Digimon Story Time Stranger may not be the J-RPG that revolutionizes the genre, but it's a solid and fun game. The story is reminiscent of a sci-fi shonen anime that touches on interesting themes, but the production has its ups and downs. The gameplay, from a role-playing perspective, is varied and layered, its main strength being the enormous range of monster collections and evolution. The only drawbacks are the lackluster exploration and quest structure, and the combat system is satisfying but not always challenging, especially for truly experienced role-playing players. However, given the production's ambitions, and especially for a Digimon fan, the end result is more than adequate.

All things considered, considering the target audience of all Microids' Poirot games to date and their evolution over time, despite the quality of the writing and narrative, we can't help but consider Death on the Nile a small step backwards, or, to be more polite, at least a "stop." The weak puzzles and the artistically simple technical aspects didn't convince us. The overall experience is decent, if you lower your expectations a bit and ignore the two previous Blazing Griffin games, which, in our opinion, were a bit more complex and interesting.

By introducing an exploration component and significantly larger maps, the team at Marvelous attempted to renew and expand the gameplay of DAEMON X MACHINA: Titanic Scion, but the implementation wasn't entirely successful. The extremely repetitive and schematic nature of the secondary activities doesn't justify the presence of such an expansive world, which, among other things, negatively impacted loading times and the game's stability. The frenetic combat system and deep level of customization remain DAEMON X MACHINA's most lethal weapons, as well as the valid reasons why fans of the genre might love it despite its flaws.

Believe it or not, we struggled to find any flaws in Supergiant Games' latest offering. Hades 2 is a masterful game in every way: the sheer amount of content is breathtaking, the character designs are a feast for the eyes, and the gameplay boasts a depth that puts most roguelikes currently on the market to shame. So if you enjoy the genre, you simply have no excuse: you absolutely must play it.

EA Sports FC 26 arrives at the event as the latest, richly detailed installment in one of the most successful video game franchises. It's unlikely to dissuade critics, but it will offer fans a whole host of changes and tweaks derived directly from community feedback. Furthermore, the two new gameplay settings could make the experience accessible to those less accustomed to the frenetic gameplay fans have come to know, while the additions to the already impressive content plan should ensure everyone has something to enjoy. On the other hand, it's also an installment with many added qualities in terms of attacking play, but it has a few defensive difficulties that will need to be addressed soon to ensure the most exciting and entertaining experience possible for the general public.

After the remake of the first Pac-Man World, it was reasonable to assume that Bandai Namco would continue the nostalgia drive, and the forty-fifth anniversary of Pac-Man was the perfect time to re-release the second installment in the series to attract as much attention as possible. There's no denying that a certain amount of effort went into Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, which not only revamped the game's technical features but also improved its controls, even offering some previously unseen extra content that proves useful in increasing the adventure's overall longevity. The problem is that the original game wasn't exactly the most engaging 3D platformer on the market when it was released in 2002, and the fact that this remake remains as faithful as possible to the original isn't the best business card considering 23 years have passed since then. Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a nostalgic journey designed for Pac-Man fans, but it doesn't pretend to match the quality of the best modern platformers out there.

Ghost of Yotei offers a vast world that compels us to explore, thanks to its incredible visual appeal and a series of simple ideas that effectively ward off the taint of repetitiveness, despite some elements of the offering feeling a bit stuck in the past. Slashing with the Yari, mowing down enemies with dual blades: it's easy to feel like a warrior thirsty for revenge in Sucker Punch's game, which displays genuine attention to all the "important" details and boasts some truly addictive combat. There are stories worth discovering on the map, as well as situations worth experiencing, but unfortunately the plot on which Atsu's journey of revenge is based lacked the courage to dare and some appropriate attention to character development. In any case, a stop in Ezo is a must for fans of Jin Sakai, and in general, anyone looking for a gripping and evocative adventure would do well to take on the role of Onryo.

Final Fantasy Tactics remains a masterpiece: that's an undeniable fact. It began a successful lineage of tactical JRPGs that led us all the way to—to take a look at this in our own home—products like Mario + Rabbids. That masterpiece, however, remains anchored to gameplay and visual logic dating back three decades, with all the pros and cons that entails. Those who decided to rehabilitate Ramza 30 years ago will be eager to retrace that journey; those who, however, want to immerse themselves in the magic of Ivalice for the first time may find themselves faced with the obstacle of time. We still recommend new players give it a try, because Final Fantasy Tactics remains a key part of the medium's history, a knowledge of which is a prerequisite for the last 20 years of the tactics genre.

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.

If you're a zombie fanatic and your dream is to experience a believable, yet scenic, terrifying, and atmospheric undead apocalypse, Dying Light: The Beast is a title you shouldn't miss. Kyle Crane's story is a classic, at times a bit predictable, but there are many other survivors with more unique stories waiting to grip you in the numerous side missions hidden in Castor Woods. A natural setting unlike the dense cities of Techland, where small, more refined "attractions" float in a more airy fabric of woods and minor secrets, as if we were in a zombie-themed amusement park. The combat is more violent than ever, the beast mechanics are a force, and the parkour works, albeit with a few uncertainties here and there. Honing Kyle's skills will keep you engaged throughout the 30 hours required for the main campaign. Repetitiveness is present, but less noticeable, given the compact setting and storyline. As far as we're concerned, The Beast is a more thoughtful chapter, which, while not attempting to revolutionize its formula, restructures it just enough: with passion, screams, blood and lots and lots of punches.

With its hybrid nature between roguelite and cozy game, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree attempts to make its mark on the gaming landscape. The high sugar content may prove indigestible to those who don't like a certain Japanese animation style. Those who embrace its philosophy, however, will find a choral adventure, rich in personality and heart. It never achieves excellence, but it remains a light and satisfying journey, capable of entertaining for many hours without ever becoming overly punishing. There's still work to be done. The dual-character system is a great idea but still feels immature, while the evident repetitiveness of the bosses and arenas may bore some. Imperfections aside, Towa proves to be a heartfelt title, and this is undoubtedly its greatest strength.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds takes the series a significant step forward from the last installment, offering layered and fun gameplay, complemented by a portal system that adds freshness to every race. While it shines on the gameplay front, however, SEGA's offering stumbles with its lackluster extra modes and a technical package that isn't always up to current standards.

Formula Legends is a title born from a love of Formula 1 and powerfully conveys it. Graphically and artistically, it's delightful, with a unique style that blends nostalgia, humor, and attention to detail. The simcade driving model works, progression is rewarding, and the pit stop system adds a touch of originality. Race strategies, including tire, fuel, and variable weather management, make the races engaging and never predictable. There are, however, flaws, such as the collision physics that needs revising, the AI ​​that isn't always well-calibrated, and, above all, the lack of multiplayer. These limitations, however, are relatively minor and don't overshadow the merits of a courageous project. For those seeking a different experience that captures Formula 1 with passion, Formula Legends is a welcome and, in some ways, necessary surprise. It's not perfect, but it's authentic and original, and that's perhaps its greatest strength.

The Claws of Awaji is a DLC that reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of Assassin's Creed Shadows: some narrative elements are interesting, but the story ends without much excitement, nor does it sufficiently delve into the renewed conflict between Assassins and Templars. The introduction of a new weapon for Naoe livens up the combat a bit, but the gameplay remains more or less the same: ultimately, Awaji is an island that replicates the same exploration loop as the base game on a smaller scale, without adding anything new. Although it is free for all those who pre-ordered at the time, it is still a significant expansion at €25.

It's a shame that the combat system, too basic and repetitive, fails to impress. Hell is Us is a bold, visceral, and engaging game. It's a story that tackles harsh and raw themes without mincing words, with fascinating lore and an immersive world. However, it's not an experience for everyone due to its uneven pace, which fails to strike a balance between exploration and action.

A revitalized and reformed installment in virtually every aspect, with positive results, despite a few critical issues. It's the richest installment in terms of content and the most solid gameplay, but it's also set in a very classic and conservative open world. If you can overlook this aspect, however, you've got a robust game that could provide dozens and dozens of hours of unbridled fun, especially when played with a close-knit group of friends. The battle against the Chronokeeper's regime has only just begun: are you ready to join the Resistance?

NBA 2K26 is an improved installment in both graphics and gameplay, both increasingly realistic and engaging. The wealth of modes is undeniable, as is the effort made to make My Career more narrative-driven, the host city more vibrant, and the challenges more tactical and interesting. However, the fact that the experience is complex for newcomers is partly a limitation. This writer believes the series needs to work better on depth, with a more accessible and less punishing gameplay formula. However, if you're a hardcore basketball simulation player, don't worry: NBA 2K26 is a safe haven where you can dock and have fun, challenge other players online, and live out your sporting dream to the fullest. At least until next year.

The grueling years of work between the game's announcement and its current release are almost too much to justify a final result so astonishing it seems like a dream, but fortunately Silksong actually exists and is a monumental Metroidvania. Immense in content, sublime in art, and challenging in gameplay, Team Cherry's masterpiece objectively has no weaknesses, although its difficulty level makes it unapproachable to anyone unwilling to familiarize themselves with the numerous tools at the protagonist's disposal. The precise movement system, as well as the satisfying combat system, are a remarkable evolution of those already admired in Hollow Knight, and likewise this sequel marks a decisive step forward with a more readable game world that contributes to the creation of an unprecedented visual and narrative universe. The references to its unforgettable predecessor are numerous and present themselves in many aspects, but Silksong is a work that shines with a blinding light of its own, and is above all an unforgettable masterpiece worthy of being counted as one of the best video games in history.

Fans of Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle will immediately feel at home among the streets and underground passages of Rome explored in Order of Giants. In terms of dialogue, cinematics, and recreation of real-world locations, the DLC performs quite well and offers mostly well-crafted puzzles, with the exception of one puzzle that was interesting on paper but not without its rough edges in practice. Narratively, this content has its moments, but in our opinion, it failed to fully exploit the potential of the main elements constituting the story, which proved anything but essential. That said, those who want to extend their stay in the world built by Machine Games now have the opportunity to do so.

As often happens with first works, Lost Soul Aside was the victim of its creator's unbridled ambitions and the vast inexperience of the team that supported him during development. Eleven years ago, the project, spearheaded by Yang Bing alone, seemed simply incredible, but today—especially with the latest generational leap and the advent of titles like Black Myth: Wukong—the magic of Lost Soul Aside has faded, becoming a sort of standard. The title is based on a frenetic, robust, and satisfying combat system unlike any other, but this alone cannot offset the numerous problems that plague all other aspects of Chinese production, nor does it justify the high entry price set by Sony this time around. Faced with a market now saturated with souls-like games and increasingly less diverse, fans of more traditional action RPGs and hack'n'slash games might still give it a chance.

Metal Eden is a video game about synthetic humans and robots, and in an almost meta-narrative sense, it feels cold and soulless. The pursuit of rhythmic and engaging gameplay is evident, yet another attempt to emulate the Doom formula. The experience feels repetitive and linear, less layered or challenging than it could have been. Moreover, the game even underuses its signature mechanic, the absorption of cores, which becomes quite repetitive over time. It's not a bad game, let's be clear: those who enjoy FPS challenges with "push-forward" gameplay have at least eight missions to test themselves with various weapons and a narrator with a lot to say. Ultimately, it's a shame: it could have been much more daring...

Cronos The New Dawn is a solid and compelling game from almost every perspective, from its narrative to its robust gameplay formula, and the captivating, desperate imagery that permeates every pixel. Aside from a few minor technical and content flaws, what you'll have in your hands is a project that exudes the passion of its creators. The gameplay structure, while appearing fairly conservative on paper, conceals a remarkable depth that will surely delight fans of the genre. It's not a game that reinvents the wheel, let's be clear, but it's still one of the best survival horror games currently available. And that's a result that speaks volumes about the now indisputable talent of the Krakow-based team.

Midnight Murder Club is a simple pastime to while away a couple of evenings with friends, much like a virtual board game, thanks in part to the option of purchasing a single copy for everyone to play. The concept behind Velan Studios' title works, but ultimately the gameplay experience is bare bones and lacks a progression system, character customization, or even matchmaking for the PvE co-op mode—a significant issue for a purely multiplayer game.

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

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

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

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

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