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The Edge of Allegoria fulfills the premise that it sets itself wonderfully. It is a clearly recognizable declaration of love to the great titles of the (S)NES and Gameboy era and yet still convinces with enough creative ideas of its own. We only missed a few quality-of-life features, such as a zoomable and uncoverable map, as we have become very accustomed to them nowadays. The occasional getting lost in dungeons and being overwhelmed by monsters also slowed down the flow of the game somewhat. However, there was never any frustration. The mechanics of equipment mastery and the significance of status effects reward constant experimentation. Thanks to these mechanics and the leisurely, nostalgic flow of the game, The Edge of Allegoria won me over and I can recommend it to any fan of classic RPGs.

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In the strong JRPG vintage of 2024, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension could basically be overlooked, especially as it is a re-release from 2021. However, this would be doing the game an injustice, as the role-playing game from former Final Fantasy developers certainly has a lot to offer. First of all, the extremely unique look thanks to the real diorama backgrounds. In particular, the attention to detail in the levels is truly outstanding. As a model-building enthusiast, I can definitely only take my hat off to this! FANTASIAN Neo Dimension can set good accents in the combat system. The ability to influence the trajectory of spells is just as good and useful as the Dimengeon, which makes exploring the game world much more enjoyable and well-rounded thanks to the collection of standard enemies. Fortunately, many extremely annoying random battles are now a thing of the past. The likeable characters, the fun group dynamics and the thoroughly successful story are also among the plus points, even if the latter sometimes loses some of its momentum. However, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension has a problem when it comes to balancing, especially with the tough boss enemies, as well as the incredibly muddy textures when it comes to close-ups. This significantly detracts from what is actually a great and unique look. However, if you are looking for a challenge and are not averse to a somewhat experimental graphical approach, you can definitely put FANTASIAN Neo Dimension on your list.

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Infinity Nikki is an enchanting journey into a world filled with fantasy and color. With its mix of fashionable challenges, open-ended exploration and magical elements, the game offers an experience that is both relaxing and creative. The story starts strong with an engaging opening, but loses some depth as the game progresses. The world of Miraland is beautifully designed and invites us to immerse ourselves in its magic, even if it sometimes lacks interactivity and vivid details. The gameplay shines thanks to the variety of outfits and their creative uses. The magical abilities in particular make for exciting puzzles and varied exploration. However, the constant changing of outfits and the sometimes empty passages in the open world can slow down the flow of the game. The atmosphere is excellently supported by the music, the soundscape and the lovingly animated characters. Momo, our companion, also plays a central and charming role. The in-game store remains an element worth discussing: it is purely cosmetic, but makes it easier to complete collections, which some players may find an incentive to spend money. Infinity Nikki is not a perfect game, but one with a big heart. It is aimed primarily at fans of relaxed, creative adventures and those who enjoy strolling through a fairytale world while being enchanted by outfits and magic.

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At first glance, the 50 euros charged for the PC port of Red Dead Redemption is a hefty price for a 14-year-old game that only offers a few visual and technical improvements over the original version. If you don't know the original, you should definitely pick it up - Red Dead Redemption is an absolute highlight of gaming history that still entertains today with its gripping story, unusual characters and inimitable humor. The atmosphere that the game introduces into the virtual western world is incomparable and even if the technology has fallen behind current standards, the experience still manages to captivate the player. So if you have a soft spot for well-told, atmospheric open-world games, you will definitely get your money's worth here. For those who have already played the game on the console, however, the purchase is less recommendable. The improvements in the PC version, such as the higher resolution and smoother performance, only justify the price for a few. However, if you have never experienced the vastness of the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption, then there is hardly a better time to catch up. The Undead Nightmare expansion also brings a breath of fresh air to the game and provides additional hours of entertaining adventures. In this respect, the price for newcomers is entirely justified, as this is a classic that still knows how to impress.

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Sengoku Dynasty is an ambitious title that attempts to combine several genres in one game - with sometimes impressive, sometimes mixed results. The combination of survival, city-building and role-playing creates a unique gaming experience that particularly shines with its atmospheric depiction of the Sengoku era. The focus on authenticity in the design of landscapes and buildings as well as the clever use of sound and atmosphere make immersing yourself in the game a real experience. On the other hand, however, there are some weaknesses that cloud the overall picture. Technical problems such as performance drops and graphical glitches repeatedly slow down the flow of the game. The battles are solid, but could have done with more depth and variety. It is a particular shame that there is no voice acting, which could have made the game even more immersive. The simple presentation of the text boxes also seems rather unkind in comparison to the otherwise impressive game world. Despite these shortcomings, Sengoku Dynasty offers something that many games fail to do: A world that invites us to discover and shape it. If you are patient and don't mind the technical problems, you will have many hours of fun building your own dynasty - whether alone or with friends in co-op mode.

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Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a worthy successor and at the same time an attempt to modernize the series. The new mechanics such as the “Luigi Logic” and the “Battle Plug System” add interesting levels, while the proven gameplay of the predecessors is retained. There is criticism mainly on the technical side: performance problems on the Nintendo Switch and occasional backtracking tarnish the overall impression a little. Nevertheless, the strengths outweigh the drawbacks - especially the charming narrative, the creative characters and the captivating battles. Fans of the series and newcomers alike can look forward to an adventure that will leave them with a big smile on their face.

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LEGO Horizon Adventures is a new installment in the series of block games that is well worth seeing. The Sony masterpiece has been adapted and shortened for children and impresses at first glance with an impressively detailed game world with razor-sharp textures. We can look forward to great lighting effects, vivid environments and a convincing atmosphere that definitely captures the Horizon flair. The battles, sneaking elements and climbing sections are also really fun, but have of course been greatly simplified to appeal to younger players. The implementation of the giant robot dinosaurs is also convincing all round, as is the design of the familiar locations. However, these are a little too linear for our taste, even if we welcome the fact that there is no open world. The overall variety in the gameplay is also typical of LEGO, but the latest spin-off once again shines with its humor and the local and online co-op features. All in all, LEGO Horizon Adventures is a successful block game - graphically even one of the best. However, you shouldn't expect any great innovations or real challenges and the fact that the world is so beautiful, but the areas are very limited, unfortunately leaves the potential for more unused.

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Astral Flux cleverly combines the nostalgia of classic pixel platformers with modern roguelite mechanics to create an intense gaming experience. The procedural structure and the new submerged update provide variety and a unique atmosphere that will definitely appeal to fans of the genre. The pixel art visuals and the matching soundtrack round off the interstellar adventure and make the game a strong choice for anyone who wants to embark on a cosmic voyage of discovery. However, be warned of the somewhat higher level of difficulty.

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Metro Awakening brings the Metro universe to virtual reality. The game impresses with an excellently realized end-time atmosphere in the Moscow subway, which is in no way inferior to the main series. The story, the characters and, above all, the typical VR mechanics such as climbing, opening doors and turning valves also impressed us throughout, as did the truly outstanding implementation of the shooting system. If you ignore the somewhat poorly detailed creatures, the sometimes somewhat awkward motion controls (e.g. when loading the lamp) or the repeatedly wildly placed subtitles, you definitely get a high-quality VR experience in twelve chapters, which is a worthy representative of the main series.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 manages to get the series back on track and proves that even an annual shooter can once again offer captivating quality if the right accents are set (and the necessary development time is given). After the mixed Modern Warfare 3, the weaknesses have been addressed and the focus has been placed on what Call of Duty is all about: pure action, a gripping atmosphere and a large portion of fun. All in all, Black Ops 6 is a strong overall package that provides many hours of excitement and appeals to both series fans and newcomers. The mixture of varied campaign, fast-paced multiplayer and challenging zombie mode proves that the series can still inspire with a return to old strengths and attention to detail. However, it is clear that Activision will have to balance the path after the game's release with seasons and in-game purchases in order not to undermine the long-term fun. This will show whether the new upswing that the series has experienced with Black Ops 6 will continue in the long term.

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I was skeptical when I read the announcement of The Sims 4 Life & Death, because for me the melancholy theme doesn't really fit in with the very humorous Sims. But when I played it, the pack really won me over. The neighborhood is varied and you can discover a lot here. I was impressed by the look of the new objects and items of clothing and the introduction of a bucket list is also a successful new feature. Although the profession of mortician is unfortunately only a simple job, the reaper career has been implemented well. There is no sense of melancholy here thanks to the pleasant humor, because who hasn't always wanted to ask Death himself for fashion tips? Nevertheless, there are a few drawbacks for me, such as the obligatory rabbit holes and the bugs in the career. In addition, the ability to tend graves, hold funerals and write wills is a bit too much of a good thing for me. But that is of course a matter of taste. In any case, the pack proves to me that it's good for the Sims when the packs are a bit braver and step out of line. I certainly had fun with my morbid Sim playing tarot cards under the full moon.

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With Sonic x Shadow Generations, Sonic Team has made an impressive comeback, taking the best elements of Sonic Generations and combining them with the drama and intensity of Shadow's storyline. The switch between styles and the different abilities of the two heroes bring a breath of fresh air to the Sonic formula without neglecting the roots of the series. The visual overhaul and the smooth presentation in performance mode round off the gaming experience. Nevertheless, a little more fine-tuning could have been done in some places, especially when it comes to long-term motivation in White Space - a more dynamic soundtrack and smaller mini-games would have made the exploration more varied. But that's criticism on a high level: all in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations is a thrilling adventure that offers plenty of fun for both long-time Sonic fans and newcomers alike.

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Empire of the Ants is a successful adaptation of the original by Bernard Werber and scores particularly well with its photorealistic presentation and sensitive gameplay. The mixture of RTS and platforming gameplay creates variety and challenges the player both tactically and in terms of skill. Anyone who has a soft spot for nature and likes to explore the world from a completely new perspective will get their money's worth with this game. The small weaknesses in the camera work and the simple menu design are noticeable, but do not detract significantly from the experience. For RTS fans looking for a new experience and anyone who wants to experience the microcosm up close, Empire of the Ants is an absolute recommendation. It combines strategy, nature and graphic beauty to create a unique experience that shows just how much life and drama can be found in the smallest of creatures.

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With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, what we no longer thought possible after Anthem has actually happened: the good old BioWare RPG is back. Veilguard offers us classic trademarks of the studio such as atmospheric locations, strong characters, an elaborately staged story and numerous decisions that shape our relationship with other characters and thus also our character. Graphically, the role-playing game definitely takes some getting used to and is far from a modern photorealistic representation, but the sometimes more or less limited areas shine with atmosphere, attention to detail and a strong mission focus. In terms of sound, on the other hand, The Veilguard plays in the very top league and offers us not only flawless synchronization but also a great orchestral soundtrack at film score level. The very action-oriented combat system, which we really enjoyed, will probably not appeal to everyone, however, as it has already developed strongly in the direction of an action-adventure game, and elements such as rope-sliding, slithering and climbing interludes soften the classic role-playing game framework noticeably. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is ultimately up to each player to decide. In any case, we really enjoyed Dragon Age: The Veilguard and once again proved the truth of the proverb “The dead live longer”. With this in mind: Welcome back, BioWare!

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Unsurprisingly, Super Mario Party Jamboree has not reinvented the series. However, there are enough new elements to keep you entertained for a while. This is also the first time that the Switch's online functions are used in a big way - of course, this is only interesting if you have a Nintendo Switch online account or would like to get one. Some unbalanced game elements, such as the character-specific dice, are no longer to be found in the game and each player must rely solely on their skill in the mini-games for the time being. However, I would have liked the customization options for the game modes to be a little more extensive. Although many external factors (such as the number of rounds) can be adjusted, there are no options for special fields or boards. Those who enjoy party games of the usual high Nintendo quality - with slight modifications - will not be disappointed by Super Mario Party Jamboree.

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As you can see, I didn't really have anything negative to say about Metaphor: ReFantazio. The new work from the Persona makers carries the DNA of the main series, but presents it in a very fresh guise that is independent enough to stand out from Persona. Particularly noteworthy are the exciting story, the atmospheric game world, the many creative ideas of the developers, the great soundtrack and the all-round successful battle system, in which the lack of Persona is definitely compensated for by the archetypes. I would call the option of eliminating weak enemies directly in the dungeon with a single blow absolutely groundbreaking. This simply makes for even smoother and more fluid gameplay and can also be adopted by other turn-based representatives. If there is anything to criticize, then perhaps a few tiny technical imperfections, which are hardly significant considering the size of the game. All in all, Atlus establishes a new heavyweight in the role-playing game cosmos with Metaphor: ReFantazio, deserves unconditional recognition for having created a completely new brand and delivers an all-round successful JRPG with a whole host of fresh ideas. Rating: Outstanding!

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I'm a huge fan of the series, but unfortunately Life is Strange: Double Exposure didn't quite hit the spot for me. On the one hand, too little has happened for me in terms of gameplay. Secondly, Max's powers and their development seem too forced and exaggerated. The parallel timelines are a good approach, but the repetitive patterns quickly lead to impatience and confusion. On the other hand, the sequel convinces me again with many of the things I love about Life is Strange: a great soundtrack, intense atmosphere, beautiful locations and a certain melancholy. Because of this Life is Strange feeling, I can overlook the weaknesses, even though I think there have been stronger sequels in recent times.

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Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is not a game that comes with great bombast. It is a calm, almost meditative experience that impresses above all with its charming atmosphere and variety of small activities. Fans of the series will love Shin chan and his adventures, but players looking for a relaxed adventure will also find a welcome change of pace here. The coal town with its many secrets and nostalgic atmosphere will go down particularly well with players who have a fondness for Japanese culture and life simulations.

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The Until Dawn remake on the PS5 is a successful horror trip that should appeal to old fans and newcomers alike. The visual and atmospheric improvements allow the story about the tragic events on Blackwood Mountain to shine in new splendor, even if technical shortcomings such as the frame rate limited to 30 FPS and occasional bugs detract from the experience somewhat. Anyone who missed out on the horror classic or is in the mood for a modernized version will be thoroughly entertained despite some minor weaknesses.

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The Plucky Squire combines a wide variety of genres in an innovative narrative. The story is deliberately based on classic plot threads, but not without changing them again and again in surprising ways. Unfortunately, some passages drag on for too long, in which the same sequence of events is repeated over and over again. Sometimes it seems as if Plucky Squire wants to depict too much in order to fulfill everything “perfectly”, which leads to minor flaws in some of the mechanics. Overall, however, these are so minor that they don't really detract from the enjoyment of the game. Anyone looking for an unusual title that surprises more than once will be well served by The Plucky Squire.

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