So why only three stars? Basically, this is a remake of a PlayStation 4 game from 2015, which you could have long bought for next to nothing. This new version looks even better and adds some bells and whistles, but too little to justify the $70 price tag. Many other games from that era were upgraded for the PlayStation 5, costing a dozen euros or often even free. To charge full price for this is money-grubbing.

It is a good game, but also a game that occasionally falters and makes it painfully clear that the Switch is now the gaming equivalent of an old-timer car. Nevertheless, the graphical style masterfully disguises the Switch's technical shortcomings. The music is also incredibly good. And this game is everything its predecessor was and better. With Echoes of Wisdom, you get to play a kick-ass sequel to the previous “classic” Zelda game: Link's awakening. But that's what it is: a sequel.

Is it due to the fact that the game is released on both the previous and current generation gaming consoles, which limited the developers? The game takes itself very seriously, and we can't imagine that they deliberately left one of the most annoying elements of the previous console generation - the many (hidden) loading screens - in the game unless there was a technical need for it. Add to that the wooden and terribly dated character and facial animations, and the result at least does not live up to what you should expect from a video game anno 2024.

So yes, FC 25 feels a touch different again, and the immensely popular Ultimate Team is also back, but whether that's worth the full price - target price 65 euros? We doubt it. We feel that EA is on the right track and knows where it wants to go, that's for sure, but FC 25 just doesn't feel "finished" after all these years: the focus is still too much on fast breakaways, defenders still look a bit clumsy and after a while you realize that tactics that work excellently in real life are useless in FC 25. For us, it could be a bit more.

If we do have one point of criticism, it is that there is no option to play the game in pairs. Games with such a co-op option are scarce these days, but it could have completed the experience completely. Still, as far as we are concerned, this space adventure deserves all the stars. All in all, Astro Bot is a very fun, accessible game. In fact, we dare say more: in this game, Astro rivals Mario as a platform king. Sorry, Nintendo.

Anyone who read the manga in the 2000s must acknowledge: what this game looks like is how the static manga images came to life in your head. It is of the last things Akira Toriyama did before his death: congratulate the developers for bringing his creation to life so beautifully. Rightfully so. So really one for the fans, because the gameplay is okay, but it doesn't break any pots: it's a typical action game in an open world.

The little brother from the same developer as the Tour de France 2024 game targets a very small niche: cycling fans who can't get enough of details and numbers. Like Football manager, PCM is a manager/simulation game. You don't take your place on the bike yourself, but you do determine every possible detail: you arrange sponsorship contracts, hire trainers and scouts, develop new equipment, determine training schedules, race selections and race strategy. The wet dream for cycling nerds like us, in other words.

The game occupies a rather strange place on the spectrum. On the one hand, it wants to be a racing game, where you control your own rider and determine how fast he drives, when he sits in time trial position and how he cuts corners. However, a cyclist is not a car, and the controls feel rather clumsy at first. It gets easier as you persevere, but we suspect many players will soon drop out.

An emotional but beautiful storyline. Beautiful graphics. 'Tales of Kenzera: ZAU' is a remarkable game for several reasons. Yet, as a player, you are left a little hungry.

This DLC does not aim to win over new fans, because Shadow of the Erdtree is in essence - and we say this with the utmost respect - just more Elden Ring. Somehow that was the expectation, but no one saw an expansion on this scale coming. It is getting a bit ridiculous with these superlatives that keep falling short. It's simple: all those who enjoyed Elden Ring should play this right now.

Those with somewhat gaming experience will have finished the story in less than ten hours. That's pretty short to shell out close to 60 euros for it. Still, that certainly doesn't mean you can't enjoy it as an adult. If you are looking for a game that does not demand too much energy, then this is game for you. For children, the game is definitely recommended.

A video game where it is more about the appearance of the female protagonist than about the game itself, and that even before its release. No, we are not talking about Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, but about Stellar Blade. And that's a shame, because under that thick layer of controversy lies a fine game.

'Garden life: a cozy simulator' is - as the name gives away - a cozy game for young and old. You get the freedom to do everything the way you want. You don't need a green thumb or gaming experience. Moreover, the game looks beautiful. The main drawback is that it can quickly feel monotonous.

Flashy graphics, familiar characters and innovative gameplay are great assets, but not always necessary to make a game a winner. As dusk falls proves that you can also score with just a great story.

Rise of the Ronin is an open world action game set in nineteenth century Japan with both Souls-like elements and exploration à la Assassin’s Creed with a tiny dash of roleplaying the mix. It tries multiple things, but excels in none.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the heartbreaking, immersive story. Except the creators have tried to push two games into one, and the action-RPG portion leaves much to be desired. With a little more focus, this game would not have ended up in the mid-range.

A psychedelic trip of about ten hours. Perfectly legal and without any mind-altering or narcotic drugs involved. Welcome to the delightfully bizarre world of ‘Ultros’, whose smooth and surprisingly layered gameplay, atmospheric soundtrack and eccentric graphics make it an instant cult classic.

Agreed, 'Helldivers 2' is at times a highly entertaining game. But we did not dare to predict that the game would get off to such a strong start. For that it offers too little depth as far as we are concerned.

How do you handle the reworking of one of the greatest classical works in history? With great patience, skill and respect. With video games, it's no different than with other art forms. 'Final Fantasy VII' was not just restored, but completely remade. 'Rebirth' is not a sacrilege, but the finest tribute this classic could ever receive.

A huge missed opportunity. That's what is left after playing "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. What could have been an epic superhero game turned into an extremely mediocre shooter of thirteen in a dozen.

There is nothing wrong with being inspired, and many movies and games are variations on existing themes. But ‘Palworld’ adds nothing original and there is more than a hint of plagiarism about it. This chaotic bastard child in which creatures can not only be deployed as soldiers or slaves but also horribly tortured caused nothing but annoyance for yours truly. But look, tens of millions of players appear to like it after all, so there is indeed a market and an audience for it. Fascinating, but that still doesn't make it a good, original game. [Early Access Score = 20]

Every once in a while a game comes along that is so special that you can't help but admire it. And when it turns out to be a solo project, the appreciation only increases. In an hour this artful game is finished, but for something that is completely free, that is no shame at all.

Whether you escape or fail, you end up back at the beginning each time. The trick is to do your round again and again through the bank that changes layouts each time. It sounds simple, but is surprisingly challenging and great fun to play.

No, we were not waiting for a remaster of ‘The Last of Us Part II’, now less than four years old. But this new version adds so much to the original that it is by far the best possible way to experience this epic game.

'Street Fighter,' 'Mortal Kombat' or just 'Tekken' after all: the battle for the title of best fighting game is as old as the genre itself, but with 'Tekken 8' it has been settled: 'The King of Iron Fist Tournament' knocks out the competition. Stop what you are doing and go play this game.

Shooting, sprinting, and tactically maneuvering across the playing field to cunningly (or flashily) kill other players: it is and always will be addictive. And as ever, the game also tickles your reptilian brain with sounds and messages - Killstreak! Payback! Savior! + 120 XP!!! This works so effectively that a slot machine in Vegas could learn a thing or two from a console game. But when after two addictive hours the fog of war has cleared around your head, you have to conclude: actually, I've played this thirteen times in a dozen. It looks better than it did in 2010, but in essence it is unchanged, just like that fast food burger that has also tasted exactly the same for years.

The game is archly difficult and merciless, but heaps of fun. Solving puzzles by building a rhythm and racing through different levels in the flow is incredibly satisfying. The small upgrades in gameplay and additions like a motorcycle to add even more speed make the eight to 10 hours it takes you to reach the end go by in no time. The sublime soundtrack full of synthwave and beats are the icing on the cake. A rather short play time for a full-fledged game, but then again, the game is on sale for a softer price.

A Japanese game about an Italian plumber who eats mushrooms to get bigger. Mario games have always been trippy by design, but with "Super Mario Wonder," Nintendo puts the turbo on the psychedelics. Every time you pick up one of the new Wonder Flowers, the world is figuratively - sometimes literally - turned upside down. Time after time, it's a sweeping and engaging change to the laws of physics (of the game, admittedly) that make your inner child coo.