Much like Void Shadows, Lex Imperialis is a well-crafted DLC that adds both narrative depth and new gameplay mechanics. The grimdark space enforcer is a solid addition to the already expansive story of Rogue Trader, and the best part is, you get to play as this uncompromising arbiter of the law yourself.

Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is a smart game. Despite its abundance of systems, it manages not to overwhelm, gradually revealing the full breadth of its mechanics. To fully enjoy it, you'll need to look past the weaker graphics and the limited variety of enemies and security systems. The story relies heavily on imagination and reading, as many of the things mentioned are never actually shown. Still, it stands out as one of the most accomplished turn-based tactics games out there, with excellent execution of both stealth and combat.

A well-made action game that could use a bit of trimming and polish here and there, but most of the time delivers solid entertainment. The PC version runs smoothly, so interested parties have no reason to hesitate.

Death Stranding 2 is a confident sequel: Still strange and poetic, but now more accessible, coherent, and featuring significantly more enjoyable gameplay. Kojima’s signature style is omnipresent, yet this time it feels less self-indulgent. Technically excellent, the game also shows meaningful progress in combat and world design. It's not for everyone, but for its target audience, it’s an almost perfect experience.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is more of a tutorial than a game. Instead of a fun introduction to the new console, it offers presentations, quizzes, and unnecessarily drawn-out content that feels like corporate e-learning. While the technical details are occasionally interesting and a few mini games briefly entertain, the whole experience fails in its most important role – to excite players about the new generation of Nintendo Switch. It should have been free. And it should have been shorter, snappier, and most of all, more fun.

Mario Kart World is a triumphant return to arcade racing, masterfully blending accessibility with depth, chaos with control, and pure fun with a real challenge. The addition of an open world, new game modes, and stellar technical execution make this not only a worthy successor - but possibly the best Mario Kart ever.

A well-executed sci-fi psychological thriller that explores how a single decision can alter the course of your life. Over time, dialogue becomes the main gameplay focus, though the base management system is also solid. The weakest aspect lies in the planetary traversal, which feels too restricted. Still, it’s a powerful and engaging experience, with branching storylines that make it worth revisiting more than once.

Remedy’s first foray into multiplayer action is a shaky step into the unknown. While its bizarre, paranormally-tinged world retains plenty of clever ideas, the action quickly turns bland and repetitive, hampered further by a lack of meaningful content. Fans of Control will enjoy the occasional nods and Easter eggs, but others may try it, have some fleeting fun, and move on just as fast.

Spirit of the North 2 enchants with its visuals and dreamlike atmosphere, but loses both momentum and charm in its open-world design. The gameplay is repetitive, the puzzles are overly simple, and technical issues can break immersion. Still, fans of meditative experiences may find something to enjoy. Sometimes, though, less truly is more.

Splitgate 2 is trying to stand on its own, though it’s still a bit unsteady on its feet. It currently lacks game modes, ranked matches, and a broader variety of maps. Even so, it already delivers a fun shooter experience where mowing down opponents at a fast pace and tactically using portals is genuinely satisfying. It’ll take some time for the game to find its full identity, but its core gameplay is already rock-solid.

F1 25 is a worthy evolution that once again pushes the virtual Formula 1 experience forward. It strikes a fine balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for veteran fans, offering an authentic sense of racing and team management. The driving model is more advanced, the My Team mode more robust, and the race atmosphere superb. While there are no major weaknesses, the lack of significant technical leaps, only slightly improved visuals, and lingering minor AI and presentation quirks make this a "better" rather than a "revolutionary" entry. Still, it firmly remains one of the best racing games on the market.

A small, ugly, and straightforward game that lacks depth, a better physics model, varied game modes—and most importantly, players.

Want crazy driving set in a beautifully stylized version of 1960s America? Crashing through houses that crumble into bricks? Taking on missions that embrace just the right level of madness? Then Deliver At All Costs can offer you a few days of fun. That is, if you can stomach its long-winded and dull story, as well as occasionally unbalanced difficulty. The world may be full of side activities, but most of them end up feeling pointless. A shame, really—because with its focus on destruction and driving, this could've been a truly great game.

RoadCraft is the most accessible entry in the SnowRunner family, shifting the focus more toward gameplay than simulation. While it strips away some of the entertaining, yet realistic systems from its predecessors, it more than makes up for it with its own innovations. Unfortunately, the simulation lacks consistency, and the game's poor technical performance can easily rob you of hours of driving fun.

World of Goo 2 takes the best elements of the legendary original and enriches them with a heap of fantastic new ideas. The sheer number of unique puzzles built around the seemingly simple concept of constructing physics-based structures from quirky goo balls is breathtaking, consistently pushing players to think outside the box and discover creative solutions. It's still a refreshingly inventive puzzle game—but at least on PC, it suffers from very problematic controls that can lead to considerable frustration.

Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon may not boast the most detailed graphics or the smoothest character animations, but it makes up for it with epic landscapes and masterful lighting. While it adheres to standard RPG conventions, it modernizes many of them in mechanically smart and—most importantly—fun ways. There's a deep skill tree, satisfying gear progression, and a wealth of playstyle options. Yet, the real standout is the storytelling: dark, gripping, and full of meaningful choices and unexpected twists. If there’s one thing that can be said for certain, it’s that Fall of Avalon is a superbly written adventure set in a hauntingly captivating world.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold experiment that successfully combines addictive roguelite gameplay with the best of Souls – an excellent combat system and a constant sense of challenge. The game excels in multiplayer, where it delivers strong moments of cooperation, effective party roles and constant action without dead spots. On the other hand, it hits its limits in the single-player game – frustration from lost runs, lack of communication options and some lackluster boss fights prevent it from being a full-fledged experience on the level of the main game. Nightreign is ideal for experienced Elden Ring players who want a good dose of combat and experimentation with builds. However, it will probably discourage newcomers.

A pleasant expansion that fits seamlessly into the world of excellent medieval RPG. The story, with a touch of mysticism, explores themes of mental struggle, art, and the power of friendship. It shines especially in its second half through a personal narrative with emotional undertones and two memorable moments. In terms of gameplay, it suffers somewhat from an overreliance on fetch quests and more traditional objectives, but overall, it offers several more enjoyable hours spent wandering through the Liberec and Central Bohemian regions.

Blue Prince is a unique blend of genres and inspirations, offering exceptional puzzle gameplay and dozens of hours of investigation and deduction. The game does not provide answers directly, you need to uncover them yourself through observation, logic, and ideally a stack of handwritten notes. Without those, you may get lost unless you have an excellent memory. For patient players, this is one of the best puzzle adventures in decades. Minor flaws are easily outweighed by the satisfaction of discovery. If you dislike getting lost, find note-taking absurd, and expect instant clarity, this is definitely not the game for you.

Mandragora successfully blends metroidvania and soulslike elements, offering meaningful character progression and excellent dialogue filled with bizarre characters. It’s wrapped in a striking dark fantasy aesthetic and backed by a strong soundtrack. However, the experience stumbles in frustrating platforming sections where a single mistake can mean death, especially during repeated treks to boss fights. The main story also never rises above a basic and predictable premise. It’s not a masterpiece, but still a very solid soulslike that will keep you entertained for many evenings, even if it occasionally drives you mad.

At its core, this is a fairly enjoyable metroidvania with solid level design and attractive environments — but it's brought to its knees by an unnecessarily overcomplicated gameplay system, bland combat, and technical shortcomings. The style of humor here also won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Days Gone Remastered is the perfect opportunity to revisit a title that was unfairly overlooked at launch. With improved optimization, smooth performance, and subtle tweaks, the game comes closer to fulfilling its original ambition — to deliver a powerful experience in an open, post-apocalyptic world. While it doesn't always hit the mark, it remains a very solid game. Even if you've already ridden through Oregon once, the remaster brings enough improvements to justify a second trip.

Doom: The Dark Ages delivers fantastic action and an excellent arsenal, but all attempts at story, a more open structure, and superficially modern filler feel more like a forced detour that actively prevents the game from becoming the pinnacle of the series.

An expansion that fully understands things work differently on the steppe than they do in settled societies. Crusader Kings 3 transforms almost beyond recognition when you're playing as chief of nomadic tribes. You can finally experience the rise of Genghis Khan in a way that's both historically authentic and a lot more fun. If every DLC were like this, the beloved feudal strategy game would be a much wilder ride.

Forever Skies takes you on a breathtaking journey above a ravaged Earth and down to its toxic surface. Its stunning visuals, paired with an excellent soundtrack, make for a captivating experience. Building your airborne base is both engaging and visually satisfying — and flying it is a real treat. Unfortunately, the story falls a bit flat, and the gameplay loop starts to feel repetitive too soon. The game could really benefit from more inventive mechanics and a greater variety of enemies. Still, it's an enjoyable title that just doesn’t quite live up to the full potential it clearly had.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a beautiful time machine that will strike a chord with anyone who once spent hundreds of hours wandering the lands of Cyrodiil. With its refreshed visuals and a few smart tweaks, it reminds us why Oblivion was so special in the first place. But beneath the shiny surface still lurks a clunky, bug-ridden old-school RPG that might push newcomers away rather than draw them in. It’s a great nostalgic journey — just with too many stumbles to count as a triumphant return.

Forza Horizon 5 is a content-packed racing game with a refined driving model — the kind of experience that has been sorely lacking on PlayStation 5 in the long run. Its long-awaited arrival is therefore more than welcome. That said, be prepared: the sheer volume of content can feel overwhelming at first, the strong focus on multiplayer might not be to everyone’s taste, and the way the game throws cars at you feels like a slot machine in overdrive. But that’s also something you can take advantage of — enjoying a fleet of spectacular machines without grinding for in-game credits for dozens of hours. Immediate and ultimately high-quality fun is guaranteed.

A unique strategy that pleasantly breaks the conventional tower defense genre, where instead of pre-built structures, you create a wall against the fog with your own creativity. The surprisingly well-executed campaign keeps up the pace until the very end. It's a pity, however, that the same attention given to the wall-building mechanics wasn't extended to the construction of other buildings or the variety of units. Exploring the map is also fun, as you must build platforms, stairs, and bridges to reach harder-to-access areas.

Wanderstop captivates with its masterfully written dialogues, which, beneath their absurdity, reveal common struggles that everyone can relate to. The excellent storytelling is complemented by a relaxing soundtrack and stunning visuals. When indie scene stars come together, something truly special is born.

Pax Augusta is an ambitious solo project that lets you build historically accurate cities, offering a creative and educational experience. It has great ideas and can be quite relaxing. Unfortunately, it struggles with some basic user-friendliness issues and is currently plagued by too many technical flaws to be fully playable, where you might easily find yourself stuck in an endless loading loop or encountering other bugs that ruin your progress.

A throwback to the kind of real-time strategy games rarely made anymore, Tempest Rising nails the basics with explosive flair. While the story feels a bit formulaic and the limited choice of just two factions can grow repetitive, the core gameplay hits as hard as a heavy tank shell. Add in a striking visual style and a killer soundtrack, and you’ve got a must-play for any strategy fan who’s been craving the glory days of classic RTS.

Solid, honest, and fun – but ultimately too straightforward for its own good, Commandos: Origins neither disgraces the series nor breathes new life into it. It sticks rigidly to the genre’s old-school roots without really trying to modernize or innovate. That nostalgic conservatism isn’t exactly a flaw, but it does mean the game fails to leave a lasting impression. You’ll have a good time sneaking through WWII battlefields, but chances are, you’ll forget the mission as soon as it’s over.

A well-crafted soulslike that doesn’t reinvent the genre, but excels where it counts. The combat is sharp, visceral, and deeply satisfying, offering a solid challenge without feeling unfair. Boss fights are a definite highlight, with memorable design and mechanics. Unfortunately, the overall experience is held back by a weak story, uninspired level design, and rather monotonous environments. Still, for fans of the genre, it’s a gritty and rewarding adventure that hits most of the right notes.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breathtaking debut that masterfully weaves a multi-layered narrative, striking visual style, exceptional soundtrack, and one of the most enjoyable combat systems in recent years. It dares to explore weighty themes without unnecessary handholding, and thanks to perfectly written characters and constantly evolving gameplay, it holds your attention from start to finish. A phenomenal piece that proves artistic ambition doesn't have to come at the cost of great gameplay.

A playful, clever, and incredibly compelling wizard school management sim, Mind Over Magic lets you lovingly watch over your students as they go about their daily activities while the game’s mechanics unfold. The only slight blemish is the somewhat repetitive combat. The real danger? It’s highly addictive—you might find yourself glued to the screen for hours on end.

Microtopia lets you observe a tiny colony of robotic ants through a microscope and turn them into a self-sustaining society—whether built on chaos or geometric precision. The real challenge lies in logistics, as you must design an efficient system that integrates the ever-dying workers into an endless cycle of evolution and labor. This twist on the automation genre succeeds because the smaller scale brings a much greater sense of responsibility for your hundreds of ants.

A well-designed, realistic, and enjoyable golf simulation, unfortunately held back by a dull career mode, a strange RPG system, and aggressive microtransactions.

A well-crafted and lovingly remastered JRPG originally released in 2015. It emphasizes a vast world and exploration, though this comes at the expense of its story, which takes a backseat. You can easily sink dozens of hours into it, but occasional glimpses of its dated design still surface.

A non-linear story that lets you carve your own path is fantastic, and the striking 1950s Britain aesthetic makes Atomfall a uniquely imaginative take on post-apocalypse. This holds true despite its weak action mechanics and unnecessary survival elements. It’s not a must-play right away, but it would be a shame to skip it entirely.

A no-nonsense port of one of the best console narratives finally arrives on PC. If the lush, overgrown post-apocalypse of the first game got under your skin, there's no reason to hesitate with The Last of Us: Part II Remastered. Aside from slightly longer loading times due to shader compilation in the No Return roguelite mode, the technical execution is nearly flawless.

South of Midnight proves that even simple pieces of fabric can be woven into something beautiful. What may seem like a straightforward game with unremarkable gameplay unfolds into a unique experience, offering a little something for everyone—whether it’s satisfying parkour, engaging combat, or simply exploring a breathtaking, magical world.

Assassin's Creed Shadows isn't a sudden revolution for the brand. With minor tweaks, we get great stealth, fun combat, and likable protagonists. The concept of the game doesn't change much from its predecessors. But if you want to see the most beautiful depiction of Japan in any medium, look no further.

The top-tier turn-based strategy Songs of Conquest struggles with technical issues on mobile. Its charm and immense fun remain intact, as do the well-thought-out adaptations for touch controls. However, the experience sours when accidental misclicks on the tiny battlefield can be game-changing, and battle load times stretch into tens of seconds.

Split Fiction is the current pinnacle of couch co-op—and will likely remain so until Hazelight releases their next game. It's innovative, action-packed, challenging, and visually stunning. All these strengths more than make up for a somewhat unremarkable story and occasional overly frantic pacing.

Eternal Strands is undeniably fun, but it struggles to offer anything truly exceptional. Across five acts, you'll climb massive monsters, wield epic magic, and craft stylish gear. However, the story and characters feel like empty filler, and combat against smaller foes serves mostly as a playground for your magical abilities.

Two Point Museum is an addictive blend of creative building, curating, management challenges, and sharp British humor. It stumbles occasionally in pacing, but once you dive in, you’ll lose track of time—and maybe even reality.

A wild ride where you take on imaginative, towering beasts. Monster Hunter Wilds once again polishes its gameplay ever closer to perfection. While the story may feel like an afterthought, the epic battles against fierce monsters are absolutely breathtaking and unmatched.

A highly entertaining yet utterly bonkers adventure set in the familiar but refreshed Hawaiian backdrop. Once again, the Ryu Ga Gotoku team nailed it—just be ready for plenty of exaggeration, absurdity, and humor that feels over-the-top even by this series’ standards.

A cautious bet on a superhero formula that could have been genuinely entertaining thanks to solid gameplay craftsmanship. However, the technical state of the PC port is abysmal, leaving the game fundamentally broken on the platform in its current state.

Synduality: Echo of Ada is deceiving. Despite its fresh facade, it offers absolutely nothing of interest—just boredom, monotony, and frustration from the completely unbalanced biomes. Add to that a dull crafting system that disregards your time, and you have a game that feels utterly meaningless. I love mecha games, but I also love games that have a purpose. And Synduality completely lacks one.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an excellent JRPG that does justice to the legendary original. While this breathtaking journey occasionally loses momentum, it quickly pulls you back in with unforgettable moments. A linear story is complemented by a fantastic open world filled with engaging activities that breathe life into both your party and the world itself. As a bonus, it’s a well-optimized port with no technical issues, offering plenty of settings and ways to tailor the experience to your liking.

A more compact RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe never quite shakes off its sense of genericness. While the dynamic combat system is intriguing, it's held back by an equipment upgrade system that stifles experimentation. The storytelling lacks depth, emotion, or even a hint of epic grandeur. Deep within The Living Lands, there’s a promise of something greater—but it never fully blossoms into a truly exceptional experience.

Evolution over revolution. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter doesn’t reinvent the wheel but carefully expands on what made the first game great. The sequel is richer, more refined, and offers greater variety. However, a few lingering flaws keep this woodcut-style adventure, reminiscent of Mouse Guard, from reaching the heights of gaming greatness—though it comes very close.

Age of Darkness delivers an engaging campaign and a solid survival mode at its core. You’ll build, send units to their doom, and relish every horde that crashes against your carefully constructed defenses. While the game doesn’t go easy on you, it always makes it clear why you failed—ensuring that each battle against the forces of darkness leaves you stronger and wiser.

The sweeping changes in Civilization VII are nothing but beneficial. This legendary turn-based strategy remains as addictive and engaging as ever, packed with fresh ideas—most notably the ability to change civilizations mid-game. Expect dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of deep strategic enjoyment. The only downside? Some key mechanics seem destined to arrive later via expansions.

This is how a sequel should be done. There are a few blemishes, but Henry's new adventure is bigger, better, and more refined in every way. No hesitation needed.

Tribe Nation lays down a solid foundation for a good roguelike strategy, but it undermines itself in execution. Small maps and limited unit counts restrict meaningful tactical gameplay, but the biggest drawback is the excessive reliance on luck. When things align in your favor, it’s a fun and original bite-sized experience with charming visuals. However, at other times, the campaign feels less like a test of strategic skill and more like a series of coin flips.

An excellent tank action game set against the stunning backdrop of a strange apocalypse. It strikes a great balance between exploration and combat elements, with the audiovisual presentation deserving special praise. The tank battles would lose a significant chunk of their atmosphere if the shooting and damage effects didn’t sound as good as they do. The main criticism lies in the mechanically weaker boss fights and the underwhelming final part of the game.

Echo Point Nova lets you play by your own rules in its open world. It surprises with an excellent sound design, fluid movement, enjoyable gunplay, and how seamlessly all these elements come together without wasting your time. It never loses momentum and entertains like few other shooters, thanks to the combination of seemingly disparate features that create a unique and engaging mix.

The remaster of both Soul Reaver games looks better and still plays well, though it clearly shows its age as a game from another era. It also highlights the significant evolution action adventure genre has gone through, with outdated issues like poor camera angles, level design, and archaic save systems feeling like true relics of the past. The biggest disappointment is that the remaster didn’t push further by adding user-friendly features that the games desperately need. However, when the music swells, the excellent voice acting shines, and the titular blade of the Blue Angel of Death gleams in the dark, all is forgiven. Soul Reaver still holds an atmosphere that pulls you in more reliably than Raziel’s missing jaw.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a remarkably fresh and modern title despite the age of its original. It provides numerous ways to appeal to contemporary gaming audiences while keeping pathways open for traditionalists who cherish the classic experience. Its greatest strength lies in its atmosphere and stunning audiovisual presentation. Beyond that, it’s "just" an excellent JRPG.

Technotopia is a minimalist city-building strategy game with a quirky visual style that successfully blends with the mechanics of Reigns series. Its gradually unfolding story keeps you engaged and can be completed in a single evening. The game surprises with a cleverly implemented roguelite system, occasionally frustrates with its reliance on randomness, and ultimately disappoints with the lack of any non-story mode. However, for its modest price, it offers an enjoyable few hours of entertainment.

Marvel Rivals is a refreshing breeze in a genre that had lately sunk into the mud. Featuring beloved superheroes in a frenetic shooter, it’s a dream come true for many fans. The gameplay flows smoothly, and it’s engaging enough that even unbalanced characters or a smaller number of maps and modifications don’t hold it back. While there’s room for improvement, if you’re a fan of the hero shooter genre, there’s currently nothing better on the market.

Forgotten but Unbroken appeals to local players with its setting, where Czech language is heard and much of the game takes place in Czechoslovakia. However, the graphics fail to impress, combat and stealth remain average, and base-building feels shallow. Most significant historical events are conveyed through in-game newspapers, and monotony sets in quickly. Ultimately, it’s a textbook example of mediocrity—nothing stands out as particularly well-executed, yet nothing is disastrously bad either. It’s a shame because, on paper, the individual ideas sound genuinely promising but lack the execution needed to make them truly engaging.

The remastered The Thing hasn’t aged nearly as well as its cinematic counterpart. Excessive hand-holding reduces the action to simplistic tedium, the sense of threat is virtually non-existent, and the clumsy AI feels like a relic from the turn of the millennium, complete with allies getting stuck on obstacles. The Thing: Remastered is best suited for fans of Carpenter’s work and nostalgic players looking to revisit what was once a cult action-horror experience.

When you take the solid foundations laid four years ago and enhance them with an engaging career mode, the ability to explore an even more detailed Earth, and marvel not only at intricately designed aircraft and their cockpits but also the surrounding environment, you get the most advanced simulator of today. However, this comes at the cost of high hardware demands and reliance on a stable internet connection, which directly impacts the quality of the experience, as well as the practical necessity of investing in a joystick. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 still isn’t a fully accessible game for everyone, but it continues to deliver breathtaking moments.

Songs of Silence is a well-crafted strategy game that brings a refreshing breeze to the genre, though some changes come at the cost of deeper city-building mechanics. It delivers a solid campaign and highly entertaining skirmish mode, all wrapped in a stunning visual style inspired by Alphonse Mucha’s illustrations and complemented by an excellent soundtrack. Instead of hundreds of hours, expect higher tens, during which you’ll thoroughly enjoy yourself, testing new cards and unlocking heroes in a beautiful, poetic world.

Drova is a gift from the heavens for fans of old-school RPGs. It rewards players who embrace exploration on their own terms, don’t need a map cluttered with question marks, and aren’t afraid to read and think. The fair yet challenging combat spices up the experience, alongside the unmistakable atmosphere of its surprisingly charming pixel art. Simply put, Drova is a game you’ll want in your collection.

A unique and stylish mix of survival and city-building strategy. At its core, it’s highly engaging, but from both a functional and technical perspective, it doesn’t feel like a finished product. Fans might consider picking it up, while others would be better off waiting for patches and polish.

Another installment, another predictable outcome. Farming Simulator remains an engrossing journey into the world of agriculture, capable of devouring hundreds of hours with its almost zen-like gameplay. However, for every exciting new feature or moment of enjoyment, there’s a lingering thought that it’s time for a more significant overhaul.

A grand, immersive, clever, and well-crafted action adventure that doesn’t bend the source material to fit the gaming genre but embraces it instead. This is perhaps the most faithful adaptation of an Indy adventure we’ve ever had, where you can spend dozens of hours and still discover something new.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with its unique setting, imaginative battles, and the charm of its iconic plumber duo. While it lacks deeper RPG mechanics and suffers from some technical hiccups, it provides plenty of fun through vibrant island locales and inventive gameplay. The story occasionally loses momentum, but it still takes you on an enjoyable journey, albeit without any major surprises.

While building attractions is fun and addictive, the rest of the game has too many issues to truly impress. The weak management aspect might be forgivable, but the lack of innovation compared to the first installment and the confusing, impractical interface are harder to overlook.

Lego Horizon Adventures deviates from the typical Lego formula, boasting improved visuals and a more sophisticated combat system. However, the gameplay quickly becomes repetitive, with levels offering little beyond a straightforward run to the next battle arena. Don't expect the depth or challenge of larger Lego titles. Instead, you'll find a decent bite-sized experience that might inspire some creative building at home. The game introduces some revolutionary ideas for the Lego series, but these come at the cost of losing other enjoyable systems.

A solid remaster that skillfully and respectfully enhances nearly every visual element of the original game. Whether it was truly necessary remains up for debate, but this is no cheap cash grab. Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered is a well-crafted effort through and through.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl looks incredible, and the enigmatic Zone captivates you with the force of an atomic explosion. It offers an outstanding blend of shooting, survival elements, and one of the most stunning open worlds of the modern era. While it suffers from a few technical hiccups, these are easily forgiven in light of its exceptional quality.

The new NHL installment once again tests how little it can offer for players to still consider buying it. Innovations are sparse and not always implemented in an effective way. It’s still fun hockey—but unfortunately, it’s the only hockey. So, why try harder?

MechWarrior 5 Clans brings the series into a new generation of gaming engines while establishing numerous gameplay mechanics. From pilot upgrades and new command options to more modern controls, everything comes together effectively. The addition of a robust, linear storyline is a great success, portraying the grim reality of war through the eyes of a well-written cast of characters. It's just a shame that weaker AI and optimization hold it back a bit.

Sonic X Shadow Generations combines a remastered hedgehog adventure with a brand-new chapter focused on Sonic's rival, Shadow, and the result is both fun and engaging. Sega nails the gameplay, with Shadow bringing a visually captivating style, while Sonic compensates with an abundance of content. Though the mandatory challenges can feel repetitive and occasionally tedious, this double-hedgehog adventure hits the mark.

Slitterhead is innovative, fresh, and different. This action-packed brawler with a unique possession mechanic occasionally shows some rough edges, but its cyclical narrative promises to earn its place as a future cult classic in gaming.

Veilguard delivers a solid sequel filled with epic story moments and a fascinating world, yet it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. While the character writing feels weaker, battles can be repetitive, and the beginning is somewhat unsteady, the game still offers much for devoted series fans. However, it lacks that spark needed to fully restore BioWare’s former glory.

A shooter that doesn’t reinvent R’lyeh. Forgive Me Father 2 captivates with relentless action, fantastic visuals, a top-tier metal soundtrack, and wonderfully old-school gameplay. It occasionally gets tangled in level design and its own story, but overall, it’s an awesome, fast-paced boomer shooter perfect for letting off steam.

A plain, formulaic MMORPG with minimal inspiration, originality, or genre innovation. If you’re in dire need of a new MMO and can tolerate aggressive monetization, it might be worth a shot—it works fairly well mechanically and is free-to-play at its core. However, be prepared for a lack of content and the nagging sense that you’ve played something just like it a hundred times before.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure introduces an intriguing dual-reality concept, bringing fresh gameplay mechanics through the shifting perspectives. The return of Max Caulfield and the atmospheric university setting will certainly appeal to series fans, though it falls short in offering greater freedom of choice and impactful decisions. While the story maintains suspense until the end, it doesn’t quite escape the shadow of the original, and the final choices leave a lingering sense of missed potential.

The new Call of Duty has hit the mark. The campaign is longer, with varied missions that often bring more freedom and multiple ways to tackle objectives. Unfortunately, the story stumbles somewhat with unnecessary hallucination sequences and other distracting elements. The multiplayer may not have a ton of new features, but it remains a finely-tuned, time-tested classic, this year enhanced by fresh movement mechanics that feel invigorating. Zombie mode also makes a return, ensuring engaging gameplay for long nights. This entry benefited from an extended development cycle—just don’t expect anything beyond what it is: another Call of Duty.

An expansion packed with new possibilities and ways to play—most of which are well-thought-out and genuinely fun. The addition of an entirely new starting date is the cherry on top of a delicious cake.

Brilliantly written, witty, with an engrossing story and a fantastic world. Tactical Breach Wizards is an incredible turn-based game that hooks you effortlessly, combining the very best the genre has to offer.

A great party game with a variety of modes sure to appeal to most players. And if a few modes don’t quite hit the mark, there’s still a ton of content that will. The mini-games are always reliable, so if you're looking for something for a party or the whole family, Jamboree is a safe bet.

A solid expansion that introduces a beautiful new region, a new hero, and some welcome changes and intriguing additions. However, the storyline feels hollow, and the amount of fresh content is somewhat lacking given the price. Technically, it’s not entirely flawless either.

Kvark is a decent shooter that plays well overall. While it loses some momentum in the second of its three acts, it regains its stride by the end, especially when transitioning from claustrophobic underground complexes to surface locations. Unfortunately, it doesn't fully capitalize on its period setting and its attempts at humor fall flat.

If you're extremely hungry for "Caesar-like" city-building strategies, Citadelum will certainly entertain you for a few hours. However, don't expect more than a brief distraction—it's too shallow and underdeveloped for anything beyond that.

The War Within is a very solid expansion that delivers the expected dose of new content alongside some welcome innovations. Most notably, the account-wide systems that enable seamless alt gameplay are a highly appreciated change. Delves are fun, and both raids and dungeons work well. While it's still early to fully assess everything, it’s clear that The War Within is worth recommending and playing.

Halls of Torment is an addictive and entertaining bullet heaven that, while not groundbreaking and with a slower start, rewards players with a great atmosphere and a wealth of customization options for both the game and character playstyles. The items bring a fun twist, and over time, the reduction of randomness allows you to tackle the toughest challenges with an optimal build. Each arena is unique, and the heroes’ distinct base traits require specific strategies. All in all, it's another solid entry in the survivors genre.

The new Until Dawn offers visual upgrades and a few additional scenes, but at its core, it remains the same game as the original 2015 version. Unstable 30 FPS and a high price make this upgrade hard to justify, especially if you already own the game. Unless you're a die-hard fan or waiting for a discount, I recommend sticking with the original version.

One of the best JRPGs in recent years. A compelling story, a well-crafted world, and a finely tuned combat system create an addictive experience that will keep you thinking both during and outside of battles.

Unknown 9 shows potential, but never comes close to realizing it. It smugly drowns in a flat story, with awful, repetitive combat. The enemy possession mechanic is too simplistic and underutilized, and the stealth sequences feel like a rehash of countless other games. Despite the actors doing their best to sell it, you never get to truly explore or connect with its intriguing world.

If only all PC game ports were this polished. Ragnarök runs smoothly on PC, with no crashes, offering all the post-launch content from the original game and introducing a few small but welcome updates. Definitely a thumbs up.

A host of minor improvements, a revitalized manager career mode, impressively deep tactical options, and a solid new game mode. EA Sports FC 25 still has some on-pitch shortcomings, as usual, but overall, this year’s entry is surprisingly well-executed.