There are parts that impress, features that you will embrace and enjoy, there are also other elements that you will come away from frankly bewildered. It's an odd balance, an end-product that in the days after wrapping it up I still cannot quite wrap my head around in places. But this does mean it's memorable and unique, so if you enjoy indies that push the boundaries of creative expression, Skate Story has a lot going for it.

Octopath Traveler 0 is as much Final Fantasy from the past as it is something new that sharpens and tweaks a familiar concept with fresh features. This is new old-school in all the right ways.

It's an incredibly atmospheric journey, where every room feels important to your progress, slowly but surely bringing you closer and closer to madness, but perhaps also to the truth. Routine may not write a new chapter in the history of horror, but it retells the old ones in a stylish way.

Admittedly, the game is definitely not for the faint-hearted, who don't like being as powerless as Katja is at the beginning, but if you like exquisite dystopian horror atmosphere, then this is one of the best games in the genre since Alien Isolation, in my opinion. In any case, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

With severe pacing issues in the first and third quarter, with frequent let-downs, and with a lukewarm ending, only fans like me will want to complete it, and even if there's some great talent involved here, the best news is that the technology is now ready to maintain more, and hopefully much better, games in the future.

It's not rewriting the script for what a beat em' up should be in any sense, but it's good and solid fun that fans should appreciate wholeheartedly.

Slots & Daggers is a great game - through and through. It's addictive enough to keep you coming back for a few nights in a row to keep spinning out the right symbols and getting further and further on the map, unlocking more and more new things. It's also got a great atmosphere, a great jazz beat, and a very accurate and beautiful aesthetic.

Neon Inferno is in many ways that delightfully cosy, action-packed, gorgeous tribute to all things 16-bit, and it's so obvious that the creators of the game love the genre, love the old classics, and have sprinkled this love and passion into every little pixel.”

The Berlin Apartment is a touching little story and a glimpse into Germany's turbulent history, from the pre-war period to the end of World War II and the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Apartment does not try to be more than it is, but if you are the type who enjoys good stories or simply likes to peek through the "virtual keyhole" into other people's lives, then we can easily recommend The Berlin Apartment.

Considering it's an early access game, it's actually one of the most polished games I've played in a long time. It's super cosy and deep, so the fact that it's only in early access is pretty impressive. I can't imagine what it will be when it hits version 1.0. If you're into real manual labour in an age where everything needs to be automated, try Tavern Keeper.

My play sessions, which have lasted roughly twenty or thirty minutes at a time, have all ended with me realising that I'm not having much fun in the end. It's a bit too simple and quickly becomes mostly repetitive. So even if the content that is available still works and each short dose offers a game session where reflexes and patience are properly tested - everything falls into oblivion the second I switch off.

I have hopes that perhaps we, the gamers, are more open-minded than 20 years ago, and we are more eager to accept different proposals, that defy our genre expectations, that feel unique. Will that still be enough to convince my non-Nintendo-hardcore friends to try this game for game nights instead of the classic Mario Kart (or even Smash Bros.)? I doubt it. That doesn't mean you shouldn't bother trying.

Black Ops 7 might be just what you've been looking for. Maybe the frantic pace will appeal to you after the much more heavy-handed alternatives from competitors on the market, maybe the chaos will take shape as a challenge, an Everest that you and your friends must climb. Fair enough. For me, though? I think this feels miscalibrated.

Dispatch takes a great leap above Telltale's former experiences, keeping the strong writing while elevating a sense of player agency and pushing out an incredibly addictive gameplay loop. Dispatch is simply one of the best pure narrative experiences we've had in gaming in years, and it's another game among many that deserves a 2025 GOTY nomination.

It can feel old-school and a little rigid at times, but it's also a game that burns itself into your memory. It's brutal and beautiful at the same time, and GSC Game World now has a worthy successor to the 2007 original.

Titans of the Tide begins as a "great" platformer and steadily slips into "good" territory, perhaps even "mediocre" at times…

Don't expect smart puzzles and gadgets here, as this is an upfront, unapologetic massacre, and it's the new Quest game you'll want to show your friends this Christmas (as long as they're 18+, though there's a Kidpool mode, mind you).

Apart from a few minor glitches, mostly concerning how Storage works, it's a well-functioning game in its genre. It may be too simple for some, but if you are looking for a cosy and relaxing game to sit and warm yourself with on dark evenings, perhaps together with your partner, then Winter Burrow is a pretty good bet.

My only quibble would be, perhaps more harshly, that these versions don't offer any new cutscenes or content for the returning player. They are the nexus that will connect the past to the present of the franchise and the future Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, but if you've played them in the past (even in the near past on Nintendo Switch, in the case of Kiwami 1), I don't see too much urgency in returning to this Kamurocho. For anyone who doesn't mind reliving two classics, you're in for the best possible version of them.

My only quibble would be, perhaps more harshly, that these versions don't offer any new cutscenes or content for the returning player. They are the nexus that will connect the past to the present of the franchise and the future Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, but if you've played them in the past (even in the near past on Nintendo Switch, in the case of Kiwami 1), I don't see too much urgency in returning to this Kamurocho. For anyone who doesn't mind reliving two classics, you're in for the best possible version of them.

Possessor(s) offers an interesting touch on an established Metroidvania formula, but in my opinion it's best played in shorter sessions. In addition to a story that is slowly unravelled through memories and flashbacks in the main characters' shared inner lives where it's anything but black and white, a message is also conveyed about commerce and obsession where even demons are not allowed to be left alone as raw materials without being exploited and extracted. It's a bit tragic to see the developer hit with layoffs just before launch after three years of development, something that hopefully does not affect the planned improvements that have been promised. It deserves to be played by those who have no problems with a little challenge within the layout where the controls could also have been a little tighter, but where it ultimately demonstrates in a creative way that pride comes before a fall.

If you're looking for a puzzle game that does things differently by mixing deep puzzle gameplay with a hard-pumping soundtrack and wild visual effects, Lumines Arise is a really good direction to look in. I love the combination.

It's a viral success that says more about us than about itself. We no longer want to arrive. We just want to watch the journey. We want to watch everything go wrong, preferably in real time. And in that way it feels like a game for our time.

This is the best city builder of the year set during the glory days of the Roman Empire. If you are interested in history, enjoy building cities, managing logistics, and want to see something grow in your capable hands, this is for you. It's a natural continuation of the Anno series and feels modern despite the fact that we've travelled back in time. I highly recommend this if it sounds like you'd enjoy it and you have a capable computer at your disposal.

It's not often that you get the feeling that you want to descend into the "realm of loot" again and again, survive all the dangers once more, and return to your home planet with your pockets full. It has been a pleasure to play such a polished release, and I don't think the excitement will fade anytime soon.

With Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Koei Tecmo reaffirms that it delivers some extra quality when it comes to Nintendo IP, and this is an even better game compared to Age of Calamity. Production values are once again through the roof, sometimes competing with those of the mainline Zelda, while both narrative and gameplay got deeper and somehow more interesting despite the potential fatigue of the setting and the loss of charisma. The many new additions to the combat system also compensate for a more linear level design, and the strong performance and loading times make it a joy to play for just too many hours on both TV and handheld. It has a couple of peaks to its story I won't spoil here, but to me this is the best way to celebrate the end of an era.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 is exactly what you'd expect: Frontier taking note of fan feedback (longer and deeper story mode, deeper management options, introduction of full customisation of buildings and terrains) and surprising us with baby dinosaurs, which is a very cute and well thought-out addition, even if it doesn't change much about the way we play the game. Naturally, it lacks the element of surprise and innovation, and some would argue that this is little more than an update on what was before, which is also what we said about Evolution 2.

I think the core of Europa Universalis V is terribly impressive. Europa Universalis has never been this complex, easy to play and offered the possibility to automate parts of the game you do not want to deal with. The latter feature lacks some configurable options for the computer, which controls what you have automated. Despite small performance problems, a lack of settings in the campaign mode and a computer opponent who does not always impress, this is without a doubt my favourite in the series. There are countless gameplay systems and things I haven't had time to give my opinion on in this review. The whole experience is really good though and I look forward to the continuation with updates and expansions. This is a little deeper, a little more complex and offers you powerful tools you can use to navigate, influence and change the course of history. If you liked the predecessor or are curious about the fifth iteration, I can highly recommend this to you.

I think the biggest sign of whether someone likes a Football Manager game is how addicted they are to that "just one more game" feeling. In previous years, I would get that at 9PM and suddenly it would be 4AM, but I haven't had that feeling with Football Manager 26. I now have no problem turning off the game when I think it's time, and that's very telling.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake only completes what Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake already established a year ago, with the same excellence as then. Frankly, as long as the classic instalments of the series keep coming back like this, I'm in no hurry for Dragon Quest XII.

It is very easy for me to recommend Simon the Sorcerer Origins to all fans of adventure games and of course this series in particular. Its story, humour, and puzzles are worthy of its name, and although I miss certain shortcomings in the final product, it will give you a few hours of fun and nostalgia.

The development team shows signs of quality and development prowess in some of the title's features, but at the same time, Painkiller asks quite a lot from a consumer and doesn't give a whole lot back in return.

Beyond the shrine copies, though, I lack the real drive to want to keep playing. The cheap framing means that there's no spontaneous joy of discovery and the skill tree never fundamentally changes the battles; but at the end of the day, pure knock-off copies like Kaku: Ancient Seal aren't designed to be very good. It's enough that they're just good enough to keep the grandchild from crying on Christmas Eve and to keep the grandmother confident enough to buy games in the future.

All in all, Wreckreation is an arcade racing game that takes good advantage of the "creation" part but does less well when it comes to actually competing and driving. After cruising around the large map and discovering most of it, playing with the objects at my disposal, I've parked my car for good and don't regret doing so.

It wasn't enough that mechanically Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is an over-the-top yawner, but when gameplay and narrative-wise the game doesn't really have any logic, let alone much sense, I don't know what the creators were thinking.

Even with some of the aforementioned rough edges, the overall package is almost outstanding, for a team as small as Tiny Bull. You can tell they've given it their all in The Lonesome Guild, and it almost feels like so much lore, so much history, and effort put into each set, even if you only pass through that area a couple of times, is "wasted", when in other titles it would have been replicated. So the sum of its already remarkable parts make this adventure one of the hidden gems of 2025. For me, a candidate for indie of the year.

If you enjoyed The Outer Worlds and were one of those who thought it ended too soon, then The Outer Worlds 2 is for you. It may be bigger and different from the first game, but there is no doubt that this is still, thankfully, The Outer Worlds.

This is Plants vs. Zombies as you know and love it, in the same manner as you can still easily access it elsewhere, meaning it's not really necessary to blow £18 to get that same experience once again, even if it does now have a shiny coat of paint brushed over it.

It's a modest visual upgrade that doesn't take advantage of today's consoles, even if wet surfaces, dirt, and textures are slightly more defined, in addition to tighter game controls and a handful of new tools than last time around. If you liked the first game, you will feel at home here as it's more of the same, but if you didn't like it last time, it's unlikely to win your heart this time either.

So, all in all: should you play Persona 3 Reload on Nintendo Switch 2? If you've been waiting for precisely this version to dive into its world, the answer is an absolute yes. And I envy you: you're in for dozens of hours of genuine fun and a quality that's in short supply in the usual release rate. However, if you've already enjoyed P3R on PC, PS5, and/or Xbox Series, you're not going to find anything new here.

Ninja Gaiden 4 thus gives a rather mixed impression, but nevertheless one that leans positively. There is a familiar charm to the way the adventure is structured, and although I don't want to brush aside the criticism of substandard graphics and outdated design and defend it with rose-tinted nostalgia, the concept of simple action, built with equally simple game code, works surprisingly well. It's not a game that will go down in history in the same way as its predecessors, but it's still an adventure worth playing through if you're craving more frantic ninja action.

Bye Sweet Carole is a game that you should come to solely for the story and the wonderful art direction. It's a fascinating idea with great potential, but the execution of this title and how it's fundamentally structured as a video game could be benefitted by a return to the chalk board.

I feel that iRacing Studios is ultimately using this product to lure you, the player, into the extremely expensive iRacing, where the NASCAR experience is significantly, significantly better in terms of driving, and that in itself is more than a little absurd.

I'm pretty fond of Keeper, despite, or perhaps partly because of, all its imperfections. The pacing is uneven, the controls ditto, and the craftsmanship frankly lags a little too often. And then there's the wordless narrative about restoring the order of nature, which treads too familiar ground. It's sympathetic, and there are several good moments, but we've been there many times before. However, all of that takes a back seat to the quirky creativity and visual excess that Double Fine pours into Keeper.

The story is strong, the characters are good, and the atmosphere gets better the longer you play. The two games are very similar. The first was messy but beloved, and the same can be said about the sequel. It has its flaws, especially in the combat system, but it also has soul and charm. If you can look past the technical flaws and focus on the story and the abilities instead, this is a refreshing breath of fresh air in the genre.

I will not explain away or excuse Game Freak's bizarre way of constructing their games, nor will I claim that it makes sense for these AAA titles to be so incredibly stingy with rudimentary details such as 3D-modelled balconies in a city inspired by Paris, or voice acting. But at the same time, this is fundamentally a game that is once again about collecting, developing, and battling with Pokémon. That's what you do most, and that's what works best.

Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club succeeds in immersing you in the world of Peanuts and adding some light-hearted fun to your gaming library, but while it might have got the atmosphere right and will be a fun adventure for younger fans, it's unlikely to impress the young at heart unless they're playing with younger family members.

Supermassive Games has maintained the style and atmosphere that the series is known for, and they should be commended for that, but they have also played it safe. Apart from the addition of co-op, there is nothing significantly new in Little Nightmares 3. This may sound reassuring to fans of the series, and if you are one of them, you can safely dive in. But there is a lack of evolution. There is a lack of development in the universe, not because they have to reveal a whole lot, but because it should be expanded more.

Battlefield 6 is the return to form that we've been desiring for this franchise. It's a remarkable and entertaining multiplayer experience that has so much added potential thanks to the avenues that the expanded Portal promise. Its single-player story is missable and forgettable, but at the end of the day, the majority of players coming to this game are doing so for the online multiplayer element that never ceases to disappoint. So what else is there to say but bravo, Battlefield Studios, bravo.

Yooka-Replaylee is an oasis of play and joy in the crowd of grey action role-playing games and Dark Souls clones that we get in abundance and even though there are still some issues with the camera and the game doesn't revolutionise the genre, this is one of the best games you can get in 2025 if you miss the old classic 3D platformers from a bygone era.

Even though I consider myself someone who is good at interpreting art and who loves quirky and mysterious games, Dreams of Another goes over my head.

Cloverpit is a game you shouldn't play, but you can't stop playing. And that, my friends, is probably the most accurate review you can give a game that is about never really being able to stop.

Megabonk is a smash hit. It's raw, addictive, and dangerously easy to lose yourself in. A game that steals your time and does so with such obvious arrogance that you almost thank and bow for being devoured by its machinery.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is very half-baked. After an incredibly slow start, and I'm the first to say that role-playing games take time and often grow enormously after a few hours, the colourful Digimon world is certainly fun to explore, but the disappointing technical aspects, the simplistic battles, the dull story, and the boring gameplay moments mean everything feels like half-baked fun at best.

Agatha Christie - Death on the Nile is a cosy murder mystery to curl up on the couch with on a chilly autumn evening under a cuddly blanket with a hot cup of cocoa and a messy toast sandwich. It's a lovely break from fast-paced games where the heart is constantly pumping like a sledgehammer in the chest and the pulse is alarmingly high.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the production value here, and at times it offers an atmospheric and visually appealing experience, but unfortunately, the gaming experience itself suffers over time, partly due to a lack of detail that detracts from the overall impression.

Hotel Barcelona seems strangely ordinary when you consider who is behind the game. That's not to say that it IS ordinary, because it definitely isn't, but I had expected a more crazy game.

There's just something tonally off about the way that King of Meat is put together and while I won't deny that the gameplay has its moments and that Glowmade has a vision here that could work out and lead to a lot of fun for players around the world, I also can't shake the feeling King of Meat will struggle to retain player attention for the long haul. I hope I'm proven wrong, but following the hours I've clocked in for this review, I'm not exactly chomping at the bit to return for more.

Nintendo has certainly done a decent job of updating two masterful adventures, but they could definitely have added more content or held back a little when it came to pricing. As it stands, it's impossible to ignore that this package feels a little greedy based on what you get in exchange for your hard-earned money. Sure, if you've never played Super Mario Galaxy or its eminent sequel, I can, without hesitation, recommend that you purchase both games. In terms of overall gaming enjoyment, you won't be disappointed, as these are two awesome platform titles that still hold up, and then some. However, if, like me, you're old school and have already rescued Princess Peach in both of Mario's galactic adventures, you can skip this new version with a clear conscience, or alternatively dig out your Wii console and experience the nostalgia that way. The games are still as phenomenally good as you remember, and the improved graphics may add some much-needed polish, but not much more than that.

Sucker Punch may be playing it safe, but the fantastic world and effective revenge plot still give Ghost of Yotei its own identity. It's still a series with clear limitations, exemplified by the monotonous mission design and old-fashioned stealth, and it's disappointing that Sucker Punch has not done more to rectify these issues, especially since they also plagued the first game. But it certainly has its qualities: from epic duels to exploration built on curiosity, it serves up both the fantasy of being a vengeful spirit and a flesh-and-blood person with dreams of a better life in an excellent way.

After playing the first Early Access period, I was almost certain Hades II had not lived up to its predecessor, despite still being an all-timer of a roguelike. I soon learned after playing the 1.0 version that I could be wrong. Once you're past the inch-high hurdle of the tonal shift and gameplay differences, it becomes clear that you couldn't ask for more out of a Hades sequel than what you get with Hades II. Bigger in scope and scale, with genuine surprises, a gripping story, and characters you'll check in on every time you get the chance, Hades II is as good as if not better than Supergiant's original roguelike champion, accomplishing a feat equal to stopping Time himself.

I don't think anyone can disagree that Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the perfect place to start if you want to try one of the best tactical role-playing games of our time, as it is somewhat more accessible than the original. It still requires a lot of time and dedication from the player, but the time spent with the game will be less frustrating than it was 28 years ago.

Although the game plays well, it can really only be seriously recommended for gamers who want to get a taste of the Soulslike genre and since it's sold at a fairly low price, it may be the best place to start your journey into a demanding genre.

This is a game that is tailor-made for my taste, tickling my nerves exactly where I want to be tickled. But I also have to look at the bigger picture, and the truth is that Baby Steps is a polarising game. The adolescent humour, which for me is a huge plus, is also what will make many others want to turn off the game quickly. It's both its greatest strength and its Achilles' heel, quite simply.

Formula Legends is a charming little racing game, and we hope that 3D Clouds will balance the game a little after launch, because if those things fall into place, we have a quite competent and quite challenging little arcade racer on our hands here.

All the practicalities: the combat system, the enemies' actual attack patterns and manoeuvres, progression, and upgrades, and the game's item economy. All of this seems less polished, less precisely defined, and for that reason it is easy to recommend Silent Hill f as an experience, but somewhat more difficult as a gaming experience.

EA Sports FC 26 is, in short, a better game than what we have seen in recent years. There are major improvements on the pitch and minor improvements here and there in various game modes, however there are still things that detract from the experience, such as buggy menus that froze my game several times and a poorly updated Player Career.

Is it a massive improvement on the Dying Light formula or a step up on what Dying Light 2: Stay Human recently offered? No, not at all. But is it still a blast to play, a simple, easy to pick-up title that has enough depth to make you want to return and continue playing. Yes, without question. The Dying Light formula remains a highlight, even if it is getting closer and closer to requiring big innovation.

It's visually pleasing and fun to play in short bursts, but it's not much more than that, and since Hades II is only a week away, this doesn't feel particularly important to check out in the grand scheme of things.

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is a good game that has something for everyone. But it also has its obvious problems that will be difficult for the developers to correct in retrospect.

I'm not the most dedicated Survivor player, and admittedly I've only played Deep Rock Galactic a couple of times just to hang out with friends, but with Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor I was surprised several times to find when I looked up from my PC that it was already dark, and I had to go to bed (work to do). I think there are few better compliments for a title like this.

There was a nerve to explore, but instead we get slapdash jump scares that fool no one. It's a shame, because the game is really nice at times, but never quite becomes anything more at any point. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend Bad Cheese to anyone, except perhaps for a quick look at the aesthetics.

Depending on how you look at the Switch 2 version of Star Wars Outlaws, it's either a subpar version and a disappointment compared to other formats, or it's a technically impressive feat that almost shouldn't be possible. Both of these statements can be true at the same time.

The basketball is better than perhaps ever and the presentation of the game, especially around the games, is leaps and bounds better than what other sports game series offer. If you can overlook (because it's hard to overlook) all the attempts to get your money out of your wallet, this is such a great sports game. I just wish they would stop being so greedy, but the fact that it's incredibly fun to play basketball on the court might be the most important thing.

Finding faults with The Drifter is as difficult as pixel hunting in classic point & click games, and therefore it naturally deserves the highest possible rating.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is a good attempt at simulating a firefighter's job out at accidents and fires. However, it's not quite as good at simulating the outside world, human reactions, and the rest of the firefighter's daily life.

It's simple, sweet, adorable, unique, and wholesome, and sometimes amid the chaos and noise of action games, RPGs, and first-person shooters we often see in the autumn, something delightful and easy is all you need.

With visuals that challenge the output of much bigger studios, puzzles that'll keep you entertained without wanting to shatter your controller into tiny pieces, and a story that gives a true sense of adventure, Lego Voyagers is an easy recommendation. It might be short, but it's certainly sweet and will keep you thoroughly entertained in the hours it has hold of you.

So, while I can't say whether you'll find much joy in finding all of the collectibles and having to explore Kairos, especially multiple times as you level up the different Vault Hunters, I can promise that Borderlands 4 is a step forward for this series, an improvement on Borderlands 3, and a title that shows Gearbox still has ideas, some on the mark and some not, for elevating and innovating with its tried and tested formula.

Super Robot Wars Y has an acceptable foundation to stand on as already mentioned, but no effort has been put into making a good final product. Everything feels cheap and substandard, and what could be an entertaining title is reduced to an underwhelming adventure that isn't worth your time or money.

If you're into rhythm games (and you're usually good at them), then you should take a look at Fresh Tracks, because it shakes up the genre a bit and the result is captivating, and before you know it, you've spent an evening in the company of the game. But the game demands it, because nothing comes easy here, and in return, it spoils us with one of the best soundtracks of the year so far.

This is not a game for both children and childish adults, unlike the Lego games, which are great for both. Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is simply too simple to be entertaining for adults as well. But if you have someone at home who loves the Goosebumps series, this game could be a good joint project in front of the screen, now that it's slowly getting colder and darker - and scarier - outside.

To sum up, I think it's a good game that I believe can entertain both fans of the series and fans of the genre, even if it needed some fine-tuning here and there. Above all, it's a game that reminds us why Cobra is still such an iconic and timeless hero - even if I personally prefer him in anime format. So now it's simply time for another rewatch.

For the first time in many years, I feel like the Madden series is going somewhere. It's been stagnant, it's had major problems with all sorts of things, and it's mostly been frustrating. That feeling has mostly not been present in Madden NFL 26. It's definitely not problem-free, but it's the best this series has produced in a very long time, which in itself, is nothing to brag about.

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is charming, varied, and fun. The game successfully combines simple, accessible mechanics with depth and strategy, and the many game modes and unlockable items mean that there is always something new to discover.

Dead Reset offers a fun journey. It's good - all the way through, but never more than that and never less. It's a solid 7/10 and definitely something I'd happily recommend - especially if, like me, you love old school slashers with lots of gore and guts that slap and behave like guts in general.

In my nearly ten years here at Gamereactor, I have so far managed to award three perfect scores, and now it's time again. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a masterpiece, simply put. No question about it. Expectations were sky-high in advance, but with a lot of patience and even more skill, Team Cherry has managed to rise above the competition and cement its place in the starry sky as one of the brightest shining celestial bodies. If you like challenging video games in general and well-made Metroidvania titles in particular, I cannot recommend Hollow Knight: Silksong enough, because it's a game that enchants and challenges, dazzles and delights. And finally, for those of you who are wondering: Yes, it was definitely worth the wait.

NHL 26 is a step in the right direction, absolutely, but I can't get over all the little problems that pop up during the games. It's also sad to see that the Franchise mode has exactly zero development. That the career mode has changed, however, must be seen as a godsend.

Overall, however, this is definitely a triumph for a studio that has taken some well-deserved knocks in the past, but which really shines here. Whereas Silent Hill 2 Remake was a comeback for many, it's ultimately not something Bloober has created itself. But Cronos is completely original, and there is no metaphor that adequately demonstrates how big a difference I feel there is between the two projects. Let's just say that Cronos is Bloober's masterpiece, and the proof I needed to really cheer them on going forward.

Metal Eden is the most ambitious project from Polish developer Reikon Games, who previously created the small top-down isometric cyberpunk shooter Ruiner. They've done a pretty good job here, but there's definitely room for improvement on the technical side. However, if you can overlook the occasionally uneven graphics, Metal Eden is a good, solid sci-fi action experience.

It's a shame, because Hirogami is beautiful and built around a good design idea, but the resulting game is mechanically just not good enough and results in one of the most frustrating games I've played in 2025.

Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion entertains when it works. The real fun comes when you flip the online switch. The three-player co-op throws you all into the jaws of death with shiny steel buttcheeks, comparing wannabe-mech builds that are either brilliantly clever or laughably stupid. Unfortunately, too many issues pile up, so I treat the game the same way it teaches me to treat armour and upgrades: I'll swap to a better dance partner as soon as one comes along.

Just as the game itself is half-finished, this text is a bit like that too. There is also content that I didn't even get to experience, and even though it's a game that was started by one person, it has still been under development for such a long time that such a big game-breaking bug shouldn't be able to happen. The positive thing about all this is that there is still something worth experiencing, and I will continue the adventure all the way to the end once it's fixed.

Hell is Us is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious games of the year, and it is recommendable for that reason alone. It only gets better as Rogue Factor actually achieves many of their central goals here, creating a striking setting, a well-functioning combat system against enemies with deep mythology behind them, and a fantastic visual profile as well.

The Knightling is a fine action-adventure game with some strong ideas and elements. There's plenty of charisma and quality at the heart of this game, and it's broad and packed enough to keep you engaged until the credits roll. But, and despite its immediately noticeable similarities in gameplay, don't expect a game of nearly the same mechanical depth nor technical refinement as that of a Zelda project, as The Knightling doesn't have the same attention to detail as the series that to this day stands out as one of, if not the best in the genre.

So, is the expansion worth it? Much more than Mario Party, but at the same time don't expect a lot of content or innovation. For me, it's more like a nice icing on top of what was a memorable adventure, as a way to expand on the original experience with the recipe of "more and better". If the Switch title was among your favourites, go swallow the expansion and bump it up a notch in our score, because you won't be disappointed and you'll enjoy a new story with a few additions. If you don't already own the original, you'd better give it a try before jumping straight into the €80 edition.

Operation Night Strikers is a strong collection from start to finish. Night Striker may be the weakest link due to its unfamiliarity and less refined gameplay, but it still offers potential and a unique concept. Operation Wolf, Operation Thunderbolt, and Space Gun are timeless shooters, and experiencing them again on modern hardware, with their original feel intact, is genuinely heart-warming.

I can't say anything other than that Gears of War has aged with dignity in most respects and not least made a very honourable and strong debut on PlayStation 5. It's for the most part a very good remaster, as the campaign is just as good as I remember it being almost 20 years ago, albeit a little short, and the fine integration of DualSense makes it actually feel better to play on PlayStation than it does on Xbox, ironically.