One of the clearest impressions is that Project Motor Racing is currently a work in progress. It has excellent intentions, a foundation that could grow, and an "old school" philosophy that could appeal to a wide audience. But this requires time, updates, refinements, and a clear creative direction. The game isn't broken, it's not a failed product: it's simply very immature, still far from being a benchmark title, but with enough potential to get there if adequately supported. A release in early access at a budget price would probably have been more consistent with the current offering, because quantitatively speaking, the game offers a lot, but suffers from evident shortcomings in key areas: AI, penalties, driving system, and the overall cohesion of its ecosystem. Some aspects are already very good, and we are confident that in the future the game could become a benchmark for racing game enthusiasts, if only for the uniqueness of its car roster and the good career mode.

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.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a solid, well-rounded game, well-executed in (almost) every way. Despite a difficult development cycle and a few poor design decisions, Samus Aran's return is a title that does justice to the saga's dazzling past and sheds new light on the future of Prime and the Metroid franchise as a whole. Eight years since that infamous logo was revealed during a Nintendo Direct over the summer; more than eighteen since the series' last iteration: the wait has been worth it.

Where Winds Meet is a decidedly atypical free-to-play game, which, unlike many of its counterparts, has embraced a philosophy devoid of any pay-to-win mechanics. Not only does this system work, but it is also supported by a combat system and exploration that do their job well and are enjoyable, regardless of whether you decide to play alone or with other users. The only real flaw in this production remains the menus, whose complexity is excessive and could discourage many players who, without this kind of defect, could enjoy the wuxia adventure much more.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 boasts a wealth of content that's probably unmatched in the series, though some of its components aren't as qualitatively up to par with previous installments. The campaign is, without a doubt, among the worst ever seen in the series, and the endgame mode, while fun, currently has little to offer. Fortunately, multiplayer and Zombies, with their blend of tradition and innovation, manage the difficult task of carrying the weight of a product that, more than ever this year, is struggling to establish itself on the market.

If we overlook the small discrepancies in balance (which, however, could be corrected shortly with a dedicated update program) and some content that is a little less focused compared to the high level of the rest of the production, Kirby Air Riders is a true masterclass in game design, the unmistakable fruit of the creative flair of one of the best authors that modern video games can boast.

Dispatch is excellent entertainment: it captivates you from the first frame and doesn't let go until the final credits. The characterizations are stellar, the direction is meticulous, and the visuals are simply captivating. The problem is that, gameplay-wise, it's only a bare bones game, where the gameplay is completely separated from the narrative. Those looking for a game to experience rather than play will love it; those looking for a game where your choices have real weight will risk bitter disappointment. What's certain is that works like this force us, once again, to question what a video game is. Is a great story enough to make you forget you're holding a controller?

At €19.50 for about 8 hours of gameplay, Winter Burrow is a more than reasonable investment, especially if you're looking for intimate stories about loss, loneliness, and the need to find yourself. A short but intense adventure, where every gesture carries narrative weight and where rebuilding a lair also means rebuilding yourself.

After dozens of hours among estates, aqueducts, and legions, Anno 117: Pax Romana has convinced us on one point: the Anno formula still works brilliantly. The decision to move the action to the heart of the Roman Empire isn't just an aesthetic gimmick, but a clever way to shift perspective without sacrificing what the series does best: the slow and thoughtful construction of economic equilibrium. The sandbox mode is, as always, the center of the experience and the place where the game shines, thanks to a hypnotic pace and excellent variety of situations. While some mechanics add more color than depth, the title is hard to criticize: less revolutionary than some had hoped, sure, but more refined and cohesive than we might have expected from such a dramatic leap in time. Pax Romana is the confirmation of a studio that understands its audience, respects players' time, and continues to improve its work methodically and consistently. Those seeking a deep and well-constructed management challenge, with the joy of building an empire brick by brick, will find fertile ground here. Those hoping for a revolution, however, will likely have to wait for the next iteration. But for now, the Senate can applaud.

Sacred 2 Remaster is a preservation effort, rather than a modernization. Longtime fans will benefit, finally being able to explore the world of Ancaria again on next-gen systems. Beyond that, however, the remaster doesn't introduce any significant improvements that would encourage a purchase outright. It remains a piece of gaming history that's refreshing to see brought to new generations. But nostalgia aside—and despite the budget price—it's undeniable that fans of the genre can now find significantly more satisfying experiences for the same money.

As much as we appreciate the idea of ​​putting ourselves, for once, not in the shoes of a budding driver needing to prove his worth, but in the cloud of a "Deus ex Machina" who can literally call the shots, build courses, drive, race, and destroy everything, without having to worry about driving techniques, gear changes, road conditions, and so on, Wreckreation takes arcade "simplification" to extremes. The result is not, as the developers likely hoped, a "eat and run" title, where you can enjoy extreme speeds and environmental (and car) destruction freely and without consequences. Crucial details and spectacularity are missing, car customization is extremely limited, and the absence of a certain feeling is felt. Whether the most dedicated players will be able to create courses and flying circuits so insane as to be worth the (albeit modest) price of entry to this enormous, yet empty, playground, we cannot know at this point. For now, if you're willing to bet on Wreckreation, it's certainly not a bad game, but it's not as exciting as it seemed before we started it up for the first time.

After The Finals, Embark Studios hits the mark again, releasing not only one of the best extraction shooters on the market, but also one of the most interesting games of the year. With robotic enemies as bad as ever, gorgeous maps, and a remarkably accessible loot system, ARC Raiders manages to be the first entry in the genre truly accessible to everyone, even running flawlessly on consoles. The only unknown remains post-launch support, but the roadmap published by the developers is promising, with an additional map already arriving in the next few days. In the meantime, see you above ground.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Exile is not only a highly successful entry in the much-maligned Musou genre, but it's also an excellent entry in the decade-long Legend of Zelda saga. Some of the genre's inherent problems remain (such as a certain underlying repetitiveness), but we're happy to confirm that almost all of the technical uncertainties that plagued the previous two installments are now a thing of the past. Whether you're a "Warriors" fan or not, if you love the imagery tied to the Hero of Time, the Triforce, and Princess Zelda, this is an adventure you won't want to miss.

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.

Football Manager 26 marks the beginning of a new era. Unity brings with it a breath of fresh air, but that step forward has led to two steps back: the UI is dispersive, almost unbelievable in its capriciousness. In a management game where control is everything and analysis is also crucial, appearing with such cluttered screens is problematic. We're already in 2027, with all our tactics and strategies to create a winning streak that would make Xabi Alonso and Pep Guardiola shudder, but it's clear that there are many improvements we expect for next year. Football Manager 26 is still a solid product, but after a year off, we were hoping for a fresher, more refined game.

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.

Escape From Duckov is one of the most bizarre and successful surprises on the indie scene in 2025, a title capable of making you smile and suffer at the same time. The gameplay loop works, and despite a few issues that make progression a bit slow, it's hard to put down every single session. Despite its minor flaws, this is a title that anyone who appreciates the genre should try, especially considering its future evolution through free updates and mods.

In an era where titles like Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, and even its predecessor, Double Dragon Gaiden, have proven that it's possible to revive the classic beat 'em up formula with modern depth and respect for the source material, Double Dragon Revive represents a step backwards in virtually every way. It's a missed opportunity that likely relegates the historic series to the background once again, waiting for someone to finally do it the justice it deserves.

Our hope is that Absolum represents the first in a long series of hybridizations that could breathe new life into a genre that shaped the history of arcades and the '90s, refreshing the formula and significantly increasing its longevity. We also believe that this promising title hasn't yet exhausted its resources: an expansion with new playable characters and a refinement of an already enjoyable gameplay formula could raise the bar for a game that absolutely deserves the attention of both arcade-style beat 'em up lovers and roguelite fans. It's a shame that its longevity and lack of additional difficulty prevent it from achieving excellence.

The Outer Worlds 2 represents both a confirmation and a significant evolution from the previous installment in the series from Obsidian Entertainment, a team that has proven adept at crafting compelling role-playing experiences. The sequel to the original title not only expands the saga's already rich and distinctive universe, but does so with impressive attention to detail and player choice. Sure, the technical side isn't cutting edge, and there's still plenty of room for improvement in some aspects, like combat. However, The Outer Worlds 2 is one of the most complete and engaging RPGs of recent years, which is why it will captivate anyone who loves the genre and its captivating sci-fi setting.

It's not easy to frame an operation like Once Upon a Katamari, suspended between the desire to renew a twenty-year-old tradition and the fear of losing the true essence of what is a cult PS2 title. The joy of completely destroying the settings, starting from their smallest elements, remains intact, and it's impossible not to be won over by the nonsensical madness of a video game that never takes itself seriously. Yet it was reasonable to expect some substantial additions to a gameplay formula that, while still unassailable, dates back to distant 2004. Bandai Namco has thus played to the nostalgia factor without taking the risk of modernizing its intellectual property, giving longtime fans another chance to roll their Katamari, but without offering any convincing glimpses into the future of the series.

With Jurassic World Evolution 3, Frontier finally manages to close the loop. After years of experimentation, the series has found its best form: freer, more alive, more consistent with the idea of ​​a world that evolves on its own. Natural reproduction, an improved editor, and the multi-park structure give breadth and depth to a game that, for the first time, transcends mere visual wonder. Of course, some limitations remain. The economy is never truly a tough nut to crack, and the interface, though refined, still retains that "Frontier management" heaviness that occasionally slows you down. But the bottom line is clear: Evolution 3 is the best entry in the series, solid, enjoyable, and capable of surprising you at the right moments. It's a management game that's played calmly, without the pressure of optimizing everything, and that's precisely why it works. Frontier hasn't rewritten the rules of the genre, but it has finally made them its own. He understood that the charm of Jurassic World lies not in control, but in a fragile but believable balance, and when it works, the game conveys the feeling of watching something breathing.

Ninja Gaiden 4 emerges as a meeting point between Team Ninja's development philosophy, which led to the series' dazzling rebirth as a hardcore action game, and that of PlatinumGames, which, over the years, has become a true pillar of the genre. The combat system is still incredibly fun and at times exhilarating, and the new features introduced to the game world allow for a more satisfying progression than in the past. Given these premises, however, it's truly a shame that the same effort hasn't been put into the narrative, which unfortunately fails to capitalize on the excellent premise of the plot and ends up being a formulaic and lackluster tale. After over a decade of absence from the scene and given the names involved in the project, it was reasonable to expect a production effort of a different caliber.

Keeper offers a short journey, and that in itself is certainly not a flaw. The real issue lies in the way the adventure's time has been managed, with the first half containing its most visually and gameplay-wise brilliance. Unfortunately, just when it decides to mix things up, Double Fine's work suffers a dip in quality that's hard to ignore. Even if it's followed by a more successful and genuinely refreshing final section, it still makes a significant impact on a four-hour experience. If you're looking for a relaxing game that's not short on inexplicable creatures and fascinating scenarios—and this is even more true if you have a young player to keep you company—then give Keeper a chance. Those looking to experience Double Fine's "next big thing" would be wise to wait for future updates from Schafer and his team.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 was destined to die, yet here it is, risen from the grave like the protagonists whose exploits it chronicles. The Chinese Room weaves what is, to date, its most complex plot, narrated through the voices of memorable characters but, above all, a captivating world from which I never wanted to part. Not everything works perfectly: the developer's inexperience with certain aspects of the gameplay is evident. The most significant burden is the legacy of a structure that doesn't mesh well with the overall game's economy, making one feel the full weight of an open map inserted more for practical reasons than for true coherence. Despite its various imperfections, Bloodlines 2 remains a solid game, capable of insatiably entertaining for over thirty hours. But above all, it's an excellent first effort for the developer, demonstrating its ability to break away from its past to embrace a more ambitious, complex, and courageous experience. If this is the starting point, I can't wait to see what awaits us at the finish line.

Pokémon Legends Z-A, in keeping with the series' tradition, is a controversial creation. Game Freak manages, as always, to create a fun and enjoyable adventure, with gameplay that is well-integrated across its various components, but it fails to shake off some now endemic critical issues. The gameplay formula is experimental enough, demonstrating the team's willingness to try different solutions, but it is set in a somewhat flat and personality-less setting. Fortunately, Lumiose City makes up for it with a wide range of activities, both primary and secondary, and delivers what I can wholeheartedly call a good Pokémon experience. Despite its flaws, it brings a slight breath of fresh air and stands as an interesting evolution of Arceus. After years of stagnation, despite some timid steps forward on the gameplay front, we can say that Pokémon Legends confirms its most interesting approach in the series, at least in the Switch era.

While moving beyond an artistic inspiration that clearly nods (and maybe even a couple of nods) to Cuphead, Acecraft doesn't break the boundaries of its free-to-play shoot-'em-up nature. The gameplay is simple and extremely intuitive, but it's also slow and lacks much depth or intriguing solutions, while the confusing progression system lives in the shadow of classic gacha progression: without real money, Acecraft feels diluted and uninspiring, but at least it's possible to play for long sessions without having to endure the usual ads that plague mobile titles.

We would have appreciated a more refined campaign in many ways, but that still doesn't overshadow the exceptional work done by the collective known as Battlefield Studios on the multiplayer front. Battlefield 6 is one of the most entertaining shooters of recent years and marks the return of the franchise in style. The class system, destructible environments, and wide range of maps and modes provide an extraordinary foundation for what's to come, considering that the plans for post-launch support are already well-defined and suggest the developers' desire to keep players engaged over time. Now all that's left is to get our hands on the highly anticipated Portal and learn more about the much-discussed Battle Royale mode, which we hope will arrive soon to make the offering even richer and more varied.