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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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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Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a game designed with a clear vision. It's not for everyone. Anyone expecting creative, free-form puzzles or pure action should skip this one. But anyone who appreciates a good stealth puzzle game, with beautifully designed environments, captivating music, and a socially charged story, will have a wonderful time here. Just accept the occasional crate tipping over, a mistake being punished too harshly, or the occasional keyboard input. Because ultimately, this is just a great, old-fashioned game.
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Add this to your wishlist, follow the developer, and above all, keep an eye on him. Because this is a game that's going to make a splash.
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And yet, despite all these annoyances, you keep going. The world in Vessels of Decay simply looks fantastic. You want to see what's around the next corner. The gameplay flows quite smoothly, and you can get past the numerous bosses relatively easily. Vessels of Decay is one of those games that wins you over with one screenshot and one piece of music, but then partially disappoints you the moment you pick up the controller. The numerous bugs really hold this game back. The atmosphere is cool and the gameplay is extensive, but the world feels a bit too empty, even for a game set in a post-apocalyptic world.
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How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine is a masterful piece of game design. If you’re a fan of escape rooms, this is an absolute must-have. You don’t need to buy two copies to play together, and the clever puzzles provide over six hours of intense co-op fun. Both the PS5 game and mobile app are excellently crafted. Fans of We Were Here or Split Screen Fiction rejoice: this is your next adventure. This is a game that will not only test your brain, but also your mutual bond.
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