Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is not a simple side adventure. It has managed to take the right gameplay elements from Infinite Wealth, and then give a healthy refresh to the package with the effective navigation component, between exploration, battles at sea and brawls based on two valid fighting styles. The various pieces of the secondary offer support what is a valid progression system, which encourages the player to have a lot of fun and discover everything the world has to offer. In other words, whether you are a veteran of the series or a newbie, in terms of gameplay the game has what it takes to entertain you for dozens of hours, but there is a rule. You have to keep your brain strictly turned off, because when you turn it on during the plot, the "all you can eat" effect appears: big laughs and abundance, but little substance.

All things considered, Avowed is an Action RPG with all the trimmings enhanced by high-quality writing, as well as a solid gameplay recipe and an artistic direction worthy of praise. The gaming experience is not yet at an optimal level of polish, the combat system is not lacking in slightly anachronistic traits and we did not fully appreciate some structural characteristics of the adventure. Yet, Obsidian's title manages to capture the player with a fascinating and cohesive universe, and if you are a fan of the genre or are looking for a journey capable of transporting you to a fantasy world of rare beauty, you may have just found bread for your teeth.

Despite a few technical flaws that currently penalize only the Nintendo Switch version, and that we hope will be resolved as soon as possible, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a good starting point for the intellectual property of Nippon Ichi Software, which for too many years had rested in deep oblivion. Confining ghosts is a gameplay dynamic that is damned complex and difficult to master, but given its uniqueness, it wouldn't surprise us at all if this allowed the franchise to compete with the best exponents of the genre. Even twenty years after the debut of the original, it would seem that Phantom Brave still has something to say and a lot to teach contemporary strategy games.

Citizen Sleeper 2 doesn't overturn the formula of its predecessor, but it improves it in every way. The story is better paced and broader in scope, thanks to the possibility of exploring the Starward Belt far and wide. The cast is larger and the characterization of the characters is deeper, so much so that it is impossible not to develop a deep empathy with all the supporting characters, starting with Serafin. The game mechanics are more immediate, thanks to the purging of the less effective elements of the predecessor and a cleaner interface. The constant sense of having someone on your tail, of being stuck in a ruined body and of not having time and resources, provides further pathos, gluing you to the screen for hours and amplifying the emotions felt. If all this were not enough to make Citizen Sleeper 2 a small masterpiece, we can add a harsh and subtle social criticism, deep and sharp, but not without shades of optimism.

Civilization 7 marks a true revolution for the saga, a profound change that challenges tradition and, at the same time, manages to preserve its essence. Firaxis has had the courage to rewrite the rules, pushing beyond the boundaries of the formula consolidated for over 30 years to the edge of stagnation. The innovations are not without imperfections: some systems, such as trade and resource management, may be difficult at first, and the fracture between the eras can leave a feeling of confusion for those looking for a more fluid and coherent progress. However, the seventh chapter of the legendary strategic series has still had the power to capture us with original challenges, sometimes complex, but equally stimulating. The game is able to give satisfaction in abundance and the hours already spent in this chapter testify to the talent of Firaxis, capable of holding firm to the throne of video game strategy. Recent attempts to undermine the reign of Civilization have been unsuccessful, and this new chapter proves that, despite the evolutions, the essence of the series is more alive than ever: Civilization has changed, Civilization is back.

Seven years after the release of Kingdom Come Deliverance, we find ourselves closing the examination of its sequel with similar considerations, but to be placed in the context of an overall better epic, supported by writing and a quest design of monumental quality. Yes, despite the expansion of the team and the greater resources available to the project, the sequel by Warhorse Studios once again shows rather evident roughness that, albeit to a lesser extent, prevent the title from fully revealing its extraordinary potential, but the proposal still stands at truly high levels, which make the title a "must have" for fans of role-playing games. The organic nature of the proposal, its unique character and the excellent relationship between quantity and quality make Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 a precious experience, which clearly reaffirms the talent of the Prague studio.

Ninja Gaiden 2 is and remains a masterpiece of the genre, but "Black" is a lazy and dull "deluxe remaster" operation, which does not correct or modernize the most critical aspects of the original and, in some ways, worsens them. However, Itagaki's masterpiece remains a must and having the possibility of enjoying it in a more modern and up-to-date graphic guise certainly has its appeal.

Despite boasting an excellent cast of characters (with the exception of Asbel himself) and a combat system second only to the more recent Tales of Arise, during the PS3 era Tales of Graces f was not particularly well received by Western audiences, for reasons that we still struggle to fully understand. Although the remaster added relatively little to the original offering, such as the Japanese dubbing and some quality of life improvements, we are of the opinion that the multiplatform re-release of Tales of Graces f was more than necessary. Sixteen years after its debut on Nintendo Wii (a version never marketed on our side of the globe) and thirteen since the launch of the European edition for PlayStation 3, this time the story, the protagonists, the extraordinary combat system and last but not least the soundtrack of Tales of Graces could realistically win over fans of the genre and of Bandai Namco's franchise, which have also increased thanks to the most recent episodes. If you missed it back then, now is the perfect time to give it (and yourself) a second chance.

Sniper Elite: Resistance doesn't add or take away from the series' typical formula. The spectacular, varied and bloody kill cams remain spectacular and the level design of different levels allows for different approaches to completing missions. At the same time, the series is starting to feel the need for a refresh on several fronts, which we hope will arrive together with a new numbered iteration.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a good remaster of a title that has some structural flaws, some evident at the time of its release and others that have emerged over time. There is no point in hiding the problems: the camera management is antiquated, the controls far from the modern standard, the uncertainties in the registration of inputs and in the AI ​​of the enemies are difficult to forgive (also because they were easily resolvable, with a fine work on the game code). On the other hand, however, we have a work of preservation of a much-loved classic in the world of Star Wars, which puts on the table a classic but modernized aesthetic, renewed textures, a nostalgic soundtrack and atmospheres that will surely thrill George Lucas fans. The replayability is high, while the local multiplayer and the additional modes (primarily the one-on-one one) add depth to the game. Recommended, but only for Star Wars fans!

Fifteen years after the dazzling debut of Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii, the platformer by Retro Studios returns to Nintendo Switch in a remastered edition. While in terms of content, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD simply brings together in one place what was offered by the original and the subsequent porting for 3DS, the graphical update is impressive, with DK Island showing off a renewed richness of color. With a high-profile level design and a world overflowing with secrets, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD presents Nintendo Switch owners with a platformer beloved by fans and critics alike, capable of standing the test of time with flying colors.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a less revolutionary title than expected, as most of the ingenious grafts attempted by Omega Force actually come from its most successful licensed musou. That said, the Japanese developer should at least be given credit for having expertly mixed so many devilries without saturating the gameplay of the product. Compared to Dynasty Warriors 9, the brand new Dynasty Warriors: Origins represents a gigantic improvement, as well as a starting point for the main series of the franchise, which for too many years had unfortunately lost its way. Thanks to the possibility of facing the campaign from a completely new point of view, the title is suitable for both veterans and neophytes, who could take advantage of the notable gameplay and technical progress to get closer to the brand and let themselves be transported by the events of the Three Kingdoms.

Funko Fusion reconstructs worlds extracted from films, cartoons and series with a fair amount of effectiveness on the aesthetic front. The character models are also of good quality, as are the effects. Unfortunately, the gameplay, the fights and the puzzles are much less refined and perhaps the most serious shortcoming is yet another: the game has little soul, and uses the action figures involved less than it should. In short, it would have been better not to bring the Funko Pops to life. They are definitely better off standing still on our shelves.

Freedom Wars Remastered should have arrived in 2025 with more content, not just a higher difficulty mode. It is not enough to debut on a home console with an improved resolution and 60fps, especially if the models remain the same that were proposed at a much lower definition and on a smaller screen. This operation seemed to us to be intended only for nostalgics or those who do not want to let the memory of Freedom Wars go into oblivion. A real shame, especially because if the intention was to test the waters for a possible sequel it will be difficult to convince Bandai Namco to invest in the operation.

Both for the care with which the game world is created and for the quantity of content, Wuthering Waves struggles to compete with the market giants it tries to imitate. Net of some qualitative oscillations, however, the possibility of completely skipping the story and enjoying a very fun combat system within a darker context than that of Genshin Impact could be more than valid reasons to at least give it a chance.

Kong Survivor Instinct is a simple game with a clear mission: to make us experience the tension of being hunted by giant monsters that try to crush us by demolishing everything in their path. A mission that is overall successful, but not flawlessly. The gameplay mix has its ups and downs, also due to the stiffness of the protagonist and the less than brilliant clashes with human enemies. We really liked the dynamic backgrounds, but the experience - if nothing else, better and not a little better than the previous one on King Kong - remains of fluctuating effectiveness.

While never reaching particularly high quality peaks, Alien: Rogue Incursion confirms itself as a good action game in virtual reality, which sacrifices the horror element typical of the film saga in favor of a more direct and brutal approach. Although not intrinsically lacking, the formula chosen by the developers shows its side with a certain basic repetitiveness, closely linked to the reduction of the threat represented by the xenomorphs. While a little more variety would certainly have benefited the production of Survios, Rogue Incursion remains an enjoyable title, especially if you are a fan of the imagery created by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett.

Marvel Rivals is a damn fun and immediate hero shooter, which also boasts a management of microtransactions that makes it perfectly playable without spending a cent. If the developers are able to manage the wave of success well and constantly release new content, it could be an experience capable of remaining on the crest of the wave for quite some time.

Flint Treasure of Oblivion is a pirate adventure with a successful atmosphere and tone, full of visual details that make it more authentic than many other pirate transpositions. Interfaces, settings and costumes, equipment and objects, writing and texts contribute to this goal. The plot, on the other hand, is not among the most interesting and does not fully do justice to the importance of the protagonist: the legendary pirate James Flint from the novel Treasure Island. As for the actual gameplay, although the dice rolls liven up the turn-based battles a bit, in the long run they become repetitive at times and sometimes last too long. Ultimately, if you are a fan of the setting halfway between the epic and the crude, all shrouds, rusty swords and explosive barrels, Flint will fully satisfy you. Otherwise, both as a strategic RPG it is an enjoyable experience, but not very original or varied.

Fairy Tail 2 had the duty to unleash the great latent potential of the first episode, but unfortunately the developer missed the mark, creating a title that is overall inferior to the previous one. Drawing on the lessons and mechanics of the Atelier Ryza trilogy, the turn-based combat system has made huge steps forward, and it is a real shame that all the other aspects of the production have been neglected or at least penalized by decisions that are nothing short of opinionated. We are convinced that fans of the license will love it despite all its flaws, but it is highly unlikely that the title will be able to win the sympathies of those who still do not have a strong attachment to Natsu and company.

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered has the undoubted merit of preserving and re-proposing in an updated key a saga that still today has all the cards on the table to fascinate the public, thanks to charismatic characters and an evocative imagery. The process of updating the experience implemented by Aspyr is fluctuating, and fails to stem the effects of the passage of time, especially evident for the first Soul Reaver. With the hope of one day being able to witness the announcement of a true remake of Raziel's epic, The Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered manages at least to attenuate the nostalgia of the fans of the first hour, with a rich package of extra content and the possibility of reliving, at a modest expense, two games that have made history.

Hironobu Sakaguchi's last great undertaking, Fantasian: Neo Dimension reminded us of the reasons why we loved the father of Final Fantasy and his conception of JRPG, without however equaling the greatness of his most successful titles. Both the historical flaws recorded in the original version, such as the poor characterization of the antagonists, the verbosity of the dialogues or the inconsistent balance of the difficulty, and the problems encountered in the re-release, such as the drops in frame rate and the long loading times that currently afflict the Nintendo Switch version, weigh heavily on the final evaluation of the product, which nevertheless remains solid and enjoyable. We recommend recovering it to true fans of the genre.

Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is an action adventure of great depth, well worthy of the name it bears. Moving away from its “shooter” comfort zone, MachineGames has built a fresh and engaging adventure, embellished with a maniacal attention to detail and supported by a palpable passion for the original material. Moving from the classrooms of Marshall College to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the title's campaign expertly carries out what is the main task of the production: putting users in the shoes of Indiana Jones in the context of a story similar to the classic adventures of the archaeologist. Yes, along the way it is easy to notice more than one rough edge both on the gameplay and technical side, but the overall balance is still exceptional, especially if you are a fan of George Lucas' character. In short, Microsoft and MachineGames have hit the mark, and it was not easy.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a complex, complete and realistic simulator, as ambitious as the game that preceded it and that brought so many people closer to the world of aviation. The Career mode is interesting and well structured, as are all the other available modes that allow you to experience the game as you wish and enjoy the hyper-detailed models of the vehicles to the last nut and bolt, or the most incredible panoramas of our wonderful world from a different perspective than usual. The technology behind cloud rendering is interesting and promising, it lightens the weight of the game on consoles and allows integrations with real-time satellite information that greatly increase immersion and simulation fidelity. However, even knowing that Asobo is a workaholic studio capable of producing patches and solutions in a short time, we cannot ignore the current state of the game servers, still not up to the ambitions of the production. It is equally difficult to ignore the fact that without a more than good connection free flight can be problematic, or the occasional lag, freezing and stuttering phenomena encountered on Xbox. There is room for maneuver, without a doubt, and in a few weeks everything could already be resolved. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Alaloth Champions of the Four Kingdoms is a huge and incredibly detailed world. Sure, you have to turn a blind eye to a technical sector that is not in line with modern standards and some imperfections on the gameplay front, but once you overcome this obstacle you find yourself in front of an old school game that, just like the RPGs of the past, succeeds in capturing the player in a loop of exploration and combat, so much so as to push him to avoid the final battle to spend more time around Plamen.

In its coming and going of pop quotes and inspirations, Extra Coin flows for a variable number of hours. How many minutes will we spend in the minigames? How long will it take us to overturn the rules and discover the truth? How much of our life will we sacrifice to the loops? At least 4 hours, little but sure. And in this span of time the narration and gameplay, with their qualitative oscillations, will ensnare us in a world that is certainly not very original, yet constructed in a way that is anything but superficial. Extra Coin is a well-conceived work, as well as created with full awareness of the means available. CINIC Games balances resources and ambitions, purposes and possibilities, without biting off more than we can chew. This is also demonstrated by the price (5 euros) at which the game is sold. Also for this reason, it is worth playing The Arcade.

Farming Simulator 25 is not a game for everyone, that much is clear. It is a complex title, and only those who approach it with certain types of mentality will be able to survive its seasons. Curiously, however, once you understand how it works it can also be extremely relaxing, thanks to the methodical nature of its cycles and mechanics, the calm that the sounds of nature transmit, the chirping and rustling of leaves under the pouring rain, even when in the background there is the roar of a tractor. The only shame is that there are technical problems that currently undermine its enjoyment and weaken its visual impact at times, and that we hope will be resolved as soon as possible.

STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl is a product characterized by an undeniable production value, conveyed through a plot with interesting narrative ideas and a proudly unique gameplay structure. The large amount of technical problems and some obsolete ingredients inherited from the original formula prevent it from making that great leap in quality that we would have liked to tell you about. Any future updates aimed not only at alleviating some technical problems but also at better balancing the gameplay could transform STALKER 2 into an unmissable experience.