It seems like there has never been so much thought put into a videogame as in The Last of Us: Part 2. Not only how it should surpass its illustrious predecessor, but also how you can utilize the gameplay and story as effectively as possible, to draw the maximum of emotions from your players. This game takes interactive storytelling to a new level and is simply a milestone in video game history.

Rockstar came, saw and conquered in 2013 and does exactly the same in 2014. So our grade for GTA V stands.

I'm not going to claim that The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered makes the existing game even more indispensable than it already is. That's not really possible, because the game was already indispensable upon its original release. But for ten euros this is a great expansion with some interesting behind the scenes material, a lot of skins and at least one very nice extra mode.

More than any RPG in recent gaming history, Baldur's Gate 3 challenges you to experiment with its many fantastic game systems while drowning in the rich, unprecedentedly detailed fantasy world where Larian has the most wonderful adventures, creatures and characters in store for you. On top of that, it also hits a nostalgic chord for me, and the Dungeons & Dragons element has a huge appeal. A 100 is therefore nothing less than justified.

Don't ask me how Nintendo managed to put more than 35 years of experience and love into one product, but they succeeded. Smash Ultimate is not only the ultimate Smash game, the ultimate fighting game, the ultimate party game, and the ultimate collection of videogame nostalgia: it's the ultimate video game. I will continue to play this forever. At least, until Nintendo delivers another sequel.

Creative Assembly has outdone themselves with the best concept for a Total War game since Rome with the biggest, varied and intriguing campaigns in the history of the franchise. The variety between the different races is enormous and the lore, upgrades and units are no slouch either. The tactical decisions you’re faced with are endlessly deep and everything looks stunning as well. This is a masterpiece.

F.ck GoldenEye 007, f.ck Half-Life, f.ck Halo: Combat Evolved. Hell, f.ck DOOM (2016). DOOM Eternal is, in my professional opinion, the new best first-person shooter of all time.

Dead Space is an unmitigated classic, one of the best survival horror games ever, and this remake is on a par with the Resident Evil 2 remake. Not only the graphics, but also the gameplay mechanics, story and overall presentation are quite improved, in a subtle and sometimes rigorous way. Everything that was already brilliant (and that is a lot) has been left intact.

Kojima's last addition to his legendary Metal Gear franchise is the greatest game he's ever produced. An undeniable pinnacle of the franchise and for video games in general.

Whoever is willing to invest in this game will receive the biggest payoff this year could ever give. Rockstar deserves the ultimate respect for taking so many risks, that had no right to unfold as they did in the end. Once again Rockstar Games doesn't set the bar higher, but kicks it into a thousand pieces.

This goes beyond nostalgia. Link's Awakening is a timeless masterpiece, and because of the beautiful, honorable way Nintendo modernized the game, this remake is the best way to experience this timeless masterpiece.

If you have even the slightest bit of love for racing, you have no choice but to play Forza Horizon 5. It’s still a little weird that games like this are coming to the PS5, but ultimately it’s a case of, ‘don’t ask how it’s possible, just enjoy what it is.’ Forza Horizon 5 is still the best open-world racer ever made.

It's unbelievable, but Playground games has surpassed the already brilliant Forza Horizon 4 in every way and sets a new standard for the fun you can have in a racing game. Forza Horizon 5 is a must-have, even as a racing novice, and the perfect excuse to get an Xbox Series X. Viva la Mexico!

If you are going to play one JRPG this year, make sure it is Dragon Quest XI. This game comes as close to perfection as possible, and shows why JRPG's still matter today. This is hands down the best JRPG since Final Fantasy X.

Sunset Overdrive is the most fun I've had in a game so far this year. A brilliant combination of all the best parts of other open world games, complimented with really enjoyable traversal mechanics and a unique sense of style and humor.

Half-Life: Alyx is the best VR game ever made and also a very cool Half-Life game, which everyone should have played. If you were still waiting for that killer app for VR, now is the time to finally go for it.

With Split Fiction, Hazelight consolidates its position as the king of the co-op game with grander, stranger and downright dizzying gameplay situations. While film and game history is celebrated with the utmost sincerity, you experience an adventure with two players that you will definitely not forget. A must play for anyone who can't get enough of (couch) co-op, but actually everyone should free up fourteen hours to experience this. A big fat Gold award.

It's been a long wait, but it's been so worth it. Silksong is, on the surface, "just" a metroidvania and more like Hollow Knight, but the love poured into this world goes deeper. Thanks to Hornet, the battles reach new heights. The sense of adventure that Silksong evokes resonates in your soul, even though your life is constantly hanging by a thread.

Mass Effect 3 may be an anti-climax of Game of Thrones-like proportions, Mass Effect is still a classic and part 2 simply a masterpiece. This collection of remasters fine-tunes BioWare’s masterful trilogy into a somewhat more modern whole, which is more than enough reason to (re)play this emotional, spectacular and totally engrossing sci-fi epic.

Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-have for everyone who has enjoyed a Mario game in the past. It's a celebration of the franchise, with all its wacky adventures and beautiful moments you have experienced with it, including all of Mario’s odd jobs, his 2D- and 3D adventures and much more.

If you have the least bit of love for cars and racing games, it is actually very simple ... Do you have an Xbox One X? Go and get Forza Horizon 4. Do not have Xbox One X? Go and get Forza Horizon 4 with an Xbox One X.

Metaphor: ReFantazio may resemble Persona, but it definitely elevates itself to an evolution of those games thanks to a unique setting and a mix of turn-based and real-time gameplay. What's more: character designs, overall art direction, and the fantastic story turn Metaphor: ReFantazio into something more than just a game. This is an experience.

The Last of Us Part I is not an extremely extensive remake like Resident Evil 2 or 3, but also certainly not a mockery in the vein of XIII or Warcraft III: Reforged. With a lot of love and dedication, the game has been aligned with the graphics and, to a lesser extent, the gameplay of The Last of Us Part II, making the two games a perfect match. Ideal if you haven't played both yet, and otherwise only worth buying for the biggest fans and rich tattoos.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a monument, and the Switch version a godsend. One that even brings improvements in the form of a new hint system, a partner wheel and unprecedented localization.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart may not be the best, most impactful or emotionally charged game, but it is one of the most beautiful and most of all the most fun ever made. Every PS5 owner should play this. You don't want anything, it's mandatory.

We had to wait a while, but Starfield fully lives up to his sky-high expectations. It is special how Bethesda makes such a huge universe manageable, tells fascinating stories in it and manages to keep your urge to explore intact even after a hundred hours. Starfield is certainly not perfect, but it is a worthy successor to both Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, and much more than that.

Breath of the Wild is one of the best Nintendo games ever made, and Tears of the Kingdom improves on the formula in just about every way. Yes, there's a sense of déjà vu with Hyrule's existing map, but the wow factor of the first game is regularly matched as you venture into the new areas.

Astro Bot is everything you could wish for from the Playroom demo and so much more. With unparalleled style and immense love, Asobi delivers one of the best platformers in years, full of fantastic details, nods, and music.

Astral Chain is set in a somewhat boring and repetitive demon world you have to return to a bit too often, but that’s the only tiny downside to this daring and triumphant new Platinum adventure. It has everything that makes action adventures fun and adds exceptional detective phases that offer a welcome diversion from the wild action.

Uncharted 4 is a worthy and gorgeous end to the legendary Uncharted franchise. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but Drake’s adventure couldn’t have ended in any better way.

Midnight Suns is a little Persona, a lot of Dragon Age, maybe just a little less XCOM than you'd hope and a good dose of Marvel love. It's a mix of spectacularly delicious game ingredients under a layer of slightly aged graphics that will keep fans of superheroes, RPGs and turn-based tactics completely enthralled for dozens of hours. The indirectness of the battles and the excess of dialogues is probably not for everyone, but for this Marvel-loving XCOM fanatic, the smack dab in the middle hits a very specific spot.

DOOM is a stupendously good package, filled with the best first person shooter action in recent history. DOOM is back ladies and gentlemen, and it is metal as all hell.

In addition to improved graphics and smoother controls, a lot has really been added and changed to Resident Evil 4, from subtle extras to major, radical adjustments. The classic from 2005 has been modernized in such a way that it is actually more fun than most Resident Evil games and many, if not all contemporary survival horror games.

Arc Raiders is an exceptionally tight extraction shooter, offering plenty of atmosphere alongside the necessary tension. Even though you're constantly being hunted by robots or suspicious fellow Raiders, life as a post-apocalyptic looter is a beautiful experience. Arc Raiders is at its best when excursions take unplanned turns, and you unexpectedly make new friends (or even bitter rivals).

Did Ninja Theory manage to recreate the same impact and blow me away again? The answer is a resounding yes. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is an improvement on all fronts. The game retains its respectful representation of psychoses, but now also shows that there is not only darkness in Senua. Add to that the cinematic quality and you have a new champion: a new realistic, emotionally charged and oh-so-immersive experience to surpass.

While The Veilguard takes me back to the familiar world of Dragon Age, it also dares to experiment. Because that works out well (apart from some cringy writing), here is a satisfied fan. The heart of Dragon Age still beats, and with that mine too.

The subdued Realm of Shadow is reminiscent of Dark Souls and is wonderfully atmospheric, with beautiful visuals and compelling music. The new weapons are exciting to try, the enemies, bosses and other NPCs breathe character and the enemies are wonderfully ruthless. Above all, the Escherian level design shines in this smaller world, and you will enjoy getting lost in it. An unforgettable DLC for an equally unforgettable base game.

Donkey Kong Bananza not only gives the franchise a fresh boost, but also reinvents the platforming genre with clever level design and innovative gameplay. It combines classic platforming elements with a layered, interactive world that rewards creative and strategic thinking — but above all, it's just incredibly fun to explore.

Tekken 8 is, in line with its reputation as a highly technical fighter, a strict teacher. At the same time, it is also the gentlest possible remedy for players who struggle with the demanding controls. It is sometimes said that the latter category causes stinking wounds, but Tekken 8 actually prevents them from arising through the truckload of help it offers novice players. Add to that the quality-of-life improvements, the most immersive story modes in the series, eye-catching graphics and the enormous amount of content, and Tekken 8 is without a doubt the most accessible installment in the franchise.

Persona 5 beats every other turn-based RPG in terms of production values, combat, story, symbolics, character design, music, pace and variety. 2017 is a great year for gaming and Persona 5 confirms this with a load of unmatched swagger.

Advanced Warfare is already legendary. Boosting is awesome, mind-blowing and fits the game like a latex glove. I pity Treyarch, who'll have to pull out all stops to surpass this one.

Bloodborne is a true sight to be seen and a real joy to play. It isn’t as comprehensive as its predecessors but it’s still an easy recommendation to anyone that’s ever enjoyed a Souls games.

Dragon Ball FighterZ accomplishes the impossible: 1) It's the most innovative 2D-fighter of the last decade, 2) it succeeds in being accessible for people that have never touched a competitive fighter before and 3) it is the most authentic Dragon Ball videogame ever made.

Despite my high expectations and some hiccups, Gran Turismo 7 surprised me positively. This is the most complete Gran Turismo ever, with beautiful graphics and presentation, masterful physics, a lot of content, a great single player and extensive multiplayer, and above all a lot of love for cars and motorsport.

This is the perfected version of one of the best games of recent years, in 4K and with Trophies/Achievements. Anyone owning a current-gen console who hasn't given Hades a chance yet, it's time to descend into the underworld and try to escape it countless times!

Ratchet & Clank demonstrates how good a proper remake can be when its rebuilt from the ground up for new hardware. It’s a must play for the fans and a great entry point for newcomers as well.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is not the most beautiful, coolest or most revolutionary JRPG ever made, but it is one of the most fun. There is so much fun to be had that you can easily last until the summer. What a masterful start to 2024.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown makes it difficult to put down the controller. The fluid action, the beautiful animations and designs, the creative levels and ways you can use the map... I could go on and on. Platforming and action are masterfully balanced and braving the game world and its secrets is as challenging as it is rewarding. There are some bugs here and there during boss fights, and the occasional lack of button responsiveness, but that really doesn't make the game any less fun. This is the Prince of Persia game we deserve in 2024.

Because of the design of a hotel with 15 very varied floors, this is the most versatile, surprising, beautiful and fun adventure so far.

Everything about this game screams 'I'm a wacky spin-off', but in reality Like A Dragon might even be the best game in the franchise. So put aside your prejudice and give this Yakuza-game a fair chance. You won't regret it for a second.

This is the best character action game out right now. Go get this videogame if you like character action games.

KSP is bloody fantastic! The possibilities are endless and the feeling you get after a successful mission is the best ever. You should probably buy this video game. [Jul 2015, p.063]

God of War Ragnarök for PC is the ultimate way to experience this epic Norse adventure without the need for a monster PC. In terms of graphics and performance, the game rarely drops a stitch, but the PC port manages to elevate the already sky-high level of the PlayStation version to an even higher standard.

God of War is one of those games that comes along every now and then which you just have to give it a go. It is enchantingly beautiful, has a well written story, great characters and convincing combat. It would have been perfect if only God of War would have just a bit more of the overwhelming boss fights it sparsely throws at you.

Total War: Warhammer 2 is a couple of very large updates in a box, but anyone who loves the first game will have no regrets buying this. The new factions are great, the Campaign is more streamlined, interesting and clear, all the smaller adjustments increase the urge for yet another turn and the battles are incredibly spectacular. It would be an even greater accomplishment if more people could enjoy this, but for a game, this is very complex.

The Great Circle perfectly captures the essence of Indiana Jones: a mix of mystery, adventure, and humor. The immersive story, beautiful locations, and gameplay experience make you feel like you're truly part of an Indy adventure. This is not only a tribute to the franchise but also a strong addition to the genre. A title you shouldn't miss.

The infectious humor, delightful graphic style and high gameplay variety of Super Mario Bros. Wonder provide a surprising and unique gaming experience, infused with an abundance of character. Super Mario Bros. Wonder ensures that the 2D Mario genre is in full bloom again.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the JRPG to get you through this summer (and fall). The worlds are bigger and more adventurous and the gameplay has been made more accessible in almost every area, without losing depth. A JRPG that reminded me why I love the genre so much.

It’s great that Twilight Princess gets a second time to shine, ten years after the release of the original game. The extra’s are nice and the conversion to HD is well done. [april. 2016 / page 060]

Yeah yeah it's a sequel, it's more of the same yadda yadda yadda, it's nothing more than a simple shooter... But y'know, screw it: I've had so much fun with The New Colossus, that I'm going to give it a 92. Not everyone will agree with it, but those people can kiss my politically incorrect *ss.

The loading times and missing features are little blemishes on what is otherwise a perfect flight sim.

NBA 2K15 is like a starting lineup with Kobe Bryant, CP3, Blake Griffin, LeBron James and Dwight Howard. Unbeatable, dazzling, spectacular, sexy as hell and blessed with just some minor defects. Best sports game of 2015, period.

This interactive story is oppressive, emotional and convincing, containing moments that are as gripping as the better Game of Thrones episodes. A new, surprising highlight on the front of story telling in games.

Kentucky Route Zero takes place in your head just as often as on the screen. Not only the story is vague; everything is vague. Developer Cardboard Computer apparently knows exactly how graphics, sound and storytelling can support your imagination. Goosebumps. David Lynch would be proud of it.

Practically the only downside to the Silent Hill 2 remake is that the story is already familiar. In every other respect, Bloober Team has created something fantastic.

Pikmin 4 is not so much better than its predecessor, but it is more. In terms of gameplay, variety of levels and puzzles, upgrades and creature types, the delicious Pikmin formula is pushed to the max in this phenomenal sequel. Dandori is my new way of life.

The Taken King is truly Destiny 2.0. Practically everything has been revised and improved, making this the unmissable Bungie title that Destiny should’ve been a year ago.

Devil May Cry 5 is one big spectacle with addictive and profound action-gameplay, combined with some heavy-metal intensity, gothic-anime drama and a sexy rock 'n roll appeal. Devil May Cry 5 is Capcom at its best.

Crystal Dynamics creates a stunning, raw and exciting adventure that improves itself in all areas. This highly enjoyable game offers more freedom and exploration than its predecessor.

Without a doubt, FIFA 15 is the most realistic, authentic and atmospheric footie I've ever played. The most fun? Well, the ball is in PES 2015's court.

It is incredibly clever how NetherRealm can make such an old series interesting all the time and even delivers one of the best Mortal Kombat games ever with Mortal Kombat 11. I almost had to force myself to write this Review ... In my head I hear Scorpion "Get Over Here" all the time and I will respond to it again!

The Witness is an astounding demonstration of how ingenous a ‘simple’ puzzle game can truly be. Game design in its purest and most ingenious form. [jan. 2016 / page 063]

It's been a while since I had this much fun in World of Warcraft. Draenor is not only very pretty, but also packed with fun quests. The Warlords are the ultimate bad guys and you truly feel called upon to stop them. Finally, garrisons are an addictive and well-integrated addition. Warlords of Draenor is a very complete expansion, which offers the perfect entry point for newcomers, but also provides veterans with enough to give the MMORPG another chance.

The playability of Mega Man X. The intensity of Contra. The challenge of Metal Slug. And the presentation of a whole generation of iconic animation films. Cuphead contains all these things and more, in a product that is not only an ode to a great but almost extinct subgenre, but which is also onto itself a unique work of art.

Horizon Call of the Mountain isn't quite the game I expected and gameplay-wise it wouldn't be as engaging on a screen, but as a VR game it's a must-have experience and so much more than a simple tech demo. This tastes like more!

If you have warm feelings for Disney characters and worlds, this is perhaps the best game ever, but even if you don't have a real connection with The Mouse House, Kingdom Hearts 3 still offers a fantastic action adventure. Took Square 13 years to make this, but it shows.

Metro: Awakening is what happens when a now proven professional VR studio gets involved with triple-A game series. It delivers a truly next-level experience that is indispensable for Metro fans and VR enthusiasts who want to experience the tension and oppression of the legendary rotten post-apocalyptic metro system. More VR games of this caliber, please!

Tunic is an old-fashioned entertaining game and a true modern classic for the enthusiast. The level design has been taken care of down to the last detail and the bosses are fantastic. Tunic packs the essence of gaming into a cute, memorable and spirited adventure, leaving many a major release gathering dust. A few imperfections and the sometimes somewhat mediocre controls are the only blemishes on a great adventure.

One intriguing murder mystery, two Japanese cities, three great fighting styles, over a dozen addictive mini-games and countless side stories: that's Lost Judgment. Whether you're a Yakuza veteran or if this is your first RGG game, play it.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom gives the princess a worthy game, with a brilliant gameplay mechanic that, despite technical flaws, stimulates your brain in a classic way.

Spider-Man 2 is a high-quality mega production of top quality and not only offers an astonishingly good story, but once again spectacular, extremely varied gameplay wrapped in stunning, sleek images. The sequel may not innovate hugely in terms of specific gameplay additions or tweaks, but as an overall package it's nothing short of AAA, and maybe even an extra A.

The love for Advance Wars oozes from this remake. The adjustments are subtle but tasteful and the new designs of the COs and units are among the best in the series. In terms of content, this package is worth the full price.

Burning Shores shows what the PlayStation 5 is capable of, tells a logical sequel story and adds improved gameplay elements. That was all it took: Horizon Forbidden West was already a fantastic game, so why not want more of (almost) the same?

A hiking simulation you'll want to keep playing because of the unique stealth experience, a social element and a crazy but epic story that grips its claws into your mind. Not for everyone, but once you get sucked in, you'll get the experiences of the year. Yes, in plural.

The beauty of Phantom Spark lies in the simplicity of the gameplay and the clever design choices. A little more variety in the tracks wouldn't hurt the game, but once you start the game and get back into the dreamy time-trial hypnosis, you don't care at all.

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a delightful strategy game that combines so many cool elements (building, production, combat, diplomacy) that you can lose yourself in it for dozens of hours. It's the kind of game that could almost become a hobby in itself. The two settings (Romans and Albion) aren't dramatically different, but offer enough variety to allow for truly diverse gameplay. Pax Romana is well-designed graphically and runs without any significant issues, even on a less powerful PC (we played with a 2070GTX).

Due to the high difficulty level, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is not suitable for everybody with a love for platform games, but anyone who has enjoyed the original games must play Crash 4. The N. Sane Trilogy was top notch, but Crash 4 is a much better game.

It is evident that Miles Morales was initially meant as DLC, because it has almost exactly the same structure as Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Heist, Turf Wars and Silver Lining. This means that you’ll be going through the familiar motions a bit more and the fun doesn’t last as long as that of the original main game, but it definitely isn’t less intense or spectacular. Maybe the average amount of emotions per minute is even equal to that of Marvel’s Spider-Man, which is a mean feat.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is a fantastic compilation. This is the best way to get acquainted with the founder of the JRPG.

Metal Slug Tactics does several things that seemed impossible. It combines tactics and roguelike with a 2D shooter. The result is as crazy as it is horrific. Those who climb over the threshold will find an hour-slinger that will make any busy schedule cry.

Apart from a few minor points, it is an absolute winner.

Octopath Traveler 0 is an unparalleled role-playing game about trauma, loss, and rebuilding. This is the best JRPG in years—and it's also an excellent cozy game.

Yes, Persona 3 Reload is missing some content, but it more than makes up for it with the new additions and improvements, especially to Tartarus. And the beautiful presentation, voice acting and equally unforgettable characters are also reasons enough to pull the trigger.

The massive open game world isn't the earth-shattering innovation we expected from FromSoftware, but thankfully the Dark Souls foundation it's built over is just as strong and addictive as we've come to expect from the studio. It's the seventh piece of evidence that no one really does boss fights and epics as well as Hidetaka Miyazaki.

God of War Ragnarök is perhaps neither technically nor in terms of gameplay the giant leap forward from the previous part that we had hoped for. But it is a fantastic, grand and compelling adventure that is impossible to put down; nothing short of essential for players of the 2018 game.

Scorn is a filthy game, especially thanks to the sick design that you both loathe and respect at the same time. It contains unique puzzles, an atmosphere that will give you the creeps and it might even make you nauseous, even after adjusting the video settings to your liking.

Not as surprising as Demon’s Souls, not as timeless as Dark Souls, not as consistent as Dark Souls 2 and not as focused as Bloodborne. But still, Dark Souls 3 is a dyed in the wool Souls game. A gorgeously crafted culmination of design, fantasy and interactivity. And that’s what counts.

Toby Fox manages to create a layered story with unique game mechanics with the first four Chapters of Deltarune. Even with half a story, this already forms a unique celebration of the game medium.