Speaking as a fan of Returnal, Saros brought me hours and hours of fantastic fun; I couldn’t get enough of the beauty of this dark world. The game’s biggest problem is its simplified and safe approach; there isn’t enough originality or confidence in its own design vision. If you’ve played the previous game, you’ll get more of the same.

You won’t find a challenge in Mixtape, just a superbly directed adventure in which teenage fears, stunts and drama intertwine with dreamlike imagination and pure, unbridled fun, all carried by one of the best video game soundtracks of the year. And that’s quite enough for me; as someone who remembers rewinding a cassette tape with a pencil, I had a brilliant time.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream has all the charm of the original Tomodachi Life. Thanks to the quality-of-life improvements and creative tools introduced, we have more control over our island than ever before. Unfortunately, the game also takes quite a few steps backwards, preventing it from reaching the full potential of the franchise. Although it left me slightly disappointed in places, the expansion of the core mechanics ultimately still makes it a better game than the original.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire brings us a cohesive world with a unique, mouse-themed noir aesthetic, an engaging detective story, and straightforward but satisfying combat mechanics. Although the gameplay itself lacks a bit of depth, I had a blast playing it.

I enjoyed Pragmata very much. Its unique and satisfying combat system, solid execution of the other gameplay elements, and likeable main characters all combine to make this another hit from Capcom. It’s just a shame that the boss battles are rather disappointing.

After all these hours in Crimson Desert, it feels like the charm of this world is so powerful that, despite everything, it’s hard not to be drawn in. Poorly designed quests, a shallow storyline and various shortcomings don’t really bother you that much when weighed against the sheer ocean of possibilities the game offers. Crimson Desert is a game that is difficult to judge conclusively – it has plenty of strengths, many flaws, yet it is definitely not a game you can simply ignore.

For fans of Max and Chloe, this is a game you can't miss – Life is Strange: Reunion features great dialogue and does a fine job of tugging at the heartstrings, providing a fitting conclusion to the protagonists' story. However, the short development cycle and limited budget have left their mark on the game, and the gameplay can feel a bit too hand-holding at times.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a collection of new features, both big and small, that make this brilliant game even more complete. Together, they form a comprehensive package that feels, in a way, like a director’s cut of the game, bringing to life additional ideas that the developers didn’t have the chance to include in the original release.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a well-done remake of the classic JRPG. The fantastical journey through time to save magical islands may seem a bit naive, but that's not a bad thing if you ask me. The new version boasts stunning graphics, full voice acting, and numerous improvements – although players who hate grind will find plenty of it here.

Midnight is a solid but safe follow-up to the direction set by recent WoW expansions. Blizzard is not trying to revolutionise the game, but instead is developing existing ideas and focusing on greater accessibility. The result is an expansion that impresses with its setting and several systems, but at the same time feels unfinished and, in places, too cautious. If you enjoyed the last few years of WoW, you will be satisfied, although the full potential of this expansion will only be revealed with subsequent updates.

Resident Evil Requiem continues the series' winning streak, once again bringing fans everything that is best about it – and this time in a way that satisfies both action and horror enthusiasts. Although the numerous references to previous installments mean that Requiem cannot be recommended to completely new players, I wasn't bored for a moment. This is not a requiem for the Resident Evil series – but a tribute to its thirty-year legacy.

Reanimal is a very cinematic experience, in which platform and co-op mechanics are simply an addition. The plot takes centre stage here, and the themes and experiences suggested by the authors are probably more mature and serious than those in Little Nightmares. Reanimal is definitely a ‘big nightmare’ and the most bizarre, atmospheric game you will be able to play this year.

The leap that the NiOh series has made from game to game bodes well for the future. NiOh 3 can already compete with the best representatives of the soulslike genre. The exploration itself may not yet have that sense of wonder that was present in Elden Ring, and the recycling of enemies is a bit of a nuisance, but I consider NiOh 3 to be the best instalment in the series, and its heart, the combat system, really shines here.

Pathologic 3 is a familiar survival horror concept brought to life by artists with twenty years of experience – a mature, competent, and precisely tuned work. One of the best stories in video games, told in an extremely unique way. Is it still imperfect? Of course; Pathologic 3 still struggles with the limitations of its engine and budget, but these rarely bothered me.

First hours with Metroid Prime 4 were overshadowed by getting to know the controls, the gameplay, the puzzles (I got frustrated!). But after a while everything clicked and all that was left was enjoyment. A lengthy development cycle must have taken its toll on the final game, but if you’re a fan of unique games, Beyond is an interesting, rare genre-bender.

Routine is one of those games that made me feel relief after finishing it. And I will never play it again. But not because it’s bad – on the contrary, it is a terrifying horror with a very immersive world. The atmosphere is so bleak and heavy that it can scare off some players. And that’s good.

Dispatch is a very interesting spin on the „interactive adventure” formula, and this band of super-misfits probably will steal your hearts as efficiently as the Guardians of the Galaxy or Invincible’s allies did some years earlier. And the best part: the developers have total control and don’t have to listen to any IP owners out there. This game really is a great animated series.

I think this is the best musou games have to offer, both in terms of gameplay and presentation. And if you have never tried this type of game, it’s a great moment to do so - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a truly great game when compared to its predecessors.

Highlands Fishing is an expansion pack that shows that Giants Software is capable of experimenting without losing the spirit of the series. It is the most beautiful and atmospheric map in the history of the series, with well-implemented fishing mechanics, new crops, activities and machines.

If you own a Switch 2, have additional controllers, and a group of gaming friends, get yourself Kirby Air Riders. This is an adrenaline-filled game that represents the essence of good party games. Just don’t expect too much when playing alone.

Anno 117 is, as a whole, a fine game that will allow fans of the series to enter a new era and enjoy mechanics that are more complex than those of its predecessor. The soundtrack is great, and the graphics are very pleasing to the eye. However, I feel that Ubisoft has played it a little too safe and lazy. Although I personally love Anno 1800, I didn't necessarily want the new instalment to be so similar to it.

The launch of a brand new Ninja Gaiden game after more than a decade has created great expectations in me, even more so, because this time it was a Platinum Games production. But such a long break could have created an image that is simply unrealistic. The finished product has a great combat system, but making Ryu a guest in his own game is a big problem.

Keeper is a perfect game for a chilly autumn. It’s short, condensed, original, weird, colorful, and strangely relaxing. This is a game that is build 100% on vibes. If you like these kinds of adventures, give it a chance.

I’m very happy with my time with EA FC 26. Changes from last year’s edition are clearly visible, and the gameplay is simply better. I had no issus with performance on PS5 Pro. But please have in mind that my impressions could change if EA decides to dramatically change the gameplay (this had happened in the past).

Hollow Knight: Silksong turned out to be a tad weaker than the original. Still, it is a metroidvania game on par with the most beloved classics of the genre and a worthy sequel. Productions of this calibre, containing so much great content and sold at such an affordable price, deserve all the praise they get. At the moment, despite extremely fierce competition, this is my game of the year.

Hades 2 is a great sequel that is built upon the gameplay base of the first game, introduces some innovations, and takes us for a journey into the world of Greek mythology that is ulike anything you learned in school. At the same time it looks and sounds fantastic, but the emotional payoff is not the same as before.

I had a blast playing Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2. I almost forgot how good these games are, and they look better than ever on Switch 2, so I had even more fun. If you’ve never played the original games, you definitely should give it a chance – they don't make them like that anymore.

After nearly 60 hours with Ghost of Yotei I can confidently say that this game elevates Tsushima into a new level, and introduces lots of well made innovations. It is a game with its own identity, a beautiful world, great exploration, and a cool story with a satisfying finale.