Good gifts do not necessarily have to be under the Christmas tree, they can also land as a key in the mailbox: Video games are fun and keep you busy over the holidays if you have to miss out on visiting relatives this year.
According to the industry association Game, over 12 million Germans want games, consoles and accessories for Christmas. While consoles are only available with luck and accessories have become increasingly rare, there are unlimited digital video games – and if you really want to pack something, you can still buy many on the data carrier. As a last-minute gift, games are also a good option for anyone who is left empty just before Christmas.
But which games are suitable as gifts? Heise online has selected ten suggestions from different genres and for different age groups to help with orientation. All of the titles listed came onto the market in 2021 and are therefore still up-to-date. The selection also includes some titles that run well on older systems and do not require the very latest console in the living room – as well as some insider tips that could surprise even well-informed, frequent gamers.
“Unpacking”
The developers describe “Unpacking” as a mixture of building block puzzle and home decoration. The mouse is used to unpack cardboard boxes, the contents of which have to be placed appropriately in the cloakrooms, cupboards and shelves in various apartment rooms. What sounds simple turns out to be a creative game with great storytelling that reveals a lot about the people whose private stuff you unpack here.
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(Quelle: Humble Games)
Does the guitar have to disappear under the bed in the student dorm because it doesn’t fit anywhere else? Do the climbing shoes remain within reach despite working life? And which game console gets the place of honor under the television? “Unpacking” is a relaxed and unique gaming experience that skilfully seduces into nostalgia. With its simple graphic style, it is also suitable for laptops, for example. “Unpacking” is the most fun for older game fans who have already managed a few moves themselves.
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
price: 20 Euro
USK: Not rated
“It Takes Two”
At the Game Awards, the most important award ceremony in the game industry, the co-op game “It Takes Two” won the main prize this year despite the blockbuster competition. The loving mix of action adventure, puzzle game and platformer can only be played by two people – a solo run is not possible. In “It Takes Two” you solve puzzles and overcome obstacles together with your play partner, while you soak up the touching and funny story. The two characters Cody and May are dolls with which the protagonist Rose works through the failed relationship of her parents.
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(Quelle: Electronic Arts)
“It Takes Two” (from € 24.95) can be played together on the sofa in split-screen or via online co-op. Regardless of which variant you choose: Only one copy of the game is required, so you don’t have to buy the title twice. “It Takes Two” is one of those presents that the giver can enjoy just as much as the recipient. There is no better co-op entertainment this year.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
price: 40 Euro
USK: From 12 years
“Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart”
You can only play the thrilling action adventure “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” on the Playstation 5. The iconic video game duo gets female support in the new edition and makes several dimensions unsafe: The seamless change of dimensions is a core mechanic of the game. From one moment to the next, Ratchet, Clank and Rivet are always in a completely new environment, with no loading times – the PS5’s SSD makes it possible.
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Apart from that, “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” is a wonderful showcase for the hardware power of the new Sony console. The graphics are incredibly detailed and do not reveal a single blurred texture even when zooming in photo mode. The VFX effects on the colorful shootings are stunning, and the animation quality of the characters is more reminiscent of a blockbuster film than a video game. In addition, developer Insomniac Games tells a funny story with a melancholy aftertaste. The only downer: With a list price of 80 euros and a playing time of 10 to 15 hours, “Rift Apart” is comparatively expensive despite the bombastic staging. In the price comparison you can find “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” sometimes cheaper (from € 39.95).
Platforms: PS5
price: 80 Euro
USK: From 12 years “
“Kena: Bridge of Spirits”
The developers of the adventure game “Kena: Bridge of Spirits” started out as an animation studio. They bring the qualities they have learned into their wonderful debut game, which is almost overflowing with creative designs and cute figurines. The main character Kena travels a fairy tale land and tries to save troubled spirits or souls.
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(Source: Ember Lab)
In terms of play, “Kena: Bridge of Spirits” is a typical action adventure with third-person fights, puzzle sections and lots of climbing and jumping around. This is not exactly unusual, but in combination with the great graphic design it works well enough for a clear purchase recommendation. But you shouldn’t expect more than ten hours of gaming time.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
price: 40 Euro
USK: From 12 years
“Dorfromantik”
A relaxing, highly recommended game from Germany: “Dorfromantik” is an imaginative mixture of card placement game, building simulation and board game. The debut work by the Berlin indie studio Toukana Interactive was honored as the best game at the German Developer Award 2021 and won the award for the best game design at the German Computer Game Award.
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(Quelle: Toukana Interactive)
“Dorfromantik” is about placing randomly drawn, hexagonal tiles next to each other as sensibly as possible in order to expand your village and increase the high score. In between, the game provides variety and additional challenges with smaller quests. For this you have to build a certain number of houses or dig a river. As a reward, there are other maps that can be used to expand the village further. With its meditative game play, “Dorfromantik” is suitable for all age groups – as the game progresses, however, it can sometimes become more complex. “Dorfromantik” is still listed as an Early Access title on Steam, but has been fully playable for months.
Platforms: PC
price: 9 Euro
USK: From 0 years
Disclaimer: This article is generated from the feed and not edited by our team.
Source: https://marketresearchtelecast.com/video-games-as-a-gift-these-games-are-fun-for-christmas/229076/
