Hades 2 is a true titan within its genre: it features a captivating story, iconic and charismatic characters, and new deities. Its combat is robust, with a wide variety of weapons and events to make each run unique. On the other hand, the enemies are not as varied, which unfortunately makes them repetitive in the long run.

Sektori stands out with sharp gameplay, a vibrant atmosphere, and an action pace that rarely gives a second to rest. Its strengths are clear: precise controls, creative arenas, memorable bosses, and a rhythm that rewards quick reflexes and decision-making. There are some drawbacks — such as the relatively mild impact of roguelike elements or occasional visual confusion — but they don't detract from the overall experience. Overall, it's an intense, stylish, and carefully crafted experience for those who enjoy high-difficulty games and nonstop action. Players seeking technical mastery and adrenaline-pumping matches will find a great game here; those after something lighter may face a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exemplary turn-based RPG that gets everything right: from the beautiful visual presentation to the world-building, from the dynamic and active battles to the deep customization systems. It’s a game that knows how to leverage classic JRPG structures and stands out by taking them further in a unique way.

Blue Prince is a rare gem in the puzzle and exploration genre. With an original approach, it challenges the player's logic while instigating curiosity through a mysterious, beautiful world full of secrets. The constant feeling of discovery, combined with mechanics that transform each new game into a different experience, makes the game stand out.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach continues to go against the tide of the AAA market. Abstract, cheesy, and at the same time creatively bold in its ideas, it remains not a game for everyone, but a very necessary one in an industry that feels stagnant in the realm of blockbusters. The PC version delivers highly customizable results for each player, with all the essential features in place. Even with the absence of some options, it stands as the definitive way to experience Sam’s journey — provided you have the hardware to support it.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector enhances and expands on the concepts of the first game, delivering an even more compelling experience for fans of interactive narratives and tabletop RPGs. With strategic mechanics well-integrated into the gameplay, a richly-detailed universe and an immersive soundtrack, the game stands out as a sequel that respects its roots and at the same time adds new elements to make the experience deeper.

Hollow Knight: Silksong impresses with the attention to detail in every aspect: Hornet's agility refreshes both combat and exploration in the meticulously crafted world. The impeccable setting brings Pharloom to life, making it a fascinating kingdom to explore, full of secrets and memorable moments. Despite this, some excesses and the punishing difficulty may turn fascination into frustration, requiring a bit of persistence. Even so, Silksong stands out as a memorable and grand experience, capable of both enchanting and challenging in equal measure.

Hazelight has nailed it once again with Split Fiction. I was hooked on the adventure from start to finish, full of fun, creative and impactful moments, all with impressive polish. Each new idea presented left me excited to continue and discover how far the game would go, always accompanied by impeccable graphics and sound. Split Fiction will stay with me for a long time, being one of those unique experiences that remind me why I love video games so much.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth stands out as a significant reinvention of a classic, ambitiously expanding and reimagining its narrative, characters, and setting. The PC port elevates the experience with technical improvements and tweakable options, though there are still minor issues, such as a lack of support for certain technologies. Still, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a remarkable title that celebrates the legacy of the original while charting new paths. It’s an imperfect journey, but one filled with memorable moments that reaffirm the impact and relevance of this universe for fans new and old.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered continues to be an impactful experience that only video games can provide. Five years later, it still stands out as a game that is brave in its narrative, engaging to play, with spectacular voice acting and a generous amount of content, consolidating itself as a unique experience within AAA games.The PC port is solid and surpasses the problematic versions we've seen in recent years, but there is still room for refinements that could make it the best way to experience Ellie and Abby's journey.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a remake that respects the original RPG and manages to elevate the experience with its changes without forgetting its essence. It's a laudable example of how to reimagine a game, reaching an unbelievable balance between faithfulness and modernization.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an ambitious sequel that refines its identity without losing what makes it unique. The narrative is more accessible and emotional, the adventure offers more variety and a faster pace, and the technical aspects showcase what the PS5 can offer in terms of immersion and visual quality. It strikes a balance between delivery and action, silence and intensity, all guided by bold creative choices. However, it remains an experience that demands time and engagement. Those who didn’t connect with the original may face the same obstacles here. As a sequel, the game plays it safe, focusing more on improvements while maintaining the typical repetition. Nevertheless, for those approaching it with an open mind, there is much to explore, feel, and interpret. It may not appeal to everyone, but it will certainly leave something for those willing to journey through it.

Resident Evil Requiem brings a lot of familiarity, but also dynamism by embodying in the newcomer Grace and the veteran Leon two different approaches in one campaign, alternating between the fear of survival horror and the empowerment that invites us to engage in direct and confident action. These two distinct facets are already known, but together they form a whole worthy of both resuming the main story of the series and serving as a viable entry point.

Battle Suit Aces is a unique experience that blends anime narrative, strategy, and card mechanics into a creative and engaging package. Its story captivates, the characters are overflowing with charisma, and the visuals impress with their hand-drawn style. The card-based combat manages to be both accessible and deep at the same time, despite a few limitations. With loads of charisma and a vibrant universe, the game by Trinket Studios delivers an experience that balances tactics and narrative in well-measured doses. For those seeking a different kind of card RPG with the soul of an anime and the heart of science fiction, this is an adventure that's definitely worth embarking on.

Monster Hunter Wilds represents an ambitious leap forward for the franchise, expanding its universe with a dynamic open world, innovative mechanics, and a level of immersion never before seen in the series. Despite the technical challenges, this is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable titles in the franchise, being both an excellent entry point for newcomers and a worthy experience for veteran hunters.

More than simply revitalizing two games, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a celebration of the origins of the JRPG. By enhancing combat with new mechanics and abilities, expanding the narrative with dialogues and arcs that strengthen the emotional bonds with the heroes, and making world exploration even more rewarding, Square Enix managed to modernize the core experience without abandoning the charming essence and simplicity that made them great classics of the genre.

A great choice for fans of the franchise or adventure game lovers, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers a very complete experience. Its journey around the world is great and well-constructed, full of twists, exciting fights, challenging puzzles and many other surprises. The technical level could be a little higher, but it does not compromise a must-have adventure for your library, no matter if it's on PC, Xbox or PlayStation.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a complex and extensive game with countless systems that require dedication to be properly used. Fortunately, this quasi-simulator of life in the medieval period manages to deliver a fun and competent experience, which justifies such a level of dedication to becoming a true knight.

Rhell: Warped Worlds and Troubled Times is a strong recommendation for those seeking a puzzle game that doesn't underestimate the player’s intelligence or creativity. It respects the genre without relying on tired formulas, delivering an experience that feels fresh with every unlocked rune. It is, without a doubt, one of the most creative and mechanically satisfying indies of the year.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a great way to revisit the classic tactical game in Square Enix's franchise. Faithful to the original release but truly worried about offering a comfortable experience for a new generation, the title remains a tactical RPG of the highest quality and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Monster Train 2 is a solid sequel that expands on the original’s mechanics with new features like equipment cards, train cores, and extra game modes, adding tactical variety without overhauling the core formula. The combat remains engaging and strategic, emphasizing card management, positioning, and synergies. However, the game’s steep difficulty and reliance on advanced mechanics may deter casual players. While offering a robust experience for dedicated fans, it often feels more like an ambitious expansion than a true evolution of the series.

Pragmata presents creative ideas, particularly in how it blends shooting and real-time hacking to create intense, attention-demanding moments. The relationship between Hugh and Diana adds charm and helps sustain interest, even when the story leans on familiar sci-fi elements. Combat, especially in chaotic encounters, is exciting thanks to a solid variety of enemies and tactical options. Despite some noticeable limitations, such as repetition and a more guided structure, the game remains engaging due to its consistent pacing, well-crafted world, and unique concept, ultimately standing out as a distinctive experience that may not fully reach its potential but still delivers a memorable adventure.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers a creative and charming experience, blending clever puzzles, rewarding exploration, and a versatile combat system. The inventive use of the yoyo as both a weapon and a tool keeps gameplay dynamic, while the world of New Jolt City — with its charismatic characters, cultural references, and retro aesthetic — builds a unique and memorable universe. Despite a few rough edges, the game stands out for its originality and the relaxed, playful way it tells its story.

Tombwater is a well-crafted blend of top-down soulslike, horror, and western setting. Even though its limited map doesn't offer much help for planning backtracking, the diversity of locations and how they intertwine to form a greater whole, dotted with secrets to discover, makes exploration one of the highlights of this fun pixel art eldritch adventure.

Lumines Arise is a triumphant return to one of the most unique puzzle series in gaming. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, it refines what was already brilliant by adding the Burst system and expanding content with various modes and flawless audiovisual direction. The game offers a rare balance between mental challenge and sensory calm in a synergistic experience. There are small flaws, like visually confusing levels and irregular matchmaking, but they barely detract from the overall strength. Ultimately, Lumines Arise is more than just a puzzle game—it's an immersive, rhythmic, and sensory experience, proving that when sound, image, and interaction come together with purpose, the result can be truly hypnotic.

Absolum combines beat 'em up with roguelite elements to create an immersive and nuanced experience. The game offers deep combat, consistent progression systems, and a visually striking world, despite stumbling upon some structural repetition and limited variations in areas and powers. Its strength lies in the balance between technical precision and tactical variety, rewarding mastery and pattern recognition without sacrificing the fast-paced rhythm typical of beat 'em ups. Even without reinventing the genre, Absolum demonstrates its own identity.

Despite being divided between cruel winters and rotting corpses, the Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven expansion revitalises the original game in practically every aspect, offering hours of new content and strategy elements to those already at the finishing line of the main campaign. The pursuit of reuniting a fallen goddess with her old glory is a worthy one.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a charismatic and emotional love letter to fans, offering fun gameplay and deep content. However, it is hindered by a controversial luck-based gacha system in online modes and an underwhelming English dub. Despite these flaws, it remains a must-play experience for its solid story and variety of activities.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a cozy and addictive adventure that creatively uses photography to tell the story of Eugene and Ren. The implementation of its mechanics to guide players through environments and interpret events is impeccable, further elevated by stunning landscape design. Unfortunately, the lack of Portuguese localization creates a significant barrier for those without a strong command of the language. However, for those who can overcome this, it is a highly recommended and moving narrative experience.

I can easily recommend giving this game a try, especially if you enjoy narrative-driven titles like Life is Strange. Even though there are a few aspects that might hinder the experience, they’re minimal compared to everything the game does right. 1000xRESIST deserves to be experienced by as many people as possible, even more so thanks to its excellent Portuguese localization. It’s a beautiful, moving game that became a very special experience for me, so go ahead and give it a chance without hesitation.

Each design decision, whether in narrative pacing or mechanical complexity, converges to strengthen the hardcore experience that has always defined the franchise. It is a work that understands its identity, honors its legacy, and looks ahead. Nioh 3 is not just another chapter in the trilogy; it is the technical and artistic pinnacle of the saga, establishing itself as an instant classic of the action genre.

Excelling in its intuitive exploration of an open world, Ghost of Yōtei gives you the freedom to explore a Japan of stunning landscapes and secrets to discover. Thus, we find two protagonists: the warrior Atsu and the land of Ezo itself, which perfectly suits a story that's as much about revenge as it is about homecoming.

The Roottrees are Dead, just like the giants in the image of which it models itself, is unmissable for any aspiring detectives out there seeking a good mystery to unravel. The game delivers a lean experience, user-friendly no matter the skill level, and now in Brazilian Portuguese as well.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker is a solid expansion that brings a journey full of novelties and allows a little more nuance to the characterization of the two protagonists. Overall, the experience manages to maintain the charm and charisma of the base game and is strongly recommended for those who want to live a little more of what this universe has to offer.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance manages to balance tradition and novelty in a convincing way. Joe Musashi's tale of revenge sets the tone for an intense journey, where agile combat and special techniques come together with well-designed levels full of secrets. The pace of the action, boss fights, and the hand-painted visual style are the standout elements, keeping the essence of the series alive while embracing modern ideas. Although it repeats enemies and stretches some stages longer than necessary, the game compensates with a variety of situations, extra modes, and a deep combat system. In the end, it's an experience that honors the Shinobi legacy and shows there’s still room for classic ninjas in today’s gaming landscape.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection reaches the pinnacle of the franchise with a mature narrative, stunning visuals, and innovative ecosystem mechanics that deepen the Rider's role. Turn-based combat is more challenging, although the experience suffers from the absence of online mode and a lack of a wider variety of weapons.

Cairn builds an experience centered on climbing as the core of its journey, where direct movement control, survival elements, and constant planning make every step forward feel earned, reinforced by a solitary and contemplative atmosphere that explores themes of perseverance and achievement. However, its strong commitment to realism can sometimes hinder the experience, as structural repetition, slow pacing in certain sections, and high difficulty may become tiring. Even so, these issues do not undermine its overall impact: Cairn remains true to its vision of portraying a demanding and deeply personal conquest, offering a memorable journey for those willing to embrace its pace and challenges.

StarVaders is a roguelike that stands out by combining dynamic tactical combat with a deck-building system full of possibilities. Even though it relies on familiar mechanics, the game impresses with its variety of strategies, diverse pilots and robots, and its vibrant, charismatic atmosphere. The experience also benefits from creative and well-designed battles, with enemies and challenges that require constant adaptation and encourage experimentation. Featuring a wide range of content, StarVaders is an engaging option for those who enjoy intelligent combat in a stylized universe full of personality.

Haneda Girl is a pleasant surprise in the platform action game scene. Combining precise controls, striking presentation and challenging gameplay, the title manages to please both hardcore and casual players, offering intense moments, constant learning and rewards for those who master its mechanics.

Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland is a brief yet emotionally resonant experience that places language at the core of its narrative. Despite some underutilized mechanics, the game distinguishes itself through its strong atmosphere, effective voice acting, and a touching tribute that highlights friendship, memory, and the power of words.

Adapting a PC-designed game for consoles was not an easy task, but Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition succeeded admirably. While the gameplay is not perfect, it does not compromise the addictive experience of battles between armies, city building, and the evolution of civilizations. With meticulous production and plenty of available content, this real-time strategy game is a great addition to your library, whether you're a beginner or not..

For those who appreciate dense narrative games and experiences that emphasize character role-playing, Esoteric Ebb offers one of the most interesting proposals in the genre in recent years.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse is an entry that more than meets the stratospheric standards its predecessor set and shows the full power of Takanari Ishiyama and his team, now free to do whatever they see fit, without the clear restraints seen on the first game, thanks to fan support. Long, long live one of the best mystery series in the visual novel genre!

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is more than just a remake: it's a celebration of one of the most defining chapters in video game history. By faithfully preserving the original narrative while simultaneously updating the graphics, camera, and gameplay to modern standards, Konami delivers an experience that respects the legacy and presents it in an accessible way for this new generation.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 represents the peak of an emotional story and preserves the quality of its predecessors, with an engaging narrative, strategic combat, and the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in short periods of time. While the new features aren’t particularly groundbreaking, they add an interesting dynamic to the gameplay, allowing for more varied approaches throughout the campaign. Even so, there's a lingering feeling that these elements could have been more ambitious, making this sequel more memorable.

With a timeless look, a memorable soundtrack, and gameplay that encourages repeated attempts, Earthion stands out as one of the best ’90s-style shoot ’em ups, as well as a curious contemporary highlight created for a console nearly 40 years old.

Silent Hill f is a true representative of its franchise. Abandoning its Western setting, the title embraces the Japanese horror tradition at its core, attempting to recapture what truly sets Silent Hill apart from other experiences within its genre. The combat may seem a bit limited at first, and the overall puzzle design lacks consistency, but the new thematic approach and the unquestionable success in creating an immersive and strangely inviting Ebisugaoka when it comes to exploration are a welcome shake-up to a stagnant formula. After all, the series spent so much time in Konami's fridge for a reason.

ARC Raiders is an ambitious, visually distinct extraction shooter that successfully captures the genre's unpredictability. However, the game is undermined by an unengaging base/inventory management and a lack of purpose that contrasts sharply with the excellent tension of the surface expeditions.

Promise Mascot Agency breathes new life into the yakuza genre as its story seeks new paths for the organization while utilizing many of the classic tricks, between pure bizarreness and love of honor. It's not as esoteric as its older sibling, but anyone who wants to visit Kaso-Machi, meet its people, and commit to its rebirth will certainly not regret the time they spend here.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened did what was needed to be a perfect revitalization. It kept its challenges unchanged, which were already very good, and greatly improved its visuals. The inclusion of the expansions in the remake, with the possibility of accessing them right away, made this the definitive version of a groundbreaking title.

If you enjoyed the journey of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Mysteria Ecclesiae is a golden opportunity to return to it to solve a meticulously crafted mystery.

Although it features camera issues and some strange artistic choices, Demon Tides is a good example of a sequel that refines the potential of a previous entry while adding even more personality on top. The open world enhances the overall experience, there are plenty of abilities to unlock, and numerous islands to explore. All of this is paired with gameplay that isn’t afraid to challenge the player’s skills, rewarding those who take risks with daring jumps and make the most of the mechanics the game has to offer.

Anno 117: Pax Romana proves to be an excellent simulator, worthy of the rich historical period that inspires it and also of the legacy of Ubisoft's long-running franchise. The fact that not even its technical flaws are enough to prevent a wider recommendation is a testament to the quality of its systems and all the fun involved in planning, building, and managing ancient cities.

Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved drinks from rich fountains and perfectly understands its nutritional values, bringing its own contributions to the mystery genre and not limiting itself to merely copying what worked in the past. It is a graduation from fan to author that could have very well lost itself in fascination; thanks to its own strong beliefs, it gracefully avoids such a fate.

For the creativity involved and the fun it provides, Two Point Museum certainly deserves to be in the pantheon of the best simulators of all time, crowning the Two Point trilogy with what can be considered its most ambitious game to date. Inventive, relaxed and challenging, this is a title recommended both for those who are just getting to know the franchise and for those who have been following it since its inception, a few good years ago in a certain very crazy hospital.

BALL x PIT stands out for its inventiveness by combining frantic action, roguelite progression, and block-breaking mechanics into a unique experience. The sphere fusion system and the cycle of building and upgrading the city provide a constant sense of progress and experimentation, while the retro visuals and controlled chaos of the battles make each match intense and engaging. However, the repetition of stages, constant grinding, and lack of variety eventually diminish some of the initial impact. Still, it remains a notable title for its originality and hypnotizing action.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is an excellent opportunity to get to know a classic. Though it demands more dedication than more modern titles thanks to some mechanics, the experience as a whole is high quality and the remaster does a good job at keeping it undeniably faithful.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon builds on a solid and familiar structure, very similar to that of its two predecessors, while significantly deepening its connections with the other chapters of the Trails series. Although its narrative suffers from notable pacing issues, the experience is upheld by a charismatic cast and a robust combat system.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X delivers frantic combat and a unique roster that requires technical mastery, further enhanced by versatile local and online cooperative modes. However, the lack of environmental variety and the low difficulty of common enemies cause the experience to become repetitive over time. This duality results in a mechanically solid game that ultimately struggles with the diversity of its long-term challenges.

Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship is a game that knows exactly what it wants to deliver: uncompromising fun and chaos on wheels. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, it succeeds by combining intense action, humor, and resource management elements in a lighthearted and addictive way.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a cozy game that stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and the richness of the interactions with Sanrio characters. The simple gameplay combined with vibrant visuals and a relaxing soundtrack create a charming experience for players of all ages.

Super Bomberman Collection is a real treat: the seven titles that make up the collection are great, with a pleasant and beautiful presentation. In addition, the game has a series of interesting audiovisual materials, useful gameplay tools, and a boss battle mode. Even if the multiplayer component could be better, the game is practically a perfect package for long-time fans or those curious to understand why the brand is so famous in the world of video games.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a solid revival of the series in a 2D style, featuring fast-paced combat, well-placed platforming challenges, and high-level pixel art visuals. The dynamic between Kenji and Kumori adds variety to the gameplay with both close-range and ranged attacks, strategic use of Overload, and alternate stages in the demon realm. Despite some repetitive moments and sections where mechanics feel forced, the game maintains a steady pace and offers pleasant surprises throughout the campaign. With customization options, extra challenges, and a good balance between action and exploration, Ragebound provides a memorable and accessible experience that respects and revitalizes the franchise's legacy.

Gradius Collection honors one of Konami's flagship franchises, demonstrating its importance to the genre and revealing a title that was previously considered a myth. Furthermore, the work done to make all titles accessible and preserve their original structure makes this collection a treasure for shoot 'em up fans of all ages.

With a lot of new content in every aspect, Lies of P: Overture is worthy of the title of expansion. Although it partially wastes the potential of the art direction by spending too much time in bland corridors and caves with little visual appeal, these extra chapters maintains the quality of the main campaign as a whole, being a significant and mandatory extension for all who enjoyed the adventure of Geppetto's puppet and want to delve deeper into it.

The Namco Legendary Pack is a very important chapter in Atari's 50-year history, and this expansion treats it with the respect and care it deserves. It's another great addition to the collection's vast library of classics, and it sets a huge precedent for other companies to also bring their gems from that era to this near-perfect set.

Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter - Episode 1 brings renewed interest to the death game formula, between more openly questioning the meritocratic philosophy of the Danganronpa world and boasting a cohesive cast, very well-positioned for chaos (or apathy, as their captors would have it). This is a project worth following to its eventual conclusion.

The selection of titles and the documentary aspect of Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection do an excellent job of showing why ripping off heads and throwing opponents into pools of acid has been so much fun for 30 years, even with some absences from the list. However, there are still many issues to be addressed, especially in online performance, which should be the main attraction of the collection.

The Drifter exudes respect and passion for its inspirations, from pulp magazines to the point-and-click genre itself, while simultaneously establishing its own identity by combining these elements with unparalleled success. With an engaging, precisely paced narrative and a well-crafted noir atmosphere, the game proves to be not only an intriguing experience, but also an accessible and fluid one. Knowing how to work with its influences, it understands the value of conciseness, both in progression and design, and, like its drifting protagonist, it never allows itself to stagnate, leading the player through a memorable mystery of death, paranoia, and acceptance.

I believe Dynasty Warriors: Origins was designed to appeal to a wider audience for the musou genre, adding an extra layer of variety to the traditional formula. For my personal taste as a fan of this style of game, I was quite pleased. The combat has more depth, the narrative is more linear and the diverse structure gives this reboot a fresh feel, moving it away from feeling like just "more of the same".

One of the videogame highlights of 2023, Sea of Stars continues to be a great RPG. Among its qualities are an engaging story, top-notch production, and solid gameplay. The adaptation for smartphones is practically flawless, making this version as good as the others for experiencing a great adventure. Whether you're a veteran player or (especially) a newcomer, this is a highly recommended addition to your mobile library.

Expectations for Doom: The Dark Ages were huge, especially given the merit of its predecessors. In many ways, it even surpassed the last games, including story, performance, variety and scope of the challenges. In others, we had a competent experience, with combat that mixes FPS and action in an engaging adventure. Many secrets to discover, giant robots and other qualities complement the experience and its changes that, although not necessarily inferior, may or may not be popular with the public. It took me a while to get used to it, but then I fell in love with it like happened before. The biggest criticism is the lack of any extra mode, which could expand the game. In the end, it still is an incredible suggestion for your library.

The idea of mixing strategic management with existential drama and science fiction results in a game that will demand both the player's technical and social skills. This is where my perception of it being a weird subversion of a farm simulator, such as Story of Seasons, comes into play. It's just that instead of planting turnips, milking cows and trying to woo some of the village's bachelorettes (or bachelors), we have to mine an inhospitable planet, maintain a functional mobile base and prevent alternative versions of ourselves from killing each other. In short, The Alters can be as welcoming as it is irritating — but it is also unique in its own way.

Battlefield 6 represents a clear effort to win back fans and restore the franchise’s prestige. The result is a stable, classic experience that delivers the best of the genre, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Battlefield is truly back.

Though ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist plays it safe by being too similar to its predecessor, it also surpasses it in every aspect. It's a challenging, beautiful and melancholic metroidvania, but also heartwarming in its emphatic narrative tone and quality of life upgrades — especially the excellent mapping —, along with the difficulty management.

Even though a high level of challenge is part of the essence of MIO: Memories in Orbit, there's much more to it than just that: some of the most beautiful visuals in games of this type, excellent world design, secret locations that demand keen attention, a well-built setting, and exciting boss fights to face. However, even if the ambition to create a punishing experience may be consistent with the narrative context, it ends up posing a potential obstacle to enjoying all the other great features this game has to offer.

Ys X: Proud Nordics delivers Adol's definitive journey featuring dynamic combat, memorable bosses, and naval exploration within a world full of new content. This version expands the experience with an additional narrative and a challenging dungeon designed for veteran players who have finished the main campaign. However, the game suffers from excessively similar linear environments and common opponents that make the battle rhythm less exciting over time.

With captivating pixel art and a world full of paths and secrets, Under the Island succeeds in building a great sense of exploration and manages to give the player the freedom to discover things on their own without leaving them lost, providing plenty of help for those who need it. It's a competent, charismatic, and fun Zelda-like, but it may disappoint those looking for exciting combat.

Gecko Gods is an enjoyable open-world exploration adventure. The central gameplay element is free climbing: on the role of a gecko, we can walk across all solid surfaces and solve puzzles that allow us to progress through the campaign. However, the general simplicity ends up with an air of superficiality and leaves one wishing that certain aspects were better in-depth, such as the world's story, the variety of environments, and the level design challenges.

The standard established by the franchise once again proves strong and healthy in MLB The Show 25. The changes to the game modes were essential to revitalize precisely what was needed, despite Franchise and March to October starting to fall a little behind. As for gameplay, once again we have a title that embraces both newcomers and veterans, offering accessible levels of challenge that reward those who dedicate themselves.

Excellence in gameplay, meticulous care in visuals and strong bonds of friendship in emotional core build up a masterpiece of an adventure. Pacing is tight and the metroidvania elements are well placed, but it's the construction of a found family that really sells the whole package. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth will warm even an ice cold heart.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga is a curious piece of Falcom's history that finally comes officially to the West. Though it has some quirks that may keep it from what people expect of a competitive fighting game, it's a consistently fun game that's worth exploring, especially for the fans of the Japanese developer.

More than the meme-game it seems to be, MiSide convinces you with its waifus, but enchants you with the masterful execution of a surreally well-optimized product signed by a team that clearly knows what it is doing without aiming and getting lost in pretentious delusions, but still managing to achieve them with a lot of work, competence and passion.

Look Outside is one of the most interesting projects I've played in 2025 so far, and I believe it will find a legion of fans over time. With the surprise release, a good portion of the public will still have a way to go to get to the game, but the project is so solid, different, creative, and thought-provoking that I doubt word of mouth won't have its effect. I really had a scary, impactful, and fun time playing this title, and I hope it won't be long before we see more from Francis Coulombe, a name to keep an eye on in the coming years.

For those who have already experienced the first game, the recommendation is immediate. Coordinating Lana and Mui has never felt so satisfying, the puzzles strike a well-balanced level of challenge, encouraging thoughtful problem-solving without becoming frustrating, and the narrative delivers powerful moments, especially in its most emotional twists. For newcomers, if you appreciate heartfelt adventures with a strong visual identity and a focus on atmosphere, it is well worth discovering Planet of Lana.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined successfully revisits a classic with great effectiveness. The episodic structure, engaging dramas, and the sense of adventure and discovery remain intact, while the more user-friendly interface and the changes to combat make the journey more inviting. Although certain decisions, such as the automatic revival of fallen allies, dilute some of the traditional tension and challenge of the franchise, the final result is a modern and accessible version of one of the most ambitious adventures in the series.

Atelier Ryza: Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a solid collection offering graphic improvements, new content, and quality-of-life features. It nearly delivers the definitive version of the trilogy, lacking only Portuguese subtitles and an option to speed up combat.

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! is quite simple and straightforward in its premise, and it delivers on what it sets out to do. The cooking mechanics are easy to grasp and engaging enough, the art is beautiful, and the characters are charming, even if they lack depth. However, the game quickly falls into a repetitive loop typical of cozy titles, with additional gameplay elements taking a while to unlock. It’s best enjoyed in short play sessions, and using a mouse is recommended for the optimal experience.

The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is the exact game Kodaka, Uchikoshi and co. promise it is, in every way. Those already familiar with these authors' work will receive something that is, at the same time, well within expectations and completely out there, all wrapped up in the form of a fun and challenging tactical RPG. Even those who don't have time for all the endings should come and meet the Special Defense Unit.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect stands out for its intense gameplay and stylized visuals, offering fluid combat full of possibilities. The variety of characters with unique styles makes the matches exciting, and the combo system provides strategic freedom. On the other hand, it lacks depth in some aspects: the roguelike elements have little impact, with repetitive stages and some confusing mechanics. Still, the game delivers good action moments, especially for those who appreciate the BlazBlue universe and its exaggerated style.

Even without being a direct sequel to the first title, Grime II continues the theme of creation, consumption and destruction, flavouring it with grotesque art direction and an obsession with hands. It may rely more on rocky caves than I'd like, but the most beautiful areas shine with their fascinating strangeness. The sheer amount of content can be a blessing, especially the excellent cast of mandatory and optional bosses, although it falls to excesses in both gameplay systems and the extension of complex anthills like areas, and with occasional technical problems.

By combining elements from seemingly very different genres and focusing on narrative as the guiding thread for the journey, Death Howl proves to be a deckbuilder that is as original as it is captivating. Although its high difficulty may be daunting at first, it is worth embarking on this melancholic journey through the afterlife and the power of maternal love.

The task was difficult, but Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors managed to deliver another fun, challenging, and addictive experience. The game competently combines the roguelike and deck-builder genres, with many interesting gameplay mechanics to face all types of enemies. I'm hoping for more content in future updates, especially in the form of DLCs, so that the title becomes even bigger and better.

Expelled! stands out as an engaging and challenging experience for fans of narrative and investigation games. With its looping mechanics, the game tests the player's patience and cunning, requiring attention to detail and strategic planning.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 offers a robust and engaging campaign, featuring a worldwide tour full of challenges and pleasant surprises, while the Sandbox mode reaches the series' creative peak with more powerful tools and near-total freedom. The addition of juvenile dinosaurs is more than a visual flourish; it strengthens the emotional bond with the creatures and elevates the sense of life throughout the experience. Frontier did not reinvent the park; they simply made it better than ever before.

Hell Clock is one of the most remarkable projects in the Brazilian indie scene in 2025, not only for its quality as a game, but for the pride it carries in portraying a brutal and underexplored slice of Brazilian history. It skillfully combines challenging gameplay, a rich setting, and a strong cultural identity, delivering a unique, immersive, and necessary experience.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is an excellent game that continues the legacy of the previous remake: revitalizing the franchise. The vast roster of skaters, the freedom to create their own creations, and the sheer number of challenges promise many hours of gameplay for a wide range of audiences. However, omitting most of the original soundtrack and preserving THPS4's mission structure, in addition to removing classic stages, really ends up being a heavy negative point.

Achilles: Survivor establishes itself as a survival roguelike that respects the genre's roots while also offering unique elements to set it apart. The use of Greek mythology, the structure-building mechanics, and the rewarding progression system give the game a unique edge that keeps players engaged for hours.