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

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

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.

Underdogs features a good story, especially well told, excellent arena-based action aboard wearable exoskeletons and a great combat feel. It’s just a pity about a few rough edges and a not-so-abundant amount of content, but overall, it works quite well.

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.

We’ve finished Atomfall, and now we can truly judge it. It’s not perfect, but over time, it leaves something behind that many more polished titles can only dream of. It’s a game that carves out its space quietly, without shouting, but with clear ideas, a personal vision, and an old-fashioned boldness. Not everything works, but what does work does so well that it deserves more than just a passing mention.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

The Day I Became a Bird is a narrative video game that captures the emotional essence of a child's first love, as described in Ingrid Chabbert's book of the same name. It's a journey of discovery and the purest expression of one's childhood self, as well as an early message about the development of "social skills." However, this transformation into a sparrow is characterized by an all-too-brief flight, touching in some ways but lacking in playfulness. It's a game aimed primarily at children, recommended for parents who want their little ones to experience a truly interactive and at times emotional adventure. However, a few gameplay elements and extremely basic puzzles are not enough to make this poem a true video game masterpiece. In any case, this journey was brought to life with great artistic mastery, both in terms of the overall graphics and the sound system. An emotional story that brings out your inner child, but we wish it could have lasted a little longer.

Commandos: Origins stays true to the classic formula, updating it with modern mechanics and solid level design. The gameplay is deep and rewarding—especially for players who prefer brains over brute force. However, the lack of cohesive narrative progression, some technical shortcomings, and occasionally unbalanced abilities prevent it from reaching true excellence. A compelling comeback for those seeking challenge and precision, as long as you're patient enough to deal with its rough edges.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Blades of Fire has definitely won us over: MercurySteam's work easily holds its own against more renowned teams and graphics engines, offering a pleasant and exciting gaming experience - except for the occasional flaw - in what is not "the usual souls-like" but a game with interesting and exclusive ideas and at the same time a vast and intriguing development. A real surprise in a gaming landscape increasingly full of sequels and "more of the same".

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.

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.

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.

By abandoning its iconic diorama perspective for a generic and clunky first-person view, Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes completely loses the soul of the franchise. Plagued by frustrating climbing mechanics, snap-turning issues, and an empty fan-service narrative, this short two-hour hide-and-seek experience fails to capture the tragic melancholy of the original games. Despite decent sound design and the inherent immersion of VR, it remains a deeply disappointing transition.

Playing today these Tomb Raider adventures feels undeniably outdated. The two main entries in this collection seem to dredge up the murkier parts of the franchise, while Angel of Darkness remains, arguably, the worst installment in Tomb Raider history. if that's not enough, consider that Aspyr’s control implementation is nearly unplayable—whether using the classic tank controls or the modernized scheme. So, does this revival make sense? Not really. However, if you're a die-hard fan from the golden era and find yourself longing for Lara, you might still want to give it a shot.

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.

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.

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.

Since its first announcements, Eternal Strands has never hidden its big ambitions, and it must be said that it has proven to be a solid and surprisingly engaging project. The game world, the clever management of powers, the inclusion of "Titans," and how these features interact create a deeply satisfying experience, evoking feelings akin to triple-A titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s clear that the development team at Tellow Brick Games has poured their creative energy into the project. Of course, the budget and size of the team cannot compete with more high-profile titles, but Eternal Strands has several notable strengths, despite facing some significant drawbacks. Frame rate drops, an occasionally unresponsive camera, and imprecise magic and combat controls risk undermining the core gameplay. The story and artistic impact aren’t particularly groundbreaking but serve the roughly 25-hour gameplay experience well, while the sound design offers a few standout moments. If you're looking for a good action-adventure game, Eternal Strands may attract your attention, even if it is heavily derivative in nature.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is the latest entry in Robot Entertainment’s beloved series and introduces a compelling roguelite formula, which requires a significant investment of time and dedication to be mastered with the aim to bring the experience to higher levels.

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.

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.

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.

Heartworm starts off very well, presenting an intimate and personal theme like grief and its processing, a well-crafted atmosphere, and a sense of growing tension. However, when it tries to do more, this is where it begins to falter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I wouldn’t recommend No Sleep for Kaname Date at full price, not even to the series’ most die-hard fans. Spike Chunsoft’s spin-off doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and while it may entertain those simply craving another outing with Date in this bizarre universe, it relies too heavily on familiar tropes without expanding or deepening them. As a result, it struggles to carve out its own identity or leave a lasting impression. The story has its moments, but it's padded with obvious narrative detours that drag the experience down; cut the fluff and you'd have a solid standalone expansion. The escape rooms are fun, though far from essential. The cast and comedic direction remain top-notch as always, but is that enough to justify a purchase? If you're new to the franchise... what are you even doing here? Go play The Somnium Files first.

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.

Shadow Labyrinth gives birth to the Pactroidvania genre, giving a level structure as intricate as the name suggests, a deeper plot than anyone could have predicted and myriads of references. It is a game that absolutely should not be taken lightly, intended for both new players and long-time fans.

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.

Warriors: Abyss may be what many would call a “small game,” but that doesn’t take away from its quality or fun factor. The game prioritizes efficiency and fluidity over sheer visual impact. These technical choices make for a fast-paced and chaotic, yet consistently smooth experience; no small feat given the overwhelming number of models on screen. The run-to-run progression keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, ensuring that every new game is always different and scheming. In its genre, Warriors: Abyss can be defined a success.

JDM is absolutely "raw", it has a huge heart, some flaws, but it doesn't miss a beat when it comes to doing real "drift". If you like arcade racing... buy it! If you like drifting in a more or less thorough way, with pad or steering wheel, don't leave it on the shelf.

Spirit of the North 2 is both a "more of the same" of the first chapter and a missed opportunity for the development team to take flight with a superior quality product. The Lore and the game-design are amazing, this is undeniable, but the technical problems and the superficiality in the interface make the gameplay difficult and cumbersome, preventing us from giving him a higher than sufficient rating. And it's honestly a shame...

Trident’s Tale is a pirate adventure designed to entertain without complications: colorful, accessible, and full of small ideas that make it enjoyable to explore, especially for younger players or those looking to relax between more demanding games. Despite some technical shortcomings and a fairly mild challenge, the game still manages to entertain with charm and lightheartedness. However, players seeking depth, variety in combat, or a higher level of difficulty might find it too simplified for their tastes.

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.

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.

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.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check offers a handful of interesting ideas compared to traditional simulation games, but its strengths never extend beyond the initial premise. Brigada Games’ title plays all its cards early on, only to struggle in later sessions with repetitive and shallow mechanics. A more solid framework and more demanding challenges could have alleviated the gameplay’s tedious nature, but in its current state it is hard to recommend, especially at its asking price.

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.

Gundam fans, especially those fond of SEED, will enjoy this nostalgic dive into the Cosmic Era. Everyone else is left with a middling action game packed with names but lacking in substance. The generous framework might appeal to genre enthusiasts and even spark interest in the source material, but as a standalone experience, Battle Destiny Remastered falls short, and struggles even more on Switch.

Fallen City Brawl is a game that, despite its limits, manages to entertain. It’s a short but intense experience, ideal for those who want to relive the atmosphere of pinball machines and arcades. The graphical imperfections, the questionable weapon balancing, and a certain lack of polish keep it away from excellence, but the beating heart of the beat ’em up is there—and it beats strong.

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.

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.

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.

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade isn't a bad game, but it's not a good game either. The graphic design would certainly have deserved more attention for the actual systems and the three stories, despite being different and pleasant to play, offer the same enemies and bosses. You will fell about playing the same game three times, and it is a shame. But there's worse out there.

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.

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.

The Precinct is a bit of a disappointment, even if it survives with a passing grade. Aesthetically pleasing, not a complete failure, but generally banal both in terms of how it is played and how it was conceived. An indie game lacking in ideas and programmed superficially, but disguised with pleasant graphics that hide its flaws. It is not completely bad, but it will hardly be remembered.

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.

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.

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.

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is a sort of spiritual clone of Castlevania, less inspired but still with a big heart. The sequel to an IP that not everyone remembers, but that can find admirers among those who still love this genre of games today and that fully deserves a place in your library.

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.

Edens Zero delivers an uneven experience: it captures the heart of Mashima’s universe with a colorful cast and a strong soundtrack, but the shallow combat and dated technical execution hold it back. Fans will find enough to enjoy, newcomers may be intrigued, but anyone seeking depth or polish will likely walk away disappointed.

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.

An inspired and well-crafted presentation, combined with a solid blend of tried-and-true mechanics, makes Steel Seed a visually striking and technically competent package. However, seasoned fans of the genre will quickly spot the cracks in a game that plays it safe and rarely ventures outside its comfort zone. It’s not the next Metal Gear Solid or Metal Gear Rising, but it does its best to merge elements from both worlds, delivering an entertaining and polished experience, though without any standout highs. For fans of stealth and action games, Steel Seed offers a focused, finely tuned adventure that may not break new ground, but hits all the right notes.

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.

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.

Are you a Hardcore Macross or a shoot’ em up fan? Then you might find something to enjoy in Macross: Shooting Insight, especially if you can access the Japan-exclusive content. However, the high price tag feels steep given the limited scope and overall quality of the experience. Kaminari Games doesn’t do much to make the title stand out, either as a celebration of the Macross franchise or as a compelling shmup. Keeping expectations in check is key. For everyone else, it’s hard to find a compelling reason to pick this up, aside from the potential spark of interest in exploring the iconic mecha series. It’s not much, but it’s something. Here’s hoping Macross gets the global recognition it deserves once again.

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

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.

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.

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.

Pokémon Friends is a refreshing experience in the Pokémon gaming landscape. Leaving behind the focus on battle and competitiveness, it offers a peaceful haven where you can craft plush toys and customize environments. With its intuitive gameplay, a myriad of fun activities, and a daily quest system that rewards persistence, Pokémon Friends is a game that will delight anyone seeking a more intimate, relaxing, and deeply rewarding Pokémon experience, but it's not for those seeking a more complex and in-depth challenge.

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.

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.

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.

Nintendo games usually impress with the sheer number of ideas they contain, often used only once and then set aside. Drag x Drive, on the other hand, clings insistently to its central idea, controlling characters on wheels using the Joycon 2 held like a mouse, and never strays from it. Not even when it would be better to do so, for example, by managing the various modes via menus. The main fault, however, is paradoxically that it makes little use of this mechanic, offering a limited variety of challenges beyond online competitions and battles with bots. Perhaps there will be updates in the future, but at the moment Drag x Drive would make more sense as part of a collection of games than sold as a standalone game (albeit at a low price).

"Buying this album comes with a free game" is a line I’ve seen applied to many titles before, and usually when the foundation was solid to begin with. That’s not quite the case with Antro. Its platforming and rhythm mechanics still need fine-tuning, and while there are glimpses of potential, there simply isn't enough substance to truly assess its quality. Best suited for genre enthusiasts or those looking to support a small indie team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite the 'Enhanced Edition' label, The Shore's console release fails to salvage a fundamentally flawed experience. While the creature design is genuinely unsettling and the opening moments build a solid, oppressive atmosphere, the game quickly devolves into a disjointed theme park of Lovecraftian tropes. Bogged down by clunky exploration, uninspired puzzles, and a narrative that loses all focus and logical progression, it ultimately fails to stand out in a heavily saturated genre. A missed opportunity that sinks just below a passing grade.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Death Relives offers an excellent core concept, an interesting yet underexplored context - Aztec mythology - and an antagonist whose presence is deeply felt throughout the short adventure. However, the mechanics as implemented lean too heavily on stealth, depriving the experience of a true balance between aggression and caution, and the occasional bugs don't help matters. This is without considering the heavy reliance on artificial intelligence, which, while adequate for communicating with Adrian's father (despite its overly simple nature), is intolerable for the rest of the supporting application - even more so given the lack of oversight over the results. The ambition to offer something different is there, but the actual execution of these intentions falters considerably.

At the time of writing we don't know in what form or for how much The Little Brave will be sold, but our hope is that Dmitrii Batov will place it in early access and at a budget price to gain experience and in the meantime fix its issues thanks to user feedback, because at the moment I really don't feel like recommending his work; it's broken, uninteresting and even less refined. Even if I didn't have to constantly argue with the controls, the combat system was working properly and the game didn't implode following the mere act of restarting from a random checkpoint, I still would hardly be able to find a niche for it in the midst of metroidvanias that clog Steam's library, however we would be playing something at least functional. Ironically the game lends itself well to speedruns, given the fact that it only seems possible to be completed in one go and without dying along the way.

BrokenLore: Low is a prelude that goes out of its way to undermine any possible curiosity towards the following chapters. The story, or perhaps it would be better to say the idea of a story that they wanted to tell, is absolutely mismanaged in terms of pacing, quality, and characters; it goes from an excessive overexposure of the few elements that make it up to an absolute crypticness that would like to convey mystery but, at most, only passes confusion. The gameplay comes out just as badly broken, as it is characterized by a constant running in circles and by a setting that would like to be disorienting but completely fails, resulting in monotonous and repetitive due to its circular structure. The low-poly section is not clear why it was inserted, although it has at least the merit of tearing us away from the constant spinning around mentioned above. Even from an aesthetic point of view, nothing of the game is saved, both for the scarcity of models and for the quality of the same when human characters come on the scene.

Compilations like this are always tricky to evaluate. On one hand, we appreciate QUByte Interactive and Atari’s work in reviving these classics in their purest form (except for Barkley Shut Up and Jam!, though the omission is understandable), adding just a few modern features to attract a younger audience. On the other, we can’t help but wonder if more could have been done with both the existing material and the broader Accolade catalog. Extras like scanned original manuals, the ability to experience different versions of each game, or historical documents would have made the package more appealing. Given the wide library at their disposal, a few additional titles wouldn’t have hurt this Sports Collection. Furthermore, Winter Challenge and Summer Challenge haven’t aged well, while the two HardBall! entries feel redundant, slightly diminishing the overall value of the collection. That said, those who fondly remember these games from their youth or have a passion for retro sports titles will still find plenty of entertainment here.