#RaceDieRun is an incredibly intense, fast-paced yet highly precise game that puts racing fans and skill-based gamers to the test, without ever systematically overwhelming them. Despite some breakneck manoeuvres, you can almost always see a way to master and complete the short levels.
Review in German | Read full review
Denshattack!! is a great arcade platformer with clear inspiration from Tony Hawk. The exaggerated style fits the unique and energetic gameplay perfectly and the game brings a surprising amount of levels considering its tight design. If you find the idea behind the game at least somewhat interesting, you should give it a try. Personally, Denshattack!! rivals Yoshi and the Mysterious Book as my favourite game experience of the year.
Review in German | Read full review
Fire Emblem Mystery of the Emblem is a good mix of remake and sequel which offers a tremendous amount of content and features some really nice map designs. The game can at times be rather invoncenient, e.g. because of not offering a combat effect erstimate when on the offense (meaning you have to compute the expected outcome by hand), restricting the movement of the cursor by the movement range of the character you want to move and the unnecessary difficulties choosing a starting formation. This diminishes the enjoyment to be had with the game a bit, when compared to more modern sequels. Nevertheless, it is a very well-designed SRPG that will keep you occupied for a long time and offers a few great ideas in its map design, particularly in Book 2.
Review in German | Read full review
Four Swords is an interesting experiment with some ingenious design ideas that, however, were only fully unfolded in the great follow-up game Four Swords Adventures. Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly worthwhile to play the first tentative steps of a multiplayer Zelda and to insert one or more entertaining rounds for two to four players. By the way, the single-player variant in Four Swords Anniversary also works surprisingly well, although its availability today is difficult to manage.
Review in German | Read full review
Echo Isle is a successful homage to the GBC Zelda games, with compact level design that effectively conveys the gameplay experience, but does not develop the concept in any way. In this respect, it is worthwhile primarily for a short nostalgia trip for longtime Zelda fans.
Review in German | Read full review
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a brilliantly designed action-adventure that has had a lasting influence on the Zelda series and has not been surpassed to this day. The overworld is one of the best in the series, and the dungeons offer an excellent mix of puzzles, exploration, and exciting boss battles. An essential title, not only for fans of the series.
Review in German | Read full review
The Disney Afternoon Collection is a successful collection of several genuine classics that, despite their age, are still worth both the time and the money today.
Review in German | Read full review
Bubsy 4D is an enjoyable 3d platformer with a somewhat crude humour, that does not feel remminiscent of its predecessor Bubsy 3D, but that is probably for the better. Compared to the rest of the Bubsy series, Bubsy 4D clearly is the best game, but even when taken on its own as a 3D platformer, it is a well-made game. Demon Turf's influence on the game design is pretty apparent and I would rank Bubsy 4D in between the slightly better Neon Splash and the weaker original Demon Turf.
Review in German | Read full review
Arcade Archives 2: Arkanoid is a successful adaptation of a thrilling arcade game; while it has a few minor quirks, it faithfully recreates the original experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. The optional mouse controls—provided you can get used to the ergonomics of the Nintendo Switch 2 mouse—are a welcome bonus that significantly improves the gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Review in German | Read full review
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is an unusual entry in the series, combining structural elements of the Zelda formula with action RPG gameplay. In my view, however, Zelda II is unfortunately a significant step backward compared to the first game and, due to its at times absurd difficulty level, can really only be recommended as a curiosity for dedicated fans of the series. I’m honestly glad that the third installment perfected the original formula and continued to explore it across many future titles instead of further pursuing the ideas introduced in the second game.
Review in German | Read full review
Dracamar is a solid 3D platformer featuring surprisingly long levels and a generally grounded level design. Due to its low difficulty and straightforward structure, it is especially well suited for younger players and newcomers to the genre. Aside from a few minor technical imperfections—particularly in relation to culling—the game is presented in a generally well-executed manner, giving Dracamar a polished enough overall impression. This makes it a recommendable entry in the genre.
Review in German | Read full review
Cocoon is a fresh, imaginative action-adventure game with a focus on creative puzzle-solving. It’s very well executed, and the core concept is explored in a way that’s both varied and, for the most part, thoroughly covered. In that respect, Cocoon offers a well-rounded gaming experience, though it could show a little more confidence in the player’s abilities and resilience to frustration.
Review in German | Read full review
Ashes of Elrant is a well-crafted piece of downloadable content that adds further narrative depth to the characters – particularly Lenne – and shines with its well-designed boss battles. The DLC’s greatest strength is, of course, inherited from the main game – the combat system is varied and strategic, and offers a wealth of options. As it is set towards the end of the main game, the system is able to shine here in all its glory.
Review in German | Read full review
Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is a successful implementation of the arcade classic at a fair price, which can be wholeheartedly recommended to arcade racer enthusiasts who are aware of the game's limited scope.
Review in German | Read full review
Tatake! Big Fighter offers intense arcade action with varied enemy and level design, making it a solid choice for arcade shooter enthusiasts. The ability to switch between the two forms is unusual but gives the game a successful individual touch.
Review in German | Read full review
CrossCode is a very well-designed role-playing game featuring entertaining, fast-paced combat and clever puzzles, as well as numerous optional side quests. The puzzle concepts feel fresh and the dungeons are impressive in their sheer scale. All of this is underpinned by an interesting story and an appealing pixel art style.
Review in German | Read full review
Boti: Byteland Overclocked is a somewhat slow jump & run with perhaps slightly too long levels, but which was designed with a lot of love and doesn't do much wrong gameplay-wise. However, the occasionally severe bugs, which especially demand a lot of repetition from the player, cloud the fun and can prove to be very frustrating. If these bugs are fixed, Boti, setting aside the quite stressful final boss, is a great game especially for newcomers to the genre; otherwise a frustration resistance is necessary that young players probably won't bring with them.
Review in German | Read full review
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is a playful, lovingly designed 3D Jump & Run that sometimes gets a bit too lost in its own gimmicks and thereby loses comfort.
Review in German | Read full review
Astro Bot is a focused, idea-rich and carefully designed 3D Jump & Run that feels constantly fresh and energetic throughout the entire duration. With its clear emphasis on interaction and playfulness, Astro Bot sets a welcome accent to the majority of Sony's rather bombastic lineup, and according to my personal ideas of a video game, Astro Bot is not only a celebration of Sony's history [...]
Review in German | Read full review
Cadence of Hyrule came as a huge surprise to me, as I can’t stand roguelikes and have been thoroughly disappointed by Zelda games over the last ten years, even though it’s actually one of my favourite game series. However, Cadence of Hyrule is far more of a classic Zelda experience than one might expect and, I would argue, even more so than the last two main entries in the series.
Review in German | Read full review