Guide

Tips from our editors: 11 games I would put under the Christmas tree

Philipp Rüegg
6.12.2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

What to gift? It’s the same question every year. We want to help as experts on the editorial team and share some very personal tips.

As a full-time nerd and game editor, I’ve already played more titles than I could ever fit in Santa’s sack. In order to avoid you having to fight your way through the same mountain of games, I’ve picked out eleven particularly interesting titles for you. There should be something suitable for every taste among them.

«Valheim»

«Valheim» is available digitally for PC.

«Guardians of the Galaxy»

Gamers who prefer to play alone while still engaging in lively conversation might enjoy the action adventure «Guardians of the Galaxy». In it, you are Starlord, who, together with the rest of his heroic squad, will have to save the universe from destruction. There’s a lot of talking as you visit exotic worlds, as well as plenty of action.

«Age of Empires 4»

The sequel to the cult real-time strategy hit offers a captivating loop of base building, resource gathering and combat. Using eight vastly distinct races, you can knock down a real or computer-controlled enemy’s castle walls and storm to victory with your war elephants, camel archers or knights.

«Humankind»

«Humankind» also offers various historical battles, but at a much more leisurely pace. You’ll lead a turn-based civilisation from the Neolithic Age into the modern era. The special thing about it is that you can mix civilisations and, for example, evolve Babylonians into the Franks. But watch out: «Humankind» is one of those just-one-more-move games.

«Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut»

Hardly any game has painted such a beautifully picturesque world as Ghost of Tsushima. The Director’s Cut adds an additional island to the open-world action role-playing game, which you, a samurai, must free from the Mongols.

«Psychonauts 2»

Sometimes you’re part of a cooking show where the audience are also ingredients – sometimes you’re fighting a giant octopus in a casino, and at other times you’re balancing on a giant bowling ball through a world of negative thoughts. This is all possible because, as a psychonaut, you can dive into other people’s brains. «Psychonauts 2» is one of the most creative and entertaining games of the last few years.

«The Forgotten City»

A portal transports you into the past – into a sealed Roman city. Its inhabitants live without ageing, unless one of them commits a sin and thus breaks the golden rule. However, no one knows exactly what counts as a sin. Except that they all turn to gold when one does occur. Fortunately, in this case, you can simply run out of there and return through the portal. While going through this time loop adventure, you’ll gradually uncover the mystery of the city.

«The Forgotten City» will be released digitally for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X.

«Deathloop»

Any action-adventure game called «Deathloop» will most likely involve time loops. However, you don’t have to shy away from sinning here. On the contrary, your goal is to take out eight people in one day. Not only does «Deathloop» tell an interesting story, it also offers a lot of freedom in terms of gameplay using various weapons, abilities and interactions in the missions.

«Metroid Dread»

Anyone who loved the old 2D «Metroid» game will simply adore «Metroid Dread». After all, it’s virtually the same gameplay-wise. You land on an alien planet, once again losing all your skills, which you gradually reacquire and thus advance further and further in the world. The mix of exploration, action and crisp boss fights is motivating until the end.

«Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart»

«Chivalry 2»

«Forza Horizon 5»

My colleagues in the editorial team have also shared their tips for Christmas gift giving. Find an overview here:

34 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles. 


Gaming
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Guide

    Ghost of Yōtei: 23 helpful beginner’s tips for this samurai adventure

    by Domagoj Belancic

  • Guide

    The best games you haven't played in 2019

    by Philipp Rüegg

  • Guide

    More must-have games for your Switch

    by Kevin Hofer