Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a remake with two faces. For players who have never played the original, this is undoubtedly the best way to get acquainted with one of Nintendo's most unique franchises. Despite its age, the gameplay still feels surprisingly fresh, the arcade setup works excellently, and the audiovisual presentation is among the best the Switch 2 currently has to offer. For fans, the story is slightly different. The remake is so faithful to the original that there are hardly any surprises to be found. Everything that once made Star Fox 64 great is still present, but virtually nothing goes a step further. Nevertheless, it remains a high-quality Nintendo production that shows why Star Fox 64 has been considered a classic for nearly thirty years. Not an instant classic in itself, but certainly the definitive version of a timeless classic.
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In the Jungle shows what a successful expansion should look like. For a relatively modest amount, you don't get a handful of extra missions, but a substantial new adventure that effortlessly builds upon everything that made Dave the Diver so strong. The new village, the extra systems, the new characters, and the new underwater area ensure that the game feels fresh again without deviating from the formula that made the original so strong. For fans of the base game, this DLC is simply a must-have. If you haven't played Dave the Diver yet, In the Jungle is above all a nice confirmation that the developers continue to support and expand their game with love and attention to detail. It is just as addictive as the base game. Afterwards, I had mainly one thought: I am curious where Dave's next dive will take place.
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Crushed in Time is simply a very fun and funny game. Draw Me A Pixel manages to give a familiar genre a surprisingly fresh twist without losing sight of the essence of a good point-and-click adventure. The story is accessible, the humor works excellently, and the puzzles constantly keep your brain working. Moreover, with a playtime of about six to seven hours, the adventure is exactly the right length. The elastic gameplay is fully utilized without losing its charm along the way. Despite a few technical glitches, this is highly recommended for anyone in the mood for an old-fashioned, yet simultaneously fresh, point-and-click adventure.
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However, this game won't be for everyone. The playtime of about an hour is very short. The gameplay is frequently abstract and sometimes downright confusing. The game contains a fair amount of text (fortunately, the Dutch translation is of high quality) and deals with a serious subject that is not exactly lighthearted. It is also not a title you are likely to restart immediately after the credits have rolled. But despite those caveats, and Roger lingers much longer than countless larger and more expensive titles. The combination of strong visual design, experimental gameplay, and a story that slowly manages to touch you creates an experience you won't soon forget. It shows that games can sometimes be more than just entertainment and that interactive art still holds a special place within the medium. And that experience is certainly worth a few euros.
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Swan Song is an interesting puzzle game that tells an emotional story about loss and memories. The music box concept is creatively executed, and the puzzles remain interesting thanks to new gameplay elements. Although the game presents itself as cozy, there is actually a rather heavy emotional weight hanging over the adventure. That combination will either appeal to or deter players. But in either case, Swan Song is memorable. With this, Business Goose Studios delivers a small, personal experience that might not always feel cozy, but certainly manages to strike a chord.
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Ultimately, Life Below manages to impress primarily by combining a fairly unique theme with a solid city builder. The underwater setting ensures that the game immediately stands out among all the medieval villages and sci-fi cities we have become accustomed to within the genre. It helps enormously that the interface works excellently, the graphics are very atmospheric, and the game remains reasonably accessible despite its complexity. Thanks to the imaginative elements, the story manages to offer just a little more than a simple save nature message. Building your reef will certainly take you some time. However, the game is held back here and there by the sometimes unclear visual readability of buildings and the rather linear structure. But despite these criticisms, Life Below remains an entertaining and surprisingly atmospheric city builder that tries something different. Anyone who enjoys management games, cozy strategy, or simply wants to try something different than building yet another standard city will absolutely find a game worth giving a try here.
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With five to seven hours of gameplay, Call of the Elder Gods offers just enough content to keep the story exciting without stretching it unnecessarily. Fans of the first game will undoubtedly enjoy this immensely. The game delivers a cool mystery, features multiple strong twists, and cleverly combines puzzles with a top-notch story. Call of the Elder Gods has thus become a successful sequel that shows this franchise still has plenty of potential. In terms of presentation and polish, it could have gone a step further here and there, but perhaps that is precisely something a potential third installment could focus on entirely.
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Diablo IV Lord of Hatred is a significant step forward for Diablo IV. The expansion combines strong new content with thoughtful improvements to existing systems. For players who have faithfully followed the seasons, this feels like the most complete version of the game to date. The campaign is strong, the new classes are interesting, and the systems offer more depth without requiring hours of research. Although there is still room for improvement, particularly on the technical side, the overall impression is very positive. This is the expansion that shows what Diablo IV can be. For new players, this is an excellent entry point, and for existing players, a compelling reason to return. With this, Blizzard has finally laid a solid foundation upon which to build.
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Grime II is a solid metroidvania and soulslike that stands out due to a number of creative ideas. In particular, the system surrounding the collection of enemy forms and the unique boss designs manage to impress. At the same time, the basis of the gameplay remains quite traditional, and the whole experience is somewhat hampered by a lack of variety in the environments. The combination of challenging gameplay and a distinct visual style makes it an experience that, despite its shortcomings, is worthwhile. Players willing to adapt to the difficulty level and accept minor frustrations will find a game with plenty of style and cool ideas here.
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Tiny Bookshop is a title that brings two different hobbies together in a strong way. It manages to transform running a bookstore into an accessible and atmospheric experience that feels anything but dusty. The game is accessible while simultaneously offering a surprising amount of depth and content. The criticisms are minor and do little to detract from the overall picture. We are therefore dealing here with a clear recommendation for lovers of cozy games and books. It is even a suitable gift for someone who enjoys reading but does not normally game. Tiny Bookshop proves that a quiet setup and smart gameplay can combine to create an immersive and long-lasting, great experience.
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Darwin's Paradox is a title with clear highlights, but also with a number of shortcomings. The creative skills, strong level design, and attractive visual style form a solid foundation. Unfortunately, the emphasis on stealth and the associated frustration result in a platforming experience that quickly leans towards trial-and-error. The game visibly struggles with the technical limitations of the Nintendo Switch 2, and that certainly shouldn't be the case. As a result, the game barely manages to keep its head above water, and we would have liked to see things differently.
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MLB The Show 26 is a typical example of an annual sports game building on a strong foundation. Major innovations are absent, but the minor improvements ensure that the experience feels just a bit more refined. The gameplay has become slightly more interactive, the interface is clearer, and the presentation remains of a high standard. This is not the version you want to pick up if you are expecting a big leap. For newcomers, this is still an excellent entry point into the world of baseball games. Experienced players can once again play the game their own way with the most up-to-date players and teams. It is a refinement of an already strong foundation. And while that might sound somewhat predictable, it is simultaneously exactly what you should expect from an annual sports title.
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Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf is therefore a surprisingly strong puzzle platformer that leaves a lasting impression. The game combines a beautiful world, clever puzzles, and an atmospheric presentation into an adventure that is hard to put down. The collaboration between Lana and Mui forms the heart of the gameplay and works excellently. The world is full of visual charm, and the choice of a made-up language gives the story a unique character. Although there are a few moments where the difficulty suddenly increases, these do little to detract from the strong overall experience. After playing this second installment, it might just be time to seek out the first Planet of Lana after all.
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Neva Prologue isn't an expansion that attempts to do something entirely new. The game largely builds on the ideas and systems of the main game. Nevertheless, it's a well-crafted and atmospheric experience that demonstrates how strong Neva's foundation remains. Playing with lighting, timing, and disappearing platforms provides enough variety to keep the short playtime interesting. For players who played the original, the price of around three euros is a no-brainer. It's cheaper than a drink on a terrace and considerably cheaper than an evening at the cinema. In return, you get an hour to an hour and a half of well-crafted gameplay. That makes this DLC a delicious treat for fans of the game.
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For fans of Suda51, this is an absolute must-play. It's a chaotic, creative experience unlike anything else. For newcomers, it remains a difficult entry point. Romeo is a Dead Man is undoubtedly a game where style trumps gameplay. And that style truly explodes off the screen. It's an audiovisual spectacle and, in many ways, feels like a true Suda51 classic. At the same time, the game will likely disappoint players who come primarily for tight combat and deep gameplay. The result is a game that lingers, but also has clear shortcomings. Because of this, the final score remains somewhat in the middle, like Romeo himself, somewhere between life and death.
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This is a game you can easily sink a few hours into. I haven't reached the end yet, as it's quite challenging, and you certainly won't encounter the first boss in the first hour. Seasoned platformers might blast through it a bit faster, but even then, you'll need to learn the patterns and stay constantly alert. All in all, The Prisoning: Fletcher's Quest is a surprisingly strong and solid metroidvania. With its witty humor, strong enemy design, tight gameplay, and quirky presentation, this game is a definite recommendation for both fans and non-fans of the genre.
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Code Vein II is a game whose final rating depends heavily on the player. For those unfamiliar with anime, soulslikes, and story-driven RPGs, it's a solid but unsurprising experience that leans towards a six. For fans of Japanese action RPGs, however, Code Vein II offers a solid and well-developed experience, earning an eight. The performance is excellent, the combat deep and accessible, and the world and lore offer enough to keep you occupied for dozens of hours. Thanks to the lower difficulty level, the minor shortcomings are easier to ignore. In any case, it's a game you'll pick up effortlessly if you enjoyed the first Code Vein.
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System Shock is an important piece of gaming history, and this remake succeeds in making that experience accessible to a modern audience. BioShock fans will see many familiar elements, from temporary upgrades and hacking puzzles to the deserted setting and the menacing presence of SHODAN. It’s fascinating to see how many ideas were already present thirty years ago. While the gameplay feels dated in some areas, the game offers enough depth and atmosphere to keep you entertained for dozens of hours. The full price may be a bit steep, but with a slight discount, System Shock is undoubtedly a must-play for fans of narrative-driven shooters and old-school FPS games.
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The Forsaken Hollows is a solid, well-maintained expansion that does exactly what you expect. Nothing more, nothing less. Some players may feel the amount of content is a bit lacking, and it's certainly not a reason to buy Nightreign if the original didn't impress you. This is more of the same, but well-executed. Would this content have worked better as a free update? Probably. Still, FromSoftware once again delivers quality, and there are few real technical or content flaws. For loyal players, The Forsaken Hollows is a welcome reason to return. For everyone else, Nightreign remains an experiment that still can't quite match the success of Elden Ring.
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After quite a few hours, Winter Burrow feels like a second home. I keep returning to gather more wood, decorate a new part of my house, or just sit by the fire and let my mouse knit a sweater. Not everyone will appreciate the slow pace, and the frequent backtracking can be frustrating. But the price is small, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the world, however small, feels wonderfully warm despite the cold.
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