Gaming quarterly review (Q3): the most exciting new releases and our ratings

Since our last Quarterly Review in July, the editorial team has been busy playing and testing games. We take a look back at the new releases that we enjoyed the most in July, August and September. But also those that we would only recommend to you to a limited extent or not at all.

The titles are sorted into five categories: "Masterpiece" (5 stars), "Worth it" (4 stars), "Conditional recommendation" (3 stars), "Hands off" (2 stars) and "Disaster" (1 star). The games are listed alphabetically for each category. The playing time was taken from howlongtobeat.com.

Masterpiece: You should definitely have played these games (corresponds to ★★★★★ in game review)

These games are absolute masterpieces and "Game of the Year" candidates. When we rate one of these games in a game review, it gets full marks. This does not mean that the titles are perfect and without flaws. But the overall package blew us away and will remain in our memories for a long time to come.

Whatever your genre preferences, you should definitely give these games a chance:

Masterpiece: "Astro Bot"

"Astro Bot" is one of those games that I can't fault. It's... perfect. In addition to the detailed visual presentation and ingenious level design, the flawless controls are a particular highlight. The game conveys my every step, jump and attack through haptic feedback, visual effects and sound effects. No other game offers such incredibly satisfying controls.

As if that wasn't enough, "Astro Bot" includes numerous guest appearances from Playstation heroes both well-known and lesser-known. If you're a fan of Sony's consoles, you're guaranteed to shed a tear at the incredible number of Easter eggs and cross-references to old and new Playstation games. In my test, "Astro Bot" has more than earned its five stars:

• Available for: PS5
• Genre: Platformer
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 14 hours

Masterpiece: "The Plucky Squire"

In "The Plucky Squire", Phil feels a magic that is otherwise only known from Nintendo games. The picture book game impresses with a variety of exciting gameplay ideas, a harmonious audiovisual presentation and a successful mix of 2D and 3D gameplay.

Hopping around a children's room with the little squire "Jot" and leaping from one illustration to the next is just damn cool. The game quite rightly scored top marks in Phil's test:

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 9 hours

Masterpiece: "UFO 50"

What a crazy project. "UFO 50" consists of a total of 50 games, all with a beautiful 8-bit aesthetic. The whole thing is presented as a pseudo-retro compilation of a fictitious video game company that released numerous games in the 1980s.

The games vary in length - but they are not simple mini-games. From dungeon crawlers and role-playing games to classic platformers and multiplayer titles, everything is included. Some games even have sequels, each with better graphics and new gameplay features. So much creativity in one game package has earned the title "masterpiece". In A Tech Affair episode 219, we talk about this concentrated load of fake retro games.

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Diverse
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: over 60 hours

Worth it: We also liked these games (corresponds to ★★★★ in game review)

Games in this category do a lot of things right - even if it's not quite enough to become a timeless classic. In a game review, games in this category receive four out of five stars.

The few criticisms we have of each game shouldn't stop you from at least giving it a try.

Worth it: "Age of Mythology: Retold"

The remake (or is it a remaster?) of the strategy classic from 2002 manages the balancing act between modern gameplay requirements and the feel of the old days almost perfectly. The campaign full of mythical monsters impresses with its entertaining level design, a well-balanced level of difficulty and pretty graphics.

In his test, RTS expert Samuel gives deductions for the poor quality of the newly recorded dialogue and the problematic wayfinding of the game characters. You can't expect any new content either.

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: RTS
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 33 hours

Worth it: "Anger Foot"

In "Anger Foot", your foot is your most important weapon. In frenetic speed runs reminiscent of "Hotline Miami", you fight your way through hectic levels full of gangsters who are out to get you. The nerve-wracking action is accompanied by a thumping techno soundtrack.

Over time, the fast-paced gameplay can become repetitive despite the spectacle. There are also deductions in Phil's test for the unstable performance, which is very noticeable in such a fast-paced game:

[do NotToTry].

• Available for: PC, Mac
• Genre: FPS
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 8 hours

Worth it: "Ara: History Untold"

Are you looking forward to "Civilisation VII" and want to bridge the time until its release? Then maybe "Ara: History Untold" is something for you. The strategy game looks similar to Sid Meier's game series, but can stand out from its big role model thanks to its beautiful graphics, complex production system and other gameplay features.

Genre expert Debora criticises in her test that the game still feels somewhat unfinished in some aspects - including diplomacy, war and UI:

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Strategy
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 13 hours

Worth it: "Arranger"

The playing field in "Arranger" consists of square tiles. If you move your playing piece up, down, left or right, all the tiles on the respective line or column move with it. This exciting mechanic results in tricky puzzles that need to be solved. Phil often had to think outside the box, as he does in A Tech Affair Folge 212. A nice little indie snack for in between.

• Available for: PS5, Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile
• Genre: Puzzle
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 6 hours

Rewarding: "Cat Quest III"

The third part of the "Cat Quest" series takes you on a pirate adventure. The cute action adventure is lovingly designed - the Caribbean-inspired game world is particularly appealing. It is full of secrets, funny puns and nasty pirates who will get in your way.

The combat system is surprisingly challenging, but often confusing in co-op mode and a little repetitive after a while. In Phil's test, these points of criticism cannot tarnish the excellent overall impression:

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 8 hours

Worth it: "Crypt Custodian"

Solo developer Kyle Thompson has created an outstanding Metroidvania with "Crypt Custodian". The game world is huge and the gameplay is always challenging and exciting thanks to the many different enemies and bosses.

In his test, genre expert Kevin criticises the fact that the game doesn't try anything groundbreakingly new - apart from the rather unusual bird's eye view for Metroidvanias:

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
• Genre: Metroidvania
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 10 hours

Rewarding: "Dungeons of Hinterberg"

"Dungeons of Hinterberg" is like "The Legend of Zelda" in Austria, mixed with a pinch of "Persona". During the day you explore dungeons full of classic "Zelda" puzzles. In the evenings, you spend time with the villagers of Hinterberg and make friends or start romances.

Cassie is enthusiastic about the game in her test. The only downsides are the disappointing combat system and the sometimes poor technical realisation:

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 20 hours

Worth it: "EA Sports FC 25"

And every year the football groundhog greets us. This year's version of \"FIFA\" "EA Sports FC" does a lot of things right. In A Tech Affair Folge 220 schwääMilan fan Luca talks about the new tactical possibilities in the distribution of player roles. If you want to get started in the "Ultimate Team" mode, Luca has prepared a guide with helpful tips and tricks:

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
• Genre: Football game
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 8 hours

Rewarding: "Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club"

The detective game with the unspeakably long name is the first 18+ game Nintendo has ever developed. The crime adventure tells a gripping and at times disturbing (!) story about a serial killer who is targeting schoolgirls. "Emio" is more of an interactive book than a "real" game - if you get involved in the experience, you can expect one of the most exciting stories of this year.

It takes a while for the title to really get going. In my test, I also criticised the somewhat old-fashioned trial-and-error gameplay. Apart from that, I recommend "Emio" to any fan of crime and horror novels:

• Available for: Switch
• Genre: Adventure, Visual Novel
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 12 hours

Worth it: "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder"

For a Metroidvania, "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder" doesn't do anything groundbreakingly new. Nevertheless, the game is fun. The steampunk setting gives the game a fresh, stylish look. The world is inviting to explore and the battles are fun.

Some role-playing elements are sometimes superfluous and the story is told in a boring way. Nevertheless, genre expert Kevin says in his test that "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder" is the perfect Metroidvania for a rainy weekend:

[doNotToTry].

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Metroidvania
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 8 hours

Rewarding: "Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess"

"Kunitsu-Gami" is my insider tip of the year. The crazy genre mix of tower defence and hack'n'slash feels like a forgotten cult classic from the PS2 era. In relatively straightforward levels, you command troops to drive demons out of various settlements. However, you don't just give out orders, you also throw yourself into the fray with sword and magic.

In a world full of huge, highly polished and generic AAA games, "Kunitsu-Gami" feels like a breath of fresh air from a simpler gaming past. I can forgive the fact that the graphics are only mediocre and the combat often degenerates into a confusing mess.

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
• Genre: Tower Defence, Hack'n'Slash
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 21 hours

Worth it: "Nintendo World Championships"

Do you like speedruns and retro games? Then Nintendo World Championships is the game for you. In this revival of the legendary Nintendo World Championships, you play your way through short speedrun challenges from various NES games. Sometimes you collect as many hearts as quickly as possible with Link ("The Legend of Zelda") and sometimes you try to play through World 1-1 as quickly as possible with Mario ("Super Mario Bros").

Deductions are made in the test for the sometimes confusing presentation of the games and the small selection of game modes:

• Available for: Switch
• Genre: Speedrun
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 12 hours

Rewarding: "Schim"

You play a shadow that can jump into other shadows. If you touch the ground, you return to a checkpoint. "The Floor is Lava" as a game, so to speak. This unique idea results in exciting puzzles and tasks that are garnished with a pinch of story. Phil is in Tech Affair episode 208 is taken with the shady idea. A short, little indie game for in-between times.

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Mac
• Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 5 hours

Worth it: "Spectre Divide"

"Spectre Divide" is a mixture of "Counter-Strike" and "Overwatch" - garnished with a unique twist. In this team-based shooter, you play two heroes at the same time. Simon explains exactly how this works in his playthrough report:

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Tactical shooter
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: not specified

Worth it: "Star Trucker"

In "Star Trucker" you drive a huge lorry through space. When transporting various goods, you should always keep an eye on your truck - overheating electronics or unpredictable asteroid fields want to throw a spanner in the works.

Phil played the space lorry simulator and loved it - only the lack of transparency in the mission ratings annoyed him from time to time:

• Available for: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Simulation
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 41 hours

Worth it: "SteamWorld Heist 2"

In the sequel to the robot strategy game "SteamWorld Heist", the cute tin cans move from outer space to the open sea. You explore the colourful overworld in a submarine. At the heart of the game, however, are the turn-based battles in a lateral 2D perspective, reminiscent of strategy classics such as "Xcom". Phil shared his impressions of the game in A Tech Affair Folge 214.

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
• Genre: Strategy
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 29 hours

Rewarding: "Tactical Breach Wizards"

In "Tactical Breach Wizards" you command a troop of mages in Kevlar waistcoats. They have to capture various buildings. In addition to firearms, they are equipped with magic. Even if the game looks like "Xcom" at first glance, it is more of a puzzle game than a strategy game. It's fun, even if the level of difficulty can be frustrating at times. In Tech Affair episode 218 we talk about this unique concept.

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Puzzle
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 19 hours

Rewarding: "The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom"

For the first time in the history of the game series, you don't play Link in "Echoes of Wisdom", but the eponymous princess herself. Instead of a sword, Zelda goes into battle with a magical staff. She can use it to copy objects and monsters and conjure them up as "echoes".

The daring gameplay experiment is largely successful, but is marred by poor technical realisation:

• Available for: Switch
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 28 hours

Worth it: "Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2"

"Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2" is a "Blast from the Past". The brutal action game is reminiscent of baller games from the 2000s. It is the perfect power fantasy in which you shoot your way through hordes of nasty aliens with taciturn Ultramarines - optionally with up to two other warriors in co-op mode. Phil only criticises in his test that the simple shooter gameplay becomes a little monotonous over time:

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Shooter
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 15 hours

Conditional recommendation: These games have weaknesses, but are still fun (corresponds to ★★★ in game review)

These games are primarily for fans of the respective genre. They receive three out of five stars in a game review. They are solid, but have flaws that could annoy more critical players.

They are not bad games - but you don't necessarily have to play them.

Conditional recommendation: "Caravan SandWitch"

"Caravan SandWitch" tells an exciting story in a post-apocalyptic game world. Unfortunately, the monotonous gameplay causes boredom and the spongy controls cause frustration. A game that genre expert Kevin only recommends to Metroidvania fans who can switch down a gear and relax:

• Available for: PS5, Switch, PC
• Genre: Metroidvania
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 9 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Frostpunk 2"

"Frostpunk 2" is a gloomy and dystopian building game in which death and despair are omnipresent. You won't find the complexity and gameplay depth of genre representatives such as "Anno" here, but the game shines with a great story and unique setting.

In his test, strategy aficionado Simon criticises four points: The short campaign, the limited game modes, technical difficulties, and frustrating gameplay elements that can destroy your progress.

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Building game, strategy
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 17 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Nobody Wants to Die"

"Nobody Wants to Die" is a mixture of film noir thriller and "Blade Runner". In a dystopian future, you have to solve a mysterious murder as an alcoholic ex-policeman. Death is a rarity in the world of the game - people can transfer their consciousness into other bodies and live on virtually forever.

An exciting premise that is held back by adventure gameplay that is too straightforward and boring in the long run. In A Tech Affair episode 212, Phil describes the current status of his investigation.

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 6 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Once Human"

"Once Human" was obviously designed to be the next "Forever Game" hit. In the free survival game, you fight your way through a post-apocalyptic world full of monsters that used to be human. The gameplay loop is a typical free-to-play hamster wheel that constantly rewards you and motivates you to stay on the grind.

However, Phil doesn't see much potential for long-term motivation in his playthrough report. The game's dubious terms and conditions also give him pause for thought.

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Survival
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 51 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Reka"

In "Reka" you live in a witch's house on chicken legs. You have to decorate it. Potions can also be brewed in it. You collect the resources and ingredients for these projects in swamps and forests. Wonderfully quirky!

The game is in Early Access and still looks unfinished in many respects. In her playthrough report, Debora sees the potential for a magical end product:

• Available for: PC
• Genre: Building game
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: not specified

Conditional recommendation: "Shapez 2"

An automation game that doesn't really do much wrong. For many fans of the genre, however, it can only be recommended to a limited extent due to its abstraction. In contrast to other genre greats such as "Dyson Sphere Programme" and "Satisfactory", "Shapez 2" has no story, no game world, no controllable character, no additional infrastructure such as electricity and no enemies.

Debora played the early access title and, despite a well-crafted game, didn't warm to the abstract game concept:

• Available for: PC, mac
• Genre: Automation
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 32

Conditional recommendation: "Star Wars Outlaws"

The open-world "Star Wars" game is a dream come true for fans. Where else can you immerse yourself in such a large, interactive "Star Wars" world? Unfortunately, the gigantic game world is held back by a rigid mission design, frustrating checkpoints and too much focus on sneaking.

• Available for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 31 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Thank Goodness You're Here"

How British can a game be? More than "Thank Goodness You're Here" is probably not possible. In this "Joke'n'Run" (quote from the developer studio), you control a little yellow man who gets up to mischief in a northern English town. Your actions are limited - you can only jump and punch.

The whole game is a big, surreal joke. If you like British humour, you'll enjoy it. Everyone else will wonder what it's all about. In Tech Affair episode 213 we talk about this curious game.

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Switch, PC
• Genre: Adventure
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 3 hours

Conditional recommendation: "Visions of Mana"

"Visions of Mana" is the most beautiful game in the long-running Japanese role-playing game series to date. However, JRPG fan Kevin criticises the ultra-slow pacing, the wooden character animations and the monotonous side quests in the test:

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Genre: JRPG
• Multiplayer: No
• Playing time: 42 hours

Fingers off: These games have major flaws (corresponds to ★★ in game review)

Two stars is not a disaster, but it's close. These games have fundamental flaws that can significantly limit the enjoyment of the game. Underneath all the criticism, some genre fans find a perfectly acceptable game. For most players, however, we advise against buying it.

Fingers off: "The First Descendant"

A multiplayer shooter in a sci-fi setting. Phil describes the game in A Tech Affair Folge 208 as "Destiny" or "Warframe", just worse. The shooting doesn't feel good, the enemies are brainless, the oversexualised design feels generic.

• Available for: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
• Genre: Looter shooter
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: 59 hours

Disaster: These games you should avoid (corresponds to ★ in game review)

Games with one star are disasters that you should avoid. Even patches and upgrades don't help. These games can no longer be saved in terms of gameplay or technology.

Disaster: "Concord"

Calling "Concord" a "disaster" is both completely deserved and completely unfair. The hero shooter from Playstation was actually a solid game. Phil and I played the beta and couldn't find any particular flaws. Yes, the game is just another hero shooter in a sea of generic multiplayer titles. But the gameplay was rock solid.

Around two weeks after the launch, Sony decided to withdraw "Concord" from the market. The reason: almost nobody had played the game. All purchases were refunded and the servers closed (for good?). A flop of colossal proportions that one would not have expected from a Playstation game. Debora has summarised the incredible story:

• Was once available for: PS5, PC
• Genre: Hero shooter
• Multiplayer: Yes
• Playing time: not specified

And this is what the first and second quarters of the year looked like

An overview of our high and lowlights of the first quarter (January, February and March) can be found here:

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

You can also find an overview of our game reviews on Opencritic.