Christiaan Ribbens
Just Dance 2026 is a logical, safe continuation of the Just Dance series. This year, the game clearly prioritizes stability and accessibility over innovation. It's a version aimed primarily at families and casual players, less at avid dancers. The setlist is excellent, the Bluey track is an unexpected highlight, and dancing on the Switch 2 is a huge plus thanks to the two included controllers. Party Mode lacks some depth, and the internet connection remains an annoying limitation, but ultimately, Just Dance 2026 is exactly what you expect: more Just Dance. So, fans can dance for another year without worry.
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Dreams of Another is a game I unfortunately can't recommend. It has an idea that would have been better realized in a different game. The technology is interesting, the visual style colorful, but everything else works against it. It's a game with one interesting gameplay element that I would have liked to see in a different story. As it stands, it's nothing more than a strange dream that lasts too long, says too little, and repeats itself too often.
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Yooka-Replaylee isn't a revolutionary new title, but it is a lovingly crafted, well-made remake of a charming platformer. The colorful worlds, smooth controls, and generous amount of collectibles provide hours of enjoyment. The technical improvements, such as ultrawide support and the smooth framerate, make this the best version to play. However, the camerawork remains a bit of a nuisance at times, and those who have already mastered the older games will have less to explore. The adjustment, which makes all abilities available from the start, and the visual upgrades make this revision feel refreshingly fresh. And you really have no excuse not to play this game again.
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Candy Rangers is a textbook example of how a classic genre can be revived. The combination of a clever color system, creative enemies, and small bits of freedom makes it a fun experience. At the same time, the feeling that there could have been more lingers. The quick introduction of all the mechanics and the lack of real progression mean the game is already over after twenty levels. But perhaps that's the best compliment you can give a short-lived game like this: I want to see more. More levels, more enemies, more crazy twists. And if a game leaves you with that feeling, it's done its job well.
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Digimon Story Time Stranger is perhaps the most complete Digimon RPG yet. The story is captivating, the battles are cleverly designed, and the presentation is top-notch. Sure, the sidequests are mediocre, and the silent protagonist sometimes slows down emotional moments. But in return, it's finally a mature game. This is a Digimon game that anyone can pick up. And for anyone who watched all the episodes in the '90s at once: this is the game that finally explains clearly what it's all about.
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Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a beautiful reimagining of a tactical classic. For nostalgic fans, there's the original version, but the Enhanced Edition is the one you'll want to play. With improved visuals, voice acting, and modern extras, there's no excuse not to try this classic. The downsides are minor (ultrawide doesn't work and sometimes a character disappears behind a rock). But they're offset by a mature story, a deep tactical system, and an epic gameplay experience that can keep you entertained for weeks. And as someone discovering the game for the first time, I can say that with this reissue, Square Enix has not only satisfied fans but also a new generation of players.
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Strange Antiquities is a successful sequel that echoes the strengths of its predecessor, but this time with a more engaging theme and polished presentation. The controls still betray this as a PC game through and through, but on the Nintendo Switch 2, it works surprisingly well. The biggest disappointment remains the lack of voice acting, which sometimes makes the shop feel quieter than you'd like. And visually, I would have preferred a darker and more consistent style. But these are minor details in a game that otherwise excels in atmosphere and puzzle design. It's cozy, mysterious, and offers precisely those little riddles that you'll happily solve in a few minutes. For fans of the first game, this is a must-have, and for new players, an excellent entry point into the strange world of Undermere.
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Grief Like a Stray Dog is a remarkable title that demonstrates the breadth of the gaming medium. It combines elements of theater, music, and visual art in an interactive format not often seen. At the same time, the game falls short in terms of playtime, gameplay, and depth. The story is weighty, but handled superficially. For those who enjoy short, artistic experiences, this might be an interesting title, but those looking for an engaging graphic novel or a game that emphasizes choices and consequences probably won't find what they're looking for here. Ultimately, Grief Like a Stray Dog is primarily a beautiful art project, but not a game that will stay with you for long.
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Overall, Katanaut feels like a solid roguelike that delivers on its promises, but doesn't really add any new ideas to the genre. The mouse-controlled katana combat is fun and quick to pick up, the pixel art looks good, and the dialogue adds a touch of dimension. However, it lacks the innovation, strategy, and impactful upgrades to make it truly memorable. For fans of fast-paced, roguelike action, Katanaut can be entertaining for a few hours, but for those looking for a game that refreshes or surprises the genre, it all remains a bit too predictable. It's primarily a game for those who enjoy fast, fluid melee action, less so for those seeking a deep strategic challenge.
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Discounty is a game you might not have immediately noticed, but it surprisingly delivers. Running a supermarket turns out to be incredibly fun, thanks in part to the cash register minigames and the feeling of constantly new possibilities. The Switch 2 version runs perfectly, with a cool style and solid soundtrack. Unfortunately, there are some areas for improvement. The town often feels very empty, the music is limited, and the pace is sometimes a bit slow. But despite these shortcomings, Discounty remains a worthwhile experience, and it helps that the game is available for twenty euros in the store. It's a strong addition to the list of successful cozy games.
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Cronos: The New Dawn is an excellent survival horror game. The story is compelling, the world is impressive, and the Polish influences create a fresh look and feel. The combat is challenging and rewarding, and the claustrophobic levels and jump scares are excellently designed. Players who enjoy exploring will be richly rewarded here. Minor drawbacks, such as bugs and limited enemy variety, hardly detract from this. Turn up the music, grab your weapons, and prepare for a journey through a world that's both beautiful and terrifying. This is a horror game you'll happily play through twice.
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Roadwarden is a fantastic game on PC. A remarkably well-written adventure that sits somewhere between a thick book and an RPG. It's ambitious, atmospheric, and offers countless choices with real consequences. But the Switch 2 version is a disaster. Slow text, buttons that don't work, and an interface that's anything but clear. A simple arrow in the menu would have made a world of difference, but even that's missing. It's a shame, because it completely erodes all the praise the PC version deserved. Where Roadwarden should have drawn you into a dark, thrilling world, only frustration remains here. We'll definitely have to wait for a patch before we can recommend this game.
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Drag x Drive is a unique sports game that perfectly showcases the Nintendo Switch 2's mouse controls. The controls are original, challenging, and delightfully physical. Online three-on-three matches are exciting and frantic. It's a fresh concept that fundamentally works. This could have been a good free-to-play game for the Nintendo Switch 2 to positively promote GameChat, the controls, and online play. But as a full-fledged game, Drag x Drive falls short. There's not enough content, not enough variety, and the presentation is mediocre. It's also a game that's difficult to play on the go or when friends are over, and that will be a major stumbling block for many players.
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Midnight Murder Club is a game with guts. It deliberately breaks with what we expect from the multiplayer shooter genre. It forces players to survive in total darkness, armed with nothing more than a flashlight and their voice. This creates unique tension, hilarity, and memorable moments. It fits in the same vein as Mario Kart: a game you fire up every now and then for fun with friends (or strangers). However, it remains a niche experience. The high entry barrier, the frustrating matchmaking, and the lack of long-term rewards make it difficult to retain players long-term at the moment. Midnight Murder Club isn't the new Call of Duty, but that's precisely its strength.
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Nightdive proves once again that a remaster can be more than just a graphical upgrade. It's about preserving gaming history combined with modern playability. Heretic shines with sleek level design, fun puzzles, and exploratory gameplay, while Hexen remains an ambitious experiment now significantly more accessible. Together, they create a package perfectly suited to appreciating and rediscovering great games from the past. This bundle, thanks in part to its low price, is highly recommended for both fans and new players.
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Giant Machines 2017 for the PS5 is a unique title. Graphically and technically, the game is clearly outdated, and the transition to the new generation yields few improvements. The concept—piloting immense machines in lumbering, precise missions—has a unique charm for a very specific target audience, but it doesn't quite live up to its promise. If you're looking for a simulation title, there are plenty of other great titles out there that offer more.
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The game sometimes feels a bit overambitious. It's playable, especially in docked mode, but don't expect an extremely smooth experience. Visually, it can't hold a candle to other titles on the system, despite the stylish art style. Nevertheless, Wild Hearts S is a game that deserves to be played. Not because it's perfect, but because it dares to do something new in a genre that has remained fairly traditional for years. It combines the adrenaline of monster combat with the creativity of building, and it does it surprisingly well. If the technical side had received a bit more attention, this would have been a true must-have. For now, it's recommended, with one (small) caveat.
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With Bananza, Nintendo once again proves they know how to make platforming truly enjoyable. Donkey Kong Bananza is one of those games that starts and ends with a big smile. It's not perfect. The co-op is disappointing, the upgrade system is somewhat limited, and navigating for collectibles could have been more intuitive. But what you get in return is a game bursting with energy, charm, variety, and fun. Along with Mario Kart Switch 2, this is the ultimate reason to get Nintendo's new console. If this is the level of quality we can expect from Nintendo this generation, we'll be fine. In fact, it'll be a party full of delicious bananas.
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The King is Watching is a surprisingly clever and challenging roguelike with a unique twist. The line-of-sight mechanic is a clever invention that keeps the gameplay constantly exciting. Add to that the building and defense components, along with dozens of unlockables, spells, kings, and advisors, and you have a game that remains captivating. The learning curve is steep, the runs are (sometimes too) long, and there's room for some minor improvements, particularly in terms of save options and visual optimizations. But what matters is that every run feels like a new puzzle. For fans of roguelikes, kingdom builders, and strategic puzzle games, The King is Watching is an absolute must-have.
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Split is short. After about 45 minutes, you can reach the first ending. If you want to see both endings, you'll have to replay the game, which, thanks to the terminal interface, is worth it. However, don't expect deep replayability or hidden sidetracks. This is a small experience, meant to be experienced once or twice. Split isn't a game that impresses with its technique or length, but it does boast strong game design. It's an atmospheric, cleverly designed experience that does something quite different from most games. For fans of horror, Half-Life, The Matrix, or similar worlds, this is highly recommended. It's a small slice of digital horror that really gets under your skin.
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