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Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition clearly shows its arcade origins at every turn. This applies to its high accessibility, the brutally fast and consistently smooth racing action, and the ludicrous environmental interactions, which are especially fun to watch. But it also applies to the very limited scope of just eight vehicles and six tracks. What works in the arcade doesn't quite work at home, unfortunately. Without unlockable content, there's simply no long-term motivation. After completing all the tracks three times, you've pretty much seen everything there is to see. And due to the absolutely absurd rubber band effect, the focus of all races is only on the last fifteen seconds, the correct use of the boost, and a little bit of luck. On the other hand, the game scores points with its local multiplayer mode, where I actually had some really entertaining sessions with my wife. Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is good for a quick round in between, but it misses the chance to make a big impression outside the arcade.

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With NASCAR 25, iRacing makes a remarkable console debut, scoring points above all thanks to its extensive license package with four racing classes. The US stock car sport is presented very well and atmospherically, and the career mode alone provides plenty of long-term motivation. Another positive aspect is the numerous settings options, which cater to both rookies and advanced players alike. On the negative side, the somewhat dreary graphics, including avoidable frame rate drops and clearly visible, unsightly pop-ups on the AI vehicles, are worth mentioning. Nevertheless, NASCAR 25 ranks quite high among licensed racing games. In any case, I had a lot of fun with the game and am definitely looking forward to a sequel, as well as the numerous other titles that iRacing has in the pipeline for us console gamers.

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Plants vs. Zombies Replanted is an excellent opportunity to catch up on the cult game or indulge in nostalgia. With its unique charm and simple but addictive gameplay, the epic duel between the undead and greenery is still compelling today. The colorful comic graphics in HD are also perfect for the Switch 2, but compared to the original, they're not a huge revelation. The water, for example, looks quite washed out. The Replanted version also adds some nice extras to the original game and lets us play together or against each other on the Switch with two Joy Cons, the former even within the campaign. The whole thing is a lot of fun, but it doesn't always feel like it's been thought through 100%, as it can get a bit chaotic and confusing. Replanted also introduces a permadeath mode after completing the campaign, as well as a new weather condition, Cloudy Day, which moves between day and night – both useful additions for those who already know the game and want new aspects. All in all, the re-released debut of the Plants vs. Zombies series really won us over and proved once again that there are simply some games that are just as much fun now as they were years ago.

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Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is not a game that sets new standards. But it is one that impresses with its craftsmanship, clear sense of style, and palpable attention to detail. It takes familiar mechanics from classic action games and combines them with modern technology and a well-designed combat system. The result is a game that keeps you hooked for long periods of time. The heart of the game is clearly the combat system. It is challenging, precise, and rewards players who are willing to get into its rhythm. Parries, dodges, and attacks mesh cleanly, creating a satisfying gameplay experience even after hours of play. Those who enjoy direct, tactical close combat will find plenty to enjoy here. The story, on the other hand, remains rather superficial. It provides the necessary framework without really setting any accents. Characters and dialogues remain vague, but the game knows that its strength lies elsewhere, namely in atmosphere, style, and mechanics. Visually, Shinobi impresses with its clear aesthetics. The hand-drawn environments, combined with subtle effects, create a unique, almost calm mood that fits the setting well. It's clear that a lot of work has gone into the small details. The bottom line is that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a solid, well-rounded action game that knows its roots and uses them to form something of its own. It's an example of how coherent game design, clear mechanics, and visual consistency can come together to create a compelling overall picture.

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With Jurassic World Evolution 3, the series delivers the perfect evolution of itself. Where the second installment failed by trying to do too much and thinking too big, part 3 delivers exactly what I, as a Jurassic Park fan, have always wanted: a near-perfect simulation that lets me create the park of my dreams. JE3 takes the already great framework of part 1 as its basis and expands it with numerous useful options. Whether it's the grandiose landscaping tool, the detailed customization mode for buildings, or the optimized and simplified controls and menu navigation in many places, Evolution 3 tweaks all the important aspects. The island generator, which allows us to turn an entire island into a park and customize it to our liking, is particularly impressive. The implementation of young animals and the associated possibility of natural breeding is also really great. Combined with the possibilities for DNA modification, this creates the perfect Jurassic Park feeling, because life always finds a way. The selection of game modes is also impressive, from the appealingly staged tutorial-style campaign to the sandbox with almost limitless freedom to the exciting challenge mode with unusual scenarios. Visually and in terms of atmosphere, there is nothing to complain about in Jurassic World Evolution 3, so we can expect an almost perfect dinosaur adventure overall.

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Pokémon Legends Z-A takes up the mindset of its predecessor Arceus and interprets the familiar Pokémon gameplay a little differently. Instead of collecting badges, we increase our rank by battling other trainers in order to gradually rise to become the best Pokémon trainer. We also follow various main and side quests and different challenges instead of wandering more or less aimlessly from arena to arena. The open game world, which consists of an atmospherically designed city, invites us to explore and offers us not only different districts but also so-called wild sectors for catching wild Pokémon. The environment is surprisingly lively in the central locations and impresses with its successful atmosphere – in the more remote areas, however, it looks much gloomier. At the heart of the game, however, is the new real-time battle system, which leaves the turn-based battles of the past behind and puts us, as trainers, right in the middle of the action, both when battling other trainers and when catching Pokémon. We really liked the new battle system, because it finally brings more action to the familiar gameplay and thus also a much-needed breath of fresh air – especially in combination with the Mega Evolutions. The Pokémon series could also really use this breath of fresh air in terms of its graphical presentation – but Legends Z-A can't really deliver on that front. Although the game world is really impressive with its great atmosphere and its remarkable day and night cycle, if you take a closer look, flat and blurry textures, flat windows without reflections, and rather sporadic movement of vegetation, hair, and clothing are somewhat disappointing. The power of the new Switch could definitely have been put to better use here. In terms of gameplay, however, Pokémon Legends Z-A was really fun and gives us hope that the main series might also get a facelift in the near future.

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With Train Sim World 6, Dovetail Games delivers a consistent further development of its well-known train simulation. The new route packs offer plenty of variety and a successful mix of long-distance, local, and freight transport in the USA, Great Britain, and Germany. The improved atmosphere is particularly noticeable, benefiting from the new train announcements and the noticeably more sophisticated sound system. In terms of gameplay, much remains the same, but is complemented by useful small features such as random disruptions and new locomotive types. Technically, however, there are some downsides: performance issues, bugs, and enormous memory requirements cloud the overall picture. But if you enjoy the new routes, it's still worth getting. And for those who can't quite make up their minds, it might be worth taking a look at the training center.

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After the last two installments in the series, Battlefield V and Battlefield 2042, failed to impress me for various reasons, Battlefield 6 returns to the series' greatest strengths. Even though its origins lie in World War II, it has always been the modern era that the series has mastered best, and this is also the case with BF 6. The campaign is an aspect that I sorely missed in the predecessor, and even the war stories of BF 1 and BF V couldn't really replace a full-fledged story for me. So it's nice that the latest installment finally brings back an elaborately staged story, which may not be the most innovative, but scores points with bombast, emotion, and great sequences. Aside from the campaign, BF 6 offers us a successful selection of maps for multiplayer, from compact maps like Empire State to really large areas like Mirak Valley. I particularly liked the US maps and Gibraltar, as well as the spectacular oil refinery. However, I found it a bit of a shame that several of the nine locations were duplicated. In terms of modes, Battlefield 6 combines classics such as Conquest with popular game variants from the recent past such as Breakthrough and Rush. In addition, there is a new mode called Escalation, which is well worth seeing and plays like a more modern version of Conquest with Battle Royale influences. The fact that Battlefield 6 has also managed to return to the classic class system while introducing useful innovations such as free weapon selection rounds off the gaming experience and makes it one of the best Battlefields in the entire series for me.

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Hell is Us is a game that doesn't try to appeal to everyone. No map, no quest markers, no help systems – anyone who plays this game has to be prepared to get involved. And that's exactly what makes it so appealing: we stumble, wander around, doubt our decisions, and feel more drawn into this mysterious, torn world as a result. The story relies on hints rather than clear answers, sometimes seeming almost brittle, but that's what makes it intriguing. I have to say, though, that I found the first few hours of gameplay difficult in terms of narrative. Until about the second hour, I had trouble really getting into the story because I lacked context. Only gradually did the game grab me, as the fragments began to fit together more clearly. The gameplay, on the other hand, impresses with a powerful combat system that forces us to use weapons selectively, manage resources wisely, and understand the Lymbic system with its glyphs. Those who get involved will discover depth and tactical diversity, even if the whole thing can seem overwhelming at first. The game's greatest strength is its atmosphere: the mixture of silence, strangeness, and subtle menace creates a mood that is not easily forgotten. Whether we are following a baby's cry into a menacing basement or simply roaming through deserted landscapes, Hell is Us knows how to give us goosebumps. Of course, there are also weaknesses: technically, the game is solid, but not outstanding. Textures, animations, and depth of detail cannot compete with the big names. The narrative restraint will not convince every player either – those who expect a clear story with lots of cutscenes will be rather disappointed. In the end, Hell is Us remains a bold experiment: an adventure that deliberately eschews convention and forces us to really look, listen, and question. For players who embark on this journey, an intense experience awaits that will not be easily forgotten.

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Like its predecessor, Ghost of Yōtei captivates with breathtaking depictions of nature, an outstanding soundtrack, and a combat system that is thoroughly enjoyable thanks to its speed. The unique and melancholic poetry ensures that we immerse ourselves in the world and want to explore every corner of Ezo. In many places, Yōtei feels like returning to one of your favorite games as you gallop on horseback with birds fluttering and leaves dancing around you. The title doesn't reinvent the series and is very similar to its predecessor, but Ghost of Yōtei offers everything I loved about Ghost of Tsushima. The classic revenge story isn't the most complex, but I found the immersion in Atsu's past and the strong focus on the masks of our adversaries very successful. I was also impressed by the good use of the DualSense, which provides many small details with its motion control. In short: If you loved Ghost of Tsushima and don't mind returning to a very similar setting, then Ghost of Yōtei is also a must-play.

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FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is not a new game, but a lovingly crafted re-release of a milestone in tactical RPG history. With numerous improvements and convenience features, you no longer need to be nostalgic to enjoy the origins of the Final Fantasy sub-series. The story has lost none of its power, and the gameplay still impresses with its depth and sophistication. The visual improvements look good, but are subtle enough not to change the style. Nevertheless, it must be said that, despite all the changes, the gameplay still has certain quirks that you have to like. For me personally, it is less accessible than other tactical games, as too many small details can have unpredictable consequences. Connoisseurs will find their way around immediately, and newcomers will find a gentler introduction to this tactical legend thanks to the revisions.

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With Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian, Koei Tecmo Games and Gust are returning somewhat to the roots of the series, offering a pleasant, cozy gaming experience that focuses on likable characters, colorful presentation, an offensive turn-based combat system, and exploration of the game world. Particularly noteworthy are the very beginner-friendly alchemy system and the expansion of the general store, which goes hand in hand with the upgrade of the city. On the downside, the story gets off to a slow (but somehow typical) start, and there are some minor technical issues in the form of stuttering. The collision detection within the game world could also use a little work. Personally, I liked the darker approach of Atelier Yumia a little better, as I felt that Atelier Resleriana: somehow lacked a common thread apart from the village expansion. However, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a pleasant, cozy JRPG that definitely makes for relaxing evenings exploring the game world.

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Agatha Christie has created works that I like so much that she is my favorite author. The film adaptation of her novel Death on the Nile, starring Sir Peter Ustinov, is still my absolute favorite movie. I also really liked the combination of traditional and modern elements in the previous title, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express, which is why I immediately wanted to see Death on the Nile adapted as the follow-up title. Now that this wish has been granted, I have been incredibly excited since the first trailer was released (my husband will certainly confirm this). Naturally, my expectations for Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile were correspondingly high. Microids Studio Lyon did not disappoint me in any way. Once again, the developers have skillfully expanded the traditional story with creative, more modern elements. There is classic content from the original novel that is recognizable, but also completely new plots that do not appear in the original at all or are only touched upon. In Jane Royce, Hercule Poirot once again has a capable co-detective at his side, whose sections provide a welcome change of pace with a slightly more action-packed approach and are also very exciting. Due to the split, the focus on the events directly surrounding Linnet is initially less pronounced than one might be accustomed to from the novel or the film adaptations, until the two storylines ultimately come together nicely. The colorful 1970s setting continues to set it apart from other adaptations and is beautifully integrated into the narrative. The characters, once again designed in a somewhat comic-like style, carry the story credibly, but some of them have minor weaknesses in the animations. The environment, on the other hand, shines with beautiful panoramas and appropriate, varied scenery, even if some of the details repeat themselves when you look closely. As befits a detective game, the puzzles, which are the focus of the game, are not too easy, but also not too difficult to cause complete despair, and are definitely fun. Furthermore, the museum offers a nice feature to make you even more motivated to tackle collection tasks. All in all, Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile presents itself very well and delivers a really nice implementation, just as I had hoped.

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In our test, Formula Legends impresses primarily with its great scope, beautifully implemented races, catchy gameplay, and, of course, its successful unlocking mechanics. The seven decades of F1 depicted are played out on a total of 14 tracks, with different variants often available. In terms of scope and atmosphere, developer 3DClouds is second to none. So, is everything set for the world championship title? Unfortunately not quite, as some technical issues and the lackluster background music detract from the overall picture. In particular, the slight stuttering during racing and the noticeable reloading of textures when the weather changes are immediately noticeable and prevent what seemed like a sure place on the podium. With a little tweaking, however, I can definitely recommend Formula Legends to both F1 fans and arcade-loving racing enthusiasts.

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In principle, Rally Arcade Classics does a lot of things right. It offers crisp rally action on short stages, which are also very atmospheric. The “just one more stage” effect quickly sets in. Racing through the stages in numerous cars from various decades of rally history is a lot of fun. On paper, the scope of the game alone is impressive, with 420 individual tour race events in four different locations. Additional game modes such as Arcade and Rally also provide entertainment. After the exorbitantly high prices for the vehicles in the game were significantly reduced via a patch, the game progress is very pleasant. Ultimately, the biggest drawback is the number of countries we travel through. Even though all four areas are beautifully designed, they become repetitive relatively quickly as the game progresses. We would like to see a little more variety here, preferably in the form of additional countries being added later. Nevertheless, Rally Arcade Classics definitely stands up to comparison with art of rally or the rally mode in Super Woden GP II – on the contrary. As the debut work of the small Spanish development team NETK2GAMES, I can only say: hats off and keep up the good work!

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Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + The Star Fragment World is more than just a spruced-up remaster. It's a successful blend of technical rejuvenation and genuine new content that will lure even veterans back to the console. The basic framework remains unchanged: an accessible, charming adventure full of cute animations, clever abilities, and fun boss battles. But the Star Fragment World makes all the difference. It expands the gameplay with new level structures, collection mechanics, and challenging enemies, ensuring that the trip feels like a real upgrade rather than a simple reunion. The performance on the Switch 2 is flawless, the soundtrack is still a treat for the ears, and the mixture of childlike lightness and adventurous excitement remains fresh even after hours of play. Sure, there are a few points of criticism: the co-op mode could have been expanded more boldly, and the story remains typically simple for Kirby. But let's be honest: if you're looking for Shakespeare in a pink dumpling, you're playing the wrong game anyway. The end result is an adventure that appeals to fans and newcomers alike. Kirby remains the walking bundle of good cheer, and on the Switch 2, he shines brighter than ever before.

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Dying Light: The Beast is the title with which Techland makes up for much of what didn't work in its direct predecessor. Instead of getting lost in experimental ideas, the game focuses on its strengths: a dynamic parkour system that conveys a real sense of flow, intense close combat with tactical demands, and a game world that impresses with its density and atmosphere. The Beast mode in particular stands out as a gameplay and narrative enhancement. What might seem like a power fantasy gimmick on paper turns out to be a cleverly balanced element that creates new dynamics and at the same time complements the existing gameplay in a meaningful way. Although the world is no longer as high as in part 1 and the gameplay focus is more on horizontal exploration, this hardly has a negative impact. On the contrary, the reduction to more compact structures ensures better level design and less idle time. In terms of technology, structure, and narrative, Dying Light: The Beast is also superior to the “official” second part. The story remains compact, credible, and embedded in the environment without getting lost in meaningful monologues. At the same time, the crafting system offers depth without seeming overloaded. And if you want, you can spend hours in the world without ever feeling like you're being artificially held back. Dying Light: The Beast is not a complete reboot, but it is a liberating step back to the essentials – and thus exactly what fans have been wanting for years.

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Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a little love letter to fan culture – colorful, playful, and astonishingly detailed. Those who indulge in the dominant visual novel element will find a charming blend of storytelling, creative self-realization, and easy management. The mechanics surrounding fanzines, conventions, and merchandise are motivating, even if they serve more as a spice and don't reach the depth of classic business simulations. Technically, there's little to complain about: The look is coherent, the music underscores the feel-good setting, and the countless collectible and decorative elements invite experimentation. Weaknesses like the bumpy translation and the sometimes lengthy VN passages should be taken into account, but they don't take away the game's soul. The end result is a title aimed primarily at players who enjoy immersing themselves in fandom worlds, being creative, and expanding their little virtual fan existence. Anyone who wants to crunch hard numbers and fill out Excel spreadsheets is out of place here. However, anyone who enjoys sweetening their digital life with pins, fanzines, and blogs should feel perfectly at home.

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It's super tricky to rate Silent Hill f because its strengths and weaknesses are so far apart. If we only had to rate the atmosphere, it would definitely be at the top of our list because what this horror game does with its graphics and, above all, its sound effects is pretty awesome. The intense mood that greets us as we search the abandoned environment, but especially in the presence of the monsters, which we try to avoid if possible, is brilliantly implemented. If we are discovered, the mood escalates immeasurably, in a good way. It makes us break out in a sweat when we explore the upper floor of a house while one of the bizarre creatures is up to mischief on the ground floor. The game also plays nicely with our expectations, as we are virtually on constant alert, bracing ourselves for a jump scare, which, however, is quite rare and occurs in far more unexpected places. Nevertheless, we are constantly on edge, which is perfect for a game of this kind. The visual implementation of the atmospheric locations, the bizarre monsters, and the haunting parallel world is also excellently done. The characters and their emotions are also well captured, but the story itself never really appealed to me, as its strong focus on Japanese folklore is a little too far removed from my personal experience. I could live with that, though, because the Silent Hill feeling is definitely there. The combat system is where things get difficult for me. Instead of a similar beat-'em-up gameplay as in the remake of part 2, the developers opted for a completely undynamic, clunky, and imprecise Souls-like offshoot, which I found frustrating throughout. In addition to the strange, exaggerated animations, it was mainly the constantly empty stamina and imprecise controls that drove me to the brink of madness time and time again. Even for someone like me, who has no interest in Souls-like games, the story mode was too tough in the fights. The puzzles, another typical Silent Hill element, weren't exactly groundbreaking, but they were well implemented overall and a fitting addition to the rest of the game. All in all, Silent Hill hits the nail on the head in terms of atmosphere, but the combat system, which takes some getting used to, spoils the fun for me in many places. In the end, this leaves us with a mid-range rating for a game that definitely had more potential.

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Borderlands 4 was awaited with excitement and skepticism, but it has the potential to be the best installment in the series to date. The new and changed aspects bring a breath of fresh air to the already traditional series. Good aspects have been retained, while weaknesses and points of criticism have been changed. First and foremost, of course, is the structure and presentation of the game world. The open areas are much more inviting to explore. This means you'll find unexpected things more often or get into absurd situations or firefights. It's also worth teaming up with friends and using the (slightly modified) co-op mode. The combat is even more dynamic and therefore more fun thanks to dozens of different skills, weapon modes, and (completely random) explosive barrels lying around everywhere that can be thrown. The weapons once again have serious distinguishing features and random modifications, which fuels the search for the (personally) perfect setup. Of course, we also have to mention the performance, which was rather mediocre, especially at launch. The minimum hardware requirements for PC are very high and will prevent some people from enjoying the game at all. And even with better hardware, compromises still have to be made. However, the first patches have already improved this. How far this journey will go, however, remains to be seen. I already had the opportunity to see and play Borderlands 4 at Gamescom, and after that, I was finally hyped for the game, which was already a must-have for me anyway. Almost all of my criticisms have been eliminated or at least made irrelevant. In my opinion, this is the best installment in the series, leaving little room for improvement. So if you're into shooters or loot, or even better, loot shooters, you'll have a good time here.

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