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

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

1348 Ex Voto is a highly imperfect work that—much like its own history—thrives on dualities, on light and shadow, yet manages to leave a mark in its own way: a small *ex-voto* capable of speaking to us and our modern cages, drawing upon a Middle Ages that proves itself both intimate and relevant.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando reimagines a tried-and-true formula, transporting it to a new open-world setting where the Swarm Engine's capabilities once again demonstrate their effectiveness in managing hordes. The result is a riot of blood, bullets, gasoline, and ignorance that will delight anyone looking to spend an evening hunting zombies with friends. When everything runs smoothly, Saber Interactive's title effectively conveys the feeling of being in the middle of one of those apocalyptic films where the only priority is surviving yet another wave of the undead. However, the game's offerings, as they stand, are far too limited and quickly become repetitive. The project's underlying structure is solid and shows promise, but new content will be needed to transform Toxic Commando into something more than a fun cooperative shooter for a couple of evenings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rayman: 30th Anniversary is a great re-release marred by the inexplicable absence of the original soundtrack. Rayman is a true classic that, despite its extreme difficulty, remains a very fun and surprisingly beautiful title, and this new edition offers almost all of its versions, well emulated with good image filters, multiple accessibility options, and a selection of extras with exceptional documentary and historical value. But all this good work, without something as important and fundamental as Rémi Gazel's score to complete the experience, ultimately falls flat and greatly diminishes its overall value.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a solid Metroidvania, but it doesn't do anything more or less than many other exponents of the genre. It works, it entertains, and it flows smoothly, but it rarely surprises. The story of Kratos's adolescence and his relationship with Deimos are the heart of the experience, offering a more intimate look at a character we're used to seeing in a completely different light. The idea works, but it's held together by a rather conservative gameplay structure, with redundant combat, a lackluster level design, and an art direction that favors nostalgic homage over originality. The result is an enjoyable but rather standard prequel, closer to a narrative interlude than a fundamental piece of the saga. Kratos fans will still find something to interest them, as will those looking for an accessible Metroidvania without too many rough edges. Those looking for a chapter that will leave their mark will, however, feel like an opportunity only partially exploited.

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

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

Romeo is a DeadMan is a product that has sparked deep reflection in us: we're happy that a figure like SUDA51 is still active in the global gaming scene and that he's still capable of infusing his creations with such a recognizable stylistic imprint, but it's also true that Grasshopper Manufacture seems anchored in an outdated, almost anachronistic, game development philosophy that needs a breath of fresh air to compete, or even survive, in the ever-changing action genre. While on the one hand, we find a manneristically varied yet solid gameplay structure and an artistic direction that oozes style from every pore, on the other, we must point out a less than rosy situation in terms of level design and the presence of poorly crafted gameplay devices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Despite some uncertainties and room for improvement, Arknights Endfield is an experience that will appeal not only to long-time fans of the series but also to those looking for a game that blends action sequences with a deep management component. If the idea of ​​such a game interests you, there are very few reasons not to give it a try, especially since it's a free-to-play title.

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.

From the Ashes is, in some ways, what Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora should and could have been. Ubisoft's expansion is hands down the best content available for the game, thanks to a more interesting protagonist, a more engaging story, and significantly more refined and enjoyable gameplay. If you already enjoyed the initial adventure or want to experience something as close as possible to "Fire and Ashes," we highly recommend playing this DLC.

1112 is a great adventure game that keep the player attention to maximum level, thanks to a fine storytelling and an admirable graphic and sound design.