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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Skate Story is a surreal, visually striking skateboarding experience that blends precise mechanics with a poetic journey through the underworld. Its intentionally cryptic narrative is elevated by a powerful atmosphere and an exceptional soundtrack. Far removed from traditional skate games, it stands out as one of the most distinctive releases of 2025.

Octopath Traveler 0 holds on to the elements that made the originals great but isn’t afraid to experiment further. It freshens up the formula in ways that finally let its potential shine. Though pacing and some repetitive elements hold it back, it still carries the legacy of the series and shines as bright as ever.

Metroid Prime 4 delivers polished combat and stunning visuals, but its linear open structure, diluted atmosphere and lack of bold innovation will probably disappoint long-time fans after a long wait.

Chronicles of the Wolf is a treat for fans of classic 2D Castlevania games, offering a richly detailed world and a strong sense of old-school atmosphere. While its exploration and presentation shine, the game keeps the challenge level relatively low and brings few innovations compared to modern metroidvanias. A nostalgic experience best suited for longtime genre devotees rather than players seeking fast-paced or experimental design.

ARC Raiders blends careful pacing, immersive audio, and high-risk extraction gameplay into a consistently engaging multiplayer experience. The mix of hostile machines and unpredictable player encounters keeps every raid tense and fun, whether played solo or with a squad.

Where Winds Meet is a casserole of gameplay genres that blend very nicely with each other. This gorgeous game invites exploration and is supplemented by a fun combat system that doesn’t get old. So far there are no P2W mechanics in this F2P game, only cosmetics and a bunch of mats that are easily farmed in game. The amazing experience is only trumped by awful voice acting and overuse of AI chat and voiceovers with bad localization. These are all fixable issues, and I think Where Winds Meet is here to stay.

Tormented Souls 2 delivers a tense, retro-inspired survival horror experience that successfully builds on its predecessor. Fast-paced combat, clever boss encounters, and a larger, more varied world elevate the series, while resource scarcity and strategic inventory management keep the tension high. Balance issues, occasional bugs, and a few pacing problems prevent it from being flawless, but fans of classic survival horror and the first game will find plenty to enjoy.

The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D remakes shine with retro simplicity and modern visuals. Added mechanics and accessibility options make the games approachable, though grind and slow-paced storytelling can drag. Still, the package delivers a nostalgic and enjoyable adventure for both new and longtime fans.

Dispatch is a wonderfully pleasant surprise—from its excellent voice cast and its fresh take on the overplayed superhero theme, to gameplay mechanics that blend Telltale-style storytelling with innovative systems. Most importantly, it delivers a beautiful, fun, emotional, and thoroughly entertaining story that’s hard to put down until the very end—and even then, it leaves you wanting more.

Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked delivers an accessible, charming and tactically engaging D&D-lite experience, even if its simplified structure and progression flaws keep it from reaching true depth. It’s fun, clever, and welcoming, which is perfect for players who are just starting their D&D journey.

Little Nighmares III keeps the eerie charm of its predecessors, adding co-op play and great visuals, but limited multiplayer options and mild innovation hold it back from true greatness.

With FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, Square Enix once again proves that a great remaster can both modernize and honor an original’s legacy. It’s a careful balance of fresh updates and deep respect for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The addition of full voice acting alone makes The Ivalice Chronicles worth revisiting — even for those who’ve already experienced every previous entry.

Dying Light: The Beast marks the return of Kyle Crane in a thrilling sequel that breathes new life into the series. With ferocious beast powers, adrenaline-pumping Chimera boss battles, and parkour that’s as exhilarating as ever, the game delivers plenty of standout moments. The open world can feel a bit too sprawling, and the controls occasionally slip into clunky territory, but the fast-paced combat and richly designed side missions more than make up for it. This is an excellent return to form — one that blends fresh ideas with the spirit of the original in a way fans won’t want to miss.

Time Stranger marks an exciting new chapter in the Digimon Story series, packed with fresh and refined features that every monster-taming and battle enthusiast will appreciate. Once the story gains momentum, it proves to be engaging and well-written — but even before that, there’s so much to explore and do with your Digimon that you’ll hardly know where to begin.

Battlefield 6 feels like a return to form for the series, blending chaotic, fast-paced battles with moments of real tactical depth. The maps are fun but often smaller than expected, pushing a faster, more aggressive style of play. Vehicles feel satisfying, each class has a clear role, and the new tactical hammer adds creative ways to interact with the environment. Portal mode is a joy, letting you remix old favorites and craft your own mayhem. Despite some balance quirks, it’s an energetic, highly enjoyable shooter — and I can’t wait to see how the game evolves in the future.

Keeper is an atmospheric, meditative adventure that blends minimalist storytelling with visual poetry in true Double Fine fashion. While its environmental puzzles are simple and its mechanics somewhat underused, it offers a cozy experience for players seeking pure relaxation rather than a tough challenge.

Despite repetitive environments, long loading times, and a clunky narrative, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a worthy homage to the late Tomonobu Itagaki. It offers perhaps the most refined combat mechanics the series has ever seen. And it’s undeniably the bloodiest entry — a true ninja gore-fest.

The movement is fluid, the combat exhilarating, and it’s great to see the Prince back in action. Meta progression works well, giving a steady sense of unlocking new abilities and rewarding starting bonuses. However, some difficulty spikes can feel downright punishing, breaking the flow of an otherwise thrilling experience.

Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is based on the classic ’80s anime, capturing all the nostalgia and tone of that era. It even includes sequences from the original series as you play through the first 12 episodes of the show. However, while the retro charm is undeniable and the action sequences are solid, lingering gameplay issues hold it back in the long run.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre — instead, it focuses on perfecting what’s already there. And in that, it’s successful. The combat is sharp and stylish, the platforming offers a satisfying challenge, and the ability to revisit sections of a level adds great replay value while giving players a chance to collect anything they may have missed. Art of Vengeance is also a great nod to the old-school Shinobi titles and the franchise as a whole, which is a nice plus for longtime fans.

NBA 2K26 delivers the most polished basketball simulation yet, with smoother player movement, an improved shooting meter, and a stronger MyCareer narrative. However, persistent pay-to-win mechanics, heavy reliance on microtransactions, and occasional bugs hold it back. For die-hard fans, especially those invested in premium editions like Leave No Doubt, it’s still a must-play, but casual players may find the experience less rewarding without spending extra.

Lost Soul Aside is a linear action RPG that began as a solo project and finally arrived after nearly a decade. It delivers much of the promised spectacle with its fast, flashy, combat-driven combat and superb soundtrack. But uneven presentation, occasional bugs and inconsistencies make it best for players who can overlook rough edges.

Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. This is Hollow Knight — and then some. Playing as Hornet feels like an entirely new experience, offering a level of speed and finesse the Knight never had. Add in the wealth of new skills, tools, and traversal options, and the gameplay reaches incredible new heights. And once again, the world is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is haunting.

Ghost of Yotei is a gorgeous, polished samurai adventure that builds on Ghost of Tsushima’s formula with satisfying combat, organic exploration, and a personal, albeit average revenge-driven story. While it refines the open-world experience beautifully, it doesn’t take bold risks, making it feel more like a reimagined chapter than a true leap forward. Still, its atmosphere, design, and narrative make it a must-play for PS5 owners.

Dying Light: The Beast marks the return of Kyle Crane in a thrilling sequel that breathes new life into the series. With ferocious beast powers, adrenaline-pumping Chimera boss battles, and parkour that’s as exhilarating as ever, the game delivers plenty of standout moments. The open world can feel a bit too sprawling, and the controls occasionally slip into clunky territory, but the fast-paced combat and amazing side missions more than make up for it. This is an excellent return to form — one that blends fresh ideas with the spirit of the original in a way fans won’t want to miss.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a visually stunning Soulslike that dazzles with its Unreal Engine 5 environments and ambitious new systems, but it often stumbles under the weight of its own mechanics. The Madness disease adds a unique twist to combat, though its mandatory nature quickly turns frustrating, especially in boss fights. Slow animations, unbalanced encounters, and bland NPCs hold the experience back, yet for dedicated fans seeking an uncompromising old-school challenge wrapped in modern visuals, Wuchang delivers a substantial, value-priced adventure.

Wheel World is truly an ode to cycling, masterfully represented in its beautifully stylised world, rich with content and secrets. Despite a few technical issues and inconsistencies, it provides a relaxing trip to a colorful world of cycling.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 delivers a faithful yet refreshed take on two skateboarding classics, with new maps, QoL upgrades, and a massive dose of nostalgia. While some levels and tracks are missing, and a few clunky moments remain, the smooth gameplay, customisation options, and lack of microtransactions make this a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

The Drifter is an amazing point-and-click adventure game that forces you to think fast in order to save the protagonist from a deadly fate. Aside from engaging puzzles, the game stands out thanks to its thrilling story, full of mystery and emotion.

Mafia: The Old Country takes the series back to its Sicilian origins with a powerful, story-driven campaign. Despite limited side content and a few rough visual details, its atmosphere, narrative, and combat deliver a memorable experience.

Gears of War: Reloaded is not a remake, but it’s a good re-release for Steam and PS5. I guess they are preparing the public for E-day, which is a prequel to this game. Now, this is not a critique, since I’ve relived my old Xbox 360 days with this release and I could not be happier. The biggest improvement from my point of view was the audio, which was assaulting my ears in a good way throughout the campaign. The multiplayer revival was also fun, and it did bring back the old-school feel of this game. The only things this release is missing are the second and third game.

Everdeep Aurora is a gentle, narrative-driven platformer. Explore an underground world through the eyes of Shell, a feline child looking for her mother. Atmospheric pixel art and vague navigation won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if it’s yours, this could be a gem you’ll cherish for a long time.

Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a wildly inventive 3D platforming adventure full of chaos, creativity, and charm. Mining mechanics, massive levels, and transformative Bananza powers make exploration exciting, while gorgeous visuals and strong pacing keep the journey engaging. Performance dips, underused abilities, and a forced Donkey–Pauline dynamic hold it back from perfection, but its sense of discovery and explosive fun shine through. An instant classic that proves sometimes too much fun can still be just right.

In Dragonball-esque fashion, CyberConnect2 and Arc System Works performed a fusion and managed to turn the tides! The majestic production values of Ufotable have been impressively mirrored, as this game delivers a multitude of breathtaking animations and of course – loads of flamboyancy! A solid battle system and plenty of content make this game a significant upgrade to the first. This one is for the fans.

Clutchtime is a true hidden gem. It is a masterfully crafted roguelike deckbuilder, intertwining the tactical elements of basketball with that sweet addictive roguelike gameplay loop. It flourishes with remarkable card diversity and some great design, that will surely get all fans of deckbuilders, not only basketball, definitely hooked.

Stellar Blade is one of the best PC ports currently available. The new AI technologies such as DLSS and FSR are not necessary on better rigs and are used for what they were initially created for – to help weaker rigs. The game ran like butter throughout my playthrough, and it even ran amazingly on Steam Deck. On top of that, Stellar Blade itself is an amazing game that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Star Overdrive is a slick-looking, well-crafted action-adventure with some seriously fun hoverboard action. If you’re craving old-school mascot platformers, this is the closest modern take you’ll find.

If you have younger family members, Shopenkraft’s Magic Goods is a fantastic choice as an introduction to the world of VR. But even if you’re not in that age group — let’s be honest, we all enjoy escaping reality every now and then into a magical world. And what better place to do that than in the role of a shopkeeper in an enchanted store full of potions, secret ingredients, and extraordinary customers?

Rematch is an ode to football. It is a fun, adrenaline-filled experience that possesses a steep learning curve, but also provides a huge payoff to anyone who dives into its deep, yet simple systems. It suffers from a lack of content and not-so-small net code issues and bugs, but it is a refreshing take on the sport that many fans will appreciate and enjoy.

Mario Kart World dazzles with stunning visuals, an interconnected track system, and endless multiplayer fun, making it a strong launch title for the Switch 2. However, its cautious design, lack of deep customization and simplified gameplay hold it back from true greatness. The new content feels safe rather than bold and longtime fans may miss some of the series' more ambitious mechanics. Still, it's an undeniably fun racer that shines brightest with friends on the couch.

F1 25 is probably the best edition of F1 to date. It features rich and revamped My Team mode with remarkable depth, as well as the much loved continuation of the Breaking Point story mode that often reaches movie-like quality. It still suffers from occasional handling issues and live-service features that might ruin the experience in some modes, but it is rich with content and its presentation is remarkable.

Nightreign is an asset flip done right. It may lack new content in comparison to its predecessor, but it compensates with fast paced gameplay and a very fun multiplayer experience that many fans will return to.

Blades of Fire tortured me physically, but that is my problem. I could not get in grip with the controls, I had trouble with the outline colors, and I could not get my muscle memory to get used to the control scheme. However, if we take all these personal issues away, Blades of Fire is a sleeper hit that will find its audience, even though it was not me.

Death Stranding 2 takes everything the original did and does it better. More polished, more focused, more ambitious and far easier to follow. It revitalizes the genre it helped pioneer in truly spectacular fashion. Its greatest and arguably only flaw is that it still isn’t for everyone, but this time, it broadens its appeal significantly. And if it resonates with you, there’s a good chance you won’t just like it - you’ll fall in love with it.

The Alters is a very successful blend of base management, survival crafting, and narrative-driven exploration. It delivers a compelling story, intense gameplay, and a unique approach to the genre, offering strategic depth without being overwhelming, and allowing players to stay focused on the story.

The Precinct is a great 80s cop simulation in an old-school GTA aesthetic. The patrol segments are super fun and rewarding when the AI is not fighting you and the game itself. Driving is stiff, rigid and sometimes too sharp to be consistent and needs more work, but the overall feel of the game is amazing and I hope the patches will come rolling out to make it stand out even more.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is an incredible western RPG that draws big inspiration from Bethesda games of old. While the latest similar games like Starfield and Avowed failed to capture the essence of these kinds of games, Tainted Grail does so perfectly. It does not hold the players’ hand and encourages them to explore every inch of the map, and there will always be something to find. And with an incredibly competitive AA price point, I wholeheartedly recommend this game to every RPG player.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Remaster brings the PS2 classic to modern platforms with sharper visuals, smoother controls, and quality-of-life tweaks. It stays true to the original’s samurai-demon slashing roots while adding widescreen support, instant weapon switching, and brutal new difficulty modes. A faithful restoration with just enough polish. Unless you were itching for something a bit more…

Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer is a stellar sequel that improves on every front—from its enhanced visuals and deeper storytelling to its evolving characters and more refined detective and puzzle gameplay.

Days Gone Remaster brings visual upgrades, improved performance, and new gameplay modes to an already atmospheric open-world survival experience. While the story lacks emotional depth and mission variety remains an issue, technical polish and fresh challenges like Horde Assault Mode breathe new life into the game.

A brilliant return to the golden age of arcade fighting games, this collection brings together eight carefully selected 2D and 3D classics. Beyond the excellent lineup, the collection features a wealth of visual settings, polished presentation, and solid online support with stable netcode. It’s a restoration that shows great respect for the originals. If you’re into retro fighting games and want to play them the right way—this collection is a knockout.

The Bazaar is an interesting and very addictive blend of auto-battler and deck-building mechanics, wrapped in a unique PvE/PvP hybrid format. With hundreds of unique cards and a satisfying progression system, each match feels like a fresh challenge. After a rocky early access phase, the game has turned into a true gem and one of the most compelling strategy experiences of the year.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a stellar remaster that goes far beyond just visual enhancements, delivering a wealth of gameplay refinements and quality-of-life improvements. It’s an essential experience for longtime fans and a surprisingly welcoming entry point for newcomers to the series.

With its striking stop-motion-like visuals, rich folklore-inspired world, and atmospheric soundtrack, South of Midnight offers a unique and memorable journey. A slightly repetitive yet distinctive Southern Gothic action-adventure, it delivers a simple, satisfying, and a hauntingly beautiful exploration experience.

KIBORG is an ode to old beat-em-ups but in a roguelike setting. Even though the arenas are a bit bland, especially at the start of the game, the implant mechanic is fun enough to keep you invested just to see what you can build next. If you can forgive the overall blandness and the horrid voice acting, there is fun to be had with KIBORG. And it runs surprisingly well on a Steam Deck.

Blue Prince is a unique fusion of puzzle adventure and roguelike mechanics. With deep replayability, layered mysteries, and a progression system that rewards patience and methodical thinking, Blue Prince is a deeply original experience that blends cerebral challenge with roguelike persistence. It’s not for everyone—but those who dive in will find one of the most rewarding puzzle games in years.

Yumia marks a bold new chapter for the Atelier series—not just with its true open-world design, but through a noticeable shift toward classic JRPG mechanics and a step back from the series’ traditional alchemy-focused systems. It also takes a more serious and darker narrative turn, setting it apart from the lighthearted and whimsical tone of previous entries.

Amerzone is a game that truly deserved a remake—both to reintroduce Benoît Sokal’s stunning art and imagination to a new generation, and to let longtime fans experience its beauty in an entirely new light. With updated visuals, enhanced gameplay, and new features, this remake isn’t just a nostalgic revisit—it’s a must-play, even for those who completed the original.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is nothing short of a masterpiece. Words can’t fully capture just how remarkable this game truly is. Play it ASAP and let the experience speak for itself.

Split Fiction is an explosion of creativity that does not compromise fun for anything. The story amazingly compliments the various gameplay styles and approaches that never go stale. If It Takes Two was revolutionary, Split Fiction is an amazing step up in the genre and a showcase of amazing gameplay ideas. It’s proof that when creativity is allowed to flourish, exceptional games follow.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a stellar and truly fun game that poses as a testament of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Studio's excellent gameplay design and writing. Even though it is riddled with minor issues and is effectively a spin-off title, it is truly worth your time, at least for scratching that pirate gaming itch.

Atomfall blends post-apocalyptic survival with British folklore in a unique narrative-driven open world. The game features exploration, NPC interactions, and challenging inventory mechanics, with impressive graphics and an immersive atmosphere. It’s a promising start for a potential new franchise.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is the best entry in the series since Origins — a stunning visual achievement with a solid gameplay loop that, unfortunately, loses momentum over time and is held back by a weak story.

AI LIMIT copies so many elements that the genre has already established. But it still manages to find its unique way and deliver an unforgettable experience. It is a simple but undeniably atmospheric game. And we fell in love with it.

ReSetna is an ambitious metroidvania that starts off slow but becomes a joy to play after the first hour. With clearer exploration hints and more responsive combat feedback, it could be even better. While the game is receiving frequent updates to fix bugs and refine some questionable design choices, I can’t help but feel it would have benefited from an Early Access release—allowing it to grow its audience over time.

Monster Hunter Wilds might be the first game in the series to truly hook you. It feels genuinely alive, thanks to its dynamic ecosystems and stunning environments that offer an organic and immersive experience - one we highly recommend.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an epic medieval RPG that excels in immersion, both in its narrative and historical setting. Sometimes the former two hold it back from being the best RPG of the year. The game is a slave to its mechanics and systems, some of which feel tedious and slow, and the combat is, at least for me, punishing and clumsy – as if I’m awkwardly puppeteering Henry from behind, flailing his arms in battle. But nothing a bit of modding did not fix.

Keep Driving is a true gem worth your time. It’s immersive, nostalgic, and packed with captivating stories and encounters. With one of the best soundtracks and atmospheres in gaming, it delivers a road trip adventure you won’t forget.

Somber Echoes is a competent metroidvania that is highlighted by its design and atmosphere. The Greco-Roman style intertwined with sci-fi elements is a winning combination and it presents itself perfectly. Even though the gameplay is simplistic, the traversal and the overall feel of the game are very compelling and made me enjoy every second of it.

Slice & Dice is a roguelike gem that brilliantly combines strategy and RNG that’s actually fair! With a huge variety of heroes, items, game modes and other content, every run feels fresh and challenging. The retro pixel art style is charming, and the well-balanced difficulty keeps you coming back for more.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth works really well on PC but heavily relies on DLSS to run smoothly. With no FSR support (yet at least), only DLSS makes the game look nice. The TAA and the TAAU make the game look blurry, especially on the Steam Deck where the Verified badge is underserved. However, if you are lucky to have a DLSS capable PC, the enjoyment this game provides cannot be overstated.

The Yellow Brick Games team consists of many experienced developers from renowned studios, and their first collaborative project reflects that. While the combat is a little bit janky, the world-building, characters, and overall design are excellent.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a masterfully crafted game and easily the best entry in the franchise. It delivers a somewhat convoluted yet beautifully presented story, paired with deep and exhilarating combat that will keep you engaged for hours. The gameplay truly makes you feel like a combat demigod in Ancient China.

The original DKC Returns pushed the genre so far that now, 15 years later, it is obvious just how much this game has aged. Some graphical improvements keep the game fresh but it still can’t hide the outdated design, which makes the new price tag even less justified. It is the definitive edition of this cult classic, yet it did not age all that gracefully.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a fantastic sequel that expands upon its core concepts and gameplay mechanics while delivering an even more emotional and thrilling story. A true masterpiece and yet another GOTY contender from the talented team at Jump Over The Age.

Slay the Princess is a brilliant psychological horror that puts a creative twist on the 'damsel in distress' trope. It delivers an intense narrative where every choice shapes the story, filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable outcomes.

Shadow x Sonic Generations combines nostalgic stages with fresh gameplay, allowing players to experience perspectives of both Sonic and Shadow in a single package. With stunning visuals, energetic music, and dynamic level design, it’s a thrilling ride for fans. While the campaign is short and some of the boss fights lack creativity, it remains a standout title in the franchise.

As a co-op game, Ravenswatch offers a fantastic opportunity for you and your friends to spend hours grinding and fighting formidable bosses. As a solo experience, however, it can feel like an almost insurmountable challenge or devolve into a monotonous slog.