Directive 8020 marks the return of The Dark Pictures Anthology, showcasing Supermassive Games' drive to evolve both structurally and mechanically. Set aboard the starship Cassiopeia, the narrative premise delivers a space adventure with a distinct horror twist, deliberately drawing inspiration from cult classics like The Thing and Alien to plunge the player into a nightmare of paranoia and moral ambiguity. The game departs from the studio’s typical productions to embrace a survival horror approach over the standard interactive movie formula, offering the most evolved gameplay system in the developer's history. The classic branching choices and Butterfly Effect are now bolstered by stealth sections, environmental puzzles, and third-person exploration that maintain constant tension, making it significantly harder to keep every crew member alive. Technically, this is the team’s most accomplished work to date: the use of Unreal Engine 5 combined with fantastic lighting elevates the ship’s claustrophobic atmosphere, while the non-linear, fragmented direction keeps the player’s attention firmly gripped. Ultimately, Directive 8020 is the most ambitious and complete title ever developed by Supermassive; a cinematic cosmic horror that feels both fresh and familiar, marking the anthology's return in the best possible way.

In Their Shoes is a narrative adventure that succeeds in achieving the primary goal of video games: putting the player in someone else’s shoes. Except this time, the “someone else” isn’t a pirate, an astronaut, or a space marine, but an ordinary person (actually seven of them), living in a big city like Milan and facing everyday problems like the high cost of living, rent, job insecurity, or discrimination against minorities. Its strength is undoubtedly its credible, sincere, and relatable writing: the same language that the average person speaks on the subway car taking them to the office in the morning.

Elementallis is a title that manages to impress above all for its heart, rather than its technical execution. The developers' love for the great classics is evident, and it shines through in every aspect of the game. The influences are clear and, in some cases, quite pronounced. The echoes of the older entries in The Legend of Zelda saga are apparent both in the world's structure and in the dungeon design and skill-based progression. Yet rather than feeling derivative, the game manages to use these inspirations as a foundation for building something personal. It is not a flawless experience — there are a few technical rough edges and controls that could be improved. The lack of Italian localisation is also a missed opportunity, as it would certainly have drawn in more players. And yet, it is hard not to be drawn in by its atmosphere, its eagerness to invite exploration, and the satisfaction that comes from mastering its mechanics. In an increasingly crowded market, Elementallis still manages to stand out. It is a journey that does not aim to dazzle with special effects, but to win you over slowly, step by step, element by element.

Invincible VS is the first fighting game inspired by the comic book (and animated series) of the same name, throwing us into a brutal, adrenaline-fueled world where we can unleash incredible powers. The roster, made up of 18 characters at launch, is varied and allows for genuinely interesting three-character teams that can pull off some solid, choreographic combos. The game is fluid, accessible, and caters to a wide range of skill levels: after a few matches, even those who don't live and breathe fighting games will find real satisfaction in the battles, despite some minor balance issues and character switching that isn't always seamless. We didn't find Invincible VS in great shape when it comes to single-player content — there's very little of it, and what stands out is a story that didn't quite win us over, on top of being far too short. Then again, the Quarter Up and Skybound Entertainment fighter is squarely aimed at multiplayer and the competitive scene, where players will go at each other tooth and nail to reach the top. It remains to be seen what impact it will have on the competitive landscape and how it will be received by those who treat fighting games as their religion. It doesn't always shine, but it does show us that something fun and genuinely competitive can be built from this IP. If Invincible VS manages to hold players' attention and listens to community feedback, we'll be hearing about it for months to come.

An interactive storytelling enthusiast—evidently captivated by *Disco Elysium*—decided to create a similar video game, albeit opting for a fantasy setting. The result is a title that, in many respects, closely resembles ZA/UM’s game; however, to reduce it to a mere variation on a theme would be unfair. Esoteric Ebb is a work capable of immersing the player in a complex universe, offering a commendable degree of role-playing freedom, and embedding its narrative within a gameplay framework that is, in some ways, superior even to that of *Disco Elysium* itself. If you aren't daunted by extensive on-screen reading and have a love for RPGs, give Esoteric Ebb a chance—you won't be disappointed.

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard works as a creative experiment that translates the chaotic and ironic soul of Vampire Survivors into a fast and unpredictable card formula: it's not as deep as a traditional deck-builder, but it bets everything on rhythm, surprises and short sessions, offering a light and fun experience especially for those who love the original universe and want something different without too many complications.

Years go by, but Milestone continues to deliver for both its fans and MotoGP enthusiasts. MotoGP 26 is a solid and entertaining title, capable of satisfying players willing to put in the effort to master these two-wheeled beasts, while also welcoming more casual gamers thanks to its arcade mode. Compared to the previous installment, there are several additions in terms of both content and gameplay, although most of them are refinements to the handling system and physics rather than major innovations. There’s no revolution here, but tampering too much with the series’ core formula would have been a mistake considering how much enjoyment it already provides to fans. Of course, we would have liked to see a deeper career mode and slightly more reactive AI, but that doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the package offered by MotoGP 26. If you want an experience capable of making you fully appreciate everything the MotoGP world has to offer, this is definitely the game for you. And it doesn’t matter if a few flaws still remain: learning how to truly understand your bike and mastering every corner of every track until you finally set the perfect lap time is a satisfaction beyond compare. Are you ready to jump into the saddle and challenge Marc Márquez and Marco Bezzecchi for the top step of the podium?

Aphelion marks the full maturity of Don’t Nod, as the team successfully breaks free from its self-imposed "creative cage" to deliver a raw and essential sci-fi work. Thanks to the collaboration with the ESA, the journey on Persephone avoids all clichés, transforming into a plausible and terrifying projection of our climate crisis and the urgent need to seek refuge elsewhere. The gameplay effectively splits between Ariane’s physical exploration and Thomas’s slow-burn investigation, where oxygen management and the threat of the Nemesis convey the scale of a titanic environment indifferent to human life. Visually monumental, the title stuns with its photorealistic glaciers and an alien soundscape enriched by Amine Bouhafa’s soundtrack. By tackling urgent themes like the New Space Economy and climate migration, Aphelion is not just a video game, but a political work that reminds us that the future depicted is no longer a matter of "if," but "when."

Until Then is a graphic adventure with incredible potential, capable of moving the player through its coming-of-age story—an ordinary one, blended with a mix of supernatural elements. The delicacy with which certain situations are handled, along with the excellent direction behind this narrative—also superbly adapted into Italian—captivated us and prompted reflection on some fundamental aspects of everyone’s life, despite a slightly different cultural impact compared to the Western one. This is the strength of video games: a medium capable of introducing us to different cultures through dynamic storytelling, while preserving the core meaning of life itself. The gameplay mechanics are limited, and the mini-games lack creativity, but that’s a minor issue: Until Then explores something deeply human, with rich (sometimes even too detailed) and sincere dialogues that let us breathe in a bit of Filipino culture. Moreover, in the second half of the game, there are some compelling twists that change everything. So get your tissues ready and set aside some time for the adventure by Polychroma Games, now also available on Xbox Series.

SAROS stands out confidently and without a shadow of a doubt as one of the best PlayStation 5 exclusives, the result of an extremely polished and intelligent effort by Housemarque. It's not simply an evolution of Returnal, but a bold step forward that finds its strength in a remarkably well-achieved balance between challenge, depth, and accessibility. The game manages to make a typically demanding structure more readable and manageable, without ever truly simplifying it. The progression is smart and rewarding, the gunplay precise and satisfying, while new mechanics add complexity without ever feeling frustrating. Everything is designed with one clear goal in mind: to guide you through the experience in the best possible way. The result is an excellent experience on every level — solid, polished, and perfectly balanced. SAROS doesn't just improve on what came before; it demonstrates that it's possible to elevate a genre while keeping the challenge intact, making it at the same time more modern and accessible.

Tides of Tomorrow is a “plasticpunk” adventure (as defined by its developers), in which the choices we make in this bizarre world are also shaped by the decisions of our predecessors. The core concept is very simple: after awakening from our underwater slumber, we must follow in the footsteps of another player and set off on an adventure in a quirky world filled with iconic characters and surreal traits. The Story-Link feature is probably what impressed us the most: every situation we encounter across the various islands has already been experienced by another player, and the story will also evolve based on what they did. It’s a concept that may seem complex at first glance, but in practice it proves to be very rewarding, creating situations that are interesting and sometimes even amusing. Tides of Tomorrow took us on a very unusual journey— not always perfect, but absolutely satisfying for anyone looking to enjoy an original story that can be replayed by making different karmic choices. It’s impossible not to notice the developers’ boldness in proposing something new, without excessively imitating ideas already seen in other productions.

Mouse: P.I. is an experience that wins you over more with personality than with technical ambition—a first-person shooter that stands out thanks to a striking artistic identity, mature noir writing, and a sound design that works in perfect harmony with its visuals and narrative. The solid, immediate gunplay supports the entire structure without overshadowing the atmosphere, while Troy Baker’s performance becomes the emotional glue of a dark and compelling journey, making the game something of a cult favorite for those who love classic cinema, jazz, and stories of detectives worn down by their own world.

Ground Zero is a masterful love letter to classic 90s survival horror. By blending the nostalgic charm of pre-rendered backgrounds and fixed cameras with brilliant modernizations like free aim, fluid movement, and a rewarding parry system, it entirely avoids the pitfalls of clunky retro clones. Boasting crisp Unreal Engine 5 visuals, a gripping branching narrative set in post-apocalyptic Busan, and a stellar resource management loop, it perfectly bridges the gap between past and present. An absolute must-play for genre veterans.

Big Bad Wolf's latest is a visually arresting Lovecraftian deep-dive that prioritizes "big brains" over big guns, but its overly safe structure prevents it from reaching true horror greatness. While the 2053 tech-noir setting is a brilliant spin on the mythos, the thalassophobia here is mostly "vibes" and very little bite. The investigative loop is genuinely high-brow, featuring a complex sonar-based system that rewards meticulous detail-hunting. However, the total absence of combat or persistent physical threats makes the 11-hour journey feel like a guided tour of an underwater museum rather than a desperate struggle for survival. Branching paths and multiple endings provide some much-needed narrative stakes, yet the AI companion, Key, feels like a hollow shell of what a modern interactive partner should be. It’s an essential pick for lore-hungry detectives and tech enthusiasts wanting to push Path-Tracing to its limits, but hardcore horror fans will likely find the lack of "Game Over" consequences a bit underwhelming. A sophisticated investigative gem that desperately needs more teeth.

Ghost Cam is a deeply atmospheric and liminal horror experience that successfully channels the spirit of classic ghost photography games. While its indie nature shows through occasional technical glitches and somewhat clunky controls, the unique 'Haunted Horse Girl' aesthetic, meticulous sound design, and oppressive use of darkness make it a compelling journey. A flawed but magnetic nightmare that perfectly captures the terror of the unseen.

Starfield arrives on PlayStation in the most massive way possible. It’s not without (initial) issues, but you can already enjoy over a hundred hours of adventure. The original formula was already rich; now you can experience all the journeys across the galaxy, keeping in mind that Bethesda will surely serve up more particularly tasty additions for all the space pirates who want to embark on an epic voyage.

OPUS: Prism Peak is the most intimate and mature chapter in SIGONO's anthology. It is an introspective journey that moves away from the vastness of the cosmos to explore the fragile fragments of human memory through the lens of a camera. The interaction, centered entirely on photography, is original but becomes repetitive over time. The clunkiness of certain mechanics slows the pacing, making the gameplay the weak link in an otherwise profound experience. Visually stunning, the title blends the aesthetics of Japanese animation masters with a solid Taiwanese cultural heritage. The masterful use of lighting and a high-caliber soundtrack create a vibrant, dreamlike atmosphere capable of stirring emotions with every shot. Despite its ludic limitations, the game is a necessary cathartic ritual for those seeking auteur storytelling. It is a work that teaches us how to make peace with our ghosts and accept the weight of the past.

Replaced is a compelling journey into the cyberpunk world — an enterprising, bold adventure with a narrative that leaves its mark. From the very first minutes, you can feel the love for the genre and the nod to those worlds created by one of its most prominent figures: William Ford Gibson. Over the course of the 8/9 hours needed to complete the main story — or a full 15 if you want to uncover everything there is to find — you'll live through an epic that calls into question several themes of the genre and the importance of humanity within society. But above all, it raises an intriguing question: "Is an AI capable of experiencing human emotions?" Replaced treads paths already explored, but approaches them in its own way, daring to mix different characteristics. Granted, it doesn't always pull this off in the best possible manner, and there are moments where a certain sense of "forced" game design becomes noticeable — though this never compromises the enjoyment of the adventure in any meaningful way. Our recommendation remains to play it in its entirety, trying to collect every document in the world and not miss a single side mission (even if, for the most part, these amount to fetch quests). Unrest and trust in one's fellow man: that is how we might define what is, by all accounts, a solid cyberpunk experience.

Moto Rush Reborn perfectly achieves its goal: delivering an accessible, fast, and fun arcade-style riding experience, capable of entertaining without unnecessary complexity. It doesn’t aim for deep simulation or hyper-realistic presentation, but instead focuses on immediate gameplay, tight pacing, and a structure designed for replayability—making it ideal for those seeking pure adrenaline and instant competition.

2026 is a banner year for Capcom, and Pragmata is yet another hit. Beneath its ultra-modern, minimalist exterior lies old-school action, consisting of linear areas and levels. The innovation lies in the hacking system, which is used alongside classic shooting mechanics, turning every battle into a sort of real-time puzzle. The first playthrough flies by in about ten hours of fun, excitement, and thrills. The game places a strong emphasis on replayability, but unless you’re a completionist or obsessed with the various "builds" (combination of guns & hacking tools) you can create, it probably won’t last much longer than the end credits. However, Pragmata manages to convey what the game has to say very well right from the first playthrough.

The question is always the same: is it really worth opening your wallet and buying this new incarnation of baseball from Sony San Diego Studio? Once again, the answer is yes, marked by steady growth without losing its identity, both in terms of gameplay and in its technical aspects and content. Everything that was already great about the series remains in MLB The Show 26, but this year too brings some interesting new features that make virtual baseball even more satisfying and believable. The revamped controls for batting and pitching will win over both newcomers and veteran players, while those who prefer not to change their style can still rely on the comfort zone of previous options. Sure, there’s no revolution, but it’s guaranteed fun for anyone who loves baseball—or perhaps wants to get closer to this fantastic sport.

People of Note presents itself to the public within a genre that, lately, has been receiving a lot of positive attention. The work published by Annapurna is truly ingenious: a musical RPG that places music at the center in all its forms—from rap to country to pop—while still delivering a combat system that turns out to be stronger than expected. Of course, there are some limitations in this production, mainly due to the lack of side activities that could expand the brilliant world of Note, not to mention the rather limited variety of enemies across the different areas. For everything else, the time spent in the company of Cadence and her friends was enjoyable, featuring a cast of iconic characters and a story that is well told in its simplicity. If you enjoy turn-based role-playing games, then People of Note might be a title worth seriously considering—especially with its rather appealing launch price (€23.99 on PC and consoles). Ready for your best musical performance?

Ultimately, Ariana and the Elder Codex is an adventure that is enjoyable to play, but one that is unlikely to be remembered as something essential. It is a good book to read once—but not necessarily to reread.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits on Switch 2 positions itself halfway between the PS4 edition and the PS5, PC, and Xbox versions, once again proving to be one of the most successful “AA” titles of recent years. Refined in many of its elements, Kena: Bridge of Spirits arrives on Nintendo’s hybrid console complete with DLC and performs well both on TV and in handheld mode, taking full advantage of the system’s new hardware. Atmosphere, art direction, and well-crafted (though not perfect) gameplay remain the strong points of a title that deserves to be played—or replayed—while waiting for Kena: Scars of Kosmora, the next chapter in the saga. For those who have always owned Nintendo consoles, this is a great opportunity to experience a solid action game with a narrative tone reminiscent of Pixar, which, even in this new version, can offer plenty of satisfaction.

NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager isn't exactly a management sim—even though that is, in effect, what you have to do—nor is it strictly a deckbuilder—even though that is ultimately how you take to the pitch. It defies easy classification and isn't immediately intuitive; yet, in the end—without any unnecessary frills—you simply start playing, and you won't be able to tear yourself away.

Between finely crafted gameplay and moments of pure frustration, Grime II manages to keep players engaged thanks to a high, consistent, and mostly fair level of challenge. Some questionable design choices and a certain rigidity hold it back, but die-hard fans of the genre will know how to master it, especially if they enjoyed the first game. The series is on the right track and just a step away from becoming a must-have.

Darwin's Paradox is a puzzle-platform adventure that combines excellent artistic direction with highly original gameplay. Some might argue that the story can be completed in a very short time, and on that point we probably wouldn’t have much to object to. However, who said that great longevity must necessarily be one of a production’s strengths? The time spent in the company of the blue octopus was truly enlightening: it entertained us and showed us that the video game industry needs representatives of this caliber. With a style reminiscent of an animated film, Darwin's Paradox manages to skillfully mix humorous moments with challenging gameplay sections that are (almost) never frustrating. Admittedly, on console (PS5) a few technical limitations can be noticed, but this doesn’t make the journey toward “freedom” any less enjoyable. Between stealth elements that are never too intrusive and unique, well-balanced levels, we’re confident that the debut work of ZDT Studio is a success and certainly not a misfire.

Following the disappointment of Double Exposure, Deck Nine Games makes a miraculous return to form with Life is Strange: Reunion. The game does more than just lean on nostalgia; it masterfully fulfills the goal of closing Max and Chloe’s narrative arc with unprecedented maturity. Through a mise-en-scène that poignantly captures their emotional distance and the fear of no longer having a place in each other's lives, the game transforms their reunion into a powerful narrative key. Despite an opening that could have felt like a gamble, experiencing the reality of this adventure first-hand reveals a story steeped in intimacy and pain, capable of giving the saga the perfect conclusion fans truly deserved. It is a testament to narrative awareness, proving that even as all certainties crumble around us, we are never truly alone.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PC is a masterclass in optimization, proving that technical respect for the player remains paramount. On mid-range hardware like the RTX 4060 Ti, Nixxes has crafted a port that transcends its console origins through impeccable scaling and a stunning Ultrawide implementation. While VRAM limitations require a mindful approach to settings, the result is a rock-solid, cinematically superior experience. With its refined combat loop and breathtaking vistas, it stands as a new technical benchmark for the industry. A definitive, unassailable version of Kojima’s vision.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a wonderful game, and it remains just that in this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The technical upgrade highlights the mastery of Nintendo’s designers, finally bringing the delightful art style into full sharpness even on 4K TVs. The new content additions are a fun bonus that push Wonder to the edge of Mario Party territory in the attractions of Bellabel Park or provide incentives to improve and revisit sections you’ve already beaten. At its core, however, remains Wonder’s elaborate, elegant, and super-creative platforming—arguably one of the genre’s greatest achievements.

New Super Lucky's Tale arrives on PlayStation 5 in the best form ever seen on the console: a graphical and performance upgrade only, without adding anything new to the formula or additional content such as levels or mini-games. The game now reaches 4K resolution and 120 fps, as well as implementing the DualSense haptic feedback, though it isn't always used to its full potential. As for the gameplay, we're faced with a platformer with a decent amount of variety, alternating between 3D levels and 2D scrolling ones, not to mention that little bit of exploration that never hurts. The difficulty isn't particularly high, but perhaps in this case that could be a good thing: New Super Lucky's Tale focuses on fun and the desire to rediscover a genre for all ages. After all, who said a video game should only be a challenge against yourself?

Dragonkin: The Banished is a refreshing indie ARPG that succeeds by prioritizing systemic depth over visual spectacle. While many AA titles struggle against giants like Diablo, Eko Software focuses on mechanical innovation and unique design. The Ancestral Grid is the standout feature, transforming skill customization into a logic puzzle. By requiring precise management of "Keywords" and spatial placement, it offers a level of build-crafting depth usually reserved for complex PC titles. This is complemented by Montescail, a shared city-building hub that gives dragon hunts a tangible sense of progression and purpose. Technically, the game runs smoothly on Xbox Series X via Unreal Engine 5. However, the "Grim Dark" aesthetic feels somewhat derivative, and the linear level design—largely combat corridors—might disappoint those seeking exploration. Fortunately, the robust endgame of customizable Chaos Hunts and Draconic armor farming ensures significant longevity for dedicated players. For those valuing innovation and character optimization over AAA polish, this is a rewarding, methodical experience. It proves that in the world of Action RPGs, solid architecture is often more impactful than a massive budget.

Blizzard successfully navigates the technical debt of two decades, delivering a cinematic restoration of Quel'Thalas that feels both hauntingly familiar and radically modern. While Midnight leans heavily on the fragile legacy of the Windrunners to fill its charisma void, the long-awaited Player Housing finally offers a persistent sanctuary rather than a mere battlefield. Despite some optimization hurdles and aggressive monetization in decor, this second chapter of the Worldsoul Saga is an essential, high-stakes evolution for the MMO genre.

If your concern is that the game wasn't final yet, that's correct — there's a mountain of things still to be polished; but if you think it doesn't work or that it isn't fun, then no, I can assure you that you could spend your whole life in it listening to stories, admiring landscapes, discovering secrets, riding, saving... and even greeting people (yes, that matters too), because everyday life has never been so enjoyable, even in the small things, and the adventures that await you are truly memorable.

The character voice acting—especially in Japanese—adds further personality to the story and helps make the cast even more memorable.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an excellent port that brings a pleasant and captivating tactical experience to the Nintendo Switch 2, already praised on other platforms since 2017. The gameplay is identical to the original, and compared to the PC, Xbox, and PS5 versions, it includes the Aiko’s Choice DLC, making it the Complete Edition developed by Mimimi Games. The game retains the strengths of the original and its few weaknesses, offering deep strategic gameplay and a solid technical foundation, although the learning curve is steep and even the lowest difficulty setting may pose a challenge for less experienced players. Notably, the ability to use the Joy‑Con controllers as a pointer is a great solution for tactical games on consoles. However, in handheld mode, the game is hard to read on the 7.9‑inch Switch 2 screen: even when zoomed in, on-screen elements appear quite small. In conclusion, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an excellent old-school stealth strategy game arriving on Nintendo’s new flagship console.

Blue Prince is a must-play experience for mystery lovers that wisely blends roguelite elements with exploration and puzzle-solving. Retracing your steps, repositioning rooms in different ways, and using the tools you find along the way make every run, every day, both satisfying and essential to reaching the notorious 46th room. This is undoubtedly a production crafted with ingenuity, making its official debut on Nintendo Switch 2 in an all-around well-executed port. There are of course some technical issues — a few textures can appear slightly blurry and the framerate doesn't reach the peaks of the current generation — but let's be clear: Blue Prince is not a game that relies on buttery-smooth performance as its main selling point. Instead, it is a true adventure where paying close attention to every room, taking notes, and applying what you've learned to go deeper into the mansion is what really matters. No matter how many days it takes: Blue Prince pits you against yourself, makes you question everything, and sometimes makes you feel like a genuine genius when it comes to solving its puzzles.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando offers a solid experience. It doesn't do anything particularly new and focuses on just a few elements, but it handles them well with care and obvious devotion to the source material. The missions aren't too varied at first, but the frequent occurrence of grotesque, unexpected, or crazy situations makes every game enjoyable. The bots also work well.

GreedFall: The Dying World, unfortunately, doesn’t stray too far from the kind of productions developer Spiders – and publisher Nacon – have delivered over the years. It’s a game full of promising ideas and solid RPG foundations, yet it ultimately stumbles when it comes to execution. The final result is still enjoyable and offers plenty of elements that RPG fans will appreciate. Its world is fascinating, the moral choices are engaging, and the tactical combat system works well. However, the experience is held back by scattered bugs, AI that isn’t always reactive, and a graphical presentation that could use some polish, with several on-screen elements – subtitles included – appearing frustratingly small. It’s hard to say whether these issues stem from budget limitations, the need for more development time, or a team that hasn’t quite reached full maturity yet. What’s clear is that GreedFall: The Dying World feels like a hidden gem in the rough: a game with clear potential, but still weighed down by imperfections that we hope future updates and patches will address. Spiders’ talent and the strengths of its games are not in doubt, yet that definitive leap in quality still seems just out of reach. Even so, GreedFall: The Dying World remains an easy recommendation for RPG fans willing to accept a few technical compromises in exchange for an ambitious and atmospheric role-playing experience.

The Project Zero 2 remake has a value that goes far beyond technical specs or cold numbers. It's proof that a certain kind of horror — one that steers clear of gore and spectacle at all costs — can still work in a market this 'distracted' and increasingly drawn to quick thrills. Tecmo Koei has taken its most accomplished and beloved entry and transformed it into something new, capable of attracting even those players who, until now, had kept their distance from the kind of unsettling, supernatural atmosphere that defines the Project Zero series.

WWE 2K26 is an impressive game that captures the magic of WWE. It's three games in one, maybe even four, each with remarkable depth and each enriched with a host of new features in this edition. There's always room for improvement, but this is one of the highest peaks in the series.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf is a work of extraordinary beauty that confirms Wishfully’s knack for creating stunning and enchanting worlds. Children of the Leaf also serves as a demonstration of maturity for the studio. They’ve showcased their core strengths, like superlative storytelling and an artistic direction that rivals high-budget productions, while making amends for past shortcomings by refining the gameplay mechanics that raised some eyebrows in the first chapter. However, there remains an underlying over-reliance on references, both artistically and mechanically. While pleasant at first, this becomes somewhat cloying in the final hours. The game would have certainly benefited from a touch of "arrogance" on the part of the developers. Planet of Lana 2 is a title that comes agonizingly close to perfection, yet falls short due to excessive caution. It teases grand ideas but offers only a taste of them; the most frustrating part is that it does so with full awareness of its own immense potential.

Pokémon Pokopia has all the makings of one of the most successful spin-offs in the entire series. It doesn't attempt to reinvent or recycle the main series' competitive formula, but consciously chooses to create a relaxing yet profound game. It's the perfect blend of the creative freedom of a sandbox builder and the serenity of a life simulation: a perfect balance of construction, connection, and discovery. In other words, Pokopia has the flavor of Animal Crossing with a sprinkling of Dragon Quest Builders, but with a Pokémon twist. And this mix creates one of the most successful cozy games of recent years, capable of providing hours and hours of fun.

Tales of Berseria Remastered is a solid recovery effort, but it is very much a “Remastered” in the truest sense of the word. Graphically, the improvement is modest and mainly limited to resolution and frame rate, while the new options are welcome but have a fairly marginal impact on the gameplay. Tales of Berseria remains particularly compelling for its original strengths: an enjoyable gameplay system (give the combat system the time it deserves) and a mature story, supported by a genuinely well-written party. Primarily recommended for those who have discovered the saga recently and would like to experience one of the series’ most distinctive and mature entries.

Higher resolution, 60fps, and significantly reduced loading times are strong incentives to purchase this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The cheap upgrade price will surely appeal to fans of Monolith Soft’s JRPG, as it remains one of the few Nintendo productions that truly leans on presentation. However, keep in mind that neither the upscaling nor the performance feels truly “definitive,” as one might expect from a title originally released 11 years ago on the Wii U. Xenoblade Chronicles X is still a gem, and seeing it pushed beyond its original technical limits is priceless, save for the cost of admission, which in turn compels us to demand proper standards. While waiting for potential updates, it’s an easy recommendation for docked play; otherwise, a bit more consideration is advised.

Resident Evil: Requiem accomplishes something extremely rare: it takes a historic franchise, packages all the strengths—and in some ways even the flaws—of its previous installments, and somehow makes it feel fresh, surprising, and necessary even today. Its more mature narrative, the duality of its protagonists, layered gameplay, and a virtually flawless technical execution come together to create an experience that thrives not only on nostalgia but also on evolution. This chapter truly raises the quality bar for modern survival horror. Fans of the genre, as well as newcomers to both the series and survival horror itself, will find a concentration of tension and atmosphere that is difficult to match. It is accessible without being simplified, spectacular without losing its identity, and above all frightening in exactly the right way. Resident Evil: Requiem once again proves why this franchise continues to be an absolute benchmark. If the goal was to create the best Resident Evil ever made, Requiem comes very close.

Vampire Therapist is a very pleasant experience: we are talking about a Visual Novel that manages to introduce important and profound concepts of psychoanalysis within a safe, imaginative, and lighthearted context, while simultaneously leading the user to engage in quite a bit of self-analysis. A must-play for anyone interested in these themes.

With this Super Bomberman Collection, fans will finally find a complete way to relive the golden age of the series; new players will have the perfect opportunity to discover why Bomberman remains a video game icon more than thirty years after its inception. A blast from the past for one of the longest-running and most beloved series in gaming.

Dogpile is therefore not just a "Suika Game with dogs": it is the natural evolution of that formula, a transformation that takes a viral concept and gives it structure, substance, and replayability. It's a puzzle game that makes you laugh, relaxes you, frustrates you, and rewards you, a title that doesn't simply copy but has the courage to grow, expand, and improve upon its inspiration. In the end, when the yard explodes and you find yourself faced with the result of your run, it's hard not to want to start over again, with a new deck, a new approach, and the hope of creating another giant, adorable St. Bernard.

Reanimal marks Tarsier’s return to its most natural territory: a dramatic, oppressive horror that takes the legacy of Little Nightmares and pulls it into a darker, more psychological direction. Atmosphere, art direction and the use of co-op are the true driving forces of the experience, turning escape into a tense dialogue between two tiny bodies crushed by a distorted world…There are still stumbles in the readability of certain mechanics and in the limitations of the AI during single-player, along with a cast of figures that is not always as memorable as the environments that contain them. Flaws that, however, do not undermine the strength of a coherent and recognizable work, one that marks a new nightmare for Tarsier worthy of the name the studio has built for itself.

Romeo is a Dead Man is certainly a visionary work in terms of both plot and setting, featuring nonsensical characters and sudden stylistic shifts depending on the phase of the game. It is a pity that the underlying gameplay concept is, by contrast, rather ordinary, with enemies and levels that do become more challenging as you progress, but without any real innovation to make the game shine. When all is said and done, however, the product is pretty playable; you just have to be willing to settle a bit.

Ride 6 is a game that works. It offers countless hours of fun on the track, as well as a wide range of content for players. Technically solid and featuring a satisfying riding system, enhanced by a new, more accessible Arcade mode, Ride 6 mainly focuses on continuity with the past, missing the opportunity to introduce some structural innovations. The festival concept could have been better utilized, as well as the inclusion of many world-famous riders, without fully capitalizing on their potential. Some minor flaws remain, but Ride 6 still manages to thrill motorcycle enthusiasts and bring to our consoles bikes that we could often only dream of. Once again, Milestone delivers a solid title, and if motorcycles are your passion, you definitely shouldn’t miss it!

There couldn't have been a better conclusion for My Hero Academia than My Hero Academia: All's Justice, a game worthy of the epic scale of the Final War Arc, the last saga of the anime. Byking Inc.'s latest effort for Bandai Namco is a grand celebration of the conclusion of a trilogy and the end of the animated series, but also an attempt to demonstrate that there are still stories to be told in the My Hero Academia universe. Its main flaw is fundamentally an intrinsic characteristic: it's the third chapter that tells the end of a story that began in another medium many years ago, and its target audience is necessarily limited by this choice, but it must be acknowledged that the game does its best to make everyone feel welcome.

Nioh 3 represents Team Ninja’s full maturity and a true evolution for the soulslike genre. With its dual combat styles and open-map design, the game successfully lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers without compromising on its signature difficulty. This results in an experience that is as rewarding and entertaining for long-time fans as it is for those approaching a soulslike for the first time. While there are some criticisms regarding frame rate stability and enemy AI, these issues do not ultimately undermine the overall experience. In a market saturated with titles that are mere pale imitations of FromSoftware’s work, often falling into the 'more of the same' trap, Nioh 3 stands out. It does so not just through its soulslike mechanics, but by the way it masters them, blending them with a unique identity. The result is an original game that brings a breath of fresh air to the genre.

If you loved Monster Train, this expansion is almost mandatory. The way it adds useful elements to maximize gameplay longevity, along with the new clans and new modes, will literally blow your mind.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined breathes new life into a historic title, even if the original product wasn’t exactly unmissable. The operation carried out by Square Enix is truly solid and showcases the Japanese company’s expertise, which by now has become more than well-established in this field. The three-dimensional graphics blend perfectly with the isometric perspective and the design of the original game, where Akira Toriyama’s artwork never disappoints. While the technical execution is impeccable, the fact remains that Dragon Quest VII Reimagined carries over the structural limitations of a gameplay formula that now feels outdated. The new features introduced to streamline it, though welcome, don’t quite perform the miracle of making it feel modern. The story is enjoyable to follow (despite additions and cuts), the cast is somewhat limited but sufficiently characterized, and the music is of high quality, as is the Italian text localization. There are certainly other Square Enix titles waiting to be brought back, but Dragon Quest VII Reimagined still manages to be appreciated—especially by those who don’t mind extremely traditional gameplay.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon not only delivers an epic conclusion to the Calvard arc, but also represents a major turning point in the shared narrative of the entire Trails universe. The story is once again expertly told, as fans of the series have come to expect, with major plot twists that cast new light on much of what we believed we knew about this rich and compelling setting. Great care is given to the cast, supported by an enormous amount of dialogue that further brings the world to life. However, the lack of an Italian localization may prove to be a significant barrier for non-English speakers, and some sections suffer from an excessive amount of dialogue, occasionally disrupting the overall pacing. Gameplay is more refined and satisfying than ever, with the turn-based combat system truly shining and reaching new levels of depth. The soundtrack does not disappoint, featuring several tracks that immediately stick in your head, while the visual presentation remains the game’s Achilles’ heel, once again feeling like it belongs to a project from two generations ago. Of course, no one plays Nihon Falcom titles for their visuals, but it’s hard not to wonder when we’ll finally see this talented team working with a more adequate budget—a question I find myself asking in far too many of their reviews. That said, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon stands as an excellent JRPG that more than capably closes a long-running narrative arc, while laying solid foundations for the future of a saga that should not be overlooked.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE on Nintendo Switch 2 is a true gem and represents one of the finest modern incarnations of a timeless classic. It is an ambitious, bold work that shows deep respect for the original material, capable of reinventing itself without losing its soul. Thanks to a deep combat system, a layered narrative, extremely flexible difficulty and accessibility options, and a surprisingly solid technical performance on Nintendo hardware, this edition still stands today as a benchmark for the modern JRPG genre. Whether you are longtime fans or new players, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an unmissable journey into the heart of the beloved old Midgar, as well as an experience that demonstrates how the past and the future of video games can coexist in a single, extraordinary vision.

MIO: Memories in Orbit doesn’t reinvent the wheel, yet it stands out thanks to its rock-solid foundations, immaculate presentation, and a demanding, multifaceted gameplay loop. Its verbose navigation in the latter half and some steep difficulty spikes keep it from being a must-have for every metroidvania fan, but the most dedicated players will find a rewarding challenge and a truly memorable journey in this small French gem.

If you love arcade games, RPGs, and action games where playing a football character is just an excuse to ignite a heated argument of dialogue and actions bordering on insanity, don't miss out.

Frostpunk 2: Fractured Utopias is a robust DLC that expands the sandbox experience of 11 Bit Studios’ strategy masterpiece. It introduces a rich array of new content, including ideological trees, buildings, and unique events, all seamlessly integrated into the core gameplay. The additions enhance the game’s depth, though some factions may require future balancing to keep things fair. With so much new content, players will need to plan carefully, making the experience more challenging than ever. There’s no new story-driven campaign, so if you’re after narrative expansion, this isn’t the one. But for those eager to dive into the new mechanics and surprises 11 Bit Studios has crafted for fans, bundle up and enjoy this compelling DLC.

Played on Xbox Series X, Terminator 2D: No Fate proves to be a technically solid and fluid experience, fully supporting its focus on rhythm, precision, and muscle memory. Bitmap Bureau succeeds in adapting Terminator 2 by respecting not only its imagery but also the historical and cultural context it comes from. Its arcade-driven design embraces both the strengths and limitations of old-school action: the high difficulty demands patience and commitment, but rewards mastery and consistency. This is not a game for everyone, but it is a focused and honest adaptation aimed at players who appreciate a more essential and demanding take on classic arcade gameplay.

Old School Rally succeeds in its goal: it does not aim to replace modern hyper-realistic simulators, but to bring back that mix of fast, reactive, and frenetic driving wrapped in an irresistible graphic package reminiscent of arcades and afternoons spent in front of a CRT television. It proves that sometimes, to make a big step forward, all you need is to take a step back. This could be your next arcade game, provided you have thoroughly mastered Parking Garage Rally Circuit.

Where Winds Meet is a truly massive undertaking, both in terms of geographical vastness and the sheer number of activities the player can get involved in, starting from the long and deep main storyline, which is essential for unlocking subsequent game areas, all the way to all the secondary activities available. Flaws and limitations exist, but we have rarely encountered a work of this level distributed in the Free-to-Play formula. Highly recommended.

RuneQuest: Warlords delivers a solid tactical experience that stands on the strength of its worldbuilding, clear systems, and remarkably clean UI. It doesn’t aim for the flashiest presentation, and some technical choices keep it from reaching the top of the genre, with audio feedback that could hit harder. Still, it’s a compelling option for players who appreciate thoughtful, position-driven strategy and a grounded entry point into the rich mythos of Glorantha.

Dark Quest 4 proves that tabletop role-playing games never go out of style. After the golden age of the ’80s and ’90s, today consoles and PCs bring us back—if only in our imagination—to the same table where we once played alongside family and friends. It’s a title that celebrates tradition while refreshing it, offering an experience that blends nostalgia, tactics, and creativity.

Lumines Arise isn’t content with simply being a sequel; it may well be the definitive realization of Mizuguchi’s vision. Accessible, deep, artistically sublime, and featuring a VR component that makes it almost transcendental, it is an essential title for anyone who loves puzzle games and high-level audiovisual experiences.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a JRPG of extraordinary maturity, capable of blending narrative, exploration, strategy, and customization into a work of rare beauty. The intense story, freedom of action, the well-tested and refined combat system, and the ability to rebuild your own village give life to a deep and engaging experience, while the technical execution and the soundtrack reach levels of true excellence. If it weren't for the lack of Italian localization, the title would almost touch upon absolute masterpiece status. Octopath Traveler 0 remains one of the most ambitious and brilliant HD-2D works ever produced by Square Enix, capable of thrilling, surprising, and surely leaving a lasting mark. An unmissable journey for fans of the genre and a proof of strength for a series that, chapter after chapter, continues to reinvent itself without losing its soul.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond may not reinvent the formula or challenge the legacy of the original and Echoes, but it delivers an excellent adventure that every Switch and Switch 2 owner should experience. Retro Studios proves the series still has plenty to offer in 2025, with refined gameplay, strong atmosphere, and smart evolution of the classic Prime structure. Some narrative shortcomings and a few rough edges hold it back from absolute greatness, but they never undermine a first-rate journey that’s engaging from start to finish. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another era for the next chapter.

Tribute Games proves they know how to handle beat'em up genre with a solid fighting game that draws on arcade tradition to offer gameplay suitable for everyone, with slight innovations that enrich rather than disrupt. The added value of MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is obviously the use of characters from the House of Ideas, well depicted and effectively translated into pixels, with enough variety to satisfy even those who join the party just to throw punches, without knowing too much about the guys in costumes.

Dispatch is a successful experiment, a return to episodic narrative that doesn't aim for nostalgia but for reinvention. It is a superhero story told from an unprecedented perspective, closer to daily life than to spectacle. It is a title capable of making you laugh, making you think, and, at times, even moving you. A game that, without the need for booming plot twists or special effects, still manages to captivate and leave a lasting impression. AdHoc Studio thus delivers a surprising, mature, and self-aware debut, and their game proves that the Telltale-style narrative model can still work, when supported by solid writing, a stellar cast, and a clear vision of what they want to tell. Episode after episode, it manages to build a small, great world that is believable, human, and unforgettable. And, above all, it proves that sometimes the true heroes are not those who fight, but those who listen, decide, make mistakes, learn, and keep trying. A masterpiece!

Project Motor Racing is a solid title that offers a truly simulation-driven and layered handling model which, even with all available driving assists enabled, never caters to casual players. There’s no doubt, then, that its target audience consists of true hardcore virtual drivers. In addition to a strong multiplayer component, PMR also strives to deliver a fairly articulated career mode and puts 70 cars and 14 tracks on the table, showing that the team at Straight4 Studios has taken their work very seriously, even though the AI could still be improved. Unfortunately, the PlayStation 5 version shows several graphical issues, starting with reflections and the way light is handled on car bodies, resulting in an extremely “plastic-like” effect. The frame rate isn’t perfect either, and in corners a few FPS are missing—something that becomes even more noticeable in the rain. The DualSense, usually a “secret weapon” that enhances racing games on PS5, is underutilized here, suggesting that the most suitable version of PMR is likely the PC one. Still, Project Motor Racing is a good title, and with a few targeted patches it could raise the bar even further.

Fans of classic Demeo will love it, but those who were expecting a major revolution in the game's infrastructure will be a little disappointed. However, and this is good news, it can also be played on a device that doesn't require virtual reality.

Moving past a single-player campaign that merely demonstrates the laziness of simply wanting to get the 'homework' done, Black Ops 7 proves once again to be a reliable, noteworthy game and a sure guarantee of longevity, owed primarily to its multiplayer and zombies modes. Call of Duty surprises us yet again with its immediacy and the ease with which players—even the less experienced or complete newcomers—can adapt to the game. The nerf to aim assist is noticeable, it's undeniable, but this can be overcome with a good number of hours played. Graphically clean, without hesitation even in the most impactful moments, Activision achieves its goal of keeping the competition alive in the FPS video game landscape. However, it now has an uncomfortable adversary sitting on the throne beside it—one that they'd be wise to be wary of, to avoid being dethroned.

CloverPit is a highly successful experiment that elevates the tension of gambling to a form of psychological horror based on risk management. The Panik Arcade team has successfully taken a mechanic founded on RNG and injected it with strategic depth reminiscent of the best deckbuilders available.

Kirby Air Riders is pure adrenaline! It's the return that few expected but many longed for. A game that combines accessibility, style, a good level of customization, numerous challenges to tackle, and an infinite amount of content. The game's spirit and numerous game modes offer variety and a fun-filled experience. Technically solid, artistically top-notch, and with an explosive soundtrack, Sakurai's new project is one of Nintendo's best games of this year.

Atelier Ryza: Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a very tempting opportunity for anyone who wants to dive into one of the longest-running JRPG series, and Ryza’s trilogy is certainly among the best in the franchise. The DX editions of the three titles come loaded with tons of content and a few improvements over the originals, though not quite enough to recommend a replay for those who have already experienced them—unless you’re truly passionate about Ryza and her friends. The inability to import save data from previous versions clips the wings of long-time fans, but the fact remains that for anyone who’s never played an Atelier Ryza before, this bundle is absolutely perfect. That said, some minor graphical flaws could have easily been avoided, and this could have been the perfect chance to finally add Italian text. A lighthearted story with plenty of intertwining threads, solid artistic direction, refined mechanics both in combat and alchemy, and the wide-open environments of the third chapter make Atelier Ryza: Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack a highly recommended experience if you’re looking for an accessible JRPG trilogy packed with content, variety, and dozens of hours of gameplay at a great price. From the first to the third chapter, you’ll witness a true evolution. Have you always looked at the Atelier series from afar, yet with curiosity? Ryza offers you an unmissable chance to explore a new universe—not perfect, but full of charm.

ARC Raiders brings extraction shooters to the forefront of online gaming, despite the heavy competition it faces. This is no coincidence, but rather the result of the excellent work done by Embark: settings designed with heart, evocative and great to play; precise, calibrated mechanics that spontaneously lead to unpredictable and entertaining dynamics; an exciting technical aspect, not only in terms of graphics, but also in terms of sound, a true cornerstone of tension. Like any online game, it will be subject to future changes, but for now, it is simply the game to play at the end of 2025.

Anno 117: Pax Romana stands as a refined and confident city builder, yet one that plays it a little too safe. Its strength lies in its balance, precision, and attention to detail, but that same restraint keeps it from reaching true greatness. A deeper narrative, a more dynamic religious system, and bolder moral choices could have given this empire more soul. It’s a stable, beautifully crafted experience—but one that makes you wish Rome had dared more.

Intense, captivating, and visually perfect, Bye Sweet Carole is a little gem that Italy should be proud of. Without sacrificing horror and mature themes, Chris Darril once again hits the mark with a great production that, we're sure, will be echoed by future productions. Make it yours: the price is affordable, it's hilarious, and there's no shortage of moments for reflection. You couldn't ask for more.

Cal & Bomba is a small gem in the indie scene, capable of blending strategy, humor, and intelligent design into an engaging gaming experience. A game that deserves attention, especially from those looking for something different and stimulating, and which confirms how creativity can still make a difference in the world of video games.

Technically solid, artistically inspired and narratively impressive, this new chapter represents a true rebirth for the spin-off series, elevating it beyond the boundaries of a mere action game. Aside from a few balancing issues, with the difficulty tending to be on the easier side at lower levels, and that slight sense of repetitiveness typical of musou titles, the game fully deserves top marks. Hyrule Warriors: The Age of Exile is not only one of the flagship titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, but also an example of how a crossover can enrich a legendary saga without betraying its spirit. Princess Zelda is ready to write a new chapter in her epic tale and let that air of legend echo once again through the magnificent kingdom of Hyrule.

We’re definitely not talking about Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon, but about a game that will let you travel with your imagination once again. All while still offering just the right amount of challenge, which is always welcome, and the desire to spend a Sunday with your family, having fun all together.

Ball x Pit is one of the most surprising and engaging roguelites of 2025, capable of transforming a simple idea into a mesmerizing gaming experience. This is the indie game from Devolver Digital that you need to download now, and it's also available as a demo.

Escape from Duckov is proof that even a parody can evolve into a meaningful experience. It’s an extraction shooter that’s accessible yet deep, able to deliver all the adrenaline of the genre without PvP, and with a sense of humor that never undermines the tension, in fact, it heightens it. Fun, clever, and polished, Duckov is one of those rare games that make you smile while keeping you on edge, a balance that’s hard to achieve. A small instant cult classic, designed for those who love calculated risks, careful planning, and a touch of well-managed madness.

Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake is an interesting restoration effort, with both titles polished to perfection thanks to Square Enix’s excellent work. We’re looking at two games that made RPG history (and not only that), now brought back with a respectable HD-2D visual style and enhanced with a few smart tweaks aimed at making them more accessible to modern gamers — without compromising their original spirit. That said, these are still two inherently old-school titles (if you’ll pardon the term), inevitably tied to the earliest foundations of JRPG mechanics. Nevertheless, all the development team’s efforts (including a superb reworking of the soundtrack) allow every fan of the genre to enjoy, without compromise, two cornerstones of video game history — which, incidentally, had never officially reached our market before. If you’re fully aware that you can’t expect 1980s games to have modern gameplay, you can safely grab this pair of remakes and witness an essential lesson from two milestones without which we probably wouldn’t know JRPGs as they are today.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is an excellent debut for the team at Smallthing Studio. On the one hand, it revives the mechanics of the old-school graphic adventures that inspired it, with just a few adjustments: a bold move in an era when attention spans are a thing of the past. On the other hand, it renews the genre with hand-crafted aesthetics and a few small concessions to the modern player. The result is a fresh game that recalls the past without getting lost in nostalgia. Graphic adventures are still alive and well.

The Outer Worlds 2 is exactly everything we could have hoped to see in the sequel to the title that made our hearts race back in 2019. Technically almost flawless, with gameplay improved in every respect and a world increasingly realistic in its satire of our own reality, The Outer Worlds 2 is a pure RPG, capable of offering practically everything that can excite a true role-playing purist.What truly surprises is the depth of the choices our character can make, and how many elements can change based on them. Personal relationships, power struggles among factions, and even the future of the Arcadia star system—everything might be affected by what we do.Add to all this a meticulously crafted script and an art direction of rare beauty, and you’ve got the perfect combination. A few bugs can’t scare a real space captain, nor can the vast amount of text to read (all in Italian) needed to fully grasp the game’s lore.To sum it all up in one sentence: The Outer Worlds 2 is a true RPG, the kind we rarely see anymore.

Tormented Souls 2 is a solid evolution of classic survival horror, and of the first game. It successfully refines the formula with genius puzzle design, creating a demanding and atmospheric experience that fans of the original Resident Evil and Silent Hill will cherish.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a result of its production model, a niche game that must appeal to all gamers at the same time; and despite a few missteps, it succeeds in this difficult task. Hero Mode allows everyone to explore Yakumo's gruesome ninja frenzy while learning the defense techniques that allow you to climb the difficulty levels. By raising the bar each time you finish the game, even veterans will soon find something to sink their teeth into. The price to pay is subdued level design and annoying backtracking. The reward for those who persevere is the usual over-the-top madness with which Team Ninja tackles the subject matter.

With its unique and offbeat style, satisfying and poetic gameplay, and dreamlike atmosphere, Keeper is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and original surprises of the 2025 gaming year.

Absolum puts and mixes together several already known themes and mechanics, but it does so in an overall original way, creating an absolutly enjoyable product, full of variet, twists and more. A little treasure that will be surely appreciated by beat'em up lovers.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 remain masterpieces, and the slight technical adjustments made by Nintendo make them technically enjoyable for everyone even today (thanks to the great design work of the original developers). Assisted Mode is an excellent introduction, perfect for novices, but also for those who want to eliminate some frustration and tedium from the equation. The only sticking point is the price: without doing the math for anyone, these are two masterpieces, difficult to find until now and optimized for modern enjoyment. At the price of a normal AAA game. It's expensive, but what it offers is worth every penny.

Little Nightmares 3 doesn’t rewrite the rules of the saga, but it expands them intelligently. Supermassive Games inherits a remarkable legacy and translates it into a new cooperative grammar, where fear no longer stems from isolation, but from the possibility of losing the one beside you. The design remains true to the series’ poetics - environments that speak for themselves, ambient puzzles, silences loaded with meaning - while the online co-op introduces an emotional and gameplay dimension that feels surprisingly natural. There are some imperfections: slightly rigid controls, imprecise checkpoints, and an AI that occasionally hesitates. Yet the overall picture retains great artistic and technical value. Visually sumptuous, sonically unsettling, and always faithful to its dark fairy-tale vision, Little Nightmares 3 proves that the nightmare can evolve without losing its soul. An experience more empathetic, more alive and still capable of making you tremble.

Bye Sweet Carole is a game that stays with you even after you’ve finished it. Beneath its animated fairytale appearance lies a story that touches deep emotional chords — one of fear, guilt, and tenderness. Chris Darril delivers a mature and personal work, crafted with great attention to detail, where horror becomes a gentle language rather than a threat. It’s not a perfect title, but it’s sincere, and that makes it rare. Some choices may feel slow, but they serve to give the story room to breathe — allowing the player to truly feel what Lana Benton experiences. The art direction, music, and pacing merge into a narrative that strikes with both intensity and grace, remaining in memory more for what it suggests than for what it shows. Bye Sweet Carole doesn’t aim to astonish — it aims to stay with you. And it succeeds: with the sensitivity of a fairy tale that has lost its innocence, but not its ability to move you.

Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is an excellent game. It perfectly blends the tactical elements of turn-based strategy RPGs with the punishing roguelike component within a dark and mysterious narrative. The death-rebirth-progress loop, combined with the many branching choices, works very well. Of course, it's not perfect: the random element is sometimes too much of a burden, runs take a long time, and the feeling of repetitiveness due to the lack of variety in maps and enemies quickly sets in. Combat is intense and challenging, and the roguelite mechanics ensure replayability, depth, challenge, and a sense of progression, especially through defeat. Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch isn't for everyone, but it's certainly a must-have for fans of the genre.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a good turn-based JRPG that, in terms of content, feels like a true encyclopedia of our favorite digital monsters. With a bit more polish, it could have been a top-quality title, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that—especially if you’re a fan of the brand—you can still enjoy a pleasant adventure, perhaps overlooking some technical issues and a lack of variety in the dungeons. Featuring an impressive amount of content and an engaging gameplay system (though not without its flaws), Digimon Story: Time Stranger is highly recommended for those who hold Digimon close to their hearts, while it may lose appeal for other gamers—not so much because of its tie to a specific franchise, but rather due to some undeniable shortcomings that, while not ruining the experience, do clip its wings. A decent role-playing game that relies more on quantity than quality.

Ghost of Yotei is everything fans of the previous game from Sucker Punch’s series could have wished for: a more of the same built upon a mature, expansive, and brilliantly written narrative — not only in the main missions but also in the side quests. The combat system offers a variety of weapons and fighting styles that bring freshness to the gameplay, though it’s a system that requires some getting used to and won’t appeal to everyone. The graphics, gameplay style, and overall quality are on par with a triple-A title of the kind we haven’t seen in years, so we gladly welcome this production, confident that it will soon become a classic.