neXGam's Reviews
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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The story of Fuche and the other Guardians and their peoples is truly interesting, but piecing it together like a puzzle isn't easy. Since you don't know exactly where or how to go, it probably takes 30 hours to reach the end. There are plenty of great moments, music, and vistas to enjoy along the way. At the same time, the game doesn't make it easy to find everything or even the path itself. Anyone who isn't into thorough exploration and puzzles will likely get frustrated at some point, especially since the technical aspects aren't the smoothest. Perhaps a few patches will help soon, making the jumping sections and passages easier to navigate and requiring fewer attempts. The graphics themselves are forgivable, but maybe there's room for improvement there too. Patient and frustration-resistant puzzle enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy.
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Mario Kart World is a system seller! Despite the rather weak free mode, everything else is a blast. The many new characters, the knockout mode, and various unlockable items ensure long-term enjoyment. It's just a shame that the game wasn't physically included in the bundle, but that's just how things go these days.
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Overall, MotoGP 25 has become a well-rounded experience for die-hard racing fans. Anyone who follows MotoGP will get the game anyway, but even those interested can take a look thanks to the expanded Arcade Experience. Dynamic team changes in career mode, revised graphics and up-to-date statistics should persuade veterans of the series to switch to the latest game. So go for it!
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Perhaps it was a mistake on Ubisoft's part to release Assassin's Creed Mirage, their last Assassin's Creed, that felt like a return to the roots. Assassin's Creed Shadows had a tough time holding its own in comparison, precisely because it's more like the games since Origin. Which is why, in the end, the game is a good, but not a superior Assassin's Creed game. There isn't a single flaw that had a negative impact. The enemies are once again a mysterious organization, the controls are clunky, the enemy AI could be improved, and the lackluster present-day story is disappointing. But on the other hand, you have entertaining antagonists, a vibrant and colorful world, and many diverse missions. Despite all the flaws, I got that usual AC feeling while playing, meaning I moved from tower to tower, took on every side mission that came along, and enjoyed the game's atmosphere. Hopefully, this won't be the last Assassin's Creed game Ubisoft releases. Although hopefully, there will be some time before the next installment, during which a little polishing can be done on everything. That would be nice.
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Split Fiction could almost be considered a living work of art; the developers really ramp up the game and continually amaze you. A highlight for me was the "Tooth Section," one of the best final bosses I've ever experienced. Then there was the jaw-dropping finale. During the test, I took over 60 pictures, and I could easily have taken twice as many. Since that would have been a huge spoiler, we cut it down to 30, because everyone should take their own experiences and wow moments with them. While "A Way Out" and especially "It Takes Two" were already great top contenders, Hazelight raises the technical and creative bar even higher with "Split Fiction," serving up the craziest and greatest co-op adventure of all time. Despite all that, the predecessor, "It Takes Two," still appealed to me more in terms of the story. Two thumbs up from me, though!
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Botany Manor is a gem among adventure games. With clever puzzles set in a fictional plant world, it challenges players without overwhelming them. And if you ever need a break, you can make yourself comfortable on a virtual park bench and unwind with relaxing chamber music. What more could you expect from a virtual vacation in game form? It's certainly not a game for everyone, as not much happens in this slow-paced adventure game other than challenging your brain cells. But sometimes it doesn't take much to excite me. A beautiful presentation and clever puzzles are enough.
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To return to Daniel's review and his final assessment: I can confirm his opinion from back then, and today I would also add the lame beginning. But the reason I ultimately rate the remastered version higher than the original is simply because a lot of work went into making the title better and more modern. Things like the flippable dialogue and the puzzles being more solvable for people with disabilities show that the developers didn't make things too easy for themselves. It's just a shame that the visuals show the game's age and origins.
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