XGN.nl's Reviews
Atomic Heart offers an unique style and atmosphere with exciting gameplay and an incredible soundtrack. The game, however beautifully crafted, falls short in various departments. The protagonist is absolutely awful and shows no interest in all the stuff that is going on in the world of Atomic Heart. That also leads to not really wanting to explore the world to find all the secrets, because the protagonist just doesn't care.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
When is a remake not a remake? Ishin at times feels like the developers cut corners by incorporating existing models from other games and the original. NPC characters and animations lack refinement and didn't get the overhaul you would expect from a remake. However, the cutscenes and the original story remains strong and the gameplay with its new use of weapons and the added team cards are solid as ever. Together, Ishin fails to rise above the average, which could have been easily avoided.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Wild Hearts has a magical world and the Kemono are challenging and incredible-looking creatures. The Karakurisystem is definitely the best part of the game and differentiates Wild Hearts from other monster-hunting games. The hunting is great besides some minor frustrations and the world is incredible, but the story is nothing special. It's a basic hero story but it helps build the world of Wild Hearts. Wild Hearts is an incredible game and you should definitely give it a shot!
Review in Dutch | Read full review
A new adventure in the Wizarding World has seemed like an excellent idea for years and Avalanche Software has proven with gusto what is possible. Players are treated to an extensive story with a completely new cast of characters, a beautiful world full of content and a battle system that is strongly put together.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Dead Space is how a remake is supposed to be. The game is full of big and small improvements that make the experience even more intense, but also even better than the original and that with graphics and sound that are completely current-gen is. When you play the game, it really feels like the Dead Space of before, but as soon as you hold both versions next to each other you only notice well how big the differences actually are. That's exactly what a Really good remake features: the preservation of good elements and improvements that don't stand out.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Forspoken has a good foundation, but is a mess in execution due to a horrible protaganist, dull combat and technical problems. While there is enough to do in this pretty-looking open world it amounts to very little and so does the story.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
One piece Odyssey celebrates 25 years of the anime by providing a game with gameplay that is at times just as old. The turnbased fights have some interesting new elements, but outside the fights a lot feels oldfashioned. Quests lack a sense of progress, no fast travel during quests and the use of savepoints make this game feel like it hasn't progressed beyond a few decades ago. Fortunately, the anime itself is brilliant and makes you eager to go watch it right after you close the game.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a fine remaster for those wanting to experience the story of Zack Fair before Rebirth comes out. This is however a by the books remaster including all of the cringeworthy dialogue and stiff animations. The new additions and graphical upgrades are really good, but don't expect this to be on the same level as 2020's FFVII Remake.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
With a distinct and interesting artstyle, which mixes a realistic car and city with streetart cartoon drawings for special effects, NFS Unbound definitely sets itself apart from the rest. The game sports a Souls-like mechanism of risk vs reward and a day-night cycle that work, but also hinders progress through the storyline. the races are fun and the many collectibles are well integrated. The near-mandatory police chases quickly become a nuisance and we wouldn't mind if those didn't make a return.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the 40K-version of the Vermintide games and Fatshark delivers again a fantastic co-op experience. The combat feels visceral and meaty and is a true upgrade compared to the former games. There are however a lot less classes, even though they all feel unique. Some features are clearly removed during production, so hopefully they will get added next to more classes. Fatshark has already released some updates, so the future is looking bright for Darktide.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Sonic Frontiers is a bold new move for our favourite hedgehog. The open worlds give a sense of freedom and there is a lot to do. Unfortunately the most of it is the mandatory collecting of a lot of stuff to progress through the game. The controls feel good, but at higher speeds they won't always work and the camera is a total disaster. This makes the game way less enjoyable than it should be.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
This game is absolutely a surprise this year! It combines puzzling elements with horror and the atmosphere is getting more and more dark. It's a short title but definitely fun to play.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
This edition is supposed to be a fresh new start to the longrunning series, but stumbles at the get-go. Longrunning features like the Dancefloor are missing as are most of the songs of the new Just Dance+, which only contains about 25% of the old Unlimited. The core mechanics of the dances is still there as are a some 40+ new songs to dance to, as well as a new menu that needs some getting used to but ultimately makes life easier. A not-so-fresh start then, but it might be a good set-up for the future.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
This game is so much fun for almost everybody. It looks great and is nice to play. You would enjoy this much as you love Mario Kart games.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
After 30 years the game proves to be relevant still. Of course with a few tweaks like better graphics and a completely overhauled menu to make the game feel more inviting and balanced. There even is a new gameplay element added to it! It is not the perfect remake, but one you should try!
Review in Dutch | Read full review
The Callisto Protocol clearly gets its inspiration from the older Dead Space games, thanks to co-creator Glenn Schofield being the director on the game. The survival-horror action is being presented very convincing here, with nice visuals and thrilling audio design. Sadly the gameplay is more of mixed bag, with a lot of ups and downs. Whilst not being perfect, Callisto Protocol nonetheless is a fun ride that every survival-horror fan should at least put on their radar.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Marvel's Midnight Suns is an okay game but could've been a lot better. The game is filled with boring tasks and side missions and the main character doesn't have much of a personality or many emotions. The game would've been a lot better if the developers didn't include all the RPG aspects. However, Firaxis is clearly still great at making strategy games, because the strategic missions are the best part of this game. The storyline is great and It's cool to see the other heroes together.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Evil West is a game like Shadow Warrior 2, but with less flair. The game let's you enjoy co-op action with up to two players, killing vampires and other meanies. But is misses something to make it memorable or even more dan an in between. Still, if you like crazy games that let you beat vampires into pulp, this is a good suggestion for the budget bin.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet takes the next step for the franchise thanks to the lush open world. Even the new Terastallizing mechanic is great fun, although it is kinda a reskin of an earlier mechanic. Amazing music and some smart design choises make it a game you can't miss. At least, that is what we would've said if the performance wasn't as bad as it is.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Pentiment plays like a living storybook. You walk, talk and act in a medieval style book that is written as you progress. The game leans heavily on storytelling and its historical background. The game is special in a good way. It's not for everyone, but if you're remotely interested in this turbulent times or a good murder mystery, you should really try this one out.
Review in Dutch | Read full review