Invincible VS is a visceral, mechanically intriguing 3v3 tag fighter that rewards creative problem-solving over rote memorization. While it lacks the ultimate strategic depth and frame-data nuance of the genre's titans, its sandbox approach, satisfying hit feedback, and rock-solid rollback netcode make it a standout entry and a genuine recommendation for both fans and FGC enthusiasts willing to experiment.

Saros is a fiercely focused hybrid of bullet-hell, roguelite, platformer, and horror sci-fi whose demanding but fair combat and aggressive risk-reward loop easily outweigh its flat supporting cast and static hub.

While the great cartoon aesthetics are the obvious shining star, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is also a great first person shooter with impeccable level design. While the combat is solid and shows some good ideas, most fights are brought down by poor weapon balancing.

Replaced is much more than it initially appears to be: namely, a pixel-art spectacle with an incomparably rich atmosphere. It quickly becomes clear that the passionately told story and the varied gameplay contribute just as much to the overall experience as the stunning graphics. Yes, not every one of these elements is perfect, and every now and then there’s a bit too much text and repetitive gameplay. Nevertheless, Replaced is already one of the indie highlights of the year.

Capcom once again proving why they are the masters of the action genre. Pragmata enhances great fundamentals with fresh ideas and even manages to create a heartwarming friendship between its heroes.

Super Meat Boy 3D is a faithful translation of the indie classic into the third dimension while infusion it with great ideas from other platformers

Darwin's Paradox is a wacky platformer-stealth adventure packed with details and featuring a protagonist whose eight arms you just can't help but love.

Screamer is a mechanically brilliant arcade racer that successfully blends 90s nostalgia with a deep, technical twin-stick control scheme and a striking 80s anime aesthetic. While the ambitious 70-chapter story campaign suffers from uneven pacing and melodramatic writing, the actual racing feels incredibly visceral and rewarding, delivering one of the most intense and addictive driving experiences in recent years.

As a fan of the first two games, Monster Hunter Stories 3 immediately grabbed me. This isn't just a small, "nice to have" spin-off, but a lavish and richly complex RPG that doesn't need to hide behind the beloved main series. On the contrary: Twisted Reflection once again successfully translates the strengths of Monster Hunter into the turn-based RPG genre, surpassing its predecessors in both presentation and game design. The latter, however, requires a willingness to persevere through an overloaded tutorial and a whole host of question marks until everything clicks and the pieces fall into place. Then there's not much standing in the way of a great RPG experience.

If you're looking for a cleverly balanced puzzle platformer with a great atmosphere and memorable characters, Planet of Lana II is the perfect choice. The rather subtle depiction of violence also makes the game interesting for families. However, Planet of Lana II doesn't offer any real challenges for hardcore puzzlers.

Esoteric Ebb is a charming and clever role-playing game that combines D&D virtues with a strong focus on story and contemporary themes. Even though the graphics and fantasy setting speak a different language, it almost feels like Disco Elysium 2.

Resident Evil Requiem delivers one of the series’ best survival‑horror campaigns with Grace Ashcroft and a brutal, visually impressive action romp with Leon in ruined Raccoon City. However, its generous resources economy, the action-focus in the second half and split identity keep this ambitious anniversary entry just shy of true masterpiece status.

In the roughly 60 hours I spent with Nioh 3, I often only reluctantly put the controller down for breaks. The enhanced gameplay structure and clever, new elements reliably prevent you from getting frustrated and losing your temper on a boss, without sacrificing the series' signature edge. Nioh 3's more open approach reliably motivates you to keep at it and consistently creates an exemplary, captivating flow. If you've only ever tentatively eyed the Nioh games from afar, this latest installment offers the best opportunity yet to jump into the series.

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is a much tighter experience compared to the original, even though it over-corrects in some places.

It's a little strange: although I have very little connection to real climbing, Cairn immediately captivated me. Over time, I have developed something like “para-expertise,” which would be of limited use in real climbing, but opens up undreamt-of possibilities in Cairn. “What, we're supposed to climb this smooth, hundred-meter-high rock face?” you ask yourself at first – only to later scan the rock with an expert eye and figure out a possible route. The game may become a bit too challenging in places from the medium difficulty level onwards – but if you have patience and frustration tolerance, you will be rewarded all the more by your sense of achievement. Even for those unfamiliar with mountaineering, Cairn offers an unforgettable adventure that combines flow and natural beauty with well-paced drama. The mountain is calling, definitely.

A strong Metroidvania in both audiovisual and gameplay aspects, featuring appealing level design, a dense atmosphere, convincing scope, a tactically interesting upgrade system, nerve-wracking boss battles, and clever features to balance the challenging difficulty level.

All in all, Thief VR is a game that emphasizes curiosity and experimentation. Some characters remain relatively bland in terms of narrative, but Thief VR thrives in other directions. The replay value is high, and it's incredibly tempting to try a mission again with a completely different playing style. Certain gameplay elements (lockpicking, hoarding treasures, knocking out guards, etc.) become a bit monotonous over time. But the limitation to a fixed set of tools ensures that you become increasingly skilled at using precisely these tools – instead of being overwhelmed and distracted by ever new possibilities.

Routine is an acoustic and atmospheric masterpiece that excels in environmental storytelling and psychological horror through liminal spaces. However, its narrow appeal, demanding navigation without maps, and reliance on specific phobias make it a polarizing experience. Essential for horror enthusiasts with patience; potentially frustrating for others seeking traditional gameplay mechanics.

Nothing new, but the familiar gameplay in near-perfect quality: With Anno 117, Ubisoft is playing it safe—and delivering high quality.

Like its predecessor, Age of Imprisonment serves up highly enjoyable power-fantasy action against a competently translated “Zelda“-backdrop. While the title avoids major innovations (too much so), it tweaks the right elements and improves greatly on the performance and visuals. If you only bring a love for the underlying franchise, the repetitive gameplay might tire you rather quickly. However, for genre enthusiasts, and especially fans of the first game, this title is a no-brainer.

A sci-fi role-playing game designed with a lot of passion, featuring a great narrative universe, flamboyant characters, many solutions for individual missions and a consistently successful presentation.

Tormented Souls 2 is a love letter to the heyday of classic survival horror. It's not a game that attempts to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it takes a tried-and-true formula, understands its strengths down to the smallest detail, and refines them with the precision of a craftsman. The result is an experience that feels both nostalgic and modern. And it fits well with the current renaissance of horror games that are springing up in all shapes and sizes. My recommendation is therefore clear and specific: If you're looking for a modern action-horror game with fluid controls and cinematic staging, you might not be happy here. But if you miss the days of color ribbons, fixed camera angles, and slow, methodical exploration, Tormented Souls 2 is a definite recommendation. Dual Effect has not only created a worthy successor but also set a high standard for the neo-retro horror genre.

Keeper is a unique puzzle adventure that combines atmospheric exploration with clever puzzles and a touching story without the need for words. At its core is the unique journey of two unlikely friends, which warms my heart with its powerful emotions.

Battlefield is back! With an exciting scenario, excellent multiplayer and an entertaining campaign, Battlefield 6 impresses across the board in our preliminary test. Minor weaknesses and shortcomings do little to detract from the overall experience. Now all that's left is for the servers to hold up and for EA/DICE to continuously maintain and balance the game with an ear to the community. Then nothing will stand in the way of an excellent multiplayer title that even Call of Duty has to fear.

Digimon Story Time Stranger certainly doesn't push the boundaries of the genre, but it captivates as a competently executed JRPG until the credits roll – especially with its exemplary complex focus on collecting and training the titular monsters. If you also have a connection to the original, Time Stranger is sure to make you more than happy, as Media.Vision and Bandai Namco deliver what is probably the most well-rounded game of the franchise to date.

Ghost of Yōtei is a masterful lesson in refining an established formula, demonstrating how a new theme can lead to a cascade of improvements that elevate an already beloved concept to new heights. Sucker Punch has not only retained the best elements of Tsushima, but has also boldly broken new ground, taking the experience to a new level. The central conflict shifts from Jin Sakai's internal struggle for honour and cunning to Atsus' personal quest for revenge and her potential healing. I felt that this thematic shift is the driving force behind all of the game's profound mechanical innovations. The Western theme runs like a thread through every aspect of the gameplay, from the bounty hunter system to the non-linear narrative. It kept me hooked until the very end. Truly a revenge story with enormous gravitational pull.

Silent Hill f is a very special game. Rarely have I seen a video game narrative told this well while taking advantage of the medium's unique strengths. Even after several playthroughs, my perspective on the story keeps changing through uncovering new aspects of its mystery.

Dying Light: The Beast is an action-packed open-world game with powerful and brutal combat and a high paced parkour system allowing me to glide elegantly across rooftops. Even though quests and storylines quickly become routine, the smooth gameplay keeps me hooked with constant new challenges and noticeable improvements.