Among the finest soulslike games around, though the label doesn’t quite do it justice. This is an action game brimming with charisma, featuring fierce, exhilarating gameplay destined to earn a place in the hall of fame of great classics. Even if you're not familiar with the lore of Dungeon & Fighter, it's still worth diving into its dark fantasy story and experiencing a game that caters to all those who crave a real challenge.

Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is a product a half-step below failing, demonstrating how little has been learned from the previous experience, and even less has been decided to improve. Lacking an engaging story, despite the interesting premises, with forgettable gameplay and especially gunplay, exploration reduced to the bone, and the threats posed by the dolls that, before too long, cease to have the scary effect they should have, the game drags us into its confused spiral for several hours, at the end of which we are left empty-handed, wondering what exactly happened.

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.

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.

AI LIMIT is a soulslike with a strong action imprint and plenty of character. It won’t surprise you with innovative graphics or an out-of-the-box gameplay experience, but rather with how extraordinarily well it accomplishes its goal of delivering emotions to fans of the genre. The progression, upgrades, and weapons are excellent, making it a must-have for your library.

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.

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.

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.

Despite it being an Early Access, therefore subject to future improvements, Sancticide is a project that should be taken and redone from the ground up. It's not just a matter of bugs or technical problems of any kind, but of a completely poorly thought out and implemented gameplay system, as well as an unproposable narration and dubbing. The only, very small aspect that we can save concerns the sketches of the enemies and in particular of the non-human creatures, along with their descriptions, but it is certainly not enough to lift from the ground a game that is the cause of its own apocalypse. [Early Access Review]

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an ambitious entry that blends stealth and action within a captivating setting and layered gameplay. The duality between Naoe and Yasuke works well, but a sluggish progression and an underwhelming finale weaken the narrative impact. Technically solid with decent PC support, it still suffers from some bugs and a world that feels less reactive than expected. An engaging experience, but no revolution in sight. Is that a good or a bad thing? Only time will tell, depending on Ubisoft’s next moves for the franchise.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition is the sumptuous return of a series that reached an incredible technical and performance peak on the Wii U, but it still holds up very well on the Switch, because the heart of the game lies in solid RPG gameplay that deserves more attention from the public.

WWE 2K25 brings back the wrestling saga created in collaboration between WWE, 2K and Visual Concepts to the glories of the past with a revamped Showcase, which revels in playing with the great “what ifs” of history, and many additions and refinements in each of its components. The Island, the new online mode, did not, however, bring that hoped-for momentum. This chapter is great, but the risk of repetitiveness is around the corner: new ideas are needed for the future.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a JRPG that stays true to the signature style of the saga, offering a vast world to explore and an abundance of alchemy, featuring one of the most intricate and comprehensive crafting systems in the gaming landscape. The decision to switch to a more action-oriented combat system compared to previous entries speeds up both battles and exploration. However, it makes fights feel somewhat bland and chaotic due to gameplay that, in this regard, lacks refinement. From a technical standpoint, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is well-crafted and offers a wealth of locations to discover. That said, truly interesting points are somewhat limited. There are hundreds upon hundreds of ingredients to collect, many enemies to defeat, and numerous side quests to complete, yet these activities tend to become repetitive, following the same familiar patterns. While it may not be the game that brings the Atelier brand into the mainstream, for crafting enthusiasts, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a title not to be missed.

A true video game enthusiast cannot remain indifferent to the romantic figure of the solo developer who brings their creation to life driven by pure passion, even going so far as to program the game engine themselves just to translate their aspirations into the form they deem most authentic. If this developer then manages to craft a high-level gaming experience — one of the best in the metroidvania genre — supporting them becomes the least one can do, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because rewarding the most valuable and passionate projects is the best way to ensure we’ll see more beautiful games in the future. Experiencing something like Animal Well is an act of love, both for oneself and for video games.

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.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an extremely fun spin-off, packed with content and mini-games, which brings back many elements already seen in the Yakuza saga and tries to vary them, as well as adding mechanics related to pirate activities. It’s hard to talk about new features, but the fact remains that everything works perfectly, except for some camera issues in the more crowded situations. What’s disappointing is the story, even though it was clear from the start that the project had a “crazy” tone. Like A Dragon has always been known for mixing serious and lighthearted moments, but this time the dramatic component is so underdeveloped that it feels almost negligible. From a technical standpoint, the Ryu Ga Gotoku team did an excellent job, really squeezing the power of their graphics engine and delivering another great soundtrack, but the fact remains that the path taken in this episode must remain a unique one, not affecting the themes of the main chapters. It was reasonable to expect a better balance between the two narrative lines, but the truth is, despite being derivative, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off that works and entertains for many hours, especially if you let yourself get carried away by the many side activities. Put on a funny hat and join Captain Goro Majima’s crew.

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.

PGA Tour 2K25 is a good leap forward from the previous chapter in numerous respects. Prominent is the revamped control system, EvoSwing, which aims to replicate on the right stick the swing of the golf club on the grass. but also from the point of view of graphics, sound and modes we can appreciate some new introductions, not as relevant as EvoSwing, but still appreciable. As for the outline, however, the direction taken is leading the series toward the standard sportsman structure, which in our opinion does not lend itself well to this discipline.

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.

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 PC port of Rise of the Ronin proves to be solid and highly scalable, thanks to a wide range of graphical options that allow for customization across different setups. However, preset adjustments are necessary to achieve the right balance, and some settings in the options menu feel less intuitive than expected. Since this test was conducted on a pre-release build, improvements may come with the day one update, and we genuinely hope they do.

Go Fight Fantastic! is a game that could (and should) have done better. Switching heroes in combat based on the situation might seem like a good idea, but it’s poorly executed in the context in which it's applied — partly due to uninspired level design and a repetitiveness that doesn’t really encourage players to stick with the game for long.

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is a production containing two jewels of the history of video games that finally return to our screens and, thanks to the work of Namco Bandai, acquire new lifeblood. To our great joy, a complete and punctual tradition arrives in Italian, allowing anyone to enjoy the original work of the late Yoshitaka Murayama, creator of the saga. The result of these remasterings in HD is good, but does not reach the peaks of recent works such as the remastered of Dragon Quest III, still maintaining an appreciable level also thanks to the effort of Junk Kawano and a soundtrack that is still of the highest quality today.

Split Fiction is a true tribute to video games as a medium of entertainment. It takes the winning formula of It Takes Two and amplifies it to the extreme, delivering engaging and ever-evolving gameplay. Zoe and Mio are protagonists that players can instantly connect with—they're young, reckless, and each carry a past they must come to terms with. Through their stories, they seek a way to express their emotions and feelings. At a time when the gaming industry is struggling to find the key to overcoming its self-inflicted crisis, Hazelight Studio proves that another path exists—one paved with ideas, creativity, and passion. A passion that raises the bar of the quality and cements Split Fiction’s place in the pantheon of video games.

Blood Typers is a survival horror distinguished by an intriguing concept and an excellent execution. It's ideal if you love the genre and are looking for an alternative experience, preferably with a few friends. Alone, it lacks a bit of punch, and the challenge quickly becomes monotonous, unless you want to test your typing skills in an interactive context. In a group, however, the package is (predictably) much more fun and alleviates the current lack of content and modes. The game is also inexpensive, and the developers seem very active in integrating fixes and community suggestions, which is good.

The absence of some classic franchise features may raise eyebrows among longtime fans, but as a single-player experience, Dynasty Warriors: Origin stands out as an excellent action RPG. Engaging, content-rich, and occasionally quite challenging, it refines and deepens the traditional musou formula, letting something behind compared to other installments, Dynasty Warriors Origins builds a solid foundation for the series' future.Recommended for action game enthusiasts in general, even those who have previously overlooked the musou genre; Origins might just change their minds.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is exactly what we were expecting: a perfect port of the original Nintendo Wii game, now enhanced with levels from the 3DS version and improved graphics.Of course, there could have been additional worlds and something more could have done with the graphics, but Nintendo decided to not make the extra effort.If you’ve never played it before, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience an iconic platformer that continues to stand the test of time.

Tale of Graces F Remastered revisits a title that, even in its original release, was not able to reach the peak of the Tales of series but still remained an enjoyable and appreciated entry with its traditional approach.The Tales of Graces F Remastered follows safe tracks with a solid and tested gameplay formula, though the story loses its momentum over time: it has a great start, but becomes somewhat predictable in the latter half.The combat system doesn’t disappoint, it offers the players a satisfying sense of mastery that grows with time, and the abundance of content will certainly please completists.However, the technical aspects are a bit underwhelming: despite a graphical update, there are elements that could have needed more care and attention.The soundtrack, too, deserved more refinement. Still, Bandai Namco has presented Tales of Graces F Remastered at an affordable price, making it an accessible offering for fans. Not a masterpiece, but a pleasant dive into a title that's easy to enjoy.

Despite its ominous title, Dead of Darkness shines as a rare beacon in the modern horror landscape, which often relies on remakes to deliver meaningful experiences. With meticulously crafted pixel art and a compelling narrative, this indie title embraces old-school survival horror mechanics reminiscent of the original Resident Evil. From inventory management to locked doors and scattered puzzles, this game, developed by one single person, offers a nostalgic yet gripping challenge for genre enthusiasts. And for those who crave even greater difficulty, two additional unlockable modes beyond "Hard" will push your survival instincts to the limit.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PC represents a high-quality port able to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike.With outstanding performance and impeccable visuals, it showcases a strong commitment to enhancing the experience on a new platform.While some customization options are limited, and ultrawide screen support is absent, the overall experience remains immersive and unforgettable, making it one of the best PC conversions in recent memory.

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.

If this game would have used Ninja Gaiden 2 as a starting point with "Black" as a refinement, it could have been the ultimate version. Unfortunately,it's a heavily reworked take on Sigma 2, missing not only some bosses from Sigma but also key elements from the original NG2, such as enemy placement and their strength. What remains intact is the series' signature, unparalleled gameplay, keeping it among the must-play action titles; if not for the existence of Itagaki’s Ninja Gaiden 2, which remains superior and unmatched.

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.

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is the kind of game where the skier’s skill mirrors your own with the controller, exceedingly challenging yet deeply rewarding once mastered.Although the experience was great, there are some structural defects that can make success a little frustrating at times.

The DreadOut Remastered Collection has the sole merit of making the original game and its expansion available on consoles. Beyond that, it does little to enhance two titles that, even in 2014, felt rough around the edges, offering the player a disappointing experience.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is an outstanding update to a classic of the genre.With significant improvements to graphics, netcode, and character customization, it delivers a fighting experience that remains thoroughly enjoyable, as long as you're willing to embrace its old-school gameplay. While the story is hardly a highlight (as is the case of the majority of fighting games), the deep and demanding combat system more than makes up for it. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is a must-have in the modern fighting game landscape.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an ambitious and immersive RPG that expands and refines the formula of its predecessor without losing its identity. Thanks to its deep gameplay mechanics, engaging storytelling and a meticulously crafted historical setting, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 offers a truly unique experience, though not without some technical limitations. Challenging and content-rich, this sequel is sure to captivate players seeking an authentic and lengthy adventure in the heart of medieval Bohemia.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is the kind of action game that surprises you, even after an already impressive first chapter. The storytelling is beautiful, albeit simple, and the combat system is effective for an indie title that has already captured the hearts of many.

The Spider-Man 2 PC port marks another milestone for Sony in bringing its exclusives to new platforms. Despite some technical imperfections, the game remains one of the best action open-world titles of recent years, with a solid technical foundation and stunning graphical fidelity. The PC version undoubtedly offers the most advanced visual experience, though it requires powerful hardware to truly shine. If Sony and Nixxes manage to further optimize the game with future updates, this could become the perfect Spider-Man 2 port for fans of the friendly neighborhood spider man.

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.

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.

Coridden is a well-crafted and accessible action-RPG, perfect for those unfamiliar with the genre or the ones that are looking for a less demanding (but still engaging) experience, especially in multiplayer. It stands out with a unique and well-implemented core idea, a fun and modular combat system with deep customization, a manageable playtime, and a grind-free progression. However, the game falls short in enemy variety (sure, transforming into defeated creatures is great, but more diverse foes would have been welcome) and suffers from an underwhelming narrative, suboptimal level design, and a lack of endgame content or a New Game+ mode for those who seek replayability. That said, thanks to its cooperative focus and budget-friendly price, Coridden is still an easy recommendation, especially if you plan to play with friends.

The Stone of Madness boasts a striking artistic direction and an effective sound design, both of which help create a tense and immersive atmosphere. However, technical issues and a lack of polish in key gameplay elements risk undermining the overall experience, turning suspense into frustration. If the development team releases targeted updates to address its major flaws, the game could become a much attracting and more rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

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.

Staying fresh and relevant is no easy feat—even for a giant like Civilization. The seventh entry in the legendary series, born from the visionary mind of Sid Meier, reshuffles the deck of its historic gameplay, presenting itself as a well-crafted, engaging title, albeit in a more streamlined form. Some hallmark features of past Civ games disappear, new ones emerge, and others are reimagined. Yet, Civilization VII remains a high-quality strategy experience, highly recommended for fans of the genre—though certain elements could have been refined further. It may not be an undisputed masterpiece, but it is undoubtedly a deep and rewarding game, challenging players across a journey as vast as human history itself. The question may be: is Civilization VIII better or worse than its predecessors?The question is irrelevant, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is simply different and offers a fresh take on one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.

Avowed is a solid RPG that modernizes Obsidian’s signature style. The writing is excellent and helps to turn a blind eye over some rough edges that, while not deal-breaking, are still noticeable. That said, the game succeeds in what it sets out to do, offering a satisfying level of depth both in gameplay and narrative themes. It also carries the charm of a classic RPG—at times feeling a bit dated, but often providing a comforting sense of familiarity.

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.

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.

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.

Don’t Nod’s latest videogame arrives with the heavy responsibility of being Life Is Strange successor. However, rather than crumbling under the pressure of such a comparison, it confidently makes a serious attempt at overtaking its legendary predecessor. While Max Caulfield was a relatable character players could easily identify with, Swann is an incredibly powerful protagonist—her fears, anxieties, and dreams are deeply felt and effortlessly understood. This connection is so strong because, in one way or another, we have all been Swann at some point in our lives. Don’t Nod has crafted a story that strikes directly at the heart and soul of its audience, executing a true nostalgia-driven experience filled with countless references to 1990s pop culture. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage – Tape 1 is an undeniable success, making it easy to accept the delay of Tape 2. If these additional refinements serve to enhance the final product, then we can expect the bar of quality to be raised even higher.

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.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a new chapter that redefines the concept of hunting. Undoubtedly one of the GOTY contenders for 2025, it represents the culmination of years of evolution in the series, blending tradition and innovation in a vast, dynamic, and unpredictable world. The new mechanics, attention to environmental details, and diverse creatures promise a deep and rewarding experience for both veteran hunters and newcomers. This title has the potential to redefine the genre and set new standards for the franchise. The wait was long, but absolutely worth it.

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.

Two Point Museum takes an already excellent series to new heights thanks to the incredible variety offered by the museums. Each challenge—bringing these institutions to a state of glory—feels unique in its own way while remaining interconnected through the progressive unlocking of rooms, objects, staff, and more, all influencing one another. The five museum locations in the story mode each present their own challenges, guiding players through the experience without ever making them feel lost. Management requires careful planning but never feels overwhelming. With the signature wacky humor of the series—along with the sharp sarcasm of an overworked receptionist—this third installment stands out for the sheer number of mechanics and dynamics to juggle. Between educating adults, keeping mischievous kids occupied, and preventing a caveman thawed from the ice from wreaking havoc, becoming a curator worthy of Two Point County is both an addictive and wildly entertaining experience.