Don't let Battlefield 6's single-player campaign put you off: the multiplayer action is absolutely phenomenal, from the first shot to the last. Chaos and destruction are the watchwords, intensity is guaranteed and each map offers a fantastic stage for varied and dynamic combat, with no dull moments. Even with a few bugs and hiccups here and there, none of this has affected the tremendous fun I've experienced over the last few days in Battlefield 6, which celebrates a return in a big way.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story isn't just another Riot game exploring the Runeterra universe. It is the first to open the curtains of Demacia and make us travel to a kingdom with a strong history of magic and militarism. It is all about two forces in constant struggle, which we now have the opportunity to lead as Sylas, in front of the sorcerers. The visuals are absolutely stunning, the mechanics live up to the original champion we know, and all the elements around it enrich the story that promises to win the hearts of fans of League of Legends lore, even those who are not fans of pixel art.

The proof of concept is approved, as it serves on an emotional connection that we have with a galaxy far far away, it's a cheap shot, but it reaffirms a so long asked modernization of all TT Games' titles by the fans that we can only guess will be honed on the years to come. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is in that fashion a fun charm trap that holds on to us thanks to the constant changes in gameplay, snowy AT-AT encounters, and spectacular lightsaber battles where the dramatic flare is replaced by the adorable and unpredictable reactions of the main figures of the saga.

Overall, F1 23 is in good health and is recommended to all fans of the sport. It positions itself on both the arcade and sim racing sides as a competent and improved game over its predecessors. With the ability to provide a more authentic and immersive experience for players, as well as a unique perspective through Breaking Point 2. It might be far from perfect, but it's a big step in the right direction. We look forward to the future of the franchise.

Borderlands 4's new approach to the franchise's classic formula is expertly crafted. Unexpectedly, the open world fits like a glove into the shooter's irresistible dopamine-fuelled loop. There's always exciting loot to discover, builds to create and enemies to vanquish, in an endless gale of violence, with exponentially greater numbers crushing anyone who dares to stand up to us. A positive point also goes to the tone of Borderlands 4, much more serious and restrained than its predecessor, but without losing its trademark humour. I never thought I'd say it, but even Claptrap is bearable this time around.

Disguised as a simple space sim, Everspace 2 hides an engine full of solid and very well accomplished ARPG systems. The story leaves something to be desired, but there is no shortage of options when it comes to the variety of builds possible. Combat is a real pleasure at every stage of the game, propelled by systems that are easy to understand and deep enough to let your skill and imagination run wild.

It's true that Sparking Zero becomes repetitive once you get to know the different characters and their methods, but the advantage is that with so many characters and modes, it'll take a while to get to that point. I don't think it's ideal for long sessions, but it's one of those games that, within its genre and style, is guaranteed to be relevant for years to come.

Sifu will age us as the main character ages, but it also gives us some of the best martial arts moments in video games, which make us say, like Neo in the Matrix, "I know Kung-Fu".

Convergence: A League of Legends Story is another success story in the League of Legends universe. With Ekko at the forefront, Double Stallion has managed to create a solid and fun Metroidvania, perfectly combining precise platforming with intense combat, without losing a drop of the personality of this intrepid hero.

Rollerdrome is an experience deeply focused on its action. With no tricks to unlock, no passive abilities, a story that we can ignore, we are placed directly in the heart of the action. Rollerdrome knows precisely what it wants to offer players and doesn't waste a single second in getting them into the arena. The action is glorious, incredibly stylish, and tremendously addictive. Though short, countless hours of gameplay are assured in the pursuit for the highest score.

Fundamentally, Jagged Alliance 3 aims to please the fans of the franchise. They are the ones who will have the most fun with the game, full of references to previous titles, and systems that quite frankly, didn't need to be so stuck in the past, especially the user interface. With a great mod compatibility, it's quite possible that this problem will be solved in the near future, because as a starting point, Jagged Alliance 3 offers a pretty solid, competent and fun base for any turn-based tactics fan, as long as they're willing to endure its initial period. There's a lot of granularity in the various gameplay systems, from weapon crafting to squad management, and a respectable dose of randomness that helps make each run unique and interesting, especially if you play it with friends.

Even with its wrinkles of age, Skyward Sword is a mandatory title to all its fans, with the HD version becoming the best version of the game and an excellent excuse to adventure in the skies of Skyloft, a different perspective from the standard in the franchise while we wait for a certain sequel. The celebrated bosses, unforgettable dungeons and a glorious original soundtrack allow you to forget all the problems that the game has, which are polished in this new iteration of the 2011 classic and is representative of a real turning point on the iconic series from Nintendo.

We are enjoying Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin more than we should. It looks like Capcom may have well found a franchise bestseller. It matches beautifully the world of the series, filled with enigmatic monsters and a JRPG model filled with customization and progression potential and a unique random element that incites our curiosity and our most adventurous side. It does not have a story to fall in love with but it’s filled with memorable character. It would gain with better fluidity within the world navigation, but it is something that is easily forgotten as soon as we meet Gatovan and losing ourselves in a turn style battle that is much deeper than we first thought.

The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic RPG and a good example of what a sequel should be. It learns from its past, builds on its strengths, and confidently forges its own path, establishing a very strong identity. It is the game that the original promised to be, although far from perfect, because in correcting the past, it has uncovered other challenges, which I hope will be corrected in the future.

In short, Age of Empires IV is first and foremost a throwback to the past, for a history lesson that we already know well. Anchored to the classic formulas and mechanics of the franchise that defined the genre, it bets on presentation quality to convince a new generation of real-time strategy game lovers. Veterans, on the other hand, have here a new battleground where they will certainly feel at home.

Although it has some flaws, Stellar Blade is nonetheless a remarkable effort by Shift Up, which has had its biggest challenge to date here. Fundamentally, Stellar Blade is well realised in its core elements, with the only flaw being its inconsistent execution, which translates into boring open-world areas and an uninteresting story. The studio promises that Eve's story won't end here and I personally look forward to seeing what she can achieve in the future.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is yet another masterful testament to the talent and ingenuity of Ninja Theory, which has once again created a frighteningly tangible world with some of the best sound design I've ever experienced. Even though the studio closely follows the formula of the first game, Hellblade 2 is an experience you absolutely cannot miss.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the game that was missing to end 2021 in the best way possible. This title pictures a reality not far from ours, where the corruption is imminent and the salvation of the land demands a path that challenge us and makes us grow into a better version of ourselves. As a Spirit Guide, Kena took the compromise of freeing every soul that needed her. She felt fear, failed to have decisions but with the help of her Rot friends she was able to accomplish her mission, in which is the perfect balance between duty and passion.

Without ever completely abandoning the franchise's defining elements, Fire Emblem Engage leaves behind Three Houses' web of friendships and relationships to focus on the battlefield. The result is a somewhat uninspired story and an absolutely brilliant, fluid and extremely engaging combat system capable of being both accessible for beginners and profound for fans of 'min-maxing.'

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon takes Bayonetta into Wonderland with 'Burtonesque' tones to tell the origins and formative years of the most badass witch of today. Judging the book by its cover, this prequel spinoff might seem like a cute game. And it's true that the poorly filled narrative and a combat system that's afraid of being challenging are flaws that interrupt the experience and may push away the franchise's most demanding fans. However, it's very rewarding to see the little Cereza take on the personality traits that are familiar to us and shape her adult version, something provided by the exploration of the beautiful Avalon Forest, by the interactions and growth of her relationship with Cheshire, and by the challenges and fights they overcome.

A The Sims 4 expansion always seems to suffer from the base game limitations, and they are a lot. But Cottage Living goes where few expansions from this edition have gone before. Beside the return of the lore and some dear characters, it also seems to symbolize a change in the way EA and Maxis look at this game, with more and more attentiveness to player feedback.

Football Manager 2023 wanted us to gawk at the new licenses, but it forgets that the franchise has become immortalised by the authenticity of its gameplay and not the logos of teams or competitions. The Champions League and Europa League have a new look, but it is through the new Squad Planner and recruitment system that FM23 truly stands out from its predecessors, although some tactical systems still have a clear edge in the game.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy surprises with a remarkable, true and emotional story with excellent performances, all in a unique graphic style, full of effects and color that give strength to the game and above all to its message. The gameplay is not at the level of everything else that is presented, but that doesn't make it a truly negative element. An ode to books, movies and fans, with a team that goes back to giving it all, something that the player won't forget, taking us to moments of laughter and sadness like no other Marvel game has ever done.

After a game that captivated a healthy community of fans, but that was largely ignored by the mainstream, Gunfire Games returned to the fray with Remnant 2, a sequel that doubles down on first game's strength, while improving it's rough edges. The result is an unlikely soulslike looter shooter that wastes no time in showing what it's made of. Fun and addictive, it's full of well-conceived systems that make for a fun experience that takes on new dimensions with friends.

The King of Fighters XV doesn't try to appeal to a wider audience, giving us interesting and complex mechanics which aren't really presented in an accessible manner. Long-time fans of the franchise will find some genuine enjoyment and improvements, especially regarding the graphical upgrade, which truly gives new life to these 3D models. It's just about enough to keep SNK's franchise competing for the title.

Mario Party Superstars reworks much of the content that helped shape the series, which has more than 15 iterations, introducing features long requested by fans, such as online mode and the ability to play in portable mode. These decisions formulate a game with countless details to enjoy, but which limits it by trying to appeal to everyone. Still this is an essential title for all those looking for a Party Game for family and friends gatherings, compiling some of the best and funniest minigames ever in the series.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 is an extremely well-thought-out remaster that puts our resilience to the test, with a fantastic story and captivating characters. It does not completely let go of its origins, which at times are somewhat painful. It's a difficult love affair, it demands a lot of our time but it rewards us with one of the most curious and interesting stories of its genre.

EA SPORTS WRC is a notable improvement in the saga of World Rally Championship games. The introduction of the builder mode, along with a well-structured career mode, makes the single-player experience fun, motivating and immersive. The driving system caters for all types of players, from those who play with controllers and in a more casual way to those who prefer a simulation environment. Codemasters presents a robust game, with a few rough edges but a truly fun driving experience. Now it's time to get behind the wheel and tear up the gravel.

Last Epoch is a fantastic ARPG that cleverly introduces interesting new features to a genre that tends to get stuck in its roots. Deep and at the same time accessible to less experienced players, it has a surprising diversity of gameplay, anchored in ingenious gameplay loops that will keep you hooked for days.

Lost Judgment is more of the same, which isn't a particularly bad thing. Although it presents improvements compared to the previous game, it remains too faithful to a formula with a solid base and a lot of room for improvement, especially in the investigative department. Even so, it’s still a fun experience, especially for fans of the first game.

Wartales offers a fantastic sandbox to explore. The nature of this system implies a rather insipid storyline and uneven pace, but in the end, the real treasure is the mercenaries you meet along the way. For those looking for a strategy sandbox with good depth in which to invest many hours, this is a choice that is hard to ignore.

Far Cry 6 is the ultimate exponent of Ubisoft's open world formula. It’s a great pleasure to explore the island of Yara and all its corners, where we have enormous freedom and options to face all of its challenges. Giancarlo Espostio shines as Antón Castillo, a villain that will go down in Far Cry history, even if the other characters in the narrative are not up to him. A must for fans of open world games.

Terra Nil has no ambitions to be the next big city-builder game, nor to set off a revolution in the genre, but it is concise and focused enough in its mission to be considered successful. Above all, and contrary to what is usual, it does not want to lock players in an endless cycle of expansion and construction, but rather to show how easy and necessary it is to let go of our creations and let nature take its course.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is undeniably an improvement over the Wii original. The new features in the remaster may not be enough to convince veterans, but it's still a fantastic and fun experience for those who like to play in the company of the young and inexperienced.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins gives us back the strongest and most basic premise in videogames: it's a kind of fun that makes you want to pick up the controller and invest hours in it. On top of that, it fulfils one of the promises made by Koei Tecmo, to present something new from a series that was already well known for a formula that became more boring and stagnant with each iteration. It does, however, fail to deliver on some quality elements for players, and the pace of the game is often overwhelmed by a slow story that takes its time to develop. But make no mistake, once you've finished the campaign, there’s enjoyment to be had as many times as you have enemies to face.

New Pokémon Snap offers dynamic environments and memorable meetings in a winning journey that brings back the best from the past, and restructures it to the current generation. Bandai Namco delivers us a respectful reinvention of the 99 classic, brimmed with multiple secrets to discover throughout delightful expeditions, while giving the player all the necessary tools to capture every moment. The weird scoring system and some auxiliary problems are not enough to spoil the moments of calm, beauty and surprise.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is a visual spectacle that captures the essence of feudal Japan, but fails to realise its potential. Despite stunning art direction and historical detail, the game is held back by its own ambition to appeal to different types of players. The duality of protagonists, which promised innovation, ends up creating more obstacles than opportunities, with stealth and combat mechanics that don't evolve significantly from previous titles. While the open world invites exploration due to its beauty, it quickly reveals the repetitiveness of its missions. For fans of the series, there are rewarding moments, but Shadows leaves the feeling that it doesn't intend to change the Assassin's Creed formula, remaining hostage to a design that shows signs of fatigue.

EA Sports F1 22 is simply the best possible virtual experience of Formula 1. From Free Practices to the Chequered Flag, it remains as responsive and balanced as the last few entries, nailing down the authenticity through additions such as the manual warm-up lap and new graphics and cutscenes. What stops it from being a truly great game is the awkward inclusion of F1 Life and some technical issues that require urgent fixing.

Dying Light: The Beast refines the best elements of Dying Light, with a more concise, frightening, immersive and challenging world, without the chaff we saw in the previous one. The combat is visceral and bloody, and even with a monster inside Kyle Crane, you never feel invincible, thus maintaining a palpable tension from start to finish.

Wo Long: The Fallen Dynasty is a truly gritty challenge. Team Ninja's game puts players' skill, patience, and sadomasochism to the test, rolling out a red carpet for aggression while harshly punishing all and every mistake. The combat systems are complex but work quite well with each other, with the exception of the loot, which is unnecessarily complicated and not very impactful. Wo Long: The Fallen Dynasty will not convince newcomers to the genre, but it will certainly please fans.

MLB The Show 21 is the king of the market when it comes to baseball. It has all the weapons to please newcomers as well as the most demanding players, with multiple accessibility and game mode options, although with very scarce updates in relation to its predecessor. Even though the version used for this analysis was the Playstation 4 one, visually it becomes identical to what we have seen in the past, maybe having the next generation “at fault”, but it is still a very enjoyable experience.

Elden Ring: Nightreign swaps the expansive and striking world of Lands Between for a shorter, more intense experience designed with multiplayer in mind. While the combat remains as incredible as you'd expect, the roguelike nature upsets the balance of Elden Ring, not always in the best way, thanks to an underwhelming meta progression. Some performance problems affect the PC version, but when you're in the company of friends, it's hard to resist the Limveld's appeal, even when you taste defeat.

Kirby Air Riders immediately earns the merit of standing on its own, putting to rest the fears of those who thought it might try to compete with Mario Kart World. It’s not a technical triumph, but rather a creative manifesto from a designer who continues to challenge conventions within a company known for playing it safe. Not everyone will have the patience for its disorder, but those who let themselves be carried away will find a genuinely free-spirited game, more interested in provoking smiles than in ensuring stability.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the best looking VR game to date, benefiting from the beautiful world previously created by Guerrila Games. The climbing sections provide a beautiful scenery, but lose their lustre through repetition, and leave you wishing for more combat sections, which despite being on-rails, manage to have good tactical depth. All in all, it seems to be more of a tech demo than a AAA title, but it is a very good experience for those who want to return to this universe and take their first steps in Virtual Reality.

With Pacific Drive, Ironwood Studios has achieved a game with an intoxicating and mysterious atmosphere, which introduces something new to a rather saturated genre through a fresh approach, anchored in systems that complement each other in an extremely intelligent way. Apart from one frustration or another, Pacific Drive is a highly recommended experience for all Survival fans.

Alan Wake Remastered is an example of what can be a good remaster of a videogame without an abusive price, it fixes some of the main issues that prevented a good game to make sense in today’s standards. Its ideals and the writer’s story would easily fit in any period of the gaming history so if you haven’t played it, this is an ideal opportunity to do it and the best way to fuel the hope for a potential sequel.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII is a fearless evolution of a formula that risked becoming static over the years. The result is undeniably positive, but the idea remains that the studio has kept a couple more weapons in its pocket to stretch out the experience with DLCs and expansions. Even so, and despite a few bugs, Civilization VII is an unmissable experience and is more than ready to stand the test of time, turn after turn.

Digimon Time Stranger has, at its core, almost everything a Digimon fan could want. A huge range of over 400 Digimon with the best 3D models ever, gameplay mechanics that celebrate the franchise's history, depth in the digivolution system, and even the possibility of improving the relationship we have with our Digimon. I don't believe, therefore, that the uninspired story, generic characters, and lack of real challenge will deter hungry Digimon fans from Time Stranger, which remains one of the best and most promising entries in the franchise.

Curse of The Dead Gods stands out for its combat system, phenomenally supported by a set of mechanisms that will have you constantly second-guessing your decisions. The curses' randomness gives it a lot of flexibility and transforms every attempt into a frenetic head-scratcher. The sum of all parts of the game results in an experience that will keep you playing just because you want to beat it again and again.

The Quarry joins Until Dawn on the shelf of must-have terror/horror games. If you are a fan of the genre, this is the one you have to play at least once, since repeating it can become extremely boring, given that the story is told slowly and the interaction with the characters reveals little about the relationship between them. Even with some bugs, The Quarry offers a strong horror experience that can surprise even the strongest stomachs.

For less titles like Jump Force and more like Guilty Gear Stive and Scarlet Nexus, with interesting stories that lock you to the screen alongside unique mechanics that fuse the best various genres. It lacks scenery and setting variety, but that goes to a secondary stage with the sheer will of all the other presente elements. An interactive Manga/Anime with bright colors, with dynamic combat that never becomes boring with a daunting and complex tale that is both overwhelming as well as captivating.

I’ll admit I was hesitant at first, but I ended up liking Metroid Prime 4: Beyond more than I expected. It carries a density and maturity that the series deserves and that’s increasingly rare to find, especially within its genre. It’s a deliberate continuation, built with care and respect for its own legacy, a design that favors subtlety over forced innovation, and a story about returns, about the weight of waiting, and about how the past, when properly unearthed, can still cast light on the future.

NBA 2K23 suffers from an identity crisis. On one hand, it respects basketball fans like no other game ever has in the franchise; on the other, it continues to disrespect NBA 2K players. For every triple, there's a foul; for every fantastic detail in recreating the old NBA eras, there's a microtransaction barrier. A title that does so much right on the court manages to become practically intolerable when trying to play online. Our advice? Cherish the offline.

FIFA 22 is a fundamentally better experience than the one we've had in the past four years, but it is still a fundamentally flawed experience. The HyperMotion system isn't always competent, but the new ball physics, as well as a slower gameplay, make this entry much worthier of the "simulation" label.

After several Home Runs and Strike Outs, I can say that I am as big of a baseball fan as I ever was, having even looked up some games during the weekend - which is probably the biggest compliment I can give to MLB The Show 22. It walks that fine line between pleasing veterans with deep, hardcore gameplay and leaving space for newcomers to understand the basic mechanics of the game and the sport itself. Despite little differences to last year's version, it still offers a solid experiences for baseball and sports fans alike - who knows, other sports simulator may even get some tips from what PlayStation Studios are doing.

For every well done aspect of Need for Speed Unbound, there are two or three that leave something to be desired. The narrative doesn't have to be the main focus, but it's lazily done, via offscreen dialogue that takes place while you're in the menu. The new Takeover events don't deliver the fun they promise, and the police chases leave much to be desired, but the core gameplay, along with the soundtrack and vehicle customisation, is so good that there are moments when you forget all about it. At 300km/h, it all gets a bit blurry, doesn't it?

In short, it was a pleasure to get to know and revisit the different islands of Concordia, but I wasn't enamoured with its inhabitants, too many plug heads and not enough memorable creatures. In terms of new characters, the highlight goes to Concordia's special forces, but the truth is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines most brightly when it uses a few powders from the mushroom kingdom. I'm not sure I could do without them, at least not until the combat starts to get really challenging and the interesting choices multiply, a good ten hours into the adventure.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine addition to the Nintendo Switch catalog, the second port of the main series after Tropical Freeze. It's true that it includes very few new features apart from the resolution to justify replaying it if you've played some of the previous versions, but it's also a great experience if you like the genre and are looking for a different, more raw challenge within the platform universe. It has another merit, probably the most important, which is that it reminds Nintendo, especially as we approach a new era, that the world deserves a new Donkey Kong.

Humankind doesn't reinvent the fire nor the wheel, but it brings freshness, new ideas and visual beauty to a niche genre, with systems deep enough to win over 4X fans and a visual interface that open the door to new ones. Although the artificial intelligence leaves a little to be desired and some systems need tweaking, the cultural evolution mechanic allows for very interesting flexibility and dynamics.

EA FC 26 presents remarkable improvements in terms of gameplay. Once again, it doesn't revolutionise football, but smarter goalkeepers, fluid movements, better ball control and more precise passing - all these small improvements help establish one of the best on the pitch gameplay of the series. However, with one exception or another, the changes to the other modes are conservative and don't change much, although it is clear that monetisation is becoming more aggressive.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code promises to satiate those hungry for more Danganronpa through gameplay that is as familiar as it is distinctive. It is able to effortlessly blend adventure, visual novel, mystery, detective and exploration elements with bold mechanics that surprise us at every turn. Given the experience of the developers, I expected Master Detective Archives: Rain Code to be a more robust product, with fewer technical glitches, better graphics, faster loading, better dialogues and a more rewarding gameplay cycle. Still, none of this completely spoils the overall experience, nor does it erase my desire to play the next title Too Kyo Games cooks up.

Back4Blood is the perfect game to play with friends, if we have enough party members to make it so our team isn't filled with Bots. This title promise complex experiences, that defy the laws of physics and communication, where hope is always the last to die. In a scenario where resources are low, and the hordes are endless, the path is long until the next safe zone. In contrast, it shows some bugs that although aren't game breaking, turn the attention from which should be a gameplay focused exclusively on the mission, without any visual distraction. Still, Back 4 Blood has potential to be one of the best zombie multiplayer games of our time.

Tchia is the living proof that it's possible to make a good game without complex plots or challenging gameplay features. The simple story of the people from New Caledonia is beautiful enough to contemplate and contrasts with our daily life, which is so busy and destructive. Tchia teaches us to stop and smell the flowers, admiring what we really need and valuing the things we take for granted.

Riders Republic comes with a lot to give, and one might argue that it may give too much. The Ranking and Item Unlocking systems distract from an experience that, at its core, gives us the best radical sports game since the SSX franchise. Ubisoft presented us with one of the most earnestly fun titles of the year, despite some unfortunately typical choice from the company. The biome diversity and the sheer amount of events, with Mass Races being the standout, culminate in one of the most pleasant gameplays in this genre.

Amnesia: The Bunker is the best horror experience in the entire franchise. Frictional Games has fixed some issues with previous games, and wanted to leave the "free horror" label behind. The Bunker has the ability to blend the real terror experienced throughout WW1, and adds the fantasy of the monstrous creature that we used to in Amnesia storylines. The Bunker will, from now on, be the model to be followed by all those who base the terror gameplay experience in “walking simulators”, showing that there are more survival resources than just the legs to run.

Crimson Desert is an ambitious game that tries to be (almost) everything at once, only to ultimately buckle under the weight of its own complexity. Although its story is disjointed and uninteresting, the game is ultimately saved by a complex and almost always entertaining combat system, which rewards us as we master it better. Added to this is an overwhelming and visually stunning world, which only needed a bit more narrative coherence to become memorable.

Avowed presents itself as a deliberately traditional RPG that, although it doesn't risk innovating, offers a well-executed experience. Its strengths - engaging characters, satisfying exploration and accessible mechanics - make up for its lack of originality and technical limitations. It's the kind of game that, without pretending to be more than it is, manages to provide dozens of hours of fun for fans of the genre looking for something familiar and comfortable.

Made up of highs and lows, great moments and dull ones, Eternal Strands is a real rollercoaster. Still, even its less successful moments aren't enough to drown out the tremendous fun of taking down giant foes, armed with a pocket full of spells and a whole lot of creativity. The pace of the narrative isn't always constant and enjoyable, but the amazing work of the voice cast gives it a lot of vivacity, and fortunately, Eternal Strands doesn't stretch too far to the point of losing its magic.

If memory can be an anchor and the future an unknown, then Season: A Letter to the Future asks us to be mindful of the present as we explore the beautiful world it has created. Armed with a camera, a recorder and diary, riding a bicycle trough gorgeous sceneries, we dive in a story about memories and new eras to unravel. To say it's not for everyone is to belittle both the game and those who play it, so it's really best to recommend it to everyone. Change is scary, but maybe Season will help us find some answers.

Any way you look at it, Bravely Default 2 is a fantastic launch for fans of classic JRPGs, a genre that hasn't had it easy, even in the portable model. There's still a lot for me to find out, especially in terms of the systems and the interconnection of the abilities in the Jobs that are unlocked as you play. I'm more susceptible to the extrinsic values associated with the progression and micromanagement of games like this, which invariably ends up pushing the story into the background. I'm certainly going to keep on playing it; it will continue to deserve commitment and a place between the cat and me, and that's perhaps the highest praise I can give it.

The latest entry in the historic Mario Tennis series features an adventure mode with varied challenges, a key online mode to test your persistence, and 30 fever rackets with different effects.

EA FC 25 is a fickle title. For every two steps forward, EA takes one step back and one step sideways. Although it's still an improvement on last year's release, it's not a significant enough evolution to dispel the idea that it's the same game every year. That's what you get when you play to manage the score.

Grid Legends could have been left behind, having launched at same time as another fairly big name of virtual motorsports. However, Codemasters gave us one of the best simcade experiences ever. With an impressive Story Mode, the usual variety in events and classes, and an acessible Race Editor, Grid Legends honors its TOCA origins and places itself right back on the main... grid.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to the past in more ways than one. More focused and cohesive than its recent predecessors, it leaves the chaff aside to focus on what's really fun. The reduced size suits it perfectly and anyone who missed the classic Assassin's Creed action will feel right at home in the city of Baghdad, which is possibly one of Ubisoft's most captivating recreations.

Simple, fun and recommended above all for younger players or those with little contact with the Super Mario franchise. Unfortunately, some of its most notable flaws are still present, such as unchallenging levels, again running the risk of putting off the more experienced players. To compensate, and perhaps unintentionally, the remake has a lure for these players: the addition of a robust co-operative mode that makes Mario vs. Donkey Kong more fun and even challenging when played with a friend, making us forget about its imperfections.

FIFA 23 tries new things and doesn't quite get them all right. It's not a bad game, but it's also not the best we've ever seen, not even close. It brings slower gameplay, a more patient passing game, but patches will surely change this over the coming months. Career Mode threatens to score a banger, but gets lost with repetitive cutscenes and some bizarre bugs in the Artificial Intelligence's behaviour. Ultimately, EA Sports and FIFA won't be saying goodbye with grand ceremonies, but rather with a timid exit from the pitch.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a return to form for BioWare. Assuming itself to be more of an action game, some RPG elements have been pushed into the background as a result. The history of the world of Thedas mixes with the history of Solas and our companions, in a plot that seems unappealing at first, but blossoms in the middle of the game. With breathtaking scenery and a very competent combat system, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is yet another fantastic RPG in a big year for fans of the genre.

Dying Light 2 gives us a fantastic world to explore and it's a delight to run around Villedor's rooftops and terraces. The game's plot is not able to keep up with the speed and quality of its acrobatic action, which, even marred by countless bugs, is still an incredibly fun and addictive experience.

The PC version of Days Gone manages to be a superior experience. More polished and better performing than the original on PS4. It doesn't escape its sins however – a story with an uneven pace associated with repetitive and sometimes unnecessary mechanics. The game would benefit if some mechanics were simplified, but it is still a very solid option for those who like open worlds, motorcycles and zombies.

12 Minutes is a welcome and delicious experience, inspired in the mystery classics by some of the best masters. It can make us feel the entire spectrum of emotions and making us think on how we deal with the truth, while navigating with equal artisanship through various genres. The small imperfections that you may find are the sign of a limited production team, but they are insignificant and incapable of meddling in this claustrophobically welcoming journey.

In an attempt to expand its player base, Team Ninja ends up diluting the formula it spent so many years refining. Rise of The Ronin stands out for its incredible and precise combat experience, combined with an enticing level design that stands out in an open world stuck in an overly familiar and beaten structure, without any major surprises in store. The story has its ups and downs, caused above all by an inconsistent pace, with characters constantly entering and exiting the stage. The game's performance also leaves something to be desired, especially considering that it's a PlayStation 5 exclusive released in 2024.

The Crew: Motorfest is a solid and capable title, but it can easily be labeled as a clone of its competitors, such as those in the Forza franchise. Despite this, it still offers a mature arcade experience with plenty of customization and attention to detail. It has taken a few steps backwards, but all the ones it has taken forwards have been in the right places.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War ends up mirroring what the Call of Duty franchise offered last year, with some new additions that are also welcome, especially for long-term fans. While being set during a very intense period, the campaign ends up erring for its disappointing longevity, even though the value of repetition is intrinsic to it. Zombies are back in style, while multiplayer gains an excellent new mode, but here it errs again for the arsenal's lack of variety.

Replaced is a beautiful retro cyberpunk adventure, with visuals that suit it down to the ground and world-building that pleasantly surprises. Despite a few flaws, the combat and platforming sections are competent and satisfying, even if they fail to lend a more consistent pace to the narrative, which drags in its slower moments. Even so, Replaced isn’t long enough to irreversibly tarnish what is a highly recommended experience.

If, on the one hand, Stardew Valley has become the ultimate farming sim, Fae Farm has the potential to become the ultimate cozy cooperative farming sim. Fae Farm's philosophy is just one: to make the experience of a farming simulator as relaxing as possible by removing everything that might get in the way. To do this, it takes the complex and diverse systems and mechanics of farming simulators and strips them of responsibilities, dull repetition, the most time-consuming grind, punishments and frustrations, then covers it with a cozy environment, full of relaxing tasks, with music and visuals that, on the whole, work in its favor.

In a year of change, EA Sports FC 24 doesn't revolutionize the series. Even with the goal at its mercy, EA has decided to bet on the game's new image, tidying up the wrapping paper and maintaining the same experience that all fans already know so well. Graphically it has never looked better, but there are few new features in terms of gameplay. New jersey aside, the gameplay of FC 24 is very similar to that of FIFA 23, for better or for worse.

Telltale has delivered yet another thrilling experience, but this time they've gone all out with the choice system. The player's decisions carry a very fine line between life and death, and every stage of the story can be altered depending on the actions of the player. The Expanse: A Telltale Series not only serves as a testament to the evolution of Telltale's game design, but also boasts stunning visuals that keep the pace with constant technological development.

Star Wars Outlaws will continue to occupy my time over the next days, fortunately with the advantage of becoming an experience shared with many other people. Personally, it's one of the good surprises of the year, it takes different styles of gameplay and stitches them together into a very well-tuned amalgam, without exaggeration and with protagonists that it's impossible not to like. All this, in the Star Wars universe, is an excellent example of how Lucasfilm's world has much more to offer than lightsabers and Jedi.

Wild Hearts updates the hunting videogame catalog and proves that it is possible to create new franchises inspired by existing IPs. The only thing that separates success is the ability to create something with its own identity, and that's what Koei Tecmo did by delivering this new franchise to fans of the subgenre. Wild Hearts opts for a spiritualist theme that, properly contextualized, enriches the game world and gives a different purpose to the monsters, as well as to the playable character who has the trivial mission of saving the world. Despite the graphical and performance issues, it is always possible to contemplate the grandeur of everything, like weapons, creatures, buildings or even sights.

Song of Nunu continues the "A League of Legends Story" series, proving once again the incredible experiences that the rich and deep world created by Riot Games can provide. It's hard not to get the feeling that the game could have been more, especially considering the quality delivered in Convergence and The Mageseeker, two titles that survive on their own merits, without needing League of Legends to exist. Despite some of its flaws, as well as serving as a cute adventure game for the younger set, Nunu and Willump's heart-warming adventure is even capable of melting the icy hearts of League of Legends players.

WarioWare: Move It! has a vast and diverse range of mini-games to be enjoyed solo, with friends or family, ensuring many hours of chaotic fun. Although there are more than two hundred games and a humorous narrative to support them, the very short duration of 3 seconds per mini-game wears you down quickly, leaving you feeling like you're spending more time waiting for the mini-game than actually playing. The mini-games are easy to master, significantly reducing the challenge and replayability. Despite its poor longevity, WarioWare: Move It! oozes creativity, shining in the competitive modes, but above all in the cooperative ones, proving to be a fun team party game.

South of Midnight is a game with a very strong identity of its own, which prioritizes its artistic and narrative vision above all else. Its moderate length (around 10-12 hours) prevents the repetitive elements of combat from becoming tiresome. Although the narrative doesn't reach the emotional depths that its themes suggest, it makes up for it with a stunning world, a magnificent soundtrack and enjoyable movement mechanics. It's like an illustrated storybook: maybe the story isn't revolutionary, but the pages are visual delights and a window into a fascinating world. For fans of adventure games with a strong narrative and visual component, South of Midnight offers an enchanting experience through a journey full of magic. Its distinct and coherent identity makes it a good addition to any gamer's library.

Despite all its technical limitations, there is something undeniably satisfactory in Farming Simulator 22. The stress of managing crops, inconsistent workers and visual glitches is mitigated by the pleasant pauses to watch the sunset, as we gazer upon a 2 hectar terrain that we sowed and are ready to harvest.

Dead Island 2 is like a good B movie. It's imperfect, but it doesn't commit to more than it's capable of offering. Incredibly entertaining, it keeps in the foreground what makes it stand out: the destruction of zombies, without a single shred of shame. It doesn't revolutionize the genre and never breaks free of the genre's moorings, but it's a real pleasure to smash zombies - from zombie number 1 to zombie number 1000.

In short, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is a glamorous reimagining of a 1985 classic, which is why lots of owners of the Nintendo Entertainment System fell in love with it. The visuals are renewed and it's a challenging experience that will put the patience of any player to the test. Sir Arthur is back in a way that will make you think of the possibility of seeing new things popping up for the future.

Making Gylt cross-platform was a wise choice from Tequila Works. The game that was exclusive to Stadia now has the opportunity to reach more players, and raise awareness for bullying. Despite the stealth and combat mechanics being very basic, the story that sustains the action is interesting enough to hold us until the end, making the experience extremely satisfying.

The Sims 4 High School Years fulfills its purpose: giving players as much gameplay possibilities as it can, with one of the richest Sims 4 packs yet. Despite some stubborn rabbit holes, the recriation of High School's highs and lows is very well done, from the clothing to Copperdale High's hallways.

Emio - The Smiling Man struggles to remain as interesting as its premise, a battle it loses over the course of the more than 10 hours of gameplay it has to offer. The simplicity of the narrative adds nothing to the linear and predetermined gameplay, diminishing the initial interest I had in seeing an answer to the interesting mysteries presented at the start of the game. On the other hand, this safe, simple and even quite competent path could serve as a gateway for those interested in taking their first steps in a thriller visual novel with a subdued horror narrative.