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Split Fiction is another prime example of how Hazelight Studios is revolutionizing the co-op genre. With a captivating story, innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visual design, the game sets new standards for cooperative experiences. Despite minor weaknesses in narrative structure and playtime, Split Fiction is an absolute must-play for fans of co-op games and those looking for a deep, emotional experience.

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With Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land, the Japanese company Gust opens the next chapter in their long-running JRPG series. The game scores points with its great exploration gameplay, which lets us enjoy exploring the large and atmospherically designed game world. Thanks to our heroine's swift movement options, there is hardly an obstacle that cannot be overcome unless the game forces us to wait. The fantastic world is supported by the sometimes beautiful graphics including dynamic day/night changes and the atmospheric soundtrack, even if only Japanese voice output is available. Both the combat and alchemy systems are accessible in principle, but with considerable depth. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land offers something for every player thanks to four difficulty levels that can be changed at any time. This means that hardcore JRPG enthusiasts and casual gamers are equally well catered for. Also worth mentioning is the great building system, which allows us to create our own outposts relatively quickly and easily. As we are constantly finding new blueprints and resources in the world, this option in particular motivates us to continue exploring the game world. Unfortunately, however, the otherwise successful game falls short in the area of story. The main story takes a long time to tell and, especially at the beginning of the game, seems unnecessarily tedious. The numerous side quests are also hardly convincing, as they are just generic standard fare with collecting or combat tasks. There could definitely have been more in this area. Of course, this sounds very negative. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun with Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Dreamed Land, which for me was mainly due to the great exploration premise and the building mode. For a second part of a possible trilogy, however, I would primarily like to see a somewhat better story.

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The Sims 4 From Hobby to Business has some strengths, but also a few weaknesses. The new objects and skills as well as the extensive tattoo design are definitely a big plus of the set, just like the beautiful and atmospheric neighborhood and the almost limitless freedom when it comes to your own small business. On the other hand, you have to make sacrifices elsewhere. The terminals with which the Sims pay for entry to a store didn't really convince me, as they take away the individuality of the stores. The old weaknesses also remain. For example, there are once again far too few plots of land available for building and the Nordhaven neighborhood remains scenic despite its great design. On the other hand, the furniture, clothing and accessories, which are very well done with their details, impressed me across the board. It's also nice that our Sims can teach and give lectures themselves.

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Assassin's Creed Shadows is exactly the masterpiece the series needed. Here, a beautiful and extremely atmospheric game world merges with a beautifully realized emotional story and a very successful combat system with two focal points. The decision to have two different protagonists, who represent different approaches to the Assassin series and largely leave it up to us to decide how to proceed in the end, is really good for the familiar storyline. Both heroes are also beautifully drawn and play really individually. There is also a respectful approach to nature and Japanese culture, as well as a vibrant environment that feels like Assassin's Creed, but isn't so packed with activities that it overwhelms us. There's not much that the developers could have done better, so slight inaccuracies in the course and riding and the somewhat wooden faces in the in-game presentation are the highest of feelings. As a fan of the first hour, who has experienced all the highs and lows of the franchise, I am in any case completely thrilled with this beautiful Japanese spin-off, which has been realized with the utmost love and care and leaves nothing to be desired for me. Assassin's Creed Shadows even achieves what I always thought was impossible: it surpasses the almost unattainable pirate classic Black Flag and, for me, ranks right at the top of the Assassin's adventure list.

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MLB The Show 25 is a visually impressive baseball simulation with accessible gameplay and a high degree of realism, which has been further enhanced by numerous optimizations. The technical implementation impresses with detailed animations, authentic stadiums and an all-round successful, atmospheric presentation. Particularly noteworthy is the Road to the Show mode with its high school and college approach, which differs from the extensive Franchise mode primarily due to its story-driven production. However, the lack of soundtracks for the sequences is a little annoying here and the heavily menu-heavy sequences in the franchise are also not entirely inspiring. The real highlights, on the other hand, are the immersive controls, which have been optimized in some places and were easy to understand and implement at all times, even for baseball newcomers like me, as well as the extensive customization options with control mechanics for every taste. For baseball fans and sports game lovers, the game offers a successful mix of authenticity and entertainment combined with extremely high-quality visuals on the current generation of consoles.

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I never really warmed to its predecessor, Two Point Campus, and was delighted that the gameplay and humor are so much better suited to Two Point Museum. Even though the title is not very challenging in terms of strategy and management, you never get bored, as the combination of expedition and museum construction goes really well together and offers a lot of variety with the different art facilities. I also really liked the freedom to build and decorate, as well as the loving and funny portrayal of the museum visitors. Two Point County can go on like this.

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Monster Hunter Wilds brings a breath of fresh air to the Monster Hunter universe. The game stays true to the formula, but introduces exciting new ideas and mechanics that deepen and expand the gameplay experience. In particular, the open world and dynamic ecosystem bring a new excitement to hunts, while the expanded team interactions add depth to battles. With its many quality-of-life features, it allows new players a good introduction to the series without robbing the series of its core mechanics. However, there are also a few stumbling blocks. The open world can sometimes feel a little too empty if players are not familiar with the new mechanics. And performance is currently the biggest point of criticism. Nevertheless, Monster Hunter Wilds is a successful evolution of the series that will captivate old fans and newcomers alike. Anyone who loves hunting is guaranteed to have fun with this new chapter.

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Wild River Games once again demonstrates its talent for bringing Schleich toys to the virtual world. Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall impresses with charming dialogues and a humorous narrator, adding personality to the otherwise generic characters and cliché-driven plot. The graphics and sound effectively capture the essence of the license. The simple and easily accessible combat system provides quick success moments, while the 20 playable creatures and the motivating trophy system add surprising tactical depth. However, the game eventually suffers from a lack of variety and limited attack options for each unit. For newcomers to turn-based strategy games and fans of the toy series, Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall is still a solid recommendation. A potential sequel could benefit from a Skirmish and PvP mode to enhance replay value. Despite initial skepticism, the game’s charming presentation and engaging mechanics turned it into an unexpected highlight of 2025.

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Sugardew Island does a lot of things right: it offers some clever convenience features, charming graphics and a relaxed atmosphere. But despite these strengths, the game lacks long-term motivation. The sales system drags on unnecessarily, there are hardly any side activities, and the technical quirks disrupt the flow of the game in some places. The basic idea is nice, but the gameplay simply doesn't offer enough in the long run. Those looking for a purely farming-focused experience may be happy here - everyone else will long for more variety after a short time.

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With its great pirate flair, its great main characters, its impressive graphical backdrop and its sometimes very humorous, sometimes really touching story, the title managed to win me over from the very first second. With the exception of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, no other game has managed to pack the pirate theme into a story so well and also hit the mark on an emotional level. Pirate Yakuza may not win any innovation awards for its combat system, but the fast-paced, beat-em-up-style brawls are still a lot of fun and bring the Yakuza feeling to Hawaii.

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With Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, three more classics from video game history have been given an attractive face-lift. The graphical implementation scores well and the modern controls make it easier for us to plunge into Lara's adventurer once again. However, if you want to play old-school, you can also opt for the tank controls and graphics of the original. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a budding archaeologist, the remastered version is highly recommended to everyone, especially because of the unbelievably fantastic locations and the dense atmosphere with its unique selling point. Nevertheless, you have to get used to the somewhat fiddly controls and dusty gameplay. From today's perspective, the typical macho slogans from the 2000s are of course a little too much of a good thing and Angel of Darkness is not really convincing in the remastered version either.

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Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles is basically fun, there's no question about that. If you get into the retro gaming experience from the early days of 3D action games, you can definitely have an entertaining time with the game. It gets even better in two-player couch co-op, especially in connection with the cheats, which provide visual changes and thus a smile or two. However, the game wasn't completely problem-free 25 years ago, and unfortunately nothing has changed at all. Collision queries are not calculated correctly, numerous clipping errors spoil the gaming experience and the fiddly jump sections often prevent smooth progress through the game. In two-player mode, the camera control also often gets in the way when it suddenly switches unfavorably during a jump or causes characters to simply fall out of the picture. If we look at the improvements to the new release by Aspyr, the only thing that stands out apart from the revised graphics textures is the scope, as the game provides all content such as unlockable levels or characters right from the start of the game. Otherwise, the game is exactly the same as it was a quarter of a century ago, with all the problems it had back then. This means that Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles is definitely good for a fun round, but unfortunately not for much more.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is more than just a remake - it is a reinterpretation of a classic that catapults the legacy of FF7 into the modern age. The already emotional story of the original is expanded here with even deeper characters and unexpected twists. The gameplay, which was already excellent in the remake, has been refined in some places and expanded to include the gigantic exploration section. In the areas of video and audio, a PC game can always score points with the right hardware. But even without the latest components, the world of Gaia looks simply wonderful. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, you can expect an epic adventure that redefines the genre and sets the bar for future remakes. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is undoubtedly a must-have for all fans of the franchise - a successful balancing act between nostalgia and forward-looking gameplay that will most likely exceed expectations. With all the bombastic new features, I'm already curious to see whether the final part of the remake trilogy will be able to top it.

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Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC is more than just a port - it's an enhanced experience that redefines the boundaries of the superhero genre. The compelling story, dynamic gameplay mechanics and technical brilliance merge to create an unforgettable adventure. The differences between the two Spider-Man characters are portrayed very well and at times dramatically. Each must face his own demons and yet the two act as a team. For gamers who want to exploit the full potential of modern hardware, the PC version is the ultimate choice. More options, customizable keybindings, better performance and significant graphic enhancements (with the right hardware) speak for themselves. So if you are ready to immerse yourself in the dizzying heights and dark depths of New York City, you will find a game that is second to none.

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The Sims still has its own charm today, especially because of very special locations such as the City of Magic and a great soundtrack. The nostalgia could have been so beautiful, but unfortunately the game still struggles with major technical problems, so that testing it was a real test of patience because it kept crashing. At this point, unfortunately, we cannot in good conscience make a clear recommendation to buy the game. The Sims 2, on the other hand, runs flawlessly and is still fun to play with its many great options. The campus and the vacation destinations in particular are really great here and make you want to unpack part 2 of The Sims again. All in all, I was very happy about the trip into the past and I really hope that the technology will also play along soon so that you can really enjoy the retro gaming evening.

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With Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Warhorse has delivered a true sequel, just as you would wish for. The role-playing game retains everything that was good about its predecessor, and there really was a lot, from the authentic medieval atmosphere and the fantastic open world to the gripping story and the challenging, realistic gameplay. All these aspects have been minimally adapted at most, so that anyone who knows the predecessor will immediately feel at home. In addition, KCD 2 has also improved essential things and expanded on the excellent basic structure of part 1, be it the breathtaking graphics at next-gen level, the pleasantly short loading times, the noticeably more versatile characters or the facial animations, which have been improved many times over. In addition, a lively environment, an atmospheric soundtrack and remarkably good dubbing round off this first highlight of the year. Only those who value highly guided, very accessible and easy-to-master gameplay, rapid progress and a fast narrative pace should seriously consider a purchase, as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II challenges us on many levels and demands patience. In addition, the still somewhat chaotic menu navigation in the inventory and the sometimes blatant brutality are also points that could bother one or the other type of player. But if you can get into it, you certainly won't go wrong with this medieval epic.

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Threefold Recital is an extraordinary game - but definitely not for everyone. Those who can engage with a deep story with philosophical undertones, complex characters and calm but creative gameplay will enjoy a captivating experience. However, those expecting action-packed battles or rapid progression may quickly become frustrated. The world of Bluescales is breathtaking, the puzzles challenging and the story full of intrigue. At the same time, the game requires a high willingness to read and patience for its leisurely narrative style.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still an excellent platformer with varied levels, challenging gameplay and a great co-op mode. If you don't know the original, this is a real highlight with many hours of fun. However, anyone who has already played the Wii or 3DS version should ask themselves whether the HD upgrade alone justifies a repeat purchase - especially in view of the steep price. With this new edition, Nintendo delivers a technically solid, but not perfect version of an already great game. The level design, the variety and the demanding challenges make it a timeless classic. At the same time, the feeling remains that more could have been possible. An upgrade to the more modern gameplay of Tropical Freeze or an overhaul of the visual weaknesses would have made the new edition even more valuable. Those who love the original or have not yet played it will still have a lot of fun with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. For everyone else, it remains a question of price: Are you willing to pay full price again for a slightly improved version of a 15-year-old game?

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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle convinces both fans of the film series and newcomers with a gripping adventure based on the classic Indiana Jones flair. The mixture of action-packed combat, clever puzzles and atmospheric stealth elements makes for an entertaining and varied experience. The decision to play the game from a first-person perspective in particular promotes immersion and allows the player to delve even deeper into the world of the archaeologist. The graphical implementation provides coherent visual impressions, even if the high performance of the engine is dependent on powerful hardware and technical problems such as the fluctuating frame rate can spoil the enjoyment of the game. The sound design and background music from the well-known films also provide a successful atmosphere that skillfully captures the Indiana Jones feeling. Nevertheless, it is above all the charming details that make the game stand out - from the interactive dialogues to the humorous cutscenes and the lovingly designed locations. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an entertaining adventure that is both in the tradition of the films and integrates modern gameplay elements. A must-have for explorers and Indiana Jones fans, even if minor technical flaws tarnish the overall impression somewhat.

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Dog Man: Mission Impawsible is a charming game that perfectly captures the essence of the book series. With its humorous style, varied level design and lovable characters, it is aimed primarily at fans of the comics and younger players. However, adults looking for an easily accessible and entertaining adventure will also find what they are looking for here. Despite minor weaknesses - such as the occasional camera problems, the somewhat simple story or the sluggishness of the movements - the game impresses with its fresh approach and lovingly designed comic style.

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