Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is fast, chaotic and surprisingly deep alternative for Mario Kart World – especially for Sega and Sonic fans. It's like a great rollercoaster ride that just keeps on giving with its inventive cross-world mechanics and wonderful track design.

Mixtape is a great game in every way, both audiovisually and narratively. Realistic yet magical. Funny yet melancholic. A short, meaningful story about friendship and life.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream brings back Nintendo’s strangest and most unpredictable life simulator after a long break. The game thrives on absurd humor, chaotic social interactions and the sheer joy of watching Miis behave in ways no one asked for. While the lack of online features are a bummer, the core experience remains irresistibly funny and endlessly surprising. If you’re willing to embrace the nonsense, Living the Dream is one of the most entertaining social sandboxes on Switch.

The end result is a top notch when gameplay, entertainment value, and difficulty level are perfectly tuned to the same pitch.

Aphelion is a fascinating and visually stunning adventure that has some of the best audio work that I've ever witnessed. Gameplay-wise it is quite simplistic – and that may drive some people away.

The new Moomin adventure offers a warm and gentle journey through a beautifully snow‑covered Moominvalley. Its cozy atmosphere, charming characters and serene winter landscapes create a relaxing experience that captures the spirit of Tove Jansson’s world. Light gameplay and a peaceful tone make it an inviting escape for players looking for a calm, heartwarming adventure. Even though the pacing and the amount of text might need some looking into.

A strongly performing sequel brings a long-awaited character back to the books of the living.

It's still hard to find anything bad to say about the game itself. Of course, re-releasing a title that already worked perfectly fine in first place is somewhat pointless. On the other hand, if the great source material gets a new audience this way, so be it. Especially first-time platforming fans, go shopping.

Supremely beautiful and with impeccable atmosphere at every turn, Replaced struggles with its game-to-narrative pacing and repetitive gameplay mechanics. Still, the big picture is so lovingly crafted and gorgeous that all minor issues are fairly easy to ignore.

Pragmata spices up the traditional shooter genre with unique hacking mechanics and displays some extremely cool visuals as icing on the cake. The end result works better than expected.

Minishoot' Adventures was stumbled upon on Game Pass by total coincidence, but it immediately charmed a bit sour game journalist, maybe forever.

The Switch 2 exclusive Pokémon Pokopia is a mix of Minecraft's building, Animal Crossing's decorating, and Viva Pinãta's species gathering. The relaxed pace combined with the series' collect-it-all mentality is really addictive, although the Nintendo-esque clumsiness of slow menus and game mechanics occasionally raises the annoyance curve.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is a completely new version of the game initially made for Playstation 2 and later on Wii. The story revolves around twins Mio and Mayu who find themselves trapped in a village shrouded in eternal night.

Escape from Ever After is a refreshing surprise in this year’s lineup of games and therefore a strong candidate for my personal Game of the Year list. Its whimsical premise, satirical tone, and overall humorous writing – combined with quirky gameplay mechanics and sufficient variety – carry the experience wonderfully throughout the entire adventure. Best of all, it offers entertainment for all ages: cutesy and fairy-taleish' elements for children, and an engaging script for adults that brings a smile on my face time and time again, enhanced by enjoyable gameplay mechanics. The end credits even left a slight sense of wistfulness in the air, as this is the kind of game one would have gladly kept playing for longer.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 delivers a polished return to familiar settings, with improved combat and presentation, but it also suffers from pacing issues and content cuts. Dark Ties, meanwhile, struggles to justify its inclusion, offering a filler‑heavy side story that adds little to the overall package. Still, there is plenty of fun to be had, even though some odd decisions dampen the mood.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance still isn't a particularly great game, but its remaster is nothing short of superb. This is how remasters are meant to be done.

The wacky and murderous feast gets even better when the universes last hero gains access to a skateboard, a host of new weapons, and an even more diverse playground to wreak havoc in, among other things. High on Life 2 is a sequel that improves virtually every aspect compared to its predecessor, including writing and the jokes. Hopefully the occasional technical issues can still be ironed out – luckily the updates that have been released so far show that things are heading in the right direction.

The ninth entry in the long running main series doesn't quite live up to the perhaps overly grandiose promises of the ultimate Resident Evil experience. The hybrid between survival horror and more straightforward action is still a definite success by the standards of the series.

Mario Tennis Fever is a lively and inventive entry that shines brightest in multiplayer, thanks to its creative Fever rackets, varied modes, and accessible controls. The biggest downside is the sluggish story mode, but other than that there is plenty on fun to be had.

An agile stealth game leaves a bloody taste in your mouth.

Reanimal is an audiovisual masterpiece and in many ways more interesting than its twin game, Little Nightmares 3, but it doesn't quite reach the level of a classic status like the opening part of Little Nightmares.

Probably the wackiest Suda51 game ever. Fans will love it, others... Well, you just have to try it. As an action-adventure game, it is solid for the most part.

While the early-2000s humor is often grating and dated, there's no denying that everything else about Mewgenics is nothing short of magnificent. This is a wildly inventive and deeply compelling hybrid of genres that will keep you occupied for years.

The most beautiful and versatile UFO strategy game since 1994's UFO: Enemy Unknown.

Nioh 3 still struggles with cheap boss fights and clumsy controls, but the thrilling action and spectacular world design more than make up for its faults. This is the best entry in the franchise and it isn't even close.

I can’t say how much fans of the original work may be irritated by the changes made to gameplay or graphics, but from a personal perspective, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined completely won my heart. The diorama-style presentation, charming visual design, successful changes to pacing, masterful music, and of course the safe yet great gameplay made this "bloke" long for simpler times. At every turn, the game radiates a warm, cinnamon-roll-scented coziness – as if I was returning to my own lovely home after a long journey.

Despite its difficulty, Sektori is pretty much a perfect arcade-style twin-stick shooter and has fully earned its score. Even after hours of gameplay, I still don’t feel particularly skilled, but that is by no means the game’s fault – quite the opposite. I’m aware that I’m only at the beginning of my journey and nowhere near satisfied yet, and I intend to continue my “studies” with the game so that I can climb as high as possible on the global rankings. Sektori is a modern work of art that justifies every one of its gameplay design choices with style and craftsmanship. Instead of mocking the player, it rewards improvement fairly as skill grows.

Final Fantasy is one of those game series' that I consider to be part of the general education of the gaming world. I can now breathe a sigh of relief that I finally got to experience the magic of Final Fantasy. I'm already eagerly awaiting the release of the next installment on Switch 2.

A boldly genre-defining climbing game that will stretch your limbs and nerves.

At around seven euros, buying TR-49 is an easy decision for puzzle lovers. You can play through the game in a few sessions, while getting to know deceased scientists, writers and just ordinary people. The game reminds you of the importance of reading, fact-based science. Of human freedom to think and be. Once again, another success from Inkle.

This is probably the cutest game that I have ever experienced.

A few pacing issues and action scenes take the best edge off the overall experience, but Goodnight Universe is still worth experiencing – on PSVR2 if such a rarity is still available – but even as a traditional game it's a pleasant experience.

For those with open mind, the long-awaited return of Metroid Prime offers a successful package of action, light puzzle-solving, and above all, a lot of excitement.

Despite its short length, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is an excellent retro shooter that emulates the '90s gameplay so faithfully that it doesn’t really introduce any particularly fresh ideas of its own. However, as a cultural piece of art, Bitmap Bureau’s latest work is such a spot-on achievement that its minor shortcomings hardly detract from the experience at all.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted revitalizes the 1998 PlayStation classic, staying true to the franchise's reputation for grueling difficulty where even the "Kids" setting offers a formidable challenge. As a faithful modernization of the series' first foray into 3D graphics, the game demands precision and memorization from players, punishing mistakes with one-hit deaths and a strict game-over structure that rejects modern hand-holding. Despite its modest audiovisual updates, the gameplay remains deep thanks to three distinct ships and tactical mechanics like the Force unit and the screen-clearing Delta Weapon. Ultimately, it serves as a nostalgic, unforgiving, yet highly rewarding "shmup" experience designed for genre veterans and those willing to endure its trial-and-error nature.

A delicious puzzle-roguelike charms, but suffers from lack of save options.

A deep bow to the point-and-click ancestors like Monkey Island. Foolish Mortals is a delightful and beautiful modern point-and-click game that unfortunately doesn't have the same clever writing as its predecessors.

An unexpected delight, Octopath Traveler 0 isn't just a superbly polished addition to the franchise, it's one of the best RPGs of the year.

The strategy classic has been transformed into a modern version that carries with it the joys and sins of the original game.

The newest Hyrule Warriors sticks to the tried-and-true Musou formula, blending hack-and-slash chaos with Zelda’s iconic world. While the action is fun and technically solid, the story feels thin and overly familiar, leaving fans wanting more depth despite its canonical promise. I was still thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

Overall, Tales of Xillia Remastered is a really enjoyable experience. If you haven't played the Tales of games before but are interested in them, Xillia is a great place to start, as it's story and mechanics are so fluid.

The first Outer Worlds was a decent, if a bit soulless experience. Known for it's strong sequels, Obsidian once again succeeds in making the second one a better product.

PowerWash Simulator 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, giving players exactly what they've always wanted: more dirt.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 ends on a brilliant and melancholy high. This is a near-perfect expansion that highlights everything great about Henry's adventures. I will miss this world and these characters dearly.

The latest installment in the Anno series refines a working concept, even if it doesn't offer any major breakthroughs.

Syberia - Remastered is successful re-release (especially visually) that remains faithful to the original, though it could perhaps have been refined a bit more towards a modern gameplay experience. However, in my book, the points of criticism are so minor that they don’t spoil the experience at all. On the contrary: even in its remastered form, Syberia remains one of the finest works of its genre from the 2000s. Hopefully the sequel will receive an equally polished treatment in the future, as the first game famously ends on quite a cliffhanger.

Ninja Gaiden 4 restores faith in the long-running series after a rather mediocre third entry. The nineteen-chapter adventure is just the right length for this kind of action, especially if you’re eager to hunt down every collectible and fight your way through every (devilish) Purgatory stage.

Dragon Quest returns with a gorgeous set of remakes that make this the best possible way to experience the iconic adventures today.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a finely crafted and gorgeous throwback to the heyday of the genre. It is witty, fun, and wholesome in a way that should delight gamers of all ages. I loved it more than I could have anticipated.

Even with a few rough edges here and there, Yooka-Replaylee totally earns its spot as a re-release. Playtonic has clearly been listening to fan feedback, and it really shows. Thanks to the solid foundation of the original, the game now feels properly on par with the big names – a genuinely fun (if pretty chill regarding the difficulty) ‘90s-style platformer full of dad jokes, babbling characters, and googly eyes on just about everything. I caught myself grinning more than once, even though that Banjo-style character mumbling might not be for everyone. Don’t worry though – you can turn it off in the settings! And if Yooka-Laylee ever gets a proper sequel, I’d love to see Playtonic go for something even closer to Banjo-Kazooie – more worlds, a tighter structure, and that classic collect-a-thon magic turned up to eleven.

One of the most positive surprises of the year is here: Digimon Story Time Stranger manages to impress even those who are unfamiliar with Digimon, despite some minor hiccups. It’s a solid turn-based role-playing adventure that even Pokémon fans shouldn’t pass.

Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 collection mostly just polishes up the surfaces rather than completely overhauls the two classics, but the games themselves are still pretty much the best the platforming genre has seen.

The best thing about Strange Antiquities is the gloomy atmosphere created by the color scheme and theme. A close second are the imaginative puzzles. The biggest flaw is the console version's controls, but that doesn't ruin the gaming experience.

Earthion is an amazing shoot 'em up, that by no means revolutionizes the world, and those who are already lukewarm toward the genre may not find a new favorite here either. But it’s impossible not to appreciate how everything that Ancient and Bitwave have done radiates love and passion for the genre as well as for the Sega’s old hardware. Since the final product is simply a thoroughly well-designed and polished game with awesome soundtrack, why not reward it with five stars?

Ghost of Yōtei is a great, but still somehow safe sequel, a little bit like Horizon Forbidden West was. Then again, it's been years since the previous entry so yes, this is certain to please fans of Tsushima too.

Hades II is a sequel to one of the best games ever made, and it just might be even better than its predecessor. This is a wild, imaginative, and thoroughly captivating ride that will mesmerize for years to come.

Packed with smart quality of life updates and a refined script, Final Fantasy Tactics is a gorgeous revitalization of a classic that deserves celebration as art conservation done right.

The Rogue Prince of Persia is a stylish and well-crafted roguelite that rewards persistence with satisfying combat and clever movement mechanics. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its atmosphere, progression system, banging music, and fluid gameplay make it a worthwhile adventure for fans of action-platformers.

Blooper means for example an error, mistake or fault. Blooper Team's brand new release is everything else than there words - Cronos: The New Dawn is entertaining experience for horror game fans.

What can you do: SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is an absolutely brilliant action blast, oozing with style. Gamers in their thirties and forties will certainly notice various Sega references, but on the other hand Lizardcube has found such a timeless style for the game that even complete newcomers are bound to enjoy it.

Voyager exudes warmth, joy and freshness. The detail and colour of the world are particularly impressive: even the friends' home island is decorated with many different space-themed gadgets and inventions, which tell the story of the main characters' love for the universe. In addition to beautiful landscapes, the game offers a down-to-earth story of friendship and shared experiences.

STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar brings a breath of fresh air to the world of farm life simulations. The adventure breaks the traditional formula just enough to stand out from other representatives of the genre. The game loop is simply addictive and the atmosphere is relaxing – what more could you wish from a wholesome game?

Metal Gear Solid Delta is a safe, almost identical remake of the classic stealth adventure.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World offers a visually enhanced version of the original game along with a short but enjoyable set of new levels and abilities. While the added content isn’t extensive, it’s a fun expansion that complements an already excellent platforming experience.

Atmospheric and story rich RPG with a hint of a detective mystery.

Millennia is a grand and demanding 4X strategy game that caters to players who crave complexity beyond Civilization. Its deep resource management, alternate historical ages, and massive scope create a rewarding experience for dedicated strategists. While AI shortcomings and shallow diplomacy remain issues, a year of updates has turned it into a polished and engaging title.

In short, System Shock 2 is better than ever in its remastered form. It managed to win me over, even though certain aspects have inevitably aged over the past quarter of a century and the graphics scream the late '90s. Despite its minor flaws, it has aged more gracefully than many of its contemporaries and absolutely still deserves its place on the imaginary Walk of Fame of video games. On top of that, it’s easier to recommend to newcomers than its remade predecessor.

Sword of the Sea is a gorgeous and hypnotic arthouse epic full of incredible set pieces and stunning visuals that sets another high bar for studio Giant Squid as the premiere destination for meditative gameplay.

Donkey Kong Bananza is probably the game that will be best remembered as the main attraction within Switch 2 launch window. As with most Nintendo titles, the main focus is providing as much fun as possible.

If you can live with the differences, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a highly addictive and thus an exceptionally entertaining skateboarding title for both us old-timers and new players alike. It offers enough new content to make up for the missing stuff, so I personally didn’t find the omissions all that bothersome.

Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition is the best way to experience the series' first installment. It's still a great game, even if it's a bit frustrating at times due to the difficulty spikes.

Action doesn't usually integrate well to point-and-click titles, but The Drifter is an exception. It holds its own with both its calm sections and its hectic moments. It feels like an interactive audiobook that you don't want to put down. A captivating summer paperback.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is one of the best in its genre, but a horror for those looking for a more moderate gaming experience.

Fast Fusion is a fast-paced and visually striking futuristic racing game that offers high-speed tracks, color-based boosts, and a new awesome jump mechanic. Developed by a small team, it offers great value for its low price, though the lack of online play and limited number of tracks slightly hold it back. Luckily future updates will remedy the latter aspect.

Hitman World of Assassination is a rich and highly entertaining package with dozens of hours of content. However, the Switch 2 version suffers from technical limitations and a constant online requirement, which significantly hinders the experience when playing on the go.

Street Fighter 6 for Switch 2 is mostly an excellent port on one of the best figthing games for the current generation. But for some strange reason World Tour mode battles suffer from worse frame rate than rest of the game, which is a bit of shame on otherwise solid package.

Roadcraft perfectly describes the rough everyday life of a construction worker in rugged landscapes.

The classic tactical FPS game with demanding learning curve and tight margins seeks new life with F2P model.

Mario Kart World is an excellent addition to the series – beautiful, fun and imaginative – but it could have been even better, more diverse and worthy of its name. The open world is under used, and Nintendo continues with the familiar and safe line of starting races from the menu and ending them in the menu. Despite its flaws, it's pure fun, whether you're playing alone or with friends and family. And thanks to the new console hardware, it looks better than ever!

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is, in my book, a near-perfect sequel. Many of the criticisms aimed at the first game have been addressed with smart changes that make it significantly more approachable. Visually and aurally, it’s even more stunning than its predecessor, and the new plot twists are truly gripping. Only the masochists who loved the utter bleakness of the first game might not appreciate the improvements that Kojima Productions has made.

It's hard to avoid Skyrim-comparisons when talking about this game, but Awaken Realms still manages to craft their own distinctive dark fantasy world around the familiar bones.

The Alters is an excellent narrative survival adventure from 11 bit studios, combining base-building, resource management, and story-driven gameplay. Players control Jan Dolski, the sole survivor of a botched space mission, who uses clone "alters" with modified life paths to aid his survival. The game masterfully blends exploration (à la Satisfactory) with personal dilemmas, as Dolski navigates not only a dangerous planet but also the emotional complexities of his cloned companions. Balancing immediate survival with the psychological weight of these choices, The Alters delivers a gripping experience deserving top marks.

F1 25 is once again an excellent driving game, but at the same time provides very modest evolution from previous installments. Braking Point storymode is fun but short lived appetite like always. My Team, Career Mode and F1 World can offer nearly endless hours worth of content for hardcore F1 enthusiasts, if their stomachs aren't already full from previous years.

The Horror at Highrook is a great pastime for fans of Lovecraft's stories and card & board games. The simple and fairly consistent gameplay loop from start to finish may not be the ultimate challenge for players who crave it. However, if you're looking for a relaxing card game in a horror-themed setting, The Horror at Highrook is a great choice for those sleepless summer nights.

Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall is a strong sequel to the original indie hit, blending narrative adventure with light resource management. Continuing directly from the first game, players once again balance the demands of ruling a medieval kingdom – making decisions for subjects, managing limited supplies, and navigating a branching story influenced by past choices. New mechanics, like prestige conversion and kingdom upgrades, deepen the strategy without overwhelming player. The structure remains approachable, with clear guidance and manageable consequences. While not radically innovative, Snowfall offers more of what made the original so beloved – engaging storytelling paired with meaningful, strategic decision-making.

Without a Dawn feels down-to-earth, even small-scale compared to Makkonen's previous games, but at the same time it's a truly heavy experience. The visual novel takes you straight into darkness, both literally and figuratively.

The Roottrees are Dead focuses on solving the family tree of the rich Roottree family in an interesting and addictive way. The detective-like concept challenges in many ways and rewards attentiveness, quick wits and good reasoning skills.

I have some mixed feelings, but as a video game, Spider-Man 2 works really well. Hopefully Nixxes can fix the random crash issues. I'd still say that the first part worked better for me.

If you’re not yet tired of Japan filled with samurais, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is highly recommended and a triumphant return to more open-worldy formula. Scratching the surface reveals an experience that feels very familiar and safe in many ways. However, that’s not a negative thing. Sometimes it’s simply really enjoyable to return to familiar video game series that you can almost guarantee it works well. With AC Shadows, it is also noticeable that every aspect in the game has improved since Valhalla.

Joyful co-op adventure Split Fiction has some minor faults, but in the end it is filled with so many unforgettable "whoa!" moments, it would feel wrong to give this anything else than full five stars.

I enjoyed every second of playing Wanderstop. The music is charming and the tea making process – and the various steps involved – are all incredibly cleverly constructed.

Investigating old stories and cases is fascinating. The cases are complex tangles, where the crime is clear, but finding the right culprit requires precision and reasoning. Unfortunately, the trials sometimes require too much understanding of the game developers' logic than the events of the crime itself, which is frustrating. Nevertheless The Darkest Files offers a fascinating peek into humanity's darkest moments and the aftermath - in the form of a puzzle game.

The remake of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a lovingly crafted example of how decades-old titles should be brought into the modern era. It effectively smooths out the rough edges of the original game and offers a fun and faithful experience, complete with a substantial amount of bonus material for those interested in its development history.

Don't Nod's new release holds up almost as well as Life is Strange.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece that clearly draws inspiration from other RPG's, but does so with such elegance and skill that it stands firmly on its own in an overcrowded genre – thanks in part, of course, to its own unique tricks. In an age of cynicism and uncertainty, it's wonderful to get our hands on something this magical.

Lushfoil Photography Sim is, as its name suggests, a simulator that requires dedication and enjoyment of a peaceful rhythm. With small updates, the title can be improved even more, but even now it offers an excellent basis for enjoying photography and visiting world-famous landscapes in search of peace. Of course, it is not a substitute for a proper photography course, but it may give an impetus to a new or forgotten hobby. The game is not for everyone, but for its target audience it is almost a perfect match.