After a flawed first incarnation of Final Fantasy XIV, Square Enix has rethought everything and now offers a much more polished and user-friendly game. A Realm Reborn isn't a breakthrough, but generates lots of fun. The game has a rich world, unique atmosphere, well thought-out gameplay systems and lots of things to do - Final Fantasy fans should be more than satisfied. It really is "a realm reborn".

Taking into consideration that a small studio like Grinding Gear Games is able to offer a great game like Path of Exile for free, you can't help but look at Iesabel as an ugly money grab for a unfinished game. Only the biggest fans of the genre could be persuaded to play it, but they'd be doing it at their own risk. Everyone else - stay away. Competitors are much better than Iesabel in every possible way.

GTA Online has great, but not fully realized, potential. The developers need to sort out problems with servers and some irritating gameplay issues, and after that we need to be given an expansion with bank robberies. Fortunately the entire online mode for GTA V is going to be updated on a regular basis (from new missions to new clothes and haircuts). And for now - get some friends together and go do lots of seemingly absurd things. The fun is tremendous.

PayDay 2 is one of the nicest surprises of the year. Overkill Software understands the atmosphere of gangster movies and wisely improves these pieces of gameplay, that might have been disappointing in the first game. The sequel is better in almost every way - you can play a thief and enjoy good character development and shooting systems. I really hope, that PayDay 3 will be even better.

Gone Home is an interesting experiment, that didn't move me as much, as the developers probably wanted it to. The way of telling the story and the quality of the script seem a bit simplistic and tend to look at the gamer from a high position. Still, I think Gone Home is a step in a right direction and I really like these kinds of experiences. If only the developers had put more work into polishing the game - perhaps next time?

F1 2013 is a better and more varied game than its predecessor - Codemasters fixed issues and filled in some missing gameplay options. The new F1 Classics mode is great, but has far too little content. There's no revolution in the virtual Formula 1 world, just a simple return to the right path. The new F1 is a well made and really pretty racing game that generates lots of fun - and that's the most important thing.

Beyond: Two Souls is a difficult game to grade - you have to answer a question: do you mind having the gameplay play a supporting role? Because an interesting story, great characters and some really exciting moments are most important here. Beyond is a typical Quantic Dream game and it additionally simplifies many aspects. I had fun experiencing this story, but Heavy Rain is a better and more interesting game.

Shadow Warrior is a surprisingly good game, proving that classic shooters are still needed. I haven't had so much fan while playing an FPS in a very long time. And speaking of long time - it's a really lengthy game (15-17 hours is a lot by today's standards). If you're a fan of this kind of games and you like gore and crude humor, you simply need to buy and play the new Shadow Warrior.

FIFA 14 is a mature, well designed game without spectacular innovations. The new shooting system or a bigger influence of the Fist Touch Control system are interesting conveniences, and transfer improvements or novelties in the FIFA Ultimate Team mode are most welcome. FIFA 14 continues ideas introduced in the previous installments - sometimes stability is better than bragging about a revolution (that never came).

Takedown: Red Sabre is a Kickstarter failure. How anyone could have used the gamers' money to create such a bad game (ugly, stupid, without tactical options and with boring maps), is beyond me. The game has one important good point - it uninstalls really quickly. It takes just a few seconds to delete this nightmare. My advice is this: stay away.

Alien Rage is better than Sniper 2, but still looks like a game quickly put together. What's not good? An inconsistent basis for the game, unused potential of the "special kills" system and terrible AI. Still you need to remember, that Alien Rage isn't a AAA title, and as such will surely find an audience. But it's a pity that a truly excellent shooting mechanic wasn't used for something more special.

Instead reading or talking about GTA V, you simply need to play it. I'm going to stay in Los Santos for a while longer, because I still have lots of things to do and see. GTA V is a better version of GTA IV - and is better in almost every way. Rockstar did it again - the game has class, is smart and is constantly entertaining and amazing. It's like a little universe at your fingertips - you have to come and visit. Yeah.. the race for the Game of the Year title is pretty much over.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is a little disappointing - we were expecting a huge revolution, and what we got is just a beginning of a revolution (and not that perfect, to be honest). The game offers lots of fun, is difficult enough and stays on the simulation side, but lots of technical issues truly test the player's patience. There are many steps in the right direction, but at the same time there are lots of steps back.

ArmA III has kept me busy for months, and its final version made me feel ambivalent. On one hand we have a great technological leap, on the other - poor content. Sure, ArmA III isn't your regular shooter that needs to have an interesting, long campaign - it's a game that lives through the community - but it's a pity, that the gamers were given so little to work on. Arma III was supposed to be great, and right now is only promising.

Outlast is terrifying, brutal and crazy. The story is clever enough to assemble all themes into a complete picture and tie it with some historical facts, but the most important thing is this: Outlast is really scary. Honestly, no game before has made me feel such strong emotions. Outlast is a must buy for all fans of scary stories. Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is a fairy tale in comparison.

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is a step back from The Dark Descent. The gameplay consists of walking from one piece of the story to the next and sometimes it becomes boring. The developers wanted to create a virtual novella, and the result lasts for 4 hours. It's a pity, that a very interesting story isn't matched by an interesting gameplay. But don't get me wrong - The Chinese Room did good and created a unique world that mirrors the mind of the protagonist. The game gets you thinking, believe me.

Console port of Diablo III is a great investment for players that haven't had the opportunity to try out Blizzard's masterpiece, as well as for those players that have been put off by controversial changes in the series' mechanic. This version has two important things, that many have missed: an offline mode and a well crafted loot system. Yeah, it is a little less pretty than the PC version, but it makes up for it with other aspects of the game.

Rayman's newest adventure is an excellent game. There's something for everyone - a campaign easier than the one from Origins (casual gamers will have a blast), and lots of difficult challenges for hardcore gamers. The game's audiovisual side is perfect, it has superb levels and big amounts of content. What is more, Rayman Legends opens up slowly and keeps being interesting for a long time. Fans of the genre have no choice, but to buy this game without asking too many questions. It's that good.

Europa Universalis IV is the best game in the series and one of the most interesting strategy games ever. There are numerous changes - some subtle, and some obvious, but the overall feeling is this: the series is going in the right direction. The gameplay is more pleasant and user-friendly, than ever before, and offers more possibilities and fun. There's something for everybody: for conquerors, merchants and spies. Great job.

Total War: Rome II is an extremely well made game: the campaign is long and complex, tactical battles are really absorbing (and naval battles are really difficult: a small mistake can cost you several ships). Changes made in the game make it easier to keep track of everything that's happening, rewarding fast decision-making and - all in all - generating tons of fun for less-experienced generals as well. Creative Assembly have created something that will be tough to top.

Lost Planet 3 is the best game from Spark Unlimited, but that isn't a real achievement (remember Legendary?). Capcom trusted a mediocre studio from California and let them create a new installment in a well known series. Fortunately everything went ok. If you don't have elevated expectations, enjoy the cold atmosphere and got a kick out of Dead Space 3, you should definitely buy LP3. This is the best game in the series and looks like a step in a good direction.

The Bureau is a good game. I like the fact that it forces teamwork, has a great atmosphere and solid graphics. The aliens tend to attack with various and difficult to kill forces from the beginning - that's good as well. Unfortunately later on the magic kind of disappears - the story becomes silly, fights get easier and the interface irritates more and more. But taking all things into consideration, The Bureau is a solid, well made game. A cool appetizer to all the big games arriving this fall.

Issues - this is the keyword that helps understand this game. Treat this as a fair warning against all that you can find in Realms of Arcania: Blade of Destiny HD. The original game (without the "HD") is a much more enjoyable product. Don't buy this horrendous conversion, but simply find the predecessor. Blade of Destiny AD 1992 is a hard and coarse game with issues, but at least it gives the impression that the developers knew what they were doing.

A strange game. On one hand we have mediocre graphics, choppy animations, a general lack of polish, and really bad first few missions. On the other hand, the campaign keeps getting better and in the end looks like a really good stealth game, there's lots of additional missions (in co-op as well) and a great multiplayer mode, that has the power to convince gamers usually avoiding online play. The new Splinter Cell, just like the new young Sam Fisher, doesn't look trustworthy, but it's worth giving a shot. The game isn't as good as Chaos Theory, but underneath all these minor issues hides a really good game.

Saints Row IV is a really good, grotesque and engrossing sandbox game. Still, you can't overlook some repetitiveness in terms of script and humor, and the visual side is pretty much identical to SR3. Fortunately Volition's new game offers tons of fun, lots of interesting ideas and solutions - a long campaign and a variety of bonus activities will keep you entertained. All in all, the series should benefit from a change of atmosphere and scenery, because it's beginning to chase its own tail.

Worms Clan Wars is to Worms Revolution, what Worms World Party was to Worms Armageddon - a bigger, better version of the game. The new Worms is a game focused on online gameplay, but it can easily provide lots of fun for the lovers of classic hot seat gaming (and single player mode fans will find lots to do as well). Clan Wars isn't as great as the best installments in the series, but undoubtedly is a really cool little game.

A fast, brutal and extremely old-school shooter with a considerable amount of flaws. I wanted to delete the game on more than one occasion - it has lots of technical issues, horrendous optimization and some irritating gameplay solutions. But all in all I had fun, and kept playing - not just because of the review. Rise of the Triad is pretty cool, but you need to accept it for what it is.

A really unique game - the developers have changed the concept multiple times and the final product differs from the basic idea. The most obvious thing is that the RPG layer is smaller and less important, than the dominant strategic one. Fans of previous games in the series may be disappointed, but strategy fans should give it a try. Dragon Commander's big advantage is the fact, that it works perfectly as a real time and turn-based game at the same time.

Shadowrun Returns meets lots of expectations outlined during the Kickstarter campaign. It's an atmospheric story based on the Shadowrun universe and its adaptations. The game looks like a good "analog" RPG session, with a clear goal and epilogue. Unfortunately the campaign is a simple, one-shot experience, and not a deep RPG system. Don't expect a complex, multi-threaded game with lots of important decisions to make - Shadowrun Returns is not like that, but a really good story makes up for it. And there's the editor that allows to create great things, but requires suitable and talented people.

Dota 2 is a great game that has a price to quality ratio set somewhere around infinity. Beginners are screwed at first, but eventually they will discover a new, extremely satisfying level of gameplay. Dota 2 is an amazing game because of its strategic depth, constantly varying games, and established highly competitive scene. This game generates challenges both for the casual and the more serious player.

Legends of Dawn is a really weak game. It offers an open world and lots of opponents, but the fun it generates is almost nonexistent. The fighting system is dull, missions uninteresting, loot collecting is irritating. Why such a game has been allowed to debut on the market? We have to acknowledge one thing - Legends of Dawn is definitely a game for hardcore players: some of them will get to the end, despite all the bugs, errors, blood, sweat and tears.

Online incarnation of Neverwinter is an interesting proposal for fans of MMO and action RPG, that enjoy a fantasy setting. The game is pretty and playable, but I'm not sure if the Foundry is enough to keep players for a long time. Creating your own quests is really cool, but it does not make up for an unbalanced PvP. Let's hope Cryptic Studios considers all of the opinions and solves the problem of expensive micro-transactions, as well as gives max-level players something interesting to do.

You can try out Ride to Hell for some masochistic fun. Low-budget games are built by throwing some concepts together without much thought - Ride to Hell is exactly that, but much more expensive. Interesting story, cool characters, freedom, original missions, great fighting system, exciting chases and heavy guitar riffs - none of that is here. Ride to Hell: Retribution is damaged in such a way, that you start thinking: what were the developers drinking/smoking?

On one hand, you can't deny, that Larry is a very important character in the history of gaming that has finally received a worthy overhaul. On the other hand, the new game is just a pleasant curiosity, something that allows gamers to find about the genre's past. Al Lowe & co. did a great job in reviving Larry's adventures, but this game won't become a hit. Older gamers will take a Chance to have a nostalgic trip to the past, but younger ones probably will find this game strange and hermetic.

New gameplay elements introduced in Brave New World are an example of a perfectly though-out innovation. This virtual machine works great and it's obvious, that the developers did their best. Even though there are more important rules than before, the gameplay is clear and enjoyable. This is a big achievement , considering the level of this game's complexity. Everything now works together like a big organism.

You could say, that the PC version of 2011 Mortal Kombat wins the battle, but it's not a flawless victory. Nevertheless, you should check it out - your keyboard will suffer from a brutal fatality, but the amount of fun is satisfying. It's a great beat'em up for solo players - the game has lots of modes and challenges, but it's also great for parties - up to 4 players can play on one machine. The developers need to control some online issues and minor bugs, and the experience will truly be "komplete".

The Walking Dead: 400 Days is a good expansion, but definitely not good enough. This DLC is very short and does not use the full potential of new characters (there isn't enough time to care for any of them). What's more, every piece of the game allows to play with the gameplay mechanic in different ways. The most important thing are the dialogues and attempts to introduce character in a very short time span. All in all (despite its flaws) 400 Days is a must buy for fans of the series that want to continue the story.

Pro Cycling Manager 2013 is a well done and playable sports manager, but it won't revolutionize the series or the genre. The biggest issues that the developer has to address are the economics and stability. The game is technically flawed and many times a well thought out tactic lost to a crash to desktop. What is more, there isn't much to do, besides giving commands to your cyclists. Fortunately the races are as thrilling as always.

Deadpool is wasted potential. The story and lots of great humor would be enough to make this game one of the best comic book adaptations, if only the gameplay was on the same level. Unfortunately it isn't - the game has lot of issues and quickly becomes boring (there are some interesting innovations from time to time, but that's not enough). High Moon Studios delivered a product that makes fun of clichés, but at the same time is one of them. Only for fans of Deadpool and crazy atmosphere.

The Incredible Adventures of van Helsing is a really nice surprise. The game has a unique gothic atmosphere, a well designed character development system, dynamic combat, storyline with decisions to make and some tower defense elements. Unfortunately there are some errors and issues - a silly economy model and weak epic items, for instance. Still - Van Helsing isn't a game visibly worse, than other hack'n'slashes out there. If you like gothic mixed with strange machines, it's worth checking out.

Even though Company of Heroes 2 has some issues, the fact is this: it's a truly great game. Evolutionary changes made by the developers turned out to be an excellent choice. Fans of the original Company of Heroes are getting the same game, but superior in every way (and enriched with some cool new things). Relic's game is a must have for dynamic strategy game enthusiasts - it is the best RTS set during WWII.

State of Decay is a game for people looking for a solid gameplay element (Telltale's The Walking Dead is excellent, but it's "just" an interactive story). State of Decay tries to show an emotional plot, but first of all it gives a lot more freedom, combat and exploration. The developers have ignored polishing the details and concentrated on building a convincing survival system (one that is more complicated than "how many bullets have I got?"). I think they nailed it - I had lots of fun and intend to revisit this universe in the future.

The Last of Us is an excellent action adventure game with superb graphics and audio and really great characters. The game shows us a quite realistic vision of a cataclysmic future, and at the same time is a very good shooter mixed with high quality stealth game. The Last of Us is a linear adventure, but this is a good kind of "corridor" story that offers some freedom and doesn't limit your imagination. What is more, it's one of the most mature games in history.

Cyberpunk lovers that impatiently wait for Shadowrun Returns or Cyberpunk 2077 can forget about Remember Me and wait for their dream games while playing checkers. But if what you want is some simple beat'em up with many cut scenes and you're not expecting a big hit, you can consider buying this game. A few hours needed to finish this adventure should be enjoyable, but the game quickly becomes repetitive.

A brave attempt at pushing the series forward. Unfortunately some minor issues take away the feeling of playing a really excellent game. On the other hand Wargame is being updated almost daily, and the results are impressive - I have no doubt that Eugen's new baby is a must have for all lovers of military and the Cold War. But remember - this is a mostly multiplayer game.

Conqiustador's main problem is its small budget. You can't shake the feeling that lots of things weren't finished properly or were simply drafted. The developer's ambition was big, the end result is not that great. There are too few adventures, a too simple character development system, too schematic battles and the game lacks the option to act for yourself (instead, you always work for someone). All of this adds up to a sandbox game with an interesting universe and original story, that is boring and limited.

GRID 2 will undoubtedly please many fans of racing games, but it hasn't got the same level of magic its predecessor had. The game has a simple, arcade driving model and really pretty graphics that should appeal to casual gamers, and a really demanding and complex multiplayer mode for hardcore fans. What is more, the engine's optimization is flawless - GRID 2 looks and runs great even on older computers.

Gunslinger is a well made game that put the series where it belongs (after a moment of weakness in the form of The Cartel) We get great, comic book-like graphics, a well told story and exciting shootings. There are two serious flaws: the dueling system is too complicated and unintuitive, and the damage system can easily become infuriating. But the good takes over the bad (and the game is far from "the ugly") and Gunslinger simply keeps you glued to the screen.

Revelation has some flaws - an imperfect controlling system, some short and too easy levels and really stupid story moments, that are typical for the Resident Evil series. Still, despite all this, the new RE is a great game. Episodic formula works great with telling a large, multithreaded story, the game has some real horror, great boss fights and a new game mode. It's definitely worth your time.

The newest expansion for Heroes VI - Shades of Darkness - is worth your attention, but it's far from perfect. The new and improved dark elves with cloaking ability are a welcome thing. Unfortunately the game lacks proper balance between power and magic and commanding Realag's army doesn't give you the feeling of controlling a great force. Still - the fans will be pleased, because Shades do not deviate from a well liked, basic gameplay of Heroes VI.

In theory Anomaly 2 is a sequel better in every way, but after a closer look you can see some flaws. The game is prettier and more spectacular that its predecessor, has a lot of interesting ideas and guarantees the same amount of fun. What it lacks, is more content - the campaign is too short, and the multiplayer mode has too few maps and variations. This is a well made evolution, and not a revolution.

Metro: Last Light isn't just another AAA shooter aimed at a typical gamer. The game's strength lies in its mature, brutal content - and I don't mean just the story (that will get its own book soon). Metro has a ton of amazing little details that make this virtual world seem very real. And what's more - the game is absolutely beautiful. Taking all this into consideration, there can be only one verdict: must buy.

A really good game and it would get the highest grade in its category, if it wasn't for some technical issues. What is more, this game isn't for everybody. It's difficult to begin, soon gets even more complicated and overwhelms with the amount of things to take care of. But all of this seemed great for me - I want a sequel that has a much bigger budget!

Monaco is a lot like Hotline Miami. The latter is a great "psychedelic killing simulator" while Monaco is probably one of the best "burglar simulators" out there. All it took was simple graphics, good ideas and excellent execution (and that meant many months of hard work). Monaco is a complicated machine that delivers chaos and fun at the player's wish. It's worth a shot!

Blood Dragon is one of the most original expansions I have ever come across. The developers have succeeded in smuggling absurd atmosphere into Far Cry 3 and create a really funny parody. Unfortunately all the main assets of Far Cry 3 have been lost in the process and the game quickly becomes monotonous. Making fun of trending themes is great up to a point, when Blood Dragon becomes boring. What we have is a really funny missed chance.

Star Trek is a game equipped with all the necessary things to make it a respected bestseller. Unfortunately all of these things are flawed (sometimes extremely). Kirk and Spock have a very difficult task ahead of them - save the universe. I know that many players won't complete this mission. Not because the game is hard, but because it looks like a little disaster.

Don't Starve isn't a game for everyone. It has a high difficulty level and focuses on survival - those things probably will discourage casual gamers. On the other hand, gamers who like challenges and Minecraft or Terraria-like gameplay should consider buying Don't Starve. A complex crafting system, random worlds and pretty, handmade graphics are the real selling points of this game. Many days of fun lie ahead - give it a shot!

The Tyranny of King Washington is an expansion not worthy of the Assassin's Creed series. The Infamy had given me some hope, that the next installment will be interesting, but in the end we have received a boring and uninspired story with a weak conclusion. You get no pleasure from a repetitive and primitive gameplay as well. It's a shame. Right now I need to rest and don't want to play Assassin's Creed IV any time soon. That is no redemption.

A prettier, more interesting and better-made almost-sequel. The developers have taken many critical opinions into consideration and the result is this: many of the flaws of the original game are now a thing of the past. I had a good time, but all in all there are too few new things and revolutionary changes to consider giving a higher grade. If this had been the game released almost 2 years ago, the overall impression would have been better.

The way you look at Injustice: Gods Among Us depends on the way you felt about the last Mortal Kombat. If you had fun, you'll like the new game. If you wanted something more serious and demanding, you'll be disappointed. But all in all NetherRealm is in shape and still is a worthy competitor in the beat'em up genre. Injustice delivers spectacular moments that should attract a new audience, and this type of games will definitely benefit from that.

Lords of Football is not a complete football manager that allows you to spend hours on tactical options or scouting for players. On the other hand, it is not a social simulation of footballers' life - you don't have much control over that aspect. The game can look like fun for a short while, but after a couple of hours it kills you with repetitiveness and boredom. A few interesting ideas aren't enough to save this game from oblivion.

Warframe isn't anything special. It's not revolutionary, exceptional or timeless. Still - every time I returned to the game, it kept playing for at least an hour (without regret). Digital Extremes has made an enjoyable, engrossing, spectacular game. Especially, when you find yourself a team or - even better - invite some friends. If you need a new opportunity to slaughter aliens, you should try Warframe.

It's difficult to grade games that are as good, as they are bad (and vice versa). You need to consider how certain good and bad parts are important to you. In that case Sang-Froid looks better, than you might think. You need to keep a blind eye for the graphics, some unfortunate mechanics and take long breaks between sessions - then the game can be pleasant. Of course it's still not a AAA game, but it should provide some satisfaction.

Cities in Motion 2 is a step forward. We have bigger, more complex cities, there are great new timetable and ticket selling systems, and we get an opportunity to build roads and modify the city's infrastructure. Sequel is better in terms of running a public transport company and even though there are some things that didn't work out and you encounter some technical issues, you can clearly see that the developers have done their best. Good job.

What we have here is a poor and stupid cousin of every tycoon ever. Camping Manager 2012 is a game aimed at very desperate manager game fans that have completed every game in the genre, and their ancient PC is to weak for Maxis' new game. Camping Manager looks like a student project that somehow escaped from the university and made its way on the market. Its place is at the bottom of the "sale!" bin in a supermarket.

Slender: The Arrival is the most intense interactive horror I've had the opportunity to play recently. It's terrifying, extremely atmospheric and difficult enough to make encounters with Slenderman and his ally really satisfying. Unfortunately - the game is really, really short and a tiny bit of randomness doesn't fix that. I think it would be wise to play the still free Slender: Eight Pages and then decide if it's worth it to pay for a better, but equally short sequel.

End Game DLC will appeal to fans of battles that feature all kinds of units, where every soldier has a role to play. Capture the Flag makes a return, and even it is sometimes frustrating, it demands the team's cooperation, rewards crazy runs and offers tons of excitement. New maps go well with old game modes, and new vehicles provide variety. All in all, End Game is a worthy closure to BF3's series of add-ons.

In case of Survival Instinct it's hard not to shout: Money grab! It's difficult to say whether the developer or the publisher is to blame. Maybe Activision wanted the game done "for yesterday" to catch the wave of tv show's popularity? In that case Terminal Reality wouldn't be able to work on their interesting ideas - there simply wasn't enough time. Right now this game is a monster not worth buying - avoid at all costs!

For me BioShock: Infinite is one of the most important games in recent history. It is the first game that bravely takes on social and religious problems and doesn't avoid the opportunity to criticize extreme views. It's a great shooter, with a glorious world, fantastic co-star (Elizabeth!), unique opponents and lots of memorable characters and events. Another masterpiece from Ken Levine.

Making games that resemble TV show episodes is not a bad idea. Unfortunately The Tyranny of King Washington is much worse than, say, The Walking Dead (considered to be one of the best episodic games ever). The new DLC - The Betrayal, much like The Infamy before it, is short, boring and gives little place for Connor to use his new skills. After the debut of the last episode, we'll know whether this mini-trilogy is salvageable or not.

Gears of War: Judgment is an attempt to freshen up the series, but without messing with core gameplay. Declassified missions are a cool little thing, but a very superficial one - it's meant to persuade you to complete the campaign one more time. And the campaign seems a little out of ideas and has a mediocre story that teases a big bang at the end, that turns out to be a small firecracker. Still - there's an additional, fun mission and an excellent multiplayer mode. Judgment is worth buying, but not necessarily right now.

Blizzard's new game has two different faces and both of them show clearly, that Heart of the Swarm is a truly great game for both fans of storylines and scripted missions, as well as for avid online players, that dream of defeating the entire Korean nation during some kind of tournament. Blizzard continues to release boxed expansions and that's a good strategy. Buying a big add-on, full of new content for the price of several DLCs is an excellent offer.

Sniper 2 is a big disappointment. It's hard to hide mixed (at best!) feelings, after all these grand and confident announcements, after the tales of a big budget and promises of a new quality based on CryEngine 3. Still - there is fun in there somewhere. You can enjoy being thrown into exotic places, completing some of the tougher challenges and taking some really spectacular shots. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 can appeal to enthusiasts of the sniper profession, but they have to accept all the flaws and the fact that last year's Sniper Elite V2 is a much better game.

A game full of possibilities and excellent ideas. Unfortunately - there are many disappointments: absurd limitations is terms of the area that can be used for a new city kills creativity, and Glassbox technology has some issues that interfere with an idyllic metropolitan life. The developers have concentrated too much on cooperation and social elements and have forgotten basic gameplay elements. You play and have a very strong feeling that the game isn't polished enough. And when you consider monstrous problems with servers and DRM, you get a game that's simply not very good.

God of War: Ascension is really good. It's a game that will keep you entertained for a dozen or so hours (or more, if you get into the decent multiplayer mode). You need to know though, that the developers have kept it safe: everything you see here has been done before, but there's less that is "epic" and there's less "grandeur" than before. Still, Ascension is very pretty and has some great camera work that shows Kratos from unusual angles. Don't waste what is probably the last chance to spend some time with your favorite warrior.

Citadel delivers. The last story-driven DLC for Mass Effect 3 allows the players to say goodbye to Shepard and his friends in a grand style. The content is light, fun and humorous, and the new main mission is great. What is more, the quests are more diverse than the ones in Omega or Leviathan. I'm a fan and I see Citadel in a very good way, but you have to remember, that it's aimed at a specific audience. People that didn't like Shepard's previous adventures have nothing to see here.

In the preview stage Revolution looked like a good, rich expansion - four new multiplayer maps, a new arena, new additions to the zombie mode and a new machine gun. Unfortunately every positive aspect has a negative counterpart. Downhill is an excellent map, but there's also a poorly made Hydro, and Mirage and Grind - while interesting - are too small to reach full potential. Zombie mode has a cool Die Rise, but on the other hand Turned is atrocious. The balance of the universe is intact, but Call of Duty fans surely wanted more. Revolution is a mediocre opener for a fully paid "season".

Rebooting Tomb Raider is the best thing that could have happened to the series. The game is full of story-wise emotions and superbly directed action scenes, and it still has a very strong human factor. I'm rarely this positive about a game. Crystal Dynamics took a risk that won't appeal to some orthodox fans, but all in all the developers have succeeded. The most important thing to know is this: the new Tomb Raider is one of the best action-adventure games I have ever played.

The Infamy is just a short introduction to The Tyranny of King Washington and as such isn't of much value. The story seems intriguing, but it's much too short. Same thing with the gameplay - new skills are interesting, but there's not enough time to use them. The Tyranny of King Washington has the potential to be a great expansion, but if you're not a fan, don't buy this first episode and wait at least for one more.

Crysis 3 shows that Crytek follows the path from Crysis 2, but tries to incorporate things from the original game. This nod to the gamers deserves some respect, because the developer could have taken the easy route and prepare a completely linear campaign. Still - the mix of open and closed gameplay isn't as good, as one might expect. Even with this grand arsenal of resources the game turned out to be less satisfying than its predecessors. It's not a step forward - it's more of a job well done by talented people, that perhaps were pressured by the market or deadlines.

I don't see much sense in buying Impire. The game is mediocre and has no redeeming qualities in its multiplayer mode (the only thing you do is bring more and more monsters to the battle). Why such a "high" grade then? Impire can be quite fun in small doses. The single player campaign is pleasant and the game looks nice (with the exception of cut-scenes), but that's pretty much it. If you need a good Dungeon Keeper-like game, you should go and play Dungeon Keeper 2.

I would have thought that this game can't be bad. A well-known and liked franchise, one of the most recognizable and respected monsters in movie history, and a good background story. Unfortunately - it was not enough. When Aliens: Colonial Marines was first revealed it looked more interesting and much prettier. Gearbox's boss apparently decided to hire mediocre workers instead of talented programmers - the payroll consists of many studios: Timegate, Nerve Software, Demiurge. Has Gearbox done anything except supervision? A game that looks like this shouldn't be allowed to appear on the market. I'm sorry, but AvP 2010 gave me more pleasure than Colonial Marines.

Dead Space 3 has a long campaign full of well known things. There are claustrophobic hallways and some bigger, more open spaces. There are some spectacular action sequences and many quiet, suspenseful moments. Pretty landscapes are mixed with ugly, repulsive necromorphs. Unfortunately DS3 isn't scary and has a really stupid story. Still the gameplay is really pleasant and new additions in the form of a smart co-op mode and the weapons creation system are a breeze of fresh air. The developers prove that they have ideas and courage to take some new roads.

Alexander Bruce - Antichamber's creator - went out of his way to give us something more than just another first-person Portal-inspired puzzle game that appeals to critics using it's alleged artistic value. Antichamber is an unusual, fresh, intriguing and great experience. A complex mind game that will find fans among art lovers and regular gamers alike. Give your brains a break from regular shooters and give them something more interesting to process. Give them Antichamber.

Despite a considerable amount of setbacks, Omerta: City of Gangsters isn't a game doomed to fail. It's obvious that Haemimont Games first and foremost makes really good economic strategy games, but perhaps someone thought that this area in Omerta won't be appealing enough to make it a key feature. The game in its economical aspect is simplified, but at the same time is light and pleasant and didn't need anything else implemented "just because". Unfortunately, all in all Omerta is an experiment that could have gone better.

Ni No Kuni is a game that conjures mixed emotions. Sometimes I got bored of chasing monsters, got tired of the fighting system that is hard to control, got irritated by some characters that like to repeat their dialogue over and over again, and I got saddened by plot twists - they were too obvious and stripped of symbolism that is present in Ghibli's movies. Despite that I wanted to play more, because almost every time something good happened at the exactly right moment, something that restored my faith in this universe. Ni No Kuni can surprise you till the end, but all in all - I wish it was something more.

The Cave isn't meant for fans of platformers or adventure games. It's a casual title "for everybody" that has some flaws. The most tiring thing is the necessity to go through multiple screens with many characters separately. What is more, many of the puzzles are based on simple lever pulling, as if there were no more interesting ideas. Fans of classic games and Ron Gilbert don't need to be persuaded. If you're not one of them and want a relaxing game for two nights, you should give it a try - it's good, but not exciting.

The trip to Badass Crater of Badassitude is an excellent endeavor for all fans of the original game, for the lovers of unique atmosphere, crazy characters, dark humor and carnage in the best possible way. The second Borderlands 2 DLC is a better one than Captain Scarlett. Both expansions are a good investment for fans of the series, but in a direct confrontation, the crazy and uncompromising Mr. Torgue wins. I want more! Let's hope the upcoming two add-ons are equally good.

The final DLC for Borderlands 2 has two faces. One is that of many new things: interesting maps, different from everything we got to know and a variety of completely new, well designed opponents. That's the "good face". The "bad face" is presented by the means of the shortest and most dull single player campaign yet. When compared to other two add-ons, Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt is the weakest one. But this doesn't change the fact, that fans should consider buying it, because it's most definitely worth the price.

Anarchy Reigns is a dream come true for some, and a mediocre game for others. At first glance, the game hides its potential well - the single player campaign is short and simple, and multiplayer is complex, demanding and hard to master. The game is uneven in the graphical department as well - maps are impressively big, there are some great monster and character designs, but terrible textures and a faulty physics and destruction system can put you off. But Anarchy Reigns is good at what it needs to be good at - being a great multiplayer beat'em up. Underneath some sloppiness there's a well designed game that is worth buying now, when people are playing it.

DmC isn't exactly what fans wanted - many changes could have been avoided, and the combat system seems too simple. The latter is most painful to all the hardcore gamers, that have perfected their fighting skills in previous games. On the other hand DmC is a really good game that keeps you glued to the screen until you see the final cut-scene. The best way is to approach it without prejudice and don't compare it to older installments. DmC isn't a fifth game in the series, it's a spin-off (much like Price of Persia from 2008) and I'd be glad to get a sequel of this particular game (it has more potential in many aspects).

Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty is a very well made DLC, but it's not for everyone. Fans of the first game, people who love the constant grind and looking for better loot, will have the most fun. If you want to complete this DLC once (and only for the story) you'll be disappointed. The plot is really cliché and without anything special, and fighting the same opponents between episodes can be a bore. What is more, the notice board has some really dull side quests. All in all - even though guys from Triptych Games missed the goal here and there - this DLC is a must buy for every Borderlands fan.

The Scorchers DLC is a cool proposition for fans of Rage. This unexpected release from Bethesda would have been even more surprising and impressive, if it had more content. Fortunately, this DLC is cheap and offers new missions, places, a great new weapons and some minor tweaks. Some other publishers would want to sell such a product in parts and for more money. You should also remember that playing Rage on a PC now is a completely new experience. No more freezing, crashes or textures popping-up in front of you - you should give it another try, and this DLC is a great excuse to do so.

There were many very good, or even outstanding games in the fall of 2012, but this little adventure game is something I will remember as the best, the most powerful product. No game (perhaps ever) has made such an impression on me. After finishing the story I sat motionless for a few minutes - the ending is superb! The Walking Dead is something truly exceptional and my personal game of the year. It's worth every penny.

Guardians of Middle-Earth has many flaws. It's not pretty, spells are too bright and chaotic (you can't see what's going on), and there are some technical issues - lags are permanent, as well as random disconnections (and you can't return to a game you just involuntarily left) and sometimes you have to wait up to 10 minutes for other players. Plus the AI is stupid. So why such a high grade? The game has no competition on the consoles and gives tons of joy. The gameplay is very pleasant regardless of the player being hardcore or casual.

Aftermath is so much more than a mediocre new gameplay mode. Every one of the four new locations is of high quality - there's something for the lovers of infantry battles, as well a map that should please fans of Teheran Highway. All in all - Aftermath is a very good add-on, that expands on the ideas from the basic game and is worth recommending to supporters of middle-sized maps.

Primordia is a nice little s-f game. It's ugly, classic and short, but at the same time intriguing, well thought-out and quite literary. A game that tries to tell something about important things, but does so without being pompous. It's a modest game that has a huge spirit. An adventure game without impressive graphics has to rely on content, smart script, atmosphere and style. Primordia does well in almost all of these things, but definitely is not a breakthrough game.

Dragonborn is a terrific DLC - perhaps even a better one that Bloodmoon, that it tries to recall. The game now features lots of novelties that - in connection with interesting quests, a big island to explore and dungeons to loot - create an impressive main course. The full potential has not been reached (riding dragons can be uncomfortable and the ending is kind of weak) but when compared to many contemporary expansions, Dragonborn is an excellent DLC and a must have for the fans of the series.