Essentially, Milestone continues to build upon the winning dual formula that marked something of a renaissance for the MotoGP video game franchise—doing so with an installment capable of appealing just as much to newcomers as it does to longtime veterans. The new physics model works well and is convincing; the new Career mode represents a distinct departure from the franchise's past (though there is still some room for improvement); and the Race Off mode is entertaining, finally incorporating street bikes as well. Whether you are a die-hard MotoGP fan or simply looking for a title to unleash your inner racer, this year's edition of Milestone's sports simulator might be exactly what you're looking for.

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes successfully conveys the physical sensation of stepping into the shoes of one of the series' pint-sized protagonists, yet this alone is not enough to elevate it to the status of a virtual reality cult classic. The gameplay adheres to the standard fare found in most VR titles—save for its mood and setting, which, while artistically captivating, remain limited in terms of interactivity and depth. It remains a recommended title for fans of the genre and devotees of the main storyline, though one should not expect the same level of challenge or complexity.

Overall, Saros manages to build a clear and coherent identity, even when not all of its solutions are entirely convincing. Housemarque pushes hard to evolve from Returnal, expanding the narrative component, strengthening progression, and introducing systems that seek to make the experience more modular and less punishing, without however distorting its roguelike nature. The Eclipse, with its corruption and constant impact on gameplay and atmosphere, remains the true nerve center of the experience: a mechanic that doesn't simply serve as a backdrop, but is embedded in every choice, every fight, and every risk. Not everything is perfectly balanced—some mechanics feel harder than necessary, and others are less refined than the overall ambition—but the end result is still a game that knows when to be spectacular and when to tighten its grip. And when Saros truly works, it does so brilliantly: turning every playthrough into a precarious balance between control and chaos, decision-making and improvisation. A formula that is not always indulgent, but which hardly leaves anyone indifferent.

REPLACED is a feast for the eyes and ears. The world crafted by Sad Cat Studios is vibrant and magnetic—a place where getting lost amidst the details and references is a constant delight. However, the gameplay is not without its uncertainties. The platforming sections are generally well-designed but occasionally suffer from spikes of excessive difficulty. The same applies to the combat, which, over time, suffers from a lack of variety and a difficulty level that sometimes feels artificial. The result is a solid and effective experience, though one in which the visual quality ultimately stands out above the rest.

We have often asked ourselves, "How exactly do you *play* Tomodachi?" and the answer is that, perhaps, it is Tomodachi that plays with *us*—and not the other way around. It is the Miis who propose activities involving themselves and request changes to their lifestyles, clothing, diet, and interactions with other Miis; while we, on the other hand, simply sit back to enjoy their reactions and build—in the truest sense of the word—a comfortable environment for them, one in which they can fully express themselves even when we aren't watching. Inevitably, variety begins to wane as time goes by; once you have built your own personal paradise, unlocked all the town amenities, and witnessed most of the game's scenarios, the repetitiveness starts to set in. The most creative players might still find some joy in the drawing editor or in designing new Miis, but the initial spark of enthusiasm simply won't be the same. We firmly believe that a roadmap of "Nintendo-made" content updates is needed to extend the longevity of *Tomodachi Life*—much like what was done for *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. In the meantime, however, this delightful "Tamagotchi-meets-Mii" title from the Kyoto-based developer remains fully capable—just like its predecessor, but with an expanded toolkit—of entertaining and surprising anyone in search of a good laugh and a healthy dose of absurdity. Case in point: a wedding between your own grandmother and Hideo Kojima. A true story—at least on our island...

Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a game that exhibits a few minor imperfections—likely due to the developers' limited experience—yet these elements fail to detract from what is, overall, a truly unique experience that is enjoyable from both a gameplay and an aesthetic standpoint. Anyone who appreciates "boomer shooters" or the distinctive style adopted by Fumi Games should not let this title pass them by—especially given the budget-friendly price point at which it has been offered since launch.

In Pragmata, every element serves the gameplay—from the progression structure to the very staging of the narrative. And this works out beautifully, for it functions in a way that is frankly unexpected. Given the distinctive nature of the core concept underpinning its gameplay formula, it would have been entirely reasonable to fear a drop in quality during the later stages—moments where things could have easily become overly convoluted, running the risk of stripping the game of its fresh, intuitive appeal. Yet, Pragmata consistently manages to preserve a refined balance and an enviable self-awareness of its own uniqueness. Delicate yet intense, moving yet sweet, challenging yet intelligently structured—Pragmata may not reach pinnacles of absolute excellence in every single aspect (as it is the gameplay that truly towers above all else), but it nonetheless proves itself to be a precious work. Games like this—possessing an identity that is bold yet never pretentious—deserve to be cherished.

Darwin's Paradox! proves to be, in essence, a solid platformer—anchored by an irresistible protagonist who falls somewhere between Wile E. Coyote and Scrat, and supported by visuals and music worthy of an animated film. Admittedly, the trial-and-error mechanics—combined with a difficulty level tuned on the lower side—may render this title somewhat unstimulating and unsatisfying for those seeking a genuine challenge; however, the variety of environments and situations, coupled with the pervasive wit that permeates the entire production, ensures that players of *Darwin's Paradox!* will never fall into the trap of boredom.

Crimson Desert is certainly neither a masterpiece nor a total disaster; rather, it is the outcome of an evolutionary trajectory with excellent potential—albeit one undermined by a creative direction that compromised part of its final execution. It is a product evidently diminished by the creative metamorphosis it underwent during development, yet one whose immense scope remains palpable thanks to one of the finest implementations of the open-world structure in recent memory, a generous wealth of content, and technical execution of the highest caliber. As it currently stands, we cannot give it top marks; however, there is a concrete possibility that the project's stewards—who have proven surprisingly swift in responding to community feedback—will succeed in resolving many of its most glaring flaws. Should that happen, we could well be looking at a result of an entirely different caliber.

Marathon is not a game for everyone. The hardcore nature of Bungie’s latest effort creates an experience with a high barrier to entry—one that will drive away anyone unwilling to commit to mastering its intricate mechanics, while conversely trapping everyone else in an endless loop of runs. This specific quirk ensures the game will likely never become a mainstream hit or reach record-breaking levels of popularity; yet, there is no doubt that Bungie’s take on the extraction shooter genre is one of the most compelling titles currently available on the market. Anyone with a visceral love for this subgenre should at least give it a chance—or, to put it more aptly, try going for a run.

The rebirth of *Screamer*—in the form of a futuristic, cyberpunk-themed arcade racer set in the distant future—has truly won us over, delivering some of the most carefree hours we’ve spent with racing games in recent years. Its enjoyable handling model, lengthy Story mode populated by memorable characters (though, admittedly, this mode suffers from a few structural and pacing issues), and inspired art direction make it a highly recommendable title for any fan of the genre, regardless of their prior experience. It is a game born of an old-school development philosophy—one that has been modernized and made appealing once again to an incredibly diverse audience. While a few issues persist regarding track design and certain mechanics that feel less polished than others, by and large, this marks another bullseye for the Milan-based studio.

If we had to define Planet of Lana 2 in one word, it would definitely be "maturity." The same maturity the development team has poured into this work, both in terms of story and gameplay, improving it in every aspect. Ultimately, the series is a little gem because, like its protagonist, it looks to the past with admiration while resolutely aiming for new directions in an adventure that still has much to tell.

Once the dust has been cleared, one could say that Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is the same game released almost twenty-five years ago, simply given a thorough facelift. In reality, however subtle, the structural changes are significant in bringing this little masterpiece up to date, particularly regarding the combat system. All around, a series of embellishments demonstrate that Team Ninja didn't just do their homework, but tried to integrate as much as possible without distorting the authorial vein of the work. From this perspective, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake represents an excellent example of video game preservation: a respectful restoration that doesn't rewrite the past, but simply makes it more accessible to the present.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 proves that with care and a willingness to experiment, even the most modest subseries can grow to truly deserve its reputation. The result is a JRPG that's both fresh and layered, with an identity built on the convergence of strategic combat, ecological conservation, and political narrative—three pillars that would risk clashing in another game, but here feed off each other with disarming ease. The most interesting question Twisted Reflection leaves open isn't about the present, but about the future. If the first Stories was an experiment, the second an evolution, and the third a maturation, where does the series go from here? The journey it's taken in ten years is that of an intellectual property that has found its identity almost by accident, achieving a creative outcome that no one, likely not even Capcom, had foreseen. Now that its identity is defined, the real challenge becomes not settling: proving that this formula can still surprise, that the next iteration won't be a consolidation but a new leap. If Capcom can keep up this courage, Stories has all the credentials to not only stand alongside the main Monster Hunter series, but to establish itself as one of the most relevant entries in the entire JRPG landscape.

WWE 2K26 presents itself to fans of great pro wrestling as a revised and improved version of the previous game that smooths out some rough edges (while, unfortunately, leaving others unchanged) and further increases the enormous amount of content that has all the makings of keeping fans engaged for several hundred hours. If you're a fan of the discipline and want to get caught up in the fervor of WrestleMania Season, perhaps with a group of friends, WWE 2K26 could be just the thing for you.

Pokémon Pokopia is the best pocket monster video game of the Switch era. If you enjoy gameplay that combines life simulation and construction, the definition could be expanded even further, making it one of the most interesting Pokémon titles ever. It's not a revolutionary game: it's simply a spin-off that confirms the untapped potential of a franchise that has so far been torn between highs and lows. The choice to rely on "bricks" makes the gameplay and technical structure more manageable, while the artistic direction may not be to everyone's taste. However, if you love Pokémon and want to immerse yourself in a simple and satisfying experience, you'll discover that Pokopia is much more than a hybrid between Animal Crossing and Minecraft.

The game features an excellent narrative with well-developed characters and psychological insight. The solid Liberation Linear Motion Battle System offers considerable satisfaction, and the enemy bestiary is well-researched and varied. Among the remaster's strengths are undoubtedly its technical performance, with 4K support and improved fluidity, as well as the inclusion of all previous DLC. However, some features are controversial to say the least, such as the ability to disable turn-based combat, as was the case in Baten Kaitos, and especially the application of censorship. These are choices intended for a wider audience, we understand, but purists may not be happy.

We'd love to talk about Requiem as a masterpiece, the best of the three most recent numbered titles in the series. Unfortunately, despite a first installment of the adventure capable of achieving excellent results, we can't do so, nor can we hide our bitter taste as longtime fans. This is because the success of the overall experience is partially compromised precisely when more space is given to an icon of the series, the protagonist of an action-horror section that simply doesn't live up to the previous one, though not without its own beautiful moments. We conclude by saying that yes, Requiem is still worth playing, even just to experience its evolved "zombies" and to discover how it looks to the series' past (and future).

The added value of the collection lies in its encyclopedic nature. You can examine detailed scans of the original packaging, cartridges and manuals in the US, EU and JAP editions, discovering precious details about the lore and world of the game. A gallery of illustrations, development documents and a compilation of all the soundtracks complete a truly rich package that demonstrates attention and love for the medium. Technically the porting is fluid and impeccable, although I recommend abandoning the analog sticks in favor of the directional cross to have greater control and precision in movements. Furthermore, remaining in the Playstation ecosystem, I found it perfect to play on Portal (both streaming and in the cloud). Ultimately, this is not a lazy emulation but a true operation of historical memory, restoring dignity to a series that contributed to defining the canons of a genre that continues to inspire modern titles. Super Bomberman Collection is not just a gift to the nostalgic to recover a glory of the past, but a bridge for the new generations, so that they can discover how a simple bomb could have laid the foundations of the video game.

Just like its predecessor, High on Life 2 is an imperfect game that, despite its rough edges, manages to entertain and amuse from start to finish. The bounty hunter's escapades in this new guise as a fugitive are even crazier than those seen in the fight against the G3 cartel, the new Gatlians are hilarious, and there's no shortage of plot twists that, on more than one occasion, shake up the narrative. So, as long as you can overlook the sub-par technical aspects and a certain repetitiveness of the gameplay, Squanch Games' offering is highly recommended.

One thing's for sure: Tarsier's "little nightmares" have grown, and while they use virtually the same basic gameplay and narrative ingredients, the impact of the images they reveal is much bloodier and more physical, completely unfiltered. If you've played all the Little Nightmares, including the third, and enjoyed them, there's almost no doubt that Reanimal will blow your mind. As always, the hidden horrors, the profound meanings, and the social messages remain powerful and intense beneath the almost "childish" appearance of a direction and art style that blends cartoons and hyperrealism. You have to immerse yourself in the title's dark world, however, and gameplay alone won't be enough to guide you: it's very simple, basic, and less stimulating than usual. Unlike the narrative, which is several notches above the rest.

Mario Tennis Fever presents itself to the general public with a convincing, polished look and a guaranteed entertainment value, regardless of the number of players involved. While the Story mode was a bitter disappointment, there's a wide range of other options that could keep fans engaged for a good number of hours, especially considering the accessibility and solidity of the gameplay. Some might initially turn up their noses at the further simplification of some mechanics, but we can assure you that after just a few games, you'll realize that Mario Tennis Fever's gameplay conceals a much deeper layer than you might expect.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a worthwhile way to revisit one of the classic adventures in the series, which, despite some shortcomings, was somewhat underestimated upon its initial release. The remake in the Dragon Engine faithfully reconstructs memorable scenes centered around iconic characters, and it includes welcome additions and a few missed opportunities. It's a shame, however, about a particular narrative choice, which, especially in the way it was presented, we found difficult to accept and which will likely displease long-time fans. On the other hand, Dark Ties effectively enriches the character of Mine, and more generally, the package created by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio offers many hours of good entertainment, even if it's not without filler content and elements that don't quite fit the characters. Yet, there's reason to rejoice: finally, the real Yakuza is back.

RIDE 6 arrives with enthusiasts as Milestone's latest step forward in its quest to become the definitive encyclopedic compendium of the world of motorcycles. The dual riding model, borrowed from the successful implementation in MotoGP25, is convincing and opens the doors to an ever-growing audience of players, and in terms of content, the Milanese developer has also put together a substantial package that could keep you busy for dozens and dozens of hours. Whether you're a first-time fan of the discipline or are simply curious to explore this fascinating world of extreme speeds and dream machines, RIDE 6 will provide you with enough reasons to strap on your helmet and hit the track.

Ultimately, All's Justice is a better sequel than One's Justice 2 in many respects... but it's still not the definitive My Hero Academia game. It seems that the Byking team's efforts focused primarily on respectfully adapting the source material, as the Story Mode, Team-Up Missions, and side episodes offer many hours of gameplay with Heroes and Villains. Secondly, it's clear that from a gameplay perspective, this is the best installment in the series: the fights are more understandable, the animations are smoother, and the impacts are more believable. Unfortunately, the game falls short in a fundamental aspect of the experience, namely the richness of content related to fan service: too few alternate outfits, too few stages, and a rather cumbersome customization system.

Despite the refined combat system, updated graphics engine, slightly more interesting plot, and the inclusion of open-field gameplay, Nioh 3 hasn't become a completely different experience from its predecessors. Choosing to embark on a journey through time with the protagonist Tokugawa Takechiyo, you'll face terrifying monsters of all sizes, who will fight you with all their might and sometimes seem unfair, impossible to overcome... unless you put in the effort and utilize all the tools the game offers. The score you see below was incredibly difficult to assign, as we wanted it to reflect both the numerous improvements and the consistently high level of commitment required to enjoy everything else: the landscapes, the design of the bosses and common enemies, the powerful Japanese voice acting, and the many graphic details that depict myths and legends, history and fantasy. In short, Nioh 3 is still Nioh: incredibly challenging, but also incredibly satisfying.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is, ultimately, a remake that achieves almost all of its goals: it streamlines a historically challenging experience, enhances the battle system with intelligent additions, and gives Toriyama's world a visual makeover that amplifies its charm without betraying its essence. Some remnants of the past remain – excessive verbosity, certain avoidable lulls, and a few missed narrative opportunities – but these flaws don't detract from the core of the work. Reimagined doesn't push the boundaries completely, it's true, but it consciously chooses not to in order to preserve the cozy and reassuring balance that defines Dragon Quest. And in the end, after dozens of hours spent exploring islands, different eras, and rewritten destinies, it's difficult not to acknowledge its fundamental merit: having done justice to a chapter often remembered more for its sheer size than for its value. Here, finally, Dragon Quest VII can be played, appreciated, and loved for what it has always been.

If you loved the first Code Vein, Code Vein 2 is a safe bet. The formula remains true to itself, but is placed in a broader and more refined context, with evident improvements in narrative, combat, and level design, without ever betraying the identity of the original work. However, some known issues remain, most notably a progression system that tends to become unbalanced too quickly, making the experience more forgiving than expected and dampening some of the tension of the battles. Code Vein 2 is therefore a strongly distinctive action RPG that prefers to refine its formula rather than reinvent itself. A solid evolution, stylistically successful and full of possibilities, recommended especially for those looking for an experience with an anime aesthetic and not a revolution of the genre.