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Dave the Diver is a rare example of a game that simply brings pure joy. It's creative, surprising, and generous with its content, yet never overwhelming or stressful. The blend of relaxed exploration, tactical hunting, management challenges, and charming storytelling works in a way you'd never have thought possible. It's the perfect game for anyone looking for something fresh and unconventional that will leave them with a smile on their face and the urge to dive again. An absolute highlight that proves innovation and fun don't require multi-million dollar budgets, but above all, creativity, passion, and the courage to try something new.

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Project Motor Racing is a game with enormous potential, but in its current state, it still has room for improvement. There are moments when everything clicks, when you're driving the right car on the right track, the AI ​​is cooperating, and you've gotten used to the twitchy controls. In these rare moments, Project Motor Racing reveals its potential. For fans of console racing simulations looking for a comprehensive career mode and an interesting selection of vehicles, it's worth keeping an eye on the game and waiting for further updates. Mod support, in particular, could become a unique selling point in the long run. I'm confident, however, that the announced patches will further refine the gameplay experience.

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Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a mixed bag of tricks and treats, as is typical for Halloween – only unfortunately, the tricks outweigh the treats. It's a game that knows and caters to its target audience, but at the same time squanders the potential to be truly great. With more modern gameplay mechanics, faster movement, and more creative puzzles, this title could have been a genuine classic. As it stands, it remains a solid but ultimately average adventure game that will primarily appeal to nostalgia buffs and younger players.

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Zoe Begone! is a fascinating paradox. On the one hand, it's one of the most visually stunning and creative indie games of 2025. The hand-drawn aesthetic, vibrant presentation, and unique atmosphere are simply exceptional. The dedication and passion of solo developer Graeme Hawkins are palpable in every frame. On the other hand, the control issues and sometimes frustrating difficulty prevent the game from reaching its full potential. The "groove"—that flow state you experience in good bullet-hell shooters—never quite materializes. You're fighting the controls more than the enemies, which is fatal in a genre that relies on precision and reflexes. Nevertheless, for the right target audience, Zoe Begone! is an absolute hidden gem. The combination of visual brilliance, satisfying progression, and addictive high-score chase makes the game, despite its flaws, a must-play for hardcore shooter fans. At a price of around 8 euros, the risk is manageable, and the chance of getting a truly unique gaming experience is high.

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Sleep Awake is a frustrating game because its potential screams from every neon-lit corner. It has impressive art style, a great cast, and a premise that should be genuinely terrifying. As a video game, however, it's underdeveloped. It's too linear, the stealth mechanics are outdated, and the story ends before it truly begins. It's a mood piece you play for the atmosphere, but don't expect it to keep you up all night. The biggest tragedy is the contrast between the fascinating world and the limited interaction with it. The Pain Eaters, the Mechanists, the totalitarian government—all these elements could have been the foundation of an epic horror saga. Instead, you pass them by like a ghost, unable to truly engage or fully experience their stories. It feels like you've only played the first act of a much larger tale, a teaser for a sequel that may never come. For those willing to overlook its mechanical shortcomings and embark on an audiovisually stunning journey, Sleep Awake offers moments of true brilliance. The psychedelic sequences, dystopian atmosphere, and hypnotic soundtrack create an unforgettable experience. However, for many, it will feel like wandering through an incomplete dream—beautiful, disturbing, but ultimately unsatisfying.

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Ritual of Raven is an innovative and charming addition to the farming sim genre, clearly distinguishing itself from the competition with its unique programming mechanics. The combination of magic and automation is cleverly implemented and enjoyable, even if the game could occasionally have benefited from a bit more guidance. The Switch version is playable and well-suited for relaxed sessions on the go, but suffers from performance issues that will hopefully be improved by future patches. For fans of the genre looking for something new and willing to overlook technical shortcomings, Ritual of Raven offers an enchanting experience with plenty of heart. The game proves that even in the oversaturated farming sim market, there's still room for fresh ideas. And the witchy atmosphere, combined with the clever gameplay twist, makes it a highly recommended alternative for those who already know Stardew Valley and similar games inside and out.

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Tales of Xillia Remastered isn't exactly a masterpiece. The flaws of the original are still present: the sometimes bleak and empty overworld, pop-in of objects, tedious side quests, and excessive backtracking significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. However, it also boasts a captivating main story, endearing characters, excellent dialogue, a wonderful soundtrack, and generally customizable gameplay. It's not a hit, but it's not a flop either. Ultimately, it's a good to very good game.

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I'd say Ubisoft Blue Byte has done it again. Anno 117: Pax Romana is a blast. The game is a lot of fun and has some interesting innovations, such as roads that can be placed even at a 45-degree angle. Admittedly, the campaign story is a bit dull and not everything is explained clearly. But in the end, I had a great time. I was constantly thinking about how to place things where, or how to adjust my plans to keep everything running smoothly. And that's a good sign!

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Ultimately, Silent Hill F is a fascinating, if imperfect, experiment. It proves that the series still has much to say if one is willing to explore new avenues. The atmosphere is the most unsettling in the series to date, the story gripping and profound, and the visual and auditory presentation masterful. The controversial combat system may slightly mar the overall impression, but for fans of psychological horror and Japanese folklore, this is still a must-buy—a game that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll, like the fog over Ebisugaoka.

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I usually enjoy building things. But in the case of Rise of Industry 2, the fun quickly faded. It feels like the game is its own worst enemy, with an ugly menu and controls that are anything but intuitive. The steep learning curve only adds to the game's mediocre quality.

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Borderlands 4 is fun! Gearbox basically did everything right. They took inspiration from Borderlands 2 without being overly slavish about it. They introduced many small changes, such as a completely new game world that is also relatively open. The story is varied and offers frequent surprises. The only downsides are the occasionally invisible walls at the beginning and the fact that the game starts to lag when playing with multiple players.

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I never played Kirby and the Forgotten Land on the Switch back then. Therefore, I can't compare whether and how the two console versions differ. What I can say, however, is that I enjoyed the game. The new world, the many secrets and things to discover, and the new objects Kirby can wrap himself around: it all has its charm. Even though the game is far too easy and the visuals, while beautiful, sometimes feel a bit empty. The DLC is a nice expansion and is even a little more challenging than the main game, though not by much. In the end, all I can say is that the game has become more varied.

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Those who know and enjoyed the film, and were perhaps somewhat disappointed by the Oculus Rift app, can now get hands-on with the action on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. They can guide the two protagonists through increasingly larger areas filled with more and more switches and obstacles. Only towards the end does the game introduce an action element, which was perceived as a welcome change of pace, though it doesn't present a significant challenge. For the most part, Gloomy Eyes is a pleasantly relaxing puzzle game, which unfortunately currently lacks a German localization. While not particularly shocking, the extensive options allow players to further reduce the gore, and even those with dyslexia have been considered. Anyone who liked the film or enjoys Tim Burton's worlds with puzzle elements should find it enjoyable. The (as yet unknown) price will undoubtedly determine how successful this entertaining adventure is with consumers.

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Anyone expecting a new adventure game with illustrations by former CING developer Taisuke Kanasaki will likely be disappointed. The few, rudimentary interaction options are limited to single clicks on highlighted objects and won't challenge players. What you do get, however, is a poignant story about a woman's life, accompanied by fantastic visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. If that's enough for you, then it's definitely worth checking out.

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Can Mafia: The Old Country fully convince and dethrone the first installment? No, I don't think that's possible with this type of story anymore, as there's simply too much of the genre already. Part 2, with its fantastic cars and 1950s music, also deserves its place in my opinion. It was simply too polished. However, the controversial third installment now clearly moves into fourth place in my eyes, because Mafia: The Old Country simply offers a better story and a more beautiful setting. I enjoyed experiencing southern Italy, the origins, and the feuds of the Mafia clans. However, "The Old Country" couldn't completely captivate me like the original did. Ultimately, the gameplay was too monotonous. But the affordable price and the nostalgia factor of a Mafia game should be reason enough for many to want to experience the beginnings of the story!

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Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition proves that good game concepts are timeless. The Switch version is a lovingly crafted homage to one of the best multiplayer classics of all time. While some minor technical glitches and missing features from the original are a drawback, the positive aspects far outweigh them. Anyone who has ever enjoyed Worms will definitely get their money's worth. And those unfamiliar with the series will find this the perfect entry point into one of the most entertaining multiplayer experiences the Switch has to offer.

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I had a lot of fun with Donkey Kong Bananza. The game is fantastic, full of ideas and also featuring homages to the classics. Visually, the freely destructible terrain is quite impressive, although the frame rate does stutter towards the end. The camera also often doesn't behave as you would, and there are occasional graphical bugs. Nevertheless, with this title, Nintendo has released another must-have for the Switch 2!

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I really wish Edens Zero were a better game. As a fan of the source material, I was really looking forward to it. But the execution leaves much to be desired in several respects. The strange beginning, which gives away a lot of the story, the lack of enemy variety, the tanky bosses that pose no real threat, and the graphics, which could be improved: there are more reasons against the title than for it. The only redeeming qualities would be the minigames and the voiced dialogue. And that's simply not enough.

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What remains is a pleasant snack for in between other activities, which scores points with its relaxed gameplay and guides you through every step. Technically, it's a journey back in time, yet the machines are still quite detailed. It's genuinely fun to use the powerful machines to crush tree trunks or haul ore and stones around. So, if you're looking for something relaxing to do after work, Giant Machines 2017 is certainly a decent option.

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Klaus Lee: Thunderballs is a loving, brutally difficult homage to a time when players weren't held by the hand, but thrown in at the deep end. Super-precise controls, a merciless difficulty level, and a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia combine to create a challenging and, in the best sense, "old-school" game that rewards countless deaths with many hours of nerve-wracking action.

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