Rainer Etzweiler
“Life is Strange: Reunion” closes a chapter I didn’t even realize was still open. Of course it’s blatantly calculated fan service, but is that really such a bad thing? At a time when the gaming industry often seems to be producing games that miss the community entirely, that almost feels subversive. It isn’t perfect — and that’s a good thing. Life is strange, and sometimes video game reviews are too.
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Screamer is clearly a passion project, and the developers’ enthusiasm shows. The Echo system is clever, the visuals are strong, and the scope is impressive. However, forced vehicle choices, an uneven difficulty curve, and a story mode that gradually wears down your patience hold it back. Many ideas are exciting but feel underdeveloped, leaving an anime racer that ultimately loses sight of its own potential.
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I’m a bit annoyed at our 5-point scoring system right now. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a classic 7/10 kind of game. The foundation is solid, the story is gripping, and the amount of side content is generous. But what good are 100 side quests if 90% of them are painfully boring? Why isn’t Okinawa used to its full potential? And why does Dark Ties feel more focused on Kanda than on Mine? In the end, that leaves a slight sense of disappointment — and the question of whether RGG Studios can find their footing again. I really hope they do.
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"Once Upon a Katamari" is a journey through time, both literally and figuratively. The first new mainline game since 2011 plays almost identically to the series debut in 2004. Sure, the graphics are a little fancier and the gameplay has been fine-tuned a bit, but beyond that, there are no big surprises. For fans of the series, this is a blessing. For newcomers, it could be a problem. Those rolling through the world of Katamari for the first time may be put off by the steep learning curve and tight time limits. The game doesn't make it easy for rookies to discover the charm that lies beneath the often frustrating surface. But those who take the time and give “Once Upon a Katamari” a chance will be rewarded with one of the most fun and unusual gaming experiences ever. “Katamari” has never been perfect. And that's kind of the point.
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Even in 2025, Final Fantasy Tactics remains a monument to game design and storytelling. The morally ambivalent story about class struggle and religious fanaticism has lost none of its relevance. The job system offers a depth that even modern games rarely achieve, and the tactical battles are both challenging and rewarding in equal measure.
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Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac is the gaming equivalent of an argument against the unbridled remaster craze. It impressively demonstrates that not every old game needs a comeback.
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Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a perfectly prepared omakase menu: the individual ingredients are not revolutionary, but the presentation and game design make it something special. The story may be trivial, but when the gameplay is so satisfying and the visuals so impressive, I am happy to forgive the game for its narrative failure. Lizardcube proves once again that they understand what retro revivals are really about: not nostalgic romanticization or cheap exploitation of brand rights, but distilling the essence of the original and spicing it up with a modern polish.
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