Quarterly gaming review (Q4): the best new releases and our ratings

Since our last quarterly review in October, the editorial team has been busy playing and testing games. Time to take a look back at the new releases that we enjoyed the most in October, November and December. Mind you, we’ll also list some we’d only recommend to a limited extent or not at all.

The following titles are sorted into five categories: Masterpiece (5 stars), Worth a try (4 stars), Partial recommendation (3 stars), Avoid (2 stars) and Disaster (1 star).

Games are listed alphabetically by category. Playing times were taken from howlongtobeat.com.

Masterpiece: you have to play these games (★★★★★ review)

These games are true masterpieces and Game of the Year candidates. If we had to rate one of these games, it’d get full marks. Note, this doesn’t mean that they’re perfect or flawless. But the overall package blew us away and we’ll remember them for a long time to come. Happily, we’ve never had as many 5/5 ratings as this quarter!

Regardless of your genre preferences, you should definitely give these games a chance (sorted alphabetically):

Masterpiece: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5 (Pro), Xbox Series X
• Genre: shooter
• Multiplayer: yes
• Playing time: 11 hours (single player)

The single-player story in this year’s Call of Duty is one of the best shooter campaigns of all time. It impresses with varied locations and missions, constantly surprising with new gameplay ideas. There’s also an excellent zombie mode as well as the tried-and-tested multiplayer. This year, it benefits above all from the new Omnimovement system, allowing you to sprint, crawl and jump in all directions.

In my review, I only tested the campaign at launch – full marks, no question. Countless hours in the multiplayer have only reinforced my opinion – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a bombastic action masterpiece.

Masterpiece: Fantasian Neo Dimension

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
• Already available for: iOS
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 62 hours

Fantasian Neo Dimension was originally released in 2021 for Apple Arcade. It was trapped within the subscription for three years. Now console and PC gamers can also enjoy the Japanese role-playing game from Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi.

In his review, JRPG fan Kevin is absolutely thrilled with the game. Fantasian Neo Dimension feels like a classic PS1 role-playing game translated into the modern gaming world. The combat system impresses with unique twists, the characters are well written and the presentation is especially delightful with a brilliant soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu, who previously scored the Final Fantasy games.

Masterpiece: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 23 hours

The new Indiana Jones game from developer Machinegames (known for Wolfenstein) is reminiscent of the Hitman series. Playing as the whip-wielding archaeologist, you explore open levels, disguise yourself, sneak around and beat up Nazis in hand-to-hand combat. There are also creative puzzles to solve in between.

Daredevil Phil is enthusiastic about the action adventure in his review. Despite initial scepticism about the first-person perspective, which takes some getting used to, he considers it the best Indy game of all time:

Masterpiece: Metaphor: ReFantazio

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 84 hours

The team behind Persona, Studio Zero, is back with a new JRPG masterpiece. In Metaphor: ReFantatzio, the tried-and-tested role-playing game formula isn’t implemented in a high school setting, but in a fresh high fantasy guise. The game is particularly impressive thanks to its story, one of the most ambitious in the last gaming year. It’s an emotional story about democracy, discrimination and friendship, told both in large main quests and across numerous small side missions.

The gameplay is also impressive with a sophisticated combat system, numerous unlockable superpowers and huge dungeons in which you can spend endless hours. In short, Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the best JRPGs of all time. In A Tech Affair episode 223, we discuss the game (podcast in German).

Masterpiece: Neva

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC, Mac
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: adventure, platformer
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 4 hours

Neva is a playable work of art that impresses above all with its beautiful art style, an emotional story and a wondrous soundtrack. You play Alba and her companion, the she-wolf Neva. At the start of the story, Neva is still a helpless puppy. Over time, she grows into a powerful beast that protects you on your adventure.

In his review, art connoisseur Kevin wasn’t bothered by the fact that the gameplay in this emotional journey with a wolf is less than spectacular:

Masterpiece: Silent Hill 2

• Available for: PS5, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: horror
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 18 hours

Polish developer Bloober has created a masterpiece with this remake of the PS2 horror classic. Playing as James Sunderland, you explore the fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill. According to a mysterious letter, his deceased wife is waiting for him there. Instead of his wife, you’ll find all kinds of hideous monstrosities looking to get their hands on you in the ghost town. The later levels in particular are some of the scariest I’ve ever experienced in a game.

In my review, I particularly liked the oppressive atmosphere, the eerily beautiful audiovisual presentation and the tricky puzzles. Luckily, the slight pacing problems can’t tarnish the nightmarish overall result.

Masterpiece: Super Mario Party Jamboree

• Available for: Switch
• Genre: party
• Multiplayer: yes
• Playing time: 12 hours

Super Mario Party Jamboree is the biggest and best Mario Party game you can play on the Switch. The lovingly designed game boards are just as impressive as the new mini-games and multiplayer modes. Party lover Michelle is happy as a clam in her review:

Worth a try: we liked these games too (★★★★ review)

Games in this category do a lot of things right – even if they don’t quite make it as a timeless classic. In a review, games from this category would receive four out of five stars.

The few points of criticism we have shouldn’t stop you from at least trying the following games (sorted alphabetically):

Worth a try: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 59 hours

At first glance, Bioware’s latest RPG looks disappointing. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is straight as they come. The game is very linear and takes you by the hand way too often. As the game progresses, however, the initial superficiality gives way to a multilayered and gripping role-playing game.

In his review, dragon hunter Phil notes that despite the increasing depth of the gameplay, Dragon Age: The Veilguard doesn’t come close to the complexity of Baldur’s Gate 3 in terms of gameplay or content. On the other hand, the action role-playing game offers a much better flow and very satisfying, powerful battles.

Worth a try: Dragon Ball Sparking Zero

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: Arena Fighter
• Multiplayer: yes
• Playing time: 26 hours

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the ideal game for fans of the iconic manga and anime series. This sequel to the legendary Budokai Tenkaichi games features over 180 fighters from the Dragon Ball universe. The story mode is impressive too: you’re alongside the characters during the most important moments in Dragon Ball history – and can also change the outcome of these moments.

Battles take place in huge, destructible 3D arenas and are staged just as bombastically as in the anime. In A Tech Affair episode 223, I recount my impressions – and how the local multiplayer mode with a single playable map disappointed me (podcast in German).

Worth a try: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 42 hours

This remake of the JRPG classic impresses above all with great presentation in an HD-2D style. Essentially, it’s cute 2D pixel art characters in beautiful 3D environments. And thanks to the tilt-shift effect, the whole thing looks like a small diorama.

The original (Dragon Quest III was released in 1988 for the NES) shows its age particularly in the remake’s stale story and the increasing use of random battles. JRPG expert Kevin enjoyed the turn-based combat system – but in his review, he wishes he could switch off the annoying random battles completely:

Worth a try: Empire of the Ants

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5, PC
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 43 hours

Empire of the Ants is like a nature documentary you can play. It provides fascinating insights into the life of busy ant colonies and impresses with its detailed graphics. The gameplay is a mix of real-time strategy and platforming.

In his review, entomologist Kim criticises the occasionally inadequate controls and the somewhat leisurely pace of the game:

Worth a try: Europa

• Available for: Switch, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 4 hours

Europa is a wonderfully cosy game for relaxing and dreaming. You play a young boy who goes on a voyage of discovery across Jupiter’s eponymous moon Europa. There, traces of a long-gone civilisation are speckled across a picturesque game world that’s graphically similar to titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Don’t expect a lot of action and an action-packed story – relaxing on your journey is the goal. Despite the short playing time, our astronaut Debi was enthusiastic about the game in her review:

Worth a try: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: horror
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 4 hours

A horror game using 2D pixel art? A tried-and-tested formula. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit, you sneak through gloomy buildings trying to avoid murderous animatronics. Beware: jumpscares! In A Tech Affair episode 222 (podcast in German), horror fan Phil is surprised at how entertaining he found the game – despite the occasional stupid checkpoint placement.

Worth a try: Infinity Nikki

• Available for: PS4, PS5, PC, Mobile
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 4 hours

In the free-to-play Infinity Nikki, you dress your character in extravagant outfits to gain superpowers. You’ll need to be the best dressed to explore the magical open world.

Our fashion czar Kevin tried out the unusual game and was impressed by the concept. Its paid gacha mechanics didn’t bother him either – in stark contrast to the often overloaded and confusing menus, which harshly interrupt the otherwise relaxing gameplay.

Worth a try: Farming Simulator 25

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Mac, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: simulator
• Multiplayer: yes
• Playing time: not specified

In the latest edition of the popular simulator series, you’ll find new plants, animal species, cute baby animals and destructive tornadoes. In her review, agricultural expert Debi describes the game as «the most comprehensive and visually beautiful farming simulator around»:

Worth a try: Life is Strange: Double Exposure

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 15 hours

Max Caulfield, protagonist of the first game in this supernatural teen drama series, returns with Life is Strange: Double Exposure. While Max could «only» turn back time in the original game, she can even open gates to a parallel dimension in the latest spin-off. Now that’s what I call an upgrade. She uses this superpower to solve the murder of her best friend, who’s still alive in that parallel world.

Drama queen Cassie is thrilled by this emotional adventure. Despite a few bugs and strange puzzles, she recommends the adventure game both to fans of the original and to newcomers:

Worth a try: Mario & Luigi: Brothership

• Available for: Switch
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 47 hours

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is the third Mario role-playing game Nintendo has released for the Switch within a year. It’s also by far the longest. Unfortunately, the game does take a while to get going. The initially overly simple combat system quickly gets exciting without being too complex thanks to cool duo attacks and equipable items.

In my review, I criticise the epic adventure for being a little too big. Many of the side missions are mediocre at best, and the constant backtracking with loading times is a pain in the neck. But if you show patience and stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best and most beautiful Mario & Luigi games to date.

Worth a try: Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: first-person shooter
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 54 hours

Stalker 2 exudes a unique atmosphere. It offers a massive, open game world full of dangers that can kill you in seconds. The merciless difficulty contributes significantly to this oppressive atmosphere.

In his first impressions of the game, survival expert Phil was enthusiastic. By now, however, numerous bugs and glitches have somewhat dampened his enjoyment of the post-apocalyptic world.

Worth a try: Starfield: Shattered Space

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: Xbox Series X, PC
• Genre: role-playing game
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 15 hours

The Shattered Space expansion does a lot of things right that the main game Starfield got wrong. Instead of a massive universe full of empty, procedurally generated planets, there’s a smaller, handmade world, reminiscent of the development studio’s glory days.

Both the missions and the story also grabbed me more than anything in the main game. Another great feature is the new Rev-8 space vehicle, which you can use to jet through the extraterrestrial world. Just a shame that the expansion suffers from similar performance problems as the main game.

Worth a try: The Rise of the Golden Idol

• Available for: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mobile
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 13 hours

In this detective game, you investigate crime scenes and collect words that could have something to do with the crime. You then have to fill in gaps to solve the case. The game feels very similarly to its predecessor (The Case of the Golden Idol), just much prettier.

However, the adventure and puzzle gameplay can become somewhat tiring over time. You always have to think things through; otherwise you’ll lose the plot. Master detective Phil lets us join his investigations in A Tech Affair episode 227 (podcast in German).

Partial recommendation: these games have flaws, but are still fun (★★★ review)

These games are primarily for fans of the respective genre. They’d receive three out of five stars in a game review. While still solid, they have shortcomings that could annoy more critical players.

The following games aren’t bad – but you don’t have to play them (sorted alphabetically):

Partial recommendation: Alan Wake 2: The Lake House

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: horror
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 3 hours

The Lake House is the second expansion to Alan Wake 2. In contrast to the absolutely crazy and fun Night Springs DLC (see quarterly review 2), the excursion to Lake House feels very similar to the main game. Playing as a special agent, you investigate a Federal Bureau of Control base. It’s a fictitious security agency investigating paranormal events. Fans of the Remedy action game Control, released in 2019, will discover many references to it.

Armed with a flashlight and pistol, you fight your way through dark corridors full of hideous demons. Unfortunately, the expansion is very short and plagued by a flood of notes driving the story forward, as well as mediocre puzzles. In A Tech Affair episode 224(podcast in German), I report on my creepy experiences.

Partial recommendation: Halls of Torment

• Available for: PC, Mobile
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: reverse bullet hell
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 10 hours

Halls of Torment looks a bit like the old Diablo and plays like Vampire Survivors. In other words, you and your pixelated character try to survive as long as possible against waves of demonic enemies. You shoot automatically. In between, you’ll get upgrades to boost your firepower and other attributes.

However, the whole thing doesn’t feel quite as sophisticated and satisfying as the vampire version – at least according to shooter expert Phil, who reviewed the game in A Tech Affair episode 221 (podcast in German).

Partial recommendation: Lego Horizon Adventures

• Available for: PS5, Switch, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PS5
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 10 hours

Lego Horizon Adventures is by far the most beautiful Lego game. This is mainly because, unlike other Lego titles, the game world is made entirely of Lego bricks. Unfortunately, the fun yet overly simple combat system and boring level design can’t keep up with the high graphical standard. Still worth a look for young and/or old Lego fans.

Partial recommendation: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: simulator
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 10 hours

In the latest Flight Simulator, you can take on various missions. For example, you’ll fly medical missions, cargo flights or firefighting missions. In addition, there are a bunch of new aeroplanes and many revised and improved areas to visit on the world map.

Our trainee pilot Kevin had fun during his flying lessons. However, his impression was marred by a few technical problems:

Avoid: these games have major flaws (★★ review)

Two stars isn’t a disaster, but it’s close. These games have fundamental flaws that can significantly limit their enjoyment. Behind all the criticism, some genre fans might find a passable game.

However, we advise that most players don’t buy these games (sorted alphabetically).

Avoid: Skydance’s Behemoth

• Available for: PS5 (PS VR2), PC, Meta Quest
• Version(s) we tested: PS5 (PS VR2)
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 10 hours

In VR game Skydance’s Behemoth, you battle giant creatures and slaughter your way through hordes of mindless human enemies. The simple level design is boring with little interactivity and dull puzzles. The fights and climbing sections are marred by laborious controls. The game also suffers from numerous technical problems, ranging from funny glitches to serious errors. Even sensational staged fights against the eponymous Behemoths can’t turn the tide.

Avoid: Spirit of the Samurai

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Version(s) we tested: PC
• Genre: action adventure
• Multiplayer: no
• Playing time: 8 hours

You have to hand one thing to 2D action adventure Spirit of the Samurai: it looks so freaking cool. This is mainly thanks to its unique stop-motion animation style. Apart from that, the unfinished game is a disappointment. Miserable platforming passages and half-baked gameplay mechanics quickly spoiled our samurai Kevin’s desire to continue playing.

Disaster: avoid these games like the plague (★ review)

Games with one star are disasters that you should give a wide berth. Even patches and upgrades won’t help here. These games can no longer be saved in terms of gameplay or technology.

Fortunately, we never tested any absolute disasters this quarter. Yay! 🎉

And here’s what the rest of the year looked like

You can find an overview of our high and lowlights from quarter one (January, February and March) here:

We summarised the second quarter of the 2024 gaming year (April, May, June) here:

You can read about quarter three (July, August, September) here:

Finally, you can also find an overview of our game reviews on Opencritic.