Raw, otherworldly and at times, hauntingly familiar. Masochisia is a dark diamond hidden from plain sight. The experience it offers to the brave souls who seek it out, lingers long after its disturbing end.

Outcast: Second Contact succeeds in bringing the experience of the original game over to the modern era, despite some of its issues. The work done in the visual and music department is worthy of applause and most of the design changes are spot-on. If some of the missteps regarding the controls and camera system, as well as the bugs that are present, were avoided then the overall score would have been quite a bit higher. As it stands, if you have fond memories of the original and want to relive that experience, Outcast: Second Contact is a very faithful adaptation that will take you upwards of 18-20 hours to finish.

Pure Pool offers a realistic, no frills, excellently hardcore approach to pool. Once all multiplayer/online issues are resolved, this will be the go-to title for straight up, no nonsense pool between purists.

Warhammer 40K: Armageddon is a simplified Panzer Corps in a classic and beloved sci-fi world. Hardcore strategy fans may invest in a fair price drop.

An action story using a pirate ship as a storytelling vessel. While the action part is quite enjoyable, the game lacks the necessary depth in mechanisms to enrich its gameplay and deliver that special something that would increase its replay value and make it last in time.

A more than welcome return of Double Fine's hallmark sense of twisted humor and absolute cuteness, Costume Quest 2 expands on its combat model, bringing welcome tactical depth to the proceedings, but still not quite escaping end-game repetition fatigue. A strong offering nevertheless, that can very well be my favorite annual gaming tradition, on cuteness factor alone.

A true proto-gothic horror piece, Neverending Nightmares feels like a hellish walk through an unpublished Edgar Allan Poe short story. The excellent sound design and unsettling, stylized visuals provide an experience that will linger with the player long after the end credits have rolled.

Tsioque is recommended to someone who wants to play a nice, dark, smart, but not perfect, point 'n' click adventure, while its short duration and the eccentric finale are undoubtedly shortcomings that need to be seriously considered.

A worthwhile effort, much better than the last NFS attempts and it contains the essence of the good old NFS: Underground. However, some flaws in the design hamper it from advancing to the next level.

Trine 3 is a great game although it has some minor problems and a cliffhanger ending. The fans of the series cannot go wrong with it... the magic is still there.

Marvel's Avengers is an uneven package. A good single-player campaign, held back by a lacklustre live service multiplayer segment.

Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster is a classic survival horror game with better graphics and a new control scheme. Its old school gameplay mechanics probably make it inaccessible for new players but it still remains a good game with great atmosphere.

This is not a bad game. It's just that it certainly cannot rise up to the expectations created by former titles released by Wadjet Eye Games, such as Gemini Rue, Resonance and Primordia. Nevertheless, a nice enough commercial debut for Grundislav Games and Francisco Gonzalez.

The Callisto Protocol is not going to revolutionize the genre, but it does bring some interesting ideas to the table -most notably the melee combat- that add some welcome variety to its gameplay. It could have shot higher though if it wasn't for some missteps.

Soulstice is a decent hack 'n' slash game that is not ashamed of its influences, but at the same time it attempts to deviate from them by implementing its own version of the familiar battle system. It does not have the same finesse as DMC, for example, but fans of the genre will appreciate it a little more.

A hardcore, unforgiving, old school survival horror blockbuster, heir to the same triumphs and pitfalls as all of its ilk. The story ultimately fails to make a lasting impression, but the frantic, two bullets and a prayer sense of always being half a step away from horrible death and dismemberment, greatly succeeds in making this a hugely satisfying romp through the darker side of the human psyche.

More a stylized visual novel than a "normal" point' n' click adventure, The Blind Prophet could have been much more. The impressive artwork really saves the day.

Mountains of Madness is an adventure that clearly aims at two specific target groups: the fans of H.P. Lovecraft and the unrepentant fans of traditional point 'n' click adventures. It may not be able to satisfy either of them to the fullest, but it is an honest endeavor and the almost six hours it lasts will not be considered as wasted.

With eight more months of development, The Occupation could have been the indie breakout hit suggested by glimpses of its brilliant bones throughout the experience.Technical issues and a punishing save mechanic take the joy of experimentation and exploration away from a game that could have been so much more.

Despite its minor flaws, Tesla Effect marks the return of a beloved character, it's overflowed with feeling, shows a perfect use of money gathered in Kickstarter and offers many hours of gameplay, inviting us at the same for extra playthroughs, in order to see its alternative endings.

Immensely challenging and beautifully synergistic systems come together to form an unexpectedly refreshing genre hybrid. If you're a die-hard pinball fan and not afraid of a challenge, Rollers Of The Realm will absolutely delight you.

A really fun game that just doesn't work properly right now due to frequent crashing and other technical issues. It will be worth a purchase eventually, assuming that the developers will keep working on it.

Smoke and Sacrifice is a remarkable Action-Adventure with beautiful aesthetics and cohesive crafting and itemization, blemished with backtracking and repetitive fetch quests. But, in all honesty, the most glaring flaw that becomes apparent about halfway through the story, in an otherwise enjoyable game, is the lack of really memorable, immersive moments, whether pertaining to enemy encounters, topography, or incentive to keep exploring.

The Masterplan is based on an interesting concept and is only held back by no particular effort put into creating interesting or diverse gameplay mechanics. Nevertheless, it remains quite an enjoyable game, as long as you are not expecting more than it can deliver.

With clever puzzles but also poor graphics and story, the final feeling is positive. As the difficulty is above average, the game is recommended only for the fans of the genre.

Deeply atmospheric and profoundly disturbing, 2Dark presents a seductive mix of lo-fi Hitman-like stealth coupled with Hotline Miami claustrophobia induced adrenaline rushes. The presentation and initial pricing will not be to everyone’s taste but for horror fans, here is one to remember.

Apart from the humour, which is the only positive thing about it, the rest is just the first game with a slightly different coating. If you liked the first part then go ahead and give KOPNP2 a try. But if you value your time and money, don't bother with this inexcusable mobile port.

Excellent aesthetics cyberpunk point 'n' click adventure, with a nice story and beautiful characters, which leaves a bittersweet taste in the end.

Inexplicably not created in UbiArt framework, China offers a quality stealth platforming experience that Assassin's Creed fans will enjoy, but will ultimately remain in the genre's high water mark's (Mark of the Ninja) shadow.

The developers did a wonderful job at faithfully remastering a legacy game but the truth is that the original game wasn't that great. A great purchase for Sega fans and for those who want to own a piece of gaming's history but there are a lot of other great platformers out there.

Not exactly a flawed gem but definitely an interesting attempt at an atmospheric FPS. Technical problems and sluggish combat don't let it stand out.

Gameplay-wise, Might & Magic Heroes VII is arguably the "best of the series" game its developers set out to create. However, the experience is marred by inexcusably sluggish performance at times (even in high-end systems equipped with SSDs), and also by the rather uninspiring generic fantasy setting of Ashan, that still can't measure up to the majesty that is the "original" setting of the Might and Magic universe.

Despite some rather controversial combat mechanics, Skyshine's Bedlam remains a fun and artistically beautiful roguelike experience, following in the footsteps of games like Faster Than Light.

An atmospheric adventure, bolstered by a moody soundtrack and convincing writing and direction. This one was crafted with love for genre fans.

ELEX is an old-school RPG, with all the pros and cons that come with it. Sometimes it is so crude that it's charmingly unpredictable. Beyond the few technical shortcomings, it is a fully satisfying role-playing game in an era that tends to forget the "role" part.

Even though Inquisition-Martyr does a lot of things right, the surprising technical issues and the combat gameplay, which is more superficial than it actual looks like, do not do it any favors. However, and despite the issues, it remains the best representation of the W40K universe lore in videogames.

Heavily atmospheric, this dark descent into madness and ruin, speaks directly to the heart of Lovecraft devotees. A narrative that embraces the core of true cosmic horror.

Weedcraft looks and feels like a leftover from smartphones and tablets. It has nothing to offer, even to those who want to spend some time with it out of boredom. The main idea, started as a funny way to get out of the box, regarding video games, but ended as a nightmare.

For the players who have invested heavily both time and money on a previous iteration, NBA2K21 has nothing new to offer. The new MyCareer story and the necessary roster updates would not justify a purchase at its full price. Our grade refers to the technical aspects of the game, but we are highly critical on how the series have devolved into a microtransactions Pay2Progress model.

Uncanny Valley may seem expensive at about 10 euros for a title lasting for about 6 to 7 hours, but it's so well designed that it's really worth every cent you spend.

A survivalism and class struggle epic, unfolding amidst the pines of the Russian taiga and the steel rails of the Trans-Siberian railway. A title that manages to explore a bunch of ever-relevant questions while avoiding to get preachy.

The Park offers a solid, genuinely unnerving psychological horror experience, akin to watching a well crafted thriller. Whilst it does not break new ground narratively, it will please genre fans.

Wildly inconsistent writing that comes off not as the delightful, Lynchian madness of Deadly Premonition but as a haphazard collection of "weird" cobbled together just to provoke, coupled with extremely anime-centric sensibilities, make D4's audience an extremely limited and specific one. It may look like a dark, metaphysical mystery game, but it most assuredly is not. It feels like an exercise in extremes, with no clear identity of what game it truly wishes to be.

Removing the VR "gimmick" that made the original Chronos release noteworthy back in 2016, results in an adequately fun Action-RPG that doesn't really stand out when compared to either Gunfire's Remnant: From the Ashes or to other Souls-like games currently available out there.

2024's Alone in the Dark is not on par with the Resident Evil remakes which set the bar really high to be honest and not the triumphant return we've been waiting for the legendary series. Nevertheless, it's a notable addition to it, one that if anything makes its name sound more than just a distant echo again. With a satisfying 9-hour campaign and good replayability with 2 characters with different perspectives on the story (plus some other differences I won't spoil), it's a good offering in the genre.

NBA Playgrounds is a refreshing title that provides a full arcade basketball experience. Many basketball fans will be satisfied with its massive roster and hundreds of dunks and moves, although some gameplay mechanics need re-balancing.

Players who appreciated what Tyranny has to offer will definitely enjoy Bastard's Wound, as the side content it introduces is of the highest quality and true to the standards set by its developers. Those looking for more substantial additions to the game’s main storyline, however, might find themselves a bit let down by it.

Deeply atmospheric artwork and an excellent soundtrack set the premise for a deeply personal horror experience that loses its footing when it comes to hit or miss puzzle design and stealth sections that seem to punish the player, detracting from an otherwise very strong experience.

Some shortcomings and omissions regarding its AI and overall content don't prevent The Precinct from being an excellent throwback to an older gaming era.

Despite its problems, Tahira: Echoes of the Astral Empire is a charming strategy game that will keep you entertained for several hours. If you like lengthy turn-based battles then you must give it a try, definitely.

Quantum Break delivers a naïve but well-meaning sci-fi yarn aimed at the adolescent crowd, coupled with solid, even if ultimately unimpressive shooting mechanics and action set-pieces. Atrocious PC port aside, Quantum Break, if thoroughly patched and developed post launch, can find it’s niche as a sci-fi guilty pleasure, but it does not live up to Remedy’s lofty heritage.

BlazeRush is one of the most exciting and addictive easy-to-learn/hard-to-master games that you can play, especially if you intend to play it with friends.

A veritable Matryoshka doll of dark delights, executed to perfection. The turn based combat completely engrosses and could have been a game on its own, but Weappy went the extra mile: they delivered one of the darkest, truest video game narratives of the year.

Amazingly presented, visually enchanting, dripping with loving psychedelia, Karma Incarnation 1 effortlessly works it’s way into your heart. Taking a page from Amanita Design’s best work, it creates its own very strong identity and takes you on a journey you are not apt to forget any time soon.

Biomutant, the first game from Experiment 101 studio is an ambitious game which does not succeed at everything it attempts to do, but in general it is a decent and fun choice-driven action/RPG.

The gorgeous soundtrack and clever use of lighting in the environments cannot conceal the fact that the game is written to accommodate only one particular playstyle, whilst offering the illusion that a different path is possible. This results in wild inconsistencies between player agency/actual gameplay and the protagonist's monologues and eventual culmination of events, making us feel like outside observers, instead of active participants. For the right, extremely limited demographic, Sunset could provide plot-related thrills but for the vast majority of players, this will feel like an exercise in style who lost it's way.

Essentially an hour-long QTE, offering up the guilty pleasure of slaughtering everything with reckless abandon as the bad-ass, post apocalyptic force of nature that is Michonne. A far shot from what made the original series unforgettable though.

A solid deck-building roguelike game that doesn't redefine the genre but still offers lots of hours of quality gameplay.

Boasting gorgeous aesthetics and displaying a bold level of ambition, Close To The Sun is a highly atmospheric alternative history mystery, set aboard a remarkable location.

Ultimately, PAYDAY 3 offers a fun combination of stealth and action/shooter gameplay in a way that no other game outside of the series does, and that certainly has merit in its own. But it still needs a lot more content if it's ever to replace its established predecessor at some point, and it needs significant redesign in the key area of progression to avoid alienating its audience.

This Is The Police is a gritty, uncompromising narrative about the dark depths of obsession that drive a man and his demons. Fiercely addictive, the tale of one’s man final bid for redemption in a city spiraling out of control is this summer’s surprise indie breakout hit.

Standout visuals and an excellent soundtrack set an extraordinary mood, which is sabotaged by streamlined puzzles and a breakneck pace that leave little room for the mystery and characters to come into their own.

Hot Tin Roof has a fantastic soundtrack and a game world I'd love to see explored as a full blooded adventure game. In its current incarnation, the heart and love that went into its making shows, but unfortunately, so do the unraveling seams at the edges. Problematic world navigation and inconsistent writing detract from being truly immersed in one of the more original game settings of recent years.

This second part gives us the impression that the best is yet to come. Up to now it has carefully enhanced its plot, increased the number of introduced characters and started giving signs that the consequences of our decisions will be depicted in the next episodes.

Warp Frontier is a nice adventure game that is suitable in times of great adventure game drought. It doesn't impress, but it doesn't disappoint either, so understandably a fan of the genre would be hard pressed not to spend a few enjoyable hours with it.

Despite an unsatisfactory ending that does not tie up all the loose ends, the last episode of Song of Horror is highly engrossing with its sinister setting and puzzle implementation.

Vikings – Wolves of Midgard is a very conflicted game. On one hand, you have a well-executed, fast-paced, action-packed hack’n’slash gameplay. On the other hand, the game is ridden with frustrating and annoying mechanisms (inventory handling, leveling up restricted to altars etc.), and filled with bugs which may directly influence the experience (eg. force still command although the enemy may be out of melee range). Unfortunately, in this case the cons outweigh the pros by a wide margin, and we cannot recommend it to be your priority purchase.

A solid Narrative RPG, not without its flaws, but one that works unsurprisingly decently as a substitute amidst the scarcity of Vampire RPGs.

The main problem with Gotham Knights is not its level of quality. It's that it could have been far superior, comparable to the past titles in the series. The key ingredients for the success of the franchise are here too, but either in a limited or undermined form, by the commercial direction the title has taken towards the looter territories and indeed, the more mundane ones at that.

High production values and sharp wit, coupled with a surprisingly deep (given the JRPG genre conventions) combat system. Genre fans will rejoice, but the constant fighting alongside the light-hearted story will not appeal to all.

A very solid entry in the genre by Digital Arrow that narrowly misses on true greatness due to some small missteps. A bit more attention to detail, better enemy AI and higher production values would have hugely benefited an otherwise very enjoyable action/simulation game.

Phantom Fury is an engaging FPS, taking cues from early 3D shooters, such as Half-Life and SiN. For the most part it is well executed, having solid gunplay, a staggering arsenal of weapons and great level variety. It could have been an amazing experience if it wasn't for some pesky issues, primarily of a technical nature.

Most of Rustler's mechanisms are directly inspired by the first GTA games. This, combined with the games Monty Python-inspired sense of humor, result in a truly unique blend. Some aspects, like the lack of manual or even checkpoint saves, might be a bit "too hardcore for today's world", but its Early Access status means that feedback can be received and that any shortcomings can be remedied. [Early Access review]

With a story that would be considered nothing special, FFXII shines with its fast-paced combat and challenging difficulty. Although it introduces many changes to the series, it provides a good amount of things to explore providing hours of fun.

Transient is what you get if Dear Esther donned Nyarlathotep's mantle, had some superficial puzzles and was drenched in neon colours. From the talented creators of Conarium and Darkness Within games, we had come to expect something more engaging on their fourth endeavour.

I really wanted to love Blacksad. The noir story is quite compelling, being in the spirit of comic books. Alas, not so compelling as to overlook the severe technical issues which fester the title. This is a game that would have been better if it had been delayed a little further. Wait for much needed patches before trying it out.

Risen 3: Titan Lords is a traditional Piranha Bytes game with everything that the definition entails. Fans of the company know all too well that it is more than capable of creating engaging, engrossing RPGs and Risen 3 is no exception. However, the series' trademark idiosyncrasies are still there and that means that Risen 3: Titan Lords is, as is often the case with Piranha Bytes games, a "love it or hate it" affair.

Aven Colony suffers from a mild identity crisis. It converges many base building sims in one, never collapsing under that weight but never excelling either. All in all, it's a pretty decent and stable colony sim and even manages to offer some moments of otherworldly poetry.

Antigraviator has tight controls, great sense of speed, branching courses and is for the most part enjoyable, but multiplayer issues, little content (especially in gravs and modes), unfair difficulty in a couple of leagues and tedious money farming, keep it from reaching its true potential.

Aragami 2 has its good moments, its old-fashioned take on stealth games occasionally is fun, but ultimately, the taste it leaves is that it's a mediocre game. To its credit, Lince Works decided not to take the easy route of simply improving on cons of the first Aragami and promote it as a sequel, but the result doesn't fully justify that decision.

A really good and simple platform game, which children and parents will love.

Definitely not a bad game. It’s just that it takes a potentially dangerous route, far away from the franchise’s roots, trying to appeal to a wider audience. Inevitably it’s flirting with the more mainstream category, which may lead it to be lost in the pile of that overloaded market and at the same time disappoint the loyal fans of Sherlock Holmes games.

A surprise reprisal of the elegantly wasted, gripping noir thriller starring the “Untouchable” Eliot Ness, broadens it’s dramatic ambition and offers one of the finest, grittiest interactive movie experiences available on the PC right now. For fans of dark crime fiction, this is an absolute must play.

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 is a typical case of a remarkable game that took a shot in its foot, due to some wrong business decisions by the publisher. Even if the game includes some great features, it is preferable to be on standby mode until it is decided what will happen with the microtransactions and how they will affect the gameplay's balance.

theHunter: Call of the Wild clearly provides with a realistic feel of hunting. Seasoned hunters would adore it, but it may push away casual players.

Californium is a pitch perfect visualization of the death rattle of the hippie dream, a glimpse into worlds locked behind the liquid dreams of acid. It is also suffers from design and pacing flaws that take away from the overall experience and limit its audience.

Despite its short duration, Rise & Shine is a remarkable indie action/shooter. Don't be misled from the beautiful graphics however, since it offers a brutal challenge and surely it is not appropriate for the impatient gamers.

Those expecting a well-polished AAA RPG experience with the highest possible production values will probably have to lower their expectations. For Piranha Bytes fans, however, ELEX II is exactly what they would want it, and expect it, to be.

Chronology is an inspired and decent indie platform / puzzle, but the short duration is something you should consider before the purchase.

You will enjoy the beautifully painted graphics. You will experience the charming atmosphere as you will read the stories of the deceased occupants of the Mansion and that's all. No serious challenge, no real horror.

A pleasant, witty, easy and very short game. That's what this "puzzleventure" from Daedalic Entertainment is. It will give you a very nice time playing it, but will end fairly quickly.

Sardonically funny, addictive, with unique style and a versatile soundtrack, Serial Cleaner is one of the sleeper hits of the summer.

A completely fresh idea delivered with a mix of already tested mechanics. The result is an almost perfect game which would have been perfect if it was focused a bit more in enjoyment rather than simulating the exact life of Hominidae.

The Legend of Korra, judging it as a low-budget game, is quite satisfactory for both fans of beat' em up and TV series, but I cannot recommend it for the younger audience due to the highly demanding combat system.

Masquerada: Songs and Shadows has a rich and original lore but it fails in gameplay. The combat system seems complex and interesting, but it’s problematic and incomplete. A missed opportunity.

Kholat has its flaws, especially when it comes to plot. However it is registered as a good game for the simple reason that it achieves its main target, which is to offer excitement. With its remarkable atmosphere, Kholat embraces the player in an immersive experience.

The enjoyment you'll get out of Sid Meier's Starships largely depends on your expectations. If you expect a game with the depth and engaging gameplay of Civilization you'll be disappointed, but treat it as an unusually deep and strategic tablet game and you will absolutely get your money's worth.

Redeemer is a brawler which definitely has a lot of remarkable elements and proves that the developers were willing to create something good, but ultimately the recipe broke down on the road, ending up with a game full of "yes...but" arguments.