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

Mouse: P.I. is an experience that wins you over more with personality than with technical ambition—a first-person shooter that stands out thanks to a striking artistic identity, mature noir writing, and a sound design that works in perfect harmony with its visuals and narrative. The solid, immediate gunplay supports the entire structure without overshadowing the atmosphere, while Troy Baker’s performance becomes the emotional glue of a dark and compelling journey, making the game something of a cult favorite for those who love classic cinema, jazz, and stories of detectives worn down by their own world.

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.

Progress has definitely been made since last year, no doubt about it, but we're still not convinced F1 25 is worth the price of admission for returning players. The handling, AI, and visuals have all seen minor improvements, and there’s no shortage of content, with singleplayer additions that may appeal to less competitive fans. There are incentives to upgrade, but mostly if you’re passionate about the sport and enjoy wheel-to-wheel racing, eager to stay up to date with the driver roster and follow the community. Otherwise, unless you're a big fan of Braking Point, you're not missing much. Could more be done? Absolutely. But for an annual release, we can’t expect miracles. Maybe with the 2026 regulation shake-up, we'll finally see something really new. Who knows.

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.

Fans of classic Demeo will love it, but those who were expecting a major revolution in the game's infrastructure will be a little disappointed. However, and this is good news, it can also be played on a device that doesn't require virtual reality.

Tempest Rising isn’t just a nostalgic nod to classic RTS—it’s a carefully crafted return to a genre that has long deserved more attention. While the interface can feel clunky at times and the audio design doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression, the overall experience is cohesive and confident. Rather than reinventing the formula, it builds upon a familiar foundation with clarity and intent, delivering a gameplay structure that feels both respectful and relevant. For fans of Red Alert and Tiberian Sun, it offers an instant sense of belonging—grounded, engaging, and refreshingly self-aware.

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.

Fantasy Life i: the Girl who Steals Time brings without difficulty the artistic style, the fresh and varied gameplay and in general all the potential of the brand to the current hardware generation. Good for everyone, beautiful for the younger ones, Level-5's work suggest us that we have to expect, and even wait for, other Fantasy Life games in the future.

The Project Zero 2 remake has a value that goes far beyond technical specs or cold numbers. It's proof that a certain kind of horror — one that steers clear of gore and spectacle at all costs — can still work in a market this 'distracted' and increasingly drawn to quick thrills. Tecmo Koei has taken its most accomplished and beloved entry and transformed it into something new, capable of attracting even those players who, until now, had kept their distance from the kind of unsettling, supernatural atmosphere that defines the Project Zero series.

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.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves "pretends" to be like the other big titles—accessible to everyone—but in reality, it retains the rigidity and complexity of its hardcore nature. This can be either a good or a bad thing; it’s certainly not for those who prefer an easy ride, but for those willing to fully commit, it’s definitely a title that offers fun and a return to the series’ roots.

No, it’s not just a “nostalgia effect”: Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy was a great game, and the careful work by Microids to make it enjoyable again after 25 long years allows us players to experience a great adventure once more, while also paying a fitting tribute to an unforgettable genius like Benoît Sokal. A classic point-and-click adventure with a captivating atmosphere and intriguing situations, Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy improves in every aspect: length, technical impact, and even the number and quality of puzzles, all while offering a more user-friendly gameplay experience. It might not be very difficult, and its longevity isn’t the best—not to mention the inability to change the diary font—but Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy is not just a revival of an old title. It’s a remake that deserves to be played by both new and veteran gaming explorers.

Reanimal marks Tarsier’s return to its most natural territory: a dramatic, oppressive horror that takes the legacy of Little Nightmares and pulls it into a darker, more psychological direction. Atmosphere, art direction and the use of co-op are the true driving forces of the experience, turning escape into a tense dialogue between two tiny bodies crushed by a distorted world…There are still stumbles in the readability of certain mechanics and in the limitations of the AI during single-player, along with a cast of figures that is not always as memorable as the environments that contain them. Flaws that, however, do not undermine the strength of a coherent and recognizable work, one that marks a new nightmare for Tarsier worthy of the name the studio has built for itself.

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

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is not trying to reinvent the RPG genre—but it does reclaim something many games have lost: a sense of danger, weight, and consequence. Its combat is deliberate and punishing, its world compact but meaningful, and its progression system encourages thoughtful experimentation. There are still technical flaws to address—especially in melee hit detection and UI responsiveness—but with version 1.0, the game finally feels like a complete vision. It’s a dark, grounded experience that doesn't seek to flatter the player, only to challenge them. And in doing so, it finds its own voice.

While Oblivion may not be the best Elder Scrolls game, it still packs a punch in 2025. Despite being a product of its time, it remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience—even with its original quirks and the occasional early-era bug. This is a game worth buying, if only for the joy of embarking on a long and wondrous journey through lands and characters you'll remember for years to come. A piece of gaming history that shouldn't be left behind—and likely a must-play if you've never experienced it before.

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

With its unique and offbeat style, satisfying and poetic gameplay, and dreamlike atmosphere, Keeper is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and original surprises of the 2025 gaming year.

It’s hard to say whether Kill the Brickman will reach the same success as Vampire Survivors, but the potential is definitely there. Doonutsaur and Poncle’s new title is charming, fun, and works equally well for quick sessions or long sleepless nights. Some technical hiccups and a still-limited amount of content keep it from true excellence, but it’s an indie gem we can already recommend, with the promise of long-term support from its creators. There’s always room for a new pastime in your schedule, and this one is worth it. Just be careful not to get too hooked.

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

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.

Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms is a bold, heartfelt tribute to classic isometric action-RPGs. Its souls-like combat demands dedication and strategic planning, while the open world of Plamen delivers dozens of hours of dungeons, lore, and emergent surprises. Minor technical rough edges and a steep learning curve do little to diminish its retro spirit or solid PC performance. A must-play for fans of challenging, old-school RPG adventures.

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.

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

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.

Played on Xbox Series X, Terminator 2D: No Fate proves to be a technically solid and fluid experience, fully supporting its focus on rhythm, precision, and muscle memory. Bitmap Bureau succeeds in adapting Terminator 2 by respecting not only its imagery but also the historical and cultural context it comes from. Its arcade-driven design embraces both the strengths and limitations of old-school action: the high difficulty demands patience and commitment, but rewards mastery and consistency. This is not a game for everyone, but it is a focused and honest adaptation aimed at players who appreciate a more essential and demanding take on classic arcade gameplay.

Ride 6 is a game that works. It offers countless hours of fun on the track, as well as a wide range of content for players. Technically solid and featuring a satisfying riding system, enhanced by a new, more accessible Arcade mode, Ride 6 mainly focuses on continuity with the past, missing the opportunity to introduce some structural innovations. The festival concept could have been better utilized, as well as the inclusion of many world-famous riders, without fully capitalizing on their potential. Some minor flaws remain, but Ride 6 still manages to thrill motorcycle enthusiasts and bring to our consoles bikes that we could often only dream of. Once again, Milestone delivers a solid title, and if motorcycles are your passion, you definitely shouldn’t miss it!