One and a half years after its initial release for last-gen consoles, you’ve probably heard it before: GTA 5 is one of the best games currently out there. So go ahead and buy it already. Rockstar even did a mighty fine job with the PC port.

The developers at Larian Studios have created something very special with Baldur's Gate 3. And even if developers of large studios fight tooth and nail against it: This role-playing game sets new standards, and future RPGs will have to be measured against it. It is a video game in its purest form that holds a mirror up to the industry. It shows us how video games used to be and how they should be, something the industry has forgotten far too often. It is a work of art, born from the passion and love of a studio that has not been corrupted by the industry's rampant greed. You can tell in every fiber of Baldur's Gate 3 that it wasn't created to generate maximum revenue. Instead, it is a product of the love for video games that characterizes Creative Director Swen Vincke and his team.

Baldur's Gate 3 is also on the PS5 the masterpiece that all role-playing game fans have been hoping for and so much more. The gameplay freedom, the great characters, the top-notch narrative, the satisfying combat system are unparalleled and blend in perfect harmony to create a true work of art.

Outstanding, outrageously big action-adventure that builds on the strengths of its predecessor and puts playful freedom above everything else. It offers a good mix of the familiar and the fresh and just barely misses the perfect rating.

Mindbending puzzles, a ton of humor topped with a good story and an outstanding coop mode, Portal 2 is the game you have to play. You will laugh, you will think till your brain hurts and you will cheer considering the love and cleverness that Valve put into this diamond of a game. From sound to innovation to comedy to gameplay the game is simply perfect. Play and enjoy.

Astro Bot has accessible gameplay, superb Dualsense implementation, rock-solid tech and so much charm that you can’t help but smile along. It doesn’t want to revolutionize the platformer genre, it just wants you to be happy. And that is a mission it succeeds at with flying colors.

As expected: an open-world epic with a huge scope and a great atmosphere.

Top sequel that surpasses its predecessor in (almost) every respect.

Even after 21 years Metroid Prime is in a class of its own. The gameplay has aged remarkably well and the new dual-stick controls work like a charm. Visually this is one of the best remaster treatments we have seen so far: Everything looks like we remembered it, but with so much more detail added that you might mistake it for a fully-fledged remake. Although lacking new content or added features, this game is still an easy choice for every Switch owner: If you buy only one Metroid game in your lifetime, let it be this one.

A brilliant mix of shooter and role-playing, filled with great characters, excellent design, lots of action and clever dialogue. It's a shame though that Bioware did not improve the inventory and skill system of the first game, but actually reduced it even more. I really wished there were more customization options, more ways to develop and gear up my characters. But all these are merely small points of criticism, since there is so much to feel and experience in this game. Mass Effect 2 is a thrilling, emotional ride and ultimately every bit as good as its predecessor.

It's essentially a Persona game set in a fantasy universe and one of the best games this year has to offer.

The story has stirred me speechless and compelled me to think.

Elden Ring absolutely manages to deliver on what was promised, and is, despite some minor annoyances, one of the finest gaming experiences I’ve had in years. That’s not only due to the rock-solid gameplay foundation, with its flexible class system, versatile weapons and progression mechanics. It’s also not only because of the morbid, dense atmosphere and the mysterious, captivating setting. It isn’t even solely the open world, which makes me want to spend every spare second exploring it with its gorgeous, monumental vistas and densely packed locations. Instead, the masterful combination of all these great qualities is what really makes Elden Ring special. Yes, the game has stopped me in my tracks multiple times, forcing me to leave bosses and places for later due to the somewhat slower progression system. But every time it does, it offers up dozens of other locations to test my mettle, become stronger and more skilled. And this cycle of trial and triumph is so immensely engaging that it’s going to keep me entertained for months to come.

God of War: Ragnarok is simply fantastic. The story is excellently told, the characters outstandingly written, and the many gameplay innovations so well thought out and fun that the entire game is just a joy to play. From the first hour to the last, I found myself emotionally rooting along and worrying about the fate of the characters. The twists and turns in the story and all the sometimes really ingenious ideas captivated me time and time again.

Nothing short of a masterpiece. With its deep storyline, smartly written quests, a stunning world to explore and more than 100 hours of roleplaying goodness, The Witcher 3 is in a class of its own.

Half-Life: Alyx isn’t as good as it could be, mostly because of some sequences that drag on for too long, the multi-tool which just isn’t fun to use and some uninspired design choices. Nevertheless, Valve has created a very good VR-shooter and a worthy entry in the Half-Life-series. Just don’t expect it to blow you away the way Half-Life 2 did back in 2004.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a game for connoisseurs and patient people. The great and atmospheric world is worth exploring. I spent almost 100 hours in Rivellon, but the game would have had a lot of potential for a twice as long stay.

With a great story, memorable characters and outstanding cutscenes the single player campaign easily overcomes most of its very few shortcomings. And the multiplayer mode is exactly what we've come to expect from Blizzard: it is fast, unforgiving and a hell of a lot of fun.

God of War on PC is even better than before: Great graphics, a rich narrative and fantastic combat make it an experience you cannot miss.

A thoroughly engrossing action game that will keep you coming back for dozens upon dozens of hours. Each run is brimming with satisfying combat, new and interesting story bits and powerful upgrades, which more than makes up for the hefty amounts of repetion. Clearly a contender for game of the year.

With great looks, new features and refined gameplay, Capcom has made the survival horror milestone fit for the current generation.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a great game and manages to go one better than its great predecessor. Due to the enormous scope of Rebirth, the first game feels more like a small prologue and now the game has really begun. Despite its scope, we never got bored for a second. The game is more versatile and varied than we have experienced for a long time. We were literally thrilled by the new gameplay elements that constantly presented us with new challenges. Then there are the great characters and the gripping story, which touched us again and again with emotional moments.

The few flaws that the game undoubtedly has are annoying. Apart from them, though, Super Mario Bros Wonder is 2D platforming fun close to perfection.

What could’ve easily been an inconsistent mess ends up as one of the best modern Resident Evils: Requiem handles both horror and action as well as former, more focused entries, and it knows just when to switch perspectives. Especially those who’ve stuck with the series throughout its multiple identity changes and enjoyed the games for what they were will have a blast with this.

Nice graphics, a mix of old and new mechanics and tons of cool little details make Street Fighter 6 the ultimate Street Fighter.

Shadow of the Erdtree is a gigantic cherry on top of Elden Ring’s magnificent cake, and while it reuses a bit too much from the base game, the superb new world is the best From Software has ever made.

If you liked playing games from Platinum Games, which are now also found on the PC, Okami HD is also essential in your game library.

Despite its low price tag, Blood and Wine is a substantial 30-hour expansion filled with memorable moments, tons of quests and a beautiful new world to explore. A must-buy.