I just declared it as my #3 game of 2025 and now I have a video about it? Coincidence?
Anyway, this one is my third video on the Touhou series and it tries to answer the question, if this long-running series is still good today.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=74K9...

The only game from 2025 on my list. I guess not many had "Touhou 20: Fossilized Wonders" on their radar, but if we're just talking about pure gameplay, this is the best I played last year. And if I were compare it to earlier entries in the series... well that would be a story for another day.

Yes, I played FF IV for the first time in 2025. I don't know why I waited this long, but it was worth it. While many later JRPGs improved many aspects FF IV established, it is still a fun and worthwhile playthrough. It takes you on an adventure with lots of memorable characters and twists.

The Messenger is simply a solid action-platformer with tight controls and great levels. And some cool movement options like the signature 'cloudstep'. It's also packed with loads of genre-defying ideas and twists, and most of them work quite well. All of this made it my number 5 in 2025.

Now that we have arrived in 2026, it's time to crown my games of the year 2025. However, since I (usually) don’t play games in the year they released, this list will be a bit different. It consists of games that I played for the first time in 2025, no matter when they were published.

Current Status of my next video project:

Writing: 100%
Voice Recording 100%
Sound Editing: 80%
Video Editing: 40%

I'm making good progress, but now I'll go into a Christmas Break, so the release is still far off.

I just saw the new Inbox-video from @superbunnyhop.bsky.social ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=0it7...) and as soon as it was over I went to my gaming cupboard, fetched this and took a picture of it. My parents bought this back then and we played it together a couple of times.

Ah, the Game Awards... Since I usually don't play games in the year they come out, I don't really have an incentive to engage with this show. Still, I appreciate how this event celebrates the year in gaming. My friends and I do the same: in December, we always discuss our personal games of the year.

If you like Action-Platformers then you should check out The Messenger! It even has a unique gameplay-bending twist. I won't spoil it here, but it really surprised me.

The movement in "The Messenger" is just *chef's kiss*. Getting from A to B in a stylish way is so much fun!

I'm currently playing The Messenger. Do you know this one? You should, because it's one of the best I played this year.

My next video project is off to a rocky start. I had a cold this week and since my voice is still messed up I can't do voice recordings. With these delays I'm not sure if I can finish it until the end of the year

One of the strengths of Final Fantasy IV is its colorful cast of characters. Even bosses you only fight once often leave a lasting impression, like these three ladies. They are called the 'Magus Sisters,' and if they seem familiar, then you've probably played Final Fantasy X.

That other Kevin on Youtube (@kbash.bsky.social) made a fantastic video about a storied strategy game series. I'd say it's one of the best videos I saw this year and if you care about games give this one a watch. And don't worry about the length, it has great pacing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMLi...

I have a few thoughts on the (in)famous dialogue between Richter Belmont and Dracula at the beginning of Symphony of the Night. You've probably heard it before, but have you ever really thought about what they're saying?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsHZ...

I recently played Final Fantasy IV for the first time and had a great time. It doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay mechanics, but I really enjoyed exploring the world as the story unfolds. It has a couple of surprises in store for you.

My favourite boss in Touhou 20: Fossilized Wonders is easily Nareko. The interaction with her is brilliant and her Spell Cards have a riddle- and labyrinth-theme which is right up my alley.

Yesterday I successfully completed my first 1CC in Touhou 20, so today I’m starting with Bluesky. Fossilized Wonders is surprisingly tough and it took quite a while to clear it in one continue. As usual it was rewarding to figure out how to survive these bosses... but that’s a story for another day.