Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is so close to the original that it almost feels like a precious relic in its own right: a long-lost type of adventure that even the recent movies have been unable to unearth, no matter how hard they dug. It is playful, cheeky and blessed with an enviable innocence that you would not have expected from such a large, lavish mainstream product from one of the biggest publishers in the world. It belongs in a museum.

Lots of action in an extremely atmospheric setting. The close combat could use a little more punch and the campaign could be tighter, but the character progression and expansion of the arsenal are motivating.

A somewhat sluggish version of Vampire Survivors with active combat and manual triggering of abilities. The number of enemies is lower, but some extras are exceptionally fun.

This extremely entertaining pinball game floods the brain with reward hormones. The overkill disrupts precision and tactics - they are replaced by variety and an audiovisual feast.

Redacted's comic-like action is good, but in the long run it is so uniform that the roguelike runs out of steam relatively quickly despite good character development.

In spite of lots of bugs and systems that aren‘t quite ready, Stalker 2 exceeded my expectations. It is truly rare that I desperately want to see everything a game world has to offer - but once the Zone‘s deadly beauty and shocking immersion had grabbed me, it never let me go once.

The most beautiful version of Dragon Quest 3 to date knows exactly how to make a visual impression. However, the teeth of time have been gnawing mercilessly at the plot and gameplay.

You can make anything into LEGO, but you shouldn't always: a relatively grown-up open-world game doesn't make a good mini-level co-op kids' game. Mediocre combat, little iconic lore, there's not much here to get you through the worst version of Horizon.

The atmosphere of the rundown City of Kowlong and the disgusting depiction of the Slitterheads show potential despite the outdated technology, but the game fails to create genuine horror. What remains is a somewhat stiff action game with horror elements that never really scare or disturb you.

Ants may be tiny to us, but they live in their very own world with their own problems, dangers and challenges. Empire of the Ants conveys this feeling quite well and I am glad that there is a game that shows this perspective.

Initially bulky and a bit messy, Metal Slug Tactics is a tough nut to crack at first, partly because of its roguelite approach. But once you get into it, you'll enjoy the clever 'synch' mechanics and the search for viable movement patterns and powerful synergies.

A little too conservative and talkative here and there, but a thoroughly fun comeback with smartly amended combat mechanics and a backpack full of nonsense.

After all, the combat system is pleasantly complex without being overloaded, while you can develop all characters very precisely into the specialists you desire in your party. Plus the motivating building of your own empire... Despite the formulaic course of events, you can spend a lot of good time with this remake.

Is the new technology worth the 10 euros if you already have the original in your collection? Yes, I think so. Is it worth buying if you've never played Zero Dawn? The answer should be clear: Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered is a must-have.

Some of the action is spectacular and great to play, but in the long run Rogue Flight is quite monotonous.

Starship Troopers Extermination may have left Early Access, but it still feels like it could use some work and fine-tuning in some areas. Behind the still somewhat rough surface is a thoroughly entertaining multiplayer shooter, which (as is so common in the genre) lives or dies depending on your comrades-in-arms.

Ys X: Nordics is a really well-done little-big action-adventure RPG that can give you hours of fun. I guess I don't have to fear the demise of Ys after all. But still, Nihom, seriously: at least take a look at Unreal Engine 3 or something. Might help.

The Coca-Cola of shooters entertains with a lively new movement system, strong maps in multiplayer and a fun, if bonkers, campaign.

A satisfying sequel to the first Life is Strange with an exciting story, plot twists and only a few technical problems.

Now you can relive the Lego Harry Potter Collection on the latest consoles, even though, in terms of technology, nothing much seems to have changed about these two cute Lego Games.

With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare manages to bring the series into the present: great technology, excellent playability, engaging story and characters and, above all, fantastic action combat make for an outstanding modern role-playing game.

The stronger of the two expansions presents itself as a worthwhile new "Mini-Control" that will effortlessly entertain you for three to four hours.

Fear the Spotlight is a loving homage to the survival horror of the 90s and a damn well-made tale for fans of quiet horror.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is far more than just a remaster with bonus levels. Shadow is very convincing in his part of this excellent double pack, while Sonic Generations has held up far better than I would have thought.

Chic, sleek, addictive, Thronefall is an artful gift to anyone who has been wanting to play a strategy game again for a long time, but who has struggled to integrate this often over-complex genre into their everyday lives. That's what makes it precious.

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred finally raises the game to the level we had hoped for in 2023. The campaign has a few weaknesses, but the endgame is great and the new Spiritborn class is the new benchmark for future heroes.

It's charming enough, but that's about it. Somewhere inside Unknown 9, there is a really good game that would like to be released, but I'm not sure we'll see that moment.

I don't know if there is such a thing as the perfect Mario Party game. But for me, Super Mario Party Jamboree is the closest of all three Switch games. I invested more than 25 hours in it with my wife and Mario Party is simply the most fun by far.

Conrad Roset's second game is a visually stunning parable about life and death - very straightforward, but with a touching story and inventive combat.

Don't miss out on this gem! Even if you know Tower Defense inside out or perhaps don't like it at all... although: especially then. Because Kunitsu-Gami feels so distinct, as is rarely the case under the umbrella of a big label like Capcom, and is made with so much attention to detail it enchanted me from the very first minute.

Strong fantasy 'persona' with a clever combat and class system and an immediately gripping story. Technology and parts of the progression seem a bit dated.

The bottom line is that I had to force myself to stick with this fundamentally likeable homage. Because as much as it is indeed reminiscent of Silent Hill and similar titles, I found it to be rather dull in terms of gameplay.

This Silent Hill 2 is more beautiful and bigger than ever- And those are just two of the problems with this fantastic remake. What can I say, it's complicated.

I spent much more time with this remake than I would have thought beforehand! ... Like the original, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a damn likeable declaration of love to the Disney universe centered around the famous mouse.

It's my favourite part of the series, which I spent a lot of time with back in my youth. And I still have the big box of it in my basement. The modernisation suits the game very well, and I'm also pleased about the GBC version and the interactive museum as extras. It's Worms in its purest 2D form and the pinnacle of the series.

On the whole, I like the changes to this year's game; FC IQ and the player roles fit into the game well - with the exception of a few lapses - and it simply feels good in your hands. I also really like the new Rush mode, much better than the overly cool Volta, which never really kept me hooked for more than few minutes.

A good alternative to Civilization that could be even better with a little more optimization. Beautifully detailed world, interesting features and flexibility.

Playful and with a spatial openness previously unknown in the isometric Hyrule, Zelda celebrates her grand entrance, but also proves that the Switch is technically at the end of the line even when it comes to in-house productions. ... The approach of omitting iconic tools works because the heroine is able to shake a bouquet of alternatives from her staff in return - and thus builds up more than a sword could ever tear down.

This remake is a wonderful example of how such classics can be brought into the modern age without losing their charm and appeal. I would also like to see this done for other classics of the genre.

The amazingly comprehensive retro flair, including a fantastic soundtrack, make this retro racing love letter something I like to let myself be carried away by. In terms of content and driving model, however, this runs out of gas somewhat quickly ... Parking Garage Rally Circuit is successful in what it does, but it's also a not much more than a short snack.

The Plucky Squire is a love letter to childhood, to books and stories, but also to the merchandising worlds and toys that surround them. As such, it serves as a reminder of the important roles these worlds played in our development. Not only of the adventures we made with "Masters of the Universe", Marshall Bravestarr or Rainbow Brite, but how these worlds made us as well.

Somewhat straightforward, but exciting and elegantly presented urban development against the constant scarcity of resources.

This golden age of Marvel Games and the tournament brawler genre has aged well. Fluidly and with vigour, these heroes fight each other a quarter of a century later as if no time had passed and no MCU had ever happened.

Agreed, in many ways, Solar Crown doesn't come close to Forza Horizon 5 or The Crew Motorfest, both of which simply do many things better. However, there are years of experience behind those series, while this is KT Racing's first Test Drive. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun with Solar Crown where it mattered - namely the races.

I can recommend Evotinction especially to players for whom stealth action is not just this one level in Call of Duty, and who are willing to trade high-class production values for an experimental flair.

From a technical standpoint, there's a decent foundation here for an entertaining trip into a dark parallel world. The initial question of what happened between the two timelines alone keeps the suspense going for long enough. I therefore find it all the more regrettable that this horror trip is told like a bedtime story, written with remarkably little care and also offers little incentive to get involved for longer.

A well made The special thing about the latest collection is undoubtedly that it brings us in the West a brand new game. One that is a good deal better than the first part of the series. For this reason alone - and for the sake of completion - it is worth buying the collection for fans of the series.

The routes are short and monotonous, but the handling of the truck conveys, in an atmospheric way, what it must be like to steer a truck through space.

Three of the best Castlevania games in a lovingly prepared collection with lots of great extras, all for 25 euros. Sometimes, life's good after all.

Visions of Mana is not a perfect role-playing game, especially if you expect a deep story and complex combat system. However, the JRPG shows its charm with a lot of heart and a unique fairytale world that you won't want to leave.

Brutal, action-packed and well-made sequel to a fan-favorite shooter with an elegantly uncomplicated game design and an entertaining co-op mode!

Especially if you have children with whom you can pass the controller back and forth, Astro Bot is one of the feel-good games of the year. And if you don't have any offspring, this will let out your inner child with ease. Astro Bot, then: a game that was well worth sending a chrome Sackboy back through time for.

It's simply fun to experience Age of Mythology in this modernized version, with its mythological elements it stands out pleasantly from the main Age series. Ultimately, there is little to complain about here.

Hobby detectives with a focus on the narrative should feel right at home with Emio, while investigators who prefer to think and investigate for themselves might be a little disappointed by the gameplay.

Racing through magnificent landscapes, strolling through the narrow streets of this worn-out world and experiencing frenetic action in space... this is a dream come true that no previous game in this far-off galaxy has been able to fulfill, especially in a unified package like this.

World of Warcraft: The War Within represents a strong start for the worldsoul saga and brings with it many improvements and numerous new features that will advance WoW in general.

Although the technology and physics are basically right, ExoCross is a disappointingly dull series of very similar races and challenges.

A warm-hearted road trip in a future that is as dystopian as it is optimistic, with very lively and varied dialogue as its greatest strength.

Once again, a port from Aspyr that I'm ambivalent about. On the one hand, I'm delighted to be able to play Star Wars: Bounty Hunter on my Xbox Series. But on the other hand, I'm always thinking about what could have been, I see the potential for even more improvements around every corner.

Honor of Kings can be a good choice for getting into the genre on a smartphone. After all, the game is simple, offers a stripped-down MOBA experience and helps you to understand the basics in and out of matches. However, the game doesn't really stand out with much.

On the whole, F1 Manager 2024 is an improvement and, not least thanks to the option to create your own team, the best version of the series to date. The other new features do not completely turn the game upside down - which was not to be expected - but are welcome additions that add a little more depth.

A lovingly drawn platformer that is not as lively in terms of gameplay as its visuals might suggest.

Nice repurposing of Nintendo's NES classics, but the local multiplayer mode in particular lacks the options to become a real party hit.

The First Descendant does not yet feel like it could become a serious competitor to the big names in the genre. Perhaps the game will surprise us with more endgame content that will satisfy our looter-shooter needs. So far, my experience has been mixed.

A thriller that is somewhat limited in terms of gameplay and a tad overloaded when it comes to the narrative, but stylistically creates a fascinating world with impressive backdrops.

Three years after its initial release, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance remains the perfect JRPG, which shines in the new edition with better performance and an expanded story. Sensible additions to the game elements also make it easier to get started without scaring off hardcore fans, for whom new conveniences remain optional. A clear recommendation for anyone who has always wanted to get into the franchise or is simply in the mood for one of the best modern JRPGs.

NeoSprint is so much like its 40-year-old predecessors that it is hardly any fun today, despite the eight-player mode. The track editor is the highlight of an otherwise insubstantial game.

At the end of the day, we have two beautiful Monster Hunter games here that more people can finally enjoy playing. Part one does show its age here and there, and you shouldn't expect a fundamental remake, but the port to the newer systems is still largely successful.

With the HD version, the former 3DS title has been given a new edition that really does it justice. If you haven't played Luigi's Mansion 2 yet, but have perhaps already played the third part, this is a clear recommendation. Just as much if you have not yet had any contact with the series.

Sure, Shadow of the Erdtree doesn't turn Elden Ring into a new game, and if you were expecting big new impulses in terms gameplay, you were mistaken. From Software has been improving their thing for 20 years, and they did so in leaps and bounds. But it's not like they're straying from their path. Just as well, if you love their concept for what it is: the best game in the world.

A well-playing strategy game with an all too varying difficulty level, weak story, technical imperfections and annoying always-online.

Limited in terms of gameplay, but incredibly intense, grueling and artistically and creatively breathtaking, it is somewhat of a miracle that this game exists.

Songs of Conquest would have profited from losing some of the inherent ticks of this particular sub-genre, but it is still one of the most beautiful and relaxing "just one more round" games of the year.

The last Paper Mario with an RPG twist, charmingly reworked and brought into shape for a new generation, unfortunately only marginally streamlined.

A clever glimpse into a dystopian future, but one that suffers from an extremely weak VR implementation in terms of technology and content.

Playful and atmospherically captivating adventure without combat, but with imaginative challenges and lovingly executed ideas. Discovering a mysterious world has rarely been so much fun.

Some of the short stories are nice to listen to and the driving itself feels good - but that's about it. The decisions made have no consequences worth mentioning, neither on a large nor small scale, the many repetitive races against depressingly lame opponents are potently sleep-inducing and even the protagonist's story is frighteningly irrelevant. Neither the damn good soundtrack nor the strong presentation can really do anything about this.

Relic did everything right back then and after many, many years Blackbird Interactive has managed to build on this in a worthy way. In terms of gameplay and feel, Homeworld 3 is very close to the originals and I would definitely say that all fans will have fun with it. The war games mode isn't necessarily for me, but I'm sure it will be a worthwhile challenge for some. All in all, I'm happy with this game and glad that it exists.

You can certainly read a lot more from Indika, and even see some things substantially differently than I did. In particular, if you have a closer cultural connection to the region, you might pick up on details that slipped right by my western eyes. But I was completely captivated by this cool, blunt reckoning with the weaponization of religion. At the end, you can't help but feel great regret for and sympathy with Ilia and Indika (...) Odd Meter has no answer to what's next for them. It's bitter, but it rings true.

The physics and presentation are so well done that you can have a pleasant game. In terms of gameplay and audiovisuals, however, Zen's tables are still no match for the classics.

Sand Land offers a unique adventure, a beautiful self-contained story and an exemplary adaptation of Akira Toriyama's manga. Minor inconsistencies and some lengthy stretches only slightly spoil the captivating overall atmosphere.

An equally accessible and challenging simulation with minor weaknesses in terms of AI, difficulty and penalties, but a motivating career and promising online championship.

Entertaining sneaking with an inventive mechanic whose true potential is never fully explored.

Although Eiyuden Chronicle manages to capture a certain charm of the 90s, it is inconsistent in many areas. Above all, there is a lack of meaningful comfort functions. As a result, the game struggles to keep up with best of today's JRPGs despite a great deal of passion on display.

Much seems familiar and sometimes a tad uniform, but a strong combat system, excellent boss fights, an exciting scenario, the motivating environmental exploration and many well thought out ideas make Stellar Blade an excellent solo adventure.

Some rallies can become a bit sluggish, but all in all, Top Spin 2K25 is a versatile and accessible simulation with a successful career for solo players and numerous opportunities to play online and offline.

Broken Roads lives up to its name, as it is teeming with breaks in both gameplay and content. And of all things, the interesting morality system disrupts the role-playing instead of deepening it.

Audiovisually enchanting adventure on a submerged spaceship with likeable characters, which is not entirely convincing in terms of narrative and has little depth in terms of gameplay.

Withering Rooms is a horror adventure that is as atmospheric as it is playfully motivating. The ever-changing estate is morbidly fascinating and the constant progression encourages you to search it carefully. Even the story is interesting, even if it is only told via written text. Only the numerous battles are not one of its strengths, nor is the repetitive running through many same-y rooms.

The platformer offers varied levels with funny ideas, an ingenious mechanic for locomotion that lets you explore the genre with a fresh pinch of cleverness and a really pretty pixel art design that convinces even pixel-skeptical folks like me.

Entertaining arcade racer about past Formula 1 decades with exciting races, even though some content and gameplay issues irritate.

Technically, Peach's Performance leaves a lot to be desired, then. Nevertheless, the lovingly designed levels in small fun-sized bites are a lot of fun. The staging of the plays, the many small design options for Stella and Peach's costumes make this one a charmer.

A solid real-time strategy entry to the Terminator universe, then, with engaging gameplay and tense missions, but the story leaves a lot to be desired ... There's definitely a lot of micromanagement here, but if you get used to it, you'll be able to keep everything under control and shouldn't face insurmountable problems. Terminator Dark Fate: Defiance does a lot right and is definitely worth a look if you like real-time strategy and the Terminator franchise.

Lots of content and a great Star Wars feeling clash with bugs and a host of other problems. This could have been so much more.

A lively platformer with inventive, albeit sometimes somewhat cumbersome game mechanics, but with plenty of challenges and lots to discover.

The compact world invites you to explore without it feeling like endless work. The complex story branches and the variety of missions between stealth and attack invite you to experiment. Rise of the Ronin might be technically outdated, but it's very entertaining in terms of gameplay.

It is the rare case of a game that gets better and better the deeper you get into it. Not only because there are new things to see and do and the hero becomes more and more powerful, but also because you grow as a player.

Reveil is an atmospheric horror tale with memorable moments, whose strengths are successful puzzles and a visually and playfully vivid setting. Unfortunately, the ending fails to bring the emotional story to a convincing conclusion.