Monster Train was already brilliant, but this sequel streamlines the experience while making it fairer and more challenging. I thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of options and the constant sense of progression as you unlock new content. Every run can play out completely differently thanks to the many variables, and there’s plenty to dive into with challenge runs and other optional modes. Factions have strong synergies, and there are countless paths to success. The new art style and soundtrack are impressive, but the true star is the gameplay – a must-try for any fan of tactical games, deckbuilders, and roguelikes.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time feels like it was made by fans of the original with the mindset: let’s fix everything that could be improved and make what was already good even more fun. And in my opinion, Level-5 has absolutely succeeded. The game is accessible yet impressively deep. Each of the fourteen different Lives has something unique to offer, and the game is packed with fun activities, quests, and secrets to discover. Longtime fans already know that Level-5 has delivered plenty of great RPGs in the past, but I didn’t expect the leap in quality over the original to be this significant. Then again, these are the kinds of surprises we gamers live for.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a bold and surprisingly successful evolution of the Elden Ring we know. With this co-op spin-off, FromSoftware proves that the world of Elden Ring also thrives in a more social setting, without compromising on challenge or atmosphere. In fact, the presentation during certain boss fights might even surpass the original, precisely because so much attention has been paid to it. The addition of teamplay, roguelite elements, and nostalgic bosses from earlier titles results in a game that feels both familiar and refreshing.

F1 25 offers a very complete package this year. The new features are all focused on the sport itself, and Braking Point is once again exceptionally entertaining. Codemasters hasn’t changed a great deal compared to last season, but every tweak hits the mark. It’s a shame that PSVR2 owners are still being left out. With the major 2026 changes on the horizon, F1 25 is an excellent way to say goodbye to the current generation of cars.

Despite minor frustrations, *Roadcraft* manages to deliver an engaging and unique experience. By focusing more on restoring infrastructure than driving in the absence of it, there's less immediate challenge compared to its predecessors. After all, it’s less about carefully steering a massive truck up a narrow mountain trail, and more about making that mountain accessible through thoughtful planning. It’s surprisingly fun and varied work—but you do need to have patience for it.

DOOM: The Dark Ages has turned out to be an excellent shooter, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of DOOM: Eternal. What remains is a stellar shooter campaign that feels more like the original DOOM games, crafted by the masters of the genre. And that’s more than enough to keep me satisfied until the next installment.

Sunderfolk is a unique RPG, and not just because of how you control it. Choosing and placing attacks via your phone makes everything feel more tangible than with a controller, and it also provides more information between turns. It's built for multiplayer, so make sure to play with one or more friends to get the most out of it. The systems run deep, from building your deck and picking the best card, to making sure the Fate cards deliver the best buffs and the least harmful debuffs. Missions vary, and above all, the game looks charming and delightful, backed by a great soundtrack and, most importantly, brilliant voice acting that truly captures the feel of a Dungeons & Dragons session.

Dozens of hours later, I have to conclude that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster is—and remains—a fantastic game. The frustration from crashes or poor performance quickly gives way to nostalgic enjoyment. That feeling of wanting to complete just one more quest or self-imposed task still holds strong after all these years. Oblivion might not be the best game of 2025, but it will probably be the one I spend the most time with this year.

South of Midnight is in many ways a small masterpiece—at least visually. The unique art style is truly stunning and could easily win awards for its art direction. Compulsion Games brings to life a world rarely seen in games, full of atmosphere and folklore. Unfortunately, the game falls short in terms of gameplay. The combat is too basic and repetitive, the level structure is predictable, and traversal lacks challenge. It’s never truly bad, but rarely engaging. If you have Game Pass, it’s definitely worth checking out to experience its unique vibe. But if you decide to skip it, you’re not missing all that much either. Hopefully, Compulsion will deliver a sequel in the future that pairs its visual magic with gameplay that matches that same level.

Although Dragonwilds isn’t a major innovator in the genre just yet, it has enough charm and potential to keep an eye on. It’s an interesting spin-off that doesn’t betray the RuneScape DNA, but rather places it in a new context. If this is the first step in a new direction for Jagex, it’s certainly a bold one. The game is still in Early Access, so the potential to develop it into something unique is definitely there. [Early Access Score = 65]

Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy offers a nostalgic and immersive experience. Despite some technical shortcomings and a lack of significant innovation, the game remains a visual and narrative gem. It's highly recommended for new players and fans of narrative-driven puzzle games. However, seasoned players familiar with the original might expect a bit more innovation.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fantastic game that everyone should play. The combat is a unique combination of turn-based and real-time, while the game completely captivates you with an immersive story and interesting characters. The focus on exploration is special, but occasionally ensures that you as a player can get lost. Still, this is only a small downside in an otherwise excellent game. For me, it is the best game I have played this year so far and there is a good chance that this will not change in the coming months.

With how skeptical and disappointed I was at the announcement, I never expected to be so impressed by Arkham Shadow. It flawlessly translates the atmosphere and gameplay of the ‘flat screen’ games to the standalone VR headset. If you own a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, this is truly a must-play.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars finally gives players access to two of the most beloved RPGs of all time once again. It’s definitely a shame that more hasn’t been done to enhance both titles, but there’s a reason why fans still regularly revisit the original games. Both games continue to impress, and every JRPG fan should have played them at least once. Fortunately, that’s now easier than ever. I can only hope that the renewed attention for the series will finally lead to a new game (and no, a mobile gacha title doesn’t count).

Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a beautifully crafted world that is definitely worth exploring. The various activities you encounter in the world are enjoyable but could offer more variety. The story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows revolves largely around revenge and doesn’t have much depth, and in the case of Naoe, her adventure even feels incomplete by the time the credits roll. Fortunately, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has a lot to offer. A massive number of missions, plenty of despicable people to take down, and, of course, the stunning setting more than make up for its weaker aspects. However, this Assassin’s Creed is anything but groundbreaking.

As a 'cozy game,' Wanderstop has little to offer: it's simple, shallow, and gives you little to work toward. But that’s exactly the point. Wanderstop forces both you and the burnout-recovering Alta to slow down and reflect on yourself and the life you lead. That may not sound very cozy and might even seem depressing. Yet, well-written characters and Wreden’s signature humor add a cheerful touch.

Split Fiction is a really cool co-op experience, but where I could recommend It Takes Two without hesitation, the latest game from Hazelight Studios comes with some reservations. The concept of two completely different worlds is brilliant, and the game bombards you with gameplay ideas that follow each other in quick succession. However, when you add it all up, the whole experience quickly becomes chaotic.

The foundation of Monster Hunter Wilds is rock solid. The game is smoother and more streamlined than ever. It’s also more beautiful and spectacular than any of its predecessors. On top of that, it’s incredibly accessible for new players. However, at least in its current state, it offers little resistance, meaning you’ll breeze through it – especially as a Monster Hunter veteran.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn’t as creative as its subtitle suggests. Nearly all environments and activities feel familiar. This is often the case with Yakuza games—especially now that it’s become an annual franchise. Other entries in the series at least make up for it with a compelling plot, but Pirate Yakuza stumbles in that regard. The only things it can rely on are the usual Yakuza systems, the pirate setting, and the main character. Admittedly, all of those elements are fantastic. I sincerely hope that Majima gets another chance to set sail in a better-written adventure.

Don’t Nod has once again managed to deliver a captivating story, subtly and realistically portraying the struggles and highlights of teenage life. The switch between the two timelines adds dynamic gameplay, where your choices truly impact both the present and the past. While there are occasional awkward moments in the game, the atmosphere and experiences create a beautiful game that truly tugs at your emotions. I’m curious to see what the second part has in store for us and whether it can surpass the first.

Obsidian Entertainment has once again crafted a stunning RPG with Avowed, featuring a dynamic world that feels incredibly alive and combat that flows smoothly. Meaningful decisions are at the heart of the game, with everything reacting to your choices – whether it’s NPCs or the way the world evolves. Every aspect of the game feels carefully thought out. While the story wasn’t always equally compelling, it remained engaging enough thanks to exciting twists and tough moral choices. As a result, Avowed is a fantastic example of how a great modern open-world RPG should be designed.

Fans of the original will get more of what they know, but newcomers can also pick up Kingdom Come: Deliverance II effortlessly. It’s a wonderfully realistic RPG where countless systems seamlessly intertwine within a beautifully designed open world.

Civilization 7 is a true innovation for the 4X genre. And while many of the improvements and additions aren’t new—such as changing cultures per Age—Firaxis has perfected them. Thanks to the shorter gameplay loop and quest-based progression, the notorious late-game slog is a thing of the past. Military units have been streamlined, and city-building offers more freedom, with complex systems from previous entries wisely simplified. The biggest drawback, however, lies in the presentation: in many aspects, it falls short—so much so that it detracts from the overall experience, which is a real shame.

The fact that the bosses in Eternal Strands already feel like a chore to get through says it all. The game has grand ideas and even grander sources of inspiration. For a team of around 70 people, it’s quite impressive what they’ve accomplished. But when you choose to take cues from Monster Hunter, Shadow of the Colossus, and Breath of the Wild, you inevitably invite the associated expectations. Those games then become not just your inspirations but also your competition. And Eternal Strands doesn’t come close to these games.

Nintendo has finally brought a graphically enhanced version of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from the Wii and 3DS consoles to the Switch. The game remains of high quality even today, and the levels are still just as entertaining. This is indeed the best version of the game currently available to play. It's just unfortunate that the game is being sold at the same price as a new Nintendo game, while, apart from the graphical enhancements, it's essentially the same game that appeared on the 3DS more than ten years ago. Additionally, Tropical Freeze remains the superior Donkey Kong game available on the Switch. However, if you've never played Donkey Kong Country Returns or even tried the version on the 3DS, it can certainly be worth it.

Purists may feel let down by Dynasty Warriors Origins. Admittedly, the focus on a single character, the limited number of weapon types, and the lack of multiplayer are significant drawbacks. However, the final result more than justifies these sacrifices. With Origins, the series is finally taking steps back in the right direction (and into modernity). It boasts the most competently told story in the franchise, significantly improved gameplay, and an unprecedented sense of scale. If this is the new direction for the series as a whole, it could easily thrive for another 25 years.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does full justice to the franchise. The game is truly packed to the brim with humor, mysteries to solve, fistfights fitting for the series, and fantastic locations to explore while unraveling the mystery of the Great Circle. For me, 2024 started with a bang with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft, Bethesda, and MachineGames are closing the year with another great game.

For a 1.0 release, Ravenswatch has just barely gotten the basics right. Fortunately, those basics are incredibly solid. The gameplay is unique for a roguelike, successfully capturing the feel of a full playthrough of an ARPG like Diablo in runs lasting just under an hour. Each of the nine playable characters features a completely different playstyle, and all of them are immensely satisfying to play. The limited number of levels and the lack of variety within them are disappointing. However, the core gameplay is so strong that it keeps you coming back—especially when playing with a group of friends.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a remarkable game, even though it has its flaws. The game is challenging and stays true to the core of the series, including its gritty survival mechanics. Despite some rough edges and technical issues, it offers an immersive experience, with a vast amount of content and an impressive open world.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D is a masterclass in how to give an old game a modern update. The stunning graphics, combined with the captivating music, create an impressive audiovisual experience. But it's mainly the gameplay improvements, the new story segments with Ortega, and the delightful feeling of exploring the world that make Dragon Quest III HD-2D capable of providing you with many dozens of hours of gameplay enjoyment. Bring on the remakes of parts one and two.

With Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Deck Nine delivers a worthy successor to Max Caulfield's story. Despite the absence of a recap and the sometimes directive nature, the story manages to captivate and surprise. This is largely thanks to the strong acting, emotional music, and cinematic scenes.

Mario & Luigi Brothership feels like the series never left. AlphaDream may no longer be at the helm, but Acquire respectfully takes up the mantle. The lighthearted humor, interesting characters, world-building, and recognizable gameplay all feel as familiar as ever. Yet, despite the enjoyment I had throughout the lengthy storyline, the poor performance leaves a bitter aftertaste that will stay with me.

With high hopes, I embarked on Haroona’s adventure, longing for a nostalgic single-player experience like the ones we used to have. However, in my experience, that "back in the day" feeling felt more like a memory. In many ways, the game has that distinct last-gen bargain-bin vibe. The influences of titles like Uncharted and Tomb Raider are unmistakable, but the repetitive combat and uninspired platforming leave much to be desired. The game is somewhat saved by its set pieces, story, and the strong performance of Anya Chalotra.

With Sonic X Shadow Generations, Shadow brings his own set of levels that can easily match the quality of Sonic's. Thanks to Shadow's many interesting superpowers, some of these levels even manage to surpass that level of quality. However, it also exposes a bigger problem within the franchise. Even the best-designed levels in the series don’t always shine due to inherently imprecise controls and mediocre camera work. As such, Sonic X Shadow Generations is an excellent celebration of everything Sonic has achieved over the years—but it also highlights what needs improvement in the future.

Super Mario Party Jamboree combines nostalgia and innovation with five new boards, 110 minigames, and a competitive ruleset that rewards skill over luck. While the partner system can add extra strategy, you are quite dependent on where this partner is placed on the board. The CPU doesn't always behave optimally and sometimes makes frustrating choices. The additional modes feel a bit unnecessary, with the unbeatable Party mode standing out as the clear favorite. Despite the lack of major innovations, the game remains perfect for fun evenings with friends and offers enough enjoyment to justify the purchase.

All in all, Metaphor is a different game than I expected. In a way, that's a shame: I was quite curious about what the Persona developers could achieve with an entirely new set of systems. Still, it's certainly not a bad thing. Metaphor does everything Persona did, and in many areas just that little bit better. The visual style is stunning, the battles and everything around them are more streamlined, and although it takes place in a fantasy world, it has just as much to say about our reality as its socially engaged predecessors – for games, at least. I'm very much looking forward to Persona 6, but perhaps I'm even more excited about the future of Metaphor.

Where Link’s Awakening already looked fantastic and sounded even better, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has all of that, but with a unique gameplay concept on top. The ability to learn and copy objects and enemies adds so much more depth than you might expect at first glance. It seems like multiple solutions are possible for everything, and you might have a completely different approach to most of the game than I do. Selecting the Echoes is somewhat awkward, and this user interface is the biggest criticism I have of the game. By limiting direct combat, you’re forced to think differently, and in most cases, this works out well, though it can be frustrating at times. Beyond that, you’ll find a wonderfully traditional Zelda adventure full of secrets, great dungeons, and boss fights, but filled with small environment-based puzzles and challenges.

EA Sports FC 25 is an excellent improvement over its predecessor in many areas. Rush mode – especially when played with friends – is brilliant at times and brings back the fun of EA’s football game. However, the game has too many issues to truly impress us. The gameplay and FC IQ are well-designed, but the servers are often so poor that everything feels sluggish. Both the menus and the online gameplay feel very slow, although that still doesn't stop us from enjoying FC 25 quite a bit.

Frostpunk 2 offers a great survival builder experience in terms of gameplay, but falls short in other areas due to limited content, unfinished aspects, and a lack of a compelling story.

A somewhat inconsistent difficulty level and checkpoint system fortunately do little to detract from this excellent platforming experience. Astro Bot has all the potential to become PlayStation's permanent mascot, precisely because he embodies everything that makes PlayStation what it is. I sincerely hope he gets that chance, because if this game proves anything, it's that even a longer Astro Bot game isn't long enough. This leaves you wanting more once again.

The only times I wanted to put down—or throw—the controller were during the cutscenes with the almost offensively poorly written plot developments. I always thought the Mana games could do just fine without a story. I used to think it was nice to have one, but certainly not essential. Now I can honestly say I'd prefer a Mana game without a story if the alternative is a plot like this. Visions of Mana is so charming, plays so well, and is so addictive that even a terribly bad plot can't completely ruin it—though it certainly tries its best.

Star Wars Outlaws can never be called a bad game at any point. However, apart from the presentation, the game doesn’t truly excel in any area. A tremendous amount of love has been put into the worlds and characters, but the overall gameplay simply falls short. Nevertheless, I hope we see more of Kay Vess in the future.

Black Myth: Wukong is a visual masterpiece that brings the rich Chinese culture and mythology to life in an impressive way. The combat is satisfying, and the variety in environments and bosses keeps the experience fresh. Despite some frustrations with invisible walls, occasionally inconsistent difficulty, and performance issues, Black Myth: Wukong offers a unique and immersive experience. For those who crave a deep cultural immersion and challenging action, Black Myth: Wukong is definitely worth it.

Elden Ring was already one of the best games of all time, and Shadow of the Erdtree takes it even further, with a complex but captivating world that constantly challenges you with its secrets, tough bosses, and beautiful vistas. After over 40 hours of gameplay, I've seen all the areas and defeated all the bosses, but I'm far from done with this perfect expansion to an already perfect game.

After more than thirty hours with the Switch remake, I joined the group of people who have been saying for years that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the best Mario RPG. It lacks some quality of life aspects that I would have liked to see in a modern release, but this is just a small blemish on an otherwise great game. The memorable characters and moments in the story, combined with the large dose of dry humor, made the time fly by.

All in all, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is one of the most unique experiences I have encountered in a game in recent years. The way the psychoses that Senua undergoes are depicted in the game is an excellent way to help people understand these mental issues. Additionally, Hellblade II is also a fantastic game to play, though I would recommend playing in shorter sessions due to the challenging subject matter. The story is beautiful and is enhanced by a stunning landscape featuring impressive puzzles.

Stellar Blade is a great game that entertained me for a good twenty hours. Unfortunately, there are some minor issues. More could have been made of the open world areas, and the acting could have been a bit more convincing. However, these concerns disappear completely when I step back into a fight because the combat is just really enjoyable. It really gives a sense of satisfaction when I parry correctly and can retaliate with an even harder hit. The boss fights were also in a class of their own for me.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a game full of good ideas that rarely come into their own. The emotional story about dealing with loss is compelling in itself, but its execution is more at odds with the game than it contributes to it. At the same time, the game, with its poorly executed Metroidvania elements and bugs, also gets in its own way.

Pepper Grinder is a short but charming platformer. The unique way of movement is well executed and thus extremely satisfying. Additionally, the game offers sufficient challenges with boss fights, later levels, and time attacks.

South Park: Snow Day is just not well put together. Clunky controls, the same under-snowed design and disappointingly little story and dialogue make you want to skip this game.

Princess Peach: Showtime! does enough to create a fun, unique experience, even if it remains fairly simple. It's a shame the Switch has a hard time running the game.

Rise of the Ronin has the same tight combat that we have come to expect from Team Ninja. Unfortunately, the action takes place in an empty, sterile open world that even an incredibly fascinating setting cannot breathe life into.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is, in one word: unique. Bold choices offer both pleasure and frustration, which are balanced by excellent combat.

Alone in the Dark offers a good mix of puzzles, exploration and moments of good tension, but it doesn't really surprise or innovate.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a lot less daring than you might expect after Remake. Fortunately, even a safe sequel means more of this fantastic world and near-perfect combat system.

Arrowhead Game Studios has really managed to deliver a great fun game with Helldivers 2.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a strong remake of the game originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. With two brand new worlds and a wide variety of mechanics, the levels continue to feel unique and the game is a pleasure to play.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden isn’t perfect, but it is a very intriguing action RPG with a moral dilemma that kept me at the edge of my seat. It tells a beautiful story about love, loss, acceptance and fear. I loved doing research on the villagers to find out the truth, walking through the beautifully crafted world and the combat kept me interested for a long time. The ending even made me want to start another playthrough, right after I finished.

Persona 3 Reload has everything you want from a modern remake. New content, better voice acting, new events, a big graphics and music update, and more. A perfect mix of style and substance make sure Persona 3 Reload never gets boring for new and recurring players.

Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League has become a game that fortunately gets better along the way. There are definitely positive aspects such as the good animations, fun dialogues and colorful world. It is just a pity that the game does not offer much variety in terms of gameplay. In addition, it is obvious that the game is constantly working towards the endgame content and that the drudgery due to monotonous missions can hit hard. Unfortunately, it did not become the top title I had hoped for, but with three friends, the game could be enjoyable in short sessions.

Infinite Wealth has made me feel like I've been on a warm, colorful and wacky but fantastic vacation during this cold winter time. The gameplay may be more of the same if you look at Like A Dragon, but the game is very well put together and there is so much to do that you can easily spend hours distracted from the main story with mini-games and fun activities. Fortunately, the story of Infinite Wealth is also strongly crafted and the game managed to keep me constantly entertained. The amount of content can give you dozens if not hundreds of hours of gameplay, and people who really want to complete everything will be able to top that number with ease. Infinite Wealth is simply the best Like A Dragon/Yakuza game I have played so far.

Tekken 8 is an improvement over Tekken 7 in many ways. Although the main story is not very long, it is told and portrayed much better than in the previous installment. The game is a feast for the eyes thanks to Unreal Engine 5. Tekken 8 also plays very smoothly and both a beginner and a veteran will have a great time due to the large amount of content. Everyone can improve and learn thanks to the Special Style and the Heat System provide new dynamics and ways to play Tekken 8.

The Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice Trilogy merges three good games with a unique slant, colorful characters and interesting stories. The set features quality of life improvements such as autoplay, being able to choose any section of each chapter and has a well-stocked museum section full of artwork and music. The three titles look good, sound even better and managed to keep me enthralled, albeit with a bit too much filler in the middle. Sifting through the testimonies and demonstrating contradictions remains cool and makes you feel insanely clever at times - even when the gameplay is minimalistic.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a very big step in the right direction for the franchise that has been around for years. It was a great idea to go back to the roots of the series and make it a 2D platformer in the style of a metroidvania. With this game, the creators managed to strike a perfect balance of impressive boss fights, well thought out puzzles and challenging courses. Thus, the gameplay is never boring or monotonous for a moment. Especially with protagonist Sargon constantly gaining new time powers, there are always new ways to take on bosses or solve puzzles. As a player, I continued to marvel at this. It's just a shame that the story really got going late. There was so much potential in the characters and the story told with them. Also graphically, the game is disappointing compared to other parts in the Prince of Persia series. But nevertheless, The Lost Crown is a great metroidvania. I hope Ubisoft continues the franchise this way and we will see Sargon again.