Plants Vs Zombies 2 has it all: special levels, new gameplay elements and units to compete with endless waves of increasingly aggressive and powerful enemies.

DmC: Devil May Cry is one of the brightest action game of this year. A game that melds visual style and technical combos in a truly unique way.

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is certainly the best chapter of the entire saga. The puzzles are varied and clever: ideal for fans, perfect for rookies. The script is thrilling and full of twists, while the classic visual and sound style delight the videoplayer.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is an essential purchase for anyone who loved tri-Ace's masterpiece, as well as an unmissable opportunity for any newcomers to discover one of the best action RPGs of the 90s. By leaving the original plot unchanged and adding new mechanics to its frenetic combat system, the guys at Gemdrops have been able to create a faithful and at the same time innovative remake. The bizarre choice of combining the historic 2D sprites with a three-dimensional world recreated from scratch may not satisfy all tastes, especially those of the new generations, nevertheless we are firmly convinced that this restoration has greatly benefited what fans still consider the best Star Ocean ever.

Silent Hill f arrived at the event as a very bold title. Konami and Neobards Entertainment have crafted an episode that represents a clear break from the series' continuity, but which, to the most attentive observer, will appear perfectly integrated into a narrative that now transcends the geographical confines of the dear old Midwestern town to explore obsessions, paranoia, and generational trauma with surprising imaginative flair. We're aware that not everyone will welcome this new direction, due to some bold decisions that depart significantly from the philosophy of the original saga, but we have a feeling this will be an important starting point for the horror series from the legendary Japanese publisher. The only shame is that the gameplay suffers from some notable shortcomings and fails to keep up with the excellence of the writing and the technical and artistic component. The City of Fog may no longer be the same as we remember it, but it's still the most fascinating place the genre has to offer.

Total War: Warhammer III is a rich title, full of deep mechanics and that will keep you glued to the screen for dozens of hours, prey to the classic mantra "another turn and then cut". The strategic proposal of the Creative Assembly guys requires dedication and patience, especially if you are new to the saga, but once you have fully understood the mechanics you will find yourself a playful experience capable of offering large doses of satisfaction. With an effective formula consistent with the standards of the series, supported by a highly respected graphics sector, the latest work by the English studio therefore proves to live up to expectations, as well as fully supporting the heavy legacy of the Warhammer brand.

Bastion is unequivocally a true masterpiece. Thanks to fascinating storyline, solid gameplay and a unique visual style, it's highly recommended to any gamer.

Minecraft is still a major hit on PlayStation 3.

For Sega's mascot fans, Sonic Mania is a real dream come true.

Magnetic. Joe Danger is a cartoon-style Trials HD, showing a perfect level design and a compelling structure.

This is a significant step forward compared to the already excellent Shadow Tactics, from which the formula is taken in full and finally refined in many ways.

It's a bit crazy and over the top, and also something really different from your average videogame. Considering the price, if you're involved in the indie side of things, this might be the perfect choice for you.

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.

It's Civilization VI on the Nintendo Switch, practically immaculate and able to run even better than it used to do on certain rattling laptops.

Max Payne 3 dismisses its well known noir-style, but retains the mature storytelling, and enhances the classic shooter mechanics to adapt them for the needs of this generation of gamers.

Resident Evil 7 goes back to the origins of the series: a game which preserves the legacy of the first trilogy. Resident Evil 7 is a masterpiece, an infernal trip full of terror and fear.

The biggest regret comes from the narrative side, where this sequel starts quickly and loses momentum once it reaches the halfway point. On the other hand, when you look at the gameplay and enhanced free roaming, what you get is a general overhaul of what made the original reboot a solid action adventure, bestowed with over-the-top graphics.

Charts of Sennaar is an interesting puzzle game made with great care. The graphic and artistic sector is perfect for representing the symbolisms contained in the "biblical" plot that unfolds between the floors of the novel Tower of Babel which is the backdrop to the gameplay. In the gaming field, then, the cycle of research, translation of the mysterious languages spoken by the natives, and finally the resolution of the resulting puzzles, offers great satisfaction, even in the face of a little too much backtracking and a pinch of repetitiveness in the long term which concerns the structure of the puzzles.

The exit from Early Access, then, seemed a bit too hasty: without going into the merits of the number of maps available, in terms of visual cleanliness, optimization and quality of the interface there is still much to improve. In short, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds works well, but it's a modest game...But remember that between phenomena and masterpiece, there is often an abysmal difference.

The Turntable is a great peripheral, and DjHero is a new and fresh rhythm game, intelligent and funny. It's a pity for the lack of an interesting career mode.

Forza Horizon 2 is mainly freedom. It's ready to enchant all Xbox One owners, bringing the quality of the first chapter directly into the next-gen.

Tiny Thief is one of the most refined titles ever appeared on smartphones and tablets.

An unmissable game for any owner of PlayStation VR.

It's an original and interesting turn based strategy experience, one that shows an incredible amount of care and love for the small details.

After the continued and renowned support for the mainstay Civilization series, Firaxis couldn’t do less with its reboot of the historic XCOM series. Enemy Within is the first true expansion to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which radically changes the gameplay experience and also makes up for some “youthful indiscretions” like the small number of playable maps.

Five years after its original release, Bayonetta is still one of the most catchy action games around.

It's a fair expansion, but once again grinding is the key to level up (and this time, it's even more with FATE quests), and more variety in the beasts and overall offer could have helped.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is an extremely intelligent and even original adventure game, yet another demonstration of how vital and vibrant Nintendo's creativity is.

Dance Central 3 is the best chapter of the saga. The multiplayer has been improved and the Story Mode provides constant motivation also to single player.

A new instant classic. Arkanoid with a modern physic engine that add cool ingredients to the game formula. The graphics are shiny and the concept is brilliant.

Three years after the disastrous launch of Final Fantasy XIV, Square Enix produces an high quality MMORPG, with a revised and corrected gameplay. Ps4 version runs at 1080p, even if it's not always smooth, and includes all the content of the last expansion, that greatly improves the endgame.

Luigi's Mansion 2: Dark Moon is one of the best titles by Nintendo in recent years. Almost a real Killer Application, at least if you look at it with the eyes of an old fan.

Dj Hero 2 has an impressive tracklist, some interesting game moders, and a redefined gameplay that stresses the player's creativity. Too bad the "career mode" is still quite boring.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is an excellent starting point for the series, which after so many not very successful chapters had been missing from the scene for an entire decade. At first glance, the well above average difficulty rate may seem excessive, but the study of the opponent and the guessed tweaks that the FromSoftware guys have made to the playful formula, without neglecting the unparalleled level of customization that has always been offered by franchise, this time they know how to give a stimulating and revolutionary experience. However, the great replayability of the product is counterbalanced by a narrative framework that is anything but memorable and too conservative from a structural point of view. The future of the saga, whose return was by no means obvious, therefore appears promising and bright.

A very classic but always original storyline.

Destiny looks more and more like an MMO, and that seems to work well with the gameplay we already know. The Taken King is a good expansion, as it works exactly where Bungie's online shooter was having a hard time: by giving the players much more content to deal with.

Blizzard succeeded in reworking the MOBA base formula, and gives both genre fans and newcomers something different, accessible but deep enough when it comes to cooperative mechanics.

Code: Realize Guardian of Rebirth is a beautiful "otome" visual novel, well written and fun to read.

We recommend Path of Exile only if you already have solid group of friends, or if you just want a free pastime and don't want to spend money on better, albeit slightly unoriginal, titles like The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, Torchlight 2 or the Diablos series itself.

Returnal is complex, it is punitive, it is mysterious. It is a powerful act of courage, a “leap into the void” that could inaugurate a bright future for Housemarque or put his work at risk. Recklessness and ambition are not enough to break through, but in this case they are accompanied by a great creative vision, solid production values and a meticulous and calculated design. Returnal does not reach the perfection of Hades, but is destined to leave his mark on the Roguelike landscape, letting himself be played, watched, discovered again. And again, and again ...

The story has some small, unparalleled sections, but this does not seem to be enough to overcome the fate of a modest, somewhat impassioned, sometimes monotonous and distant frenzy that has made the brand famous.

The game is highly enjoyable, but the DRM system and few minor issues in the control scheme sets the PC version under the console one.

Of all the "simcade" available at the moment, Forza Motorsport 7 is the most dynamic and malleable one, capable of enhancing the realism of driving sensations and accessibility.

Wind-up Knight is the hardcore answer to those who thought that iOS was mainly a place for children. Your running knight will keep challenging you till the end of the 50+ levels that you have to finish and believe us, you will want to end all of them.

If you are newbies and want to throw yourself headlong on this challenge, do it without fear, you will not be disappointed.

Persona 4: Arena is a great fighting game, able to conquer without much difficulty the hearts of the genre lovers.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a masterpiece. A title able to raise the bar not just for the roleplay games’ genre but also the open world's.

As of today, it's still one of the best JRPGs around. The game is identical to the original release, and this is a great chance for anyone who might have missed it.

It's pure driving, with all its pro and cons. There's a clear lack of contents (but updating is constant), but when it's just you, the driving wheel and the never-ending battle with the track, you will feel the rally experience like in those sweet days of the Colin McRae saga.

It surely wasn't an original Zelda experience at the time, but as a remastered it still works, and if you love the saga, you really don't want to miss this one.

If you own a PS4, there's really no reason why you shouldn't treat yourself with a masterpiece, sold at a special price.

The biggest problem is still the questionable management of the thugs distributed through the DLC.

Cadence of Hyrule is a game that requires a minimum of investment, from several points of view: you need a little patience, a little good will and a bit of concentration (at least at first!) to get into the right mood.

Monster Hunter X is, in the end, another Monster Hunter. You can definitely recognize the old mechanics, but the context is brand new. This new chapter is way more accessible, has a great sense of progression, a cool new features to entertain old and new fans.

Take your Nintendo DSi, close your eyes and try to desire a platformer that takes you back in time, in years when the software house developed platformer based on the exploration of a world full of locked elements. Then open your eyes: with Shantae's Revenge Risky your wish has come true.

Despite some uncertainty both on the playful and on the technical level, Chivalry 2 therefore proves to be able to conquer both the old-fashioned fans and the new recruits, among the jerseys of a satisfying, multifaceted and more tactical gameplay than the light-hearted nature of the production do not imply.

Inscryption is a damn fun card game: a roguelite, a puzzle game and a story with horror tinges, and all of this is barely enough to describe what on balance are only the first hours of the experience. It is the consecration of Daniel Mullins and his idea of the code as a sentient and malignant entity that turns against the user, upsetting his role and his relationship with the game. A card game with a punk soul, developed by a developer with a punk soul and distributed by punks who have made subversive indie their trademark. An absolute triumph.

Conviction is the perfect evolution for Sam Fisher's series. The gameplay is smooth and dynamic, and even if the graphics are not the best of this generation, this last Splinter Cell delivers some serious action.

A few years after the overwhelming debut of Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, the extravagant Ubisoft rabbits are back to join forces with the icons of Nintendo. From Mario to Bowser, the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom form a team of nine Heroes, ready to do anything to save the sparkling Sparks. Will there still be hope for the galaxy threatened by the dark Cursa? We recommend all Nintendo Switch owners to board the spaceship led by Ubisoft Milan to find out. With a renewed freedom of exploration and an even more marked strategic component, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope extends the formula of its predecessor, packaging an experience full of fun and full of style.

It's an intelligent and original experience. The perfect title if you're looking for something entirely different from what you're used to.

It's simply the best city builder out there. The guys from Colossal Order literally outperformed themselves with this sequel.

An impressive driving experience. Leaving aside the "glam" tone of Dirt 3 and Showdown, Codemasters synthesize in a game the true feeling of the discipline and the thrill of off-road racing. The console version is technically impressive, smooth as the PC counterpart.

The best FPS on smartphones.

Metroid: Samus Returns is more than a brilliant remake of a relatively obscure cult-classic: it's a very significant moment for the whole saga, one that actually marks the rebirth of a beloved heroine after a troubled time.

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.

It's a great sequel, once more a pure celebration of the arcade "high score" philosophy.

The 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII is realized very carefully, with new added features able to refresh the gameplay experience.

World of Warcraft isn't overturned or revolutionized by The War Within, but that's okay. The Activision Blizzard MMORPG lives in a world of its own, with loyal players who see it as a second home and appreciate the timely innovations, the increase in quality of life and certain simplifications of old mechanics, but without exaggerating. The simple and colorful aesthetics are untouched, as are the cornerstones, missions, and many other gameplay elements that now distinguish the title from its competitors. The War Within doesn't want to eradicate these elements: sometimes it evolves them, like with Dynamic Flight and the consequent vertical layering of the maps. Or like with the Delves, minor dungeons suitable for hit-and-run sessions and perfect for leveling up in peace. Other times, however, it indulges them even if it modifies them, like with the Heroic Talents that deepen the builds without changing them completely. As we wait for the next expansions of the Worldsoul Saga, the future of World of Warcraft seems increasingly bright and inviting, even if it will unfold in the underground depths of Azeroth.

Nu No Kuni is a role-playing game as we have not seen in years. It's a delightful title: in the gameplay mechanics, in the narrative structure and in all the features.

Even with its shortcomings, in short, InXile Entertainment's latest work is a well-made role-playing game: it will not have the innovative ideas of Disco Elysium or the maniacal care typical of Larians, but at least it knows how to dose its ambitions with great pragmatism.

Bioware is back with sheer passion and love for its work. It demonstrates so offering a new way for players to enjoy strategic RPGs, with a battle system that merges action and tactics, and it plays smoothly whether on PC or consoles. Add to this an incredible amount of gameplay, free roaming and an interesting intrigue, and what you get is one of the best games of this year.

The masters of 2D have in fact given us a convoluted and enthralling narrative interweaving, which between time travel, advanced technologies, dreams of a distant and catastrophic future, unspeakable secrets and mammoth robots, starve the player and unleash an irrepressible curiosity in him. able to keep him glued to the screen for at least thirty hours, especially if he devotes himself body and soul to entertaining strategic battles and the customization of the powerful Sentinels.

Ultimately, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom can be considered a successful experiment. Playing as the princess is not only genuinely fun, but it offers a new perspective on the entire imaginary of the kingdom of Hyrule. The mechanics of the replicas interact perfectly with the possibility of seeing Zelda in the role of swordswoman, while the ideas related to physical principles further enrich the gameplay. In Echoes of Wisdom, male and female players can adopt the approach they prefer, favoring exploration, use of ingenuity or use of bizarre weapons, equipment and accessories. An excellent adventure, which with a more refined artistic sector and a greater refinement of interfaces and technical aspects could have been a complete masterpiece. If you have a Nintendo Switch on your home table, however, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a very valid reason to grab the joy-con and enjoy the genuine fun offered by the kingdom of Hyrule.

While featuring a mostly forgettable single player, the characteristics of multiplayer in Battlefield 4 works so well making the DICE title the reference in a competitive context, as well as a real game changer from a technical point of view.

The Outer Worlds is not a huge game, but it has many ambitions: it’s funny and brilliant, and gives the player plenty of possibilities to play the role he wants. Obsidian has made one of the best RPGs of the year.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a visual modernization conducted with skill, which in graphic terms brings the experience closer to that offered by the sumptuous Horizon Forbidden West. From the appearance of the protagonist, to the rendering of the dialogues with the characters, to the lighting and vegetation, the developers have kept their promises. In other words, those who already wanted to replay Aloy's adventure can spend the 10 euros of the upgrade without problems, while those who want to approach the series for the first time would do well to consider this version of the title. That said, aspects of the gameplay recipe already critical in the original - especially the melee combat and the clashes with humans - clearly show the signs of time. Not at the cost of the enjoyability of the whole, mind you, but they are there in plain sight.

Despite some defects in the control system, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is one of the best fighting game ever developed for a mobile console.

Mass Effect is also a masterpiece on Wii U, despite the fact that Bioware did not push some of the features of the New Controller in the game as strongly as we hoped.

If you have just a bit of love for strategy games, you will fall for Ravenmark. For a ridiculous price, you'll get a masterpiece. This title excels on so many sides, that you'll be amazed you're playing on a smartphone. Witching Hour Studios begins its journey on App Store in a excellent way, keeping our expectations very high for their next title.

One of the best cooperative action game available on PSN and XBLA.

But it is above all the prospect of living in such a fascinating setting in portability, and such a profound epic, worth much of the ticket price.

Soaking in the world of Eora is therefore an imperative that no fans of role-playing and fantasy should be allowed to miss.

Bravely Default is a masterpiece within the RPG genre. A title that combines nostalgia and modernity firmly and gently and offers a truly unique experience.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a sequel worthy of the name. Respawn has expanded and improved everything that he had convinced us of his predecessor, starting with a well-written story and not without significant twists near the end credits. As far as the playful mix is ​​concerned, Cal Kestis' new journey has proved to be an excellent action adventure, with a rich and layered combat system and a truly satisfying exploratory component. Net of an underdeveloped bestiary and some oscillations in the field of animations, the Force flows powerfully in this space odyssey by EA, which also offers a show on the visual front.

Starfield is a mammoth and enveloping title, which in some ways represents the absolute pinnacle of Bethesda's production. In fact, in terms of quality and sizing, the playful narrative baggage of the work is a cut above the previous role-playing adventures of the US team, from which, however, the title also inherits some of its less convincing features. Aftermaths that certainly have something to do with the structure of a universe as broad as it is fragmentary, which due to its structural characteristics ends up weakening the call for exploration, which has always been one of the main ingredients of the Bethesda formula. Net of its limitations, however, the stellar epic proves to be an extraordinary crossroads of memorable stories and adventures, pieces of a proposal that is at times all-encompassing, capable of offering dozens - if not hundreds - of hours of entertainment.

Exaggerated, violent, ruthless. Bethesda and id Software took the essence of the shooters you played in the 90s and rewrote it with a modern language. DOOM is an unstoppable FPS, with a bloodthirsty single player campaign and a solid Multiplayer, unfortunately showing some balancing problems.

The great Assassin's Creed 3 suffers of a strained optimization on Wii U. The "Nintendo version" is the worst version of the Ubisoft's latest masterpiece.

Contiinum Shift is what BlazBlue had to be since its release: well balanced, equipped with a full scale roster and with an enhanced move set. Unfortunately there's a lot of deja vu in playing the game that can't figure this second iteration as one of the best fight games of this gen.

The First Grand Theft Auto. During a Rave. On Acid.

Anjin's trip to Japan's Nioh ends in the best of ways, with a DLC representing the highest peak of the post launch support of an already outstanding title.

It is not a perfect port in an absolute sense, given that there remains a small handful of bugs and small performance stunts, but it is undoubtedly the best - by far - incarnation of the title from a strictly technical point of view.

It's entirely focused on its original and interesting idea, and it really works. A perfect game for the streaming era, and one that puts pure fun right under the spotlight.

If Alan Wake was an introspective, crepuscular and dreamlike thriller, Jesse Fayden's adventure adheres more decisively to the logic of genre, recovering (from House of Leaves as well as from the Area X Trilogy) a sprawling, obsessive narrative, in a strongly intimate and in any case allusive science fiction.

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.

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.

Frostpunk 2 is a great experience, with solid graphics, interface improvements and an enviable strategic depth. The transition from the role of Captain to that of Steward introduces a completely new dimension in the management of the city, where power is no longer unilateral, but distributed, which calls the player to face crises, challenges and political games. However, the situations in which you have to deal with a myriad of emergencies at the same time, which are created in ways that are sometimes artificial, end up being oppressive, to the detriment of a feeling of healthy involvement that fortunately the production of 11 Bit Studios knows how to generate very well.

Ultimately, Miles Morales is a fun and well-written open world; thanks to a properly conceived development system, it encourages players to tackle even the slightly more repetitive tasks, which fortunately are accompanied by a well-woven main quest. Nothing new for those who have already worn the Spider-Man costume on PS4, but Insomniac is always a guarantee of great quality.

The Dennaton Games title is a fascinating and magnetic action game, which captures and enhances anyone who wants to explore the dramatic and angry perversions of its protagonist.