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

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a bold, successful reinvention blending dark fantasy and sci-fi, offering a unique experience. Gameplay innovations like the versatile shield and "stand and fight" add tactical depth while keeping the signature frenzy. Despite minor flaws, expanded environments and deeper progression create a rich, accessible journey that evolves the series while staying true to its brutal core.

Salamander III alone is almost worth the full price. The rest is one of the best collections of a classic series that still holds up and is now more accessible than ever. A must-play for shmup fans and a great entry point for newcomers. That said, here's hoping for a similar treatment for the console titles, with extras like Gaiden, Solar Assault... and don’t forget Parodius.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land was a great platformer on Switch, and the Switch 2 version is even better. Beyond the graphical overhaul, which was necessary and welcome, the highlight of this edition is the expansion of content, which resolves one of the main issues with the original game. The other was the difficulty level, which was set too low, and here too, the additional content steps in to offer a slightly tougher challenge. The question remains as to whether a remake of a 2022 game was necessary, but the additional content attempts to resolve a couple of the game's main limitations and, after all, it is also available as an update for those who already own the original game on Switch.

Islanders: New Shores returns with a revamped look, two modes to choose from, 50 unique levels, and plenty of buildings to make the experience highly customizable. The strategic element plays a crucial role and may seem limiting at some points, but it never proves tedious and manages to entertain for countless hours. The simple settings, clear and intuitive interface, and pleasant soundtrack come together and make for a truly relaxing experience.

Talking about MLB The Show 25 means discussing yet another excellent installment of a franchise that stands as a true benchmark for all baseball enthusiasts. A vast array of playable modes blends with a more than solid technical department, featuring gameplay that improves year after year and offers extensive customization, making MLB The Show 25 perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players alike. Applause for the gameplay, which allows for a seamless transition from an arcade style to a more simulation-oriented approach, maintaining high standards in both cases. Perhaps the player models could have been updated, but the overall visual quality remains impressive. The only real flaw I encountered was lag in online matches, likely due to the fact that I was always playing against overseas opponents. That said, once again, there’s only one thing left to say: MLB The Show 25 hits a massive home run.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even the base version of Hell Clock is worth the purchase: it’s one of the most addictive roguelite experiences I can recall. It’s fun, engaging, and offers impressive depth and customization. The endgame still lacks some longevity, but the developers are highly active and already have plenty of updates planned through early 2026. If you're a fan of the genre and enjoy a more hack 'n' slash take on the classic formula, Rogue Snail’s title will keep you great company through the hot August days and well beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 offers a series of historic fighting games from the great Japanese company, returning in editions that are extremely faithful to the past, with filters that enhance playability and some extras. Compared to the first installment, this collection has fewer options, featuring some significant titles, but others that had already raised some eyebrows back in the day. Not to mention that including the sequel to the legendary Rival Schools without allowing players to experience the first episode is puzzling. Nevertheless, it’s a more than honest production, where Power Stone 2 and Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 are two gems not to be missed. Perhaps a somewhat basic effort, but still aimed at nostalgic fans.

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

Bionic Bay is hardcore as it is intended to be: minimal graphics, a system full of randomness, progressively increasing difficulty and a lot of frustration that will take you away from the screen just enough to make you return a few hours later more motivated than before. It is not a game to be taken lightly and is definitely worth the time you dedicate to it, especially if you want to try online rankings.

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