Alan Wake 2 overall entertained me, even though some of the combat encounters and the limited save points occasionally caused more frustration than genuine tension. The game also crashed frequently for me, even after several updates. With plenty of exploration included, my playtime ended up being around 30 hours. I did enjoy the atmosphere, and the quieter sections did not bother me. Fans of the original and of other recent Remedy Entertainment titles will recognize quite a few familiar elements. The radio broadcasts return as well, although this time there is a running gag that I personally did not find particularly funny. Additionally, songs are no longer automatically played after them, though radio shows, music, and other content can still be replayed—just not ideally during dangerous situations. Visually, the game also looks solid on Xbox Series S, although some character models occasionally fall into the uncanny valley. I consider Alan Wake 2 a solid continuation. Anyone who enjoyed the predecessor will likely not go wrong with this one.
Review in German | Read full review
Fetch-Quest: The Game, I mean Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, can entertain for a few hours. However, the fetch quests wear out quickly and you're often traveling through the same areas. In my opinion the combat system is a bit too simple to motivate for long periods, and the story drifts along for ages.
Review in German | Read full review
Anyone with a genuine interest in Cuisineer who’s willing to be a bit patient should definitely keep an eye on it. It has its own charm.
Review in German | Read full review
Another World Mahjong Girl did not turn me into a Mahjong expert. Even by the end, I still hadn’t memorized all the possible winning hands. You also shouldn’t expect much of a story here, and the flavor text for the opponents is not particularly meaningful either. That said, I do find the character style quite appealing. In the gallery, you can view individual girls you have either recruited or defeated. You can also interact with them for reactions, although many of them are not particularly positive. After all, winning at Mahjong alone is not the same as winning someone’s heart—who would have thought?
Review in German | Read full review
Overall, Fate/Samurai Remnant won me over—and I can confidently recommend it even without prior knowledge of the series. The visual style appeals to me, as does the music, which suits the setting perfectly. Characters and designs mostly hit the mark. The combat system is solid, though I occasionally struggled with the timing between enemy telegraphs and attacks.
Review in German | Read full review
Overall, I enjoyed my roughly 20–25 hour journey into the year 2037. Of course, this can vary depending on how effectively one uses Hacking Trigger, or even deliberately plays toward a Game Over scenario—which I did not. The total playtime also differs depending on whether you advance text immediately after reading or wait for the voice acting to finish. This time, voice output is available not only in Japanese but also optionally in English. Personally, that was not particularly important to me, but others may certainly appreciate it. The story was engaging and entertaining, although some characters remain somewhat flat or are not given enough opportunities for deeper development. I found the musical accompaniment fitting and well-implemented. In general, I had little trouble identifying the right moments to use Hacking Trigger in order to avoid a Game Over. Near the end, there was one section I found a bit less clear, though that may simply be subjective. Even though there are some connections to other entries in the series, I feel that Anonymous;Code can also be recommended without prior knowledge of the franchise.
Review in German | Read full review
Atlas Fallen can certainly entertain even if some sand may have gotten into the gearbox.
Review in German | Read full review
Aragami 2 was something I was curious about after hearing that it would feature a more developed combat system. For me personally, however, this did not turn out to be an improvement. I do appreciate the option to incapacitate enemies without killing them. Unfortunately, the voice acting is once again largely unintelligible apart from a few recognizable terms. The shift toward more open areas, and with it more aimless wandering, is something I enjoyed less. In addition, not only do you revisit the same areas too often, but there also feel to be simply too many missions overall, making the game come across as unnecessarily stretched out. Ultimately, my conclusion remains that different does not automatically mean better.
Review in German | Read full review
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg entertained me, but at times I had difficulties filling the available time meaningfully. Presumably partly also because the fairies can take away so much work. Whoever is not put off by the mere existence [of this mechanic] can find a rather relaxed experience despite the time limit.
Review in German | Read full review
Final Fantasy XVI pleased me greatly. The story is engaging, yet offers quieter phases to catch one's breath in between. The presentation is convincing as well. The combat system flows naturally and is enjoyable.
Review in German | Read full review
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key has given me much joy again, just like the predecessors. The story may not be as complex as in some other RPGs, but I gladly accompanied the group on their adventure.
Review in German | Read full review
A Maiden Astrologer Divines the Future offers gentle, leisurely entertainment without great drama, as per my expectations. The problems that arise have virtually no real chance of escalating within the friendly and helpful circle of friends.
Review in German | Read full review
Like its predecessor, *Chaos;Childkept me thoroughly entertained, and I found myself reluctantly tearing myself away from it right in the middle of chapters. The deaths and the search for the truth behind them are gripping and at times dramatic, with the music enhancing the atmosphere. In between, calmer moments and humour lighten the mood, particularly in some of the protagonist’s inner monologues.
Review in German | Read full review
Chaos;Head Noah had me hooked (figuratively speaking), but it also often made me laugh. Particularly when it came to school, otaku life and some of Takumi’s fantasies, I often found it hard to keep a smile off my face.
Review in German | Read full review
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative entertained me just as much as its predecessor. I also mostly enjoyed the humor, even if its often sexual direction will definitely not be for everyone. Some scenes, as mentioned above, are deliberately over-the-top and absurd. I personally like that the game and its characters often lean into a light, and perhaps for some players overly exaggerated, tone. The mystery remains unclear for a long time, with only individual pieces being solved before most of it eventually comes together. The fact that I did not fully understand every detail myself is, in the overall context, not something I would count as a criticism. The structure with its different routes can also occasionally lead to some confusion. During the Psync segments, I often had to experiment a bit, and sometimes I ran out of time—but I found that unproblematic. Once you focus on the known correct interactions and use the skip function, you can quickly return to the point where you previously failed. Anyone who enjoys a mysterious case with puzzles that do not require excessive brain strain should definitely consider taking a look at AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative, provided they can handle—or even appreciate—its exaggerated tone and humor. I look back on it with mixed feelings: one half because I was well entertained, the other because it’s already over, even though it certainly wasn’t lacking in content. I would gladly see more entries in the series.
Review in German | Read full review
Death's Door is an altogether convincing top-down action-adventure. The combat has a pleasant pace, even if you occasionally find yourself having to wail on enemies a bit too long. The puzzles aren't overly complicated, though the absence of a map gets in the way now and then.
Review in German | Read full review
The same basic framework for the third time, without any long breaks in between, did start to feel a bit worn out to me, but otherwise I certainly found myself entertained once again.
Review in German | Read full review
Overall, I found Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair quite entertaining too. Once again, I enjoyed gathering evidence and drawing conclusions, even if they weren’t always correct.
Review in German | Read full review
I don’t see Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc as the ultimate experience, but it was gripping and entertaining. Despite the ‘death game’ premise, I didn’t find the atmosphere too oppressive either. So there was no reason for me to hesitate for long before picking up the sequel.
Review in German | Read full review
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream offers an entertaining experience again without a major focus on the story. Instead, it shines with a complex synthesis system in which one can comfortably lose oneself for hours in total.
Review in German | Read full review