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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hades 2 improves on its already near-perfect predecessor in every way. It deepens the delightful formula with more variety, countless surprises, even more beautiful environments, and a flawless sense of progression. A roguelite with this much variety is an unprecedented achievement. Perfection has been perfected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The most fun we’ve had on a touch screen in recent history. [Sept. 2015, p. 069]

Inside is an easy recommendation if you loved Limbo, but the abrupt ending is a bit of a bummer.

With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive delivers an impressive debut game. In this unique RPG, the French measure themselves against the Japanese, by combining an imaginative, fascinating and downright strange story with compelling combat and a memorable party. It results in a special and unlikely melting pot of Western and Japanese RPGs in one pleasant package.

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.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a stunningly good JRPG and in many ways better than you ever dreamed. The potential is just not fully realized due to the poor technical condition of the game, and unfortunately I do not believe that Square Enix can or will fix this.

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.

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.

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!

Street Fighter 6 makes a serious effort to bring all those departing players back in - and I think it has what it takes to succeed. Online the game is more social, the story mode is great if you're not competitive and the modern controls make the game more accessible. This has what it takes to become the big EVO tournament sport again.

Demon's Souls is a dazzlingly beautiful launch game, a decent Souls-like game and a technically powerful, but content-wise shallow remake. And I say that despite… no, BECAUSE I love it so much.

Do you like being tactically challenged and do you love farfetched, beautifully told fantasy stories? Immerse yourself in the world of Divinity 2: Original Sin 2, because this RPG is a gift that keeps on giving, if you are the kind of gamer that likes great characters and a deep battle system over gigantic battle royale experiences or an Active Touch System with Cristiano Ronaldo.

You could see Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an easy port, because it is to a certain extent. But it would be silly to disregard the ultimate fun this kart experience offers because of this. If you have a Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an essential purchase you will play for over three years and never regret buying.

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

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

Sekiro is without a doubt a powerful, timeless addition to Miyazaki's legendary collection of difficult but amazingly satisfying action RPG's, something that fans of Dark Souls will be very happy with. We have to be honest though, Nioh is a stronger Sengoku-game then Sekiro and we miss some of the usual From Software variation.

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.

Resident Evil 2 Remake initially seems to be the perfect marriage between the fear of the classic Resi's and the power fantasy of the more modern ones, but sometimes the combination of these two worlds did not feel right. Then again: a good Resident Evil definitely doesn't feel right... right?

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.

Under the illusion of a relaxed island existence, this Animal Crossing gives you more to do, experience and build than ever before, all in a thoughtful, pleasant, time-and-time seductive way, making it the ultimate AC. An enrichment of my existence where I hope to spend many days, months and years.

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.

Flight Simulator is a technical high-flyer that takes attic room pilots with an Xbox Series X or S into higher spheres. But it is and remains a simulator, so think carefully about whether you really want to do 'nothing' for hours.

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.

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.

Monster Hunter: World is no longer a game only for the hardcore gamer who manages getting over the high entry threshold. Even though the online functionality isn't that great, the game itself is. Great news for anyone who couldn't stop drooling over all the spectacular trailers: This game more than delivers.

Into the Breach is a small miracle: complex, challenging, comprehensive and a lot of fun, so exactly what you desire from a strategy game. Not every session is as much fun as the next, though, and it could use a bit more narrative, but these are very, almost petty, gripes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 wonderful, more people are now able to enjoy Cat Mario's linear jumps. And it's amazing Nintendo added such a substantial, delightfully cool open world game to the game. This is the type of entertainment that humanity can really use at this 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.

As a big fan, I might have hoped for a little more content, but Intermission is an unmissable experience and the ultimate setup for what's to come in the second part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Can. Not. wait.

It Takes Two is a crazy rollercoaster ride filled to the brim with fun co-op mechanics, references and wonder. Hazelight Studios shows they have learned from their previous game, and with It Takes Two delivers a wonderful feel-good game that will drag you along for an amazingly long time. This one is going to show up on the "best co-op games" lists.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach balances between genius and madness, but above all, it defies comparison. There are no other games like Death Stranding 2. Even Metal Gear* was never this bizarre, full of contrast and—yes, I’ll say it again—cool, and that includes Metal Gear Rising. Honestly? You could give this game any score, and it would be justified. That’s what pure art does to you. If that’s not cool, then I don’t know what is.

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.

Dispatch continues a trend of unique superhero stories with enthusiasm. The dispatching is deceptively layered and compelling, the characters aren't all incredibly deep, but they are all memorable, and your choices within the story transform even a man without powers into a full-fledged superhero—or not.

Dreams is like shopping for free in a game store, where there are almost exclusively cheap knock-offs on the shelves! Besides that, this game is the most user-friendly game-building tool on the market, which will probably produce some great things in the future.

THPS 1 + 2 is one of the best remakes ever; no nostalgia is needed whatsoever to enjoy this gem. Although the game is filled with recognizable moments for veterans of the series, the gameplay is so smooth that even newcomers are welcomed with open arms. The Tony Hawk-franchise finally has the right to call itself a proper franchise again.

Experimental, surprising and original: Alan Wake 2 is not a standard survival horror or action game, but an interactive mindf.ck that houses more than a decade of ideas. It relies more on building up tension, story and mystery than the first part, less on action, does not always keep you interested and is sometimes a bit iffy on a technical level, but you will experience things here that you have never seen in games before. Bold and mega-meta!

Mr. X Nightmare makes an already very nice game an even more extensive and fun whole, thanks to the addition of a fantastic Survival mode and three delicious, new characters. This 10 MB really offers a huge amount of fun for the few bucks it costs.

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.

The biggest letdown of Fallout 4 is that by now the engine is almost as retro as the style of the game, because this iteration has the same technical limitations Bethesda-RPG’s have had since 2006. Thankfully the story is more vivid, the customization system that handily cooperates with the building of settlements and the Power Armor is ridiculously expansive, and slightly faster gameplay makes it feel fresh enough. Bethesda-lovers will be engrossed, totally, but this is no revolution.

Capcom seems to be going a bit too far in its obsession with attracting new players with Monster Hunter Wilds, but fortunately it recovers enough in high rank to still leave with a positive feeling. The story is the biggest blemish on an otherwise fairly familiar experience - although it is a lot less hardcore than before.

Super Mario Maker is the most accessible and fun to use level editor yet and there’s more than enough to do if you’re not the creative type.

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]

NieR: Automata is not for everybody. In fact, the game looks to be aimed at the most refined fans of the medium by not caring about the regular gaming conventions, in the same way the works of David Lynch are perfect for the hardcore moviegoers.

If you play Ori and the Will of the Wisps on a PC, then you have a fantastic successor to The Blind Forest. Xbox One owners are better off waiting for major updates.

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.

This is the definitive version of an iconic classic, which for a long time was difficult to play if you didn't own a PlayStation 1 or PSP. A few more improvements to the playability and difficulty would have been welcome, but Final Fantasy Tactics effortlessly maintains its status as one of the very best games in its genre.

Because a few fine features from XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within didn’t make the cut, and other adjustments make the gameplay different, but not necessarily better, XCOM 2 isn’t the best sequel ever. Nonetheless it offers ridiculously addictive and extremely exciting turn-based tactics, which is unequaled even though the genre is becoming more and more popular lately. Accept no substitutes.

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.

A gigantic time-guzzler that combines a lot of elements of the best open world games, from Assassin's Creed to The Witcher and from Far Cry to Red Dead Redemption; Horizon Forbidden West wants it all. Due to this enormous ambition, this has unfortunately become a less perfect and more overwhelming game than predecessor Zero Dawn, but certainly no less unforgettable.

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.

Deathloop chooses to keep an ambitious and unique premise playable and that sometimes hinders your mental freedom of movement. However, it manages to keep a game in which repetition is ingrained, entertaining, fascinating and often intense.

Anyway, all these negatives really only stand out if you place Dread in the pantheon of previous Metroid classics and then compare very closely. Because what I mainly want to communicate is that those Spaniards have done the impossible: creating a really good, classic Metroid! And that in a world in which the term metroidvania hardly raises any question marks. With production values of 2021, wow! So make a few more, MercurySteam; I promise I will never doubt you again. And… please don't take twenty years, okay?

All the new and surprising combinations, elements and options make it that the possibilities in Mario Maker 2 now truly are limitless.

If Monster Hunter isn't your thing, then Rise won't convince you otherwise. But anyone who's not shy for bossfights, will be taken by the amazing flow and refreshing focus on speed, and will lose themselves for tens or hundreds of hours in this deep and engaging monster-mayhem.

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.

If you want to take a fresh step into an RTS or a Starcraft game, you can add half a point to the score and this would be the perfect moment to get Legacy of the Void. But if you’ve played all the past parts, this feels more like a DLC with a disappointing story and a too-steep price.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 surpasses its predecessor in every way. With stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and a more consistent experience, it delivers the ultimate medieval simulator—provided you're ready for Warhorse’s hardcore RPG elements.

It’s not easy to add something to a game as perfect as Bloodborne and The Old Hunters isn’t revolutionary or super original, but it definitely gives the hardcore fans exactly what they need.

I have been enjoying Hitman 3 so much that I probably won't be playing anything else in the coming weeks, to be able to discover every nook and cranny in the different levels. You do notice that at the end of this trilogy, the concept is getting a bit pale and it is time for Agent 47 to get a makeover. Nevertheless, this is a very big end to the series that will undoubtedly be in my top five at the end of this year.

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.

What a rush to be able to play a sequel that exceeds its predecessor in almost every way. Injustice 2 is in terms of looks, gameplay and the amount of (interesting) characters leaps ahead of the previous installment without losing its accessability. And then there's the loot... my god, THE LOOT. The current system might not (yet) be perfectly balanced, but it is definitely the ultimate addition to a fighter filled with super heroes. The loot fighter: finally it has returned.

Ghost of Tsushima fans need not hesitate and can blindly pay 20 euros for this Director's Cut, because the extra content offers everything a Jin fan could wish for. If you haven't played the original yet, I'd recommend playing the first two acts of Tsushima and then going straight to Iki, because that's the best interactive samurai sensation I can think of.

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]

FFVII Remake has some rough edges, but is generally the ultimate nerdgasm for FFVII fans and a cool new Final Fantasy game for newcomers who have never played the original. Square has made the impossible possible and not only made my ultimate fantasy come true, but made it even more beautiful than I would have dreamed.

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.

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.

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.

Final Fantasy XVI isn't the next gen game I expected and as a fan you tend to be disappointed but if you go in with an open mind and Square Enix fixes that frame rate it's an action RPG not to be missed .

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.

Returning players won't find much new here, but that shouldn't spoil the fun. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 remain timeless classics and are a must-have for any Nintendo fan.

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.

You ARE Peter Parker, you ARE Mary Jane, you are [REDACTED DUE TO SPOILERS], you ARE the spectacular Spider-Man and for dozens of hours you don't want to be anyone else than these beautiful characters, doing amazing stuff in a gorgeous, detailed and lively Marvel New York. This is the best superhero game since Batman: Arkham Knight and the best Spider-Man game ever, especially potent for sentimental fanboys like me.

Forza 6 is a proper sequel to Forza 5 with some fun new content, but the game really only excels in its presentation rather than with its physics. A recommended get for the petrol heads, but don't expect Project CARS' realism .