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.

Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake is an interesting restoration effort, with both titles polished to perfection thanks to Square Enix’s excellent work. We’re looking at two games that made RPG history (and not only that), now brought back with a respectable HD-2D visual style and enhanced with a few smart tweaks aimed at making them more accessible to modern gamers — without compromising their original spirit. That said, these are still two inherently old-school titles (if you’ll pardon the term), inevitably tied to the earliest foundations of JRPG mechanics. Nevertheless, all the development team’s efforts (including a superb reworking of the soundtrack) allow every fan of the genre to enjoy, without compromise, two cornerstones of video game history — which, incidentally, had never officially reached our market before. If you’re fully aware that you can’t expect 1980s games to have modern gameplay, you can safely grab this pair of remakes and witness an essential lesson from two milestones without which we probably wouldn’t know JRPGs as they are today.

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.

Indiana Jones isn't one to compromise, yet to embark on his quest for the Ancient Circle on Switch 2, he's settled for a now-retro resolution (1080p or 720p in handheld mode) locked at 30 FPS. In exchange, he's gained mouse and motion controls (though the latter aren’t exactly precise). After all, there are plenty of better ways to play Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle, including on a handheld, but the technical effort to adapt it to Switch 2 is commendable, and it must be acknowledged that the core of the game remains intact.

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.

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.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition brings back three cornerstone experiences of the PC gaming scene, updating them just enough to make them accessible on consoles as well. It’s not a remake or a reinvention, but rather a way to preserve the value of a harsh, immersive work that remains compelling even today. The Zone is still the star: gritty, cruel, unforgettable. And for those who have never experienced it, this is a more than legitimate entry point.

Wordatro! is geared primarily toward an Italian audience, meaning similar games with a dictionary in our language are truly rare. There are more comprehensive and ambitious games on the international scene, but despite all their limitations, if you want to spend a few hours (or a thousand) challenging your mind to find the longest and most complex word, this game is for you.

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.

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.

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.

Gears of War: Reloaded stands as the most accessible and stable way to revisit the original chapter, delivering the same heavy gameplay and grim atmosphere that defined the franchise nearly twenty years ago. Choosing to remaster a remaster rather than invest in a full remake feels like a missed opportunity, but on PC the technical polish, consistent performance, and overall fidelity make for a satisfying experience. Some limitations, such as the imperfect ultrawide support and the reliance on an aging engine, hold it back from true greatness, yet the strength of the original design still shines through, reminding us why this classic remains worth playing today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bleach Rebirth of Souls delivers a mechanically solid combat system and a faithful visual homage to the source material. Its deep mechanics and stylish presentation will please longtime fans, but persistent technical shortcomings and a lackluster story mode prevent it from reaching its full potential. Engaging, yet ultimately held back by missed opportunities.

Tales of Berseria Remastered is a solid recovery effort, but it is very much a “Remastered” in the truest sense of the word. Graphically, the improvement is modest and mainly limited to resolution and frame rate, while the new options are welcome but have a fairly marginal impact on the gameplay. Tales of Berseria remains particularly compelling for its original strengths: an enjoyable gameplay system (give the combat system the time it deserves) and a mature story, supported by a genuinely well-written party. Primarily recommended for those who have discovered the saga recently and would like to experience one of the series’ most distinctive and mature entries.

GreedFall: The Dying World, unfortunately, doesn’t stray too far from the kind of productions developer Spiders – and publisher Nacon – have delivered over the years. It’s a game full of promising ideas and solid RPG foundations, yet it ultimately stumbles when it comes to execution. The final result is still enjoyable and offers plenty of elements that RPG fans will appreciate. Its world is fascinating, the moral choices are engaging, and the tactical combat system works well. However, the experience is held back by scattered bugs, AI that isn’t always reactive, and a graphical presentation that could use some polish, with several on-screen elements – subtitles included – appearing frustratingly small. It’s hard to say whether these issues stem from budget limitations, the need for more development time, or a team that hasn’t quite reached full maturity yet. What’s clear is that GreedFall: The Dying World feels like a hidden gem in the rough: a game with clear potential, but still weighed down by imperfections that we hope future updates and patches will address. Spiders’ talent and the strengths of its games are not in doubt, yet that definitive leap in quality still seems just out of reach. Even so, GreedFall: The Dying World remains an easy recommendation for RPG fans willing to accept a few technical compromises in exchange for an ambitious and atmospheric role-playing experience.

OPUS: Prism Peak is the most intimate and mature chapter in SIGONO's anthology. It is an introspective journey that moves away from the vastness of the cosmos to explore the fragile fragments of human memory through the lens of a camera. The interaction, centered entirely on photography, is original but becomes repetitive over time. The clunkiness of certain mechanics slows the pacing, making the gameplay the weak link in an otherwise profound experience. Visually stunning, the title blends the aesthetics of Japanese animation masters with a solid Taiwanese cultural heritage. The masterful use of lighting and a high-caliber soundtrack create a vibrant, dreamlike atmosphere capable of stirring emotions with every shot. Despite its ludic limitations, the game is a necessary cathartic ritual for those seeking auteur storytelling. It is a work that teaches us how to make peace with our ghosts and accept the weight of the past.

Ghost Cam is a deeply atmospheric and liminal horror experience that successfully channels the spirit of classic ghost photography games. While its indie nature shows through occasional technical glitches and somewhat clunky controls, the unique 'Haunted Horse Girl' aesthetic, meticulous sound design, and oppressive use of darkness make it a compelling journey. A flawed but magnetic nightmare that perfectly captures the terror of the unseen.

Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is an excellent game. It perfectly blends the tactical elements of turn-based strategy RPGs with the punishing roguelike component within a dark and mysterious narrative. The death-rebirth-progress loop, combined with the many branching choices, works very well. Of course, it's not perfect: the random element is sometimes too much of a burden, runs take a long time, and the feeling of repetitiveness due to the lack of variety in maps and enemies quickly sets in. Combat is intense and challenging, and the roguelite mechanics ensure replayability, depth, challenge, and a sense of progression, especially through defeat. Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch isn't for everyone, but it's certainly a must-have for fans of the genre.

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

Invincible VS is the first fighting game inspired by the comic book (and animated series) of the same name, throwing us into a brutal, adrenaline-fueled world where we can unleash incredible powers. The roster, made up of 18 characters at launch, is varied and allows for genuinely interesting three-character teams that can pull off some solid, choreographic combos. The game is fluid, accessible, and caters to a wide range of skill levels: after a few matches, even those who don't live and breathe fighting games will find real satisfaction in the battles, despite some minor balance issues and character switching that isn't always seamless. We didn't find Invincible VS in great shape when it comes to single-player content — there's very little of it, and what stands out is a story that didn't quite win us over, on top of being far too short. Then again, the Quarter Up and Skybound Entertainment fighter is squarely aimed at multiplayer and the competitive scene, where players will go at each other tooth and nail to reach the top. It remains to be seen what impact it will have on the competitive landscape and how it will be received by those who treat fighting games as their religion. It doesn't always shine, but it does show us that something fun and genuinely competitive can be built from this IP. If Invincible VS manages to hold players' attention and listens to community feedback, we'll be hearing about it for months to come.

The Order of Giants is a focused expansion that trades sweeping vistas for the claustrophobic tension of Rome’s catacombs. It doesn’t reinvent MachineGames’ formula, but refines it with dense atmosphere, solid environmental storytelling, and a compact narrative arc. Not flawless, yet it captures the spirit of Indiana Jones with respect and consistency.

Overall, NHL 26 presents itself as a title that marks a necessary step in the right direction. However, the game is not without flaws, and the overall picture is a mix of innovation and stagnation.