After more than 30 hours of gameplay, I can safely say that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is exactly the kind of madness we needed. It's a game that embraces the absurdity of its premise and turns it into its greatest strength. The story kept me engaged, the characters are memorable, and every aspect of the game is bursting with personality.

Avowed demonstrates that Obsidian remains a studio capable of challenging RPG genre conventions. They've created a more focused experience that seeks to innovate in fundamental gameplay mechanics. The combination of vertical exploration, magical combat, and complex narrative points to a title that aims to rise above genre clichés. However, the game suffers from fundamental inconsistencies that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The lack of voice acting, fragmented narrative, limited NPCs, and reduced content variety burden a proposition that promises more than it ultimately delivers. The ability to switch between perspectives, far from being innovative, ends up undermining immersion rather than enhancing it.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC is currently a bittersweet experience. The base game is exceptional, with an engaging narrative and polished gameplay, but technical issues are too frequent to ignore. Even with powerful hardware like our setup, the experience is far from optimal.

Civilization VII represents the most ambitious leap forward in the series' history. Firaxis has managed to modernize the formula while maintaining the essence that has made the series great. The introduction of the Dynamic Eras system, the revamping of combat and diplomacy, along with improvements to urban development, create an experience that feels fresh and familiar at the same time.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a masterpiece that has achieved the impossible: improving on its predecessor in every aspect while maintaining its essence. Despite its demanding initial learning curve, it offers a unique and rewarding experience that rewards patience and dedication with unforgettable moments. A cinematic narrative, high-quality side quests, and hours of entertainment are the major incentives to help Henry in one of the year's best adventures.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a metroidvania that stands out for its unique atmosphere and refined combat system. Despite some navigation issues and the fragility of our protagonist, the game offers a captivating experience that will keep players hooked throughout its duration.

Coridden is the perfect example of how an original idea can shine even when the execution isn't perfect. Its unique transformation and cooperation mechanics, along with its interesting mix of setting, make it a unique experience that deserves the attention of co-op action RPG lovers.

Ninja Gaiden II Black is not only an excellent remaster, but it also sets the stage for the future of the series with Ninja Gaiden 4 on the horizon. The new features and improvements provide a glimmer of hope that Team Ninja understands what makes the series special, while the technical upgrades make it more accessible than ever for new players.

Eternal Strands is an ambitious debut that demonstrates both the potential and limitations of Yellow Brick Games. When its systems work in harmony – especially during battles against the Arks – the game achieves moments of brilliance that rival its inspirations. Physics and magic combine to create memorable situations that truly make you feel powerful and creative.

Tails of Iron 2 has made it pretty clear to me that Odd Bug Studio understands how to make a sequel: keeping the essence while expanding the possibilities. The roughly 15-hour main campaign is packed with memorable moments, and side activities can extend the experience considerably for those who want to squeeze in all the content.

Death Trap proves that the series' basic formula is still a hell of a lot of fun. The moments of triumph, when your traps work in perfect sync, or when you throw an orc into a lava pit and watch it bounce off the saw blades, are still just as satisfying as they were a decade ago.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PC is much more than a simple conversion: it's a technical reinterpretation that takes full advantage of the platform's capabilities. The exemplary optimization, numerous customization options, and surprising performance on Steam Deck leaves us with an exceptional port and great work by Square Enix in bringing this work of art to as many players as possible.

Donkey Kong is back with yet another remaster that remains very faithful to the original games. The level design, collectibles and many challenges make this game quite an enjoyable experience. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD main game modes offer a fair share of replayability, especially to new players that didn't experience the classic take on the game. This new Donkey Kong remaster definitely checks all the boxes.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks the revival of a legendary saga, blending the frenetic action of the musou genre with fresh ideas that bring both depth and innovation. In this installment, large-scale battles reach a new level thanks to the impressive number of enemies on screen and strategic tactics that make every move count. With a more refined narrative, a charismatic protagonist, and an interactive map that ties the Three Kingdoms together, this title delivers an experience that sets a new standard for the franchise. If you're a fan of the series or a lover of epic action, this is a game you can't afford to miss.

Fairy Tail 2 is a good game, especially for those who are already familiar with the anime. The redesign of the gameplay helps to give the adventure some freshness, although it can easily become repetitive after a few hours. Overall, it is a title that works well as a companion to the anime.

Eden Survivors shows enormous potential to revolutionize the survivor-like genre with its innovative energy system and strategic approach. The studio's commitment to continued development based on community feedback during Early Access is promising. However, to reach its true potential, the game needs a significant period of technical polishing.

Anton Blast isn't just an excellent platformer; it's a masterclass in how to modernize classic formulas without losing their essence. With its combination of polished mechanics, brilliant level design, and impeccable presentation, it's rightfully earned the Golden Genie Lamp of approval.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stands as one of the best video games of 2024 and living proof that MachineGames is a studio that knows how to move skillfully in environments different from those we've been accustomed to in the past. It's an adventure/action game that places special emphasis on the first element and strives to make you feel like Harrison Ford himself in front of the cameras. There's no better Indiana Jones game. This must finally be its Holy Grail.

Infinity Nikki is like that perfect outfit you didn't know you needed in your gaming closet. It's refreshing, beautiful, and surprisingly deep. In a gaming world dominated by action and conflict, this title reminds us that sometimes, what we really need is a space to be creative, help others, and yes, look fabulous while doing it.

Neon Blood is a truly outstanding graphic adventure whose plot captivates you from the start, constantly inviting you to continue its development while exploring each and every corner that is part of the city of Viridis. Ending all corruption and returning peace to the streets and inhabitants of the city will only be possible if detective Axel McCain, in the company of his allies, overthrows the dangerous powers present. If, in addition to liking graphic adventures, you are passionate about pixel art, you will love this 'Made in Spain' title.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a simulator that, despite its flaws, continues to be one of the best flight simulation experiences out there today. The improvement in graphics and detail is impressive, and the level of realism is hard to beat. However, not everything is perfect: inconsistent performance, issues with control configuration, and the lack of some key airports mean that the experience is still not as smooth as it could be.

If you're looking for a game where "taking a walk" potentially means encountering psychic anomalies, mutants, hungry folks, and stalkers who probably want your last can of beans, then S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is your game. It's like extreme camping where you forgot the tent, food, and sanity at home. Is it worth venturing into the Zone? Absolutely. Even if it's just to brag about surviving to tell the tale. And if you find that last can of dog food, save it for me. You never know when radiation might work up an appetite. And remember, stalker: in the Zone, it's not paranoia if everything really is trying to kill you. Now, who's ready for an adventure?

Square Enix brings back a cornerstone from the JPG golden era through a remake that does exactly what it needed to do: adapt both its visual style and gameplay to current standards. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake thus becomes a living legacy to the cultural heritage of the original entry.

LEGO Horizon Adventures has been an adventure that I have enjoyed more than I expected, however, it does not shine in all its sections equally. The technical section is impeccable, but in terms of gameplay it has certain aspects that have room for improvement. A longer duration and a more varied gameplay proposal would have shaped an outstanding title, a rating that comes close, but does not reach.

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a roguelike that, while not reinventing the wheel, offers a solid and entertaining experience, especially for fans of the Ninja Turtles.

Planet Coaster 2 cements itself as a significant, if cautious, evolution of the genre. The game achieves that coveted state of "zen management" where watching your park run while planning the next big attraction is tremendously satisfying. Despite some limitations, the title offers a complete and rewarding experience that improves on virtually every aspect of its predecessor.

Metal Slug Tactics is an impressive demonstration of how an action classic can be reinvented in a tactical format. With its solid gameplay, deep timing system, and outstanding production values, this title offers a fresh and exciting experience that fans of the series and strategy game enthusiasts alike will enjoy.

Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood Connection is one of the most complete games of 2024 that you can enjoy on Nintendo Switch. Although it has an interesting variety of content beyond the story, the main thing that stands out is the quality of the content, offering entertainment in abundance. Those who love the RPG genre will feel how the game hooks them, inviting them to continue constantly to reach the highest possible levels. If you are looking for an entertaining story, with minigames, challenges, and charismatic characters, this is the perfect game that will fulfill everything I mention. Nintendo once again hits it off through a wonderful installment of the Mario franchise.

Red Dead Redemption on PC is a testament to the power of timeless design. This version not only preserves the magic of the original, but improves on it in significant ways. The fluidity of the unlocked framerate, the sharpness of 4K resolution, and the improvements to draw distance make this, without a doubt, the best way to experience this modern classic.

While it is true that we are facing a completely unnecessary remaster, the different possibilities to enjoy it are quite accessible. The visual improvement is indisputable, and it is gratifying to be able to play the original installment with the technical section of the sequel. In addition, if we take into account that the remaster includes the expansion "The Frozen Wilds" with new areas, weapons, enemies and characters, they make this remaster a product of greater value and interest than other remasters such as Until Dawn or The Last of Us.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is a great point-and-click adventure. One of the best in the dramatic genre, however, we expected a bigger revolution with the return of Max Caufield. His new powers, although attractive, do not offer much depth in terms of gameplay, and the plot, which is always one of the fundamental pillars of the saga, has certain ups and downs. However, it is a great story with extremely charismatic characters that we will not forget. The best of all is that the promise is firm, Max will return, and we hope that next time he will do so with an adventure that lives up to what this character deserves.

With a new installment of the Smurfs, The Smurfs: Dreams becomes the best game in the franchise. A game to enjoy alone or with a friend and be part of this blue and lively world.

Overall, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a game that offers two distinct experiences. On the one hand, Shadow's campaign brings something new and exciting to the table, with never-before-seen abilities and a darker, more strategic approach. On the other hand, the remaster of Sonic Generations does its job of reviving nostalgia, albeit without too many surprises.

Just Dance 2025 Edition is more of an update to what was already seen in Just Dance 2024 Edition than a new release. The saga has reached a great level of maturity and is struggling to adapt to new trends, although its online section still needs to be improved.

With an overwhelming amount of new content, Super Mario Party Jamboree promises to become one of the most ambitious games in the franchise. In addition, it is a title that respectfully modifies the very essence of the saga with the aim of expanding its own limits and offering gameplay experiences never before seen in the series; thus fulfilling what anyone could expect from a Super Mario Party in 2024.

Neva is a title aimed at the whole family and not just a specific audience, with a story in which emotional ties are present at all times. If anything becomes clear as we get to know its protagonists, it is that unity is strength and that by being together, all kinds of adversities will be overcome. This game aims to be one of the most important indies of this present 2024 and if as players, you are looking for an experience that goes straight to the point, emotive and leaves aside the combat and action section that many of us are used to in other titles, Neva is the perfect choice.

For those looking for a realistic and challenging boxing experience, Undisputed already offers a solid foundation. With continued updates and a growing roster of boxers, this title has everything it needs to become a modern classic of boxing sports video games, but it still has some room for improvement.

Metaphor: ReFantazio draws a lot of inspiration from Persona 5, and it translates to many good things. It manages to evolve the JRPG genre both artistically and gameplay-wise. Metaphor: ReFantazio really is a turning point for japanese RPGs, a video game that hooks you to its universe from the very first minute thanks to an exhilarating plot and incredibly charming characters.

Dragon Ball: SPARKING! Zero is the video game that all Budokai Tenkaichi fans wished for. Visually its battles are stunning, and it plays at a pace that can be as frantic as a Dragon Ball battle from the anime. There's also a bunch of characters and game modes that will keep it alive for quite some time, especially the Custom Battle mode. Sadly, the Story Mode is quite lacking. It has some good ideas but they are executed pretty badly. There's clearly some unfulfilled potential there.

Until Dawn remains a remarkable work, just like the original, but this new version should have been a gift to all owners of the game that Supermassive Games released in 2015. A reduced price for the PC version and an upgrade for PS5 would have made more sense than the €70 outlay that it requires to simply look better.

The remake of Silent Hill 2 honors the great audiovisual work that Konami released in 2001, maintaining a high level and improving many of its most distinctive features. Silent Hill 2 was an essential title more than 20 years ago, and it remains so today with this magnificent remake.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is a game that, despite having the ingredients to be a worthy homage to classic brawlers, fails in almost every important aspect.

Throne and Liberty is a full-fledged next-gen RPG thanks to both his impactful visual style as well as an incredibly polished gameplay. The game sets whole new standards for the genre, hence looking like a promising future is ahead. Now it is time to see if Throne and Liberty can truly shine on its own.

Mickey Rebrushed manages to revive a classic that, despite its flaws, still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. The remaster offers visual and gameplay improvements that make the Wasteland worth revisiting.

God of War: Ragnarök is, for many, one of the best games available on PS5 and now comes to PC in exquisite quality. It's an almost perfect port, except for some minor details that will surely be corrected with successive patches. If you haven't tried it and you have a half-decent PC, do it as soon as possible, you'll love it and you'll also enjoy the best version available.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has the potential to become a whole new series on its own thanks to the many possibilities that Zelda introduces as the main character, both narratively and gameplay-wise. It may not be the most ambitious entry in the franchise, and it definitely has some flaws, but even so there's a very big chance for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom to become a fan favorite game.

EA Sports FC 25 offers a very complete experience that comes from presenting an overwhelming amount of content, accompanied by several improvements in different modes, although I think there is still a lot of room for improvement. Essentially, it is a very good game that is limited by a recurring problem: the weight of microtransactions in Ultimate Team.

The Plucky Squire is a game that deserves to be played by those who enjoy innovation and imagination in video games, despite its weaknesses. It is a reminder of why indie games are so important to the industry, as they bring freshness and new ideas to an ever-evolving medium.

ARA: History Untold has all the ingredients to become a benchmark in the genre. Its innovative mechanics, such as simultaneous turns, the non-linear technology tree and the prestige system, give it a fresh air that distinguishes it from other strategy games.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Reforged proves that good games are timeless. This version strikes the difficult balance between respecting the source material and adapting it to modern times. If you are a fan of the series, you will find that nostalgic feeling intact. And if it is your first time with George and Nico, prepare for an adventure that will hook you from start to finish.

We feel that 3 Minutes To Midnight has been a work conceived by true lovers of graphic adventures, who have known how to focus their efforts on what really matters in the genre. Crazy and acid humor, countless perfectly written dialogues, an exemplary cast of characters full of charisma, as well as a staging that captivates thanks to impeccable artistic direction. All this gives shape to a work that from this moment on is part of the best modern graphic adventures of recent years.

This new installment is full of promise and expectations, seeking not only to improve the original formula, but to completely reinvent it.

Funko Fusion is like that limited edition Funko Pop figure you buy with all your hopes up: full of potential, but not without its flaws. It has all the ingredients to be a feast for fans: Beloved franchises, iconic characters, a fun premise, gameplay reminiscent of the best moments from LEGO games.

Enotria: The Last Song is a work that stands out for its visual beauty and thematic originality, but it fails to reach the level of execution necessary in its gameplay. The mask system, although innovative, is not well balanced, and combat, an essential pillar in any Souls-like, is hampered by imprecise controls and mechanics that limit the player's freedom. The narrative, although intriguing, fails to develop in a coherent way, leaving the player with more questions than answers.

Satisfactory 1.0 is the culmination of years of development, community feedback, and constant polishing. The result is a game that is deep, addictive, and, yes, incredibly satisfying (pardon the pun, but there's no better way to describe it). If you're into building, optimizing, or just creating huge things, then Satisfactory is the game for you. It's the kind of experience that completely absorbs you, challenges you intellectually, and rewards you with the satisfaction of seeing your creations come to life.

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP is the perfect example of how a remaster should be done. It respects the source material, significantly improves the technical aspects, and adds content that fans will appreciate. It's a game that understands its identity and fully embraces it, offering an experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is one of the great surprises for all those veterans of the arcades during the 90s and early 2000s. Despite everything, it can be just as enjoyable for those people who, like me, didn't have the chance to live in that era. However, I think some new modes would have been perfect, but the online mode will give it more life in the competitive aspect.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is the perfect conception of what a sequel should be, a frenetic title with third-person action that never lets up and with additions based on very fun and entertaining game modes that give the title great replayability.

NBA 2K25 offers a very complete experience that comes from presenting an overwhelming amount of content that is fused with truly advanced RPG elements for a basketball simulator. Essentially, it is a very good video game that is limited by a recurring problem: the weight of microtransactions.

Astro has been a well known representative of the PlayStation brand for quite a few years now. Nevertheless, Astro Bot is the confirmation of the little guy as the go-to platforming experience within PlayStation, even on par with legends such a Super Mario. Astro Bot is a wonderful video game that will keep you engaged from beginning to end, and with a grin from ear to ear.

Emio – The Smiler: Famicom Detective Club is presented as an authentic detective experience with which Nintendo has fulfilled each and every one of the expectations. Both its plot, the characters and the development of the same are a real treat for players who are fans of the interactive visual novel genre. If the game already seemed attractive on its first appearance, as soon as players start playing it, they will not be able to stop until they finish it. Will Emio be a simple legend or will he end up being a cruel murderer who will have to be stopped so that the full weight of the law falls on him?

The 15-year wait for the saga has been good for this brand new installment, as it has a depth of gameplay worthy of the best RPGs of the moment. Its great customization of each character's play style is very addictive and its artistic style and setting are beautiful, but it is also weighed down by a story with good ideas but improvable execution and an exploration that does not stand out.

Concord is shaping up to be an exciting and potentially revolutionary offering in the first-person shooter genre. With its impressive graphical quality, deep gameplay mechanics, and fresh approach to narrative, the game has a lot to offer fans of the genre. However, the price could be a hurdle, especially in a market where many successful games adopt free-to-play or more accessible monetization models. However, if you're serious about picking it up, you should know that all post-launch content in the form of maps, game modes, and characters will be free to play.

Star Wars Outlaws is another Star Wars story, a different story that delves into the darkest part of the galaxy and more than fulfills its role in entertaining and telling a story. If you are a fan of the saga, you are in luck because you are going to find the most immersive title of the franchise in every sense.

Black Myth: Wukong is everything we hoped for and more a game that, by its own merits, is set to crown itself as one of the best of the year, without a doubt. With exquisite gameplay and a cinematic narrative development, it puts the finishing touch on a well-rounded game if you're into challenges. The difficulty curve, in my opinion, is absolutely unbalanced, becoming increasingly harder as you progress through the chapters, with some utterly broken bosses that will drive you crazy. However, the feeling you get after overcoming them is something entirely different. Overall, this is an absolutely unmissable title if you're a fan of Souls-like games. Here, you’ll find hours of entertainment and a good hundred final bosses for your delight, enjoyment, and frustration the Yin and Yang perfectly represented in a video game.

Bleak Faith: Forsaken is an ambitious and bold offering within a market saturated with Dark Souls-like games. It stands out for its suffocating atmosphere, enigmatic world, and intricate combat system, providing an experience that will attract followers of the genre. However, it is not without imperfections. Directional issues, some mechanics that could be improved, and certain technical aspects may cause frustration for less experienced players in the genre. Despite these problems, it is impossible not to appreciate the achievements of Archangel Studios with such a small team. They have developed a captivating universe...

Eden Genesis is positioned as another great game from the Spanish studio, with an impressive setting, spectacular soundtrack, challenging and sometimes reminiscent of its previous games. However, I think that if the studio did something "more different" it would be able to surprise us just like they did with Eden Genesis.

The idea of ​​renewing a classic is always welcome and this is a perfect opportunity for everyone to get to know what Tomba is and has been! for many players. The game feels good, but just as good as if you put it on your old PS1 and play it again.

This compilation of retro games put together with a bunch of challenges in Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a must-play treasure for all players. The compilation is made so that it doesn't only appeal to veteran players but also newcomers in a way that they will probably fall in love with everything the game has to offer. Especially regarding what veteran gamers may expect in this game collection, visually Nintendo has done a splendid job of keeping the classic appeal intact. Whether you play by yourself or aim to challenge other players, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is top of its class.

As a game in itself, it is a timeless gem that has not aged at all thanks to the freshness provided by the playability of this saga, its originality and its impeccable level design. And as a remaster, although it doesn't look as good as Luigi's Mansion 3, the visual changes and improvements fit it like a glove and doesn't clash at all among the Nintendo Switch game catalog.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is everything users want and desire. A perfectly orchestrated masterpiece by FromSoftware that leaves me with the strange feeling of wondering, is this really a DLC? The added content and the new map have left me awestruck in every sense, as well as the game's duration, which will vary for each player. But I wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you that thirty hours can easily go by if you go all out. In short, although I think it's all clear, SOET is everything we could expect from a DLC and much more. The quantity and originality of the added content are insane, so the final question would be, can a DLC be the GOTY? I think it can.

F1 24 is a great game for F1 lovers, adding new improvements to driving and the different game modes. Although it doesn't improve anything graphically, the game is still a real marvel in case your dream is to become a true professional F1 driver.

Atlus has managed to make a new version that surpasses the original work in everything (again, because they always do this well with their games). Not only with the obvious improvements at a playable and visual level, but because the new content turns Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance into a product that borders on the label of "new game" and not "new version." One of the best JRPGs of the year and, possibly, the best SMT of the series.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a great remake when it comes to the visual aspects, but not so much regarding the gameplay elements. Since the original gameplay has mostly been left untouched, the battle system doesn't shine as much as it used to, and it feels like it is lacking in dynamism. Nevertheless, the original game wasn't a hit because of the fights; it was its story that made it special, and an artistic design that still looks great 20 years later. And last but not least, it must not be forgotten that it features some of the most charismatic characters ever seen in the Mario-verse.

Hellblade II attempts to improve one of the most incredibly creative projects that landed on the video games industry a few years back, through which Ninja Theory shows the opposite sides of itself. On one hand, Hellblade II represents the peak technical performance of this generation of consoles. On the other hand, it doesn't really provide anything beyond what the first game offered. Although this sequel is really an amazing game, it feels like the studio could have pushed for something more.

MotoGP 24 takes you on a crazy journey full of speed and adrenaline. In spite of the game not pushing many new elements, every turn is as exciting as the next one. It also features multiple game modes that are good fun and that'll help you in learning how to properly play the game. If you are a real life fan of MotoGP looking for a realistic experience, then MotoGP 24 will not let you down.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a discreet, attractive metroidvania and, above all, accessible to the vast majority of players, both experienced and new. A proposal that will be attractive to lovers of the genre. However, those looking for a title at the level of the best games of this title currently have a wide range of alternatives on the market that they will surely enjoy more.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is just what we could expect from the creators of Suikoden. It is a classic JRPG with some room for improvement but it lays the first stone of a new saga that could give us many joys in the future.

SAND LAND is definitely a good open world game, but not a game that exactly lives up to Akira Toriyama's legacy. It is unfortunate that SAND LAND's release and Toriyama's death ended up so close to each other, but it makes you feel like they could have done more with a title that finds its strengths in how close it follows the manga and how nice the fights on vehicles feel.

Stellar Blade is one of the best action oriented experiences on PS5 and manages to meet pretty high standards in most of its aspects. However, even if Stellar Blade is able to stand on its own two feet, more often than not it tends to remind you of other video games. In the end, there's a few little things that prevent Stellar Blade from becoming a memorable experience.

TopSpin 2K25 is definitely the best tennis game you'll find nowadays. The game's main appeal is its MyCareer mode, with tons of game modes that allow your character to grow over time and that will keep TopSpin 2K25 alive for quite some time. The game is properly designed and while it will help you to get into its gameplay rather easily, it will become more challenging the more you advance. In the end, TopSpin 2K25 even achieves something rather difficulT for tennis video games: having unpredictable exchanges.

South Park: Snow Day! seemed to me like a rather vague attempt to capitalize on the franchise that gave us such good results with previous titles. A game that falls short in many aspects and where the low budget is noticeable. It's fun when you play it with friends, but it's not a game that will go down in history. Considering the franchise it is, something much more ambitious could have been done.

Rise of the Ronin is not a perfect game and has its fair share of flaws, but it still is really impressive. Its landscapes and many scenarios paint the amazing picture of the Edo era in Japan masterfully, and you can add on top of that a gameplay that is incredibly solid mostly thanks to its flawless battle mechanics. Overall, Rise of the Ronin is a game that will satisfy an incredibly wide range of audiences.

In order to talk about Princess Peach: Showtime! you first need to understand that it is a game made for all audiences, with all the good and the bad that implies. It may not be the kind of game you were expecting for this one, but it'll help you in taking care of your inner child, which more often than not is actually pretty necessary.

Dragon's Dogma 2 follows pretty closely many aspects from previous entries in the franchise, both the good and the bad. Gameplay-wise, Dragon's Dogma 2 definitely includes elements that feel a little bit outdated, and that could've been tweaked one way or another in order to further improve the overall experience. Still, this is an excellent RPG, and every fan of the genre is certainly in for quite a treat.

Outcast: A New Beginning is the sequel to Outcast, the cult video game released in 1999. In this installment, users can explore the alien world of Adelpha, where they can help the Talans in their hardships in the most exciting battles against hordes. of invading robots. This third-person, open-world adventure is developed by Appeal Studios.

Although it may grate on the most nostalgic players, the truth is that Contra: Operation Galuga is a good reinterpretation of the original classic with enough new features to keep things interesting. The story mode does its job, although it slows down the frantic pace of the game, while the extra modes are a nice addition to get more out of it and satisfy the more demanding players. Meanwhile, for those who are looking for a lesser challenge, they can always switch to an easier game mode. Contra: Operation Galuga delivers on its adaptation, so let's hope that they don't stop here and continue with new reinterpretations of one of the most iconic sagas in the world of video games.

WWE fans will definitely be very happy with such a complete game. WWE 2K24 boasts an impressive variety of game modes, new estipulations and a Showcase that leaves up to the hype, especially due to the fact that it features 21 of the most important fights ever at Wrestlemania.

Red Barrels expands the Outlast universe with a new entry that introduces a whole new set of dangerous experiments by the Murkoff Corporation, a series of threats that the players will have to deal with in order to thwart a worldwide mind control scheme. The Outlast Trials has the potential to be the best horror game we get in 2024, a experience that you'll be able to enjoy either on your own or alongside other players.

The premise of Pacific Drive is unique and original in many ways, although in others it can become a bit tedious and tiresome. It is a game in which we must be patient and not go crazy, because it is better to go little by little to avoid falling into despair. Being a first-person survival rogue-lite, it has its own touch and nothing will be the same in each exploration, but for my taste a third-person option would have been good.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a massive leap forward when compared to the first entry of the Final Fantasy VII Remake. It is way more ambitious, with an open world that is as detailed as alive, and that is very gratifying to explore. Even if not all of the secondary activities are especially memorable, it is undeniable that Square Enix's endeavors to turn this into a more diversified and fresh experience can be felt right from the get-go.

Skull and Bones has ended up being a rather decent game for the catastrophe it could have become. Playing it, you understand why Ubisoft didn't decide to cancel it and gave it a chance. The work of the French multinational may not be the ultimate pirate fantasy, but it is indeed an open-world game with MMO elements and a solid gameplay foundation. It's not a game for everyone, and only time will tell if it ends up being so.

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story provides an intriguing peek into the world of Yordles, Runeterra's most endearing race. In this latest offering from Riot Forge, developed in collaboration with Lazy Bear Games, we're treated to a straightforward yet engaging storyline. However, the gameplay leaves me somewhat torn. Is it a tad monotonous, or am I simply missing its charm? Despite its shortcomings—like mundane fetch quests and tedious walks—the game's vibrant world and charming characters manage to salvage the experience.

Arrowhead Game Studios has managed to create a sequel that improves on every single aspect from the previous entry. This is one of the best co-op games we will see in quite some time, especially since not many games of its kind are able to provide as much fun and craziness as Helldivers 2 does. If you are looking for a game to just dive in and have a good time with your friends, then Helldivers 2 will not let you down.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong follows the original game real close as a remake, and it takes from the classic as much good as bad. Overall, the level design is still amazing, and it adds a number of new worlds that really manage to turn the experience up a notch. What may be troublesome for some players is that this time around Mario's mobility is kind of limited. Nevertheless, puzzles are Mario vs. Donkey Kong's real strong suit, so the whole package remains really solid.

Having completed Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, I can confidently say that it will go on as one of 2024's best games. If you are looking for a story full of tension, exciting moments and hard to make choices, as well as great animations and completely awful monsters, then you'll definitely hit the mark with Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. To sum it up: as a semi-open world RPG video game, it is with no doubt one of the best video games that Don't Nod has ever made.

I can't help but applaud Sand Door Studio for their boldness, their staging, and their originality in giving a twist to the hack & slash genre. Lysfanga is a title that hooks, entertains, and above all, surprises. It probably won't go down in history as the game of the year, but it's undoubtedly a title that will enamor fans of the genre. Furthermore, the starting price of €24.99 helps a lot, and if you want to find out if this game is for you or not, there's a nice demo on Steam to try it out hassle-free.

After quite the long journey, I can firmly say that Granblue Fantasy: Relink is one of the highlights of January 2024, especially for those who love a good RPG. If you are looking for some absorbing stortytelling, sick fights and amazing gameplay, then Granblue Fantasy: Relink is essentially tailor-made for you.