TestingBuddies

With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami has succeeded in creating a respectful remake of the classic that preserves the essence of the original and gently modernizes it. The story, characters, and Kojima's quirky touch still work brilliantly 20 years later and are appealingly presented thanks to the visual overhaul in Unreal Engine 5. Above all, the revamped controls, new perspectives, and small convenience features ensure that the game still feels fresh today. On the other hand, the fragmented levels and fluctuating performance, which slow down the experience somewhat, are not entirely convincing. Nevertheless, thanks to well-thought-out mechanics, iconic boss fights, and an unmistakable atmosphere, the stealth adventure remains a thrilling experience. Those who loved the original will find a successful reinterpretation with a modern twist that is equally suitable for veterans of the series and newcomers alike.

Review in German | Read full review

All in all, I really liked the latest edition of EA Sports FC. The introduction of archetypes adds more depth to the player career, and the challenges of the new live management give us as coaches even more goals to work towards. I also like the management jobs section, which adds a little more dynamism to our manager's job search. I also liked the in-game tactical options, which give quick access to templates and tactical adjustments, making everything a little more intuitive. But for me, the biggest highlight is definitely the authentic gameplay, which brings much more calm to the games and tones down the eSports frenzy a bit. EA Sports FC 26 feels very much like authentic soccer on the pitch, as you simply have more time for tactical considerations during the game and don't just rush around the pitch. Since we always have the choice of whether we want to play the faster or slower option, no one has to give up the old-established feel of the game if they don't want to. Apart from the areas mentioned, little has changed compared to its predecessor, as expected. Whether the optimizations are enough to justify another purchase is ultimately up to each individual to decide. For my part, I am very satisfied with the 26th edition. What I still really miss, however, is a real story mode, as we saw in The Journey or, for example, as is regularly offered in the F1 series.

Review in German | Read full review

In our review of Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, the latest installment in the venerable series unfortunately only manages a bogey. On paper, it sounded promising in principle. A total of 30 golfers and several different caddies are available to play (for free). In addition to the ten beautifully designed courses, a variety of different game modes are available in both single and multiplayer modes, providing plenty of variety. Special attention is paid to Challenge and World Tour modes, with the latter even offering us genuine story campaigns for each individual golfer. In keeping with the series' bright and colorful approach, these come across as somewhat inconsequential. Unfortunately, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots already slips up at the tee... um, the start. With only two selectable players and a single course, the game initially feels more like a demo or a heavily condensed free-to-play title. A few more options would have been essential for variety and especially for the multiplayer mode. The gameplay, which is fundamentally very grind-heavy in order to unlock new content, is not very helpful in this regard. There's just no real flow when you're not really in the mood to play for hours on end to unlock the next new character or course. In addition, the audiovisual experience and a few bugs detract from the gaming experience. In addition to popping objects and textures, the rather monotonous music starts to annoy the player very early on. On top of that, there are a few game crashes that the developers really need to patch. At its core, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is definitely a worthy representative of the series, but with a little more fine-tuning and, above all, a more appealing unlocking mechanism, the developers could have saved themselves a few extra strokes in the end result. Then they would have at least come out with a PAR. As it stands, they currently lag behind their established competitor, PGA Tour.

Review in German | Read full review

I had an entertaining time with Let Them Trade, even though the game currently has its limitations. The endgame is reached quickly and the motivation to continue playing noticeably wanes. The campaign is usually only played once, and even though different cards and the card editor provide variety, the gameplay lacks the necessary depth in the long run. A multiplayer mode in particular could add enormous value here, allowing players to trade together, support each other, or compete for points. Nevertheless, Let Them Trade impresses with some charming details: the soundtrack is varied and picturesque, even if it doesn't seem to be orchestrated, and the idea that the soundtrack blares from the radio on the windowsill when you zoom out is simply brilliant and shows attention to detail. A little more medieval language would certainly have added to the flair, but this is compensated for by little details such as the cat, which you can even stroke. Overall, Let Them Trade remains a solid building and trading game with great potential that still has room for further development.

Review in German | Read full review

With Gradius Origins, Konami delivers an all-round successful collection that brings together six parts of the series under one roof. By implementing regionally different versions, they go the extra mile to put together a well-rounded package. Browsing through the different versions is fun and reveals the development history behind each individual part. And with Salamander 3, they even deliver a genuine new part that is clearly intended as a tribute to the series' history. The great convenience features are particularly noteworthy. For example, the insert-coin mechanism of classic arcades gives you almost unlimited attempts if you get stuck in the admittedly quite difficult games. In addition, the easy mode and invincibility are real aids to enjoying the games in a much more relaxed way. The icing on the cake is the free save feature and a small rewind function. Unfortunately, Salamander 3 only has an original mode, so at this point at the latest, we have to rely on our skills. Overall, I found Gradius Origins to be a great collection and an exciting journey through the history of the series, which, as it is, ultimately has no major weaknesses.

Review in German | Read full review

In our test, Super Robot Wars Y scores points primarily with its fun and thoroughly in-depth combat system. The fantastic anime sequences that accompany each attack contribute greatly to the atmosphere. Numerous appearances by more or less well-known anime characters enrich the crossover plot and are sure to provide fans with a few “aha” moments, especially since original music pieces are often interspersed. Unfortunately, however, the actual plot frays due to the many side plots, so that every character can have their moment in the spotlight. As someone unfamiliar with the original, you find yourself wondering more than once who actually wants what and why, and you're left sitting in front of the screen feeling confused. Ultimately, the battles aren't entirely convincing either, because once you've had your fill of the constantly repeating attack sequences, all that's left is a sobering numbers game. Super Robot Wars Y may well have its raison d'être precisely because of its crossover focus, and the battles are really fun. However, when we compare the title with other competitors in the tactical RPG mech action segment, games like Relayer or the brilliant 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim are unfortunately clearly ahead.

Review in German | Read full review

Behind this visually stunning game lies an astonishingly emotional story that is gripping even without any spoken dialogue. The relatively short playing time makes it perfect for a quick, intense session. However, thanks to the metrics and collectibles, it also offers incentive for further runs. Anyone who enjoyed the visuals of predecessors such as ABZÛ, Journey, or The Pathless will already have Sword of the Sea on their radar. But this game can also be warmly recommended to everyone else.

Review in German | Read full review

Hirogami focuses on a varied gameplay flow consisting of exploration, collecting, and switching between origami shapes. The gameplay is very diverse. Each level has a specific focus, which is strongly represented in the mostly short sections. Each level can be played multiple times thanks to the additional challenges. The paper look, which is consistently implemented, gives the game a distinctive appearance. Sometimes it is necessary to switch shapes quickly, which can be a little awkward due to the button layout. However, the relatively low level of difficulty allows you to progress quickly. If you are looking for an entertaining but solid mix of puzzles, combat, and skill, Hirogami is the game for you.

Review in German | Read full review

Once again, NBA 2K has become a real hit. The 26th edition not only impresses with a noticeably optimized gaming experience on the court with better animations and a more realistic feel, but also in terms of atmosphere and lifestyle, especially in the open city, the simulation is unrivaled. Also nice is the cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation players, as well as the once again extremely extensive selection of game modes, both online and offline, including a wide-ranging training area in Learn2K. The player career in the open game world with its numerous possibilities, the GM career with its walk-in headquarters, and the elaborately staged The W mode of the WNBA are particularly memorable. This also applies to the elaborately implemented high school experience, which impresses with its compelling story. Whether the newly introduced Seasons with their heavily promoted real-money Season Pass variants were really necessary is another question. The somewhat boringly staged draft at the GM and the partially unsound conversations also cloud the overall impression a little, but they don't change the fact that NBA 2K26 is an outstanding basketball game with countless opportunities for entertainment on and off the court.

Review in German | Read full review

If you want to catch up on Ubisoft's truly remarkable open-world adventure in the Star Wars universe, you can confidently choose the Switch 2 version, as the developers have done an excellent job here. When a port of this caliber is released, there is no need to worry about any limitations of the Switch 2 hardware, as virtually no compromises have been made. Graphically and in terms of performance, there is virtually nothing to complain about in the Switch 2 version, apart from a little more blurring during movement and the visible reloading of objects. However, both of these issues are more than acceptable, because otherwise Outlaws is simply great fun on the hybrid console. The quality of the game already impressed us at launch, so we can recommend the Switch 2 edition to every Star Wars fan. After all, what could be cooler than passing the time on the train or in a hotel in an open Star Wars world that also looks so damn good?

Review in German | Read full review

Overall, EA Sports NHL 26 delivers very well again this year. The optimizations on the ice with ICE-Q 2.0 and the individual tendencies of the stars are likely to be appreciated primarily by true NHL nerds, but the optimized goalies, the tidied-up menus, and the additional options in Ultimate Team should appeal to a wider audience. The completely revamped Be-A-Pro mode is really nice, shining with stylish sequences, press conferences with sound, challenges, and versatile, influenceable systems. We make decisions, choose dialogue options, and use different activities to influence our player's path. The franchise, on the other hand, is once again very classic and menu-heavy, but as always comes with a lot of management options. A facelift with a little more spectacle would be a nice thing here. The presentation on the ice, on the other hand, is really impressive, whether it's the atmosphere with lots of action off the ice, the optimized graphics, or the dense soundscape. This makes it easy to overlook the somewhat wooden faces and movements in the stands. All in all, NHL 26 is an all-around successful installment in the series, but there is still room for improvement in a few areas.

Review in German | Read full review

EA Sports Madden NFL 26 is on par with College Football this year. Both careers are once again very well implemented, if you ignore the interviews, which are still silent. Superstar impresses with its many extras and its successful connection system, while Franchise scores points above all with the numerous opportunities for influence that we have as team managers. I also really liked the improved presentation on the field, which makes the walk-ons more spectacular and now also individually staged for each team. In addition, the optimized weather system really makes an impression. Furthermore, improvements can also be seen in the animations, which make the game even more realistic, and several new control options and plays have also made their way into the simulation. Overall, Madden NFL 26 is a successful package that has improved on the somewhat weaker atmosphere of the past.

Review in German | Read full review

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Party Jamboree confidently plays its trump cards. Jamboree TV is not a cosmetic side room, but the new centerpiece when we think of the party as a show: more precise thanks to mouse mode, louder thanks to the microphone, more personal thanks to the camera. The classic game remains the familiar stage with colorful charm and calculated dice madness; technically, it doesn't keep up everywhere, but it benefits indirectly from the fresh rules and additional energy. The bottom line is that we had constant fun, and that's exactly the currency Mario Party is measured in.

Review in German | Read full review

Ritual of Raven is perfect for anyone who wants to run their farm with a touch of magic and a generous dash of convenience. It impresses with its charming setting, unusual core mechanics, and a calm, almost meditative gameplay style. Technically solid on PC, visually appealing, and pleasant to listen to, it invites you to play at your own pace. It's not perfect; complex economic systems and extreme gameplay variety are missing. But the mix of automation, exploration, and character interaction has its own charm. And sometimes that's all you need for a successful evening.

Review in German | Read full review

Donkey Kong Bananza is a prime example of how to place well-known series characters in a fresh environment without losing their core essence. The mix of vertical level design, creative destruction, and clever transformations ensures that the game feels both familiar and new. Audiovisually, it impresses with its attention to detail and a harmonious overall composition. There are minor technical weaknesses in co-op mode and complex scenes, but these are overshadowed by the game's strengths. Anyone who wants to experience Donkey Kong in a mixture of classic platforming and modern game world interactivity will find a worthy, standalone addition to the series here.

Review in German | Read full review

Wheel World proves itself in testing to be a small but exquisite indie gem that pays homage to cycling, peppered with countless terms related to two-wheeled vehicles. The basic story about the demon Skully and the lost parts of his special bike provides a nice framework without becoming too outlandish. Unfortunately, it ends rather abruptly; perhaps there could have been more. The core elements are definitely the exploration of the picturesque open world and the cool races, both of which are very catchy and really fun thanks to the arcade-like gameplay. This is supported by the very well-implemented upgrade mechanics, which really force us to engage with the parts. After all, just like in real cycling, every detail counts if you want to be victorious. Unfortunately, Wheel World sometimes hits a few bumps in the road. These include stuttering during quick changes of direction or when there is a lot of traffic on the track, as well as music that doesn't reload, which is a shame given the atmospheric retro tracks. The playing time of around five to seven hours is manageable, but ensures that the game doesn't become tedious. If the game had been significantly longer, I think I would have gotten a little tired of it without any additional elements. Overall, I personally have very fond memories of Wheel World. I especially enjoyed the races and leisurely cruising through the picturesque landscapes, as well as figuring out the best components for more challenging stages, so despite its technical weaknesses, I can definitely recommend the game to all pedal bike fans.

Review in German | Read full review

Mafia: The Old Country impressed me in almost every respect. It wasn't just the rural setting of atmospheric Sicily that I really liked. I was also thoroughly entertained by the story of the miner who gradually works his way up in the mafia family and gets drawn deeper and deeper into their machinations. In addition to the impressive graphics, it was the melee combat system with a focus on knives, the thrilling horse races, and the open world that is fully dedicated to the story that impressed me the most. If there's anything to criticize about the game, it's the somewhat wooden faces in the in-game graphics, the lack of footprints in an otherwise near-perfect visual presentation, and the short playing time of well under 20 hours. Overall, however, Mafia: The Old Country is a bull's-eye and a worthy addition to the legendary trilogy.

Review in German | Read full review

We really like The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature. The fairies are charmingly designed, and the many clothing items and options for customizing our Sims' appearance, from wings to face paint, are very well done. We particularly like that living in harmony with nature is central to the game in more ways than one. Finally, you can buy houseplants that you have to take care of, and Sims can become one with nature with the new “Natural Lifestyle” skill. Making medicines and the new, very relaxed career are also really fun. The pack also looks great. The playful furniture, such as the floating mushroom lamps, has a mystical quality and creates an enchanting atmosphere. The neighborhood is really well done and varied in design. Unfortunately, it feels a bit cramped, and the rabbit holes detract from the overall picture, as always. For all Sim players who love the supernatural and nature, we can definitely recommend this expansion pack.

Review in German | Read full review

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is a worthy remake. It may not be perfect in every respect, but it has been created with a lot of heart and care. The return of the classic two-minute runs may not be to everyone's taste, and fans of the free career mode from part 4 in particular will be somewhat disappointed. The soundtrack could also have done with a dash more nostalgia. Nevertheless, the gameplay feels exactly as it should. The controls are precise, the scope is decent, and technically there's nothing to complain about. Anyone who enjoys arcade-style skating will get their money's worth here – whether they're newcomers or fans from the very beginning.

Review in German | Read full review

The introduction of the College Football series last year was a revelation. The way the new series brought the feeling of college sports to the screen was extraordinary and provided a breath of fresh air alongside the long-established Madden. Now, a year later, EA's College Football 26 delivers just as much atmosphere and college spirit as its predecessor, with impressive walk-ons, great cutscenes on the field, and high-quality graphics. Added to this are powerful licensed audio tracks, which provide the perfect acoustic backdrop in the form of marching band music. We also liked the new control options on the field, which allow us to quickly and easily change the lineup directly in the game, in addition to providing an overview of important stats. The two major career modes remain faithful to last year's template and unfortunately miss the opportunity to move away from the menu-based gameplay. Yes, Road to Glory lets us make decisions and write text messages, but a real college story or a walkable campus would be something else entirely. We were also a little bothered by the rather obvious nod to Ultimate Team right after the game starts, because even though UT is certainly extremely lucrative, players don't necessarily have to encounter it everywhere. All in all, College Football 26 is extremely well positioned in terms of atmosphere, but we would have liked to see a little more innovation in the second part, with new features that aren't only noticed by real football nerds on the field or in the playbook.

Review in German | Read full review