Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a worthy successor and at the same time an attempt to modernize the series. The new mechanics such as the “Luigi Logic” and the “Battle Plug System” add interesting levels, while the proven gameplay of the predecessors is retained. There is criticism mainly on the technical side: performance problems on the Nintendo Switch and occasional backtracking tarnish the overall impression a little. Nevertheless, the strengths outweigh the drawbacks - especially the charming narrative, the creative characters and the captivating battles. Fans of the series and newcomers alike can look forward to an adventure that will leave them with a big smile on their face.
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Astral Flux cleverly combines the nostalgia of classic pixel platformers with modern roguelite mechanics to create an intense gaming experience. The procedural structure and the new submerged update provide variety and a unique atmosphere that will definitely appeal to fans of the genre. The pixel art visuals and the matching soundtrack round off the interstellar adventure and make the game a strong choice for anyone who wants to embark on a cosmic voyage of discovery. However, be warned of the somewhat higher level of difficulty.
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With Sonic x Shadow Generations, Sonic Team has made an impressive comeback, taking the best elements of Sonic Generations and combining them with the drama and intensity of Shadow's storyline. The switch between styles and the different abilities of the two heroes bring a breath of fresh air to the Sonic formula without neglecting the roots of the series. The visual overhaul and the smooth presentation in performance mode round off the gaming experience. Nevertheless, a little more fine-tuning could have been done in some places, especially when it comes to long-term motivation in White Space - a more dynamic soundtrack and smaller mini-games would have made the exploration more varied. But that's criticism on a high level: all in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations is a thrilling adventure that offers plenty of fun for both long-time Sonic fans and newcomers alike.
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Empire of the Ants is a successful adaptation of the original by Bernard Werber and scores particularly well with its photorealistic presentation and sensitive gameplay. The mixture of RTS and platforming gameplay creates variety and challenges the player both tactically and in terms of skill. Anyone who has a soft spot for nature and likes to explore the world from a completely new perspective will get their money's worth with this game. The small weaknesses in the camera work and the simple menu design are noticeable, but do not detract significantly from the experience. For RTS fans looking for a new experience and anyone who wants to experience the microcosm up close, Empire of the Ants is an absolute recommendation. It combines strategy, nature and graphic beauty to create a unique experience that shows just how much life and drama can be found in the smallest of creatures.
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Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is not a game that comes with great bombast. It is a calm, almost meditative experience that impresses above all with its charming atmosphere and variety of small activities. Fans of the series will love Shin chan and his adventures, but players looking for a relaxed adventure will also find a welcome change of pace here. The coal town with its many secrets and nostalgic atmosphere will go down particularly well with players who have a fondness for Japanese culture and life simulations.
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The Until Dawn remake on the PS5 is a successful horror trip that should appeal to old fans and newcomers alike. The visual and atmospheric improvements allow the story about the tragic events on Blackwood Mountain to shine in new splendor, even if technical shortcomings such as the frame rate limited to 30 FPS and occasional bugs detract from the experience somewhat. Anyone who missed out on the horror classic or is in the mood for a modernized version will be thoroughly entertained despite some minor weaknesses.
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In summary, it can be said that both platforms have their strengths. The PS5 version is perfectly optimized for console gamers and offers an incredibly stable, visually stunning experience. The DualSense feature takes immersion to another level, and with 60 FPS in performance mode, the PS5 also delivers enough power for action-packed battles. The PC version of God of War Ragnarök, on the other hand, scores with a wider range of customization options. Players with powerful hardware experience higher frame rates, native 4K graphics and even ultra widescreen. There are small technical stumbling blocks, but for the hardcore PC gamer, the version offers the maximum in freedom and flexibility.
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The Casting of Frank Stone is a game that skillfully showcases both its strengths and weaknesses. The story, which revolves around the mysterious serial killer Frank Stone, creates a lot of suspense through different time levels and a dense atmosphere. The cinematic staging, which alternates between dark, oppressive locations and surreal dream sequences, is particularly impressive. Supermassive Games manages to perfectly capture the creepy atmosphere of a classic slasher film. Unfortunately, the title character Frank Stone himself remains rather pale. Despite his central place in the story, we learn very little about his background and motives. As a result, he remains rather one-dimensional as an antagonist, which takes away some of the story's depth. Anyone hoping for psychological insights may therefore be disappointed. In terms of gameplay, The Casting of Frank Stone offers some interesting approaches, but they quickly become repetitive. The mechanics around stopping Frank with the camera or repairing generators are strongly reminiscent of Dead by Daylight and are a nice homage, but lose their appeal as the game progresses. In many moments, the gameplay feels more like a chore than a way to build up the suspense. Graphically, the game scores with impressive lighting and strong cinematic camera work that perfectly captures the creepy atmosphere. Unfortunately, however, this immersion is severely impaired by technical shortcomings. Performance problems such as frame rate drops and long loading times are common throughout the game and significantly disrupt the flow of the game. This is particularly annoying in a game that relies so heavily on its atmosphere. All in all, The Casting of Frank Stone remains an interesting, albeit flawed, horror experience. Those who can get involved with the story and the surreal atmosphere will experience exciting moments, but will also have to put up with technical problems. With a patch, however, the game could become a much more rounded experience.
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Super Mario Maker 2 is a great sequel to our beloved Super Mario Maker. We do not only get a offline single player mode with more than 100 levels created by Nintendo, we also get new online features and a much more enhanced level editor in which we can build with a friend together at the same time.
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