Evilgamerz

Diablo IV Lord of Hatred is a significant step forward for Diablo IV. The expansion combines strong new content with thoughtful improvements to existing systems. For players who have faithfully followed the seasons, this feels like the most complete version of the game to date. The campaign is strong, the new classes are interesting, and the systems offer more depth without requiring hours of research. Although there is still room for improvement, particularly on the technical side, the overall impression is very positive. This is the expansion that shows what Diablo IV can be. For new players, this is an excellent entry point, and for existing players, a compelling reason to return. With this, Blizzard has finally laid a solid foundation upon which to build.

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Saros is a fantastic game, but probably not for everyone. The difficulty remains high, even though Housemarque has clearly tried to make it a bit more accessible with shorter runs and permanent upgrades. That certainly helps, but this remains a game that requires patience and perseverance. Moreover, you have to hold out for a while, because the game only really starts doing cool things after the second boss. From that moment on, everything falls into place better: more weapons, more gadgets, more variety in builds, and much more interesting combat. Meanwhile, the story is somewhat stronger and more prominent than in Returnal, but it still won't win any awards, partly because the characters you encounter remain quite one-dimensional. Fortunately, that isn't the most important thing here. Once Saros really gets going, there are few roguelikes that reach the same level. It is a worthy successor to Returnal and, in many ways, even a better game.

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After all these years, 'Pragmata' has become a game that is rock-solid, but not exactly Game of the Year material. The shooting and hacking feel great, and the setting is very interesting. It is a bit of a shame that the overarching story doesn't do much with that and that there is little variety in the bots you have to fight. I sincerely hope that Capcom doesn't forget the franchise, because those two things could be resolved so that a sequel could indeed rank among the absolute top titles.

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Yes, there is a lot of potential in Gecko Gods. With a decent update, this is a game that is very fun and intriguing. Do you like Zelda-style dungeons and riddles? Then I wouldn't hesitate to give this game a try.

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Did the game MOUSE: PI For Hire not disappoint us at all? Actually, no. The game features a unique graphical style that isn't necessarily outstanding due to sharpness or quality, but purely in terms of setting and the lack of color scheme, it really shines. The gameplay feels simply delightful, the mini RPG elements work well, and the various area settings work excellently. Ultimately, the game will start to feel a bit repetitive after about 10 hours, and mowing down opponents is somewhat one-sided, but it never really gets boring either. The game has an incredible amount of content considering the relatively low price; as far as I'm concerned, even a price of 60 Euros would have been very justified. However, this title costs just over half that, making it an unquestionable must-play for every casual shooter enthusiast.

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Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a game with two faces; on the one hand, the game feels unique up until chapter 2, but after that, the complexity and the Vault really kick in, making things a lot harder and less engaging. After chapter 3, I started to feel the rut and began to lean more towards using the included walkthrough, as the investigations and deductions started to bore me. The important Vault, which forms part of the core of the investigations, is, in my opinion, a bit too emphatically and prominently present, and even in exploration mode, finding your way out isn't always straightforward. In terms of atmosphere, the game emphatically sets the mood, especially in the first three chapters, and it excels there. However, it quickly declines after chapter 3, when you are about halfway through the game. With about 10 to 15 hours of gameplay, the game can take up quite a period, but in fact, the game isn't even that big if you knew exactly what to investigate, activate, and follow. Furthermore, the clues are far from always clear, meaning that even with hints, things sometimes remain unclear. Especially in Chapter 3, I found the clues quite muddled and too mixed up, and following 'trails' was also far from effective. All in all, I can conclude that if you are a true investigator, or a persistent puzzler, this will be a very challenging title. But for the slightly more seasoned casual gamer who enjoys a bit of puzzling, action, and some RPG elements, this game falls a bridge too far.

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Starfield on PS5 is without a doubt the best console version of the game to date. Free Lanes makes travel noticeably smoother, X-Tech adds more depth to loot and builds, and base building and shipbuilding also benefit from the extra features. However, Starfield's core problems have not disappeared. The main story remains boring, many quests still feel outdated, the gunplay is fine but standard, the pace is slow, and you still spend a lot of time on loading screens. Free Lanes makes the game better, but not fundamentally different. Unfortunately, Starfield falls short if you are looking for a game to extensively explore space and make optimal use of your spaceship, but otherwise, it is a fine Bethesda game. Nothing more, nothing less.

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Grime II is a solid metroidvania and soulslike that stands out due to a number of creative ideas. In particular, the system surrounding the collection of enemy forms and the unique boss designs manage to impress. At the same time, the basis of the gameplay remains quite traditional, and the whole experience is somewhat hampered by a lack of variety in the environments. The combination of challenging gameplay and a distinct visual style makes it an experience that, despite its shortcomings, is worthwhile. Players willing to adapt to the difficulty level and accept minor frustrations will find a game with plenty of style and cool ideas here.

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Tiny Bookshop is a title that brings two different hobbies together in a strong way. It manages to transform running a bookstore into an accessible and atmospheric experience that feels anything but dusty. The game is accessible while simultaneously offering a surprising amount of depth and content. The criticisms are minor and do little to detract from the overall picture. We are therefore dealing here with a clear recommendation for lovers of cozy games and books. It is even a suitable gift for someone who enjoys reading but does not normally game. Tiny Bookshop proves that a quiet setup and smart gameplay can combine to create an immersive and long-lasting, great experience.

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To conclude, this is a very beautiful and ambitious game that is definitely worth checking out. Even though it still has some areas for improvement, the beautiful graphics and gameplay certainly make it worthwhile to explore the world of Raoah. This is definitely worth considering, even though it is still only in early access.

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Darwin's Paradox is a title with clear highlights, but also with a number of shortcomings. The creative skills, strong level design, and attractive visual style form a solid foundation. Unfortunately, the emphasis on stealth and the associated frustration result in a platforming experience that quickly leans towards trial-and-error. The game visibly struggles with the technical limitations of the Nintendo Switch 2, and that certainly shouldn't be the case. As a result, the game barely manages to keep its head above water, and we would have liked to see things differently.

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Life is Strange: Reunion has moments that work, especially when it revolves around Max and Chloe and the emotion between them. The voice acting and facial animations are strong, and there are more than enough choices to make, allowing for multiple endings. But as a whole, the game too often feels like a safe, nostalgic choice to keep Max and Chloe's fans satisfied. The story isn't always logical, and Max's time power is used inconsistently. It is nice for the fans that these two beloved characters can finally get the ending they deserve, but unfortunately, Reunion fails to impress on all other fronts.

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If you can get used to the controls, this is a reasonably competent platformer. However, I do recommend everyone play the demo first so you can judge for yourself.

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The franchise will likely always receive a mixed reception. The whole concept simply remains a bit strange. Is part two better than its predecessor? For many, the chances are high that it is. If only because the game plays much more pleasantly. The game has Kojima's DNA down to the deepest recesses of the code, and you have to love that. That being said, for people looking for a cinematic game, this is a good choice.

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This game is simply awesome. Of course, there are many roguelike games of this genre on the market, and surely there are other strong titles. But this one absolutely holds its own. The controls, graphics, sound, and gameplay: Everything is really top-notch, ensuring you have the ultimate gaming experience with this game. And you will definitely lose sleep over it before you start playing. So think before you act! For a price of 12.99 euros, this is absolutely highly recommended.

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The 9th Charnel is a game with potential, but it is simply executed way too sloppily. Sometimes, working in a team instead of alone has its downsides. As a result, the game lacks any direction or thought process. The AI ​​has received too little attention, the story is messy, especially towards the end, and the gameplay feels outdated. There is no cohesion between the elements and it looks a bit like a haphazard mess, with attention mainly focused on the cutscenes and the artwork of the main menu, which do look reasonably sharp. Yes, the game gave me quite a scare at times, and the setting isn't all that bad, but the true cult vibe is pretty much ruined by the mediocre execution of the enemies and the other mechanics. With its four hours of gameplay, The 9th Charnel is therefore a game you are better off skipping.

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The intention and concept are sound, but as far as execution is concerned (at least on the Switch), it is seriously substandard. The textures, the chaotic UI, and the unengaging storytelling—it’s just too much of a mess. By the time you finally get to explore by boat, you’ve practically lost all your motivation due to all these thorny shortcomings. So, for a price tag of 24.99 euros (or 19.99 with a discount)? I would wait until a successful update arrives, to see if this game is worth it. Because right now, that is certainly not the case.

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Marathon has a rock-solid core. The gunplay is top-notch and addictive, weapons feel unique, PvP is tough but exciting because of it, and the AI ​​is a real threat rather than filler. Visually and technically, it is also one of the most impressive extraction shooters at the moment. But the package is not yet complete. The UI is frustrating, content is too meager with just three maps, and the endgame is also very limited by being made available only on weekends. The store is too expensive while the cosmetics offer little, and the contract system feels artificially slowed down by the limitation of one active mission, even though matches are long enough to complete multiple objectives. At its core, Bungie has a surprisingly strong extraction shooter with Marathon, but it will still have to work hard to hold players' attention for an extended period.

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Project Songbird really relies on the atmosphere, the sound effects, and a bit on the story. In terms of gameplay, there is something to criticize everywhere, and the puzzles you solve are mostly based on converting numbers and codes into interactions with objects, which I personally found a bit dull. Audiovisually, the game is remarkably strong, and the claustrophobic atmosphere in particular, where you constantly feel like you are not alone, makes the game a true thriller, especially from Act II onwards. Having played for about 6 to 7 hours, the game is coming to a good end, meaning you certainly can't complain about the game's length. Is Project Songbird a must-have then? No, perhaps not quite, but for enthusiasts, the game will undoubtedly live up to its promises. If you enjoy a terrifying adventure that manages to grip you just as effectively without jumpscares, then this is a very good choice.

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MLB The Show 26 is a typical example of an annual sports game building on a strong foundation. Major innovations are absent, but the minor improvements ensure that the experience feels just a bit more refined. The gameplay has become slightly more interactive, the interface is clearer, and the presentation remains of a high standard. This is not the version you want to pick up if you are expecting a big leap. For newcomers, this is still an excellent entry point into the world of baseball games. Experienced players can once again play the game their own way with the most up-to-date players and teams. It is a refinement of an already strong foundation. And while that might sound somewhat predictable, it is simultaneously exactly what you should expect from an annual sports title.

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