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.

People of Note presents itself to the public within a genre that, lately, has been receiving a lot of positive attention. The work published by Annapurna is truly ingenious: a musical RPG that places music at the center in all its forms—from rap to country to pop—while still delivering a combat system that turns out to be stronger than expected. Of course, there are some limitations in this production, mainly due to the lack of side activities that could expand the brilliant world of Note, not to mention the rather limited variety of enemies across the different areas. For everything else, the time spent in the company of Cadence and her friends was enjoyable, featuring a cast of iconic characters and a story that is well told in its simplicity. If you enjoy turn-based role-playing games, then People of Note might be a title worth seriously considering—especially with its rather appealing launch price (€23.99 on PC and consoles). Ready for your best musical performance?

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.

Ultimately, Ariana and the Elder Codex is an adventure that is enjoyable to play, but one that is unlikely to be remembered as something essential. It is a good book to read once—but not necessarily to reread.

Overall, CoinPit is a rather unusual project, almost anachronistic in the way it blends arcade gameplay, psychological horror, and incremental mechanics. Unlike other projects, such as CloverPit, it is less successful and less iconic. Its deliberately simple graphics, imperfect yet effective physics, and the obsessive economy based on debt and risky choices make it a title designed for a specific audience—those fascinated by roguelikes with a touch of atmosphere.

Re-releasing a game multiple times doesn't seem wrong to us; the important thing is to do it wisely and strive to deliver the best possible experience to players at the time. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is being released on Nintendo Switch 2 in a less than appealing package with very little content, despite the desire to add some freshness with the World Stage mode. Regarding online play, unfortunately, the situation isn't the best: finding players could be more challenging than expected, considering how sparsely populated it is currently. However, netcode rollback can sometimes ensure (under the right conditions) a decent online experience.On Nintendo Switch 2, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage runs well, although the graphics aren't exactly spotless (a situation that improves with portability). For the proposed price (€19.99) it manages to guarantee some pleasant combat: but if you are looking for online competition, well, perhaps other competitors are doing better on this front at the moment.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits on Switch 2 positions itself halfway between the PS4 edition and the PS5, PC, and Xbox versions, once again proving to be one of the most successful “AA” titles of recent years. Refined in many of its elements, Kena: Bridge of Spirits arrives on Nintendo’s hybrid console complete with DLC and performs well both on TV and in handheld mode, taking full advantage of the system’s new hardware. Atmosphere, art direction, and well-crafted (though not perfect) gameplay remain the strong points of a title that deserves to be played—or replayed—while waiting for Kena: Scars of Kosmora, the next chapter in the saga. For those who have always owned Nintendo consoles, this is a great opportunity to experience a solid action game with a narrative tone reminiscent of Pixar, which, even in this new version, can offer plenty of satisfaction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PC is a masterclass in optimization, proving that technical respect for the player remains paramount. On mid-range hardware like the RTX 4060 Ti, Nixxes has crafted a port that transcends its console origins through impeccable scaling and a stunning Ultrawide implementation. While VRAM limitations require a mindful approach to settings, the result is a rock-solid, cinematically superior experience. With its refined combat loop and breathtaking vistas, it stands as a new technical benchmark for the industry. A definitive, unassailable version of Kojima’s vision.

Project Songbird is a title that collapses under the weight of its own ambitions. While it bravely tackles mature themes like creative block and depression, the narrative is ultimately derailed by intrusive authorial narcissism. The gameplay fares no better, suffering from a disjointed mix of superfluous combat, poorly executed stealth mechanics, and frustrating inventory bugs. Despite an excellent soundtrack and stellar voice acting that perfectly capture the protagonist's musical soul, these technical merits aren't enough to save an overall derivative experience. It is a bitter disappointment for a game with such sadly wasted potential.

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.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a wonderful game, and it remains just that in this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The technical upgrade highlights the mastery of Nintendo’s designers, finally bringing the delightful art style into full sharpness even on 4K TVs. The new content additions are a fun bonus that push Wonder to the edge of Mario Party territory in the attractions of Bellabel Park or provide incentives to improve and revisit sections you’ve already beaten. At its core, however, remains Wonder’s elaborate, elegant, and super-creative platforming—arguably one of the genre’s greatest achievements.

New Super Lucky's Tale arrives on PlayStation 5 in the best form ever seen on the console: a graphical and performance upgrade only, without adding anything new to the formula or additional content such as levels or mini-games. The game now reaches 4K resolution and 120 fps, as well as implementing the DualSense haptic feedback, though it isn't always used to its full potential. As for the gameplay, we're faced with a platformer with a decent amount of variety, alternating between 3D levels and 2D scrolling ones, not to mention that little bit of exploration that never hurts. The difficulty isn't particularly high, but perhaps in this case that could be a good thing: New Super Lucky's Tale focuses on fun and the desire to rediscover a genre for all ages. After all, who said a video game should only be a challenge against yourself?

Dragonkin: The Banished is a refreshing indie ARPG that succeeds by prioritizing systemic depth over visual spectacle. While many AA titles struggle against giants like Diablo, Eko Software focuses on mechanical innovation and unique design. The Ancestral Grid is the standout feature, transforming skill customization into a logic puzzle. By requiring precise management of "Keywords" and spatial placement, it offers a level of build-crafting depth usually reserved for complex PC titles. This is complemented by Montescail, a shared city-building hub that gives dragon hunts a tangible sense of progression and purpose. Technically, the game runs smoothly on Xbox Series X via Unreal Engine 5. However, the "Grim Dark" aesthetic feels somewhat derivative, and the linear level design—largely combat corridors—might disappoint those seeking exploration. Fortunately, the robust endgame of customizable Chaos Hunts and Draconic armor farming ensures significant longevity for dedicated players. For those valuing innovation and character optimization over AAA polish, this is a rewarding, methodical experience. It proves that in the world of Action RPGs, solid architecture is often more impactful than a massive budget.

Screamer is one of the most visually striking and nostalgically satisfying arcade games to hit the market since the PS3/Xbox 360 era — the golden age of racing. Unfortunately, the game is undermined by frustrating AI and level design that prevents you from fully enjoying the experience it otherwise deserves, given what it has to offer.

Reigns: The Witcher sticks to the formula established by the original Reigns without reinventing it. Its blend with CD Projekt Red’s fantasy RPG offers fans of the Witcher an enjoyable diversion alongside their favorite character, while also serving as a potential entry point for newcomers to the series. Overall, it’s not particularly captivating, but it gets the job done.

Devil Jam is an independent production that stages a concert built around rhythm and automatic attacks. What we have here is a roguelite with some interesting ideas, based on upgrades placed on a dedicated grid to create an offensive and defensive score capable of wiping out entire armies of demons. What you end up with is a bold production that presents an overall functional combat system, but one that may feel rather repetitive even to those who strongly enjoy the genre. The presence of only a single map and a handful of bosses doesn’t help either, making the experience feel less deep than expected. However, the ticket price for Devil Jam is very low (€7.99), and it would almost be outrageous not to attend at least once this concert with decidedly hellish notes.

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.

If your concern is that the game wasn't final yet, that's correct — there's a mountain of things still to be polished; but if you think it doesn't work or that it isn't fun, then no, I can assure you that you could spend your whole life in it listening to stories, admiring landscapes, discovering secrets, riding, saving... and even greeting people (yes, that matters too), because everyday life has never been so enjoyable, even in the small things, and the adventures that await you are truly memorable.

The character voice acting—especially in Japanese—adds further personality to the story and helps make the cast even more memorable.

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.

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.

Blue Prince is a must-play experience for mystery lovers that wisely blends roguelite elements with exploration and puzzle-solving. Retracing your steps, repositioning rooms in different ways, and using the tools you find along the way make every run, every day, both satisfying and essential to reaching the notorious 46th room. This is undoubtedly a production crafted with ingenuity, making its official debut on Nintendo Switch 2 in an all-around well-executed port. There are of course some technical issues — a few textures can appear slightly blurry and the framerate doesn't reach the peaks of the current generation — but let's be clear: Blue Prince is not a game that relies on buttery-smooth performance as its main selling point. Instead, it is a true adventure where paying close attention to every room, taking notes, and applying what you've learned to go deeper into the mansion is what really matters. No matter how many days it takes: Blue Prince pits you against yourself, makes you question everything, and sometimes makes you feel like a genuine genius when it comes to solving its puzzles.