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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Rematch is a game that you don't understand right away, and that's what makes it interesting. It's not a title for people looking for quick wins. It requires patience, a willingness to learn, and frustration tolerance. But those who get involved will be rewarded with gameplay that is astonishingly precise, rewarding, and challenging at the same time. The controls have depth, the matches are competitive, teamwork is crucial, and when it works, everything feels fluid and satisfying. But beyond this core, the game lacks maturity. The presentation, atmosphere, and scope are simply not at the level one would expect from an ambitious sports game in 2025. Especially when compared to top dogs like Rocket League, it's striking how much polish, personality, and atmosphere are still missing. Rematch feels like a first chapter. A first idea that hasn't been thought through yet. Hopefully, the developers will continue down this path. Because there's more lurking beneath the surface. So it's a game with rough edges. But it also has a spark of originality that shouldn't be overlooked.

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With TRON: Catalyst, the iconic Disney license finally gets another video game spin-off, which is only natural given the scenario. The game does a very good job of recreating the world, especially visually and acoustically, so the license is put to good use in this regard. But beyond the beautiful facade, TRON: Catalyst unfortunately fails to fully convince. On the one hand, there is the very slow narrative style of the story, which simply fails to generate any real tension. Generic characters without any real unique selling points contribute to the fact that it is difficult to really identify with the story. On the other hand, the basic gameplay fails to ignite. The mix of exploration and combat is fun in principle, but ultimately all the components are very superficial. Both the combat and upgrade systems offer little depth, so that the passages outside of the dialogues feel just as tedious as the story progression. At first glance, TRON: Catalyst certainly shines with the typical TRON look and feel, but it fails in the areas that are actually important for a game of this genre. In addition, some serious bugs mar the experience. As a self-confessed TRON fanboy, I can only say: It's a shame, because there was certainly more potential here.

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In Ruffy And The Riverside, the special FLIP mechanic stands out, allowing players to reshape the game world however they want. Set in a compelling story with entertaining humor and peppered with varied, motivating puzzles and creative platforming sections, the game time flies by quickly. The charming, colorful comic book look, the cute characters, and especially the lively music create a cheerful atmosphere. Optional collection tasks provide additional long-term motivation. Only a few minor weaknesses detract somewhat from the gameplay. For example, there are occasional incorrect collision queries, which cause Ruffy to have heavy legs, especially when climbing stairs, and isolated bugs. Furthermore, loading stutters during some area transitions in the Riverside environment and, in some cases, long walking distances in the main quests without an extensive fast travel system slow down the flow of the game a bit. All in all, however, the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones. I surprisingly enjoyed my trip with the cheerful bear Luffy. I would therefore say that the goal has been achieved: Luffy And The Riverside can compete with well-known classics such as Crash Bandicoot, Klonoa, and Paper Mario, and makes its own unique contribution with FLIP.

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Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma stays true to the DNA of the series, but brings noticeable improvements – especially in terms of comfort and accessibility. The fast leveling of relationships, the useful automation provided by the villagers, and the pleasantly fluid combat system make for a motivating gaming experience. The combination of farming, role-playing, and village life is successful and allows enough freedom without being overwhelming. A few minor stumbling blocks, such as the awkward placement of buildings and a somewhat old-fashioned menu design, prevent the game from achieving the highest rating, but they hardly detract from the positive overall impression. Technically, the game runs smoothly, the English voice acting is solid, and Azuma as a world invites exploration and creativity. For fans of farming RPGs looking for a fresh but familiar experience, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is definitely worth recommending.

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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach perfectly captures the spirit of the first game while adding some meaningful new features. These include dialogues that we can now actively engage in, as well as new challenges such as earthquakes and floods, which further emphasize the unpredictability of the post-apocalyptic world. We also really liked the combat system in part 2, which is now a bit more complex and allows us to actively fight human threats and GDs with both armed force and various stealth mechanics. In addition, there are two atmospheric new locations that stand out more from the setting familiar from Part 1 than you might think at first glance, providing a welcome visual change. The biggest selling point of the sequel, besides the great emotional story, is the breathtaking graphics, which clearly show what the PS5 is capable of. The photorealism on display is absolutely stunning, both in the cutscenes and in-game, providing us with landscapes, facial features, and lighting effects that could easily be found in any Hollywood movie. The integration of the DualSense features is also excellently done, allowing us to experience the game world and, in particular, the challenges of the deliveries firsthand. One thing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and that is the largely slow-paced, almost meditative gameplay. Those who found this too boring in the first installment will quickly come to the same conclusion in part 2. Those who, like me, loved this unique approach to the medium of video games will also be able to enjoy the sequel to Kojima's masterpiece to the fullest.

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RoadCraft breaks new and exciting ground within the Mudrunner series: instead of purely transport missions, the focus is now on building infrastructure – a refreshing conceptual shift that adds new depth to the genre. The idea of battling your way through undeveloped terrain with heavy equipment, building roads, and actively shaping the world is undoubtedly appealing. This is supported by an atmospheric game world with impressive natural scenery, dynamic weather, and a subtle feeling of loneliness that fits perfectly with the slow-paced gaming experience. The integration of a light storyline is also successful. It doesn't interfere, but motivates with small narrative impulses that give progress a personal touch. Technically, RoadCraft impresses with stylish lighting design, successful terraforming, and a large fleet of vehicles that offers the right tool for every task. But despite all these strengths, there are still some weaknesses: the controls seem overloaded and confusing, the AI is often unreliable, and basic functions such as lighting control and fuel management are still missing. Particularly annoying are long AI journeys, which end in frustration rather than a sense of achievement due to inaccurate route finding. Performance issues on powerful systems also raise questions, especially since modern technologies such as DLSS offer little relief. However, those who are willing to put up with these rough edges and have patience will discover that RoadCraft offers a rewarding gaming experience that aims to do more than just send trucks through mud. The vision behind the game is strong – it just needs some refinement in terms of implementation. If developer Saber Interactive follows up with updates in the future, RoadCraft could become a real insider tip for simulation fans and genre lovers in the long term.

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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is not a modern action extravaganza, nor does it aspire to be one. It is an atmospheric relic from another era that scores points with its charm, atmosphere, and a combat system that remains solid even today. The technical improvements are minimal, but sufficient to make the game accessible to a new audience. Those familiar with the original will find a more comfortable version for current platforms here. Those who missed it will get a piece of Capcom history for a fair price, which may have its rough edges but is still entertaining.

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