Christmas is just around the corner and with it the contemplative days when you can simply switch off. In addition to spending time with the family, you can of course also gamble. ntv.de presents the five best video games that shouldn't be missing under the Christmas tree.
AstroBot (PS5)
What Super Mario can do, “Astro Bot” has been able to do for a long time. The adventure about the little robot from the Playstation universe delights all age groups as a tricky jump & run. Nintendo's Italian plumber usually has to save the princess and the story in “Astro Bot” is also rather simple. While traveling through the galaxy with his robot friends, the spaceship is attacked by an alien and steals four important parts of the ship. There is a crash landing and the 300 crew members – all of them robots – are scattered across six different galaxies. Astro Bot has to find his colleagues and the spaceship parts.
The adventure scores with a lot of creativity: in many levels, the heroic robot finds an aid that expands the movement possibilities. The puffer fish balloon temporarily lets Astro float to unexpected heights, and the double frog glove serves as a catapult. The monkey claws allow tricky climbing passages, with the mini mouse function Astro slips through small niches and holes.
The worlds are so colorful and lovingly designed that you never get bored. With “Astro Bot”, Playstation and the developers at Team Asobi have created a truly brilliant video game experience – a real must under the Christmas tree.
Star Wars: Outlaws (PS5, Xbox X/S, PC)
If you have a lot more time over the holidays, “Star Wars: Outlaws” is a good choice. You can spend up to 30 hours in the Outer Rim and other galaxies and enjoy the typical George Lucas touch. The developers Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment allow players to immerse themselves in the world of smugglers, thieves and space pirates and consciously forego the dark and light side of the force – and thus also Jedi Knights.
Protagonist Kay Vess stumbles into the middle of the power games of several crime cartels: she unknowingly steals the favorite spaceship of crime lord Sliro, who from then on chases her through the galaxies. To get rid of the cartel, she must carry out the heist of her life.
The four cartels (Pykes, Hutts, Crimson Dawn, Ashiga Clan) are an animating element in the game. Each mission has an impact on Kay's reputation among the criminal organizations: sabotaging one clan's facility will make another happy. In some cases you can still decide in the quest who you play against each other. For the most part, in the third-person shooter you sneak through the facilities of the syndicates or the empire, occasionally having to solve climbing passages and occasionally hacker mini-games or other symbol puzzles. But there is no monotony because the setting is simply bombastically well done. A video game that authentically fits well into the Star Wars universe and provides hours of entertainment – that's what the fans wanted. And the wish was fulfilled.
Black Myth: Wukong (PS5/Xbox X/S)
“Black Myth: Wukong” is also going to be fantastic. In the video game adaptation of the Chinese novel “Journey to the West”, the player takes on the role of a monkey who is supposed to unleash the monkey king Sun Wukong, who is sealed in the Huaguo. First, the player must collect Wukong's six senses on his journey. A dangerous pilgrimage begins.
The story may seem a bit confusing at first glance, but it is still captivating. The story, which mixes Chinese and other Asian cultures in an original retelling, is an audiovisual fireworks display. The action-adventure is also full of huge monsters and divine creatures that offer lots of tough boss fights. Anyone who fears that they are trapped in a Soulslike is wrong. Black Myth is less merciless and after you die you don't lose experience points or in-game currency. This should put a lot less stress on your nerves than games like “Elden Ring” or “Dark Souls”.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II (Xbox Series X/S)
Scaryness is also allowed at Christmas. In “Senua's Saga: Hellblade II” the medieval world of the Northmen becomes the setting. At the center of this rough and brutal game world is a Celtic warrior Senua, who suffers from psychosis and anxiety – tough stuff for a video game that is nevertheless impressive. The story begins with the protagonist as a prisoner on a Northmen boat. In stormy seas, the ship capsizes and Senua is in danger of drowning. The voices in their heads that players hear whispered into their ears from left and right reflect doubts, fears, but also hope. Senua escapes death by drowning, from then on she swears revenge on the Northmen and wants to save the remaining shipwrecked slaves.
Violence and brutality are important elements in the game to convey the harsh Middle Ages. Combined with Senua's psychotic episodes and whispering voices in a nightmarish setting, it has to be said that “Hellblade II” certainly won't appeal to everyone. The game is therefore only suitable for ages 18 and over.
The developers say about the game that many moments should never feel like a victory for Senua, but rather like situations in which the protagonist survives. And that's a good thing, because you don't have a feeling of success when you're gambling. “Phew, that was close” or “Just made it” are more likely to be the thoughts that go through the player's head after a successful fight. The second part of the saga, which is around six hours long, has a lot to offer for fans of atmospheric and story-driven adventures. The game leaves a huge impression because the package of the previously described factors, both negative and positive, is so well rounded.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The Lost Crown has breathed new life into the already dusty “Prince of Persia” franchise. As a player you take on the role of the saber-wielding Sargon. He is one of the seven “Immortals”, a group of warriors who – like so many elements in the game – are based on Persian mythology. With Anahita there is an opponent who wants to become queen of the Persian Empire and simply kidnaps Prince Ghassan to do so. A chase begins for Sargon with mythical creatures, puzzles and daring parkour passages.
The latest edition is a Metroidvania. The portmanteau comes from Metroid and Castlevania, two formative video games in which you explore a large, nested but interconnected world without a clear goal. The platforming passages are in 2D, the beautifully animated cutscenes in the story and battles are in 3D. As is usual in the genre, the world opens up as you learn new skills as the story progresses. As far as mood goes, pretty much everything in “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” fits. The gameplay impresses in the areas of freedom of movement, exploration and combat system throughout the entire duration of the more than 20 hours of playing time.
The idea behind a new “Prince of Persia” game is working. The charm of the old titles is noticeable, a new coat of paint and the best features of a Metroidvania ensure a unique gaming experience.
