Saros is an evolution of the basis that Housemarque built with Returnal, positioning itself as one of the best, if not the best bullet-hell shooters of all time. Despite some story pacing issues and a bit loosened, “easier” roguelite systems, It is a remarkable game - its gameplay, level design and overall feel are one of the best and it is sure to provide many fun hours of sci-fi chaos and horror.

A masterclass in cinematic world-building, REPLACED blends breathtaking pixel art with a profound existential narrative. By trapping an AI within a human body, it delivers a gripping commentary on identity and social decay. With its fluid combat and neon-drenched melancholy, it is a landmark achievement in indie storytelling.

PRAGMATA blends heartfelt character chemistry with innovative dual-layered combat, delivering a consistently engaging and emotionally charged experience. At times, it feels like a game revealed six years ago, but it ultimately delivers on a long-made promise.

The final chapter in Max and Chloe’s saga ended up being... just fine. The gameplay largely sticks to the familiar formula established by its predecessors, for better or worse. Still, if you’re on board with the direction Deck Nine has taken the series, chances are you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Reunion — provided you don’t run into the same technical and graphical issues I experienced on the PS5.

A definitive revival that finally fixes the original's clunky camera, transforming a gothic cult classic into a fluid modern experience. While the linear level design shows its age, the haunting atmosphere, legendary voice acting, and inclusion of the lost Dark Prophecy demo make this an essential masterpiece for fans of LoK series.

Darwin's Paradox! is somewhat creative, yet still fails to realize the game's full potential. Uneven pacing, shallow gameplay and clunky controls manage to hold it back from greatness. A memorable experience - sure. But one that is plagued with inconsistencies. Almost like a true paradox.

Screamer comes as a genuinely refreshing surprise for the genre. The anime sequences are striking, the story is bold and unpredictable, and the characters are vibrant, each driven by clear motivations. The addition of racing mechanics to a visual novel feels natural rather than gimmicky, blending seamlessly with the experience. On top of that, it’s both engaging and satisfyingly challenging to master.

Primal Planet may be small, but it sure is a standout gem of the genre. It is a simple, yet highly enjoyable prehistoric metroidvania. What shines through the most, are its atmosphere, exploration and satisfying gameplay. With a few limitations in its design, it still constantly delivers a memorable experience.

A creative mix of metroidvania and roguelite elements, Never Grave offers solid combat and a fun possession mechanic. Repetitive progression and forced resets hurt the pacing, but the game remains an enjoyable and interesting experiment.

A deeper, more meaningful story makes this game the most emotional in the series. Numerous systems and mechanics, living and breathing biomes and loads of content sure are welcome, but may prove to be too overwhelming for a casual player. It feels like an overclock of the franchise, while it would benefit more from a true upgrade.

Marathon is a highly polished and deeply engaging extraction shooter with exceptional gunplay and atmosphere. Its hardcore PvP focus and punishing design won’t appeal to everyone, but those who stick with it will find a rewarding and addictive experience.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a direct adaptation of the Dead Shall Rise comic book which was received poorly by fans and non-fans alike. The whole game retcons the complete masterpiece that was the Legacy of Kain series and renders all choices Raziel and Kain made meaningless. The gameplay is atrocious and boring and the AI fluctuates from stupid to input reading levels. I was longing for a new Legacy of Kain game, but instead we got a bad adaptation of an even worse comic book. Crystal Dynamics should be ashamed of themselves since they knew how poorly TDSR was received. Hopefully, this will be a wake-up call that you cannot mess with the classics and reinvent the story just because you can.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is a high-octane love letter to 80s action-horror. By blending the chaotic scale of the Swarm Engine with satisfying arcade gunplay and heavy-duty vehicular combat, Saber Interactive has crafted a co-op experience that prioritizes pure, unadulterated fun. While it leans heavily on genre tropes, its infectious energy, neon-drenched aesthetic, and pulse-pounding synth soundtrack make it an essential play for fans of cooperative shooters.

Esoteric Ebb is a remarkably confident CRPG that wears its Disco Elysium inspiration on its sleeve while delivering exceptional writing and meaningful player choice. Though not entirely original, its execution is polished, thoughtful, and often brilliant. One of the strongest narrative-driven RPGs in recent years.

Crimson Desert is a game you must get used to for it to get amazing. In the first few hours I wanted to give up. However, I persevered and I would regret it if I hadn’t. The sense of wonder, exploration and combat is top notch and scratches that Skyrim itch I’ve been having for years. The story is weaker and starts super “MMOish”, but it picks up the pace later and immerses you into a political and supernatural war between… well, everybody! By the 100th hour I still have not discovered everything nor did I finish the story, but there is not a minute of free time that I don’t spend playing this game. It pulled me in, and won’t let me go, and at this point, I don’t want it to.

If you’re a fan of classic old-school point-and-click adventures, and especially if you enjoy Lovecraftian lore, stories, and settings, this is a game you should absolutely pick up this year. It isn’t perfect and lacks many of the quality-of-life features modern games tend to offer, but it more than makes up for it with atmosphere and charm, delivering a memorable and delightfully spooky ride.

REANIMAL feels like a natural extension to the Little Nightmares franchise. It boasts stunning visuals, strong atmosphere and several genuinely memorable moments. However, uneven pacing, a dull first chapter, clunky controls, technical issues and poor PS5 performance hold it back from true greatness. It's a good horror adventure overall, but one that's more likely to be remembered for its frustrations than its brilliance.

Nioh 3 is a mechanically rich action RPG that refines the series’ trademark combat while experimenting with a semi-open structure. Its strongest moments deliver exceptional flow and mastery, though repetitive objectives and technical issues hold it back. Not the series’ peak, but still one of the most satisfying skill-driven RPGs available.

Forgotlings is a strong prequel to the already excellent and charming Forgotton Anne. While it occasionally stumbles due to a few technical issues, these do little to overshadow its core strengths. Once those problems are addressed, it stands as a fine and ambitious fairy-tale adventure that places its story, visuals, and music at the forefront rather than relying on complex or demanding gameplay systems.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a massive and charming JRPG with a heartfelt story, classic turn-based gameplay and polished visuals and music. While some pacing and repetition issues remain, it’s a rewarding adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Resident Evil Requiem blends the best elements of survival horror and action. With stunningly detailed environments, realistic lighting and a gripping story, the game makes for one of the most immersive entries the series has to offer. Some traditional features are absent, but it remains a standout entry.

UNBEATABLE is a clear passion project that proves the rhythm genre can be about much more than just flashy tracks and timed button presses. Its story is engaging, the characters are vibrant and full of energy, and the soundtrack is packed with absolute bangers.

Silent Hill f marks a bold new step for the series and a clear sign of Konami’s return to AAA games. The Japanese setting feels fresh, while the atmosphere, visuals and psychological horror stay true to the franchise’s identity. Despite some technical issues and uneven combat, the game delivers a strong story and an unsettling experience that fans of the genre will surely appreciate.

Pathologic 3 is a bold and cerebral reimagining of an already legendary series, trading raw tension for deeper immersion and narrative complexity. Its time-travel mechanics and richly written protagonist create a uniquely introspective experience, even as technical issues and inconsistent systems occasionally break the flow. Flawed but fascinating, it remains one of the most intellectually ambitious games of its kind.

MIO tries to shake up the Metroidvania formula in a few interesting ways. Some of its design choices may not appeal to everyone at first, but the challenge ultimately pays off. Fans of the genre willing to stick with it will likely find something to enjoy.

Kejora is a visually striking 2D puzzle adventure that leans heavily on hand-drawn, Ghibli-inspired aesthetics and a gentle, melancholic tone. While its atmosphere and story carry emotional weight, the gameplay remains overly simple and sometimes clumsy, with weak audio design and restrictive saving systems. It’s a heartfelt narrative experience, best suited for players who value art and mood over mechanical depth.

Don’t Stop, Girlypop! delivers fast, technically solid arena shooting built around constant movement and momentum. While mechanically competent, its aggressive UI, heavy visual clutter, and polarizing Y2K aesthetic can feel overwhelming and physically uncomfortable at times. The result is a capable shooter whose presentation undermines its gameplay, making it best suited for players tolerant of extreme sensory intensity rather than a broad audience.

Cairn is a brutally demanding yet strangely soothing climbing experience that turns every movement into a meaningful decision. Its unique limb-based controls and meditative pacing create a powerful sense of immersion, even as its punishing difficulty and sparse checkpoints test your patience. If you're willing to endure the struggle, the mountain offers one of the most memorable journeys in recent indie games.