In a crowded genre like Metroidvania, it’s no easy feat to carve out a unique identity without imitating others and to stay true to it. Grime II does a fantastic job in that regard, delivering an experience that’s immensely fun to play and wonderfully bizarre.

Blood on Crystal provides a fitting finale to Atomic Heart while also laying a foundation that gives us hope for the future of the series.

An experience that I don’t think even DON’T NOD fans will enjoy, firmly in the “play it and forget it” category, and if it’s remembered at all, it’ll only be for its ending.

If you’re looking to try an old-school, fun puzzle strategy game, I’d recommend giving Ghost Master a shot - so long as you don’t mind its age and the somewhat tiring controls on console. You could even play it just to get a bit of revenge on The Sims after all these years.

Housemarque’s new hit Saros will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the moment you take down a boss, you’ll find yourself doing a victory lap around the room. If you play games for excitement and adrenaline, there’s nothing better than Saros right now.

It has a structure that takes you back to the classic XCOM days, and they've tried to offer an experience as close to its source of inspiration as possible. However, Xenonauts 2 is a game that hasn't fully realized its potential due to some fundamental issues that are still unresolved. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that it's one of the games that fans of the genre should check out.

A great alternative for those who want to experience Voyager’s journey back home firsthand. If you’ve watched the series and found yourself thinking "what if it had gone like this" here’s your chance to try it out. And even if you’re completely new to it, feel free to jump in and play. A solid space adventure awaits you.

Unable to decide what it wants to be and trying to cram everything together, Crimson Desert may not be a game that appeals to everyone, but it’s an adventure absolutely worth trying. Its story isn’t deep, but it offers a world where you can fully indulge your desire to explore different places across its massive map.

It's not better than the first one, but overall it's a good game. It's suitable for jumping into the series at any point, and I can't let you miss the chance to see and play as Mui!

With its eye-catching graphics and heartwarming story, Pragmata offers a truly delightful experience. The tension that the hacking mechanic brings to the combat, in particular, has a very unique feel to it... I’m really happy with where Capcom is at right now.

Lost and Found Co may not be a game that tries to reinvent its genre or come up with ideas we’ve never seen before, but by presenting all its features in a package that doesn’t tire or bore the player and is extremely pleasing to the eye, it sends the message: 'Whatever you’re looking for, I’ve got it.' It’s one of the best in its genre.

It's addictive and has a calming effect. Do not play while operating heavy machinery! I couldn't praise this game as much as it deserves - may Arceus forgive me.

Marathon is a game where a professional company like Bungie made way too many amateur mistakes. I wouldn't be too surprised if it joins the caravan of games that get their servers shut down..

Any series that reminds me of the past stirs my emotions, but Reunion had too many flaws for me to give in to those feelings. Such a reunion deserved a much more compelling story.

While we’re used to seeing games in this genre that draw heavy inspiration from (or even outright copy) one another, I appreciated that Crimson Capes has its own identity and offers an original gameplay experience. It has its flaws, but the effort put into it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.

A game that will feel like a remedy for those craving Disco Elysium. Those who can’t find an FRP group but still want to dive into a tabletop-style adventure can also pull up a chair and join in without hesitation. With a bit more production backing, it could have been a true contender for the top of its genre.

Although the difficulty curve varies greatly, Darwin's Paradox has become one of the platform games I've enjoyed the most in recent years. Since there's no new MGS game on the horizon, I'd suggest giving this "Tactical Octopus Action" a chance.

Fatal Frame II Remake still holds a very special place among horror games because it doesn’t make you feel powerful, it makes you feel uneasy, and it does that exceptionally well. The combat system is creative, the atmosphere is outstanding, and the sound design is disturbingly effective. But yes, some of its mechanical stiffness and slow pacing aren’t something everyone will have the patience for. In other words, this game tells you: “You have no weapons. No comfort. Barely any escape. Take this camera and go deal with the spirits yourself!” And the strange thing is: this idea still works incredibly well.

It's a good game at its core, but we have the right to expect more from a game with iRacing in its name. If new content doesn't arrive soon, it might end up gathering dust on the shelves.

If a game still provides immense enjoyment 9 years after its release, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Shadow Tactics: Blades of Shogun confirms this once again with its performance on the Switch 2.

A Requiem is not a final, but a threshold. And as it crosses that threshold scented with nostalgia, it renews confidence and hope through the path it opens for the series' future. If only they hadn't forgotten the puzzles.

As Capcom continues its winning streak at full throttle, Monster Hunter has raised the bar back to its former glory after the bittersweet Wilds.

The Warlock and quality-of-life improvements provide enough reason to dive back into Diablo II. But the price is a bit steep. If you're getting into it from scratch on Steam, the full pack is a great deal, but if you're only buying it for the expansion… decide based on your love for Diablo.

The reimagined version offers a brand-new experience by providing a fresh, more modern perspective on the classic DQ7 rather than trying to replace it, and it positions itself among the series’ successful entries. I just wish the overly easy difficulty had been tuned a bit higher and the missing content had been included as well.

A time-travel game that pushes the boundaries of the “remake” concept, delivering a deeply satisfying experience with its unique atmosphere and exceptional writing.

Although it constantly makes you feel that it has the potential to be much better than the first game, it can only sustain that promise up to a point. Some parts are excellent, some are very unbalanced, and some are just “meh.” Still, it would be unfair to overlook the fact that it carves out a unique place for itself within the Soulslike genre and offers genuinely original ideas.

Cairn successfully conveys the physical and mental challenge of free climbing in the most realistic way possible, making it an experience with "that magic" you can only see in video games.

Tarsier picks up where it left off. They've once again done a great job with the atmosphere and storytelling. The only drawback is that they've been stingy this time, making the game quite short. It would have been better if they had made the main game a bit longer instead of saving a significant portion of the content for expansions.

The games industry needs more “crazies” like SUDA51. That said, the fact that so many original ideas have gone for years without being paired with truly top-tier gameplay makes it hard to tell whether the fault lies with the producers or with the man himself. The only thing I do know is this: the day he manages to combine this magnificent absurdity and presentation with high-caliber gameplay, his name will be etched in gold in the industry’s Hall of Fame.

If you love the Metroidvania genre not just on the surface but deep down, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game so detailed, polished, and content-rich that it can practically feel like paradise. It tells a highly original story, delivers a feast both visually and sonically, and even after finishing the main narrative, it offers so much to do that you won’t want to put it down before fully wringing it dry - assuming, of course, that the occasionally nonsensical difficulty doesn’t leave you tearing your hair out first.

You know how sometimes you see stray cats with their noses and mouths all crusted over with snot? If you’re the kind of person who can’t handle looking at cats like that, STAY AWAY from this game. But if you’re the type who goes “ugh, fine, I’ll grab a pack of tissues and deal with it” and you also like turn-based strategy… then hey, come help me catch those stray cats once in a while. Doing it alone is rough.

They managed to take the experience offered by Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake a step further. While it still has some aspects that could be criticized, it promises a very enjoyable "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

The most innovative Nioh game to date, but if you’re already burned out on the formula from the first two games, it still might not hook you.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a fantastic JRPG in terms of its gameplay, story, and characters, but unfortunately, due to its excessively long playtime and a gameplay loop that lacks variety, it’s not a game I can recommend to everyone.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon isn’t exactly an ideal entry point if you’re jumping into the Trails series from scratch—just like the other eight games before it. That said, it easily stands as one of the strongest entries in the franchise. With its quality-of-life improvements and a roster of returning characters, it delivers a refined, confident Trails experience that knows exactly what it’s doing.

The idea conveyed by the word Reforged doesn’t go much further than a light polish, but it’s still important in that it reminds us of Guild Wars. While it may not be able to offer more than nostalgia for veteran players, the experience it provides for newcomers is extremely valuable - especially at this price point, with three games included.

A promising game with various obstacles and clever puzzles that challenge both hand and mind. It could have been more fluid if it offered a slightly more compact progression in terms of the number of chapters. (Hint: Perhaps some of the chapters could have been turned into extra levels unlocked after finishing the game, I'm not sure.)

Many games may have followed in Papers, Please's footsteps, but Contraband Police remains one of the better examples on this list. The console version also promises an almost flawless experience.

I wish it hadn't squeezed such interesting ideas and a compelling concept (though clearly inspired by Disco Elysium) into a package that fails to excite much and occasionally feels like a time-waster due to some of its mechanics. While Rue Valley could have been so much more, it seems content with being just average.

Blumhouse Games continues to drag great ideas down to mediocrity, just as they do in the film industry. If they ever allocate a solid budget for games one day, then we can play something truly great.

Even though they wrote on the game's developer page that they consulted with these professors and received grants from this institute, it's truly surprising that they managed to make such an unsuccessful game. If you're curious about the period or psychiatry, instead of playing this game, you might as well check Wikipedia. Or just stare at a plain wall. Both are more entertaining.

Love Flab, don't upset Flab. Come back as good friends, alright sweetie? Look, they say they give a new Oroboro by the 30th level. Come on, run and get it now.

If they had also integrated swimming and flying dinosaurs into a natural park environment, it would have been a perfect 10 for me; still, it ended up being the best dinosaur park game to date and my favorite Management/Tycoon game I’ve ever played.

Pierre Shorette shouldn’t keep us waiting, the new season of Dispatch needs to arrive as soon as possible.

In terms of striking visual presentation, shock-driven imagery, and overt messaging, it certainly manages to draw attention, but technically, it’s just an average walking simulator.

A heavy, slow, complex and truly grand strategy game that demands your full attention and continues to occupy your thoughts even when you’re not playing. Yes, it has some big problems but I’m sure it will reach perfection before long.

If you’re still the type who refuses to leave a level without getting the highest score and earning an S Rank, or if you just play puzzle games to unwind a bit, this is definitely a game that deserves a place in your collection.

War Sails opens a new chapter in our journey with Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. With its nautical focus, the update transforms the game and enhances its potential for future development. Not only does it offer a refreshing experience for returning players, but it also has the potential to attract new players to the Mount & Blade series.

The Call of Duty franchise seriously needs a break. With Black Ops 7, the series is practically screaming “WE’RE EXHAUSTED, PLEASE SAVE US.” The multiplayer side still manages to be fun thanks to the evolving “omnimovement” system. But this utterly disastrous story mode is simply beyond forgiveness. I highly doubt they’ll do it, but if they gave the series just a one-year break, they could come back in a completely different (and much better) form.

Football Manager 26 has a magnificent tactics screen and gives you the ability to bring your dream style of play onto the pitch. However, to achieve that, you first have to survive the chaotic screens the game puts you through, struggling not to drown in its bottomless interface.

It's great that they've offered the Atelier Ryza (Secret) series, including all its additional content, in a single package. There are also some nice additions, which is a welcome addition. It's a great way for players new to the series to start their Atelier journey.

I might not be able to recommend it blindly at its $40 price tag, but with its MENA regional pricing, its structure that feels closer to modern games, the refreshing elements in its combat, and of course its fluid gameplay, there’s really no excuse not to give it a look.

MK: Legacy Kollection, despite all its flaws, offers a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to take a fast-paced trip through Mortal Kombat's history. And if the online mode gets fixed, it'll be downright irresistible.

Arc Raiders’ success is definitely no accident. Embark, driven by genuine passion, has really nailed the PvP aspect - the single most critical element an extraction shooter needs. In this game where you shouldn’t trust anyone, it could have been an almost flawless experience if not for a few critical missteps.

Their choice of the Roman Empire as the main theme, along with setting the game in a relatively peaceful historical period, is an apt move. Anno 117 is an enjoyable strategy game that captures the spirit of the Anno series—feeling both familiar and refreshing, while introducing new elements that bring fresh energy to the franchise.

Bloodlines 2 feels like a game crushed under the weight of a legacy that has lingered in the dark for years. While playing, you find yourself mourning for not what it does, but what it couldn’t become.

A product that still has room for improvement, yet manages to entertain you quite well even at its current level - a solid value-for-money choice.

If you loved the first The Outer Worlds, you can be absolutely certain that you will adore the second game. Obsidian has worked its magic to deliver a masterpiece that fully lives up to its reputation as the "spiritual successor to Fallout: New Vegas." It thoroughly satisfies our craving for well-written western RPGs.

With its brilliant blend of beat ’em up and roguelite mechanics, a carefully crafted atmosphere that clearly comes from skilled hands, a well-thought-out progression system, and satisfying combat, this is one of the year’s biggest surprises. If not for a few minor issues, it could’ve been a Game of the Year contender. Definitely worth checking out.

Stormgate is a strategy game woven from strong multiplayer fabric, shaped by high expectations and unfulfilled promises. Whether it can become the unicorn Tim Morten envisions remains to be seen.

If you can overlook the minor localization issues, what we're left with is a near-perfect JRPG. And if you've been hesitant to start due to the sheer size of the Trails series, this is your chance.

Yooka-Replaylee has come a long way compared to the original game, and it has become a game that raises hopes for Playtonic Games' next game.

If you’ve missed Simon as much as I have, you can nicely satisfy that longing with Simon the Sorcerer: Origins. It may not be a masterpiece or a genre-defining game, but it’s clear that it was made by a team deeply passionate about the series.

It’s a Remaster that elevates the king of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics, to new heights with its improvements—reinforcing its throne and making it even more enjoyable than it was on day one. If only it also included the PSP content.

A comeback that builds upon the already solidified Ninja Gaiden gameplay with complementary mechanics - and if it hadn’t done Ryu Hayabusa an injustice, it could’ve been hailed as a true classic.

Yes, in terms of graphics it still didn’t quite deliver what people were hoping for, but Pokémon Legends: Z-A fulfills many of the dreams that anyone who watched or played Pokémon as a kid once had. And for the things it doesn’t yet achieve, it plants the seeds. While it offers a different experience for those who prefer the classic turn-based Pokémon games, at its core, it’s undoubtedly a delightful experience for anyone who loves Pokémon.

This is how you bring a classic back to life! Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is exactly the kind of game an iconic name like Joe Musashi deserves, and Lizardcube has delivered a masterclass in how to modernize old classics. With its action, platforming sequences, visuals, music, and gameplay details - in short, with everything - it’s an outstanding title.

A masterpiece - but one that can wear you down (sometimes for no reason at all).

With its atmosphere, the story it tells (and the one it leaves untold but makes you feel), its characters, puzzles, and many other details, this game carries the very DNA of the Little Nightmares series. Had the developers dared to step a bit further beyond safe waters, it could have been a much better game. Still, it gives us plenty of reasons to look to the future of the series with confidence.

Battlefield 6 has finally recaptured that true “battlefield” spirit that brings the series back to life. With its gameplay, atmosphere, and technical solidity, it delivers the long-awaited Battlefield experience fans have been missing for years. There’s no unnecessary flash, nor any lack of content. In short, this game isn’t just another sequel — it’s a comeback that restores the series’ reputation.

A sequel that makes you forget its narrative shortcomings with its addictive gameplay - yet those very flaws keep it from finding as special a place in your heart as the first one did.

Platypus Reclayed is an unparalleled shoot 'em up with a play-dough aesthetic that appeals to both nostalgic gamers and those new to the genre. It stands out with its simple yet deep gameplay and fast-paced yet enjoyable design. Even if just for ten-minute sessions, it's a gem that deserves a place in every gamer's library. If only it had a good story, though. Modders, it's your turn!

If you're a fan of classic shounen Digimon vibes, sixth-generation JRPGs, or monster-collecting games, then Time Stranger is definitely a game you shouldn't miss.

Continuing the Atelier Resleriana series in this form after pulling the plug on Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator is a fitting decision. It's a delightful Atelier game, peppered with characters from previous installments.

Hotel Barcelona might offer you a bizarre universe and strange characters, but in the end, it leaves you with an unsatisfying experience. If exploring the absurd worlds of SUDA51 and SWERY65 is enough for you, you might give it a chance. But if you're looking for a fun and fluid roguelike, unfortunately, it's very difficult to find what you're looking for here.

The Order of Giants is literally an old-school DLC in the truest sense of the word. Instead of adding a new region or new mechanics to the game, it simply offers more of the same. One can't help but wish they had gone the expansion pack route rather than the classic DLC route. Because a fantastic game like The Great Circle deserves more than this.

If you loved Ghost of Tsushima, you will love Ghost of Yotei even more. With five distinct weapons, its action has become much more varied and fluid, and with the subtle Japanese elegance that permeates every corner of the game, it is, as a whole, a truly "beautiful" production.

EA Sports FC 26 has undoubtedly become the best football game of recent years by a wide margin. While the fast-paced, competitive gameplay is addictive, the unique mechanics and distinct feel of the gameplay add a second identity to the game.

Under normal circumstances, this game would deserve a much higher score, but optimization has become the true enemy of what might be the most fun Borderlands game ever. If you can somehow get it to run properly, there’s no way you won’t have a good time. One day, when Borderlands 4 finally works as it should, it’ll carve its name into history in Eridium letters.

SILENT HILL f blends the foggy, oppressive atmosphere of classic Silent Hill with the hallmarks of Japanese horror, delivering an experience that is both aesthetically rich and deeply unsettling. The narrative depth brought by Ryukishi07’s writing, combined with the intricate design of Ebisugaoka town, its overarching symbolism, and Hinako’s diaries, elevates the game far beyond a mere spin-off. That said, the question of whether it really needed to carry the Silent Hill name remains open for debate; it could just as easily have stood on its own as a Japanese horror title in the vein of Fatal Frame.

As Kyle Crane’s story continues, action-packed hours of zombie-bashing await you. What we have here is a tight, well-crafted game.

It squandered its chance to potentially be the best Formula game of recent years due to poor AI quality. However, with its driving dynamics, period-specific details, and immersive atmosphere, it still delivers a solid experience that will satisfy fans of the genre.

A survival horror game that starts off creepy, arouses curiosity, and sends chills down your spine, but loses its momentum halfway through: Cronos. You might come for the thrill, but you'll stay for the story.

Probably never before has playing emperor been this flexible and enjoyable. In this masterful remake of a classic, Square Enix has prepared a fantastic package for both newcomers and fans of the series. Those hungry for JRPGs should dive right in.

Turn off your brain and enjoy blasting enemies in this straightforward yet highly fluid, quintessential game of its era: Gears of War: Reloaded. If you miss the gaming sensibilities of the PS3/Xbox 360 era, you’ll gladly embrace this experience.

This was enjoyable for a time like an origami lesson. But just like the craft this game goes the frustrating ways very quickly and became a shortlived hobby class in the end.

Sword of the Sea is a perfect game to bid farewell to the summer. From start to finish, it offers a refreshing, carefree experience. There’s nothing better than seeing what it feels like to ride a flying skateboard across the desert and most importantly, to step away from the daily grind.

A relatively successful blend of Dead Cells and Prince of Persia. Its music and acrobatic gameplay in particular promise a few enjoyable hours. However, the somewhat linear structure causes it to become repetitive rather quickly, and after a while, you don’t really see a reason to go for another run. It would benefit from being supported with DLCs.

One of the most comprehensive and best W40K games ever made, a timeless and brilliant strategy game that truly deserves a better remaster.

OFF really tastes like a fine aged wine. Even though plenty of games in the same vein have come out since the original release, OFF still manages to impress with its story and atmosphere even after 17 years. I just wish that, after going through all the trouble of a remake, they had done more to update the action system. But everything else, especially the weight and impact of the underlying metaphors, delivers an experience you won’t easily forget, even years from now. In fact, when it’s over, you might find yourself, like me, just staring blankly at a wall for a while.

A productive early access period, a developer who listens to the players and knows what it wants to do, and a bunch of good ideas coming together have resulted in a successful outcome.

Tiny Bookshop is one of the best indie games of the year. It’s so soothing it makes you feel like cotton. If you’re looking for a relaxing game you can play without rushing, without stress, and in peace (especially if you’re a bookworm) I’d say grab it without hesitation. And if your reading habit has faltered lately, it even helps rekindle it. What more could you ask for?

Snake Eater, in its time travel 20 years into the future, hasn’t fully managed to preserve its masterpiece status in every sense, but it has succeeded in remaining a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Echoes of the End surprises with its inventive puzzle mechanics and engaging story presentation, showing plenty of potential. Unfortunately, Myrkur Games falls short on core aspects such as character focus and combat system, preventing the game from reaching that potential. The result is, sadly, a title that doesn’t rise much above mediocrity. To overcome the hard parts yet stumble on the fundamentals is, quite literally, “crossing the ocean only to drown in a stream.”

Few games manage to capture the spirit of classic arcade titles this successfully. It’s a game worthy of the Ninja Gaiden name, both in beauty and in challenge.

Mafia: The Old Country has a great story to tell. As it unfolds, it captivates you with the breathtaking beauty of Sicily, never breaking its cinematic flow and staying true to its course. In these days when we long for linear games, it shines like a sun rising over Messina.

Aside from reactivating multiplayer and adding controller support, it’s a package Aspyr has released with minimal effort. But since its core is so good, if you enjoy party-based D&D RPGs, it still manages to be worth playing. A significant part of its score comes from that strong core anyway.

It’s like Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey have been thrown into a blender, then packed with bananas, filled with monkeys and gorillas, and turned all the way up to maximum fun! All that’s left for us is to dive into this joyride and join an unforgettable adventure in one of Nintendo’s most entertaining and downright hilarious games.