TestingBuddies

“Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition clearly shows its arcade origins at every turn. This applies to its high accessibility, the brutally fast and consistently smooth racing action, and the ludicrous environmental interactions, which are especially fun to watch. But it also applies to the very limited scope of just eight vehicles and six tracks. What works in the arcade doesn't quite work at home, unfortunately. Without unlockable content, there's simply no long-term motivation. After completing all the tracks three times, you've pretty much seen everything there is to see. And due to the absolutely absurd rubber band effect, the focus of all races is only on the last fifteen seconds, the correct use of the boost, and a little bit of luck. On the other hand, the game scores points with its local multiplayer mode, where I actually had some really entertaining sessions with my wife. Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is good for a quick round in between, but it misses the chance to make a big impression outside the arcade.”

“With NASCAR 25, iRacing makes a remarkable console debut, scoring points above all thanks to its extensive license package with four racing classes. The US stock car sport is presented very well and atmospherically, and the career mode alone provides plenty of long-term motivation. Another positive aspect is the numerous settings options, which cater to both rookies and advanced players alike. On the negative side, the somewhat dreary graphics, including avoidable frame rate drops and clearly visible, unsightly pop-ups on the AI vehicles, are worth mentioning. Nevertheless, NASCAR 25 ranks quite high among licensed racing games. In any case, I had a lot of fun with the game and am definitely looking forward to a sequel, as well as the numerous other titles that iRacing has in the pipeline for us console gamers.”

“With Train Sim World 6, Dovetail Games delivers a consistent further development of its well-known train simulation. The new route packs offer plenty of variety and a successful mix of long-distance, local, and freight transport in the USA, Great Britain, and Germany. The improved atmosphere is particularly noticeable, benefiting from the new train announcements and the noticeably more sophisticated sound system. In terms of gameplay, much remains the same, but is complemented by useful small features such as random disruptions and new locomotive types. Technically, however, there are some downsides: performance issues, bugs, and enormous memory requirements cloud the overall picture. But if you enjoy the new routes, it's still worth getting. And for those who can't quite make up their minds, it might be worth taking a look at the training center.”

“In principle, Rally Arcade Classics does a lot of things right. It offers crisp rally action on short stages, which are also very atmospheric. The “just one more stage” effect quickly sets in. Racing through the stages in numerous cars from various decades of rally history is a lot of fun. On paper, the scope of the game alone is impressive, with 420 individual tour race events in four different locations. Additional game modes such as Arcade and Rally also provide entertainment. After the exorbitantly high prices for the vehicles in the game were significantly reduced via a patch, the game progress is very pleasant. Ultimately, the biggest drawback is the number of countries we travel through. Even though all four areas are beautifully designed, they become repetitive relatively quickly as the game progresses. We would like to see a little more variety here, preferably in the form of additional countries being added later. Nevertheless, Rally Arcade Classics definitely stands up to comparison with art of rally or the rally mode in Super Woden GP II – on the contrary. As the debut work of the small Spanish development team NETK2GAMES, I can only say: hats off and keep up the good work!”

“In our test, Formula Legends impresses primarily with its great scope, beautifully implemented races, catchy gameplay, and, of course, its successful unlocking mechanics. The seven decades of F1 depicted are played out on a total of 14 tracks, with different variants often available. In terms of scope and atmosphere, developer 3DClouds is second to none. So, is everything set for the world championship title? Unfortunately not quite, as some technical issues and the lackluster background music detract from the overall picture. In particular, the slight stuttering during racing and the noticeable reloading of textures when the weather changes are immediately noticeable and prevent what seemed like a sure place on the podium. With a little tweaking, however, I can definitely recommend Formula Legends to both F1 fans and arcade-loving racing enthusiasts.”

“Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a little love letter to fan culture – colorful, playful, and astonishingly detailed. Those who indulge in the dominant visual novel element will find a charming blend of storytelling, creative self-realization, and easy management. The mechanics surrounding fanzines, conventions, and merchandise are motivating, even if they serve more as a spice and don't reach the depth of classic business simulations. Technically, there's little to complain about: The look is coherent, the music underscores the feel-good setting, and the countless collectible and decorative elements invite experimentation. Weaknesses like the bumpy translation and the sometimes lengthy VN passages should be taken into account, but they don't take away the game's soul. The end result is a title aimed primarily at players who enjoy immersing themselves in fandom worlds, being creative, and expanding their little virtual fan existence. Anyone who wants to crunch hard numbers and fill out Excel spreadsheets is out of place here. However, anyone who enjoys sweetening their digital life with pins, fanzines, and blogs should feel perfectly at home.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Len's Island is a nice little indie game that has been rightly hyped. The combination of crafting, building, farming, and survival RPG is really well done. Building is also really fun and very relaxing. For me, it's clearly the perfect game to have some fun with friends after work, which also makes up for the lack of a story.”

“Nice Day For Fishing is much more than just a quirky fan project. It's a charming, funny adventure with an unusual combat system that rewards timing and skill. The clever combination of classic RPG flair, parodic worldbuilding, and challenging fishing duels makes for hours of entertaining gameplay. The fact that all of this is based on one of the most blunt jokes in the Epic NPC Man series makes it even more impressive. Anyone who loves pixel art, indie charm, and a good dose of self-irony, or is simply a fan of the series, will enjoy Nice Day For Fishing.”

“With annually recurring sports games, the question naturally arises as to whether you really need the latest edition or whether it's just a jersey update. In the case of Pro Cycling Manager 25, this question is not easy to answer, as a lot has changed, but not everywhere. The switch to the new graphics engine is a quantum leap in the history of the manager, as the races now look much more realistic and the environments more detailed, atmospheric, and lively. The difference compared to its predecessors is truly remarkable and takes the game to a whole new level. The expanded sponsorship system is also definitely a good thing, even if the impact on everyday management is not that significant. However, it is definitely an important step towards even more realism, as the importance of sponsors for the sport is now even clearer. On the other hand, I really liked the fact that the difficulty level can now be individually adjusted using numerous parameters, as this allows everyone to create a gaming experience that suits their preferences and challenges them exactly where they want to be challenged. However, almost nothing has changed in the basic game, so anyone who doesn't care about fancier graphics or doesn't want to deal with sponsors anyway doesn't necessarily need an update. However, Pro Cycling Manager 25 is a very important step for the future, as it has been given a new look and can now focus on other content.”

“Even though Tour de France 2025 offers no gameplay changes except for modified catering and slightly adjusted menus, it is still probably the most watchable Tour de France of all time for many reasons. This year's Tour de France route offers so many highlights that you simply want to visit the iconic locations yourself. In addition, the Flèche Wallonne, one of the most beautiful routes in professional cycling, can now also be contested as an additional classic. However, the biggest and most compelling argument in favor of Tour de France 2025 is the great new graphics. Never before has the cycling simulation been so realistic, showing its landscapes and riders in such a great light. If you ignore the still rather limited commentary track and the somewhat strange decision to include the original jerseys but not the current squads in the two career modes, Tour de France 2025 is probably the best game in the series, which can now finally catch up with other sports. If they could now move away from the purely menu-based career mode and incorporate a few interactive elements, cycling could finally play at the forefront, even virtually.”

“Survive the Fall isn't a blockbuster, but it's a small, ambitious survival adventure with soul. The mix of base building, exploration, and atmospheric world works well. The creative camp building and open world are particularly appealing. However, the game sometimes gets in its own way: too much loot, too little voice, too little focus. But if you're willing to embark on the adventure and have patience, you'll find an atmospheric representative of the genre and maybe even a new home at the end of the world.”

“Pivot of Hearts is a quiet, thoughtful story about love, self-discovery, and the uncertainties that arise when you get to know yourself anew. With a lot of heart, it tells the story of Wén Xiàn's journey through memories, new friendships, and the bittersweet realization that not every story needs a clear happy ending. It shines with authentic characters, an emotional story, and loving design, but stumbles over technical weaknesses and repetitive background music. Those who are patient, willing to engage with the quiet tones, and ready to immerse themselves in a complex, realistic narrative will find a game here that will resonate for a long time.”

“Post Trauma is a return to the roots of the survival horror genre, immersing the player in a dark, puzzling world that captivates from the very first second. The game knows how to utilize the strengths of classic survival horror titles and package them in a modern, yet nostalgic experience. The atmosphere is intense and the puzzles challenging. The game therefore offers exactly what long-time fans of the genre want. Of course, there are minor weaknesses, such as the less spectacular battles or the stiff animations of the protagonist, but these hardly spoil the overall experience. For the price of 15 euros, you get a solid, albeit short, experience that you can definitely play a second time. At a time when the big survival horror franchises are becoming increasingly action-packed, Post Trauma is a welcome change. It reminds us of the golden era of the genre, when the real horror wasn't in the bloody battles, but in the atmosphere, the puzzles and the constant sense of threat. Anyone longing for this experience will find exactly that with Post Trauma: an all-round nostalgia trip that brings the dark corners of the genre back to life.”

“Lushfoil Photography Sim is a really successful indie game that looks breathtakingly beautiful in places and is bursting with atmosphere thanks to the melancholy soundtrack and the grandiose lighting mood. The collecting tasks fit in well and offer a bit of a break from just taking photos, which is very well done in itself. Thanks to the time of day changes, the mood of the areas changes permanently, which makes for a very good scope. On the negative side, however, there are frequent reload stutters, the rather functional photo inventory including annoying micromanagement as well as minor errors and bugs. The collection tasks sometimes turn into a chore when certain locations or objects simply won't be found. However, this is only a problem for players who really want to collect everything. This is not essential for progressing through the game. As with a good photo, we have light, but also shadows. Why do I give it such a high rating despite the certainly avoidable mistakes? Because Lushfoil Photography Sim is simply a great, extraordinary one-man project that definitely deserves it!”

“Sometimes a two-year break is certainly good for one or other of the annual racing game series. This also applies in part to Monster Energy Supercross 25 - The Official Video Game. The switch to the latest Unreal engine brings improvements to the graphics, while the rest of the gameplay is definitely convincing, as in the previous parts. The AI in particular often does a good job and allows for exciting chases or shoulder-to-shoulder duels over several rounds. Thanks to various editors, there are plenty of customization options. The very good track editor should also be mentioned here, which is ultimately quite rudimentary, but still more than fulfills its purpose. And the Rhythm Attack mode, especially in the career mode, provides a nice break and surprisingly exciting duels right up to the finish line. All in all, Monster Energy Supercross 25 - The Official Video Game delivers a lot of tried and tested features and, apart from a few minor details, presents itself as a well-rounded package.”