The Spell Brigade is a solid bullet hell, built on a classic foundation, enhanced with a few original mechanics that bring a welcome twist to the genre. Cooperative play is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths, offering an unusual yet successful take on the bullet hell experience in multiplayer.

Kiln is an original concept, simple and effective, that hits the target, though its few weaknesses add some shadows when it comes to the final conclusion. It feels fresh and fun, but lacks the depth needed to sustain interest over time.

Invincible VS is a competent tag fighter with interesting systems that deepens the basics of the genre, but its approach to content in a modern fighting game is perhaps a bit to old school.

Cozy, somber and cerebral, a respectful mini-adventure from the tremendous Norwegian series.

A solid first half carried by convincing performances, appealing environments and an excellent soundtrack won't save Aphelion from its unsatisfying resolutions and simplistic gameplay for everyone.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire might not be the most subtle detective in the game, but he certainly has style, and sometimes that’s all it takes to make a difference.

A fascinating yet frustrating experience, driven by outstanding art direction and solid gameplay, but held back by its lack of challenge and distant storytelling early on.

Drop Duchy isn’t a flashy game, but it’s devilishly clever. It’s a title built on a strong concept, executed to perfection, that manages to captivate players with its rich systems, all while drawing on classic mechanics—some of which even trace their roots back to the very history of video games. Addictive without being flashy, challenging without being frustrating, it stands out as an excellent surprise for puzzle and strategy enthusiasts—now available to everyone.

Tides of Tomorrow delivers an innovative concept, breaking away from the usual conventions with its asynchronous gameplay mechanic, which works remarkably well. Another striking and cohesive experience added to DigixArt’s catalog.

The storytelling is the standout feature of this melancholic adventure game, which is sure to utterly destroy you emotionally.

At times innovative and, above all, immersive, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss offers a solid experience for a mystery game, but it sorely lacks the horror element that’s supposed to send shivers down your spine.

Last Flag is built on a simple and effective concept, getting straight to the point: immediate fun, without any detours. While the first moments in-game feel magical, Last Flag will still need strong assets to keep its player base hooked, which will require additions to be implemented quickly and on a regular basis.

A captivating universe and lore for those willing to read its codex and accept an imperfect gameplay.

An original and engaging gameplay concept built around a strong dual-character idea, but quickly dragged down by repetition, lack of challenge, and a weak narrative that prevents Pragmata from truly taking off.

The franchise's return to the 3D platformer genre is marred by perspective issues and technical shortcomings.

Darwin's Paradox is a delightful surprise. Original, clever, and polished, it confidently carves out a niche in the competitive platformer genre by offering a physics-based approach and making perfect use of its main character, a cephalopod with endless possibilities. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it stands out as a memorable experience, driven by a strong identity and fun, inspired gameplay, despite a few tedious back-and-forths and an ending that falls short of the rest of the adventure. We can’t wait for the sequel—whether it’s in the form of DLC or a bigger, more expansive adventure.

An expansion in the continuity of The War Within, offering dense, well-crafted content along with several major additions, including a new race, and above all: housing.

Memorable for its excellent game feel and striking artistic direction, Marathon is a punitive, extreme and exponentially addictive extraction shooter.

Screamer is as captivating as it is frustrating. Driven by a stunning art direction and thrilling gameplay, it truly shines when it lets players express their skills freely. However, questionable balancing choices too often hold it back, preventing it from reaching the heights it clearly aims for.

Although there are still a few areas that could use some tweaking —particularly in terms of ergonomics— Crimson Desert manages to live up to the hype. It’s not perfect, but the authenticity of its world, the richness of its content, and its engaging gameplay make it a standout title for the start of 2026. Pearl Abyss has a diamond that’s still a bit rough around the edges, but with a little polish, it’ll be nothing short of divine.

Going Medieval is already incredibly addictive in its own right, and you’ll always be left wanting more – something that’s sure to continue in the years to come. It’s a strong contender alongside established titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld, offering a less punishing, visually appealing experience that’s quite varied and brimming with architectural possibilities.

Replaying Fighting Force today feels like stumbling upon an old childhood toy. You can clearly see it’s a little broken, a little cheap… but it’s still oddly endearing.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a simple but effective cooperative experience, brilliantly combining action, tactics, progression, and fun. It’s a solid choice for groups of friends looking to refresh their catalog for a few explosive evenings.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, the original, is a classic any survival horror fan would recommend, but it’s also a game that has aged quite a lot. This remake does an impressive job of refreshing its presentation and delivers an unmatched atmosphere that will delight fans of classic Japanese horror cinema. The gameplay, however, remains stuck two decades in the past, and the improvements aren’t enough to make the combat less stiff or more enjoyable, turning every encounter with an evil spirit into an exhausting ordeal.

Greedfall The Dying World has high ambitions for a title of its rank, and manages to deliver on most of them when you pick up the controller. Spiders has captured the essence of the RPG genre, combining a solid narrative side, a living world that evolves alongside us, and rich gameplay. It's a major title for the AA world, with its strengths and weaknesses.

Everything has been improved and refined to make this third installment not only the best in the series, but also a must-have for all fans of J-RPGs and monster capture and management games.

Beautiful, new, returning, but also more questionable choices that will make this annual episode a very good vintage, unfortunately marred by a formula that is increasingly similar to that of its basketball cousin.

Fans of Planet of Lana should not be disappointed by the second installment of this adventure, just a little frustrated by its episodic nature.

Old-timey fun, Demon Tides fills a long-awaited spot: an adventure/platforming game who understand its genre and zeitgeist. An hidden gem.

Tales of Berseria Remastered marks the return to form of a major opus, prioritizing efficiency over spectacle with a version that provides the necessary comfort to fully enjoy the journey without betraying its DNA.

Requiem is a pivotal work that manages to reconcile two long-standing, contrasting visions of the saga. Tension and Action. It takes the best of what Resident Evil has to offer and elevates it to a level of polish rarely seen. Though the alternating structure between Grace and Leon locks the pace and limits the kind of replay freedom found in some earlier entries. Yet, in the face of such mastery, this compromise feels almost negligible.

Challenging yet addictive, generous yet confusing, Blazblue Entropy Effect X is an original offering that manages to surprise us and draw us into a sea of possibilities for hours on end. In my opinion, it's the indie surprise of the moment.

A filmed chase, twists and turns, and high replayability with a rich, well-crafted story and clean acting: The Run claims the title of king of FMVs, and it has what it takes.

Sons of Sparta faithfully takes elements from God of War games and mixes them with a by-the-book, sometimes too linear and clumsy metroidvania.

An ambitious episode which, despite its imperfections, proves that the legendary goblin has lost none of its splendour. Not everything is perfect, but the goblin knows how to use its charms and assets to achieve its ends.

A confident sequel that manages to stay true to its guiding principle and the fundamentals of its formula, while adding enough changes to make those who enjoyed the first game want to dive back into Nevendaar.

Heart of the Forest is a more than decent proposition on paper, but one that struggles to materialize and come to life properly in front of the camera.

A solid experience combining sandbox and zombie survival, solid but harsh in solo mode, demanding and enjoyable in team mode.

Short but memorable, Reanimal stands out as an atmospheric horror experience that is as disturbing as it is masterful. Tarsier Studios delivers a dark journey with a strong identity, whose simple gameplay serves an adventure that is as unsettling as it is memorable.

RIDE has always aimed to be and remain the benchmark for motorcycle simulation, and this year once again, it has achieved its goal, surpassing itself in order to retain its crown. RIDE 6 is more than just an evolution of its formula, and that's a good thing.

Romeo is a weird sci-fi story, a sometimes stiff action game, but most importantly, it is memorable adventure and a very surprising videogame.

Without fully correcting the errors of the original Yakuza (and potentially adding new ones) and adding much more content, this remake is welcome news for fans and newcomers to the series alike, thanks to its dynamism and fresh new look.

JDM Japan Drift Master returns to the fundamentals of racing games, offering marked progression, immediate enjoyment, and an advanced drift culture. An affordable, enjoyable title with a unique identity.

If you like turn-based games, cats, and Edmund McMillen's sordid universe, don't hesitate to dive into Mewgenics. Even more so if you like to suffer. The crazy roguelite from the author of The Binding of Isaac still needs a few tweaks in terms of progression, but already offers a bottomless pit of content.

My Hero Academia All's Justice delivers a more than decent video game adaptation of the manga's final arc. While not perfect, the title offers the expected dose of fun and enjoyment.

Nioh 3 is the culmination of Team Ninja's three previous souls-like games, pushing each aspect a little further. While not entirely perfect, it is steadily approaching perfection. It is one of the must-have souls-like games for any fan of the genre.

Cairn is a challenging and immersive game, far more than a simple climbing title. Its realistic gameplay puts the player to the test while remaining fair. The carefully crafted art direction, appealing cell-shading, and immersive soundtrack enhance the experience, while the survival elements and the management of stamina, weather, and time add a strategic and authentic layer. A demanding challenge for the most seasoned players, yet made accessible thanks to the assistance options.

Eldegarde shows itself at its best, with a version that has fully benefited from its early access to capitalize on its areas for improvement and put them into practice. Not everything is perfect yet, however, and it requires full commitment to really enjoy this new release, but the progress is palpable.

Driving fast and playing with danger—that's what Lanesplit is all about. For players who are willing to make a few concessions on ergonomics and dive into a driving experience, and nothing but driving, Lanesplit could be just the ticket. But for everyone else, the debate is still open, and waiting for a few updates wouldn't be a bad idea.

MIO : Memories in Orbit is this year's first surprise. Mesmerizing visuals paired with demanding gameplay and an engaging narrative make it a must try metroidvania for anyone remotely interested in the genre.

The Legend of Heroes Trails Beyond the Horizon is a major milestone in the franchise and the history of Zemuria, but also the culmination of many years of gameplay refinement. A superb conclusion for Calvard.

While Let It Die Inferno intrigues with its ideas and universe, it fails to play to its strengths to keep us engaged over the long term. Best enjoyed in small doses, thanks to its low price, but not at high intensity as extraction games generally require.

No revolution, but a new, modern, and solid vintage for even more fun with friends, family, or online.

Its humor, sensitivity, and finesse almost make you forget how challenging it is at the end, but Rhythm Doctor is indeed a rhythm game that uses and questions rhythmic grammar. This makes it an original, often cozy experience, somewhere between VA11 HALL-A and Sayonara Wild Hearts—anyone can give it a try, with varying degrees of success. The last sweet treat of the year truly is heartwarming.

Not the revolution needed, Renegades still is a solid DLC. Both Destiny and Star Wars are artistically respected and Guardians' new toys, especially the Praxic Blade, fit nicely in Bungie's universe. More Destiny if you want some, let's hope 2026 shakes the formula a bit more.

Farming Simulator finally finds its place on Switch 2 with this Signature Edition. Although imperfect, it finally delivers a respectable farming simulation for the Nintendo ecosystem.

Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered is a fascinating, demanding, and deeply unconventional JRPG. Its open world, offering a freedom rare for its time, provides a rich yet sometimes disorienting adventure: the game never holds the player’s hand and requires real investment to grasp its mechanics, pacing, and subtleties. The vast and vividly realized world of Mardias remains one of its greatest strengths, supported by varied environments and a distinctive art direction, despite visuals that show their age. However, the game can be punishingly difficult at times, features a sometimes finicky camera, and a structure that won’t suit all players. For those willing to engage, experiment, and accept the quirks inherited from its original design, the game remains a rewarding experience, enhanced by a pleasant soundtrack and a unique progression system.

Bannerlord confirms its status as the benchmark in medieval simulation. War Sails broadens its horizons without betraying its identity. The experience gains in scope and depth, driven by a renewed sense of coherence. An essential return for anyone looking for a game combining strategy, action, and total freedom.

Don’t Scream Together works above all as an intense, one-off experience based on shared fear and collective silence. Its powerful and original ideas deserve to be tested in the right conditions. But the formula struggles to reinvent itself, its balance remains precarious, and its effectiveness depends so much on context that it becomes unstable.

An accessible and fun VR shooter, faithful to the Men in Black universe. A dynamic campaign, designed like a roller coaster ride, which provides entertainment without pretending to be anything more.

Thief VR offers a VR infiltration experience that works well despite its technical limitations and fragile AI. The atmosphere, object manipulation, and freedom of approach justify the investment for fans of the genre.

A solid and generally satisfying experience, especially for those who haven't played the mobile version, but marred by a scandalous lack of localization.

Without attempting to reinvent the genre, Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure offers a stable and well-constructed experience. A serious and enduring roguelite deck builder that delivers on its promises without getting sidetracked.

Filled with love and nostalgia for the genre and era, Marvel Cosmic Invasion shines for what it represents, without really adding much more.

While it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, Forestrike's smart mix of puzzle and action offers a very gratifying experience when you play by its rules.

Here we are, the Switch 2 has its own racing game. The Mario Kart alternative is quite different, more substantial, but still lacks content despite a mountain of unlockables. We appreciate the user-friendliness ethos and the visual vibrancy, but it will always feel a bit thin beyond that initial layer - it's best suited to short multiplayer sessions, without the sustained appeal of a game like Smash Bros.

Project Motor Racing shows promise, but lacks the spark that could have taken it further. A promising foundation in need of polishing that will finally give it a real personality.

Rigorous gameplay and freedom make Of Ash and Steel a challenging but captivating RPG. Every exploration, encounter, and achievement must be earned, offering a unique and immersive experience.

The remastered version allows you to rediscover Anima from a modernized and accessible perspective. A long, varied, and immersive adventure that is thoroughly compelling.

A new installment that breaks new ground in terms of content thanks to its canonical contribution to the Zelda universe, but fails to bring anything fresh to the table in terms of form, with a slightly outdated musou formula.

Call of Duty Black Ops 7 leaves a mixed impression. It moves forward, tries new things, experiments, but stumbles as soon as it attempts to surpass itself. The ideas are there, but the structure still lacks the cohesion needed to transform it all into a memorable whole. This offering remains too uneven to really take off.

It's all in the title. A true sandbox of gags and violent action fully exploiting VR.

With a classic but captivating story, endearing characters, flawless staging, and genuine replayability, Dispatch easily stands out as one of the must-haves of the year.

Clearly aimed at players who are still attracted to this genre, Lumines Arise enhances its formula in every way. We could have hoped for a few more backgrounds and slightly more intuitive controls.

Where Winds Meet combines wuxia spectacle, deep RPG gameplay, and a living world, offering an immersive experience, but a few remaining technical glitches still impact the overall feel. We want to love it and lose ourselves in this rich world, but it still needs a little more polish to reveal its true potential.

A credible foundation, but lacking magic. Rennsport comes across as a practical exercise rather than a passion. A game that exudes precision, but not speed.

Sacred 2 Remaster offers a measured but successful return. It's not revolutionary, but it's a solid and sincere tribute, polished enough to make you want to explore Ancaria once again.

A very solid proposal that strives at all costs to diversify its mechanics in order to match other standards in the genre.

Farming Simulator remains a model of simulation, and Highlands Fishing confirms GIANTS Software's mastery in developing its universe without betraying it. But for content sold for nearly thirty euros on its own, it's reasonable to expect a more immersive experience. We come away from this version feeling both appeased and a little frustrated: happy to rediscover this meticulous and lively agricultural world, but aware that the promised sea is here nothing more than a small, tranquil pond.

Tales of Xillia Remastered allows players to (re)discover a major episode of the franchise, a powerful human adventure, in a version that combines heritage and modernity.

With Arc Raiders, Embark Studios delivers a manifesto of what a modern extraction shooter can be: intense, immersive, and exceptionally elegant. Everything about it exudes mastery, from the world design to the precision of the gameplay. You come back to it again and again, not to check off objectives, but to experience that unique tension. One of the most accomplished games of its kind, and undoubtedly one of the big names of the year.

Syberia Remaster accurately and respectfully brings a cult adventure up to date, but its uneven technical finish and a few hiccups prevent the journey from being completely smooth.

More generous than its predecessors, the new Katamari still rolls with it, aided by its silliness and artistic direction. An excellent introduction to the saga.

Slow, imperfect, but captivating, the experience stands out as a work in its own right. Those who accept its slowness and discomfort will find a solid, almost poetic journey into the heart of an imperfect but compelling world.

Behind its feathers and humor, Escape from Duckov hides a solid, well-designed game. A pleasant surprise that is funny, tense, and addictive, you'll always come back for “one last run”... before spending a few hours playing.

Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 finally revives the cult saga: a fascinating but measured comeback, where the light of renewal mingles with the shadow of an overly long wait. The pleasure is real, the disappointment inevitable.

Unsurprisingly and without disappointment, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a superbly enhanced and accessible collection of the Elric trilogy, now available to anyone who wants to discover this chapter in video game history without the hassles of the past.

While remaining (too?) accessible, Jurassic World Evolution 3 refines its formula to give its fans a little more room to express their imagination.

Painkiller version 2025 embraces its shift to a game-as-a-service model and does it well, even if it comes at the cost of its soul. It's a good cooperative outlet, fast-paced and fluid, but one that leaves early fans behind.

It’s in old pots that the best soups are made. At least, that’s what my grandmother used to say whenever she wanted to make us eat her old soup. Here’s a formula that works, pushed to its absolute limits, and sprinkled with the excellent universe of The Outer Worlds. The result is an adventure that will be ideal for the biggest fans of the genre, despite its imperfections, inconsistencies, and sometimes rough system balancing.

Ninja Gaiden 4 acts like a kind of gameplay, setting and structural time capsule brought up to today's standards by Platinum's craft. The sharpness of another time honed by a brand new grindstone.

A poetic and captivating adventure, which nevertheless suffers from a lack of extra depth in its gameplay or strangeness to leave a lasting impression.

Disgaea 7 Complete is nothing less than the ultimate Disgaea with an XXL formula.

Addictive, fun, and rich in variables, BALL x PIT will appeal to players who are always looking for more depth in their games, even if it means repeating the same adventure many times over.

An essential two-parter, Mario Galaxy shines with its creativity and dazzling artistic direction. Together, both games make for a particularly generous bundle, offering insight into the franchise’s future: a level-design masterclass set in space. Fun, iconic, and accompanied by an unforgettable score from the very start, this is a true classic worth rediscovering — though it’s a shame Nintendo has been a bit greedy about it.

Battlefield 6 is everything we expected from a true next-gen BF: solid tech, rocking and solid gameplay, an old-school feeling with a modern touch that matches with BF's DNA. Battlefield 6 ticks all that boxes.

It has it all: it's beautiful, captivating, exhilarating, addictive, and fun. The only flaw in this title could be its lifespan, or the fact that the challenge isn't quite enough for the most determined players. But aren't we always wanting more?

A brilliant and inspired JRPG for a sharp reminder to some sleepy rivals that legacy alone isn’t enough.