a few rough edges. The combat system is nothing short of excellent. Faster, deeper, and more refined, without ever becoming overcomplicated, giving players full control over the flow. With stronger level design, both artistically and mechanically, and more memorable boss fights, it could have been a true masterpiece.

Burnout Paradise was packed with action and extremely enjoyable arcade racing in its initial release, and this remastered version is equally exciting, if not more, due to the upgraded performance of the current generation of consoles.

Bungie once again nails the shooting, delivering consistently satisfying combat moments in Marathon. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic and lore create a dilapidated sci-fi world that feels both mysterious and captivating. During traversal and tense firefights, as you attempt to extract valuable loot, the game offers a thrilling and engaging experience. However, it’s baffling how convoluted the menus are, creating unnecessary confusion even for simple tasks. Additionally, in its current state, the content feels somewhat lacking,though Bungie has promised to expand it in the near future.

Wildstar is probably the best and most complete MMO that has come out in years.

The sequel from Roll7 could be easily dismissed as a repetition of the first OlliOlli, only under a new skin, but it would be too harsh a judgment. It may be too similar with the first one, but its gameplay remains fresh and entirely intuitive while the addition of manuals manages to bring an essential tool for combo built-up.

Crypt Custodian goes a slightly different way from the typical indie metroidvania by offering an isometric perspective, which it fully leverages with enjoyable platforming and a charming world to explore.

With a breathtaking atmosphere, an interesting story and a gritty realism applied to the late Medieval period, Asobo Studios offers a strong and memorable experience that overcomes its somewhat repetitive & by-the-numbers gameplay.

The Burning Shores is a must-have expansion for fans of the franchise. With the addition of Seyka, Guerilla gives Aloy an ally with whom she can interact on an equal level. The gameplay elements are enriched with small additions and new skills, while the new area is visually stunning, demonstrating what PlayStation 5 is capable of.

It's a fun and addictive take on the classic "Breakout" recipe that will offer you some hours of enjoyable summer gaming.

If it were released as a "mega expansion pack" Saints Row IV would have been a "must buy". As it is it can only be recommended to die-hard fans of the franchise.

We may believe that is is overpriced, but still, it is Skyrim, one of the best, most beloved and expansive games the western RPG genre has ever given us.

If you want your western RPG games full of text and lots of reading, Tides of Numenera will deliver. It has a very well written script, interesting quests and a rich world to explore, but lacks in the battle system and its technology.

An old-fashioned adventure with an intriguing setting and a challenging set of riddles, which however fails to distinguish itself from the rest of the bunch.

EA continues to dominate the fields, whether they are made of grass or ice. The 2014 edition of NHL is one of the best that has come out and the addition of the NHL 94 arcade edition makes it even more valuable.

Senua’s descent to the darkest corners of psychosis is one of those rare gems which proves that videogames can use their strengths to tell a story with such efficiency that no other storytelling medium could replicate. Hellblade let us be Senua, and by that it let us see through her perception of reality, and on some level understand it.

When love and passion for dungeon crawlers come together, the results are games like Torchlight. This action/RPG is the best choice for those who just canʼt wait for Diablo III. Great gameplay, long hours, addiction and a low price tag, all in one!

By offering a new and quite likable cast, an interesting story and a big improvement on the mini-games, Danganronpa V3 will surely satisfy the fans of this unique visual novel series.

Those expecting an experience akin to the classic Final Fantasy games may find FANTASIAN Neo Dimension disappointing, whether due to its noticeable mobile roots or its uneven difficulty. That said, it’s not without its charms. The story embraces the familiar tropes of Sakaguchi’s past works, the visuals have an eccentric beauty, and the adventure is excellently accompanied by a soundtrack from none other than Nobuo Uematsu.

Although it offers no challenge whatsoever and is quite short, this is a charming game, full with inspired mini-games, great design and unique levels.

An excellent HD-2D remake of a cult Square title that will appeal to fans of Chrono Trigger and older Final Fantasy games.

One of the most important Mario RPG games that was a hit for the GBA console makes a comeback that suits Nintendo 3DS better and gives the younger audience a chance to experience a great adventure. However, older gamers will not really find a good reason to return, as the script and the mechanics are the same as the previous game and Bowser’s mission will easily become a repetitive addition.

As always, Ubisoft has crafted a highly detailed and undeniably beautiful world. Roaming the historical Japanese cities and countryside is undoubtedly one of the game's highlights. However, once again, Ubisoft fails to take a single step forward in its action, platforming, and-most crucially- stealth mechanics, making each new iteration of its beloved franchise feel increasingly stale and tiresome.

Now that we have seen the new Hitman in its entirety we believe that Square-Enix and Io Interactive made the right decision in releasing this game in an episodic format. Hitman is a fine example of a well crafted game with superb gameplay and great graphics that returns the franchise to its former glory.

It's a frantic game, full of surprises, that keeps getting better and better with each online battle. It's what the Wii U lacked and now has it, times ten.

Football Manager 16, although not terribly innovative, is improved in almost every aspect compared to its predecessor. Better UI, friendlier tactics menu, more realistic 3D engine and transfer negotiations are among the most important improvements. Moreover, the adaptive AI offers a new level of challenge while also the “create a new club” and “fantasy draft” bring in some fresh air, albeit the lack of solid new gameplay ideas is apparent.

It’s a well-made port to PS4 that “translates” almost flawlessly to the gamepad all the intricacies of Sony’s handheld device. Tearaway remains an enjoyable experience despite the fact that some shortcomings are still there, such as the problematic camera.

PS4 and Xbox One owners finally have the chance to see one of the best arcade racing series focusing exclusively on time-attack. Veterans of the series may have a hard time spotting any differences, other than the new tracks layouts, but nevertheless 200 tracks will prove more than enough to keep you entertained for hours.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore comes to the Nintendo Switch as one of the most colorful and captivating games of the JRPG genre. Its new dungeon, music and character assists push the original game and its content forward, but ultimately it might fail to win over those who have already experienced the game on the Wii U.

WWE 2K24 comes with a fair amount of improvements, which make it the most enjoyable entry of the series so far. Fans of WWE should not miss it.

This was quite the surprise. Sledgehammer Games proved that there's still ground to be explored in the Call of Duty franchise, by delivering a tight and fresh single player campaign along with the best multiplayer mode since the days of the first Modern Warfare.

GTA V is a milestone in gaming -there's no doubt about that. If you are one of the few who haven't played it yet this is the best edition you could possibly get, but for everyone else there's really nothing here to justify even the low price point Rockstar is asking for.

Α gorgeous blast from the past, Irony Curtain is a tribute to all of the 90s comedy adventures, with an intriguing spin of adding a self deprecating humorous view behind the curtain of an unknown cold-war state.

While Beyond Galaxyland may not deliver the grandiose space opera it initially promises, its beautiful pixel-art, memorable soundtrack, and undeniable passion of its solo developer are sure to capture the interest of sci-fi fans.

By now Max's powers have stopped to be impressive and some puzzles are quite annoying, but the story seems to take off from this point.

Despite one or two shortcomings (like too few boss battles) Ashen is probably the best AA third-person “soulslike”, and that is no small feat. The unique, minimalistic visuals depict a world with its own personality (even though it may be an acquired taste) and the inclusion of a map and its commitment to co-op, be it with another player or an NPC, shows that A44 may be inspired by the best of the genre but it doesn’t afraid to take its own steps.

Shift 2: Unleashed takes its rightful place between the "behemoths" of the industry, such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport. And this is achieved through the most realistic helmet camera ever, a superb sense of driving, great graphics and the all-mighty Autolog!

Even though it’s a relatively unknown platform-puzzle game, it nevertheless is one of the best of its kind. The simultaneously handling of two characters is utilised in a very clever way. We can only hope that it sees the light of Xbox Games with Gold and be appreciated by the bigger audience it deserves.

It’s a charming platformer filled with clever environmental puzzles. The concept of having a stick figure character walking around the many signs found in a city, provides an interesting backdrop that brings a unique aesthetic, albeit with not much participation in gameplay terms.

A beautiful, “zen” 2D sea journey with clever puzzles and a captivating atmosphere. This is what indie and video games in general should be like.

Mature, gory and moody. This game from UK based developer Harvester Games is one of the best surprises we've had in a long time!

Bionic Bay could be described as Limbo on steroids, featuring clever platforming that leverages convincing physics and demands quick reflexes, without ever becoming frustrating. However, its repetitive environmental design and puzzles begin to wear thin toward the end.

A charming platformer with award winning physics that will keep you good company for some hours.

Simplicity is the name of the game here. And with this simplicity Nintendo offers, once again, a great puzzle-platformer suited for everyone.

Shadows of Valentia is not a game like Awakening or Fates. It’s extremely old school and it shows in many aspects, but through its new content and great story it almost manages to be on par with the other games of the Fire Emblem franchise.

A superb ending in what came to be as a great story of well written characters. Now that the package is complete you will understand the greatness of this game.

When a game so enjoyable and exciting -as the On Fire Edition of NBA Jam is- is offered in such an affordable price, then you know you're on for a real treat.

A superb addition to the Mario & Luigi series and the 3DS library.

It’s a very rare hybrid (if not the only one) of side-scrolling and turn-based gameplay that functions much better than expected. Both its strength and its weakness rests in its simplicity. On one hand its extremely easy to pick up and play in mere minutes, but on the other hand its lack of any kind depth on skills and equipment customization hurt, somewhat, the experience on the long term.

If you can find good company that will help you throughout the online campaign, here you'll experience one of the best co-op games ever created.

Fly Together is one of those mid-range games that starting to pile on the Nintendo Switch. Neither the usual polished console game, nor a cheap mobile one. It only does a few things, but it does them, mostly, good and with a lot of fun.

After six games Level-5 is still capable of delivering fresh, innovative and addictive puzzles in a beloved franchise.

It's highly overpriced, even for a stand alone expansion pack, but The Ardennes Assault missions are superbly crafted and reminded us of the glory days from the first game.

Story-wise this has to be the episode with the best elements and plot that also gains from the fact that episode 4 is the longest one. We really look forward for the grand finale.

Insomniac's brilliant sense of humour and superb gameplay design is present here as it was in the Ratchet & Clank series. Sunset Overdrive is probably the best Xbox One exclusive game for 2014.