Pragalicious

Rhythm Paradise Groove is a rhythm-filled extravaganza that completely sweeps you away. That is, provided you’re prepared to put your ego aside and let your timing be put to the test. It’s charming, chaotic, musical and, at times, downright brutal. But when everything clicks, when you feel the beat and the mini-games become one fluid dance, this is exactly the sort of game that turns a dull evening into a rhythmic party.

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If you’re a fan of Counter-Strike, follow the professional esports scene, or are looking for a management game that offers something a bit different from football, then Esports Manager 2026 is definitely worth a try. Esports Manager 2026 isn’t quite on a par with giants like Football Manager just yet. If the developer continues to expand the game at the same pace, this title has everything it takes to become the benchmark within the esports management genre.

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Ultimately, there’s very little positive I can say about *The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu*. The madness mechanic does produce some hilarious and unexpected moments from time to time, particularly in co-op, but that’s not enough to mask the fundamental problems. The combat feels unpolished, essential gameplay features are missing, and the first few hours are marred by frustrating design choices and a lack of explanation. On top of that, there are technical issues, a clunky inventory system and characters who are barely distinguishable from one another. After a series of smaller indie projects, ACE Team has clearly bitten off more than it can chew with this more ambitious production, and as a result, they’ve completely missed the mark. The madness mechanic does provide a few memorable moments, but even that gimmick quickly loses its charm when you’re shot by a hallucinating teammate for the umpteenth time.

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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations is a textbook example of how an expansion pack can add value without simply copying the formula of the base game. Thanks to the excellent Chain Spear, strong new levels and a campaign that offers a surprising amount of content, this is a DLC that fans absolutely must not miss. Although some puzzle sections slow the pace down a little at times, the positives more than make up for the negatives. Revelations delivers exactly what you’d expect from DOOM: spectacular action, brutal combat and an absurd amount of demonic carnage, complemented by enough new ideas to keep you glued to the screen for hours on end.

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Although I did enjoy most of *Observer: System Redux*, it’s a game I find hard to recommend to everyone. The game’s main appeal lies in its unique setting and atmosphere. And, of course, Rutger Hauer’s role as the main character is a definite plus. Gamers looking for something a bit different who love all things cyberpunk and sci-fi are sure to enjoy the game. However, anyone who wants answers to every question and is looking for plenty of action should steer well clear of this game.

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Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has, just like the generation that played the original Black Flag, come of age. If this were a video game adaptation of Pirates of the Caribbean, it would be perfection, but Edward Kenway just doesn’t have quite enough of Jack Sparrow in him. All jokes aside, this remake is a cut above the rest. It’s both a tribute to the original and, in every respect, a game that can hold its own amongst the best in 2026. For me, this game falls just short of a 10 due to a few bugs and the fact that it can still feel repetitive at times. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is the ray of hope Ubisoft needed; hopefully, it can ride the wave of this remake’s success and return to being the developer it once was.

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Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains is a highly successful console adaptation and surprises in some respects by putting an original spin on the familiar Monopoly rules. Unfortunately, however, the game remains a little too limited to justify its price tag.

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Tour de France 2026 is a game that clearly wants to move forward, but doesn’t yet dare to break away. The dynamic weather systems, improved peloton AI and new events breathe much-needed life into the series. And yet the authentic cycling experience remains the series’ strongest asset. But the game also clings to old habits. Graphically, the game falls short; a frustrating career mode and a lack of genuine innovation make for a real struggle. For the seasoned cycling fan, this is once again a solid, at times even compelling simulation if you take the time to get into it. For others, it remains a gruelling climb with no reward at the top.

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Star Fox clearly isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and perhaps that is precisely its greatest strength. Nintendo has chosen to modernise a classic without losing the original’s identity. The gameplay remains wonderfully addictive, the alternative routes invite you to take off again and again, and technically, everything runs exceptionally smoothly on the Nintendo Switch 2. Yet it remains difficult to work with a team that offers more commentary than actual help during the missions. But every time I thought, “just one more mission”, I realised that Star Fox had gripped me all over again. And that is perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay to this remake.

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My initial fear that Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands would completely lose me with its metal heart ultimately proved largely unfounded. Yes, the game exudes devilish music and a hefty dose of genre attitude, but beneath that noisy façade lies, above all, a surprisingly funny and creative RPG. The inventive combat system and quirky humour make Deathbulge much more than just a niche game for metal fans. Even someone who’d rather spare their eardrums than dive into a mosh pit can have a lot of fun with this. So, not a deafening flop, but a delightfully odd indie hit with real bite. And made by a team of five blokes! FIVE!!

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This Jungle DLC is a shoo-in and, just like the base game, is a must-play. Loads of content and brilliant characters ensure yet more hours of gaming fun in Dave The Diver. This expansion could easily have been released as a standalone game. A short or long gaming session? It doesn’t matter, Jungle is perfectly suited to both. Mintrocket, please give us more Dave The Diver in the future!

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4PGP is a fun F1 arcade racer that took me back to the 90s and visits to funfairs with a real sense of nostalgia. Although it doesn’t have any official licences, F1 fans will no doubt recognise all the cars and circuits straight away. This also shows that the developer is passionate about F1. On your own, the game will get boring quite quickly, but with a few friends, 4PGP is an ideal party game. The game’s name is certainly well-deserved.

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Pro Cycling Manager 26 offers even more variety this year than in previous years. With the two major updates, Tour Focus and Classics Focus, Pro Cycling Manager has become even more in-depth. This gives fans of this genre two more reasons to be sure to pick up a copy. Although it feels more like a major update. For novices like me, I enjoyed the Pro Cyclist mode the most, as I could focus on just one rider. The other mode, Career, taught me more about the tactics behind a cycling race. Both modes offer enough variety this year to allow you to delve deep into each one. Pro Cycling Manager 26 has made me appreciate the sport of cycling a little more. Maybe I’ll actually spend an afternoon on the sofa watching this year’s Tour de France – who knows?

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Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition proves once again why this franchise holds such a special place within the RPG landscape. This is neither a spectacular remake nor a game that completely reinvents itself. What you get is a timeless classic that finally runs as it always should have. It is the first of the three Xenoblade games to receive this Switch 2 treatment. Xenoblade 2 and Xenoblade 3 can also look forward to Nintendo Switch 2 editions, in July and December respectively. And I think that’s fantastic.

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007 First Light is an impressive reinterpretation of James Bond that finally dares to prioritise character, nuance and modern cinematography. IO Interactive has delivered a campaign that is truly spectacular. The stealth sections and hand-to-hand combat are among the best in the genre, and the action sequences can effortlessly rival those of the film series. Although the linear structure and a few technical glitches sometimes dampen the immersion, First Light remains one of the most compelling Bond games ever made. It is a stylish, mature and compelling origin story that restores Bond’s relevance – one that clearly lays the foundations for a new generation of 00 games.

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The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales feels like a love letter to classic action-adventure games. The combination of Zelda-style exploration, clever puzzles, extensive customisation options and a stunning HD 2D presentation ensured that I experienced a timeless adventure. The time-travel element provides plenty of variety, the combat remains engaging thanks to the Magicite system, and collectors can indulge themselves to the full with all the secrets hidden throughout the world. Faie could easily have spoken a little less, and the side quests could have been a bit more creative at times, but ultimately these are just minor blemishes on a particularly beautiful canvas. Throughout my adventure, I constantly found myself wanting to explore just one more cave, find just one more cat or solve just one more puzzle. And when a game manages to hold onto that feeling right until the credits roll, you know the developers have got something right.

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For fans of the original, there are certainly moments when nostalgia strikes and a well-constructed puzzle still delivers that classic ‘aha’ moment. Ultimately, however, the downsides outweigh the positives. The slow pace, the inconsistent puzzle quality and the clunky controls regularly pull you out of the experience. The environments quickly become repetitive and the story lacks impact. As a result, this remake feels less like a game you want to actively play and more like a piece of gaming history that is best admired from a distance rather than actually played through.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 is a technical feat that impresses time and again. The fact that this massive RPG is playable on a handheld console remains almost absurdly impressive. The atmosphere, soundtrack and combat largely hold up, but at the same time you can constantly feel how hard the hardware has to work to keep everything running. Blurry visuals, pop-in and, above all, frame drops crop up regularly. My score is partly based on the fact that I can also play this game on PS5, but if you only have a Switch 2, I definitely recommend this game and you can safely add a point to the score.

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Luna Abyss is a game you can’t appreciate half-heartedly. It’s a title that deliberately prioritises style, intensity and challenge over accessibility, which makes it both impressive and polarising. Whilst many modern games try to please everyone, Luna Abyss dares to present a clear vision. That deserves respect. Ultimately, Luna Abyss is a niche gem: not for everyone, but unforgettable for those who embrace it. It’s a game you’ll either love wholeheartedly or dismiss entirely.

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LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is without a doubt the most ambitious and mature LEGO Batman game to date. TT Games combines a stunning open world, more in-depth combat and a loving tribute to Batman’s entire history into an adventure that will appeal to both fans and newcomers alike. The story isn’t always perfectly tight, but the charm, humour and sheer joy of playing more than make up for it. As far as I’m concerned, this is the surprise hit of 2026.

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