Fans had high hopes that Forspoken would be Square Enix's next potential hit. Unfortunately, the developers of Luminous Productions once again reveal a major weakness in the way the story is told. To make matters worse, there is a fundamentally unsympathetic protagonist who, in the absence of supporting secondary characters, is all the more the focus. Even the unused and well-developed magic system can't save much anymore.
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Fire Emblem Engage unfortunately fails to shine like its predecessor Three Houses. The step back to the roots of the series wasn't a bad one at all. Above all, the combat system knows how to inspire thanks to the emblems, the reunion with Marth and Co. was successful. Unfortunately, the unspectacular story, its generic characters and the lack of endgame content reduce the gaming experience a lot.
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On paper, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sounds like a Pokémon fan's dream come true. Paldea impresses with a very extensive game world, different storylines and new gameplay mechanics. Unfortunately, the poor technical and optical quality of the ninth generation throws a big spanner in the works. Game Freak has a lot to do here, especially given the fact that only 400 different Pokémon have made it into the game.
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With a realistic setting, The Devil in Me manages to deliver a worthy season finale. The reason for this is the authentic cast, which finds itself in a challenging struggle for survival in the style of Saw. Despite the new gameplay mechanics, the game isn't showing its best technically this time either, especially when it comes to the sound. That's all the more unfortunate, because that's how Until Dawn could have been knocked off the narrative horror throne.
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It's amazing how complex Tactics Ogre was when it was first released in 1995. The first remake for PSP introduced some additional mechanics that will be of great help to today's generation of video gamers. With the new edition "Reborn" they are presented with a tough strategy role-playing game. Fortunately, this convinces with a lot of depth, a complex but exciting story and a huge playtime. A true masterpiece awaits veterans of the genre, while newcomers should play demo or resort to easier representatives.
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If you talked about Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes as the new star in the hack and slay genre, you wouldn't be that far off. The game depth that people have been waiting for a long time is possible this time through new strategic options. On top of that you get a great alternative story with known faces of the series. Gameplay-wise you lose a lot of that mentioned game depth because of the immense amount of missions and also through the lack of real graphical improvements over older games.
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With Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo is giving one of its most iconic heroes finally a 3D adventure. This convinces visually and playfully along the entire length and knows how to motivate with numerous secrets. It doesn't quite measure up to the likes of Super Mario and Link, but Kirby definitely doesn't have to hide from them anymore. In summary, a successful comeback that knows how to entertain young and old alike.
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Triangle Strategy is an impressive example how to implement mechanics of famous videogames into modern settings and expand on them in a great way. Challenging fights, loveable characters and an exciting story, with even more twists in new game+. A must have for fans of the genre.
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In principle, Chocobo GP is good. Thanks to the charming story mode but sadly the low amount of different tracks and mediocre balancing and driving experience doesn't deliver an alternative to games like Mario Kart.
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Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel: Dawn of the Battle Royale !! is an example that new is not always better. The Rush Duel mechanic is at most a nice gimmick that fails to carry an entire video game. The main reason for this is the small number of cards and the mandatory use of ready-made decks. The unconsumed characters and the accessible game world do not provide any consolation.
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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are a prime example when you play it safe. You stay true to the original game and implement some innovations from previous generations. However, these are not always in favor of the gaming experience, as there is no trace of a challenge. Although the fights look good, the Chibi Art Style around it seems visually unimaginative and no longer contemporary.
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Just Dance 2022 does not manage to eradicate the criticisms of its last predecessors either. The all-round package is simply not valued enough for that. Nevertheless, the current offshoot manages to convince on many points. The choreographies are excellently worked out, well thought out and extremely sweaty. Fans can access it without hesitation, but this time also newcomers.
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After Man of Medan and Little Hope, Supermassive Games doesn't manage to surpass Until Dawn with House of Ashes either. This is not due to the unfamiliar setting, but to the characters in it. Completely overdrawn and clichéd, the player is rather happy at the beginning if he accidentally gets rid of one. To make matters worse is the technical quality, which from the graphics to the control is hardly convincing. Thanks to a strong last third, House of Ashes still manages to turn things around and brings it to a positive conclusion.
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Unfortunately, Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles does not manage to meet the high expectations. The title suffers from the usual weaknesses of various other implementations, which cannot be ironed out despite the great fighting system. Accordingly, the game lacks game content in every nook and cranny, which makes the solid framework look terrifyingly weak.
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Alan Wake Remastered is the prime example of a video game that has aged extremely well. Even today, the gameplay and the exciting storyline are more than impressive. Although you can't quite keep up with Control graphically, the idyllic town of Brightfalls shines in an acceptable shine. If you also consider the price, then Alan Wake Remastered is a must for all fans of the genre, whether connoisseurs or newcomers.
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In theory, motion control of the Nintendo Switch paired with The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD is a perfect match. What sounds quite conclusive at first has unfortunately not been implemented perfectly in practice. A further complication is the optics, which no longer meet today's standards despite HD. Even the gripping plot, which lays the historical foundation stone of the series, can only offer slight consolation.
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The attempt of a new IP with Scarlet Nexus has succeeded. But this is largely due to its excellent combat system, which carries the game over long distances. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of its story. Its complexity suffers badly from the weak narrative style via still images and the lifeless and detail-poor areas.
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Mario Golf: Super Rush is a successful continuation of the sports series. The new game modes ensure a large portion of games, fun and excitement. This makes it easier to get over the fact that Nintendo is leaving a lot of potential in Adventure Mode. Even that is quickly forgotten when you start with friends in multiplayer. Getting started is easy, but the battle for victory is all the greater.
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Biomutant is an open world role-playing game of a different kind and in a positive sense. Even if you use numerous gameplay elements from other titles and thus appear overloaded at the beginning, the beautiful game world fascinates with its look and its sound. Anyone who can overcome this initial hurdle and come to terms with the narrative weaknesses can expect a refreshing adventure that is worth every minute of the game.
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Capcom continues the story of Ethan Winters with Resident Evil Village and closes his files in an impressive way. The playful mix of parts 4 and 7 convinces with fast-paced action, a gripping storyline and a few surprises. It doesn't have much to do with the origins of the series, but those who are positive about this reorientation will have a fantastic time in the eerily beautiful village.
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