Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is slightly hard on newcomers, but if you’ll give it more time and try to find its extraordinary playability, you will have a good time. This is mainly due to spectacular battles, which, in addition to the frantic pushing of the buttons, require the involvement of brain capacity. Experienced Warriors should, however, consider whether it makes sense to enter the same river for the second or third time.

Great improvements were made in the match engine, the user interface is better and so is the focus on personalities. This is an absolute must-have for all the chess players on the grass. It is just a shame that the Czech competitions remain deeply flawed.

Even after less than a year the excellent XCOM: Enemy Unknown game still has its charms. An accessible, while at the same time a tough turn-based action/strategy game works great on mobile platforms. You just have to get over the loss of its multiplayer game. The touch controls suit the game's style, they are not a nuisance. However, fairly big technical problems, which I wouldn't expect from this kind of applications, hit the game down.

Spelunky is a great fun, but when it goes down, the fun is gone and your eye goes neurotic. Still, it ranks among the best recent platformers.

A very good remake of the cult action-adventure game. Crypto's world is more beautiful than ever before, the environments grander and more imposing - as is the inevitable chaos and destruction that the alien hero brings about. Great to play and great to look at - but the game is dragged back by some technical issues.

An excellent example how to adapt a major series to a mobile platform. Pocket-sized Lara excels with turn-based gameplay, puzzles and visuals. Add a free expansion and you have a game you can recommend even to players not familiar with Tomb Raider series.

A bonus to the ingenious game is atmospheric, and although it brings nothing original, a return of the likeable heroes along with great gameplay is perfectly fine, even though it lasts for a couple of hours.

Popular and well known strategy series got a very nice facelift with this highly enhanced remake which makes a good game even better. It's a matter of honour for every virtual soldier to play this game because of its atmosphere, historical accuracy and surprising accessibility.

A very solid western turn-based strategy that doesn’t really fail at anything it’s trying to accomplish, even though the camera movements are capable of ruining a perfectly good fight and Native American culture should have been significantly more prominent.

Jamestown is an old school hardcore arcade shooter. By its visual approach, its music and its gaming philosophy, it creates an imaginary comeback of the golden age of video arcade games. Its background set in the 17th steampunked century is only strengthening the overall enjoyment drawing young gamers on a peep show at those olden times of video gaming.

An excellent mix of Mario worlds is united by simple, but rock-solid RPG elements. Regarding the gameplay, there is nothing in Paper Jam Bros. to criticize; concerning the story however, the game offers too little – a little pity in an adventure that can take tens of hours. Even so, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros. is a perfect tip for a Christmas gift.

After a long time a military shooter that is not pretentious, and that scores with emphasis on both hardshell mechanics and tactics/feel. Maybe there could have been many more gaming modes along with maps.

Shadowrun Returns is a neat return. Maybe you'll miss a sophisticated combat system or long narrative story, but the game makes it up to you with its crime story and its great atmosphere. If you are positive for isometric RPGs, it would be a pity to miss this one.

Tense and exciting team shooter easily covers there is nothing else except a pure multiplayer mode. To put it simple, there is no story, no campaign. But who cares, in Siege you wipe the terrorists out like never before!

An excellent port of console fighting game hiding behind its jaunty good-looking graphics an entertaining fighting-system, a great number of playable characters and mainly its fine worked-out online/local multiplayer.

An excellent action adventure game with many entertaining elements. Its multiplayer game along with the game's changeable setting is good and likeable. However, a lack of motivation to reach the maximum score in every single level, and sections of levels that are often repeated are putting the game down.

A refreshing, frantic, difficult but above all incredibly entertaining game. Such is Infested Planet, a 2D shooter with strategic elements. If you take pleasure in aliens bloodbaths, do not hesitate and get it.

A big surprise among military shooters. Spec Ops will present you a dark story that's opposing the well-known clichés of the other military games. It's a pity, however, that the action part doesn't go along with the game's storytelling.

Are you Final Fantasy old-time classics' devotees? Without hesitation, try this one! Do you love Lovecraft? Without hesitation, try this one! If you are truly positive about your answers, straightway you got to quest for Cthulhu Saves the World! Besides, how long ago you got a chance to play as a he-man (and quite an original one) baddy?

The successful combination of an adventure and a platformer has it all – almost. If you decide to go with Teke for an approximately eight-hour journey, you will certainly not regret any minute of this journey.

It might not look that way at first glance but this is the best Alien game in many years. It’s a strange mixture of ideas which perhaps shouldn’t work together as well as they do. We’d certainly welcome a sequel.

Fortunately, there's no resigning after the previous depression, but resuscitation. The third episode of The Wolf Among Us scores with both thrilling branched plot and great pace, so you'll be swallowed up in the blink of an eye until you finish the game for the first time you sit to it. A pity though the game lasts for an hour and a half.

If blood of the true multiplayer gamer runs through your veins and if you know the rocket jumping, then ShootMania Storm is just for you. And if not, do not be afraid, go ahead and defeat those gamers. Your skill is your limit.

Like a roller coaster ride. Except that you don't fall down into the cold water at the very end but directly among bizarre and violent enemies. This is one of the best action-oriented game I have recently played.

It's the same old routine: grant the money, send forth the heroes, defeat the villain, upgrade the base... This fresh tactical simulation iOS game by Double Fine is definitely not going to bore you. It's pretty good actually, and incredibly funny above all.

Ghostrunner 2 is incredibly addictive and entertaining, honoring its predecessor. Most changes are for the better, but there are a few alterations that don't quite harmonize with the overall feel of the game. Nevertheless, Ghostrunner 2 undoubtedly earns its place among the best action games of the year. The second installment is a resounding success.

Briskness and dynamics that Luftrausers use to jibe at those flying combats is matchless. If it weren't for the game's lack of content along with its hellbent in-game menu, this frenetic piece of work would get into the history books of modern arcade games.

Octopath Traveler 0 is not a bad game, but the silent protagonist and somewhat impersonal party diminish some of its narrative impact. The individual storylines compete in their darkness and at times push the drama unnecessarily far. However, new features such as village building and the addition of two combat rows refresh the proven formula, resulting in an addictive and entertaining JRPG that can easily provide dozens of hours of enjoyment.

An intriguing blend built on the core of classic cooperative zombie action, enhanced by well-made vehicle traversal across challenging terrain. Randomized map layouts boost replayability, though greater variety would help. John Carpenter’s name isn't there for nothing; the epic visuals combined with a bombastic soundtrack do justice to the horror master’s legacy.

Masterplan Tycoon takes the complex automation processes from other games and minimalizes them which makes the whole experience more streamlined, accessible and dependent on your own imagination. It’s an engaging puzzle, trying to connect everything to everything else without it getting in the way. And to see the seemingly incomprehensible chains pop up beneath your hands produces a feeling of true satisfaction.

The Occupation is a remarkable vintage mystery with a high degree of player freedom, flexible story and moments of real thrill. The narrative will suck you in, the peculiar stealth system and 80s atmosphere will keep you there.

Heretic's Fork takes well-established mechanics and blends them to create a highly refreshing and addictive game. This deckbuilding with a twist spins a devilish web around a rather ordinary tower defense concept, all under the veil of humor and a distinctive aesthetic. It's a fantastic indie gem that will keep you hooked for quite a while.

Sang-Froid is a tower defense and action game fun mix that will suck you in. Its always the same setting won't annoy you until you hit the very ending. However, thanks to its constant additions of new traps and creatures, the game stays entertaining till the end where you get roughly after six or seven hours.

Pathologic 3 channels the spirit of classic Russian literature in a more accessible form. It is an intensely oppressive experience that approaches the story of a plague-stricken town in unconventional ways. Its masterfully constructed narrative and singular atmosphere consistently subvert expectations, framed within a surprisingly compelling gameplay (time) loop whose repetition only begins to wear thin in the later stages. At the same time, it demands significantly less discomfort and hardship than either of its predecessors.

A pleasant surprise for every gamer with any platform that wishes to try out entertaining arcade gameplay in Mario Kart fashion. There's nothing to criticize, just the framerate drops in multiplayer. Although this is an arcade classic, it is excellently worked out. All thumbs up.

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.

This Lovecraftian roguelike does something very clever - it’s not punishingly difficult. Instead, it relies on a strong mystery plot. Unforgettable experience is guaranteed.

Because of its minimalistic design and unique feel, From Dust is one of the most intriguing experience of this year. However, its flaws in controlling and dependance upon coincidence in the game ruins the gameplay and make it somewhat frustrating to no avail.

Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is the best detective game from Frogwares. It blends the open world of The Sinking City and an emotional story of a young genius and adds the beautiful environment of the city of Cordona. My only wish for next time? Get rid of the combat.

This new Yakuza is a good Yakuza, there’s no doubt about that. The doubts will arise only when you try to compare it to Persona 5 because Like a Dragon’s new features could be more pronounced - and closer to Persona’s genius.

A truly hardcore, and original arcade fighting game that forgives not a slightest mistake, and it doesn't even bother with any tutorial. Still, the game's incredibly entertaining, and it will amaze you by a number of the game weapons' tactics and combinations, and its interesting control system. A pity the game's camera view doesn't work the way you would like to, but you'll manage.

Jusant is a meditative gem that allows you to savor both the tranquility and the beauty of the surroundings, as well as the adrenaline rush of scaling high cliffs. It captivates with its beauty, mystery, and exploration, instilling an unwavering desire to climb higher until the very last ledge. It's just a shame that the metaphorical summit didn't reach the lofty heights that may have seemed possible through the misty clouds.

Muscle hill plated in iron returned in the breathtaking graphics. Weapons and one-liners are still doing an excellent job, but unfortunately the AI sidekick lost his mind somewhere along the way.

There is a comet appearing in the sky of platformers. It is called Schrödinger's Cat, delivering novel innovations to the genre. In such a game you do not solve the puzzles — you create them yourselves! A pity you will not finish this smash hit for it is too distracting.

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.

Let us be honest here. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team has its bugs. However, you may kill them with one blow of a steel hammer, and out of every single dead bug Mario gets 1UP.

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.

A tactical RPG with a very good combat system, relationship chemistry among your party and an interesting backdrop of alternate World War II. This game is worth multiple playthroughs despite its rather underwhelming central storyline.

Far Cry sets off on a journey towards sandbox RPG experience with New Dawn. This spin- off boasts a truly living open-world capable of reacting to your every move. But at the same time, it’s never truly able to surprise you.

A great and hardcore platformer with RPG elements that's been created by just two people. But actually, this information does not matter while playing. The important thing is that Valdis Story is excellent fun for plenty of hours.

This is an enjoyable entertainment for long winter nights that faces up to stereotype despite its oscillation in a gaming difficulty. All in all, it's a good title for the time of your lunch-break; however, for deep thoughts, complex mechanics and original ideas look elsewhere.

A very good platformer with awesome production values. The central character feels good to control, the story is fine and the game is basically unmatched when it comes to graphics. But the gameplay itself, although competent, could use a lot more variety.

A great dungeon crawler with unforgettable characters. If only all the game mechanics could have been updated to suit the present instead of the past.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist is like a plasticine. It tries to satisfy everyone and suits all without stealing their experiences.

More action-oriented, richer but mainly more thrilling than its first episode. The Walking Dead is in good shape. Besides, House Divided is one of those episodes where you feel your gameplay decisions actually make a difference. If only its characters grew up.

Diablo II: Resurrected brings the legend back in some style, with all the old joys and all the old pains as well. This 20-year-old holy relic is, in some respects, far surpassed by its successors and its systems sometimes grind to a halt, but the magic is still here, as strong as ever.

A very solid addition to the popular RPG series. The graphics are amazing, as is the freedom of choice regarding your demon underlings. Just be prepared to grind due to the brutal difficulty.

The terrifying mysteries of Algerian catacombs await you in Amnesia: Rebirth, a very good next instalment of the famous horror franchise. The game mechanics are almost identical, but the emotions are new, along with the glorious, creative environments.

Fantastic gameplay of the new Pro Evolution Soccer is flawed by unamusing gameplay modes, terrible PC version and suspicious multiplayer. But the football itself is made so well that the rest almost doesn't matter.

Dragonfall brings a brand-new content along with slightly altered "Berlin" feel to it into the Shadowrun saga. Otherwise, it's the same as its predecessor – wonderful, concentrated and also slightly problematic.

Lost in Random feels just like a hand full of wonderful cards – and then some of them don’t work the way you’d expect. The art style is a triumph, as are the characters and the story setting. This would be a proper jewel - if only it wasn’t for the combat system which is, to put it plainly, just too random.

A brilliant arcade game about a bloodthirsty ballet dancer with a deadly aim - could there be anything more awesome? But beware - if you don’t like your stuff very much over the top in the vein of Japanese videogames, you might not be able to tolerate Pedro.

This is basically Age of Empires II modernized and with asymmetrical factions - and it’s great. The mistakes it makes are relatively minor and can be fixed, the exception being a weird, narrative-breaking choice of framing the campaigns in the style of a documentary film.

A beautiful, pleasant adventure game, designed very well, if not very originally. This lack of invention, in addition to a story that’s just not too interesting, keeps Kena from truly shining, but it’s still well worth your time.

Forget the action set-pieces, forget the puzzles - the main draw of this sci-fi adventure is the irresistible chemistry between the main heroes. The story drives everything forward - and since it’s a very good story, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a very good game with a brilliant soundtrack to boot.

What on the first sight may seem as a common shooter is actually a show of all the good things that not only the genre classics can offer. Humor is occasionally shot blindly, but the game deserves every penny of its fair price.

If you have nausea just by looking at a dog's shit in a park, stay away from the South Park game. However, you'll miss a shitload of fun that's been wrapped into a high-quality RPG – and what's more, with a story overshadowing a majority of adventure games (and games in general) that pretend to be serious ones.

Hired Guns + Commandos + Brazil + Grim Fandango + Thief = PROFIT! Well, if you get over its initially confusing controls along with its mediocre artificial intelligence.

This is how the new faction should look like! Unusual, impressive, maybe just too strong. The campaign would deserve more care; however, titans, sphinxes and scorpions are an excellent addition.

A modern version of Strider brings out ultimately. It brings stylish gaming setting, hordes of remarkable enemies, and a great action that never gets boring.

As in all previous cases, Italy did not disappoint. On the contrary, it pushed the high standard of Viva la France! even higher.

This Slavic strategy is a very distinguished successor to the first installment. It’s undoubtedly a difficult game, but you will yearn for “one more turn”.

This crazy bundle of more than 200 micro-games offers a truly bonkers visual mix and furious tempo. It’s not very good in singleplayer but if you’re looking for something to spice up your house party, this might just be your best bet.

A refreshing trip to the beginnings of modern Japan in a company of furious, heavily armed samurai. The tactics are everything and the best offense is a solid defense. Not every retro is cool, but this comeback is absolutely worth the price.

Bigger, prettier and filled with content to the brim, but also very simple and limited in what you can actually do - that is the new Skywalker Saga. If you love your Lego and a bit of accessible fun, this is just the game for you.

A very good action JRPG. Very traditional, very spectacular, well done, a feast for eyes and ears, fun and addictive. It’s not, however, innovative in any way.

The first instalment was problematic, the trilogy as a whole is an entirely different proposition. This is a type of shooter game that simply doesn’t exist in today’s market and if you didn’t play it then, you should certainly play it now.

Attila has much in common with his predecessor - both regarding their pros and cons. At the same time he is able to cause completely new feelings of bloodlust, melancholy and historical fascination. But above all Atilla is a very entertaining game with a good core and great extras so you are able to forgive its few issues.

A great successor to a great game that pulls off everything its predecessor did, and something more besides. But there are also the same mistakes and some brand new ones.

Quantum Conundrum is original and a catchy logical game. However, the game can't deny a fact it was being made under the same hands as the first Portal installment. Surprisingly enough, it doesn't even cast a shadow over the Portal series - quite the contrary.

A fast and furious and full of fun arcade racing game that's in many regards and without a sweat crushing its competition - DiRT Showdown including.

Dead Space series has evolved and changed as well as its main protagonist. In Dead Space 3 there is no longer that lone and frightened engineer called Issac, armed with just a harmless cutter. This time he clears his way through darkness, frost, mutants along with Unitologists' limbs, with elegance of a world saviour expert. Dead Space 3 offers a different experience than its predecessors, which is not detrimental, on the contrary. Do not let its otherness discourage you.

A fair RPG that combines Japanese and European tradition, and that offers a full experience for tens or even hundreds of hours of gameplay. As Dark Souls it gives you nothing for free, as Skyrim it offers a great living world with its own rules. The game adds adrenaline fights along with its unique sidekick system, aiming this way for the best role-playing game title of the year.

You can find a flaw or two in here, but that is just a smirch on the game's face that is suprisingly addicting, and whose free-to-play model is effectively helping to get to more audience – from hardcore maniacs up to their mummies.

In its heart it's an easy, pleasantly non-revolutionary, intense and a hell of a lot of fun shooter video game with western spice that is plentiful.

It looks and sounds amazing, the driving is wonderful, but there are so many things still missing - namely enough content, playable multiplayer and technical polish.

Pavilion is a platform game in which, wonder of wonders, you do not control the main character. Absurd basis maybe, but the result is a very pleasant and original game that surpasses all genre boundaries. The charming design and a relaxing atmosphere make it almost a work of art. It just needs more content to be perfect.

A DLC surprise for Battlefield 3. The Iranian environment devastated by an earthquake has created an excellent map pack along with an entertaining new mode and a nicely inventive crossbow. This DLC proves that Battlefield 3 has still things to offer, it is not depleted yet.

Neo: The World Ends with You is a traditionally non-traditional JRPG. At first glance, you could mistake it for a brainless button smasher but as you’ll soon find out, there’s a great deal of thinking to be done. A very strange game full of very strange charm.

Sea of Solitude plays with your emotions. It’s not a brilliant game, but that’s not really the point. This is all about the story, all about the introspection. And those work perfectly.

A brilliant game that’s all about conversations. You get stuck in a time loop which sounds potentially frustrating but actually isn’t because you don’t have to repeat yourself in any way. It’s just a shame that the game’s a bit ugly and the puzzles a bit trivial.

A well-crafted post-apocalyptic strategy that initially feels a bit clunky, but over time reveals its stronger aspects. Once it hits its stride, the odd menus and slow start become forgivable.

Etherborn is a dreamy trip of a body in search of its voice across beautifully crafted levels, supported by a soundtrack that is simply flawless. Plus you must solve some puzzles that toy with gravity. And that’s it - but honestly, this game doesn’t need anything else.

A very solid tactical RPG. Its main problem is that it’s overly reliant on chance and might be a tad too difficult for novice players. But if you enjoy clever turn-based battles, this sci-fi has plenty of those to offer.

Although the old dog didn’t learn many new tricks, at least not in campaign, the old dog is still a determined fighter who can put up a fight. Rock-solid campaign can be compared to the previous episodes without any shame, plus there is a great multiplayer mode - especially Horde 3.0 mode, in which you can spend dozens of hours and still experience something new.

You won’t find a better game about archaeology, and you’ll be hard-pressed to unearth two protagonists with more chemistry. The story is excellent, save maybe the very end. The rivers are waiting for you, as is the ancient language!

This legend shows that it’s still standing strong even in the year 2021. A necessary piece of gaming education for every shooter fan.

This is a surprisingly well done, fun racing game, full of thrill and fast toy cars. It’s highly addictive, the car designs are adequately crazy and there’s a robust editor to satisfy your creativity.