Life is Strange: Reunion has moments that work, especially when it revolves around Max and Chloe and the emotion between them. The voice acting and facial animations are strong, and there are more than enough choices to make, allowing for multiple endings. But as a whole, the game too often feels like a safe, nostalgic choice to keep Max and Chloe's fans satisfied. The story isn't always logical, and Max's time power is used inconsistently. It is nice for the fans that these two beloved characters can finally get the ending they deserve, but unfortunately, Reunion fails to impress on all other fronts.
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Marathon has a rock-solid core. The gunplay is top-notch and addictive, weapons feel unique, PvP is tough but exciting because of it, and the AI is a real threat rather than filler. Visually and technically, it is also one of the most impressive extraction shooters at the moment. But the package is not yet complete. The UI is frustrating, content is too meager with just three maps, and the endgame is also very limited by being made available only on weekends. The store is too expensive while the cosmetics offer little, and the contract system feels artificially slowed down by the limitation of one active mission, even though matches are long enough to complete multiple objectives. At its core, Bungie has a surprisingly strong extraction shooter with Marathon, but it will still have to work hard to hold players' attention for an extended period.
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Dragonkin is an above-average game within its genre, but one that just lacks the polish of the two big names. It won't challenge Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4, but it will certainly offer fans of the genre a nice alternative. The combat lacks some substance, the quests are standard, the story is unremarkable, and the absence of character customization is really a shame. However, on the other hand, there is a skill system that is genuinely fun to play with and offers much more freedom than in most ARPGs. If you are looking for an ARPG that is just a little different, where building and puzzling over your build take center stage, then Dragonkin: The Baished is definitely recommended.
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It's a decent stealth game with good ideas and strong level design, but it lacks polish, a truly engaging story, and lacks technical stability. If you're a fan of Styx or just fancy a stealth game that doesn't immediately devolve into an action game when things go wrong, then Styx: Blades of Greed is worth checking out.
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Nioh 3 is a game that knows exactly who it's aimed at. It's not an accessible action-adventure for a broad audience. This is a brutal, deep experience for players who enjoy dying, learning, and then winning. The combat is rock solid, the progression captivating, and the range of weapons and styles is enormous. There's a lot to do, a lot to discover, and especially a lot to overcome. But it never gets easy. The game demands attention, patience, and dedication. The sheer number of systems, combos, and mechanics can be overwhelming, especially at first. Nioh 3 isn't for everyone. But for those who dare, one of the best action-RPGs of the moment awaits.
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Black Ops 7 is a major disappointment. The single-player is a complete failure, the multiplayer doesn't do anything truly well, but nothing truly bad either. It does what it's supposed to, but nothing more. Endgame is half-finished, and Zombies, while still the strongest part, isn't innovative enough to redeem the rest. In a year where Battlefield 6 does deliver what fans want, this installment feels even more painfully flawed. There's no clear vision behind it. Everything feels rushed, unfinished, and disconnected. The gameplay still has moments where that old Call of Duty quality shines through, but those moments are too few and far between to save Black Ops 7.
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STALKER 2 on the PlayStation 5 is a fine, atmospheric, and exciting game, but it doesn't live up to all expectations. The world is fantastic, the atmosphere unique, and the feeling of the Zone constantly watching you remains impressive. That remains the reason this series is so beloved. But the technical state of the art is lacking. The gunplay feels sluggish, the AI isn't always very smart, the bugs are still present, and the graphics are decent but not exceptional. Performance is better than a year ago, but still not perfect. With all the gaming frenzy these past few months, STALKER 2 doesn't offer enough to stand out, which is a shame because it's definitely a game worth your time and clearly made with a lot of love.
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With the return of land combat, warfare takes a somewhat larger role, but never takes over. For players who like to build their empires slowly and optimize every production chain, Pax Romana offers exactly what you expect, and more. The addition of mouse and keyboard, in particular, also allows console players to experience the Anno series as they do on PC. The visual presentation is impressive, the music atmospheric, and the systems well-balanced. At times, the game feels a bit safe, as if Ubisoft Mainz didn't want to take any major risks, but what it does offer is of high quality.
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Battlefield 6 isn't a revolution, but it is a clear recovery. DICE has brought the series back to its roots and to what players always wanted: large-scale battles, teamwork, and the return of beloved classes. The single-player is unfortunately very weak and quickly forgotten, but the multiplayer almost makes up for everything. The game is technically stable, plays smoothly, and offers plenty of freedom for the future via the Portal. There are still issues with balance, bugs, and the slow progression system, but the foundation is rock solid. Battlefield 6 finally feels like Battlefield again, and it would be a real shame if this didn't become the shooter of the coming years.
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Sucker Punch had the choice of sticking as closely as possible to the beloved first installment with the necessary improvements, or deviating from this successful formula at the risk of disappointing Tsushima fans. Fortunately, Sucker Punch chose the former. Because while Ghost of Yotei is largely the same as Tsushima, it's far better executed than its predecessor in every way, and highly recommended.
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There are a few minor issues: we encountered a few bugs, and the experience penalty for dying can be frustrating. Are these bothersome? Considering the overall package: not at all. After the second installment, Techland identified exactly where they went wrong and fixed it with The Beast. We can absolutely accept that the story isn't particularly spectacular and that many of the missions are repetitive, because this is the best open-world zombie game in years. Fans of the first installment should run to the store like crazy. Do it during the day, though, because the nights are too exciting for now.
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Are you a Devil May Cry fan looking for a similar game? Then you'll have a lot of fun with Lost Soul Aside. The fast-paced, stylish action and excellent boss fights are just enough to keep these fans engaged. For other players, there simply won't be enough to justify buying it at full price; the overall package is simply too flimsy.
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The Old Country comes close to Mafia 1 in terms of story, though it doesn't surpass that classic. The AI could have been smarter, the gameplay isn't spectacular, and there's little reason to restart the game once the story is over. But all that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a game you play primarily for its story, its characters, and its atmosphere. In that respect, it absolutely doesn't disappoint.
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If you're a big fan of the series or just looking for some mindless shooting fun with a group of friends, you'll definitely enjoy this. But don't expect a huge improvement over the previous installment. Killing Floor 3 is more of the same, albeit with some technical issues. Despite the game being €40—thankfully, they're not charging full price—the package is still a bit underwhelming for the price. It's not a bad game, but it definitely could have been better.
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Unfinished Business does what a good expansion should: it expands on the original without losing sight of what made the 2023 original so enjoyable. The action is still sluggish and hard-hitting, and the humor is also intact. The new enemies, locations, weapons, and abilities provide some fresh elements and variety. Is it revolutionary? No. But it doesn't need to be. Unfinished Business is a compact, well-developed addition, lasting about 10 to 12 hours, that delivers exactly what fans want: more RoboCop.
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Not everything is perfect: some bosses are disappointing, the level design is less open and there is room for technical improvement. But those who liked Lies or P will also enjoy Overture. It is not a revolutionary DLC but a well-made and atmospheric addition to an already strong game.
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For players who enjoyed the original, the Remaster is an ideal opportunity to come “home” again. For new players it can be a bit of a shock with all the outdated systems that test your patience and the rather empty world and cities. But those who can see through that and persevere will still have a wonderful adventure ahead of them. And with all the DLCs an adventure that can last hundreds of hours before you see the end credits roll across the screen.
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Despite this, Commandos Origins has managed to bring the series back completely. The game is not for everyone. It requires patience, precision and perseverance. But those who like that will get a game that will make you think and puzzle over every mission. Origins is not innovative, but it is not meant to be. It is a tribute to the original Commandos games and succeeds more than adequately in that.
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With Shadows, Ubisoft had a golden opportunity to put the franchise back on the map with a Japanese setting that fans had been asking for for years. And although the basis is quite good, the game feels far too safe and repetitive in many areas. The developer does not take any risks and there is no attempt to really surprise the players during the game with fun, original and well-thought-out quests. What remains is a fine Assassin's Creed that will especially please the most loyal fans. For the rest of the players, Assassin's Creed Shadows will mainly feel like a gigantic missed opportunity.
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Despite the minor issues on the Playstation 5 version, Monster Hunter Wilds is without a doubt one of the most impressive titles in the franchise. Capcom has not only perfected the existing formula, but also added new elements that make it feel like a fresh entry. The game offers a beautiful open world and a great combat system that makes the fights never get boring. Although newcomers may feel overwhelmed and the game is not technically perfect, it remains an absolute must-have for both veterans and newcomers to the series.
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