Kill the Brickman is a game that's nothing short of surprising. One, two, three, ten, twenty games, always the same and always different. You're searching for the perfect synergy between perks in true roguelike style, the pinpoint-precise bounce like in classic brickbreakers, the most spectacular and powerful projectile like in a Doom level. It's a game where you shouldn't stop at the surface, but rather push deeper and deeper to encounter ever-increasing difficulty: an element that might be daunting. But that's okay: it's a strange alchemy halfway between simplicity and strategy, which will captivate you more than you expect. Shoot, believe it.

Kirby and the Lost Land returns to Nintendo Switch 2 in an improved and expanded version. For those who have never explored the post-apocalyptic landscapes explored by HAL Laboratory's little pink sphere, this is the perfect opportunity to revisit a fun, colorful platformer with brilliant art direction. The challenge level is generally on the low side, but those who are determined to rescue all the Waddle Dees and Astrals will have plenty to enjoy, especially in the additional levels offered by the Astral World expansion. Building on the foundations of the original title, this expansion manages to offer a fresh perspective on a selection of Kirby and the Lost Land levels, focusing primarily on vertical exploration. The only regret is that the content didn't include more original opponents to test the amazing powers of our little pink sphere.

Gears of War Reloaded is the absolute best way to experience or relive the adventure of Marcus Fenix ​​and company, now also on PlayStation 5 (and on PS5 Pro it even features extra options that further improve the already excellent quality seen in the Ultimate version). The only problem is that, once you've finished the campaign alone or in co-op, you'll probably want more, and the wait for E-Day seems to be a long one.

The Rogue Prince of Persia raises the bar for the saga, offering a good, straightforward roguelite with an unmistakable style. Its simplicity will make some people love it, while others will hate it, but there's no denying how much love the small team at Evil Empire has poured into one of the most celebrated video game icons of all time. The gameplay is fun, despite its modest offerings, while the art is completely convincing. It's undoubtedly yet another title that demonstrates Ubisoft's ability to still excel when it chooses to focus on smaller projects, giving developers the freedom to express their creative flair.

Lizardcube succeeds in resurrecting the iconic Joe Musashi from the past, crafting a stylish and original video game that is also respectful of the roots of the Sega series: Art of Vengeance is a side-scrolling action game that rewards players who want to conclude each battle in the most spectacular way possible, offering a fast-paced and deep combat system that, unfortunately, isn't fully enhanced by the experience's decreasing difficulty curve. The title's artistic direction is nothing short of exceptional, offering a visual richness unmatched in both form and substance, with a simple level design that always offers something new with every change of setting. During the main campaign, the platforming sections proved to be merely a pacing mechanism, but those seeking a stimulating challenge will find plenty to enjoy in the optional Ankou Portal levels and in some secret areas that will test the reflexes of even the most demanding players.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a truly remarkable remake, crafted with great care. On the one hand, it shines for the many merits of the absolute masterpiece it's based on, and on the other, it offers newcomers a valuable entry point to the saga. After all, it's a memorable prequel to all the other installments in the franchise, effectively modernized for the occasion, both graphically and gameplay-wise. Achieving a noteworthy result given the weight of the original work was far from easy, but despite a few minor flaws, the team succeeded, and we're happy with that. For this reason, too, especially on the higher difficulty levels, we recommend a stroll down memory lane in Unreal Engine even for longtime fans of the series. After all, Delta doesn't replace Metal Gear Solid 3, which—like the timeless gaming juggernaut that it is—is still there, playable on modern consoles. The numerical rating you find below is to be understood as being linked solely and exclusively to the operation implemented by Konami, which given its quality gives us hope for the possible future of Metal Gear Solid remakes.

Pokémon Friends has a pleasant variety of puzzles, though it quickly becomes repetitive. The system designed to ensure replayability of the various puzzles, with the goal of collecting and obtaining as many plushies as possible, is engaging, but the experience ends there. Everything added on top of that fails to keep a product afloat. Given its truly high price on mobile and the push to purchase excessive DLC on consoles, it can only appeal to a very young audience.

Echoes of the End is only halfway successful. The game boasts impressive technical features and a puzzle quality rarely found in an action adventure. While it's a pleasure to play, the Myrkur Games production suffers from a number of issues, including a rather crude combat system and, more generally, a fairly derivative story. In short, if the development team had been brave enough to take a few more months to iron out the flaws, we'd likely be talking about a product of a completely different caliber.

Drag X Drive focuses solely on gameplay and its mission to demonstrate the potential of the mouse-based Joy-Con controller, forgetting to convey its undeniable depth of gameplay with the graphic and artistic tools that Nintendo usually masters, and which are almost a distinctive signature. It's not a "gimmick game": the idea works, the technique is well-executed and promising, but it would have deserved a series of more thoughtful, enriched and varied touches and modes.

M2 rescues the roots of a fundamental saga for the gaming medium from technological oblivion, offering a collection that rediscovers the various arcade versions of the first three Gradius games and the two (but actually three) Salamander games. The emulation work is simply perfect and accurately recreates the experience of the original titles, characterized by a style that would have set standards and a terrifyingly high level of difficulty. Precisely to soften the more critical aspect of a production that would have been indigestible to many contemporary gamers, the Japanese company has introduced the welcome Easy and Invincible modes, while purists are given online leaderboards where they can compete for the highest scores. As if this commendable rediscovery wasn't enough, M2 enriches the package with a completely original Salamander, but developed with an eye on what a third installment would have been like if it had been released in the 1990s: the answer to this question is a video game calibrated for more modern sensibilities, but at the same time completely inserted within a historical continuity that will delight all fans of the saga.

Dead Take is a fascinating experiment in blending video game and cinematic language. With an escape room feel and a psychological thriller atmosphere, Surgent Studios' experience fails to fully realize the potential of an intriguing concept. The added value offered by a top-notch cast—the performances of Neil Newbon, Ben Starr, and Jane Perry are particularly impressive—is offset by the decision to allocate a truly limited amount of screen time to each actor. At the same time, the choice to delve into the dark side of Hollywood loses some of its effectiveness when the narrative paths abandon realism to grapple with supernatural allure. Overall, Dead Take remains an engaging experience, capable of maintaining player interest and curiosity. The tension remains palpable, although we would have appreciated less use of jump scares, or at least more contextualization.

I'm convinced that when evaluating a game, as with any other piece of entertainment, we should first consider the goals the developers set for themselves during the development process. It's obvious that Hangar 13 spent most of its creative and financial energy on the historical/cultural reconstruction of early twentieth-century Sicily, with praiseworthy results. That period, that place, those traditions, that language: Mafia Terra Madre is a unique experience, and for that alone it should be recognized. The gameplay component, unfortunately, has received a more cursory treatment, largely similar to that of Mafia Definitive Edition in terms of action sequences and the uncertainties of the artificial intelligence. Fortunately, a game is such a multi-layered product that it can't be evaluated "by the pound." What you see below is a number that, in my opinion, serves as a midpoint between a high-quality production and somewhat outdated gameplay, not fully refined. Everyone is obviously free to rate Mafia Terra Madre up or down based on what they want to find within the adventure. As long as they're aware of it being an honorable undertaking.

In adapting the soulslike formula that made them so successful with the two Blasphemous titles, the guys at The Game Kitchen have demonstrated a full understanding of what it means to develop a 2D Ninja Gaiden: their Ragebound is a game to be enjoyed at full speed, seamlessly alternating between attacks to cleave through enemy hordes and the precise leaps required by demanding platforming. The excellent momentum of the initial episodes is unfortunately lost in a repetitiveness caused by a lack of variation, while the few missions available leave the title's longevity dependent on the individual player's desire to obtain the highest ratings in each mission. Like the gameplay, the level design quickly ceases to surprise, falling back on the genre's well-known leitmotifs without ever adapting to the diverse scenarios showcased by an otherwise inspired art style, which boasts contemporary 2D graphics and a soundtrack that is decidedly suited to the frenetic nature of the gameplay.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is an extremely conservative sequel, and as a result, it has inherited both its predecessor's greatest strengths and some of its major shortcomings. Indeed, despite the fun ideas CyberConnect2 has come up with to slightly diversify the exploration phases, the free-roaming sequences offered by the Story Mode still seem dull and boring. Already having a solid and highly technical combat system at its disposal, especially for an arena fighter, the Fukuoka studio has therefore focused on the content component, finally equipping the product with a respectable roster and engaging modes that enrich the offering. Among the many mediocre tie-ins that have flooded the market in recent weeks, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is ultimately a flawed gem that any fan of the genre and the license should absolutely give a try.

Edens Zero is a seemingly half-hearted and unconventional undertaking: a title designed for fans already familiar with the story, the characters, and their powers. Getting interested in Mashima's work from the game alone is difficult, as the hyper-fast-paced plot doesn't allow for any attachment or empathy, the stark locations lack the same punch as those drawn in the manga or anime, and the characters are like dolls to be dressed up however we want, only to have them clash with each other, without ever feeling a sense of challenge. If that's enough for you, there are indeed quite a few costumes and "costumes," especially (but not exclusively) for women, with animations that showcase them well, and models of the protagonists that fit them perfectly. As for the game itself, however, there's very little RPG in it, and the action is lazy and overly simple. A real shame.

Destiny 2: Destiny's Edge isn't exactly what fans expected from the debut of what was previously called Frontiers. All the enthusiasm and desire to experiment that emerged when it was announced has unfortunately been lost on this expansion, which introduces weak mechanics and adds very little replayable, albeit valuable, content. We truly hope that fan feedback can somehow help the Seattle team straighten out the situation and catch up with upcoming expansions or, perhaps, with the update coming in September that will introduce a new activity on Earth. In the meantime, we can only say we're minimally satisfied and, above all, concerned about the game's future.

There's no getting around it: Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is the best way to enjoy the latest iteration of the party franchise featuring the heroic plumber in overalls. The base game returns in its complete version, enhanced by the Jamboree TV expansion, which dramatically increases the amount of content included in the package. Not all of the new features seemed particularly impressive, but all things considered, it's still one of the best party games on the market.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a difficult product to classify. While the developers at Leenzee Games have stuck too closely to FromSoftware's original formula, even imitating its narrative style, the Chinese team deserves credit for trying (in some cases) to shake things up when it comes to gameplay. Unfortunately, not everything works as it should, especially technically, and the difficulty curve is a bit uneven. That said, we're confident that fans of the genre will appreciate it despite all its limitations.

Bandai Namco's remaster of the first two Patapon games, cult classics relegated to a console now obsolete, is the best way to rediscover the charm of a saga that previously suffered from problematic porting. Pyramid and Japan Studio's absurd gameplay recipe, with its blend of strategy and rhythm with RPG elements, is still irresistible despite the repetitiveness that lurks at its core, partly due to a gameplay structure that thrives in short play sessions. This collection is weighed down not only by the absence of the third game, although the choice is understandable, but also by the lack of substantial additions that might have appealed to a wider audience than just those nostalgic for the original.

Shadow Labyrinth is undoubtedly an interesting experiment, starting from an idea we'd like to see explored more often: thoughtfully modernizing a past title, reviving the key ideas that led to its creation but incorporating them into a modern framework. It's a shame the execution isn't the best: beneath the pleasant nods to Bandai Namco's history lies a derivative Metroidvania, reminiscent of a bygone era. Navigating the labyrinths is simple, the combat lacks creative flair, the protagonist's power-ups lack impact, and even the original ideas haven't been perfectly implemented.

In short, Donkey Kong Bananza arrives in dazzling form for its (highly anticipated) debut with gamers, once again demonstrating the extraordinary skill and fresh artistic vision of the creative team led by director Motokura, who previously rose to prominence with the splendid Super Mario Odyssey. It's an accessible product, yet also suitable for a more experienced audience, made essential by one of the best implementations of environmental destruction ever seen in a console game. Add to this a delightful and smile-inducing story, a solid and fun gameplay formula, and top-notch technical performance, and the resulting picture is that of a new shining gem in the Switch 2's game library.



Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is the debut work of a promising studio, demonstrating clear vision in terms of art direction, writing, and worldbuilding. The form is there, and so is the substance when it comes to storytelling. The gameplay isn't quite as well-rounded, and while it's built on solid foundations, it settles for a reassuring simplicity, preventing River End Games' title from taking that extra step it needs. Despite this, anyone looking for a narrative-driven stealth game should give it a try. The city of Eriksholm will certainly welcome you.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is a must-see for those who grew up on skateboarding (whether enjoyed or played first-hand). It relies on gameplay that hasn't lost its shine, with the exception of a few small uncertainties related to Spine Transfer, and it knows how to create addiction with dozens of selectable skaters and the iconic parks that the guys from Iron Galaxy have given us back in a modernized form. The team has reworked the career of the fourth chapter in a way that isn't entirely convincing, but on the other hand it has offered fans new levels, a fun brand new online mode and secret skaters who are up to the task, all on a more than pleasant audiovisual basis. In short, if you're a fan of Birdman, you love the THPS genre, or you simply want to get closer to the world of skateboarding while paying more attention to the spectacle than the simulation, these great restored games are for you.

Ultimately, our encounter with Rematch gave us generally positive feelings. Sloclap has reinterpreted the rules of the game of soccer, declining them in a game context dedicated to pure fun, free from all the complications that have occurred in the greatest exponents of the genre in recent years. If you are passionate about the 'most beautiful game in the world' or are looking for a sports title to try your hand at, perhaps in the company of a close-knit group of friends, you should give it a chance: despite a certain lack of content and a few too many uncertainties in the management of physics, it is one of the most genuinely fun multiplayer titles that we have tried in recent times. Will it be able to make its way among the big names in the industry and stand as the 'next big thing' in a competitive landscape such as that of multiplayer titles? Posterity will decide.

At the time of writing this review, Dune Awakening is a product that offers Herbert fans absolute fidelity to the source material, combined with MMO gameplay that can be played very well even alone, thanks to a proven survival system that is not frustrating, but that "tests" the player just enough to encourage them to improve their skills. As it is structured "in potential", it is also a game that has not yet shown its true potential as an "MMO", which it will be able to express only when the fanbase is dedicated and numerous. There is a bright, albeit hot and sunny, future ahead of Awakening, if Funcom will be able to stage the promised global events with variety and consistency, and keep the community alive. Engaging it with new game dynamics, with sandstorms that will change the landscape and bring to light points of interest, Fremen ruins, clearings, crashed airships. As well as, with new "interactions" between players and sandworms... maybe!

Currently, FBC Firebreak is a cooperative shooter that entertains for a few hours, but it doesn't have a solid enough structure to engage the player to the point of pushing them to repeat the same activities over and over again. However, its presence in the Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra catalog represents a significant advantage for those looking for a few hours of entertainment with a couple of friends.

Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that is only half successful, which like a tired courier struggles under the weight of an ineffective and, to be honest, painfully weak narrative component. Despite not fielding revolutions, the gameplay demonstrates a solidity that, even if it does not completely compensate for the shortcomings of the story, at least circumscribes its effects, giving the player a well-assorted and valid game bouquet, which offers a different balance between delivery and combat dynamics, managing to enhance both sides of the offer. We are sure that not everyone will appreciate this drift, but in our opinion the profile of the experience benefits from the more refined alternation between "rope and stick". Nonetheless, we find it hard not to consider Death Stranding 2 one of the few "missteps" - relatively speaking - in Hideo Kojima's career.

13 years after its debut, Bravely Default remains an extraordinary JRPG in every way, as well as a title that any fan of the genre should jealously guard in their collection. That said, the remaster churned out by Cattle Call does not really add anything indispensable to the original experience, except for some necessary adjustments to the "quality of life"; indeed, paradoxically the re-release locks down key mechanics that were once available from the first hours behind two new and damned repetitive mini-games. If you do not have a Nintendo 3DS and are not the least bit interested in getting one, the remaster could be a good opportunity to bring home one of the best JRPGs of the modern era. However, we remain of the opinion that the combo formed by the Nintendo 3DS version and its equally enjoyable direct sequel (which expanded and concluded the story), played strictly on the original hardware and therefore on two screens as it was originally intended, is still the best way to explore Luxendarc and experience the great adventure of the Warriors of Light in its entirety.

The ATLUS team has packaged a remastered with all the trimmings, revolutionizing the old and limited original gameplay of the first spin-off dedicated to Raidou Kuzunoha XIV far beyond our expectations. On a purely graphic level, more could certainly have been done, especially to hide the countless sharp edges of the polygonal models, but at least the portability offered by Nintendo Switch manages to partially mask the age and PS2 origins of the product. Net of a slightly obsolete structure and progression, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army represents an unmissable opportunity to familiarize yourself with one of the most iconic protagonists of the ATLUS house, who unfortunately did not obtain the fame he deserved in the West. If you love the esotericism that permeates the Megami Tensai saga, this time you have no excuses for not making it yours.

MindsEye's merits are a few needles in a disastrous haystack. The first few minutes of Jacob's journey even manage to arouse curiosity, at least a little, but it is enough to start comparing the adventure's gameplay to discover its clear limits. Limitations that unfortunately do not spare the graphics sector and performance solidity in any way, at least on consoles. The guys at Build a Rocket Boy say they are working to improve the situation but this does not change the truth: we are faced with a production that would have deserved a much better development cycle and which, at the moment, is the worst we have worked on in 2025.

Compared to Astrobot, which was effectively a small game with great gaming value, Switch 2's Welcome Tour is a strange hybrid that constantly oscillates between fun, interesting and boring, without ever finding a stable position. Would it have been better if they had given it away? Definitely. Is the price an insurmountable obstacle compared to the value of the product? Not really, 10 euros is a more or less acceptable compromise for a product that is well-crafted in detail, at times fun, but very limited, with the small merit of bringing a pinch of innovation to this strange software launch of Switch 2.

Ultimately, Mario Kart World is one of the best exponents of the series, embellished with a wide range of new content and structure designed to freshen up the formula but characterized by the same, exciting gameplay that made the brand great. It is a shame, in this sense, that the inclusion of the (disappointing) Free Race mode and the removal of some of the most beloved features of Mario Kart 8 such as the 200cc category and anti-gravity races do not allow the title to take flight towards absolute excellence but it is still a great way to test out your new console, especially in the company of a few friends.

In The Alters many souls coexist. It is a strategy game, a third-person survival game and an action game. It is a title with a strong narrative imprint, with an exciting plot and characters of great charisma, but it also has an effective gameplay formula and solid gameplay loops. Almost everything in the game makes sense: the story, which also takes up the classic themes of Western science fiction, is enjoyable and keeps you in suspense until the end; the management phases within the base are satisfying and push you to carefully manage the (little) time and (many) available resources, to be wisely divided between main objectives and pleasant secondary quests. Only the external exploration phases leave a bitter taste in the mouth, in which 11 Bit pays for its more than ten-year specialization in genres where adventure and action are only side elements - when not completely non-existent.

Ultimately, Lies of P: Overture is configured as a further testimony to the crystalline talent of the Korean developers of Neowiz and Round 8 who, after having hit like a hurricane in a seemingly saturated market such as that of soulslike action/RPGs, replicate the winning scheme by declining it in an adventure with even darker tones, supported by a powerful imagery and an exciting story. Net of some qualitative contraction in some moments and a not exactly stellar duration, the expansion of Lies of P will certainly delight those who loved the epic of Geppetto's favorite son. Are you ready to return to tread the streets of Krat?

Except for the possibility of wandering around Westeros and meeting some prominent personalities of the continent, Game of Thrones Kingsroad is a title with mediocre gameplay and a not very virtuous monetization system, which pushes the player to spend more and more in order to advance and obtain advantages that are otherwise inaccessible. Unless you are a die-hard fan of the series, there are very few reasons to even try the production signed by NetMarble, given that the market is full of much more valid alternatives.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a project made of lights and shadows. On one hand, we find the excellent gameplay organism of Elden Ring, effectively transposed into a cooperative roguelite context without losing an ounce of its sparkling enamel, a convincing cast of characters and a wide selection of new bosses. To eliminate them all, in this regard, it will take at least 30 hours, with an upward or downward oscillation depending on the skill of the team. On the other hand, however, there are content and balance naivety that prevent the new work from aspiring to the same heights of excellence reached by the 2022 title and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. We are aware that with a well-defined update program in the coming weeks we could find ourselves in the presence of a completely different experience but, at least for the moment, we can talk about a great experiment that is half successful.

Despite the desire to renew, F1 25 fits coherently into the path traced by the previous chapters of the series and this is not necessarily a bad thing. Despite the many new features announced and a renewed commitment to the presentation of the career mode, the overall experience remains in line with what has already been seen in recent years. The game mechanics are familiar, the driving model is similar to that of the latest iterations of the brand and the general rhythm of the seasons faithfully follows the consolidated one. The innovations introduced - such as My Team 2.0, the technical restructuring and the new chapter of Braking Point - enrich the package, but do not significantly revolutionize the structure of the game. The result is a solid and complete title, which offers many things to do for a credible and deep experience, but without representing a real break from the past. F1 25 therefore confirms itself as a controlled evolution, rather than a revolution, designed not to disappoint those who play the series continuously and appreciate its now well-established formula.

Six years after the release of the remaster of Onimusha: Warlords, the re-release of Samurai's Destiny presents itself to the public as an operation substantially in line with the characteristics of its predecessor. Yes, the package is overall more complete and refined, thanks to the inclusion of a few more gems, but the overall value of the proposal is fundamentally the same. It is therefore a good way to get closer to the saga in view of the new chapter, taking advantage of the enjoyability of a gaming recipe that, net of the wrinkles on the face of the production, is supported by mechanics that are still valid, provided you face Jubei's journey with the right spirit.

Blades of Fire has a great merit: it is a game that innovates. And it does so with audacity, from the first minutes of the game, with a technical combat system and a crafting that requires strategy and attention to resources, statistics, enemies and progression. This is certainly the component around which the rest of the game was developed. And it shows: the care put into everything else is clearly less. Or rather, it is not always up to the ambitions of the game: to propose an epic story lasting 60-70 hours, with a combat system different from all the others and a crafting system that is never boring. Mercury Steam has not failed: it has simply only partially achieved the objective.

Deliver at all Costs, the debut on the scene of the Swedish Far Out Games, presents itself as a solid experience, capable of combining a gameplay aimed at the purest action, a notable environmental destructibility and retro setting with a good dose of originality, all clear indications of the crystalline talent of the newborn development company from Gothenburg. Thanks also to a convincing writing of the story and its characters, it is a title that, despite some limitations, deserves attention, especially considering the price at which it is proposed (we are talking about €29.99 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation). The only regret is for some naivety on the structural and content level that do not allow it to aspire to the qualitative heights it would have deserved.



RoadCraft is an interesting simulation compromise, which combines great attention to detail in models, times and settings, with the attempt to maximize the importance of the “task - completion - reward” mechanism. There is no need to refuel the vehicles, nor to worry about them breaking. It is almost more of a “simulation of a child builder’s imagination”, where everything is allowed and experimentation is a must. By involving other players online, distributing tasks and playing “role-playing”, the title’s playful peak is reached. However, those who experience RoadCraft alone will notice the hybrid nature which is not entirely realistic, nor “facilitated” enough. Saber’s title has nevertheless proven to be a rather efficient machine.

The Precinct has everything it needs to put on a great show, but it forgets the most important thing: entertainment. It starts with an intriguing idea and develops it through a solid procedural structure... which, however, begins to creak too quickly. The narrative is stripped down to the bare bones, the game world is fascinating but remains superficial, and the gameplay, despite some brilliant intuition, struggles to renew itself over time. And yet, there are moments in which everything seems to work: hair-raising chases, a well-crafted moral system and that pinch of satisfaction in enforcing the law - at least while it lasts. Those who want to immerse themselves in the guardian of law and order might find something interesting here. For everyone else, The Precinct risks turning into a long, monotonous patrol.

With Doom: The Dark Ages, id Software returns to the origins of the Doom Slayer with a gameplay recipe that straddles the past and the future, which takes up some of the classic features of the franchise and reworks them in accordance with the characteristics of the new setting, trying to maximize the intensity of the battles and the depth of the gameplay. Most of the additions and revisions work very well, and form the basis of a gameplay core that is extremely satisfying and multifaceted. The passages that most clearly distance themselves from this beating heart are also the most dissonant, but the average quality of the experience still stands at very high levels. Yes, perhaps The Dark Ages is a less organic product than the previous Eternal, but we find it impossible to free it from the threshold of excellence.

Revenge of the Savage Planet is a little gem. It's not a game that excels in any particular way, but an experience made up of many very solid, if watered-down, subsystems. The combat isn't technical, but it still manages to convince. The platforming doesn't have the complexity of the masterpieces of the genre, but it's still appreciated. The exploration isn't refined, but it still has some witty solutions and vibrant worlds. The plot isn't anything special, but it's embellished with a humor that constantly oscillates between nonsense and black humor. And it's precisely the latter that acts as a glue for the entire experience, transforming it from a set of more or less interconnected systems into a title of substance, which manages to provide a dozen hours (doubled, if you want to explore everything explorable) of healthy and carefree fun.

MotoGP 25 continues to improve accessibility, offering a more balanced and engaging experience. The new Arcade system allows you to be competitive straight away, without having to master every detail of MotoGP and go crazy at every turn to avoid falling. The Minimoto, Motard and Flat Track are a great addition - although a few more tracks wouldn't hurt, as well as the new features offered by Career that make it even more exciting and deep. The sound of the engines has been improved, while the bikes continue to impress with their beauty, with careful details and improved visual rendering thanks to UE5. Although the progress compared to last year is less incisive, MotoGP 25 confirms itself as the best starting point for those who want to immerse themselves in the wonderful bandwagon of the MotoGP.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree draws from the recipes of various chefs and throws everything into its cauldron. The elements are almost all in the right place; yet, it needs that extra pinch of originality to go above average. If the Metroidvania aspects are convincing, the same cannot be said of the artificial boss battles and a progression system that seems to travel behind the player's needs. Whether you are a fan of the genre or not, the offer proposed by Primal Game Studio remains a valid pastime with which to entertain yourself without great pretensions, especially if you are looking for a title of this type focused on narrative.

That Days Gone Remastered offers a great show in Unreal Engine is evident, but net of some graphic differences, such as the improved rendering of the night sections, we can also say the same of the original incarnation of the game. Without mincing words, the two versions of the open world adventure are certainly not identical but remain comparable. Having said this, Deacon fans might find the new Horde Assault mode interesting, which allows you to experience the highest gaming merits of the production in a few minutes, between hunting large groups of Freakers - now larger than ever! - roaring escapes on motorcycles and many main and support death tools to use in battle. Those who have always wanted to get closer to Days Gone and have not been able to do so until now, could seriously consider the offer of the remastered edition: it still offers the most valid and complete way to experience a great adventure of the PS4 era, set in an Oregon as rich in charm as it is lethal.

The surprise debut - no surprise - of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion coincides with the return to the market of a role-playing game that is nothing short of memorable, which marked a fundamental stage in the journey of the series and its genre. The one put together by Virtuos is an atypical remake, which tries to reconcile a twenty-year-old gaming soul with a brand new body. Both the soul and the body show some significant rough edges, but it is truly impossible not to appreciate the work done by the Singapore team, creators of a Cyrodiil that resembles the one in our memories more than the scenario actually explored at the beginning of the 2000s. This is no small feat, mind you.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a monumental work, perfectly balanced in length and pace of play, with an engaging combat system and a progression system among the best in its category. Equipped with an exciting story, full of twists and a profound final message, it will bewitch anyone who decides to embark on Expedition 33. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan of "Japanese-style" RPGs.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves does not bow to modernity, building a combat system strongly anchored to tradition that will delight all fans of the arcade era. The very pleasant feeling of being in front of a revised version of the fighting games "of the good old days" is only partially ruined by the unwelcome guest characters and rather poor single player modes. With multi-year support already made official and a first season pass completely free, we hope that the title will be able to carve out a niche for itself within the hyper-competitive market of two-dimensional fighting games. Good luck SNK!

The adjective that better than any other could describe Blue Prince is "immense". A procedural puzzle game, roguelite in nature, reinvented starting from the mechanics of board games and transformed into a videogame with an exciting exploratory factor, which invites you to take pen and paper to always have the clues needed to solve the puzzles. The challenges posed on the chessboard of the mansion of Mt. Holly are revealed naturally, allowing you to admire not only the extreme variety and elegance of the puzzles, many of which are directly connected to the game structure itself, but also an incredible quantity, at times disturbing, just like a full-bodied narration that is not afraid to transcend the limits of reality.

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is a love letter to Tite Kubo's work and his legions of fans. By forgoing even the slightest competitive ambition, Tamsoft has managed to translate the spectacular and even unpredictable nature of Bleach's battles into playful terms, developing a noisy and strategically-focused combat system. Unfortunately, the story mode, the online infrastructure, the roster of playable characters, and even the balance leave much to be desired, but we are nevertheless convinced that the developer has succeeded in its main intent, which was to create a tie-in that fully respects the unique and unmistakable style of the license. Ultimately, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls may not be the video game adaptation that Bleach fans deserve and have been waiting for for two decades now, but so far it is the closest thing to it.

It's an exciting journey that of Star Overdrive, a game that, with all its structural limitations, has proven capable of exciting and entertaining, despite the seemingly insurmountable goal that the Roman team of Caracal has placed at the base of the project. It's true, there are some naivety that do not allow it to rise to the level of other great productions of the large Switch software library but it is certainly an excellent starting point for future works, as well as an important spotlight on the crystalline talent of the company. If you are looking for a title that knows how to enhance the exploration of an alien planet, immersed in a sci-fi context inspired by rock and enriched by a series of well-made gameplay and content ideas, the story of Bios and Nous could be for you, especially by virtue of the competitive price at which it is offered.

Without matching the quality and grandeur of other motorsport titles, Milestone has nevertheless made progress with Monster Energy Supercross 25. The game continues in the direction taken with the sixth episode, with improved AI, a physics engine enriched with Evolving Ruts technology, advanced graphics and a meticulous reproduction of the 2025 season of the star-spangled championship. However, Career struggles to make its mark, while the other modes have received only marginal refinements. The expected leap in quality of the series is, once again, postponed.

South of Midnight, all things considered, presents itself to the players as the most conventional of action/adventure games, based on a pleasant, if somewhat repetitive, gameplay structure and supported by refined writing and first-rate artistic direction. It's a shame that the presence of some naivety on the design front does not allow it to reach peaks of excellence, especially if you consider the care instilled in setting up an audiovisual framework of this caliber. More form than substance, therefore, but if you are looking for a good title in which to invest a dozen hours of lightheartedness, perhaps letting yourself be transported by a story capable of touching the strings of the soul, then the new work of Compulsion Games could be for you.

Atomfall has style to spare. We are not faced with a simple "British" re-proposal of titles like Fallout and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.. On the contrary, the work by Rebellion has a soul all its own and a strong character, which could lay the foundations for an excellent IP to carry forward alongside Sniper Elite. The jewel in the crown of the game is the very well-crafted narrative section, with a story (and a lore) to reconstruct trying to unravel a tangle of leads, clues and whispers that come from everywhere. The gameplay has been designed to give the player the greatest possible freedom, putting aside the traditional progression systems in favor of a dynamic management of the skill trees and inventory. The only shame is for some uncertainty from a technical point of view, connected to the (controversial) choice of using a proprietary graphics engine that now needs to be modernized.

Assassin's Creed Shadows marks the continuation, and perhaps the end, of the cycle that began with Origins. However, the episode set in Japan also represents the downward spiral, in terms of quality of some components of the gameplay and content offering, of a structural model that is starting to feel the weight of the years. Shadows is a game that wants to please everyone and that does everything more or less well, but without truly excelling in anything, and - unfortunately - without leaving its mark. The epic of shinobi and samurai leaves open several glimmers of hope for the future. But we hope that, both with DLC tied to the story of Naoe and Yasuke and with the next episodes, the saga can truly start again, rediscovering the ability to amaze us.

Xenoblade Chronicles X was already a monumental game in the last decade, and yet the guys at Monolith Soft have managed to further elevate its quality. The reworked graphics have given us polygonal models that are finally expressive, harmonious in their movements and embellished with lighting that can bring out the details, while the quick reload and other small adjustments made to the combat system have definitively banished the annoying "spectator effect" that the product had inherited from the first Xenoblade Chronicles, ensuring this time that the user is always involved in the combat phases. Between new secondary missions, three additional playable characters, Skells never seen before and above all a rich portion of extra story, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition represents an unmissable opportunity to return to the planet Mira or at least explore it for the first time.

Quotation forthcoming.

All things considered, the 2025 edition of WWE 2K picks up where its illustrious predecessor left off, continuing to build on the solid foundations laid last year. The gameplay system, despite some historical issues related to multiple matches, is even more robust and fun than usual; the content endowment is, as per tradition, mammoth and generally of a good level, apart from some small qualitative declines in the selection of matches included in the Showcase or in the drafting of the dialogues of My Rise; the visual realization alternates genuinely impressive moments with others in which the need for extra refinements is evident. In essence, if you are passionate about this spectacular sport-entertainment or are simply looking for a title in which to brawl with your friends in the name of fun, WWE 2K25 may be the right choice. So, lace up your boots: the belt will not be won alone!

After the disappointing Atelier Marie Remake and the questionable decision by the development team to make the 25th episode of the main series a gacha game for mobile devices, the future of the Atelier series seems uncertain. With Atelier Yumia in particular, Gust Corporation has perhaps taken more risks than it should have, and we believe that not all bets have been won. The new action-style combat system lacks the strategic component and depth that had made us appreciate the Secret Trilogy so much, and even the process of alchemical synthesis seems cumbersome and unsatisfying. The product recovers a few points thanks to the exploration, now richer and more multifaceted than ever, and an engaging narrative plot, as well as characterized by mature themes. Paradoxically, Atelier Yumia could really captivate those who have never frequented the series, while there is the risk that historical fans will struggle to accept the change of direction desired by the Japanese studio and above all the abandonment of the carefree atmosphere that has always differentiated the brand from other JRPGs. Hoping that Atelier Yumia remains an isolated experiment, we await the completely offline episode of Atelier Resleriana also due out in 2025, which at least on the artistic front seems much more promising.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is a valuable re-release of games from the dawn of one of the most famous card games in the world. The package is rich in terms of gameplay, while the extra materials leave a little to be desired. Good instead in terms of the “quality of life” of the collection, with tricks and enhancements that allow you to avoid the most tedious parts of the original titles and focus on what really matters: the duels. Duels that are the beating heart of at least ten of the works present in the re-release, but which are banned in a couple of more experimental titles, whose presence alone provides freshness to the proposal. If you are a fan of the first hour of the anime, manga or the original card game, this appointment with the past could be for you.

Split Fiction is a true triumph, a priceless title that not only manages to replicate the qualitative heights reached by the Game of the Year 2021 but surpasses them by ascending to even more astonishing levels of inventiveness. It is a title capable of renewing itself minute after minute and maintaining an enviable freshness even after several hours of gameplay, all seasoned with a first-rate artistic direction and impeccable technical realization. Whether you are a fan of Hazelight Studios' production, whether you loved It Takes Two or whether you simply love video games in the purest sense of the word, this is an experience you will not want to miss.

Two Point Museum is a big step forward for Two Point Studios, which intertwines sharp and interesting RPG features in the management mechanics, with expeditions, resource management and objectives to complete to unlock new locations. A work of great finesse that with the constant exploration of the map will end up creating a game within the game, increasing the proposed content and allowing us to increase the hours of fun beyond measure. The only unwelcome note is having imitated the lootboxes in the recovery of relics, but it is a sin that we can overlook.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a product similar in objectives to the previous work of Aspyr Media and, due to some of its limitations, it may not be appealing to new generations of players. That said, net of the critical issues related to the original experiences, the work done by the developers is more than appreciable and will delight all fans with a few more years on their shoulders eager to get back to grips with the classic iterations of Tomb Raider.

Monster Hunter Wilds marks the beginning of a new era for Capcom's hunting game, offering a very rich catalog of new features and additions that more than worthily open the race towards the final goal of post-launch support: offering the audience the best Monster Hunter ever. Although the structure of the proposal, full of improvements and strong of an extraordinary internal coherence, marks a remarkable change of pace for the saga, more promising than it is possible to express in the context of a review, the technical defects and the content gaps of the proposal do not allow us to attribute to the game a rating fully in line with its potential. In the same way we absolutely cannot fall below the threshold of excellence, especially considering the solidity of the foundations laid by Capcom at the head of the path in progress of its latest hunting adventure, truly transformative for what concerns the profile of the saga.

PGA Tour 2K25 is the third title developed by HB Studios in five years, and the improvements are clear to see. The new swing mechanics offer a stimulating challenge for veterans and make the game accessible and fun for newcomers. The graphics have been improved, providing a much more realistic and exciting atmosphere on the greens. From a content standpoint, there is little to complain about, apart from the golfer roster which remains rather limited. The additions to the MyPlayer and MyCareer modes are welcome, but the interference of microtransactions proves annoying. It may not be the most beautiful golf simulation on the planet, but PGA Tour 2K25 is certainly the most complete available on the market.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is not a simple side adventure. It has managed to take the right gameplay elements from Infinite Wealth, and then give a healthy refresh to the package with the effective navigation component, between exploration, battles at sea and brawls based on two valid fighting styles. The various pieces of the secondary offer support what is a valid progression system, which encourages the player to have a lot of fun and discover everything the world has to offer. In other words, whether you are a veteran of the series or a newbie, in terms of gameplay the game has what it takes to entertain you for dozens of hours, but there is a rule. You have to keep your brain strictly turned off, because when you turn it on during the plot, the "all you can eat" effect appears: big laughs and abundance, but little substance.

All things considered, Avowed is an Action RPG with all the trimmings enhanced by high-quality writing, as well as a solid gameplay recipe and an artistic direction worthy of praise. The gaming experience is not yet at an optimal level of polish, the combat system is not lacking in slightly anachronistic traits and we did not fully appreciate some structural characteristics of the adventure. Yet, Obsidian's title manages to capture the player with a fascinating and cohesive universe, and if you are a fan of the genre or are looking for a journey capable of transporting you to a fantasy world of rare beauty, you may have just found bread for your teeth.

Despite a few technical flaws that currently penalize only the Nintendo Switch version, and that we hope will be resolved as soon as possible, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a good starting point for the intellectual property of Nippon Ichi Software, which for too many years had rested in deep oblivion. Confining ghosts is a gameplay dynamic that is damned complex and difficult to master, but given its uniqueness, it wouldn't surprise us at all if this allowed the franchise to compete with the best exponents of the genre. Even twenty years after the debut of the original, it would seem that Phantom Brave still has something to say and a lot to teach contemporary strategy games.

Citizen Sleeper 2 doesn't overturn the formula of its predecessor, but it improves it in every way. The story is better paced and broader in scope, thanks to the possibility of exploring the Starward Belt far and wide. The cast is larger and the characterization of the characters is deeper, so much so that it is impossible not to develop a deep empathy with all the supporting characters, starting with Serafin. The game mechanics are more immediate, thanks to the purging of the less effective elements of the predecessor and a cleaner interface. The constant sense of having someone on your tail, of being stuck in a ruined body and of not having time and resources, provides further pathos, gluing you to the screen for hours and amplifying the emotions felt. If all this were not enough to make Citizen Sleeper 2 a small masterpiece, we can add a harsh and subtle social criticism, deep and sharp, but not without shades of optimism.

Civilization 7 marks a true revolution for the saga, a profound change that challenges tradition and, at the same time, manages to preserve its essence. Firaxis has had the courage to rewrite the rules, pushing beyond the boundaries of the formula consolidated for over 30 years to the edge of stagnation. The innovations are not without imperfections: some systems, such as trade and resource management, may be difficult at first, and the fracture between the eras can leave a feeling of confusion for those looking for a more fluid and coherent progress. However, the seventh chapter of the legendary strategic series has still had the power to capture us with original challenges, sometimes complex, but equally stimulating. The game is able to give satisfaction in abundance and the hours already spent in this chapter testify to the talent of Firaxis, capable of holding firm to the throne of video game strategy. Recent attempts to undermine the reign of Civilization have been unsuccessful, and this new chapter proves that, despite the evolutions, the essence of the series is more alive than ever: Civilization has changed, Civilization is back.

Seven years after the release of Kingdom Come Deliverance, we find ourselves closing the examination of its sequel with similar considerations, but to be placed in the context of an overall better epic, supported by writing and a quest design of monumental quality. Yes, despite the expansion of the team and the greater resources available to the project, the sequel by Warhorse Studios once again shows rather evident roughness that, albeit to a lesser extent, prevent the title from fully revealing its extraordinary potential, but the proposal still stands at truly high levels, which make the title a "must have" for fans of role-playing games. The organic nature of the proposal, its unique character and the excellent relationship between quantity and quality make Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 a precious experience, which clearly reaffirms the talent of the Prague studio.

Ninja Gaiden 2 is and remains a masterpiece of the genre, but "Black" is a lazy and dull "deluxe remaster" operation, which does not correct or modernize the most critical aspects of the original and, in some ways, worsens them. However, Itagaki's masterpiece remains a must and having the possibility of enjoying it in a more modern and up-to-date graphic guise certainly has its appeal.

Despite boasting an excellent cast of characters (with the exception of Asbel himself) and a combat system second only to the more recent Tales of Arise, during the PS3 era Tales of Graces f was not particularly well received by Western audiences, for reasons that we still struggle to fully understand. Although the remaster added relatively little to the original offering, such as the Japanese dubbing and some quality of life improvements, we are of the opinion that the multiplatform re-release of Tales of Graces f was more than necessary. Sixteen years after its debut on Nintendo Wii (a version never marketed on our side of the globe) and thirteen since the launch of the European edition for PlayStation 3, this time the story, the protagonists, the extraordinary combat system and last but not least the soundtrack of Tales of Graces could realistically win over fans of the genre and of Bandai Namco's franchise, which have also increased thanks to the most recent episodes. If you missed it back then, now is the perfect time to give it (and yourself) a second chance.

Sniper Elite: Resistance doesn't add or take away from the series' typical formula. The spectacular, varied and bloody kill cams remain spectacular and the level design of different levels allows for different approaches to completing missions. At the same time, the series is starting to feel the need for a refresh on several fronts, which we hope will arrive together with a new numbered iteration.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a good remaster of a title that has some structural flaws, some evident at the time of its release and others that have emerged over time. There is no point in hiding the problems: the camera management is antiquated, the controls far from the modern standard, the uncertainties in the registration of inputs and in the AI ​​of the enemies are difficult to forgive (also because they were easily resolvable, with a fine work on the game code). On the other hand, however, we have a work of preservation of a much-loved classic in the world of Star Wars, which puts on the table a classic but modernized aesthetic, renewed textures, a nostalgic soundtrack and atmospheres that will surely thrill George Lucas fans. The replayability is high, while the local multiplayer and the additional modes (primarily the one-on-one one) add depth to the game. Recommended, but only for Star Wars fans!

Fifteen years after the dazzling debut of Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii, the platformer by Retro Studios returns to Nintendo Switch in a remastered edition. While in terms of content, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD simply brings together in one place what was offered by the original and the subsequent porting for 3DS, the graphical update is impressive, with DK Island showing off a renewed richness of color. With a high-profile level design and a world overflowing with secrets, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD presents Nintendo Switch owners with a platformer beloved by fans and critics alike, capable of standing the test of time with flying colors.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a less revolutionary title than expected, as most of the ingenious grafts attempted by Omega Force actually come from its most successful licensed musou. That said, the Japanese developer should at least be given credit for having expertly mixed so many devilries without saturating the gameplay of the product. Compared to Dynasty Warriors 9, the brand new Dynasty Warriors: Origins represents a gigantic improvement, as well as a starting point for the main series of the franchise, which for too many years had unfortunately lost its way. Thanks to the possibility of facing the campaign from a completely new point of view, the title is suitable for both veterans and neophytes, who could take advantage of the notable gameplay and technical progress to get closer to the brand and let themselves be transported by the events of the Three Kingdoms.

Funko Fusion reconstructs worlds extracted from films, cartoons and series with a fair amount of effectiveness on the aesthetic front. The character models are also of good quality, as are the effects. Unfortunately, the gameplay, the fights and the puzzles are much less refined and perhaps the most serious shortcoming is yet another: the game has little soul, and uses the action figures involved less than it should. In short, it would have been better not to bring the Funko Pops to life. They are definitely better off standing still on our shelves.

Freedom Wars Remastered should have arrived in 2025 with more content, not just a higher difficulty mode. It is not enough to debut on a home console with an improved resolution and 60fps, especially if the models remain the same that were proposed at a much lower definition and on a smaller screen. This operation seemed to us to be intended only for nostalgics or those who do not want to let the memory of Freedom Wars go into oblivion. A real shame, especially because if the intention was to test the waters for a possible sequel it will be difficult to convince Bandai Namco to invest in the operation.

Both for the care with which the game world is created and for the quantity of content, Wuthering Waves struggles to compete with the market giants it tries to imitate. Net of some qualitative oscillations, however, the possibility of completely skipping the story and enjoying a very fun combat system within a darker context than that of Genshin Impact could be more than valid reasons to at least give it a chance.

Kong Survivor Instinct is a simple game with a clear mission: to make us experience the tension of being hunted by giant monsters that try to crush us by demolishing everything in their path. A mission that is overall successful, but not flawlessly. The gameplay mix has its ups and downs, also due to the stiffness of the protagonist and the less than brilliant clashes with human enemies. We really liked the dynamic backgrounds, but the experience - if nothing else, better and not a little better than the previous one on King Kong - remains of fluctuating effectiveness.

While never reaching particularly high quality peaks, Alien: Rogue Incursion confirms itself as a good action game in virtual reality, which sacrifices the horror element typical of the film saga in favor of a more direct and brutal approach. Although not intrinsically lacking, the formula chosen by the developers shows its side with a certain basic repetitiveness, closely linked to the reduction of the threat represented by the xenomorphs. While a little more variety would certainly have benefited the production of Survios, Rogue Incursion remains an enjoyable title, especially if you are a fan of the imagery created by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett.

Marvel Rivals is a damn fun and immediate hero shooter, which also boasts a management of microtransactions that makes it perfectly playable without spending a cent. If the developers are able to manage the wave of success well and constantly release new content, it could be an experience capable of remaining on the crest of the wave for quite some time.

Flint Treasure of Oblivion is a pirate adventure with a successful atmosphere and tone, full of visual details that make it more authentic than many other pirate transpositions. Interfaces, settings and costumes, equipment and objects, writing and texts contribute to this goal. The plot, on the other hand, is not among the most interesting and does not fully do justice to the importance of the protagonist: the legendary pirate James Flint from the novel Treasure Island. As for the actual gameplay, although the dice rolls liven up the turn-based battles a bit, in the long run they become repetitive at times and sometimes last too long. Ultimately, if you are a fan of the setting halfway between the epic and the crude, all shrouds, rusty swords and explosive barrels, Flint will fully satisfy you. Otherwise, both as a strategic RPG it is an enjoyable experience, but not very original or varied.

Fairy Tail 2 had the duty to unleash the great latent potential of the first episode, but unfortunately the developer missed the mark, creating a title that is overall inferior to the previous one. Drawing on the lessons and mechanics of the Atelier Ryza trilogy, the turn-based combat system has made huge steps forward, and it is a real shame that all the other aspects of the production have been neglected or at least penalized by decisions that are nothing short of opinionated. We are convinced that fans of the license will love it despite all its flaws, but it is highly unlikely that the title will be able to win the sympathies of those who still do not have a strong attachment to Natsu and company.

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered has the undoubted merit of preserving and re-proposing in an updated key a saga that still today has all the cards on the table to fascinate the public, thanks to charismatic characters and an evocative imagery. The process of updating the experience implemented by Aspyr is fluctuating, and fails to stem the effects of the passage of time, especially evident for the first Soul Reaver. With the hope of one day being able to witness the announcement of a true remake of Raziel's epic, The Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered manages at least to attenuate the nostalgia of the fans of the first hour, with a rich package of extra content and the possibility of reliving, at a modest expense, two games that have made history.

Hironobu Sakaguchi's last great undertaking, Fantasian: Neo Dimension reminded us of the reasons why we loved the father of Final Fantasy and his conception of JRPG, without however equaling the greatness of his most successful titles. Both the historical flaws recorded in the original version, such as the poor characterization of the antagonists, the verbosity of the dialogues or the inconsistent balance of the difficulty, and the problems encountered in the re-release, such as the drops in frame rate and the long loading times that currently afflict the Nintendo Switch version, weigh heavily on the final evaluation of the product, which nevertheless remains solid and enjoyable. We recommend recovering it to true fans of the genre.

Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is an action adventure of great depth, well worthy of the name it bears. Moving away from its “shooter” comfort zone, MachineGames has built a fresh and engaging adventure, embellished with a maniacal attention to detail and supported by a palpable passion for the original material. Moving from the classrooms of Marshall College to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the title's campaign expertly carries out what is the main task of the production: putting users in the shoes of Indiana Jones in the context of a story similar to the classic adventures of the archaeologist. Yes, along the way it is easy to notice more than one rough edge both on the gameplay and technical side, but the overall balance is still exceptional, especially if you are a fan of George Lucas' character. In short, Microsoft and MachineGames have hit the mark, and it was not easy.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a complex, complete and realistic simulator, as ambitious as the game that preceded it and that brought so many people closer to the world of aviation. The Career mode is interesting and well structured, as are all the other available modes that allow you to experience the game as you wish and enjoy the hyper-detailed models of the vehicles to the last nut and bolt, or the most incredible panoramas of our wonderful world from a different perspective than usual. The technology behind cloud rendering is interesting and promising, it lightens the weight of the game on consoles and allows integrations with real-time satellite information that greatly increase immersion and simulation fidelity. However, even knowing that Asobo is a workaholic studio capable of producing patches and solutions in a short time, we cannot ignore the current state of the game servers, still not up to the ambitions of the production. It is equally difficult to ignore the fact that without a more than good connection free flight can be problematic, or the occasional lag, freezing and stuttering phenomena encountered on Xbox. There is room for maneuver, without a doubt, and in a few weeks everything could already be resolved. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Alaloth Champions of the Four Kingdoms is a huge and incredibly detailed world. Sure, you have to turn a blind eye to a technical sector that is not in line with modern standards and some imperfections on the gameplay front, but once you overcome this obstacle you find yourself in front of an old school game that, just like the RPGs of the past, succeeds in capturing the player in a loop of exploration and combat, so much so as to push him to avoid the final battle to spend more time around Plamen.

In its coming and going of pop quotes and inspirations, Extra Coin flows for a variable number of hours. How many minutes will we spend in the minigames? How long will it take us to overturn the rules and discover the truth? How much of our life will we sacrifice to the loops? At least 4 hours, little but sure. And in this span of time the narration and gameplay, with their qualitative oscillations, will ensnare us in a world that is certainly not very original, yet constructed in a way that is anything but superficial. Extra Coin is a well-conceived work, as well as created with full awareness of the means available. CINIC Games balances resources and ambitions, purposes and possibilities, without biting off more than we can chew. This is also demonstrated by the price (5 euros) at which the game is sold. Also for this reason, it is worth playing The Arcade.

Farming Simulator 25 is not a game for everyone, that much is clear. It is a complex title, and only those who approach it with certain types of mentality will be able to survive its seasons. Curiously, however, once you understand how it works it can also be extremely relaxing, thanks to the methodical nature of its cycles and mechanics, the calm that the sounds of nature transmit, the chirping and rustling of leaves under the pouring rain, even when in the background there is the roar of a tractor. The only shame is that there are technical problems that currently undermine its enjoyment and weaken its visual impact at times, and that we hope will be resolved as soon as possible.

STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl is a product characterized by an undeniable production value, conveyed through a plot with interesting narrative ideas and a proudly unique gameplay structure. The large amount of technical problems and some obsolete ingredients inherited from the original formula prevent it from making that great leap in quality that we would have liked to tell you about. Any future updates aimed not only at alleviating some technical problems but also at better balancing the gameplay could transform STALKER 2 into an unmissable experience.

Looney Tunes Wacky World of Sports is, quite simply, an unfun game. It doesn't shine aesthetically, despite being based on the iconic cartoons, and the animations never manage to shake off a certain stiffness. The sports offered are characterized by a less than decisive register, which attempts to be simultaneously carefree and deeper than expected: it is never fully either of the two.

Following the example of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, ​​Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an extremely faithful remake of the original material that, rather than aiming to conquer the new generations, confidently chooses to address almost exclusively historical fans and those who still prefer gaming experiences that respect the typical canons of the old school. Although the adjustments made to the gameplay have made it more accessible and enjoyable, the combat system lacks the strategic depth for which the series and its genre are renowned; as a result, the options available in battle are very limited and the random encounters consume practically the same way, resulting in a repetitive and boring experience in the long run. While fans might find Ortega's flashbacks and the new graphics a pleasant incentive to dust off a great classic from another time, newcomers risk coming up against outdated logic and mechanics, which unfortunately the Dragon Quest series doesn't seem ready to bury in its glorious past yet.

LEGO Horizon Adventures is therefore a fun but limited project. The bright side of the coin is composed of a first-rate technical realization and the successful light-hearted atmospheres, while the darker side includes an extremely repetitive gameplay and a rather limited amount of content. It is a game that gives its best if experienced in the company of friends, but it does not represent a great leap forward, at least from a gaming point of view, for LEGO branded productions.