Resident Evil: Requiem combines survival and combat elements, offering players atmospheric locations, interesting new characters, and new monsters. At the same time, the new installment brings back old characters, monsters, and mechanics that are now even more refined and get a second life.
The Alters makes you think about the value of every life, even the "fake" ones, the burden of choice, and the fact that within each of us there are many unrealized selves. It's a powerful, emotional, and philosophical statement, packaged within complex, multi-layered gameplay.
Those willing to tolerate a dull beginning and archaic exploration for the sake of a stunning ending and deep (if imperfect) lore will have a blast in Arknights: Endfield. This is a game for fans of the Arknights universe and for those who seek narrative in gacha games, not just action. But those short on time, who aren't ready to spend time with a map on their phone and who want an engaging, advanced combat might not find what they seek. This is a game of contrasts: in some places it's brilliant, in others it falls into the abyss, but it has colossal potential. It’s worth waiting to see where it goes in the future.
REANIMAL is definitely one of the best games of the year. Of course, many hits are still to come, but this game is dark, exciting, and cooperative. It will make you cower on the couch in fear and leave you with food for thought. My partner and I, for example, discussed what was happening for a long time and came up with all sorts of theories. Despite a few drawbacks, the Swedish developers have created a genuinely frightening game. They achieved this not with jump scares, but with an oppressive atmosphere and terrifying imagery.
Disciples: Domination offers a massive new campaign that spans anywhere between 30 and 50 hours depending on your level of difficulty and style of play, plenty of major new features with their own spin on systems and combat, baseline enhancements and QoL features that were patched into Liberation over time. But it still sticks too close to Liberation to be called an entirely new game. If you were looking to experience more of Nevendaar from Avyanna’s PoV or want to spend several evenings in a solid turn-based strategy, you will enjoy the new installment. But if you are waiting for the second coming of Disciples 2, Domination features vastly different vibes and aesthetics.
Those willing to overlook the current issues and wait for improvements may find Ashes of Creation to be an interesting experience with unique mechanics. However, the release version leaves most new users with more questions than answers and is disappointing. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]
Lessaria a confident, solid, and respectful successor, perfect for a leisurely immersion. Rockbee Team studio's debut can be considered a success - they took a responsible approach to a complex genre and created a game that, despite all the minor rough edges, is capable of giving dozens of hours of fun, nostalgic and tactically rich experience.
Where Winds Meet is a very ambitious project, which deserves all the attention it received since its launch date. The game has features and activities for every kind of player. Those who like to build can create an entire city, while socially active players can form guilds or even marry each other. There are plenty of battle challenges to satisfy the fighters and enough places for explorers to visit. With its unique blend of elements, this game appeals to a wide range of tastes. So everyone should try this free game and find out if it's the right fit.
Escape from Duckov is a brilliant, witty, and incredibly addictive experience. It's a must-play not only for Tarkov fans looking for a fresh perspective on the familiar torment, but also for anyone who appreciates deep, systemic games with impeccable game design. It's a loud and clear signal to the entire industry: the future of the genre lies in manageable difficulty, respect for players and their time, and a willingness to embrace bold experiments, even if they start with a joke about ducks.
Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked captures the chaos, strategy, and fun of a tabletop session with friends. The turn-based combat, memorable characters, and unpredictable moments make every playthrough feel alive. While limited customization and the studio apartment setting can pull you out of immersion, the co-op experience and shared storytelling more than make up for it. A must-play for anyone who loves tabletop games or wants a fun, chaotic digital adventure.
