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Shift 87 is a solid observation game in the vein of The Exit 8, but it thankfully takes a slightly different approach to avoid being a direct copy of the quirky Japanese metro walking sim. By incorporating multiple environments, Shift 87 attempts to break the inevitable repetitive nature of its obvious inspiration, though it doesn’t fully succeed. Nonetheless, Shift 87 is an excellent game for those who enjoy testing their cognitive skills, though I believe spotting the anomalies doesn’t require a great deal of brainpower, with a few exceptions. Ultimately, the price will also determine whether you want to spend an additional two hours in the Pixelsplits REVEIL universe, something that has yet to be disclosed. Let’s hope that the price tag doesn’t contain any anomalies at launch.

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Darkest Dungeon II is not an easy game, and making progress requires a significant time investment. This means you'll often find yourself falling short in the beginning and having to start over. Once you start investing in the Candles of Hope, it becomes easier to advance, but at first, it’s hard to determine which upgrades should be prioritized. The characters' backstories are interesting, but their skills are the main reasons to get to know them and assemble a balanced team. The turn-based battles are challenging and sometimes very thrilling as you narrowly avoid disaster. It is a shame that these battles can be lengthy since you can't speed up the enemies' actions. My first experience with Darkest Dungeon II was very positive and has made me curious about the first installment. At first glance, Darkest Dungeon II might seem like a simple roulette game where luck plays a major role, but once you understand how everything works and the characters are a bit stronger, it becomes more like a game of poker where skill, not just luck, is crucial.

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The theme of this review is clear. SCHiM is a simple game, which makes it not only enjoyable to play but also accessible to everyone. You jump from shadow to shadow with your Schim, meaning you need to make good use of your environment. For example, you can be transported to different places via animals and people. The color schemes are beautifully chosen, ensuring everything is immediately clear. As a Dutch person, you'll also recognize some environments since the game is set in our own country. Not all levels are the same length, as they are tied to the story, which has a nice ending. If you want more of a challenge, after completing the game, you can tackle the extra difficulty options or try to collect all the collectibles in a level. These relate to the story within the world, and helping the little Schimmen feels good. It’s a small moment of joy before you continue playing. However, the lack of a free camera can make it difficult to find them at times.

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Anger Foot knocks the opposition flat out. At a breakneck pace, you get introduced to the punishing combat, and you keep coming back for more. The arsenal is finely tuned, the enemies you chop up are fun to fight, and the soundtrack is proof that "hardcore never dies." Free Lives presents a unique gameplay system in a distinctive setting. With over sixty levels, players can experience the intense fury of Anger Foot while unlocking new sneakers for the most bizarre gameplay variations. Despite some performance issues due to the unruly physics and somewhat disappointing boss battles, Anger Foot is a fast-paced and humorous first-person shooter that will have me tapping my feet with joy. Are we witnessing the birth of a new subgenre in the first-person shooter landscape? One thing is certain: Anger Foot reigns supreme in this Nouveau Riche. Ready to stomp? Let’s go!

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The First Descendant offers an engaging blend of story, gameplay, and audiovisual splendor. The detailed world of Ingris ensures there's always something new to discover. The tactical combat and strategic boss fights keep the tension high and require smart decisions. Visually and audibly, it's also spot on. The presence of 'pay2win' elements might affect the experience for some players, which is a downside. Nevertheless, the game remains appealing due to the promise of future updates and content. If you're a fan of looter-shooters like Destiny and Warframe, then The First Descendant is definitely worth trying. You really have no good reason to skip the game since it's free! But if you're not into these types of games, then The First Descendant may not be your cup of tea.

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MiHoYo did it again! Zenless Zone Zero is an exceptionally entertaining game that has everything to keep you engaged for days, if not weeks. Zenless Zone Zero is considerably more compact compared to something like Genshin Impact, but that doesn’t diminish the fun. In fact, we see it as a positive aspect since the game offers much more structure than the massive world of Genshin Impact. The combat is solid (though somewhat simplistic), and the world-building is excellently crafted. That said, the labyrinth and HDD issues take up too much time and are quite dull compared to the rest of the game. However, they serve as a mechanism for the combat, which is enjoyable thanks to the diverse cast of quirky characters. Naturally, this is a live service game, but we can conclude that you can complete it without spending a single cent. Of course, you're regularly reminded that the game is even more fun if you spend some money, but that is entirely optional. Now, we’re waiting to see what the future holds for Zenless Zone Zero, but as of writing, it looks promising!

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Can we conclude in this Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble review that it's a fun game? Absolutely! The game retains the timeless charm that has kept the franchise alive for years. That said, it’s essentially more Monkey Ball. This is no punishment, but it’s a recipe we’ve seen before. Online play is remarkably simple, a notable achievement for a game on the Nintendo Switch. However, this also brings its own issues, especially considering we can go online with sixteen players. This leads to serious framerate issues that somewhat undermine the game. Additionally, the camera sometimes causes problems. Nevertheless, in solo mode, it’s a fantastic experience, and if you’re not too concerned about the details, local multiplayer is definitely worth trying. Don’t be fooled by the game’s cute appearance, though. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble will push you to your limits if you want to see everything the game has to offer, and that’s exactly how we like these kinds of games!

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Nintendo has clearly polished Luigi's Mansion 2 HD and as a result, the levels look sharp. However, not much else has changed, so the game still feels outdated. It’s nice to control Luigi and the Poltergust with two thumbsticks, but the controls could be more precise. Additionally, there are no checkpoints, meaning you have to complete a level once you start it. The mission structure in Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is theoretically fine, but the professor causes too many interruptions, and you are automatically teleported back to the bunker. This frequently disrupts your flow, and since Elvin Glad tends to talk a lot, these interruptions sometimes feel longer than the gameplay sessions themselves. It’s a shame they didn’t reduce this. If you already own the game for the 3DS, the price for this version is quite high. It would have been better if they had included Luigi's Mansion as well. The gameplay is solid, and it's a fun introduction for newcomers. The various mansions and ghosts provide diverse levels with plenty to collect. You should expect to spend at least fifteen hours with Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, offering a nice and humorous single-player experience. Overall, it's a good remaster, but Nintendo could have done more with it.

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For those who enjoy seemingly pointless wandering and endlessly searching for something that helps, Myst developer Cyan's Riven remake in 2024 is worth a look. Fans of the original from 1997 will be treated to a stunning and familiar surreal world, once again filled with obscure puzzles that, unfortunately, cannot be solved by digging into your traumatic core memories from back then. Myst and Riven enthusiasts will definitely have their work cut out for them, especially if they're used to solutions being within easy reach and the game almost pointing them out with fluorescent arrows. While I thoroughly enjoyed the new Riven, I anticipate that different groups will have varying grievances. Newcomers will likely struggle with the lack of a helpful hand, veterans will miss the FMV characters, and VR players will need an excellent memory. Riven is no easy feat—it's just a bit odd, but still quite enjoyable.

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The Chinese Room has repeatedly proven itself as masters of the walking sim genre, and with Still Wakes The Deep, it delivers another magnum opus. If you can look past the fact that walking sims are generally quite "boor-ing," you can prepare for several hours of Glaswegian-flavored, The Thing-like scenes on a crumbling drilling platform in the North Sea. Pro tip: sip on a strong Lagavulin while playing Still Wakes The Deep to enhance the atmosphere. Not only will you better understand the accent over time, but with a bit of luck, your glass will be empty by the time the credits roll.

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Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is, in my opinion, a breath of fresh air for the asymmetrical horror genre. It introduces a lot of new elements, such as the ability for survivors to fight back and the fact that players who are dead can still contribute to their teammates. Additionally, the community, at least at the moment, isn’t too competitive. This gives the game a light-hearted atmosphere that perfectly matches the theme. There are still a few small improvements that could be made, such as a tutorial for beginners and better combat controls, but overall, I think the game has set a new standard for its genre.

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Although Taiwanese Red Candle Games is new to the Metroidvania and Soulslike genres, it certainly doesn't act like a fish out of water. Nine Sols is a true pleasure to play and presents a genuine challenge from start to finish. Nine Sols is as difficult as it is beautiful, without ever giving the impression that it is impossible to complete. Those who take the time to master Yi's skills, learn to recognize patterns, and work on perfect timing will be treated by Red Candle Games to a stunningly hand-drawn Taopunk epic about revenge and betrayal.

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Destiny 2: The Final Shape is good, very good. The expansion doesn't quite reach the heights of Destiny 2: Forsaken or Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, but it comes alarmingly close. The story's build-up is much improved, giving you a much better sense of what’s truly at stake. Admittedly, The Traveller is still a big question mark for me, but this time there's more room for individual moments with the cast you've been working with for ten years. The Pale Heart is beautifully designed and features incredible set pieces. Additionally, Prismatic as a subclass works exceptionally well and it almost feels like Bungie is trying to give you a taste of immortality. It is a shame, however, that there is so much repetition in the gameplay. This makes the game often feel like a routine once you’ve seen something a few times. But let's be honest; Bungie has really mastered the gunplay, mobility, and overall gameplay after so many years. As a result, Destiny 2: The Final Shape is still a pleasure to play and a must-have for players who have a deep affection for the Destiny franchise.

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Autopsy Simulator tries to present a compelling and suspenseful story about the personal loss of a troubled forensic pathologist, but unfortunately, Woodland Games cuts itself quite badly with this one. The developer attempts to balance psychological horror with a somewhat realistic autopsy simulation, but fails to convincingly present either. The unpredictable, pill-popping protagonist swings mentally from one extreme to another while ticking off the standard checklist with each corpse, as Autopsy Simulator firmly takes control and leaves no room for personal initiative. Ultimately, Autopsy Simulator is a particularly linear experience filled with repetitive fetch quests and minigames that are neither challenging, engaging, nor frightening. This is a shame because there was potential for something really enjoyable here. However, when the game requires you to go through everything on autopilot and draws attention to its shortcomings—such as technical flaws—you’ll soon find yourself hanging up your scalpel, apron, and surgical gloves.

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MultiVersus remains exceptionally fun to play. The fighting mechanics are solid, the mashup of characters works astonishingly well, and the roster is so diverse that you never tire of it. It's a real shame, then, that the extreme pressure to spend money is so evident. Paying ten euros to unlock a character (which was playable in the beta) is exorbitant, and the grind is too steep to truly enjoy the game. This isn’t a new trend with Warner Bros. games; Mortal Kombat 1 and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also suffered from similar issues. If you can look past the endless grind, MultiVersus is a fantastic free-to-play game, but that is a unique skill in itself.

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Crown Wars: The Black Prince features an intriguing medieval setting and turn-based tactical gameplay with significant potential. The various classes and unique abilities add depth, and the concept of a castle as a central hub is a logical choice with plenty of possibilities. Unfortunately, the experience is hindered by clunky graphics and animations, mediocre voice-overs, and an artificially high difficulty level. Balance issues and excessive use of timers make the game more tiring and frustrating than challenging and enjoyable. Overall, the game currently feels more like a mobile game port than a fully-fledged tactical RPG.

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a fantastic game that has received a well-deserved remaster. The game stays true to the original but includes quality-of-life updates that enhance the experience for both new and returning players. The only downside is that The Thousand-Year Door still features a lot of backtracking and unnecessarily long dialogues, but these issues are hardly noticeable due to the game's wonderful atmosphere and humor.

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F1 24 is a fantastic game for true Formula 1 enthusiasts. The promise that this is more than just a roster update has been fulfilled. By focusing on individual teams, the game encourages players to switch teams to seek new challenges or simply to try out different cars. The game looks and sounds incredible on the track, but it lacks a bit in presentation. The voice lines directly from the board radio are a nice touch, but there is much more that could be done with the actual material. The game is missing some atmosphere and could benefit from leaning more on the existing F1 license material. However, Codemasters excels at on-track action, and that is undoubtedly evident in F1 24.

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Fans of arcade-style hero shooters are doing themselves a disservice if they don’t give XDefiant a chance. The game is well put together, offers plenty of action, and comes with minimal fuss. The pace is particularly fast, and the choice to unite iconic franchises is something we can only applaud. The current release of XDefiant features a few excellent maps, enjoyable game modes, and a handful of characters with unique skills. However, the game could benefit from more content in the form of new (and more recognizable) characters. Additionally, the leveling balance needs some tweaking, the hitbox detection requires an upgrade, and the weapons could use a bit more impact. The first step has certainly been taken, and we firmly believe that Ubisoft can keep the game vibrant and engaging.

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Capes offers a refreshing take on the superhero genre that can captivate even those who aren't fans of superheroes. The engaging storyline, unique characters, and challenging gameplay make it a game worth playing if you enjoy turn-based tactical games. Although some characters and their abilities aren't always perfectly balanced, the overall experience is more than enjoyable. The turn-based battles, combined with the rich narrative elements, provide an immersive and sometimes even demanding challenge. Capes stands out well from standard superhero games, and that alone makes it worth trying.

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