JDM is a passion project that delivers on its solid drift physics and general vibe of the up-and-coming driver in the ruthless Japanese drift community. It suffers from rough edges with its weird handling system and optimization issues, but can pose as a hidden gem for those in need of old-school racing nostalgia.

Lifespace Traveler is a game that is hard to praise but easy to recommend. While its most impressive trait is the fact that it was made by a single person, this also stands as its biggest weakness. The lack of polish and size may drive you away from playing it, but you should give it a chance nonetheless. It is a challenging game made with love, which is so very obvious every step of the way.

This year, FIFA brings most of its changes in the shape of a new name for the franchise. In other aspects, it’s mostly the same old game with some additional flavors sprinkled around, unless you are really excited about the new mixed teams.

Rebirth of Souls takes some risks that pay off. Although a bit too complicated and poorly explained, its fighting system ends up being quite satisfying. It's a well-thought-out fighting game that could have used more of the 'oomph' Bleach deserves, but is still a welcome addition to the market, which hasn't seen many titles from this series in a long time.

Assetto Corsa Competizione is a real racing simulation, which is not something that can be said for most games. But as it is an advantage for serious driving fans, it is also a major flaw, as it will hardly attract new players. The biggest flaw of the game is it’s low and inconsistent frame rate, which might push off even the biggest fans if not dealt with in the near future.

Interesting twist on a theme park management tycoon, with really good gameplay basics, but it lacks uniqueness and overall polish, especially in graphics department.

The third venture into the episodic Hitman might not be as good as his second adventure, but Marrakesh still offers amazing digital playground that will surely put your assassin skills to the test.

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a medieval real-time grand strategy that does something to perfection, but also fails to deliver in some other important aspects. While the game does feel fresh, it's also far too similar to its predecessor, that got released almost 20 years ago. As an older player, it feels good to play the game again, but it’s also disappointing that the studio didn't add many new features that were, and still are, missing.

No matter how many protagonists you get to play as or how many play styles you try, sooner or later the whole experience becomes rather boring. Suffering from same repetitive nature as most musou games, Arslan follows the same formula and can only be recommended to hardcore fans of the genre.

A fun dungeon crawling dating sim, with more sexual tension than we ever thought a single Nintendo system could withstand. It appears Nintendo Switch really is an amazing milestone console in the rich Nintendo history. Where were we... Oh, yeah. A fun game!

First-person puzzle platformer resembling the much-loved Portal, but lacking in storytelling and replayability value.

The simplest control scheme in the world will not save you from frustration and anxiety. But if you arm yourself with patience, you will find this an enjoyable difficult platformer.

If you want to scratch that retro Doom FPS itch, Prodeus could be just the game to do it for you. The Switch version is inferior to other platforms hence even more retro, but the true magic lies within its fast-paced gameplay and lots of enemies to cut through with a flashy arsenal. If you like games like these, give Prodeus a chance.

For the fans of the beat 'em up genre, this is a must. Yet, it won't leave its mark on the gaming world bar the impressive amount of political incorrectness, staying just above the average of the gaming spectrum.

We don't see often adventures like this. Great design and funny story, make it a title worthy a sequel. But not all is great on the low road... So be prepared and armed with nerves. I promise you, it's going to be worth it.

A buggy third person PRG that shines like an old school game but is hindered by technical problems, endless running and pointless survival elements.

Planet Alpha is a solid 2D puzzle platformer, with a fantastic visual style and some very interesting game design choices. Player is allowed to control the day/night cycle of the planet, which is integrated as a part of the puzzle solving, but it can also lead to some beautiful landscape moments. It can be sometimes too easy, and jumping mechanic could use a bit more work, but all in all it is a nice journey through a strange world.

Even considering this was a portable-first, God Eater 2 in its PS4 edition remains a rather unspectacular game. But, its brilliance lies in its core, the deep gameplay system with numerous weapon modifiers. It's not for everyone, though it doesn't need to be.

In a nutshell, Grow Up could be described as "just another indie platformer" especially with its wonky physics. There are some performance issues, but even with them it's a relaxing romp that can help you unwind during its 4-hour running time.

Clever as ever, and as much poetic. The game does not bring much in the sense of new content, but extends the successful formula to deliver another puzzle-ish bloodbath. May be pricey, but it's pretty spicy.

Dark Devotion presents a rather refreshing cocktail of different genres and games that only an indie developer would have the courage to try. Its pixel art, done nicely and with a lot of attention to details, presents a morbid and dark setting. Only issues come to inconveniences regarding controls, no jump and return options.

Easy and fun party game. Nothing spectacular but it does not miss the point of fun gaming.

We have waited a long time for another game in this series but what we got is a title that just plays safely. The number of heroes is vast and are plenty of amazing cinematics, but to many problems with simple basic enemies can ruin the fun. All in all, it's a great cooperative game for a bunch of friends to enjoy and have fun with.

Hell Is Us is an interesting experiment that deviates from the standard hand-holding exploration games and lets the players play on their own with little to no guidance. However, simplistic combat with a bit of reflex-based healing mechanics will deter casual gamers or even curious players that do not want to invest so much time in learning specific timings. However, for the patient and tenacious players, they will find a lot of fun here.

With bleak visual design and superb voice acting, Fragments of Him won't leave you indifferent to choices, regrets, and sorrow, its characters portray. A cathartic journey through melancholy-fuelled story, that's just too short to leave a full impact or justify the high price on Steam.

Tech Support: Error Unknown is a game with simple yet interesting gameplay and story with multiple endings. You start as a rookie tech support assistant but later in the game, you get more info and information about illegal activities on the network. Tech Support has a lot of problems like lack of explanation for some tasks and bugs, but it's overall a fun game.

Alone in the Dark remakes the original in all the elementary ways that were perfected a long time ago. It recreates the mechanics and the atmosphere of the first games with genuine precision yet fails to improve on the formula in any meaningful manner. It’s an experience you will probably enjoy getting bored with.

A historical event whose consequences are felt even today is encapsulated in this Telltale-esque adventure that might not be the lengthiest nor the most polished adventure of all time, but it does intrigue and raise important questions many of us weren't fully aware of.

Short but sweet is the best way to describe this beautiful 2D puzzle adventure that gives you a fun movielike experience. Besides that, the game is very short and simple, so keep it in mind if that isn't your cup of tea.

Star Wars: Squadrons is an incomplete but satisfactory experience for anybody who has to scratch that Rogue Squadron itch. It plays relatively safe and can provide a dozen fun hours, but is still pulled down by its lack of content and lacklustre support for controllers.

Rescue Team DX may be a remake, but it does not improve the original formula in almost any way. While the graphics and HUD had an obvious overhaul, the game is a repetitive yet somewhat charming and conflicted experience, that offers quality at the expense of some pretty weird and lazy solutions. Yet if you are a fan, you should not miss this one.

If you're going into The Division looking for an MMO-styled Call of Duty, you'll leave empty-handed. But, if all you're looking for are tons of loot, great co-op fun with your friends, shooting endless streams of bad guys, all set in the realistic depiction of New York, be sure to grab your copy of the game.

Interesting concept, fun gameplay with huge variety, simple and clear rules are what makes Boss Monster a great game for when you're looking for a head to head card-based experience. Minor bugs and DLC annoyances do bring its score, and enjoyment, down by a notch.

Team Sonic Racing is fun and enjoyable kart mascot racing game. Even with its few faults, it can be enjoyable for the whole family or just in singleplayer.

A timeless classic not worth the extra price just for portability.

As someone who has never played Persona 3, I tried to make myself a believer but never managed to do so. The Persona system is great fun, the theme is not for my taste, and the school segments are beyond boring, at least for me, and I am probably in the minority. Apart from the price, this game will scratch that Persona itch and let you relive your childhood with gorgeous graphics and quality-of-life improvements, but it did not make me fall in love with the series.

When the quality over quantity recipe goes too far, you get The Hinokami Chronicles. A visually stunning game based on a renowned anime, that painfully yearns for more content. It is full of forced activities that are there only to prolong the experience. Yet, the sides of it that shine are absolutely stunning. Not to mention that if you are a fan of the series, it will probably blow your mind.

FIFA 22 upgrades graphics but loses some licences, and an overall experience feels like a “win some-lose some” type of product. While some of the new modes and technical upgrades make it a refreshing entry, it’s starting to be painfully obvious that the series needs some serious calibration in order to get back on the path of old glory.

Aside from its dark themed Wild West setting, the game shares a lot with XCOM. We won’t complain much about the technical shortcomings of an indie title. The atmosphere and gameplay will keep you entertained at least until you finish the game.

Cornerstone does have its fair share of problems, from camera to control scheme, but it is a lighthearted and whimsical adventure that doesn't overstay its welcome and even provides a laugh or two.

Dawn of Ragnarok is a much better paced and written experience than vanilla AC Valhalla is, but suffers from the same gameplay and design problems, even with its better condensed and well thought out world and characters.

You won't be saving the world but you will be fighting sadness and depression. Crystar’s story is marred by poor gameplay execution that can become repetitive very fast. If you are looking for something different in the JRPG genre then this is a good start, especially with all the Gothic Lolita style.

Shadow Blade Reload is a fun game. It offers absolutely nothing new. But it’s still fun.

In order to enjoy this game to the fullest, you’d have to be a teenager, still trying to find yourself while having a clear political view. Sounds terribly specific? No sweat. Loving adventures and rogue lite games should also prove useful when it comes to liking Road 96. It’s a good game, just not for everyone.

Like the Matrix déjà vu, this sequel smells of the original. Changes are very subtle and ultimately mean a different cast in a similar setting. While the graphics are fairly poor and suggest a low-cost production, everything else makes a pretty decent if not excellent combination of fun mechanics and likeable characters. If you loved the first game, this one's for you.

The price is well worth the amount of quality content you get here. With three games in one, you are looking at 50 plus hours of gameplay.

ArenaNet is trying hard here and we appreciate the effort. They listened and made changes most of the fans wanted.

Stranger of Paradise is one of the strangest Final Fantasy spinoffs I have ever played, but it does not necessarily mean it’s a bad game. Yes, it has a remarkably bad cast of characters and story, but still has strong points that make it a decent game. Packed with some truly enjoyable combat and nostalgia, it’s a game any fan of the series will know how to appreciate.

Bye Sweet Carole dazzles with its beautiful visuals and imaginative charm, but stumbles when it comes to gameplay polish. Despite its blend of platforming and point-and-click mechanics, it ultimately feels like a project that needed at least a few more months of development.

Interesting combination of gameplay mechanics and advanced level editor are good, but lack of servers really hurts multiplayer aspect of the game.

Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader was, besides Baldur’s Gate 3, my most anticipated game of 2023. Owlcat did an amazing job on Wrath of the Righteous and I expected that they would nail the Rogue Trader fantasy. Unfortunately, a lot of changes, bugs and a severe lack of voice acting completely ejects me from the immersion that is necessary for any 40k game. The deep progression system, while very confusing and not beginner-friendly, makes for a unique playthrough each time, but the very slow and boring combat hinders the pacing of a somewhat great CRPG.

Good game. But only that. Not for everyone, especially not for children and minors. Too much text will turn off some players. But excitement for every new case and hope that you will behead Robespierre will be enough to keep you until the end.

Tiny Tina’s an average DM in this tabletop Borderlands spin-off. The story lacks a punch with unnecessary politics inserted, although the humour can sometimes still be pretty great. Combat is still great and fun, with a fantasy setting and few additions sprinkled on the familiar BL formula, but Wonderlands misses out on the potential to make a truly new experience that will differ from its very close cousin, condemning itself to be appealing to mostly Borderlands fans, which still poses a good game, but misses the chance to become a great one.

Clumsily narrated yet strongly delivered tale, told through the eyes of a seeking fox and set in a gorgeous dream-world, The First Tree is an hour long video game you will not forget for some time after beating it.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a solid sequel to the already decent predecessor. It presents the player with a larger selection of dinosaurs, a welcome addition of visitor management and some various tweaks and additions that overall make the game experience much more realistic and enjoyable. It falls a bit with its too “micromanage-y” systems at some points and lacklustre campaign, but it is a sure sight of joy for any fans of tycoon games and Jurassic series alike.

Rue Valley delivers a striking blend of time-loop mystery, small-town drama, and a heartfelt look at mental health. Its strong writing and atmosphere shine, but shallow choice systems and repetitive loop mechanics hold it back. It’s a compelling premise that ultimately feels uneven.

Feel Seals is a turn-based RPG inspired by Final Fantasy Tactic, made by Final Fantasy Tactic fans and meant for Final Fantasy Tactic fans. Mix and match your skills, classes and abilities to create unique combos that will best suit your playing style.

Even though we now get to explore Syberia’s beautiful world in full 3D, some of the game’s old charm has been lost in the process. The original voice lines remain intact, but the classic note-taking system—an important part of the experience—is sadly gone.

When a remake strives to remain faithful to the original only on the surface, yet degrades deeper systems that previously made it great, it can never be good news. Upgrades to the original may not be that “brilliant” nor “shining”, but at its core, this game still manages to remain a fun Pokémon title. Compared to what the games were back in the day, this remake may be inferior, but still has plenty to offer to old and especially new players.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 is a nice and cute game, the gameplay is maybe mediocre at times and boss fights aren’t challenging, but when you play it in co-op with your friends or kids, it will give you a fair amount of fun.

A unique combination of falling block mechanics and platformer elements that will keep you occupied for quite some time.

Wildgate did not hook me as hard as I thought it would. I thought it would be more of a ‘’Sea of Thieves in Space’’ type of game; however, Moonshot Studios tried to do something new. For what it’s worth, I think they did it, but the novelty quickly wore off with its PvPvE approach. The matches are fun only if you have a good crew with friendly players who are there for the fun of it and not to win at all costs.

When a remake strives to remain faithful to the original only on the surface, yet degrades deeper systems that previously made it great, it can never be good news. Upgrades to the original may not be that “brilliant” nor “shining”, but at its core, this game still manages to remain a fun Pokémon title. Compared to what the games were back in the day, this remake may be inferior, but still has plenty to offer to old and especially new players.

Although game has huge problems with p2w microtransactions, it is still a good and fun gameplay experience with stunning visuals.

This game is the closest to the original Jagged Alliance we got in the last two decades. It's a fun game but complexity is far below the standards of the original games in the series.

Nidhogg 2 upgrades its predecessor's formula to a grotesque but charming, fast-paced stamina duels. If you have a friend interested in testing his gaming expertise against you, grab this game! If not... Well sadly, nothing to look for in here.

This grinding-cooking game truly is a recipe to make you smile. It's simple and full of grinding but warm and positive at the same time. It will truly make you feel good and pass the time like a pro. But don't let it pass too much, life is short you know!

Mages of Mystralia is far from a good game, but it fits perfectly on a Nintendo Switch. Monotonous gameplay and puzzles are overshadowed by the sheer number of spell combinations.

This is a simple souls-like game and great for people wanting to get into the genre. With difficulty settings, plenty of interesting new mechanics and a fun world, it's definitely a good game to try.

The new instalment of the Dirt franchise is full of energy and style but lacks in some aspects that made the previous iterations so attractive.

Even though the magic of the old Disney platformers is somewhat lost, Illusion Island stands as a promise that it can be rekindled. Both experienced and less skilled players can enjoy this game cooperatively, and while it may not bring anything groundbreaking to the table, it’s great to see that the charm is still there. Seems that quality adventures starring Mickey Mouse won’t be just a thing of time past.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a decent game that can make a regular gamer move about and try to exercise. It does enough to get you going and make it interesting, but at the end of the day, it’s the will of the gamer that’s going to be needed for a regular and proper exercise.

Influenced by the legendary Dino Crisis franchise, Exoprimal is a surprisingly fun and engaging game. Despite some repetitive missions and an occasionally unstable connection, I can safely say that Exoprimal is one of the most enjoyable titles in 2023.

The premise and story are offering some great comedy, parody and poking at the current generations and ways of dating. Problem arises at the fact that the game mostly does only that and does not delve any deeper into the possible hilarity of it all. As for the gameplay its the every day standard point and click adventure fare. If you are new to the series its a great simple and fun start.

Street Fighter V rises to the occasion with its Champion Edition, adding much-needed content in one whole package that was supposed to be part of original Arcade Edition. Even though it is still riddled with some of the technical issues and balance problems, it’s a most complex SF game so far and can provide hours upon hours of fun with its diverse new moves for each character and fun challenges to fulfill.

A short but interesting co-op survival puzzle, focused on player communication, that will take one afternoon of your free time but even with different endings doesn’t have replay value.

Monark brings many innovations to the table, yet ultimately feels unfinished and unpolished. Many of the traditional and obsolete aspects of the JRPG genre are present, yet if you are willing to look past them in order to reach some quality – it could truly shine up your experience. Interesting characters, mechanics and setting, may not feel enough for some, but to those that just need a long game and new ways to play, Monark is a great recommendation.

Fun and innovative fusion of Metroidvania and monster taming genre with the fast and surprisingly complex turn-based combat system. Coupled with a huge roster of acquirable monsters and over 20h of gameplay, it is well worth its asking price of only 20$.

Reverie is an amazing culmination of so many stories and characters over multiple games. However, if you’re new to the franchise, it’s a slow, annoying, and lore dumping experience that can get really tedious, and ultimately, not fun at all.

Monster Energy Supercross 3 is a mild upgrade over its predecessor, posing with average boring career, but some fine gameplay improvements in some of its misdoings in past. Multiplayer experience provides a lot of fun though, especially with some of smaller modes of the game, but over time, this upgrade isn’t worth your money if you played earlier installments.

If you manage to look past the incredibly poor graphics and voice acting that awkwardly fits, you should have a blast with the remaster of a 1993 classic. If not, this is a release you should avoid. But ultimately, games should not require overlooking of flaws to be good. For that is a major flaw by itself.

Although it feels like a mash-up of many recognizable classics, Fe still manages to pave its own path of genuine style and feel. Length and feeling of missed opportunities indeed are pulling the final impression down, but there is a lot to love here. Though looking for it makes you feel lost a bit too often.

Not all the fans may think New ‘n’ Tasty is a faithful representation of the original, but for the newcomers - it sure is a good starting point. While waiting for the Soulstorm, it's a great opportunity to play the Switch port of the 6 years old remake of the 23 years old game - on the go.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is the remastered version of a legendary arcade racing game. Visually, the remaster itself doesn't give you the feeling that you're playing a modern racing game, the game is polished, but it still feels outdated. That being said, it's still fun to play if you liked the original, though now you can play in 4k and 60fps with all DLC included, and with an original banging soundtrack.

Thrones of Britannia shifts usual pattern where storytelling is weakest part of Total War games to situation where it is it's best part in ToB. If AI and factions get upgrades, it might even turn out quite good.

RIDE 4 isn't the best entry in the series, but it fixes a lot of its past problems. The on-track action is amazing, and no matter what track you’re on or what time of day or conditions you’re racing in, you’re in for a fun time. It’s a challenging game, but in a good way, as it encourages you to get better and offers a wide variety of difficulty options to help you along the way.

It is no secret that The Veilguard is a very controversial game. It’s a fun action RPG that will provide you with lots of hours of entertainment, especially if you are into exploring more of the remarkable Thedas lore. Sadly, the narrative, the very thing BioWare was once famous for, is truly lackluster, providing us with weak characters, bad writing and pacing, while almost completely ignoring the previous DA titles.

If beautiful art, graphics quality and music are all you look for in video games, look no further. Just make sure that frustrating juggle between three characters is not something that could drive you mad. Because this game is exactly that - a beautiful series of tedious gameplay mechanics. A truly charming mess.

The third installment of the Runner series continues the rhythmic legacy of its predecessors but lacks a bit in content. Runner 3 will be well received with the genre veterans but it will attract little to no new players.

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me is a fun little indie title, obviously inspired by Inscription. With its meta-narrative, playing as a game within a game, it utilizes its environment for puzzle solving very cleverly. Sadly, it is a bit short, and it left me wanting more. Nevertheless, it will provide you with a fun afternoon with some nice brain teasers.

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.

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.

At first glance, the new instalment in the Atelier series continues the trend of its predecessors but actually provides an upgraded and refined experience. The UI is very user friendly, and the world is more colourful and lively than ever. One of the main downsides is the game’s PC port optimization, which is fairly poor.

CoD MW 2 is a refreshing single-player experience, providing players with some of the best action-packed moments and great characters, but riddled with multiplayer balancing issues and extreme performance and technical problems. It still is CoD and is fun for anyone who finds its casual shooting gameplay compelling, but it plays safely and doesn’t present itself as something revolutionary for the franchise.

Scott Pilgrim EX delivers a chaotic retro-inspired adventure packed with time travel, alternate dimensions, and countless nods to classic arcade games. Its stylish pixel art, varied soundtrack, co-op gameplay, and diverse cast make for an entertaining beat-'em-up experience, though repetitive enemy waves before bosses and occasional combat frustrations hold it back from true greatness.

Necrobarista is a relatively short yet beautifully directed visual novel that tackles a couple of serious themes such as death and general parting with people. Although linear, it tends to tell its story with no holding back, whether you are going to like it or not. Even though the Switch version runs much more poorly compared to the previous PC release, this remains to be an intriguing story filled with interesting characters and great storytelling.

The Warriors series has proven quite some times that you can teach an old dog some new tricks. This time relying on quality opposed to the well known quantity, Samurai Warriors 5 remains a fun title of a franchise that is somehow too old to be this entertaining - yet it is.

If better hair physics is what you were hoping for when it comes to the new edition of FIFA – you’re in luck! The hair looks gorgeous now. But as for the other, more important things we need, it is the same as always. It takes a bit of improvement and a lot to pay for it.