Top Spin is back in 2024. An almost surreal phrase after 13 years of absence. And yet, through persistence and belief, the best tennis game of all time is back, and it does not disappoint. It must be said that 2K Games and Hangar 13 took as few risks as possible, by resuming the basics of Top Spin 4 gameplay. Readjustments and some modifications were however made to give more consistency and depth, and erase the few aspects that could still be improved, such as serving, volleying and a clear increase in fouls or balls going out of bounds. It was the best compromise to make in any case, as the gameplay was already divine at the time and has reached unparalleled heights today. More than ever, timing and placement must be managed to the millimeter to be sure to hit exactly and in the right place, which guarantees an even crazier margin for progress, even when you were already a top spin 4 leader. With Top Spin 2K25, never has a tennis game been so varied in its exchanges, and the fluidity of its rhythm.

With Dragon's Dogma 2, Capcom is making an incredible comeback. Not that this sequel revolutionizes the franchise, but it reminds us that it was innovative 12 years ago. Because long before Zelda Breath of the Wold and Elden Ring, Capcom had already initiated itself into systemic gaming, by presenting a less interventionist and above all more innovative open world. With a first attempt in 2012, the Japanese studio once again imposed its ideas, still as contemporary twelve years later. Proof that Capcom was ahead of its time and that it had already understood that the freedom offered to the player had to come through a questioning of the open world game.

If you have taken the time to read our article, you have noticed that there are many negative points with Rise of the Ronin, but the game also has good arguments for its defense and to assert itself in relation to the competition, starting with its gameplay, which is the main thing in a video game. Obviously, the game will suffer from comparison with Ghost of Tsushima, which, whatever anyone says, redefined samurai games. Sucker Punch's game was not perfect, but its open world was much better controlled, more enchanting, more captivating and above all more interesting to explore. Rise of the Ronin is a test attempt on the side, with an empty open world, quite flat and ultimately not very interesting to discover. Technically too, it doesn't keep up, and it's even very weak, especially when we know that it is a game developed exclusively on PS5 and that it still required 9 years of production. Team Ninja still has a lot to prove in the field of open world games, but manages to interest people through the richness of its gameplay and its numerous possibilities. We hope that this first attempt will allow the Japanese studio to do better next time.

Ignoring the strong nostalgia for 1997, is this second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake really up to par? Objectively, the game blows hot and cold. As a pure remake, the work done by the Kitase teams is impressive, that's undeniable, but compared to what's being done today, the title lags a bit technically speaking. Graphically, the game is not up to the standards of a PS5 exclusive game and could run perfectly on PS4. The engine is showing its age and even the recent Final Fantasy XVI outclasses this Rebirth in its technique. And what about its archaic open world, which proves that the engine used is clearly not adapted to large spaces where interactions and a semblance of life must be created? On this side, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has both feet in the carpet, with a "parkour" system which is often difficult to see, failing to generate fits of laughter. And then, there are also all these moments which seem artificially extended so that we can display the 40/50 hours of gameplay of the main plot. Conversely, FF VII Rebirth takes the time to develop its characters, to give them bonds of camaraderie, to be a little more human than the silent polygons we knew 30 years ago. The combat system has gained in depth, thanks in particular to this synergy system which allows you to create combined attacks, often offering epic moments. Obviously, for the almost blinded fanboy, this FF VII Rebirth sounds like a gift falling from the sky, but for the average person who looks at it from afar, and with better perspective, they will see it as a great experience, but clearly not the GOTY 2024.

If Helldivers 2 surprises so much, it is because it has succeeded in two important points. The first is to finally prove to the whole world that it is possible to make a good game based on the Starship Troopers universe. From its creatures to its corrosive and second-rate humor, including the very principle of sacrifice for a common cause, we couldn't dream of a better way to immerse ourselves in Paul Verhoeven's masterpiece. Second point: also proves that making a very good live-service game without creating bad buzz or rejection from gamers is also possible. It must be said that unlike Suicide Squad, this Helldivers was designed and shaped to be multiplayer, cooperative, with the dose of fun that goes with it, the complete opposite of the title from Warner Games and Bethesda.

To tell the truth, we don't know what's sadder in this Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League. The desire at all costs for Warner to have his Fortnite with the DC overlay? That Rocksteady hasn't been able to transcend the experience despite its pedigree? That the story of this game is set in the same universe as Batman Arkham? No matter, this Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League is, whatever happens, a huge waste, because in everything it tries to do, it never manages to convince. Probably because no one believed in this project, because many changes were made during its production and because this game was made under duress, and not from the heart.

We were convinced by the proposition of this Silent Hill The Short Message, which takes up the concept of the P.T. by integrating it into a modern story, a mirror of our society. Everything is not perfect, far from it and we would have liked to have more gameplay mechanics, puzzles, some more concrete moments of freak out, but as a party game, it does the job well. And let's not forget that it's free.

With Tekken 8, Bandai Namco has found the right formula to bring together VS Fighting noobs and experts under the same gameplay. Easier to access than Street Fighter, King of Fighters and even Mortal Kombat, Tekken 8 is also there to make the show visual for spectators. We had fun, even if the Story mode is very kitsch, the Tekken Ball mode is useless and we would have liked something other than Mii avatars.

Should you buy this remastered version of The Last of Us 2 on PS5? Yes, of course ! Beyond remaking one of the best games in history with Red Dead Redemption 2 in better conditions, we can especially enjoy the "No Return" mode, which is the essential asset of the title, bringing hours and hours of play in addition, and above all a major challenge to measure this incredible gameplay. And then I remind you that if you already have the game on PS4, the update will only cost you €10, while the full game is offered at €50. And then, need I remind you how The Last of Us Part 2 is a remarkable game in many ways? Through the finesse of their writing, Neil Druckmann and Harley Gross have managed to make their work a ton of emotions where contrary feelings mix, blurring the line between what is supposed to be Good and what represents Evil. This is why The Last of Us 2 is an exceptional sequel: by assuming his choices, even if it means not pleasing everyone. That being said, even if you do not subscribe to Naughty Dog's vision in the story, it will however be difficult to deny the intrinsic qualities of the pure video game product as such.

With its magnificent graphics which give the feeling of a next gen game (apart from the NPCs), Avatar Frontiers of Pandora is an invitation to travel, to immerse yourself and get lost on the magnificent planet of Pandora. But if graphically the title is incredible, it ultimately remains far too academic in its gameplay. We actually feel that the developers really wanted to break away from the usual formula of Ubisoft games, notably Far Cry, forcing them to go in a direction that was a little too conventional. The adventure goes well, but it lacks that epic side that we are waiting for forever. Ubisoft's title could have been the last great game of 2023, it will ultimately remain a good game that did not follow through with the proposition.

No need to debate further, this Asterix & Obelix Baffez les Tous 2 does not keep its promises. The marketing announced to us a “bigger better stronger” sequel when it is the opposite that we are receiving, namely the first episode much worse. Not only has the element of surprise disappeared, but nothing has changed or evolved. We therefore have the impression of playing the same game as in 2021 with many elements that have been removed.

It's hard to believe that it was Paul Cuisset, the creator of the first Flashback, who created such a sequel. Graphics close to the PS1 era, animations done with a trowel, we can clearly see that this Flashback 2 did not have a large budget to create. But financial means in no way excuse a completely shoddy game design choice, not to mention its execution which gives the feeling of a blatant lack of expertise. Not only is Flashback 2 a technical failure, but it is also an indigestible game due to its clumsy gameplay, completely paralyzed by mechanics from another century.

We thought that Tintin was going to return to video games successfully, but the game is failing badly. With its complicated launch, Tintin Reporter Cigars of the Pharaoh is a game that can be forgotten. And it's not just the technical problems, but also its shaky, poorly chosen and totally childish gameplay. The rare moments of action in the 10/12 hours of adventures are undoubtedly the least successful, with a graphics engine which is unfortunately not adapted to the situations. The inertia of Tintin (but also of Snowy) is completely lacking, the animations are cut to pieces and the game is sorely lacking in dynamism. It's soft, it's boring and it becomes problematic, especially the infiltration phases coming from another time, at least 20 years ago. Here too, Pendulo Studios proves to us that apart from point & click gameplay, the studio seriously lacks the expertise to render epic sequences.

The desire was there, the passion of the developers too, but the Grendizer site was far too important for Microids and the Enroad studio. We do not know the real budget that was injected for the game, but if there is one thing that is certain, it is that the game lacked financial resources. Technically weak, and graphically ugly, this Goldorak unfortunately cannot hide these technological shortcomings under its cartoon D.A. The semi open world is obsolete and not up to par for a 2023 game. It's empty, it's bland, nothing happens, and the game is also riddled with collision bugs. Added to this are also numerous frame-rate problems which spoil the experience a little more, while problems with proportion and scale value ruin the feeling of being at the controls of a giant 33-meter robot made of metal.

Made with good intentions, The Smurfs 2 The Prisoner of the Green Stone unfortunately does not manage to do as well as its predecessor released in 2021. However, the decision to take inspiration from Ratchet & Clank in its gameplay was a good idea in itself, but OSome Studio did not go through with the adaptation. Between a limited gameplay loop which is never renewed, the restricted use of SmurfoMix, the hallucinating - and incomprehensible - poverty of the bestiary (5 types of enemies in total), only 3 different worlds to travel through (and which last far too long). for a long time), portals that are completely underused but also an inconsistent level design, we get bored quite quickly because of this repetition in the gameplay. It's a shame because the game is well made, the gameplay is mastered and the graphics are attractive.

What shines through the most, despite the game’s flaws, is its narrative, which is equally as ambitious as the game’s systems. It focuses on relationships and the different ways they manifest in a person’s life. There’s also Thirsty Suitors’ delightful sprinkling of political commentary.

A successful bet for Robocop from the Teyon studio which offers us a pleasant spectacle, especially if we like the character and this 80's 90's period of American cinema. But make no mistake, Robocop is an ultra generic FPS, bordering on old school in its foundations, the game doesn't invent anything and people who only swear by the codes of the modern FPS will perhaps be disappointed. But the game has such a pleasant feeling that it is difficult to ignore its pleasure, especially since the game respects the license to death, and that must also be emphasized. It's violent, it's kitsch and it's even narrative, but we had a lot of fun in the 12/15 hours needed to finish the game. Because yes, this Robocop also has the delicacy of having a duration of very honest life for a narrative single player game.

Distressing, frightening, sometimes disturbing, Alan Wake 2 makes a resounding return thirteen years after the first episode that we have not forgotten. Remedy is not content with making a simple and basic sequel, but is readjusting its game by renewing the gameplay. By introducing a second character, the developers introduce a successful "investigation" aspect which reinforces the narrative of these satanic murders. The fights have become fiercer and more intense too and the story even more captivating. Cherry on the cake : the game offers sumptuous graphics, with ultra-realistic facial expressions. One of the best games of 2023.

New art direction, more attractive graphics, a multitude of new animations, facial expressions for Mario, his friends and even enemies, and humor everywhere, this Super Mario Wonder has done things in a big way for his return as a 2D platform game. The setting is magnificent, but the gameplay is also breathtaking. It must be said that Nintendo had fun and the imagination of the developers was overflowing. A game design idea at each new level is a bit of the promise of this game, which manages to give new life into a saga that will soon be 40 years old. We come away from this experience with a smile on our faces.

If the first hours of play lead us to believe that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is just a simple PS5 update of previous episodes, we quickly realize that the game goes much further! More beautiful and more detailed, the game stands out above all for its ultra spectacular staging. The gameplay is also more intense thanks to mechanics that improve the combat system. The treatment of Venom is fabulous, and he is the perfect epitome of what we expect from this iconic character. It has never been so well transcribed on screen, and for that, Insomniac Games must receive the highest praise. The other characters are not left out, whether Kraven, but also Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The studio has understood this universe so much that it must serve as a model for the MCU and Sony Pictures films, which have often failed in cinema.

Inspector Gadget: Mad Time Party has all the flaws that a failed game could have imagined: obsolete graphics and animations, technically shameful, non-existent gameplay, catastrophic gameplay, uninteresting mini-games and a playing time of 1h30, the game gives the impression to have been developed in the space of 3 months. The disaster is total and undoubtedly industrial.

If you are looking for originality with this Assassin's Creed Mirage, you will be disappointed, the game only focusing on the nostalgic fiber and the roots of the license. Less RPG elements, smaller open world, 15/20 hours of gaming maximum, the return of the Middle East and gameplay centered on stealth mechanics, some players will appreciate the return of the old Assassin's Creed philosophy, others will not because the game is less complete, with old school stealth mechanics. Assassin's Creed Mirage is simply Assassin's Creed in the most basic way the formula has to offer. It's not bad in itself, but after 3 years of waiting, we were still entitled to expect something more surprising.

Thirteen years after leaving its indelible mark on videogames industry and establishing itself as one of the best games of the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation, Red Dead Redemption arrives on Nintendo Switch in a completely unexpected way. Many hoped for a remake on PS5 and Xbox Series, but Rockstar Games preferred to offer Nintendo console owners the port of a game that will still be a landmark. For the quality of its porting to begin with (kudos to the Double Eleven studio - Rockstar Games alumni), but also proving at the same time that the Switch is capable of handling open worlds without degrading the quality. And when we tell you that the port is uncompromising, it means that we find the same experience as in 2010, with the same graphic quality of the time and all the details that made the reputation of the Rockstar Games title. Some studios such as Game Freak should take the seed.

Uninhibited and assumed action, this is the new direction of this Final Fantasy XVI which has a specific objective: to please the greatest number, even if it means splitting and dividing Final Fantasy fans….Yes, this episode XVI is more eyeing the Devil May Cry, and that's probably the best thing that could have happened to it.

This time there will be no debate. With Street Fighter 6, Capcom has managed to bring together the two audiences under one banner: experts in the discipline as well as laymen. There is something for everyone, the game being deep enough for VS Fighting specialists and intelligently accessible for newbies who are just starting out. Less zoning, more aggressiveness, this new iteration has also boosted its gameplay to adapt to all player profiles.

Some will say that this Zelda Tears of the Kingdom looks more like DLC++ than the real sequel to Breath of the Wild, and they won't be completely wrong; at least in the first 10/12 hours of play. But by opening its world to the sky, the game changes perspective, opens up new horizons and the open world becomes even more exhilarating to explore. Yes, Tears of the Kingdom will not revolutionize video games like Breath of the Wild did 6 years ago, but it reinforces its gaming possibilities in the most solid way, and above all offers a new way to rediscover its open world. Tears of the Kingdom is to Breath of the Wild what Majora's Mask was to Ocarina of Time, a complementary but above all essential adventure.

Dead Island 2 is not doing too badly, especially for a development that started more than 10 years ago. But we obviously cannot ignore all the archaism of its game design. Whether it's the overall structure of the game (several small, very down-to-earth open areas, without any possibility of verticality), its basic and repetitive gameplay, Dead Island 2 can put off some players. Despite these major flaws, the title of Deep Silver still manages to appeal to our primary instincts, namely to slaughter zombies with such graphic violence that it becomes enjoyable.

Known for changing the world of the Third Person Shooter almost 20 years ago, Resident Evil 4 returns in a remake that proves once again that Capcom have become the experts when it comes to restoring a masterpiece. The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay has smoothed out, and the game remains an action gaming landmark even in 2023.