In our review of Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, the latest installment in the venerable series unfortunately only manages a bogey. On paper, it sounded promising in principle. A total of 30 golfers and several different caddies are available to play (for free). In addition to the ten beautifully designed courses, a variety of different game modes are available in both single and multiplayer modes, providing plenty of variety. Special attention is paid to Challenge and World Tour modes, with the latter even offering us genuine story campaigns for each individual golfer. In keeping with the series' bright and colorful approach, these come across as somewhat inconsequential. Unfortunately, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots already slips up at the tee... um, the start. With only two selectable players and a single course, the game initially feels more like a demo or a heavily condensed free-to-play title. A few more options would have been essential for variety and especially for the multiplayer mode. The gameplay, which is fundamentally very grind-heavy in order to unlock new content, is not very helpful in this regard. There's just no real flow when you're not really in the mood to play for hours on end to unlock the next new character or course. In addition, the audiovisual experience and a few bugs detract from the gaming experience. In addition to popping objects and textures, the rather monotonous music starts to annoy the player very early on. On top of that, there are a few game crashes that the developers really need to patch. At its core, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is definitely a worthy representative of the series, but with a little more fine-tuning and, above all, a more appealing unlocking mechanism, the developers could have saved themselves a few extra strokes in the end result. Then they would have at least come out with a PAR. As it stands, they currently lag behind their established competitor, PGA Tour.
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With Gradius Origins, Konami delivers an all-round successful collection that brings together six parts of the series under one roof. By implementing regionally different versions, they go the extra mile to put together a well-rounded package. Browsing through the different versions is fun and reveals the development history behind each individual part. And with Salamander 3, they even deliver a genuine new part that is clearly intended as a tribute to the series' history. The great convenience features are particularly noteworthy. For example, the insert-coin mechanism of classic arcades gives you almost unlimited attempts if you get stuck in the admittedly quite difficult games. In addition, the easy mode and invincibility are real aids to enjoying the games in a much more relaxed way. The icing on the cake is the free save feature and a small rewind function. Unfortunately, Salamander 3 only has an original mode, so at this point at the latest, we have to rely on our skills. Overall, I found Gradius Origins to be a great collection and an exciting journey through the history of the series, which, as it is, ultimately has no major weaknesses.
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In our test, Super Robot Wars Y scores points primarily with its fun and thoroughly in-depth combat system. The fantastic anime sequences that accompany each attack contribute greatly to the atmosphere. Numerous appearances by more or less well-known anime characters enrich the crossover plot and are sure to provide fans with a few “aha” moments, especially since original music pieces are often interspersed. Unfortunately, however, the actual plot frays due to the many side plots, so that every character can have their moment in the spotlight. As someone unfamiliar with the original, you find yourself wondering more than once who actually wants what and why, and you're left sitting in front of the screen feeling confused. Ultimately, the battles aren't entirely convincing either, because once you've had your fill of the constantly repeating attack sequences, all that's left is a sobering numbers game. Super Robot Wars Y may well have its raison d'être precisely because of its crossover focus, and the battles are really fun. However, when we compare the title with other competitors in the tactical RPG mech action segment, games like Relayer or the brilliant 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim are unfortunately clearly ahead.
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Wheel World proves itself in testing to be a small but exquisite indie gem that pays homage to cycling, peppered with countless terms related to two-wheeled vehicles. The basic story about the demon Skully and the lost parts of his special bike provides a nice framework without becoming too outlandish. Unfortunately, it ends rather abruptly; perhaps there could have been more. The core elements are definitely the exploration of the picturesque open world and the cool races, both of which are very catchy and really fun thanks to the arcade-like gameplay. This is supported by the very well-implemented upgrade mechanics, which really force us to engage with the parts. After all, just like in real cycling, every detail counts if you want to be victorious. Unfortunately, Wheel World sometimes hits a few bumps in the road. These include stuttering during quick changes of direction or when there is a lot of traffic on the track, as well as music that doesn't reload, which is a shame given the atmospheric retro tracks. The playing time of around five to seven hours is manageable, but ensures that the game doesn't become tedious. If the game had been significantly longer, I think I would have gotten a little tired of it without any additional elements. Overall, I personally have very fond memories of Wheel World. I especially enjoyed the races and leisurely cruising through the picturesque landscapes, as well as figuring out the best components for more challenging stages, so despite its technical weaknesses, I can definitely recommend the game to all pedal bike fans.
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With TRON: Catalyst, the iconic Disney license finally gets another video game spin-off, which is only natural given the scenario. The game does a very good job of recreating the world, especially visually and acoustically, so the license is put to good use in this regard. But beyond the beautiful facade, TRON: Catalyst unfortunately fails to fully convince. On the one hand, there is the very slow narrative style of the story, which simply fails to generate any real tension. Generic characters without any real unique selling points contribute to the fact that it is difficult to really identify with the story. On the other hand, the basic gameplay fails to ignite. The mix of exploration and combat is fun in principle, but ultimately all the components are very superficial. Both the combat and upgrade systems offer little depth, so that the passages outside of the dialogues feel just as tedious as the story progression. At first glance, TRON: Catalyst certainly shines with the typical TRON look and feel, but it fails in the areas that are actually important for a game of this genre. In addition, some serious bugs mar the experience. As a self-confessed TRON fanboy, I can only say: It's a shame, because there was certainly more potential here.
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With a new engine and a slightly revised career mode, MotoGP 25 attempts to take the series a step forward. In parts, this actually succeeds. The career mode is fun as usual and brings new possibilities in the area of bike development, which are very well integrated into the gameplay. The transfer mode is once again well implemented, providing a breath of fresh air in every season. The three new disciplines of Minibikes, Motard and Flat Track also provide a pleasant change of pace and a little more scope. And the driving experience, which we can customize with a wide range of settings options, is as successful as ever, but also challenging. Despite all this, the presentation remains dusty after the engine change, which is once again due to the same old animations, especially in the Grid and Parc Fermé. The character models, especially the faces, are also unconvincing and really need an urgent makeover to finally leave the PS3 level behind. This would definitely be our biggest point of criticism. Thanks to the new disciplines, MotoGP 25 still earns a slightly better rating than its predecessor.
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Lushfoil Photography Sim is a really successful indie game that looks breathtakingly beautiful in places and is bursting with atmosphere thanks to the melancholy soundtrack and the grandiose lighting mood. The collecting tasks fit in well and offer a bit of a break from just taking photos, which is very well done in itself. Thanks to the time of day changes, the mood of the areas changes permanently, which makes for a very good scope. On the negative side, however, there are frequent reload stutters, the rather functional photo inventory including annoying micromanagement as well as minor errors and bugs. The collection tasks sometimes turn into a chore when certain locations or objects simply won't be found. However, this is only a problem for players who really want to collect everything. This is not essential for progressing through the game. As with a good photo, we have light, but also shadows. Why do I give it such a high rating despite the certainly avoidable mistakes? Because Lushfoil Photography Sim is simply a great, extraordinary one-man project that definitely deserves it!
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Sometimes a two-year break is certainly good for one or other of the annual racing game series. This also applies in part to Monster Energy Supercross 25 - The Official Video Game. The switch to the latest Unreal engine brings improvements to the graphics, while the rest of the gameplay is definitely convincing, as in the previous parts. The AI in particular often does a good job and allows for exciting chases or shoulder-to-shoulder duels over several rounds. Thanks to various editors, there are plenty of customization options. The very good track editor should also be mentioned here, which is ultimately quite rudimentary, but still more than fulfills its purpose. And the Rhythm Attack mode, especially in the career mode, provides a nice break and surprisingly exciting duels right up to the finish line. All in all, Monster Energy Supercross 25 - The Official Video Game delivers a lot of tried and tested features and, apart from a few minor details, presents itself as a well-rounded package.
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In the test, Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark scored first of all with its story, which doesn't take itself too seriously. The atmospheric pixel look triggers pleasant retro vibes, and the unlock system for the bones and souls of the servants is also motivating. The game is given a special twist by the two different fighting styles of the main characters, which satisfy both close-range and long-range fighters. Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark can be a lot of fun, especially in co-op mode. Options such as resurrecting a character and the ability to switch from two to one player at short notice add to the gameplay experience. Unfortunately, however, the servants are tripping themselves up. Long walking distances in combination with the inadequate fast travel system dampen motivation, as do the sometimes unclear effects of items, especially when it comes to healing. A cluttered and unfinished inventory and secondary weapon system should also be mentioned. For Metroidvania fans, Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark offers a lot of fun, especially in co-op mode, but unfortunately the concept doesn't run completely smoothly. There are certainly better alternatives on the market.
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With Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land, the Japanese company Gust opens the next chapter in their long-running JRPG series. The game scores points with its great exploration gameplay, which lets us enjoy exploring the large and atmospherically designed game world. Thanks to our heroine's swift movement options, there is hardly an obstacle that cannot be overcome unless the game forces us to wait. The fantastic world is supported by the sometimes beautiful graphics including dynamic day/night changes and the atmospheric soundtrack, even if only Japanese voice output is available. Both the combat and alchemy systems are accessible in principle, but with considerable depth. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land offers something for every player thanks to four difficulty levels that can be changed at any time. This means that hardcore JRPG enthusiasts and casual gamers are equally well catered for. Also worth mentioning is the great building system, which allows us to create our own outposts relatively quickly and easily. As we are constantly finding new blueprints and resources in the world, this option in particular motivates us to continue exploring the game world. Unfortunately, however, the otherwise successful game falls short in the area of story. The main story takes a long time to tell and, especially at the beginning of the game, seems unnecessarily tedious. The numerous side quests are also hardly convincing, as they are just generic standard fare with collecting or combat tasks. There could definitely have been more in this area. Of course, this sounds very negative. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun with Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land, which for me was mainly due to the great exploration premise and the building mode. For a second part of a possible trilogy, however, I would primarily like to see a somewhat better story.
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Wild River Games once again demonstrates its talent for bringing Schleich toys to the virtual world. Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall impresses with charming dialogues and a humorous narrator, adding personality to the otherwise generic characters and cliché-driven plot. The graphics and sound effectively capture the essence of the license. The simple and easily accessible combat system provides quick success moments, while the 20 playable creatures and the motivating trophy system add surprising tactical depth. However, the game eventually suffers from a lack of variety and limited attack options for each unit. For newcomers to turn-based strategy games and fans of the toy series, Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall is still a solid recommendation. A potential sequel could benefit from a Skirmish and PvP mode to enhance replay value. Despite initial skepticism, the game’s charming presentation and engaging mechanics turned it into an unexpected highlight of 2025.
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Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles is basically fun, there's no question about that. If you get into the retro gaming experience from the early days of 3D action games, you can definitely have an entertaining time with the game. It gets even better in two-player couch co-op, especially in connection with the cheats, which provide visual changes and thus a smile or two. However, the game wasn't completely problem-free 25 years ago, and unfortunately nothing has changed at all. Collision queries are not calculated correctly, numerous clipping errors spoil the gaming experience and the fiddly jump sections often prevent smooth progress through the game. In two-player mode, the camera control also often gets in the way when it suddenly switches unfavorably during a jump or causes characters to simply fall out of the picture. If we look at the improvements to the new release by Aspyr, the only thing that stands out apart from the revised graphics textures is the scope, as the game provides all content such as unlockable levels or characters right from the start of the game. Otherwise, the game is exactly the same as it was a quarter of a century ago, with all the problems it had back then. This means that Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles is definitely good for a fun round, but unfortunately not for much more.
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With this remaster bundle, Aspyr offers graphically reworked versions of both games, which can also shine in their original look if desired, as well as a lot of interesting bonus material that you can browse through. Minor adjustments such as a compass, a rudimentary map of the surroundings and slightly revised controls make the game a little more accessible. Unfortunately, however, the game fails to integrate quality-of-life improvements such as a free save system, which I clearly missed during testing. Unfortunately, I had missed the two parts of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the first PlayStation generations. I never got beyond a few demo levels of the first game. In this respect, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is of course the perfect opportunity for me to experience these games, which are steeped in history. Otherwise, the target group is likely to be primarily connoisseurs of the original or gamers with a penchant for retro gaming. Because the basic gameplay of both titles is actually a little outdated thanks to the many walking paths and the simple combat system, even if the story surrounding Raziel's campaign of revenge against Kain is still very successful and dense. In conclusion, it can be said that Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered revives a popular series that was unfortunately forgotten too soon, but just like the games, it is not perfect. But who knows, maybe the bundle will pave the way for a real remake of Legacy of Kain. Raziel and Kain definitely deserve it.
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In the strong JRPG vintage of 2024, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension could basically be overlooked, especially as it is a re-release from 2021. However, this would be doing the game an injustice, as the role-playing game from former Final Fantasy developers certainly has a lot to offer. First of all, the extremely unique look thanks to the real diorama backgrounds. In particular, the attention to detail in the levels is truly outstanding. As a model-building enthusiast, I can definitely only take my hat off to this! FANTASIAN Neo Dimension can set good accents in the combat system. The ability to influence the trajectory of spells is just as good and useful as the Dimengeon, which makes exploring the game world much more enjoyable and well-rounded thanks to the collection of standard enemies. Fortunately, many extremely annoying random battles are now a thing of the past. The likeable characters, the fun group dynamics and the thoroughly successful story are also among the plus points, even if the latter sometimes loses some of its momentum. However, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension has a problem when it comes to balancing, especially with the tough boss enemies, as well as the incredibly muddy textures when it comes to close-ups. This significantly detracts from what is actually a great and unique look. However, if you are looking for a challenge and are not averse to a somewhat experimental graphical approach, you can definitely put FANTASIAN Neo Dimension on your list.
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As you can see, I didn't really have anything negative to say about Metaphor: ReFantazio. The new work from the Persona makers carries the DNA of the main series, but presents it in a very fresh guise that is independent enough to stand out from Persona. Particularly noteworthy are the exciting story, the atmospheric game world, the many creative ideas of the developers, the great soundtrack and the all-round successful battle system, in which the lack of Persona is definitely compensated for by the archetypes. I would call the option of eliminating weak enemies directly in the dungeon with a single blow absolutely groundbreaking. This simply makes for even smoother and more fluid gameplay and can also be adopted by other turn-based representatives. If there is anything to criticize, then perhaps a few tiny technical imperfections, which are hardly significant considering the size of the game. All in all, Atlus establishes a new heavyweight in the role-playing game cosmos with Metaphor: ReFantazio, deserves unconditional recognition for having created a completely new brand and delivers an all-round successful JRPG with a whole host of fresh ideas. Rating: Outstanding!
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Episode Aigis: The Answer adds another chapter to Persona 3 Reload, which keeps us entertained after the end of the main game. In terms of the story, it is almost essential to complete the actual story first before venturing into the DLC, even if we start at a very low level and are therefore introduced to the game mechanics once again. New theurgies and Metis as a new character also expand our repertoire with fresh elements to explore, even if the android as a character can be a little tiring at times. If we look at Persona 3 Reload with the DLC as a whole, Episode Aigis: The Answer offers a nice continuation of the story, which raises just enough new questions to not completely confuse, but brings the story itself to a well-rounded conclusion. Instead of Tartarus, the Abyss of Time now awaits us, which offers much more frequent changes of environment, but still can't shine with excessive variety in the long run. Due to the significantly higher proportion of combat and the almost complete absence of everyday life, the DLC also becomes much more of a chore over the course of the 20 to 30 hours of gameplay than was the case in the main game. Nevertheless, Episode Aigis: The Answer is of course a great opportunity to reunite with the beloved characters of S.E.E.S. and a very good addition to the main game due to the fundamentally fun gameplay and the large scope.
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