Arkham Origins iOS is the perfect example of game development went wrong. Mortal Kombat-studio NetherRealm tried its best to create a pretty looking game, but the base concept is way too sloppy to justify its investment. The studio blindly stared at the success of Infinity Blade, instead of the famous combat system of its console counterpart.

A serious lawyer drama in an absurd manga setting: ace attorneys Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice are back to fight crime, protect the innocent and once again try to get themselves out of embarrassing situations.

In a world in which everything has to be faster, more fluent and easier, Wii Party U seems to adhere to blueprints from a long lost past. Its decent appearance and care that’s been put in the mini games, aren’t enough to keep this dance going. Instead of that, it generates awkward silences in between decent moments of fun. That’s extra painful for it being a party game and all.

Beyond: Two Souls takes the time to build up towards a few memorable climaxes. Unfortunately the story takes a few sloppy and sudden turns, that miss the point completely. It also doesn’t take long for the game mechanic to be nothing more than boring, mindless quick time events. Players and viewers aren’t being taken seriously enough by Beyond.

There are enough reasons to consider purchasing F1 2013. The Formula 1 cars control better than in previous installments and thanks to new modes there are easier ways to get into some action quickly. Unfortunately it feels kind of dated on an audiovisual level. Having to pay extra for classic content isn’t modern either.

Looking for a game to kill some time with? Then Dumb Ways to Die is a fun solution. It’s quite charming and has a high pace. Unfortunately it gets repetitive fast, because there’s only twelve mini games.

Rise of Venice excels because of the complex and enticing economic system, but forgets to build something good around that. This makes it hard to actually enjoy the game.

The Stanley Parable analyses, comments on, laughs at and loves games and their narrative ambitions. The result is this phenomenal meta game that makes you laugh and think at the same time.

Rain brings up the poet in you. With a beautiful soundtrack, refined story and a style that oozes beauty, it keeps you looking for a deeper meaning. That makes for an intriguing experience, although the stylish bubble has a tendency of breaking and the simple gameplay becomes an obstacle.

The first Inazuma Eleven on the 3DS doesn’t do anything to lift this entertaining franchise to greater heights. The soccer games are fun, but everything around it disappoints a little. Part three keeps its head above the water with its charming and fluent gameplay, but it could’ve been more.

The first Inazuma Eleven on the 3DS doesn’t do anything to lift this entertaining franchise to greater heights. The soccer games are fun, but everything around it disappoints a little. Part three keeps its head above the water with its charming and fluent gameplay, but it could’ve been more.

With Pokémon X and Y, GameFreak finally delivers on the big promise: a Pokémon game in which the pocket monsters actually come to life. That the game is also filled to the brim with content, makes X and Y the ultimate Pokémon generation.

With Pokémon X and Y, GameFreak finally delivers on the big promise: a Pokémon game in which the pocket monsters actually come to life. That the game is also filled to the brim with content, makes X and Y the ultimate Pokémon generation.

NBA 2K14 is a smaller step ahead than we’re used to, but still shines when it comes to game modes, controls, animations and atmosphere. Regarding sports games, this is the cream of the crop.

The HD-remake of wind Waker shows how strong the original GameCube-game was. In nearly every way it feels like a modern and fresh take on Zelda, that’s absolutely worth playing. Especially for newcomers. A few control issues and boring sail moments hardly detract from this magical experience.

Outlast doesn’t do itself any favors with uninspired gameplay elements, that all too often reduce frightening moments to simple routine. Not to say that it isn’t worth the confrontation though. It plays into the fear of being found or chased by something that wants to harm you. That feels primal, and is often absolutely terrifying. This is enhanced by environments that come to life through a great attention to detail. Outlast is a nightmare that’ll stick with you for while.

On the field we run into a more complex and deeper game, in which it’s all about patience and steel nerves. This is partly because PES 2014 is more a soccer simulator than a game and partly because the game part of it still has many flaws. It’s a promising step for the next generation of PES-games though, that much is obvious.

2K Drive might not be Project Gotham Racing, but it’s a decent first attempt by Lucid Games to conquer the mobile racing genre. There’s enough room for improvement, but in its core there’s an all right racing game that any fanatic can definitely appreciate.

Angry Birds Star Wars II doesn’t have a new concept. It does have enough new elements and an entire cast of characters to keep it interesting though. Even for those who don’t like Jar Jar.

FIFA 14 is as strong on mobile platforms as it is on consoles. It works well with the limitations of a touch screen and the concessions in gameplay are hardly reason for concern. Especially with the free Ultimate Team-mode Fifa 14 offers an adult soccer experience.

Castle of Illusion is badly made, and not a very good game in and of itself. This remake has no right to exist whatsoever and is better off forgotten.

The addicting, charming game about a crocodile with hosophobia has a sequel. With new levels, new challenges and a new business model that leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth.

The long awaited Shin Megami Tensei 4 unfortunately isn't as progressive as its predecessor, but does offer a memorable adventure in a decaying Tokyo. Familiar elements have been improved and dressed in a modern outfit without it being at the expense of the strong core formula of the series.

Every year it becomes a predictable conclusion, but FIFA 14 earns the description as the ultimate soccer game. EA Sports created a dynamic, unpredictable and enervating soccer experience. The same can't be said for the visuals, which feel dated and cold. The lack of new modes and small annoyances which have persisted throughout the years are things we'll let slip, but the need for next-gen is large.

Pull out the clichés and superlatives, because they’re all applicable. GTA 5 is the ultimate milestone for the series, as well as for gaming as a whole. When it comes to scale, detail, character, freedom and spectacle this generation of consoles has reached its absolute peak. It doesn’t trump The Last of Us or BioShock: Infinite in the form of emotional impact, but there’s no other game out there that does this much this well.

Arma 3 makes big steps forward with a huge world and more vehicles and weapons. This time around its trump card is Steam workshop integration though, making downloading mods effortless. A smart move by Bohemia Interactive because it are those mods that will give Arma 3 its long lifespan. Unfortunately Arma 3 is quite inaccessible and doesn't seem to grow along with modern game design on certain fronts. Space time and perseverance are your best friends here, until Bohemia's support starts paying off.

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs isn't as much of a game as its predecessor, and gets less frightening after a while. If you wouldn't have to change your underwear 17 times we'd even go as far as to describe this as an interactive novel. At those times the game shines with an intelligent and nauseating storyline. It's just a shame that gameplay elements from The Dark Decent were unnecessarily sacrificed for that.

Puppeteer is a magical experience as an interactive puppet show. The lovely, though quite sinister style is easy on the eyes and the musical setting feels refreshing. The gameplay doesn't deliver on the same surprises though.