The debut game from French developer ZDT Games hides a surprisingly difficult and even frustrating combination of puzzle-solving and platforming behind its colorful and vibrant art style. I loved Darwin's Paradox, I hated Darwin's Paradox!

Super Meat Boy 3D is brutal yet addictive and genuinely fun platformer. However, I can’t help but think it would be even better if its spatial perception issues and somewhat shaky controls could be refined into better shape. It’s enjoyable as it is, but with the difficulty level soaring through the clouds, it would admittedly be nice if not quite so many attempts didn’t end in death due to slightly clunky gameplay. Be that as it may, the action is enjoyable, quirky and anarchic, and that alone earns it a lot of forgiveness in my eyes.

A plain poker game whose main attraction is the four characters from various franchises. Serves to answer the question: what do video game characters do when they are off duty.

Aesthetically stunning, yet stylishly ruthless extraction shooter struggles with entertainment.

Screamer is a stylish, content-rich, and ambitious racing game that slightly stumbles over its own grandiosity. Narrative shortcomings, combined with a hint of excessive multitasking lower its overall score just enough that it doesn’t quite reach the very top tier in my eyes. Despite these nitpicks, it’s still an enjoyable high-speed racer that manages to carve out something unique in its own market.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is an above-average visual novel game. It will certainly appeal to those interested in Japanese folklore, but horror fans will find the experience lacking.

As an open world game Crimson Desert feels like next gen, but lame story telling makes it feel quite hollow.

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

There’s a reason why Pokémon are so beloved. LeafGreen and FireRed Versions are both still undeniably enjoyable, evergreen releases and have aged well, because their mechanics were so carefully designed from the very beginning. At their best, they take me back in time to a more carefree life – for example to those moments when I was a kid and sat on the yard swing for hours, playing with my Game Boy. As a re-release however, it is too lazy and cynical, topped off with a price tag that’s a bit too high.

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.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a likeable and soulful adventure like the opening part, but unfortunately it feels more like a first steps for something new than an independent part.

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.

I think The Sims 4 Dynasties is a mid-range expansion. I like the clothes and crowns it offers, and the scandals are a nice addition to the game. Building and nurturing a dynasty isn't my style of play, but for many, they'll definitely add a lot more fun to the game.

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.

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition offers an excellent journey into the origins and history of the first Rayman adventure. However, the absence of the original compositions lower the overall rating, as the atmosphere clearly suffers without them, and therefore it cannot be described as the definitive release.

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.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is bettered by its sequel in every way imaginable, and while the enhanced offering does improve the technical side, it also highlights everything else where Henry's second adventure soars. It's not a bad game, but this release is for the fans only.

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.

Are you afraid of the dark and enjoy the adrenaline rush it brings? Captured traps you in it.

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.