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.

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.

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.

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 Stranding 2 is a narratively disappointing and mechanically over-similar sequel. It lacks the novelty of its predecessor, and the "likes" mechanic has less impact. The story relies too heavily on retcons and unexplained plot points, failing to provide sufficient motivation to continue. This makes the familiar gameplay loop, predominantly seen in Mexico and Australia, difficult to endure compared to the first game. Previously, various elements lightened the journey, making it more tolerable, but now the burden is acutely felt. Even a more cohesive and less convoluted narrative might not have made the experience entirely digestible, but it would have certainly eased the dozens of hours required to reach the end.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Rally Arcade Classics lays its wheels on solid dirt, but the ride isn’t without bumps. The groundwork for a fun and satisfying experience is all there, yet the game struggles to build momentum. Its structure feels sluggish to kick off and somewhat weak in sustaining player engagement over time. Fans of more simulation-heavy rally titles will find plenty to enjoy here: the driving model is sharp and responsive, and there’s a respectable amount of content on offer, bolstered by online leaderboards that add a layer of long-term appeal. However, those approaching it with expectations of a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play arcade racer may find themselves let down. Much of said content demands time and dedication to access, which may not sit well with more action-oriented players.

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.

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.

Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is a fun and well-crafted multiplayer experience held back by a severely underpopulated community. Despite belonging to a hugely popular franchise and offering solid, chaotic gameplay with no real competition, it's struggling to take off. Worth checking out if you're into the genre, just make sure you have friends to play with, or you'll be stuck with bots.

Deliver At All Costs is a mix of madness, pure chaos, destruction but also unexpectedly human elements. The narrative compartment offers numerous elements to ponder, as well as hilarious moments to say the least. The well-crafted physics allows for the destruction of entire buildings, neighborhoods and vehicles, and is one of the game's main strengths. Contributing to this are maps that can be explored on foot or driving a car, a soundtrack perfect for the 1950s atmosphere, and really convincing voice acting. Some of the missions proved a bit monotonous, and the driving system gave us a hard time in the most excitable moments, but overall it is a definitely recommended adventure for fans of the genre.

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.

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.

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.

Black Desert Online finds a new home on PlayStation 5, bringing its entire world and the vast amount of content released so far. Perhaps more could have been expected performance-wise, as the frame rate occasionally stutters. In our hands, it remains the solid MMORPG we’ve played and come to know on many other platforms, with its action-based combat and RPG soul, though the grinding is still a bit too invasive, even if it helps to somewhat reduce the importance of in-game purchases. The absence of a subscription fee also offers a good reason to try Black Desert Online, but after all these years it would have been nice to see a more comfortable interface. All in all, it’s a valid title, though not perfect, and while the servers don’t seem particularly crowded at the moment, the situation should improve over time, especially since the console servers are cross-platform.

South of Midnight stands out for its setting, artistic design, and storyline, but when you pick up the controller, its weaknesses become apparent due to an extremely derivative gameplay experience that feels all too familiar from many other titles. Compulsion Games poured all its creativity into bringing this deep South of the United States to life, but ultimately delivered a repetitive gameplay system with little to say. I found myself playing through the interactive sections without much enthusiasm, viewing them more as a necessary step to get through as quickly as possible to uncover what the story had to offer. The narrative, however, is crafted with great care and delivers glimpses of “real” lives that are both striking and memorable, just like the mythology built around Hazel’s world. From a technical standpoint, the execution is inconsistent: the audio and soundtrack are excellent, but the graphics exhibit some noticeable rough edges, despite the strong artistic vision. The stop-motion effect (which I recommend disabling), while fascinating, makes everything feel too choppy, and the lack of some frames affects the overall fluiditY….South of Midnight is a good game, more for its story and atmosphere than for its gameplay. While the technical limitations may be attributed to a modest budget, the gameplay choices feel overly safe, ultimately holding back the ambitions of a title that had the potential to deliver more—though it remains an enjoyable experience.

Achilles: Survivor shows promising design and a solid gameplay core, blending the survivors-like formula with light strategy and mythological flair. The tactical construction system adds genuine depth, and the loop is engaging across multiple runs. However, the current content offering is modest, and performance issues are still present. With continued updates, it could grow into a standout title.

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.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a solid soulslike title, though it lacks the standout features needed to distinguish itself among the many games inspired by FromSoftware’s successes. Given its modest budget, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers combines decent artistic direction with a handful of original ideas, managing to entertain without delivering any major highs but providing an overall honest experience. The game offers an interesting progression system, which unfortunately clashes at times with some shortcomings in the combat mechanics—particularly inconsistent parrying. Still, there are several intriguing aspects, such as the Temperance mechanic, the skill tree, the wide variety of weapons, and the Fury system that introduces the Inner Demon. At times, the game feels a bit overloaded with features, risking a somewhat scattered experience. However, with enough discipline (and believe me, you’ll need it), players can enjoy themselves without focusing too much on the story, which is not always particularly inspired. For those already familiar with soulslikes, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers offers a fresh challenge that may not become a landmark in the genre, but definitely has something unique to contribute.

Paradoxically, this Remastered version of Days Gone seems more aimed at die-hard fans of the original than at newcomers. Bend Studio’s work once again falls into the same mistakes of the past, placing greater emphasis and polish on what are essentially secondary aspects of a game that almost seems to hide its best qualities beneath an imposing, yet fragile, exterior. There are technical improvements—lighting above all—but some are barely noticeable or simply not enough to truly capture the attention of more discerning players.

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.

Grit and Valor - 1949 is a delightfully tasty indie title that you don’t come across every day on Valve’s store. Charming dioramas, a story that’s overall original and intriguing, and an action game cleverly disguised as a tactical-strategic experience built around a decently conceived roguelike should, albeit with some reservation, convince you to make the purchase.

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.

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.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is a thoughtfully curated compilation that aims to relaunch a series that was probably overshadowed by Battle Network. After 20 years, time has somewhat washed away the sense of “disappointment” that once permeated various communities, allowing players to rediscover some unique JRPGs and introducing them to a new generation—especially fans of Mega Man. We believe that the Star Force saga features a solid combat system that can also satisfy the most demanding RPG players: some boss battles, particularly in Star Force 3, could really put players to the test. All things considered, this re-release doesn’t offer anything new, but it delights with a complete package that lets you enjoy the entire epic from start to finish (each chapter will take no less than 20 hours to complete 100%). Compared to other re-releases, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection doesn’t offer anything particularly revolutionary. However, having these historic games in a single package—without having to go crazy trying to track down an old Nintendo DS—is no small thing. And besides, Star Force 3 truly feels like a brand-new addition.

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.

It is certainly fascinating for those seeking a shift in perspective within the horror genre: no longer victims or hunters, but the very embodiment of architectural evil. Its strength lies in an original narrative concept, a dense atmosphere, and an aesthetic consistent with its dark world. However, behind the originality of the idea lurks a certain structural repetitiveness: the nights follow one another with mechanics that, although varied in detail, tend to repeat the same cycle of fear and defense. The house lives, yes, but at times it seems to dream the same nightmare over and over again.

Pirates VR: Jolly Roger is a pleasant and immersive experience where you get to live the life of a true pirate, filled with magic, adventure, and exploration. Unfortunately, the game lacks depth in both story and gameplay, leaving it as a title that excels in visuals and aesthetics but remains functional overall.

Milestone’s first steps into the new generation of virtual supercross entertain with an engaging, mostly well-executed, and fun package, though it’s quite challenging at first, and not without flaws. The supporting features in career mode don’t really stand out, and we wouldn’t have minded a few more changing elements to spice things up. The physics engine still needs some tweaking, and performance isn’t as stable as we’d like. That said, a couple of patches could easily fix these issues, and the upcoming new contents promised by the developers should help flesh out a currently underwhelming baseline. If you enjoyed previous entries, the technical improvements and the new sights offered by the updated roster and online championships might push you to try this new episode, while motorcycle enthusiasts could find a new passion in Monster Energy Supercross 25.

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.

Anyone with a penchant for narrative-driven video games should check out Aether & Iron: the captivating setting, the criminal undertones, and the wide variety of characters encountered and locations visited guarantee entertainment. Furthermore, there's the tactical component, which, without overdoing it, manages to offer a satisfying challenge. Seismic Squirrel's offering is certainly not without its flaws—at times it's a bit too textual and not visual—but it will win over those willing to immerse themselves in its story.

Eldegarde is a smart idea wrapped in a rougher execution: it distills MMO progression into bite sized sessions and bolts it onto a tense extraction loop that can feel genuinely rewarding. But the cracks show once the honeymoon fades, with combat that’s more heavy than deliberate, runs that start to blur together, and a few technical hiccups that demand patience. It has identity and real potential, just not the polish or momentum to become a daily habit yet.

Sons of Sparta is only a partially convincing experience; it has a surprisingly well-crafted soundtrack and a simple yet enjoyable story centered on the relationship between Kratos and his brother Deimos, but it suffers from a severe lack of identity that limits its impact. The gameplay works without ever excelling, the power-ups are useful but not particularly impactful, and the violence, a defining element of the world it belongs to, is toned down. The idea of ​​creating a smaller project could have proved successful, but the overly cautious management makes it a title that entertains for a few hours without truly leaving a mark. If it weren't for that name on the cover, it would easily go unnoticed.

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.

Screamer is one of the most visually striking and nostalgically satisfying arcade games to hit the market since the PS3/Xbox 360 era — the golden age of racing. Unfortunately, the game is undermined by frustrating AI and level design that prevents you from fully enjoying the experience it otherwise deserves, given what it has to offer.

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.

Mario Tennis Fever boasts an impressive roster and a robust multiplayer offering, but its single-player content is thin and the Story mode feels like little more than a red herring. Controller in hand, the gameplay ranks among the best the series has delivered, yet it’s not enough to justify a full-price purchase. Switch 2 needs true heavy hitters, and Camelot’s latest effort ultimately falls short of that mark.

Radiolight, although it doesn't present any technical problems, places us in a scenario that is perhaps a little lacking in detail, where the presence of more points of interest, such as buildings or other shelters, might have been more functional. However, it must be considered that the adventure takes place in a National Park, so one couldn't expect any real miracles in this respect.

Resistance doesn’t introduce any major innovations, but it once again delivers a solid mix of action and mission planning, which is the Rebellion’s winning formula. However, the series can no longer rely solely on its signature cinematic kills to stay relevant. A general refresh, including technical improvements, is becoming necessary before the franchise risks slipping into a nostalgic more of the same repetition.

Hordes of Hunger presents itself as a title that comfortably reaches a passing grade, yet fails to make the qualitative leap necessary to truly dominate the modern roguelite market in 2026. Although the manual combat concept is excellent and injects a welcome sense of freshness into a genre often too static, such as survivor-like games, the technical execution suffers from issues that undermine the long-term enjoyment of progression. The camera remains the most evident flaw, as getting stuck in the geometry of the Mountain Fortress during a boss fight can turn an engaging challenge into a moment of pure, unjustified frustration for the player. The balance of the Vampire build represents another critical point, since forcing the user down a single survival path drastically limits the creativity one would expect from such a layered and promising Forge system. The absence of an autosave system during runs and the persistent white flash in transitions to the Sanctuary further signal a lack of polish that Hyperstrange will need to address through targeted patches in order to avoid alienating the more detail-oriented segment of the community.

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.

Dear me, I was... is a visual novel that minimizes interactivity and pushes the medium of video games to its most extreme limits, telling a story of ordinary life in a delicate and evocative style, but one that requires a certain mood and sensitivity to be truly appreciated.

Recommending a GaaS title is always a gamble, especially in its early days, and Synduality: Echo of Ada is no exception. The core gameplay is solid, engaging, and entertaining, but the game could have had more content and the monetization is aggressive, also the game doesn't always respect players’ time.The way Game Studio e Bandai Namco built up the game makes it similar to a free-to-play, and in that case it would be a must-play, but the €40 price tag may raise some eyebrows. However, if you're a fan of extraction shooters, intrigued by the game's distinct Japanese aesthetic, or looking for a less "hardcore" entry into the genre, it might be worth considering. The real question is whether Game Studio and Bandai Namco will support it with meaningful content updates; an official roadmap would certainly help. For now, trips to Amasia may feel bittersweet, but with enough dedication, the game could still deliver some highly rewarding moments.

Survival Kids is a game intended for younger children, and in this respect it proves to be very suitable, offering clear, simple mechanics that evolve and increase over the course of the game. In this sense, the work done on the survival genre, broken down and reassembled into its basic parts, is interesting. It turns out to be equally true, however, that beyond novice players, for anyone else Survival Kids can be an intriguing pastime in small doses, only to tire in the long run.

The goal The Occultist sets for itself is a noble one: to artfully blend the world of the occult with that of survival horror—offering no weapons and no means of self-defense, relying instead solely on wits and puzzle-solving. It is a journey that did not always unfold harmoniously, yet one that successfully established the right atmosphere and maintained a high level of tension. However, one must also take into account certain technical limitations encountered on consoles, including a frame rate that is not exactly stable.

The heroine of this fantasy video game is not a legendary warrior forged in the fire of a thousand battles, but a young adult facing an existential crisis, dressed casually and wielding a sword made in China. The setting is not a mythical land, but an ordinary vacation spot. Dungeons of Hinterberg blends magic and everyday life in a mix that offers some good ideas, though not fully realized. Behind this facade lies an action/adventure game that aims to entertain with varied gameplay—and it succeeds, as long as you don’t expect too much.

Ink Reverie is a simple and lighthearted adventure, not very competitive and with easy-to-understand mechanics, despite a tutorial that is unfortunately unclear. However, the game dynamics quickly become easy to understand and will allow you to spend countless hours in evocative settings, listening to traditional Chinese music and decorating your ideal city with numerous buildings.

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.

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.

Outbound is a video game that managed to surprise us in its own way, incorporating van life into a hybrid formula capable of entertaining even those who don't particularly enjoy the genre. Crafting, resource gathering, and progression never feel overly frustrating, effectively balancing every single component and keeping it within the player's reach. The charm of this production is undeniable, but it's worth pointing out that around the midpoint of the experience (which will nonetheless last over 30 hours) and as the in-game days go by, a certain sense of repetitiveness sets in. Every single area has been designed to offer a sense of calm, with the sounds of ocean waves and rustling trees, in a dystopian future where only renewable energy is used without leaving the slightest mark on nature. However, this world feels too empty — no human presence, just us and a vast array of crafting possibilities. Fortunately, we have a wonderful little dog to keep us company, who represents the most "heartwarming" element of the entire game. Outbound is a relaxing game, an interactive holiday and a road trip that serves as an escape from the increasingly pulse-pounding frenzy of modern video games. Respect for the environment, a sense of community, and anti-consumerism — perhaps this title could even inspire us to reflect on an ever more sustainable future.

Minos is a maze-based roguelite featuring gameplay that is, all things considered, engaging—simple in structure yet remarkably deep in its mechanics. Its roguelite nature ensures that you are constantly facing new challenges within a system best described as a blend of strategy and tower defense. The goal of the game is not to hunt down aspiring heroes and tear them to shreds while playing as the Minotaur; rather, it is to devise the right strategy to funnel them toward traps and crossbows that will fire a few darts too many (much to your delight)...We believe Minos is well-suited for more contemplative players—those who enjoy experimenting with mechanics rather than adhering to a typically more linear, guided formula. If you value strategic planning, appreciate an intriguing storyline, and remain undeterred by repeated failures, then the Minotaur awaits you within that labyrinth—a maze that has become his very reason for being.

Siren’s Rest doesn’t expand the universe of Still Wakes the Deep, but it resurfaces quiet, long-buried fragments. It’s a brief experience — not always sharp — yet it resonates thanks to its intimate, human focus. It offers no clarity, no revelations, but it softly completes what was left unresolved. Sometimes, that’s all it needs to do.

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.

Waiting times and microtransactions are never welcome, but Pokémon Champions proves to be very user-friendly. Its current structure is ideal for players who want to explore the series’ competitive battling without investing too much time or resources, offering a progression system that is slow but steady. And most importantly, free. If this approach is maintained, it’s easy to recommend it to those who have drifted away over the years and would appreciate a more focused and controlled environment. You don't even need a subscription to play. That said, content and variety are still lacking. For now, at least. If you prefer having access to the full experience of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there’s little reason to switch, especially if you’re already used to playing online. And if you’re still unsure, Pokémon Showdown is always just a click away.

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.

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.

This isn’t the game that revolutionizes the genre, but it’s that kind of indie title that could entertain you for the hours needed to complete the main story. Frankly, I had hoped it would be much more, but overall I had fun, and it works well—especially if you lower your expectations a bit. A decent indie that does its job and is worth considering if you enjoy tactical games.

If you loved the first installment and don’t mind roguelikes, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die offers a fresh perspective on this intriguing game universe, perhaps less inspired, but still full of charm and plenty of content to explore. Others might struggle with its approach, which is quite a departure from the original, and there are certainly better alternatives within the genre. However, don’t overlook it if you’re looking for a solid action-RPG that’s not overly long but packed with character.

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.

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant in places, largely due to its superb sound design, The Midnight Walk ultimately falters with overly simplistic and permissive mechanics. This makes the gameplay feel disconnected from the depicted world's inherent brutality.

Fear the Timeloop is an indie game that, despite its low budget and lackluster animation, still manages to provide some thrills for genre fans. While you wait for the new official Resident Evil, take a tour of Saint Heritage Hospital.

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.

Actually, this Kayak VR DLC has no real flaws - it's the same wonderful experience, but in a new area that's brief, intense, and magnificent, yet really very short. You'll be the ones to make sense of the purchase, although obviously in a complete package, this addition is of great value.

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.

Reigns: The Witcher sticks to the formula established by the original Reigns without reinventing it. Its blend with CD Projekt Red’s fantasy RPG offers fans of the Witcher an enjoyable diversion alongside their favorite character, while also serving as a potential entry point for newcomers to the series. Overall, it’s not particularly captivating, but it gets the job done.

Midnight Murder Club brings an intriguing idea to the table which, while not reinventing the online shooter genre, attempts to give it a fresh twist. In a market dominated by fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action, Velan Studios takes the opposite route: a slower, more methodical gameplay where reflexes take a back seat and listening becomes the key to survival. The variety of modes and the addition of a guest pass show great attention to the community, though some limitations remain: for now, the game offers only one map and a pace that might feel too niche to achieve mainstream success. Even so, Midnight Murder Club has the potential to surprise genre enthusiasts; a rough diamond that, with the right polish, could truly shine.

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.

I Hate This Place is recommended for those seeking authentic, edgy, and uncompromising survival horror, and for those willing to endure frustration and disorientation in exchange for an intense, disturbing, and artistically unique experience. An uncomfortable, imperfect journey, but precisely for this reason profoundly consistent with its title and its vision.

Ultimately, Marathon presents itself as a kind of digital Rorschach test in which each player projects their own tolerance thresholds for frustration and aesthetic fascination: it is a work dedicated to gunplay fetishists who demand a physical response to every mouse input, and to those who, tired of the reassuring linearity of modern blockbusters, seek the thrill of fragmented and brutal storytelling. The shift toward the extraction shooter genre proves to be a bold strategic move to test the limits of competition, attracting anyone curious to see how the DNA of 1994 has mutated under Ziegler’s vision, while simultaneously forcefully repelling those who look for a guided approach or a minimalist UI. It is not a game for those who detest extraction anxiety or the permanent loss of loot, since the absence of waypoints and the informational overload of the HUD require a cognitive investment that many might find exhausting. Those with modern hardware and ultrawide displays will derive the greatest visual pleasure from this chromatic jungle, but they will still have to reckon with a system that gives nothing away and turns every mistake into a definitive erasure. Marathon, ultimately, is a technological shell that admits no compromises: either one accepts living within its distortions, or one is rejected by the system like obsolete code.

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.

I expected much more from this game, and I'm not referring to the graphics or the story, which nevertheless does an excellent job of drawing the player's attention to the vast semi-open world. The simplistic gameplay and lack of refined level design, combined with a combat system that certainly has a good variety of weapons, don't always deliver the feel every player deserves, and as a result, the developers only partially achieved their goals.

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.

Taken as a game, KARMA: The Dark World is well-crafted but has modest length and complexity. However, when viewed as an interactive cinematic experience, it becomes a rather profound work that draws heavily from the greatest dystopian and science fiction masterpieces to immerse the player in a captivating story. The recommendation, therefore, is to approach it with this second perspective in mind.

Tomodachi Life does offer a dreamlike life, but for now it will mainly appeal to those who enjoy meticulously customizing every detail of their characters and have someone nearby to share their creations with. The base package is hilarious, yet somewhat lacking, and it runs out of steam fairly quickly. As a result, it’s hard to wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, although there are plenty of interesting possibilities should future updates expand the experience. Still, if cozy vibes and pure nonsense are your thing, the Mii will welcome you to their island with open arms. In their own peculiar way.

Pathologic 3 is a psychological horror game for a select few, a niche title that requires nothing short of divine patience to progress through its events. As if that weren’t enough, it also introduces time travel, which could have opened the door to even more rewarding narrative developments, had it not been implemented so sparingly. We found ourselves facing a demanding, strange, and difficult production, with an absolutely complex plot. The lack of Italian localization makes it even less of a game suitable for everyone. However, if you manage to overlook some issues, the overall experience isn’t that bad, especially thanks to convincingly written characters. Who do we recommend it to? Certainly to longtime fans of the franchise (even though they will notice some differences compared to the previous installment) and to those looking for a true horror challenge with strong narrative depth. That said, you may also experience moments of frustration and discouragement: you’ve been warned.

Half Away is the first game from Italian team Better Half Team. Inspired by Slavic and Japanese folklore, it offers an engaging story from the very beginning, with puzzles that are as simple as they are stimulating and enjoyable. The different areas available make the experience even more dynamic, although it is very short. It's not a perfect game, of course, but it's an excellent debut.

If you missed the rugged goblin, then you'll be able to relate to it just as you did with the previous installments. And despite a few stumbles, fans of the genre will have a blast.

Killing Floor 3 delivers on its promise of brutal combat and satisfying weapon feedback, offering moments of adrenaline-fueled chaos that feel tactile and intense. The gunplay is sharp, and close-quarters fights can be thrilling, especially for players looking for raw, straightforward action. However, beneath the surface lies a game that struggles to justify its existence as a full sequel. Mission structure becomes repetitive quickly, co-op elements feel underdeveloped, and boss fights often devolve into chaotic bullet sponges. The perk and crafting systems, while ambitious, lack meaningful progression and fail to keep the gameplay loop engaging. Technically, the game performs well on Xbox Series X, but its visuals, level design, and presentation rarely rise above the average. Killing Floor 3 plays well enough—but in a genre that’s evolving rapidly, it feels stuck in place, offering fleeting thrills without long-term hooks.

The Deadly Path is a jumble of good ideas thrown together haphazardly. The result is a confusing level design that explains almost nothing, despite the lengthy tutorial. It's not entirely bad, but it's also not designed to truly capture the player's attention beyond a few games. Hopefully, future revisions will improve it.

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.

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.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is simultaneously everything we wanted and everything we didn’t from this franchise. Crystal Dynamics and Bit Bot Media skillfully use the character of Elaleth to recount the behind-the-scenes events that shaped Nosgoth, introducing a series of narrative elements that pave the way for the saga’s future. On the flip side, however, the artistic and gameplay offerings fail to satisfy those who have waited over 20 years for a new chapter. With the exception of the voice acting and a soundtrack that matches the quality of previous entries, Ascendance represents a technical step backward in every respect. For those who love 2D platformers or can look past a low-budget aesthetic and gameplay, there is a well-told story here; one that lays the groundwork for a future that will hopefully head in a different direction.

City Hunter returns to current-generation consoles in a remaster that doesn't just do its homework, but delivers a complete version of a very niche title aimed at the game's most die-hard fans. It's a faithful port of the original PC Engine version (also localized in Italian) with numerous bug fixes and gameplay tweaks to bring it more in line with modern times. However, there are limitations stemming from its age, some "gameplay niggles" that make this formula too repetitive and (perhaps) lacking appeal, not to mention a meager running time that doesn't fully justify its asking price. Nevertheless, City Hunter fans will be happy to embark on this new mission and, more precisely, (re)discover a forgotten title brought to life in a new light for all lovers of the game and video games in general.

Hunt The Pale Gods is one of those games that gets the job done, but not very well. Among indie games, the card game genre is definitely a highly sought-after one, and this title has some good ideas up its sleeve. Unfortunately, the difficulty settings, minimal rewards, and low replayability make it a forgettable experience.

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.

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.

Sudden Strike 5 is an unusual strategy game where, despite the presence of tactical pause, the real-time gameplay remains strongly at the forefront. Players are required to maintain a high level of attention and react quickly, both when planning their own moves and when responding to enemy actions. The ability to choose a commander and take advantage of their different perks adds variety to the missions, allowing them to be approached with different playstyles to a certain extent. Larger maps, new units, and several small innovations make Sudden Strike 5 an improvement over its predecessor in many ways, but there are still several quality-of-life aspects that need refinement. The learning curve is extremely steep and there is no proper tutorial to guide players, while the interface feels confusing both during gameplay and on the minimap. On top of that, balancing and AI issues are hard to ignore. The controls in the version I tested also deserve some reworking, regardless of the fact that a game of this type on console will always have to contend with the limitations of a controller. All things considered, the war fought by Sudden Strike 5 is ultimately won, but only with great effort and with many collateral losses left to count.

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.

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.

FBC: Firebreak delivers a solid cooperative framework with a few clever mechanics, but struggles to stand out. While it captures the visual identity of Control, its repetitive mission structure, shallow progression, and lack of narrative depth limit its lasting appeal. Best enjoyed in short bursts with friends, it feels more like a side project than a meaningful expansion of the Remedy universe.

COLD VR is a game that doesn’t do anything exceptional, especially when it comes to gameplay once you put on the headset. Yet, it has a story that is overall nice to follow, with that retro '80s vibe that looked to the future — and it works. However, these are just small doses, in a market that struggles or poorly imitates, and this game is not exempt from that aspect.

The Siege and the Sandfox makes a strong first impression with its intriguing premise and stellar presentation, and with a few well-aimed updates Cardboard Sword's project could truly shine. However, there are currently too many rough edges holding it back. Tighter and more responsive controls would better support the game’s acrobatic nature without compromising its identity, while smarter and more consistent AI would make the stealth elements far more engaging, though we're not entirely sold on their integration to begin with. Still, if the concept piques your interest, there’s no reason not to give this “stealthvania” a shot, just be ready to accept a few trade-offs.

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.

Disciples: Domination is a sequel that embraces absolute continuity. It corrects some of Liberation's imbalances, increases the challenge, and consolidates the foundations, but it stops there. The combat system works, the factions offer distinct approaches, and the dark fantasy atmosphere remains intact. But it lacks the bold vision that could transform a good strategy game into a memorable one. Where evolution was expected, Domination opts for maintenance. Solid but predictable: it will convince those looking for exactly what they already know, disappointing those hoping for a decisive step forward.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is not the product we expected following the remaster of the two Soul Reaver titles. This release feels like another "nostalgia bait" operation that is, frankly, difficult to justify. One commendable addition is the over-the-shoulder camera, which significantly improves the game's quality of life and assists during both platforming sections and combat. On the other hand, new mechanics such as the local map and the "foresight" ability feel negligible, adding very little to the overall experience. The graphical enhancements applied to the environments are bland and barely noticeable; in fact, they occasionally break the atmosphere of the original game. While the character models are highly detailed, the development team seems to have taken too many liberties in redesigning some of the key protagonists. From a gameplay perspective, the title suffers from the exact same issues as the original 2004 release: it remains repetitive and tedious, both in its combat encounters and its environmental puzzles. Ultimately, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered stays afloat solely thanks to the masterful narrative and world-building of the original game, but it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.