Classic but effective. This is a good overall description for Nioh 2. With its intense battles and an unprecedented level of customisation for the Souls-like subgenre, the latest addition of Team Ninja has a lot to offer to fans of tough challenges. Special mention to the Yokai abilities, which come to refine a gameplay that opens the door to tens of hours of build experimentation. A very generous and pleasant content, which compensates for outdated graphics and a level-design without any real breakthrough.

Hob has obvious inspirations and an overwhelming originality. The Runic Games's title is a tale of adventure mastered as rarely seen before. Classic in its approach or progression, it offers a high-end artistic direction and a dream soundtrack. The impression of "déjà vu", inherent to the genre, is sometimes present but does not affect in any way a smooth and pleasant progression. The ten hour longevity of Hob is well worth the investment.

Little Nightmares 3 follows in the footsteps of its two predecessors. An adventure in dark and disturbing worlds designed to reflect the nightmares of Low and Alone. The formula is identical, with the only difference being that this time, the adventure is experienced by two players. This twist isn't necessarily executed in the best way, as the co-op aspect doesn't make a huge difference to the game, with puzzles that are fairly easy to solve. But overall, this new episode is still an enjoyable adventure that fans of the first two episodes will appreciate just as much, with two players if necessary.

The idea is absolutely brilliant and brings to life the childhood games of many players. If the execution lacks a little something to make the experience unforgettable, we must still praise the ingenuity of this new use of the Nintendo Switch. Perfect to gather the family around the elaboration of the craziest possible circuit, MKL struggles to convince on the long run. The limitations of the concept are quick to show.

Overall, Mario vs Donkey Kong is good, even very good. The remastering work is clearly perceptible, and it's a real pleasure to (re)play these levels, which have been redesigned to suit the videogame standards of modern Mario games. Unfortunately, we can only regret that this overall success has been sabotaged by some really annoying flaws, giving the impression that we're being wasted. Mario vs Donkey Kong is therefore, in our opinion, a good game to play from time to time to relax, provided you're not too much of a stickler for detail. A good game for the young, the very young or video game neophytes, who won't pay too much attention to the small details we've pointed out, and who will especially frustrate regular players accustomed to more accomplished optimization.

Master Detective Archives Rain Code offers players a rich investigative game that keeps them on their toes throughout. Whether thanks to its story or its gameplay mechanics, it will bring beginners and experts alike into a universe where the cards are shuffled in order to uncover the dark secret of the town of Kanai Ward. However, not everything is rosy, as it also has a few shortcomings, such as the graphics, which may bother some of you, or the fact that the queries are not particularly interesting. If we had to sum up this title in a few words, it would be: A real pleasant surprise.

If The Forgotten City is based on a mod initially designed for Skyrim, it knows how to detach itself from it to become a work in its own right. It is not an action game, even if it offers some, but a game of reflection and rhetoric. It offers us an interesting story that relies on the exploitation of a time portal and philosophical questions that are not without meaning. Even if the charming graphics sometimes lack depth and suffer from insufficiently detailed textures, the faces are neat and the soundtrack is good.

Samurai Warriors 5 is a successful return to the basics of the license after a Dynasty Warriors 9 that had completely disappointed the players. Koei Tecmo offers a game that will not leave fans of the genre unmoved, while proposing interesting new features, a very complete roster of playable characters, a wide range of usable weapons, two very solid game modes and a lifespan that exceeds 100 hours of play. We will forgive its technical inequalities, even if it is time to move to the Next Gen and to offer a game with big ambitions while keeping what makes the essence of Musou games.

Wolves is wrapping up this season beautifully. The artistic direction is still as charming as ever, as is the soundtrack, which takes us away despite some overlapping dialogues and some freezes. The confined spaces have issues in terms of selecting items, and the title emphasizes on the show more than usual, at the expense of the player's involvement, as he turns into a spectator. Nevertheless, it plays so well with our feelings and emotions that we let ourselves be carried away without any problem.

With its dense gameplay and its numerous progression mechanics, Fire Emblem Warriors 3 Hopes really has everything it takes to make Fire Emblem and mass beat them up fans enjoy themselves. However, it can be criticized for clogging the player with menus, with endless end-of-battle screens and maybe too many things to manage outside the battles. Nevertheless, FEW3H remains one of the most solid and complete musou of the last years, you would be wrong to miss this return to the world of Fodlan.

Mount & Blade II Bannerlord is a perfected version of a medieval sandbox game concept where you alternate between territory conquest, large-scale battles and the progression of your character and your kingdom. The few AI wanderings and the repetitiveness of the quests and dialogues do not detract from this exhilarating sandbox where your story is written as you make decisions and take actions.

More beautiful than ever, the adventure offered by the remake of The Last of Us Part 1 fully exploits the PS5's capabilities. But the lack of fresh content or significant innovations gives the unpleasant impression of paying a high price for a graphic patch. We therefore recommend it above all to the hardcore fans of the original, as well as to players who are new to the license and who absolutely want the best possible experience.

Addictive and enjoyable to play, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a good game and a nice appetizer while we wait for the next generation. TPCI continues to experiment with new ways to play with trainers and their pocket monsters, and they're doing pretty well with this two-phase formula that we found hard to put down. It's a shame, however, that the story isn't a little more interesting and that the technical aspects are still lacking.

Overall and to be quite honest, Lost Ark is truly an excellent game. Very complete in most aspects, the game from Smilegate RPG doesn't skimp on details and promises many hours of play to those interested in the MMOARPG style. However, it is important to mention that Lost Ark suffers from some serious defects due to its condition as a Korean game: the exploitation of the player's irrepressible need to spend money to compensate for a possible backlog and its affiliation with gambling games, two factors that should be seriously considered, especially by those players who are serious about committing themselves. Nevertheless, aside from these defects, Lost Ark offers Western gamers a new way to approach both the MMORPG and Hack'n'Slash styles. By taking the time and enjoying the game without rushing to get the credit card out as soon as possible, the average gamer should enjoy Lost Ark without too much trouble, and that's probably the most important thing in the end.

If you've been waiting for Modern Warfare 3 to deliver an incredible, never-before-seen campaign, then you'll have to pass, but if you're in it for the Multiplayer, then this Sledgehammer Games title will win you over. Despite a timid campaign that may seem far too short and empty, the Multiplayer and Zombies modes make up for it. We rediscover the sensations we've come to know through previous opuses, and the Zombies experience is a pleasant surprise. Despite our initial skepticism, once we're into Operation Deadbolt, it's hard to stop.

Arise is a good episode, which could have been excellent if it didn't get its feet wet in its last third. At the moment of concluding and confirming all the nice things put forward during the journey, the series falls back into its old ways with unbearable corridors, full of color swap enemies on 10 hours of gameplay that leave a bitter taste. It's a pity, especially since the combat system and the world building are the most solid we've seen on a Tales Of in quite some time.

Dragon Age The Veilguard is the quintessential mass-market AAA, with all the qualities and shortcomings that implies. It's a great adventure with accessible, polished and well-thought-out content, even if the freedom isn't there. This is obviously a major flaw for an RPG, and one that is likely to anger many players. Ironically, in seeking to be open-ended at all costs, while avoiding taking risks, the game commits some major clumsiness in terms of writing. Veilguard is much better than the studio's previous titles, but it still lacks the arguments capable of reconciling it with gamers.

Grounded offers a survival game that is both fun and accessible, without taking the player by the hand. The difficulty is present, without being punishing, and the progression is really satisfying through this gigantic garden, which manages to mix beauty and arachnid horrors. It's an interesting adventure, whether you're playing single or multiplayer, and we can't help but recommend trying it out, even to those who usually ignore survival games.

We were transfixed by this adventure that is Remnant: From the Ashes. Not everything is perfect, but it is still very good. With this highly original title, Gunfire Games hits hard. We recommend strongly that you play with a friend, in order to fully enjoy this exotic adventure where death will often knock at your door.

Far from being a childish little game, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an excellent spin-off that skillfully takes the universe and the mechanics of the license before adapting them brilliantly in a very different genre. The story is easy to follow, the art direction is not lacking in charm, and the fights are satisfying. Exploring the world in order to get your hands on all the possible monsters, then tinkering with their genes in order to make a great team is very satisfying, even if there are some clumsinesses in the interface and it can be a bit repetitive. We highly recommend it, both to Monster Hunter fans and to those who are looking for an alternative to Pokémon.

Elden Ring Nightreign is aimed at the most dedicated of FromSoftware's titles, as it condenses the best and the worst into a new, original format. At last, a Soulslike designed for true cooperative play. It's an intense, non-stop race, requiring you to concentrate for 45 minutes, while taking on difficult bosses and having to avoid making almost the slightest mistake. It's very addictive and you literally can't see the time go by, but it's exhausting and clearly not for everyone. It's a lot of fun, but you can't help but be frustrated by the studio's bad habits: an archaic interface, missing features, dubious balancing, but also a massive amount of recycling from previous titles, without offering the rich content we'd expect in return.

Persona 3 Reload makes all the changes and improvements you'd expect a worthy remake of a cult title. The original is vastly improved in almost every respect, with far more satisfying and dynamic gameplay, richer social and relatively modern graphics. This almost perfect if a massive amount of content hadn't been left out. been left out. The lifespan remains massive, and it's an excellent way of discovering or rediscovering Persona 3, but it's far far from being the complete version of the game we've been dreaming of for years.

Wolcen's development has been long and full of uncertainties, but it has managed to reverse the trend and become an excellent surprise. It should appeal to veterans who have been around the hack and slash genre. Although it can sometimes be very intimidating with its massive Gate of Fates and its huge amount of statistics, it also has what it takes to attract the general public. It offers an instant grip and efficient gameplay, all with a design uncommon to big studios and a solid play time. Unfortunately, it was released prematurely, and bugs, server unavailability and a rough interface have cooled our enthusiasm a bit.

In their eagerness to streamline the original experience, Square Enix and Hexadrive have gone too far with this new version of the cult classic Dragon Quest VII, stripping away some of its charm. Its concept and effective gameplay remain intact, but it's hard not to grimace when you realise that the game has removed all form of challenge and the need for exploration. A remake that is a little too effective, then, but one that will at least allow as many people as possible to discover this monument of Japanese RPGs with a big heart.

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is an excellent surprise. The game features an original combat system, has a cast rich enough for everyone to find something to their liking, and boasts an excellent online mode. Comparisons with the previous opus are inevitable, but the recycling seems to have been done intelligently: we keep what's good and improve the rest while adding things on top. The game is well worth the price for a new one, even if Versus players may be left a little hungry, with few additions to the single-player section (and not the best part either). In fact, it's this lack of single-player content that prevents us from considering it a must-have, unless you're a real fighting game enthusiast or a fan of the license.

Crown Gambit is a nice little indie game, made in France, that will keep you busy for at least ten hours, or even longer if you get the hang of it and want to explore all the possibilities the game has to offer. The narrative adventure concept is very well thought-out, in an atypical dark fantasy universe that is accessible even to those who are not necessarily familiar with this genre. A pleasant surprise at a low price, which we recommend to you this summer while you wait for the bigger releases to come. The perfect game to play on Steam Deck, even if we regret that it's not available on other platforms.

Skydance Interactive hits the mark with Saints & Sinners, a VR survival game featuring zombies and different factions of survivors under The Walking Dead license. In addition to the tough moral choices it poses, the title shines with its physics engine and its truly immersive and enjoyable melee combat. Even if we regretted some repetitions, the limited freedom and survivors with very low IQ, we felt deeply involved in this apocalyptic New Orleans.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair has reinvented the franchise where it was needed. We are not witnessing a revolution of the platform genre, but the beginning of its transformation. Even though this title has some flaws, it also tries to introduce new things. It explores many mechanics, and seems almost irreproachable in pure gameplay terms, controller in hand. We were charmed by this title, although it can be frustrating at times. Speedrunners and collectibles fans will be served, while the others will have a cute little game to get their teeth into.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a treat for action gamers, with visually stunning sequences and a great feel. Unfortunately, the game's frenetic pace is punctuated by a few slow moments and can become repetitive at times due to a lack of variety in the enemy roster. But the main gameplay loop remains ultra-addictive and the bosses are so enjoyable that the game is still a pleasant surprise, both for newcomers and veterans of the franchise. We recommend it, and it's available on Game Pass from day one.

An epic adventure awaits you if your machine can run Black Myth Wukong properly. It's one of the best-looking, best-realized games we've ever had the pleasure of playing. Battles are nervous and intense, but the gameplay is easy to master, with enough tools at your disposal not to get bored with the dozens and dozens of bosses awaiting you. Finally, it's a shame that the story is difficult to understand for the vast majority of players, and that the immense potential of the level design is ruined by the invisible walls, which are placed haphazardly.

Humankind offers a fresh formula to the genre by taking the best of Civilization and Endless Legends, before adding its own personal touch. Technically, the game is robust, with nice graphics and music, and above all, it has the advantage of being relatively accessible to new players with its tutorials, its clear and accessible mechanics, as well as a limited micromanagement requirement. It should also appeal to veterans of the genre looking for a more tactical management of conflicts. With a bit of content and some additional polish, it has great potential in the long run.

This new opus from Two Point Studios is a very good title, and above all, we have the impression that it's even more complete than the previous games. It's diversified and offers a variety of experiences, some of which are mind-boggling. It's sure to win you over if you're a fan of management games, but be warned: it can be a bit tricky to get the hang of at first. On the other hand, Two Point Studios' sense of humor and graphic style are back, which is always a pleasure for those who appreciate the studio.

Octopath Traveler 0 offers a different structure from its predecessors, with gameplay that sometimes stands out significantly, usually in a good way. Even though there are many clichés of the genre and no real freedom is offered, the story manages to be touching when it needs to be. It doesn't shy away from tackling difficult themes that you wouldn't expect given its artistic direction. It's another successful addition to the series, although it's a shame that various overlooked aspects detract from the overall result, such as the lack of French localization and slightly inferior graphics.

Even more efficient than its predecessor, Switch Sports has won us over with the technicality offered by certain disciplines such as Chambara or Volleyball, with the precision of the Joy-Con movements and especially with the implementation of a competitive ranking. Unfortunately, to enjoy this incredible "esport" addition, matches against players from all over the world or even cosmetics to customize your avatar, you need to have the Online subscription. Of course, it is possible to enjoy the title locally with friends, but the strength of Switch Sports lies in its competitive version.

Kaiju Wars is an ingenious tribute to all the big monster disaster movies. It is full of personality and good ideas on all levels. Through its well thought out gameplay, it reproduces the helplessness of a conventional army desperately trying to slow down Godzilla and his colleagues as they raze a city, with the stress of watching the monsters advance without being able to defeat them and the satisfaction that comes with victory, even if it is short-lived. The realization is also good for an independent game, with beautiful animations, art direction and memorable music. Count on about 20 to 30 hours for the basic campaign, and 40 to 50 hours on average for the 100%.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a pure Souls-like that has absorbed and spat out what all its predecessors in the genre have been able to do in recent years. Overall, a satisfying experience that's worth its €49.99 price tag, even if it doesn't reinvent the formula and probably won't be remembered for years to come. A good summer experience for all fans of the genre, with killer gameplay, even if we'd have liked a little more simplicity in some of the game's systems, which are too complex at times for very little in the end.

With The Medium, Bloober Team delivers a sordid story — though not always easy to pin down. Despite the sometimes ludicrous character animation, blurring effects not necessarily justified, and the presence of a few artifacts, the graphics are high quality and often well-inspired. The chases and the passages in the characters' psyche are quite memorable. If you don't mind games which are linear and focus on the narrative more than the action, you'll have a great time with The Medium — and its amazing OST.

Lies of P emulates FromSoftware's games with skill, style and just a hint of originality. Nevertheless, it sometimes inherits the rigidity of the old titles it takes as a model. It might have done better to move away from this to offer more distinctive gameplay, and to avoid distracting the player with a patchwork of familiar elements and references - it gets to the point where it's just too much. It does manage to stand out in other ways, however, as the game looks great, with settings and characters bursting with personality, as do the music choices. Overall, the result is really good, and it's an excellent game in this specific genre, and we'd highly recommend it if difficulty doesn't scare you.

Nintendo continues to play it cool on the Switch's end-of-life, offering a solid remake of a Paper Mario episode considered one of the saga's best. A game that is bound to resonate in the hearts of many Gamecube gamers, thanks to its impeccable graphical restoration and welcome comfort options. The Thousand Year Door, however, retains the shortcomings of the original, with incessant back-and-forth that highlights the weaknesses of the level-design (excluding dungeons) and chapters that are often too long.

Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak is the expansion we've been waiting for, with richer and more satisfying gameplay than ever, added content, and a seriously enhanced difficulty. Even if it introduces a new and very fun way to play single player, as well as various upgrades, it can be criticized for being too classic, and simply following the usual formula, as well as being too light in terms of content. The game also still suffers from the big disparity between the PC and the Switch in terms of graphic capabilities. But if you liked Rise, you'll love Sunbreak.

Hyrule Warriors: Legends is a solid musou game set in the world of Zelda TotK, perfect for switching off your brain after a busy day. A good way to let off steam, marred by the limited interest of most of the battle maps and the bestiary of the game it is inspired by, but which manages to come out on top thanks to a well-constructed story and compelling combat.

All in all, EA FC 24 already seems to be a clear departure from previous editions of FIFA, and that's just as well for the launch of this new era. EA Sports has succeeded in seducing the majority of FIFA fans, who will rediscover what they loved about the game, while discovering new ways of playing the universal game. This 2023/2024 season has not seen the last of its surprises, and even if a few imperfections still remain, we hope that the big back-to-school update won't make the game boring and unbalanced. Beware, however, of the PlayStyles, which could quickly prove too powerful for some players. All that's left is to wish you a good game, or rather, a good match!

Whether you're a soccer fan or a football hater, if you like team games where individual skill is as important as knowledge of the game and trust in your partners, chances are you'll have a great time with Rematch. By bringing together everything that makes soccer a popular and enjoyable game, and changing the zenithal point of view for a much more immersive approach, Sloclap has once again succeeded in revolutionizing a genre that has been well established for years. Rematch is a shot of instant fun that will surprise any skeptic and make you feel like a pro right away, but will also remind you every two minutes that you need more practice. But while it's absolutely exhilarating to play Rematch, this pleasure is marred by a glaring lack of finishing touches, the absence of local multiplayer and server problems that we hope will soon disappear.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a game of contrasts, excelling in certain areas such as combat and exploration, while blatantly neglecting other aspects usually found in modern games, such as playability and narrative. It offers a grand adventure rich in epic confrontations, but in the old-fashioned, no-frills way, with all the satisfaction and frustration that can entail. It's definitely not for everyone, but that's probably just as well.

The Ivalice Chronicles is a beautiful love letter to Final Fantasy Tactics, embellished in a more beautiful version, crafted with a polished interface and full voice acting that breathes new life into this nearly 30-year-old adventure. It's a satisfying experience and exactly what we expected, even if we were hoping for a little more given the game's price tag. Nevertheless, all fans of the original will be won over and will have a great time in this adventure that has aged surprisingly well, even if the gameplay may still be a bit slow for younger players who would have liked to discover the game in this new version, although the new features do a decent job of compensating for this slowness.

Old and new players will enjoy this new Mario Party on Nintendo Switch. With its graphical improvements and its back to basics, this Superstars version finally offers a strong gameplay on the home console. The big positive point is of course the presence of online from the start of the adventure and for all game modes, but also the stickers allowing you to communicate with other players. More lively than ever, Mario Party Superstars may not be the best of the series, but allows you to forget the disappointment of 2018.

Endless Dungeon surprises by offering a well-thought-out, modernised evolution of its original recipe. It manages to mix genres and offer multi-faceted gameplay, with a certain complexity, but without becoming too heavy-handed or untenable in co-op. What we end up with is a rogue-lite with a good balance between strategy and action, with a strong tactical twist in single-player, and which requires good teamwork and a lot of communication in multiplayer. In both cases, it's a game you should try out for yourself to discover a fresh, innovative game that you can't help but want to play again and again.

Even if it looks rather sober at first sight, Wartales is a rich and interesting game, with a neat content. Leading your mercenaries around the world, taking advantage of local opportunities in your own way, and fighting freely is addictive. There's also enough variety in exploration and encounters to keep you on your toes. The combat system is well thought out, with solid fundamentals and innovative elements. While a lot of effort has been put into making it accessible, it still rewards observation and experimentation, which may appeal to players who don't like to be held by the hand, but others may feel a little lost.

Overall, Tales of Graces F Remastered is the best version available for this title. However, the fact that it's a game from 2009/2010 still makes itself felt in terms of gameplay, environments and graphics, even if this doesn't prevent you from enjoying the game. In particular, combat is dynamic enough, and the game's comfort level has been greatly improved, allowing us to modulate numerous parameters to follow the story as we wish.

Whether it's the number of weapons or maps, the quantities are more than enough for the release of Battlefield. It is rare to change weapons; once you find your "heart" weapon, you never let go of it, except for a few exceptions. Battlefield 2042 has a bright future ahead of it due to the developers' complete coverage of the game for a full year. If players feel that there is a lack of content, remember that seasons will bring new game modes, new maps, but also new specialists. Hazard Zone and Portal mode are a welcome boost to the license, and it's great to see that Battlefield is still able to deliver new and exciting content.

The long-awaited Yu-Gi-Oh! game delivers on its promise. Whether you're a novice, a hobbyist or an expert, it will be a game for you. Its single player mode which is full of tutorials to learn the basics and its mechanics while telling stories about the archetypes. On the other hand, with PvP in room or ranked with an exclusive banlist that puts all players on the same level. Especially with the possibility to craft your cards or destroy them. There are however some flaws that can be found. Apart from that, the lights are green for Konami's competitive game.

Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes is an excellent adaptation of the franchise as a whole, as well as a very good FTL-style game. It features all the standout elements of the TV series, combined with original and well-designed gameplay. The battles are intense, but so are the management phases, and there’s easily enough content to keep you busy for dozens of hours. Boredom does eventually set in, though, since the battle format and crises don’t change up enough. But for a fairly modest, low-priced game, it remains a genuine success, and you can’t help but relaunch a space adventure every now and then with great pleasure.

All in all, Dead Island 2 is an excellent surprise and a must-have for all the fans of the genre, that seems to us undeniable. And if, despite its rather minor problems, Dead Island 2 can lose credibility at first sight, there is no doubt that its important strong points will make you forget these small details as you progress in the game. The work done in many respects is colossal, and you feel it throughout the progression. A very good game that we highly recommend!

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands remains in the same line as Borderlands and you won't feel too out of place if you have played the previous titles of the license. Especially since old acquaintances are back, but in a medieval environment. The gameplay remains the main asset, as it is fun, dynamic and very satisfying to play thanks to a well balanced mix of spells, firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Not to mention the multi-class system that opens up the field of possibilities and allows for a great deal of freedom in gameplay. The areas are beautiful, varied and well thought out, even if the world map could have been better exploited.

To complete the story of Cronos: The New Dawn, you need to play for around 20 hours, which is actually enough. Admittedly, there is sometimes a slight feeling of redundancy, particularly with regard to the monsters and bosses, where I really felt like I was fighting one battle after another at one point, but this is quickly forgotten thanks to the environment, gameplay, and story. What's more, if you like a challenge, you'll be in for a treat: I don't think I've been so frustrated with a game in a long time, especially when it comes to the bosses... But what a feeling when you succeed!

In the end, and fortunately, the story is well-paced and fairly well executed. Alan Wake's highly immersive narrative is its strength, and we can't wait to discover the DLC that will doubtless answer our questions, offer us new ones and flesh out the Remedy-verse, as well as certain characters we'd very much like to see again - whether in additional content, Alan Wake 3, or why not Control 2.

Disgaea 6 Defiance of Destiny is finally here and the wait was worth it because we find ourselves with a good Tactical-RPG full of references and humor. Although the story is not monumental, we will enjoy discovering it in the company of this young zombie and thus learn the secrets of the Ultra-Reincarnation. From a gameplay point of view, if you like tactical-rpg, you won't be too confused and you'll be able to hang on. In case you are not used to the genre, it can be a good entry point in this kind of RPG with its cartoon or even manga/anime style. On the other hand, it is important to know what you are getting into, because Disgaea is a license that will require you to farm for hours, and even if this one facilitates it, Disgaea 6 remains a game where farming is the most important part.

Throne and Liberty would undoubtedly have required a few more months of development to correct the many bugs that plague new players. The universe is clean, the interface and icons are neat, progression is sound and the gameplay is fluid and dynamic. Of course, Throne and Liberty won't be able to compete with the premium tenors of the MMO genre any time soon. But it's got everything it takes to make its mark, with a dynamic open world at its heart, which requires you to exist within it, rather than serve as a dumb launching pad for leveling.

Scarlet Nexus succeeds in hooking you from the very first minutes. A dense universe coupled with an efficient artistic direction and above all a gameplay that borders on the exceptional, make it a title not to be missed during this summer 2021. Kenji Anabuki, director of the title, offers us a refreshing game with a coherent world on all points, despite the weaknesses that can be the secondary activities or the few environments sometimes too empty. The will to immerse the player in a Shonen is palpable and more than pleasant, as the bet is successful. We can only congratulate and encourage this risk-taking which has more than paid off.

Hunt: Showdown delivers a tactical FPS that blends PvE and PvP in a cooperative and competitive way. Even if the console version remains a little below the PC version in terms of graphics, it's still an original and efficient game. If you're bound to repeat the same actions over and over again, the concept of lineage, with the permanent death of the hunters, allows to compensate a bit for that. In the same way, we would have liked more maps and bosses, or even more game modes to get our hands on. The tense and oppressive atmosphere is really pleasant, as is the soundtrack and the spatial management of the game. We can play one game after the other without being too reluctant about these little details.

With its theme based on a dystopian USSR at the cutting edge of world science, Atomic Heart offers us a rather exciting action-RPG title. Its universe and atmosphere are particularly successful, with a lively world and omnipresent humor, without ever really taking itself seriously. Efficient, the software is however quite classic in its FPS proposal, with far too many resources to pick up. But its gameplay, incorporating puzzles, and its spectacular graphics, combined with its universe and its delectable soundtrack, manage to keep us hooked throughout its not inconsiderable life span.

It's beautiful, it's good, and it has perfectly decent content: ultimately, what more could you ask for? Perhaps less broken Fever Rackets, an Adventure mode worthy of the name, and ball physics with a little more bite. These are certainly notable flaws, but they don't detract from the undeniable effectiveness of this new Mario Tennis. Well done, Camelot !

With Budget Cuts 2 - Mission Insolvency, Neat Corporation corrects many of the points criticized in the first opus such as bugs, loading times or very infrequent check points, and adds some diversity in the settings. Stealth remains fortunately the core of the game, and the translocator is still great, but we regret that free movement hasn't been added. As for the bow, it works, but would benefit from a more relevant focus. Unfortunately, we still don't have a body and there are some clipping effects in the portals. However, even if some details can still be improved, Budget Cuts 2 provides a good sequel and consolidates a license that could last.

Despite a certain imbalance where basic textures and other simplistic models rub shoulders with polished graphics, such as realistic VR manipulations limited to objects that have a use, Wanderer is overall a high quality title. Thanks to its concept of intertemporal puzzles, it makes us efficiently cross time periods and rack our brains to come to the end of what looks like a huge escape game. However, you'd better hang on to some of the more difficult puzzles. Wanderer will offer you an enjoyable adventure in which you will enjoy playing with time.

TOEM is an exquisite expedition into a minimalist black and white world without being simplistic. With a ton of objects to collect and puzzles to solve with your camera, the small independent game offers a variety of charming activities, all in a relaxing atmosphere. Far too short, we would have liked to spend more time on it.

The Callisto Protocol is a title that will not disorient the connoisseurs of the genre with many features undeniably coming from Dead Space. Nevertheless, it remains in its own right with many innovative features. One thinks in particular of the infiltration phases that are reminiscent of The Last of Us and the combat system that is much more nervous than usual. Striking Distance Studios' latest game has a breathtaking technique that will be remembered, but suffers from a certain lack of creativity for its bestiary and the depth of the characters. Hopefully, the DLC will be able to improve the game's shortcomings. To let off steam and live a somewhat horrific experience, The Callisto Protocol remains a good survival.

In short, Jurassic World Evolution 2 is better in every way than its predecessor, which was already a good game, but lacked possibilities when it was released. This second opus opens up directly to air and sea species while offering players many more management tools and different game modes. We regret the lack of balancing on the difficulty which will put off occasional players and the fact that the sandbox mode is not complete. A very good vintage that will get even better with time and that will bring back the nostalgia of the successful movies about these majestic creatures that once populated the earth, the sky and our oceans.

After 3 hours, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story becomes enjoyable to play, with combat and exploration phases that flow really well. The balance between "puzzles" and fighting is quite good, and if you add to that a lot of side quests, crafting and lore, you get a game that should please dungeon crawler, turn-based RPG or League of Legends aficionados. On the other hand, the complexity of the combat interface can be a bit daunting, especially at the beginning. Connoisseurs and those who played Battle Chasers Nightwar will not be disoriented and should have a good time.

For mecha fans, Armored Core 6 is an absolutely phenomenal game that should fulfill all or most expectations. Without reinventing the genre, its content and gameplay are very solid and satisfying. You build your own machine piece by piece, choosing your own gameplay without getting too technical. Then it's off to intense, spectacular battles that demand a fairly high level of skill. You can redesign your machine for each battle, both solo and in the arena against other players. But it may well put off players who are not looking for such a special experience.

Nier Replicant is one of those games that we will forgive a lot of things for what it manages to bring us. Yoko Taro's title has that special "aura" that many gamers are looking for, something that makes it unique and unforgettable despite its flaws. With this remake, ToyLogic does not distort the original work in any way and even dusts off its gameplay with talent: if you have never dived into the world of Nier, this is clearly the best entry point available to date.

While not revolutionary, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a good sequel that refines its recipe on many levels. It's beautiful, well-designed, friendly and accessible, making it a good entry point into the tactical genre for kids and adults alike. But those who don't like the simple humor of the Rabbids, and players looking for a real challenge and replayability might get bored quickly.

Although many elements of Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma remain fairly classic, this spin-off is perfectly suited to players who want to discover the universe of this franchise. And it doesn't forget the fans of the early days, since they'll be able to discover village management or the changes made to make the experience more enjoyable, even if many of the codes you're already familiar with are still present. After all, it's worth mentioning that it comes at a hefty price, which may put a damper on your desire to buy it.

Lost in Random is without any doubt the independent nugget of this end of the year. The creativity is at its peak and everything makes it a title not to be missed. Tim Burton-like art direction, an engaging story and above all an original and very addictive gameplay. Card game, chess game, board game, dice game... One could think that all this mix is a bit messy but everything is, on the contrary, well measured.

As you can see, Overwatch 2 isn't really Overwatch 2; it's more of a big content update or upgrade. The license will get a new game when the story mode is released in 2023 (which will require an update of this test by the way). However, despite the economic system that is very surprising and not looked upon favorably, the competitive games are still very exciting. The new heroines are excellent and the maps are just as good, and it's still fun to watch the talented designers at Blizzard. We hope that the developers will continue on this path and offer their very committed community a game that will meet their expectations.

Layers of Fear 2 is clearly not for everyone. This game is basically a frightening walking simulator which can look boring for those who aren't used to this genre. But it is mostly an artistic game with a use of symbols to reflect on many subjects as cinema, grief or innocence, wrapped in breathtaking graphics and soundtrack. Surely, everyone will get a different feeling playing it, but the game conquered us.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a very generous title, maybe a bit too much: trying to make itself interesting, Monolith Soft's J-RPG ends up spreading itself by unfolding its story in a confusing and clumsy way. The same is true for the gameplay: flexible and addictive, it ends up showing its limits in the last third, due to an overabundance of enemies and soporific game situations. It remains a very good Japanese RPG, with an undeniable solidity that should keep you glued to your Switch for more than 50 hours.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is a game like no other. Although it's far from flawless, with its questionable balancing and notable lack of polish at the time of writing. It nevertheless manages to improve on the first title in many areas. The choices made in the direction are to be commended. It really does give the impression of being plunged into the Middle Ages, with all that is dirty, vulgar and repulsive, but also with all that is glorious. We discover all this with very human characters and a ton of bawdy humor that has been all too rare in recent years. To conclude in the spirit of KCD2: if you're not afraid of stepping in shit, this is the game for you.

It's hard to rate Solasta Crown of the Magister, the game benefits from excellent design choices and interesting innovations in the RPG genre, but it also suffers from quite a few limitations that restrict its ambitions, and thus the result. It remains a very interesting game, especially in terms of combat. It should delight all those who are looking for a good turn-based tactical RPG without frills, with a classic campaign worthy of the name. The game will certainly be refined by its developers, and enriched by its community in the future if it meets the success it deserves.

With its sublime open-world and highly complementary character duo, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a good addition to Ubisoft's flagship saga. Unfortunately, all its good ideas are scratched in the medium term by an overload of content and combat that shows its limits halfway through. The journey is worthwhile, but it would have benefited from being shorter.

Rise of the Ronin is certainly Team Ninja's best project to date. A complete game full of good ideas, it could have been rated even higher if it hadn't been so graphically poor - a frustrating flaw, given the game's maximum potential, which makes it hard to justify the price tag. Nonetheless, it remains a good experience, with its qualities and faults, well worth exploring, in a captivating universe faithful to 19th-century Japan, as well as a rather qualitative gameplay that may not suit everyone.

Graphically very pleasing and with excellent fluidity, the new LEGO game is a real technical breakthrough for the red-brick versions. With its roguelike-style gameplay, Horizon Adventures is a real delight to play solo or with others, but suffers from an all-too-short lifespan. Linear in spite of everything, and without an end-game worthy of the name, the title feels more like a trial run than a complete game, and that's frustrating because we'd have loved to play it for a few extra hours.

Ghost of Yotei is stunning, with beautiful music and high-quality production on many levels. But the same cannot be said for its content. The story is clumsy, while the open world offers the same unoriginal routine, saved only by the beauty of the landscapes. The gameplay is effective, and the introduction of different weapons adds a touch of variety and strategy to the combat, even if it's not without a few clunky moments. Players who have managed to escape the genre until now should appreciate it more.

Catherine: Full Body is a game you have to experience if you missed the original. Very few games tackle the problems of people in their thirties so fiercely and brazenly, as well as the clichés that separate the two sexes. All this comes with a layer of humour and a touch of eroticism. Otherwise, the new character and story may not be enough to justify the Full Body's high price, especially if you aren't a fan of infernal cube-based puzzles.

The gameplay is more satisfying than ever, the new semi-open world format works like a charm, and yet Halo Infinite fails to make its campaign the unforgettable moment we were expecting. The obvious lack of ambition in the storyline, which feels like a prologue, and too many repetitions of locations and objectives in its final third, prevent 343 Industries from reaching the firmament. However, it remains a particularly solid FPS, which should keep you busy for a good fifteen hours of fun and to which you will certainly return with pleasure once the co-op mode is available.

Featuring charismatic characters and a story that keeps getting stronger throughout the adventure, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 is a model of J-RPG. It's not flawless, but it's dense, rich and so well brought together that you can't help but have a great time discovering it all. The title skillfully mixes old school elements with more modern ones to create an exceptional role-playing game.

WolfEye's first game offer players a solid immersive sim in a fantastic western atmosphere. The varied gameplay and the open level design allow the player to approach the confrontations in multiple ways coupled with its progression system make the progression fascinating. The unique atmosphere, the care given to the immersion, the presence of multiple side activities as well as a sustained rhythm make Weird West a memorable adventure that we recommend to fans of games like Deus Ex, where creativity and risk-taking in confrontations are rewarded.

Warhammer 40 000 Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is without a doubt one of the best games of the license, it's beautiful, with a neat art direction, and a fantastic atmosphere that pays tribute to the brutality of its universe. The gameplay elements are well thought out, from managing the ship, to preparing the troops, and especially the turn-based combat. It should satisfy fans of tactical games with its myriad possible approaches to commanding its Grey Knights. Not everything is perfect, there are a few clumsinesses, and it becomes quite repetitive at some point, but it didn't spoil the experience.

In Star Wars Outlaws, studio Ubisoft set out to create an original adventure with new characters that have nothing in common with the other games in the license. The challenge was to make Kay Vess and Nix interesting enough to hook the player, and although this seemed difficult at the outset, it was largely successful. Despite a definite lack of polish and a linearity that can make the nose blow for a title that claims to be open-world, the adventures of this would-be rascal are rich and exciting. But be careful where you step: Outlaws is first and foremost an infiltration game with one strategic mission after another.

Stellar Blade is a great success, with some serious arguments to give you good reasons to play it. It's beautiful, with top-quality production on every level, and the highly satisfying combat is at the heart of the gameplay. The confrontations are as numerous as they are demanding, and players looking for a challenge should only be disappointed by the somewhat limited number of bosses. The world is also interesting to explore, and lasts a long time. In the end, it's the small hiccups, particularly in the story, that break the immersion.

Without bringing any significant gameplay novelty, Roll7 still offers to its series a universe with a crazy charm. For those who have already played the first two episodes, you will certainly be on familiar ground: the levels follow one another at full speed, the difficulty is still high, and the secondary challenges should keep the hardcore gamers busy for many hours. A good game, efficient and fun, if not as original as its artistic direction would have let you hope.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a wonderful port. The game remains just as enjoyable as it was at the time and will surely take a new generation of players on a journey. More than an exploration game, it's a real ode to discovery, and its simplicity will attract even the most casual player. It's a shame that some of the main flaws of the original game remain, but they don't spoil the gaming experience, which remains relaxing and enjoyable.

All in all, Hello Kitty Island Adventure offers a surprisingly pleasant routine, almost as enjoyable as that of Animal Crossing New Horizons, with the desire to return each day to offer daily gifts, complete missions and explore the vast open world. The RPG feel of the game, with a main storyline, side quests and puzzle dungeons, ensures that the player is anything but bored. Add to this a genuinely interesting multiplayer mode and you have the perfect recipe for a cosy game. Unfortunately, the non-availability of cross play (and cross save!) can be a stain on a basic edition priced at 40 euros all the same.

Chivalry II is a game that takes a long time to get used to, but once you've got the basics down, it's possible to have a blast and enjoy the unusual moments offered by the game and especially by the community. It remains accessible to the general public, as dueling and jousting virtuosos will blend in with the masses and it will still be possible to fight between peons without screaming with rage. Chivalry II is graphically beautiful, even if some details could have used a little more polishing, but for an arcade fighting game like this, it's more than enough to fully immerse yourself after a few battles.

NEO: The World Ends With You is a good J-RPG mixing a nice graphic style, a dynamic gameplay in combat and an excellent soundtrack. Its story will allow you to immerse yourself in this not so wonderful world that awaits you after your death while learning more about this famous game in Shibuya. Its content is worthy of an A-RPG since it guarantees you a good fifty hours of easy play if you take your time.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla succeeds in improving the light-RPG formula initiated by Origins, by correcting some of the excesses spotted on Odyssey: with an upgraded exploration, a less generous loot and fights that go more to the essentials, Ubisoft Montreal is clearly on the right track. However, despite all their efforts to make the progression more digestible and enjoyable, many bugs have ruined the experience. Too bad, especially since in this Xbox Series X version, the game is absolutely magnificent and manages to hold its 60 frames per second in (almost) all circumstances.

Years go by and look the same, but this year it really feels like EA Sports has taken into account the community's feedback for its new opus. Right now FIFA 21 is a very good game, but the big question is, "Will it stay so as the season progresses?" Only time will tell, just hoping that the updates don't alter the current gameplay of FIFA 21 too much, which is pretty good. The new features in the different game modes are a real plus and maybe that's what we as football fans expected. FIFA 21 is a good game, with very interesting content. EA Sports now has all the cards in hand to keep it that way throughout the season.

Phantom Liberty is a worthy expansion for Cyberpunk 2077. The new zone isn't huge, but there's still plenty to keep you busy, especially with its action-packed plot and new activities. The story is gripping, and it's hard to choose between its various branches, all of which deserve to be explored. There are a few missed opportunities, but we came away satisfied nonetheless. Allow 10 to 25 hours on average to discover all it has to offer.

Milestone continues, with Ride 4, the evolution of its 2-wheel racing simulator with ever more realism whether in terms of graphics or physics engine, but also the introduction of elements inherited from MotoGP: artificial intelligence ANNA, tire wear and fuel management. In addition, it is also necessary to add here the appearance of dynamic lighting depending on the time of day and the variable weather, as well as an endurance mode introducing a new type of racing. Too bad the environments always fall short of the rest and that accidents related to the driving of other pilots are so recurrent.