Visions of Four Heroes builds upon an already strong foundation with extra character development and new content. Fans of Dynasty Warriors: Origins will enjoy it, but the €35 price tag is difficult to justify. At half the price, it would be an easy recommendation.

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.

You die a lot, a whole lot, too much, and you start over with the distinct feeling that you won't be able to overcome the few matches that are blocking your progress, only to start over again. As I often say in these cases, it's always preferable to offer the player something more substantial, a reward, or the knowledge that they will be able to face subsequent matches with more elements than in previous runs, but unfortunately, that's not the case here. It's not disappointing, but the logic of the card sequence or combos isn't explained very well, and it's excessively frustrating; maybe it will change in the future, but at the moment it gets boring after a few hours.

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.

Death Howl is a game that deserves attention, certainly for its story—while not particularly original, it is well told—and it offers partially satisfying gameplay. However, its shortcomings are somewhat the classic ones of the genre; if you fail to keep player interest high amid repetitive action, the risk of losing engagement is significant.

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.

Two Point Museum attempts to bring the vastness of its content to Switch 2, but the price to pay is a series of technical issues that increase as the museums expand. The mechanics are all there, but customization beyond a certain limit is handled with difficulty by the Nintendo console, causing jerks, glitches, and crashes. The attempt is commendable, but if you can, it's better to play it elsewhere.

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.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a full-throttle journey, where the Polish team at Game Factory has managed to infuse the decade-old Japanese culture tied to underground street racing. You’ll have to learn to master your car thanks to a sumptuous arcade-style drive play system. Racing through the streets of the (hypothetical) Guntama Prefecture is thrilling and satisfying, especially for those who love drifting and adore the Initial D-style atmosphere, with a hefty splash of Need For Speed and Fast & Furious. Shuichi Shigeno’s work is clearly the main inspiration behind JDM, and if you enjoyed the adventures of Takumi Fujiwara, you simply can’t miss this game developed by Gaming Factory. Sure, the flaws are there and can’t be ignored—from an overly empty map, to graphics that need work, to assorted bugs—but if you dream of burning rubber in a Japanese powerhouse on the characteristic mountain switchbacks of the Land of the Rising Sun, this purchase is practically mandatory. And if a few extra patches arrive, as they did on PC, keeping your favorite car under control during a drift might become even more satisfying. Now, if you’ll excuse me: I have to run off to deliver some sushi, and I fully intend to drift my way through every hairpin turn.

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.

Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered International offers a great classic from the past in a completeness that allows the player to choose which version to tackle. While the adaptation work is considerable, the technical limitations of a native PS2 product and the gameplay choices make it difficult to face for those accustomed to more modern titles. In short, it's a product not for everyone.

Sleep Awake is an ambitious stylistic exercise with an impactful aesthetic but a hollow core. Its strong narrative premise is undermined by confusing writing and trivial gameplay, proving that visual flair alone cannot save a structurally weak walking simulator.

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.

Dark Atlas: Infernum struggles with a frustrating, flawed core gameplay that suffocates its potential. Only dedicated horror fans with saintly patience should consider this technically deficient title.

She's Leaving offers a compelling atmosphere and concept but ultimately underutilizes its unique forensic mechanics, settling for a solid, yet conventional, first-person thriller experience.

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.

A.I.L.A. is a fascinating, if bipolar, horror experiment with a strong artistic vision, offering an unsettling narrative journey that is worth experiencing. However, be prepared for rough action gameplay that betrays its indie budget; this is best recommended for narrative-focused players who can overlook its mechanical flaws.

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!

The Last Case of John Morley is a small, atmospheric noir that relies heavily on environmental storytelling and strict linearity. It’s short, cohesive, and supported by surprisingly strong voice acting, but lacks suspense, emotional depth, and memorable twists. A solid pick for fans of slow-paced narrative walking sims, though less appealing to players seeking tension or mechanical variety.

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.

VORON: Raven's Story is a raw game, but an excellent foundation for more mature future projects. Playing the role of a raven is a unique experience, although it is not very easy to get used to the flying technique. The story is rather short but linear, while the atmosphere dedicated to Norse myths helps to make the experience more immersive. Unfortunately, there are many flaws that affect the game, from the technical side to some limitations closely related to gameplay. Considering its cost, however, we recommend giving it a chance.

Unfortunately, Rennsport feels like a beta sold at full price. On PC, at least, there’s a free-to-play base version, but on consoles there’s no demo—you can only buy the Standard or Deluxe editions.The graphics are underwhelming, the AI often falls short, the content is limited, and the interface can be confusing. These issues weigh down a game whose main appeal lies in an interesting driving model—though some cars behave inconsistently—with physics that are generally believable and satisfying, aside from occasional collisions with opponents.There are bugs here and there, and the multiplayer experience isn’t always reliable. While there are some good elements, they get lost in the overall lackluster execution, especially when compared to the competition. In short, the balance between quality, content, and price leaves Rennsport struggling to impress.

We cannot call Football Manager 26 a failure, because at the heart of this football management game lies a vast, well-tested system of countless data points and cause-and-effect correlations, once again creating gameplay that makes every decision we make truly meaningful. The problem is that, in its attempt to innovate and refresh itself, FM26 has become much less user-friendly and linear than before, struggling with what we might call the “conceptual maps” that should link the various screens to the player’s actions. Even the new 3D match engine is largely in need of improvement and remains somewhat unsatisfactory at the dawn of 2026, with optimization still requiring fine-tuning. We can only hope that this marks a fresh start and that the future will return Football Manager to the heights we have long known.

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.

Static Dread: The Lighthouse successfully merges Lovecraftian cosmic dread with demanding bureaucratic management. Its oppressive atmosphere, excellent sound design, and non-linear moral dilemmas stand out, crafting a unique and paranoid experience. However, the core resource loop especially becomes too repetitive and forgiving in the late game, preventing it from achieving its full, terrifying potential.

You’d probably find the cover of this new edition of Sacred 2 right next to the word “remastered” on Wikipedia. Jokes aside, we’re talking about a pure remaster, where the fantasy hack and slash has been brought back in its original form, with very few additions such as updated graphics, slight controller-use optimization, and some interface improvements. Sacred 2 Fallen Angel Remastered plays fine, but it carries over the same problems it had at the time of its original release — including somewhat chaotic menus and situations where input commands don’t feel quite right. Besides some occasional crashes and bugs, this dive into the past can still offer a few hours of fun without too many expectations.

Bonaparte: A Mechanized Revolution is a bold and original strategy game, driven by a clear creative vision and a strong sense of identity. Its mix of politics, territory management, and turn-based tactics works best when all systems align, especially thanks to the presence of the mechs and the choice between Céline and César Bonaparte, which adds replayability and personality. Over time, however, some limitations emerge. The interface isn’t always intuitive, a few mechanics feel simplified, and the technical constraints of an indie production become visible during the more complex phases. The lack of an Italian localization also weighs on a game that relies heavily on text and political interaction.

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.

Roulette Hero attempts to offer an original concept by blending strategy and randomness, but it often ends up being repetitive, with a pace that struggles to truly engage. The graphics, while functional, lack charisma and distinctive style, making the visual experience unmemorable and unable to offset the monotony of the gameplay.

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.

Double Dragon Revive is a game that tries to be many things: a tribute, a relaunch, a modernization. It manages to evoke the past with respect, but stumbles in the present due to a lack of vision and polish. It's a title that may entertain nostalgics and offer a few hours of arcade action, but it's unlikely to leave a lasting mark on the modern beat 'em up landscape. The dragon is back, yes, but its roar sounds more like a cough.

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.

Playing Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 leaves behind a strange aftertaste — that of a game that tried, sincerely, to rise again, but never fully escaped the shadow of its own name. It’s a work burdened by expectation: a legacy of moral choice, seduction, and freedom that here survives only in fragments, like memories of a dream once vivid and now fading. The Chinese Room has crafted a game visually arresting and tonally melancholic, a beautiful echo of the World of Darkness brought to life with care and conviction. Yet beneath that cold, magnetic surface, the design falters. Its mechanics rarely match its ambitions, its choices lack real impact, and the immersive role-playing tension that once defined Bloodlines feels reduced to an illusion.

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.

Bounty Star offers familiar mechanics in an original setting. Not everything works perfectly, but as a mecha fan I enjoyed my time with it. That said, Dinogod’s debut struggles on several fronts, from combat balance to underdeveloped systems. It’s not a game I’d recommend without reservations, especially at full price, but if the concept appeals to you, you’ll probably be able to overlook its flaws.

Painkiller (2025) is a game that hits hard in the moment, but fades away as soon as the screen goes dark. It’s a well-crafted exercise in style, where rhythm, co-op action and technical solidity take center stage, yet they’re not enough to summon the fury and identity that once made the original a legend. Behind the metallic blaze and the storm of bullets, something essential is missing: a beating heart, a vision, a damned soul capable of leaving a mark. Because metal in your ears isn’t enough to bring a demon back to life, you need a heart too. And sadly, this one doesn’t have it.

Fast & Furious Arcade Edition does exactly what it promises, bringing the original arcade formula to home systems without any additions or compromises. Adrenaline-fueled races, exotic settings, explosions, fiery trails, jumps that defy the laws of physics: it has everything you would expect to find. In its frankness, Fast & Furious Arcade Edition offers everything right away: eight vehicles, six tracks, and lots of small doses of adrenaline to take in even when you don't have much time. What you see is what you get.

Where Arceus dared, Z-A retreats, offering an experience that neither innovates, excites, nor engages. The return of Mega Evolutions, while interesting, isn’t enough to save a game that feels built with minimal effort for maximum commercial gain. The “Legends” series thus loses its original meaning, and Z-A stands as a symbol of a creative crisis that Game Freak doesn’t yet seem ready to confront. For those curious about the new battle system and the thrill of catching Pokémon — which still manages to inspire some excitement — there’s something here for you too.

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.

Dreams of Another is a game that tries to bring several interesting ideas to the table. The most notable being the reversal of the concepts of destruction and creation, and the conceptual animism of the various objects inhabiting its world. Unfortunately, Baiyon and Q-Games’ work fails to make good use of these ideas and ends up feeling dull, both in its gameplay dynamics and in its storytelling. To top it all off, the game’s underlying philosophy feels forced and overly simplistic, making it hard to engage more mature players. Baiyon has described Dreams of Another as his latest art installment, and if we’re to judge it as such, it’s worth remembering that one doesn’t always have to understand art; it just has to make you feel something. In my case, it made me feel nothing but boredom.

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.

Death on the Nile manages to entertain and keep you engaged, with a story that still feels compelling after so many adaptations. The new ideas don’t always land and some choices feel like missed opportunities. Still, it’s an adventure that flows well and offers a few enjoyable hours to anyone who loves detective stories.

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.

If you're looking for a roguelike set in a dark fantasy world, there's no shortage of options, but I must admit that Doomspire has some things going for it that could be a little better. It's not currently in Early Access, but it should have been so that more experimentation could be done before launching to the public. However, it's fun for a few hours if you can find the right motivation.

More of a parallel line than a true evolution, Titanic Scion reinforces and expands Daemon X Machina’s strengths but doesn’t improve narratively, and its open-world elements only work in part. There’s a ton of content and opportunities, but the actual ‘quality time’ with Marvelous’ game is limited; the series still has a long way to go before becoming a must-buy. Fans of mecha and unconventional action, however, will find a fair compromise and plenty of fun.

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.

Perhaps more attention could have been given to quality of life improvements, Italian localization, and an additional graphical upgrade, but Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles brings back to our consoles one of the most iconic turn-based strategy games in history—still considered today one of the highest points of the genre. We’re dealing with a masterpiece in its own right, though it feels like Square Enix completed the task without particular ambition. That said, when the foundation is this strong, even a faithful adaptation without bold innovations can still deliver an unmissable video game. A deep and intricate storyline, well-written characters, and layered gameplay built around a job system that remains influential to this day—all these elements make Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles a remarkable title, just as the original was back in 1997. Add in the gameplay refinements, voice acting, and the soundtrack by master composer Hitoshi Sakimoto (almost identical to the original), and the result is clear: as fans we might have hoped for more, but the quality is undeniable. Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is a must-play for everyone, whether you have already experienced its incredible atmosphere or are about to step onto the battlefield alongside Ramza and his companions for the very first time.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji is a decent but uneven expansion. The island looks great and the staff weapon adds some welcome variety to combat, with a handful of missions that feel true to the franchise’s roots. Still, too much of the content falls back on recycled mechanics and padded objectives, dragging down the pacing. The story does get closure, but the payoff feels more functional than memorable, leaving this DLC closer to optional add-on than essential chapter.

If you thoroughly enjoyed Super Robot Wars 30 and are looking for new thrills, Super Robot Wars Y doesn’t bring many fresh ideas, but it makes up for it with an excellent story. Otherwise, it’s everything you could want from a Super Robot Wars entry: a solid SRPG packed with hundreds of interactions and thousands of special moves, screams, explosions, and heroic poses. And if you love mecha anime but somehow never tried the series, you’ll fall in love instantly. The only downside is the rather steep cost of accessing all the DLC.

EA SPORTS FC 26 takes several steps forward, resulting in an enhanced gameplay experience. The two gameplay styles, Realistic and Competitive, manage to offer players a choice that can meet the needs of different audiences. However, it would have been interesting to allow all Realistic gameplay fans to play in competitive online modes, facing (naturally) only those who use the same gameplay style. That said, the improvements are clear and noticeable—goalkeepers above all—but in general progress has been made in almost every aspect, even if some rebounds during tackles leave something to be desired, and the overwhelming technical superiority of certain players still persists, with the risk of facing opponents who secure victories by endlessly spamming tricks. Aside from that, EA SPORTS FC 26 is a title with a simply boundless amount of content, and it surely has something to offer every football enthusiast—whether it’s for those who can’t resist the temptation of opening packs, those who are satisfied with a quick match every now and then, or those who dream of building their own career as a player or manager. Yes, we are certain that as the months go by, some issues will inevitably arise, but expecting everything to run smoothly in such a vast and ever-evolving title is far from realistic. For now, we step onto the pitch and enjoy EA SPORTS FC 26, thanks to the growth path the development team is taking more and more seriously, year after year.

Silent Hill f proves to be a remarkable restart for the series: brave and divisive, it may not find favor with series purists but traces a potential new future.

It's not the most original game in the world, but it has a clear identity, and if it gets the right platform and the public can understand it, it could make its way into a particularly crowded indie game market. It's fun, immediate, and works, even if it doesn't bring anything new or innovative.

The Beast marks the return of Kyle Crane, now more than just a Volatile, driven by vengeance against the Baron. The story is straightforward, lacking meaningful choices, with flat supporting characters and a weak antagonist, making it feel like a missed opportunity. Where the narrative falls short, the gameplay delivers: fluid, essential parkour, weighty combat, and oppressive nights recapture the tension of the original. Solid and enjoyable, but ultimately conservative.

Towa & The Guardians Of The Sacred Tree is an excellent game that will undoubtedly carve out its place among the best of its genre. A roguelite packed with action, challenging and layered thanks to the dual-character mechanic, weapon customization and the endless build possibilities of the Guardians. A well-crafted story told in a captivating way, steeped in typically Japanese mythology and enriched with human and environmental bonds. Its artistic direction is truly striking, supported by an evocative soundtrack and excellent technical performance. If you’re looking for a roguelite that blends storytelling, refined aesthetics and tactical challenge, this is the title for you.

Formula Legends may be an indie project, but it’s a well-crafted homage to the golden era of Formula 1. It strikes a balance between arcade accessibility and a layer of strategic nuance, offering smooth, enjoyable gameplay that only suffers from a few lingering bugs. The game is easy to pick up and play, delivering instant fun, yet mastering its vintage machines demands time and dedication. While it won’t go down as a landmark racing title, it provides plenty of entertainment for those who appreciate F1 history and prefer a more relaxed experience over the complexity of ultra-realistic sims. A strong package overall—though the lack of multiplayer is a notable drawback.

Bringing Frostpunk 2 to consoles was no small task, but the result is impressive. Technically, the game holds up remarkably well, with only a few reasonable compromises compared to high-end PCs. Performance is solid, and the transition to Xbox and PlayStation 5 feels natural. That said, there are a couple of drawbacks. Controller navigation—especially moving across hexes—can feel clunky, and the on-screen text is frustratingly tiny, even at maximum size. These issues aside, this is still the same outstanding city-builder we know: challenging, rewarding, and packed with tough decisions that keep you constantly balancing fleeting victories against looming crises. With its meticulous attention to detail, striking art direction, and relentless sense of urgency, Frostpunk 2 remains a must-play. Sure, you’ll need to accept some compromises, but the payoff—saving your people from the brink of extinction—is well worth it.

Mars Attracts is an original management game, capable of reversing roles and perspectives with pulp irony and a touch of cruelty. The basic graphics and improved interface don't overshadow the love for the franchise, evident in the grotesque gimmicks and Martian dialogue. It's just the beginning, but if the team can expand its content and refinements, this title could become a unique experience in the management game landscape.

There are few examples around of games as polished and refined as Hollow Knight: Silksong. Every single element of the game is the result of careful study and thoughtful consideration to ensure that players get exactly what Team Cherry wants to convey. And the difficulty, which is undeniably high even for a Metroidvania, is not an end in itself, but a means of transporting the player through a world that does not simply ask to be traversed, but revealed.

Borderlands 4 is everything fans were waiting for. Too bad that its way of being "more of the same" ends up being less than expected. It sticks to the gameplay formula stubbornly — the new approach to combat is insane — but the graphics, which don’t make a strong visual impression, also carry a heavy toll in terms of performance and system requirements. The missions take on a new style, but they’re less impactful than in previous installments. It’s not so much the added seriousness that makes the formula less satisfying, but rather that sometimes the motivations of the heroes or villains feel like they just don’t care enough to be compelling... But in the end, who cares? Grab a gun and jump into the arena: there’s lead, madness, and flying guts for everyone.

Overall, NHL 26 presents itself as a title that marks a necessary step in the right direction. However, the game is not without flaws, and the overall picture is a mix of innovation and stagnation.

The Order of Giants is a focused expansion that trades sweeping vistas for the claustrophobic tension of Rome’s catacombs. It doesn’t reinvent MachineGames’ formula, but refines it with dense atmosphere, solid environmental storytelling, and a compact narrative arc. Not flawless, yet it captures the spirit of Indiana Jones with respect and consistency.

NBA 2K26 hits the ground running as a complete and solid game in every respect, featuring a technical department up to the task, the series’ classic gameplay further refined and free of major flaws, and a substantial number of modes designed to keep you engaged with new content available at the start of each season, all the way until the next installment in the franchise.

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel stands out in an overcrowded bullet heaven landscape by blending fast-paced action with a structured system of classes, divine abilities, and permanent upgrades. Its Norse mythology setting isn’t just a visual choice but a thematic backbone that gives coherence to every run. The gameplay is rewarding, with enough variety to keep players engaged, even if progression can feel slow and objectives tend to repeat over time. Boss fights, especially in the later realms, deliver intensity and tactical depth, while the overall balance between chaos and strategy makes each session meaningful. Not every run feels memorable, but the game offers enough substance to position itself as one of the more distinctive and ambitious roguelikes of recent years.

Bad Cheese is a horror experience that builds its foundation on the design of SteamBoat Willie and the grotesque creations that emerged from its creator's mind. While the design is excellent, the game fails to fully satisfy in terms of gameplay. The various game sections and the title's short duration, however, keep it from becoming boring. Bad Cheese doesn't use blood or gore; the true horror lies in the reality experienced by the protagonist and, more importantly, how this reality appears through their eyes.

Helldivers 2 still got it: a year and a half after its release, Arrowhead's shooter is still extremely fun to play. A little less so to master. The sparse tutorial serves more as a metaphor for military inefficiency than an introduction to the game, but fortunately for Helldivers 2, there are still some players willing to help on the battlefield. The game brings with it the strengths and weaknesses of its PS5 counterpart on Xbox, and today the former still far outnumber the latter.

Ambitious but lacking bite, Echoes of the End borrows from bigger names yet struggles to engage. Its visuals are stunning and the puzzle-platforming has flashes of brilliance, but a directionless story and clunky combat drag it down. Ryn’s magical powers shine, though whenever they’re not in focus the experience falters. The potential is there, but it largely goes unrealized. Worth a shot for fans of narrative-driven adventures, but expect some frustrations.

Hell Is Us is a brave gaming experience that chooses to speak through silence, symbols and pain rather than dialogues or conventions. It’s not a game for everyone, but it’s a title that dares to be different, and in a landscape saturated with repetitive formulas, this is already a victory. The absence of on-screen indicators, the disturbing aesthetics, and the blend of emotional combat with environmental storytelling make it a disturbing, alienating journey, yet deeply captivating. Those looking for a classic action game might feel disoriented. But for those willing to lose themselves in a world that reflects the cracks of humanity, Hell Is Us is a hell worth crossing.

Lost Soul Aside is an action game that never tries to hide its derivative nature, in a festival of references that openly shows the many sources of inspiration used by the Ultizero team. Technically fair and nothing more, the title suffers from some bugs which, aside from a few camera issues, fortunately almost never ruin the flow of the game. Gameplay itself, though also derivative, turns out to be varied and sufficiently deep, especially against bosses and tougher opponents. The point is that Lost Soul Aside doesn’t invent anything and borrows heavily from titles that made action RPG history, but it manages to do so well, at least as far as playability is concerned—and that’s enough to entertain fans. Sure, the story and characters won’t go down in history, and we’re not dealing with a masterpiece, but the feeling during combat makes Lost Soul Aside a more-than-decent title. That said, at full price it may easily discourage even those who are just looking for a good action game.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an action game that cannot be missing from your library. From a technical standpoint, it's a triumph of beauty and level design, while in terms of gameplay it's truly unrivaled even by much more renowned games, thanks to a deep study of the original brand's concepts, transformed into an essential and highly enjoyable game.

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots marks a very welcome return for a brand that has been too-long absent from our consoles and the opening to multi-platform aims to enlarge the base, albeit at the little cost of graphic quality. The work is still very pleasant will satisfy old and new fans.

Cronos: The New Dawn is an ambitious work that marks a crucial moment for Bloober Team, following the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake. The game successfully blends contemporary themes like isolation and pandemic fears with science fiction storytelling in the best possible way. The choice to base "New Dawn" on the real industrial district of Nowa Huta adds a layer of realism that elevates the entire experience. However, we must be clear: Cronos is not for everyone. The constant inventory management, the difficulty of certain sections, and the lack of a proper game map could be too frustrating for those seeking a more accessible experience. Ultimately, Cronos: The New Dawn is a mature and conscious survival horror game, with which Bloober has finally found its authorial voice.

Drop Duchy and its DLC The Tribe represent a beautiful combination of strategy and creativity, where every element fits together with precision in a refined ludic mosaic that always manages to surprise. The base game offers a deep experience capable of blending different genres into an entertaining formula, while the expansion enriches everything with a new mystical faction, innovative mechanics, and an alternative vision of the game world. Its only flaw is that it sometimes tends to divert the player's attention a bit, as they are somewhat forced to repeat the same actions continuously, but it works quite well overall.

Ninja Theory remains faithful to its vision by delivering a game that focuses far more on narrative and technical achievement than on action. The result is an experience that must be analyzed in parts: technically outstanding, yet lacking on the gameplay side.The Enhanced version could have introduced the improvements the game truly needed, without altering its identity. Instead, the additions feel more like secondary elements that add little to the overall experience. What remains for the player is a powerful story, rich in emotions and excellently told, guiding them from start to finish, now enhanced with a new permadeath mode and the option to play at 60 FPS. The confirmation of the same score given to the version released a year ago should not be seen as a strength of the title.As such, the game is recommended for those who have not yet played Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, while those who already experienced Senua’s second journey will find nothing new in the Enhanced version.

Gears of War: Reloaded stands as the most accessible and stable way to revisit the original chapter, delivering the same heavy gameplay and grim atmosphere that defined the franchise nearly twenty years ago. Choosing to remaster a remaster rather than invest in a full remake feels like a missed opportunity, but on PC the technical polish, consistent performance, and overall fidelity make for a satisfying experience. Some limitations, such as the imperfect ultrawide support and the reliance on an aging engine, hold it back from true greatness, yet the strength of the original design still shines through, reminding us why this classic remains worth playing today.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a straightforward adaptation of R.L. Stine’s universe that captures the franchise’s playful horror but struggles to deliver lasting suspense. Its cartoonish art style is consistent, and the haunted book stands out as the most creative gameplay element. However, the experience quickly becomes predictable, with repetitive puzzles, basic stealth sequences, and a linear narrative that rarely surprises. The game works well as an accessible entry point for younger players or a nostalgic diversion for longtime fans, but lacks the depth and tension needed to leave a lasting impression.

Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening reaches a 6 more for the nostalgia effect than for the quality of the job done. The control system has to be revised from its roots, even if with practice you can still got to the bottom of it. A gift for the original series' lovers an an incentive for the others to rediscover it, but overall an average game.

Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is a respectful return to one of the most iconic RTS ever made, but it stops halfway between tribute and true restoration. The updated visuals and the convenience of having all campaigns in one place are welcome, yet the lack of deeper improvements is hard to ignore. It’s enjoyable and nostalgic, but also a reminder of what this remaster could have been with more ambition.