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 .

As Psychonauts 2 surprisingly deepens the Psychonauts story and its characters, throws new twists and turns and improves on all aspects of the original, the sequel is well worth the wait for fans. In the meantime, however, much better platformers have appeared on the market and therefore Psychonauts 2 will not be able to convince all newcomers, although Game Pass offers a solution in that regard.

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.

After years of mismanagement and poor sportsmanship, PES is finally able to compete with FIFA again. Best football game of the year? Too early to tell, but a contender it is. [Oct. 2015, p. 063]

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.

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.

Tales of Arise doesn't do anything new, but also almost nothing wrong. The story continues to captivate from start to finish, although some of the plot twists are quite predictable for the seasoned JRPG player. The combat is the showpiece of the game and offers wonderful depth, challenges your tactical ability and is a feast for the eyes. You take the small flaws for granted and quickly forget as you wander through the beautiful settings of Dahna and beyond.

The Crown of the Ivory King DLC could have been the best thing that ever happened to Dark Souls 2. It's just too bad that From Software dropped the ball on some design choices. It has great bosses and an overall perfect feel, except that one area... That area will make you hate snow and blizzards even more than you already do. It's a good thing it's optional. The rest is nearing perfection.

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.

Halo Infinite is a sequence of Greatest Halo Hits, stitched together with an open Ring world. The game offers a level of action that only the early parts can compete with in sheer fun. Ignore the 'call to duty' and ignore the 'battlefields': in the 26th century, Halo Infinite is where the shooter action of the year is.

Lumines Arise combines strong puzzle gameplay with beautiful visuals and music. It's a blast from start to finish, especially in VR. But don't expect to be reminiscing about it for months to come.

Nathan Drake breathes Adventure with a capital ‘A’. That’s why the collection is a must-have for anyone who’s never played the original games before. A godly trio on just one disc. [Sept. 2015, p. 064]

Rocket League Sideswipe is a fantastic translation of a console and PC game into a mobile game. The controls are so intuitive that anyone can pick up the game, yet challenging to really excel at it. It looks clean, offers a full and accessible experience and is a nice extension of the Rocket League brand. Unfortunately, the amount of content is still on the meager side and the lack of statistics is a big loss.

Diablo 4 looks and plays incredibly well, and Blizzard shows that it is back at the top in terms of story and cutscenes. Yet the game starts very slowly, it starts to show a lack of quality of life in the endgame and this MMO ARPG is also very unsocial. Nothing that can't be solved in a few seasons, but until then D4 certainly doesn't deserve a 9 or higher.

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.

Codemasters does it again. What could well have been an update to F1 2019 with a coat of new paint and some extra circuits, makes the optional Career mode with your own team feel fresher than ever. In addition, it races just a bit tighter, so that F1 2020 also climbs the top tree of the podium again in this rare, shortened season.

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

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.

Her Story is one of those games that makes you wonder why it took so long for someone to actually make it. A unique experience that’s bound to keep you thinking for days after you’ve finished it.

Mario Kart World proves that clever innovation not only keeps a classic franchise alive, but also prepares it for the future. The open game world full of surprises and personal choices gives the classic Mario Kart feeling new strength and a fresh, daring twist.

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.