Shadow of Mordor is the utter proof that to build an engaging, deep and fun experience you don't have to innovate - not necessarily. There are small flaws, especially in the repetitiveness of the mission structure (especially in the second half) and in the open world maps, which are too empty even for Mordor. But that's not nearly enough to spoil the fun, and the Nemesis System is something every developer should look into (and probably will).

Due to its extreme complexity, SpaceChem will never be a title for everyone. Too deep and articulate for casual players, it will be appreciated only by those who are willing to engage themselves with the deep game mechanics Nevertheless Spece chem is no doubt one of the most brilliant puzzle game in the history of videogames.

With BALL X PIT, Kenny Sun has shown that, rather than staying stuck in the same old tracks, by experimenting and intelligently blending different genres, it's possible to create something new and surprising. A small, raw gem capable of shining on its own.

An experiment worthy of attention, able even to adapt perfectly to the mechanisms of use of the Nintendo console.

In short, these last games put an exclamation point at the end of an era, it's undeniable.

With its breathtaking battles, and the disorienting architecture of its Beyond, it enters the Olympus of the best titles for the Nintendo Switch.

If Found ... does not tell something new but tells it well.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a prequel that does its job: it reconstructs the origins of the saga and brings the world of Orsterra to the forefront, with its cities, characters, and unique mechanics. However, the port from mobile to home console reveals all the limitations of the original project: the city building remains superficial, the exploration of villages is repetitive, and the narrative, while initially fascinating, quickly descends into cliché. Where the game truly excels is in the battle system: deep, tactical, and rewarding, capable of keeping players glued to the game on its own. The HD-2D style remains convincing, but shows signs of a now-established and uninnovative approach. In short, Octopath Traveler 0 is a title recommended for fans of the series curious to discover the roots of the story, but those looking for something new or a more ambitious port risk being left halfway and finding themselves entangled in a series of repetitive mechanics.

Horizon Zero Dawn brings to PC a vibrant and unique world, excellently characterized and wonderful to observe. Aloy's adventure, net of some obvious imperfections and some aspects that have withstood the test of time, is still fascinating and extremely fun to play today. In short, Guerrilla's remains one of the most precious open-world titles in recent years, not only for the charm of the story and the setting, but also for dynamic, responsive, layered and engaging gameplay.

Planetside 2 is a good free-to-play, strong functional and very funny, which does not envy anything to the founders of the first-person shooter genre.

Planet Coaster is a hymn to creativity. It is a simulative drug, with the flavor of the old Roller Coaster Tycoon and the beauty of a modern game engine. It's intuitive, satisfying, and allows the player to make very distinctive and unique parks.

It's a fast and dynamic fighting game, bestowed with online lobbies dedicated to beginners. The gameplay is deep enough, and there's something for every kind of player.

A strange platform, that clearly shows how in 2009 is still possible to make a really funny game in which you have to press only one button, with the right timing.

Jeff Minter is developing the same game since the 1981. This time, on PsVita, he delivers a rock solid "tube shooter".

PES 09 is one of the best football games ever made. It is able to improve upon some of the most important issues of the last year iteration (shoot, defense, game modes, local multiplayer), offering a unique gameplay experience to all the Wii owners.

F1 2021 is a solid, full-bodied chapter full of content. It probably represents one of the best hybridizations between simulation and accessibility on the market today.

8 year after the first release, Beyond Good & Evil remains one of the best action games of this decade. A well balanced gameplay, deep and fascinating storytelling and an impressive art desing gave to this on-demand content the status of "must have".

FIFA 17 is an amazing game. It combines a simulative and refined gameplay to an incredible set of game modes. This year, Ultimate Team is interesting and well-structured, and the career mode is the best offline experience that the genre has to offer. The technical performance is certainly effective, thanks to the new engine.

Tiny Wings HD is the perfect complement for one of the games that have demonstrated a new winning formula of gaming on mobile devices: simplicity, accessibility and ability to play with one last finger.

Sound Shapes is a small work of art that mesmerizes videogamers thanks to the variety of styles, graphics and sounds.

Gears 5 is a very solid chapter of one of the cornerstones of gaming in Xbox format: an episode that proudly reaffirms the vigorous soul of Lancer's armed fighters and the talent of a studio like The Coalition, stopping just a step away from absolute excellence.

After the somehow disappointing Naxxramas, Blizzard is back at its trading card game, adding what makes the players' hearts beat faster: loads of cards. It does so with good balancing, and really expanding the strategy of the game, so if you love Hearthstone, this will always be a good choice to keep playing.

A simple yet brilliant indie, immediate and at the same time profound, which phenomenally mixes genius and unruliness.

A bi-dimensional Souls-like, bestowed with an original and compelling combat system. Waiting for the next Souls, this might be the perfect choice.

The reduced launch price is definitely a plus point to allow another masochistic ride between Anor Londo and Oolacile, but keeping in mind that Dark Souls Remastered is just the shadow of that flame that many expected.

A perfect spin-off, that mix up the classic gameplay of Megaten saga with tactical elements.

It's hard to judge and episodic game by its premiere, but this first chapter in undoubtedly very well crafted, and it will please both Borderlands' and Telltales' fans.

The steps forward made by Forza Motorsport in terms of the driving system and simulation care are evident, including the important work done to further improve the drivers' AI, which as far as we are concerned reaches peaks of excellence, like the visual presentation . Despite the renewed car upgrade system, the career mode proved to be more tied to the past than we hoped and at times seemed lacking in bite, but this shouldn't be misleading: we are faced with a solid, satisfying and fun, which certainly won't disappoint fans of racing games.

The core simulation is almost perfect, but the shortage of game modes is a serious flaw.

UFC undisputed is a intriguing tribute to martial arts. Deep and complex, should not be missed by sports fans.

In short, it remains a recommended purchase for the nostalgic of the Konami series and for those who love the Metroidvania genre.

An excellent bill.

Proposed as an encounter between Ikaruga and Prince of Persia, Outland disappoints most of the expectations. The excellent graphics package, the opposition between light and shade, isn't enough to hide a gameplay often understated. Outland conflicts with a level design unable to enhance the gameplay. A good fighting system and memorable boss battles help a little.

The Switch version of Rayman Legends earns the title of the Definitive Edition in full swing, offering an experience that, while lacking in real-life content, exploits the peculiarities of the new hybrid Nintendo console so as to be the best Incarnation of Ubisoft Montpellier title.

Gears Of War 4 is an honest act of love for the saga, and for the countless fans who - over ten years - never stopped hoping for a glorious return to the heyday of the brand.

The online really shines, since it's able to offer something new in Warzones and something really solid and classic with Arena mode. On the other hand, the campaign focuses too much on cooperative Covenant killing, and much less on the quality of the script, and that, considering the precious heritage of the saga, is a real shame.

After 25 years Day of the Tentacle is still a brilliant game. Irresistible, ironical, with an outstanding style and an amazing screenplay. Double Fine did a great job with the remastering process, modernizing every aspect of the game.

Football Manager 2012 is the best choice if you want to bring a football team to victory. A new interface, tutorials and significant changes to the transfer and contract systems make it the most realistic football management simulation.

Although the package includes all DLCs published for Dragon Blood Adventure, the choice to distribute - for the umpteenth time - the full-game play is somewhat indigestible and inelegant.

Trine 2: Director's Cut is a seriously recommended title. The enthusiasts of the modern platform will find a fascinating product, characterized by a delicious artistic direction and an intelligent gameplay.

Neversoft astonished everyone with an expansion equipped with all the features of a complete game. The introduction of the astonishing Expert+ mode and the tweakings about the career mode and the gameplay made Guitar Hero Metallica a "must have" for every gamer. The songs of the californian band seems to have been written perfectly to fits the Guitar Hero game structure and to involve the player completely. It's a pity that everything good in the game does not apply to the "non-Metallica" songs in the tracklist.

One of the best action games for Nintendo Wii. Hilarious, entertaining and funny to play.

Just like the best Yakuza games, Like a Dragon shows us what could be in store for this series.

It's hard, harsh and unforgiving. It might be the perfect challenge if you're looking for something similar.

For all fans of the discipline in question and racing games in general, this Dirt Rally 2.0 is really an almost obligatory stop. If only there had been virtual reality support, it would probably have been the perfect rally game.

Unity of Command is a good turn based strategy game: so difficult but so accurate and deep. A must have for all fans of this genre, but a little bit too difficult for all others.

It's a content-filled expansion, one the fans were really waiting for. Blizzard is making the best of its trading card game.

Red Matter 2 is the perfect sequel to the first chapter from both a narrative and a technical point of view. The performance on Oculus Quest 2 is excellent and the graphics sector is sensational, so much so as to make this title better than many PCVR projects with more hardware resources available. The story proceeds with many more surprises than that of the predecessor and unfolds in different scenarios, presenting some new mechanics at their best. While it proved problematic in specific shooting stages, the gameplay as a whole is rich and offers several hours of fun and wonder for both VR novices and veterans alike. If you have played the progenitor of the series, know that this sequel may surprise you, thanks to a dystopian sci-fi universe at times surprising.

An impressive remake of Metro 2033 improves the overall look, the AI, and some of the major problems of the game, giving the player a great chance to replay a solid classic at its best. The work on the last chapter, Metro: Last Light, is not that impressive, but if you missed it one year ago you should give it a look.

Child of Light is one of those games able to enter the collective memory on tiptoe, silently, but without time that can in any way sweep away the track.

Ultimately the title is highly recommended to those who have not played the adventure within Bowser, while we suggest a little caution to those who had already lived it.

Not only does the DLC in question introduce special mechanics that will be metabolized by veterans, but it also marks the return of a somewhat more classic narrative campaign and therefore suitable for those who did not like the changes made by the Vortex Campaign.

Mankind Divided works from almost every point of view, from the excellent narrative to the solid gameplay. The title is essential for those who have just Human Revolution, and for cyberpunk lovers.

The talented Japanese team has created its greatest work and, beyond what will be the reception of the general public, has given shape to a stylistic and gameplay masterpiece, capable of synthesizing the needs of players with almost opposite characteristics. Guilty Gear Strive is the new beat 'em up paradigm, by art sector, online infrastructure and balance between the various elements of the gameplay. The few defects found are mostly a consequence of too short development times, and will probably be fixed over time. A title suitable for beginners, but challenging for experts, with a solid online infrastructure and a non-playable, yet smooth and well-written story mode. We are undoubtedly facing a milestone in the fighting game, a product to be appreciated and loved in all its facets. Put aside any reluctance and let yourself be taken by the hand by the rich tutorial modes, you will not be disappointed.

New Contents and a revised look for a great tactical game. This new PsVita version blends classic and touch controls for a smooth and catchy experience.

Little Goody Two Shoes is a work that alternates elements of absolute merit with others that are less successful. Greater attention to the adventure, survival and dating sim components would undoubtedly have benefited by offering a more complete and satisfying experience. It's unfortunate that the developers of AstralShift didn't dedicate the same attention to them as they did in the delightful artistic profile of the title.

Killzone 3 stands above its precursor thanks to an interesting plot, a peaced progression, and a varied Single Player Campaign. Multiplayer is still one of the best on Ps3.

This installment of F1 series is another great hit from Codemasters. Few new features enhance the global formula, while the gameplay remains adaptive and funny.

F1 2011 improves the results of past year edition and delivers a solid career and a perfect driving system. Unfortunately, some issues regarding the graphics engine and AI lower the score.

The same old formula works well, even if the plot and the setting are not catchy as the Curious Village's ones.

OlliOlli World Finding the Flowzone is certainly the most successful expansion of the two that make up the Season Pass of the Roll7 game. Thanks to a considerable variety of stages and the introduction of even more complex paths than those we have been used to in recent months, it is impossible that this content does not meet the tastes of players who have loved the title and who are looking for an excuse to get back on the skateboard and put into practice all the tricks learned. The only flaws of this DLC concern the limited amount of time required to reach the credits and the presence of bugs, which could annoy the most competitive players and make it difficult for them to climb the global rankings.

Ride 5 is the first episode designed and developed for current generation consoles: a few kilometers on the track are enough to appreciate its simulation cut and commitment to accessibility (the neural aids work). Compared to Ride 4, the differences are not so marked: Milestone worked above all with a chisel to clean up and refine his most ambitious work. In terms of content, there is nothing to complain about: the proposed virtual dealership offers everything a two-wheel enthusiast could wish for. On the visual front, the volumetric clouds are a welcome addition, the bikes remain beautiful, the circuit park is truly extensive. The career mode has made some steps forward compared to the previous iteration, but has not reached the levels we had hoped for. In short, the team has not failed to further improve the gaming experience but has chosen the path of continuity for this fifth episode: we expected a little more.

Ultimately, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a respectful and sincere restoration project that focuses entirely on the enduring charm of these two JRPG staples. Square Enix doesn't force the remake: it modernizes just enough—autosaves, clearer maps, stunning HD-2D graphics—but leaves the original structure intact, with its slow pace, stiff difficulty, and genuine sense of adventure from another era. The improvements to the second installment and the small narrative additions add depth, but those expecting a revolution will be disappointed. It's a return to the origins, designed for those who love the genre's history and want to relive—or finally discover—where it all began. In closing, the usual question remains about the target audience for these remakes: new generations will likely find everything anachronistic, so once again, the decision was made to appeal to nostalgic fans.

The first thing you need to understand, when approaching Frostpunk, is that it is not an ordinary city builder, but a survival experience that uses management mechanics as a means to support, on a playful level, the elements of social engineering and nihilism that define it.

Experts and neophytes, don't be afraid to throw yourself headlong into this offering from Sports Interactive: for sure you won't be disappointed.

An ingenious trip.

Burnout Paradise, revised and improved in every aspect. Not a classic Need for Speed. Still, one of the most interesting arcade racers of this generation.

More than a simple DLC, the latest chapter of the Uncharted series, The Lost Legacy, gives us a long-lasting, varied, and exciting adventure, clearly proving that the series is perfectly able to work even without its iconic main character.

At the end of a generation, Ubisoft gives us a new and great chapter of Assassin's Creed. Black Flag, despite some congenital defects works great, focusing on the exploration and a free roaming component refreshed for the most.

Soul Calibur 6 remains a spectacular, intense, technical brawler, also suitable for those who do not want to throw themselves into the fray of online meetings. There could be no better relaunch for the series, which finally returns to its original splendor.

Heart Machine delivers a masterpiece, an impressive mixture of style and gameplay. Hyper Light Drifter is one of the best action game we have ever played, and showcases a complex and enchanting pixel art. It brings you into a silent and distant world, it tests your ability with a deep an fast paced gameplay; it's the rightful heir of '90s bidimensional adventures.

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.

Magic keeps its hardcore nature intact, and you must always keep this in mind if you decide to approach the digital version, which maintains all the beauty of the original work.

Split/Second: Velocity defines a new way for arcade racing. Despite some issues with the game AI and the sense of speed, it is a fresh new IP we're grateful for.

The first episode of The Walking Dead is not a classic graphic adventure, with puzzle solving and so on. TellTale's production is an interactive novel, based on the series and dedicated to the fans.

Quotation forthcoming.

Quotation forthcoming.

Contre Jour is a great puzzle game, that definitely deserves gamers attention.

Hogwarts Legacy can be a manifesto of the heart that wins over reason. The one concocted by Avalanche Software is in fact an open world RPG that is not very stimulating in the dynamics of exploration and with a not entirely impactful role-playing formula, which could tire the most demanding players. However we believe that the flaws are well balanced by a good combat system, a great attention to detail and an impeccable art direction, which represents a true love letter to the Wizarding World and its fans.

Being a Metroid clone, Dark Void Zero is quite perfect for the digital delivery and is seriously recommended for those who haven't forget the thrill of the 80's arcade.

Scary for many, too skinny for others, Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan remains one of the symbols of this "neo-classicism gaming" which is reflected in a market more vibrant and faceted.

While not equaling the epic nature of Trails of Cold Steel IV, which for its part had the advantage of being the final chapter of a painful and well-oiled tetralogy, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak stands out as one of the best recent productions of Nihon Falcom. In addition to telling a story with more mature tones than usual, this time the Japanese developer wanted to take a few more risks, completely revolutionizing its historic and already profound combat system to create a formula capable of mixing turn-based strategy to the frenzy of action. The result is astonishing and, as demonstrated in the past by Square Enix with the first two chapters of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, it really says a lot about the incredible potential of the hybridization between the two "currents". Everything is finally framed by the powerful steps forward offered by the new Nihon Falcom engine, thanks to which the universe of The Legend of Heroes appears more lush and colorful than ever. If we add to this that the product marks the beginning of a new narrative arc and is therefore perfect for approaching the series, you no longer have any excuses to continue avoiding one of the best JRPG sagas around.

A great way to close a cycle and kick off a new phase, in the hope of finding less action and more tension in the future. Together with that atavistic and visceral evil that crawls through the machinations of Umbrella, and under the rotten skin of his creatures.

From our point of view, we do not believe that Black Mesa can be an integral substitute of the original Half-Life (still very enjoyable), as much as an adventure that accompanies it with respect and dignity. And walking tall with a legend can be considered a success in itself.

Bulletstorm is frantic and wild. Its gruesome story mode comes with the Online Co-Op (anarchy). It may be not as polished as other first-person shooters, but for sure it is original and thrilling.

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.

Kinect has been an unlucky device. Fru is a real masterpiece, a brilliant game everyone should try and share. Through Games delivers Kinect's Killer App: too bad they are few years late.

If you love the old science fiction movies, RPG roguelike genre and spaceship, FTL could be the game that you were waiting for a entire life. Otherwise, if you are looking for a good sci-fi story or a "fleet rts", you could be disappointed.

New Vegas is like a Huge DLC, an enormous add-on. But the formula is still fresh and deep.

Vessel of Hatred confirms the trend already established in the most recent seasons of Diablo 4, adding a lot of density to the fights, facilitating the leveling system and introducing a new and very fun class. Fans of the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the first chapters are destined to be disappointed, but players who want to dedicate themselves to the unconditional massacre of hordes of demons will find in this expansion a refined and organic progression system, new mechanics and new endgame content capable of entertaining them for several hours. The length of the campaign and the way in which it concludes the game events did not satisfy us, but there will be time with the next patches to correct the shot.

Monolith Soft shows the western market that JRPGs are far from extinct. The open world is simply stunning, the depth of the combat system will keep you engaged, and there's so much to explore. The story is not as good, and some dialogue not very well written, but the overall experience feels just amazing.

Resogun, the new shooter of the Finnish Housemarque captures players thanks to a fantastic look, and a very speedy, technical and exciting gameplay.

The guys at Frictional Games tried something really hard, in telling a story that reflects good old science fiction. The result ultimately works: don't expect a "sci-fi Amnesia", no jump scares here, but a completely different experience.

The "shift" in Need for Speed series is one of the most fascinating and exciting changes of this new EA racer.

GT 5 is definitely the best Driving Simulator on PS3. But because of some technical issues and an unclear structure, it does not set new standards.

Despite a non-optimized to best development, undermined by haste to publish the game, it remains impossible not to be affected by the quality of the second episode of the series The Walking Dead.

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.

In short, these last games put an exclamation point at the end of an era, it's undeniable.