They did it! Six years after the kick in the pants that was Breath of the Wild, Nintendo is back with a second installment that will widen the gap with the competition in terms of open-world. If there are still many ways to improve and there are even a few small disappointments along the way, we are indeed in the presence of an exceptional title, with undeniable gameplay qualities and a total freedom of exploration, which is still far too rare in 2023. A masterpiece, quite simply.

When a game as good and rich as Persona 5 returns in an even better form, it's hard not to be impressed. Persona 5 Royal is truly the crown jewel of the license, capable of seducing a new audience with its localisation and introducing them to the J-RPG genre, and even convincing old fans to remake the game despite its length. Almost everything has been improved, the lifespan, interactions, fights, activities and accessibility. We just regret that the owners of the original game don't have the option to buy it as an extension and that the complete game has to be bought back with bonus DLCs.

For its first major adventure on PS5, Astro Bot can boast a near flawless performance. Although we feel it lacks a “real” final world, Team Asobi's title is quite simply THE new benchmark for 3D closed-level platformers. Packed with excellent gameplay and level design ideas, it also takes full advantage of the PS5's power to bring new things to the table, offering a veritable fireworks display that takes players from surprise to surprise.

Hades 2 is the worthy successor to its little brother released in 2020. More beautiful, more complete, more addictive, more varied, and above all, even bigger in terms of content, Supergiant Games treats us once again with their most comprehensive project to date. If you played the first one, you'll love this one, and if you haven't... you'll probably love it even more! A new masterpiece not to be missed, which, even if we're starting to see the formula worn thin, still works and will keep you busy all fall and even winter if necessary, no problem.

Elden Ring manages to take everything that makes Dark Souls games stand out, and then apply it on a much larger scale, in a huge and complex world. The exploration and combat are rich, challenging and satisfying, and there's a constant sense of new things to discover everywhere. But many shortcuts have been taken. The game has some flaws and technical limitations, such as shaky multiplayer and a sometimes frustrating camera. Without being an absolute revolution, Elden Ring offers a unique vision of open world gaming, and it stands as a new model of the genre.

The surprise effect of the new formula is gone, but its power remains. The first game was already pushing the limits of what we could expect from a blockbuster on consoles, this sequel only widens the gap. More than the colossal work of Santa Monica, it's also the result of a vision of action-adventure with a high narrative content explored for a few years now by Sony PlayStation and its first party studios. A total success on which we can find very few things to say: God of War Ragnarök is definitely a title that commands respect.

To put it simply, The Last of Us 2 succeeds in achieving excellence in everything it does. Its poignant story, with strong themes, is well-paced, the gameplay thoroughly reworked, allowing the rage of its heroine to express itself, all wrapped in the most elegant of bows. Far beyond the simple, unfounded sequel that some feared, TLOU2 marks the expansion of the universe linked to Ellie and Joel's first adventures thanks to a new, emotionally-charged and challenging quest. The latest Naughty Dog title undoubtedly ranks among the best titles on the PS4.

We can't thank Valve enough for finally allowing us to dive back into the heart of City 17, especially with a real game that makes the most of the latest VR technologies and innovations. The recurring loading screens do break the rhythm a bit, but that's probably the price to pay to be able to enjoy such detailed graphics and good animations. The excellent physics management not only increases the immersion level, but allows us to exploit interesting gameplay axes as well. We wished we had a little more weapons, different enemies and the ability to fight with every item available, but hats off anyway.

There is nothing to complain about, the port of God of War is done in the rules, it's beautiful, it runs well, all the options and features expected are there. We can be happy to finally have one of the best games of these last years available on PC. God of War is an excellent and satisfying violent romp, with a healthy dose of exploration and nice dialogues to go with it. The recipe is successful, and it is now available on the best platform.

Like other large PC ports before it, Red Dead Redemption 2 suffers from some optimization and stability problems. However, once these problems are resolved, it will undoubtedly become one of the best games in years. The improved gaming experience, the comfort on PC and the graphic enhancement of a game that was already beautiful, contribute to make it an absolute must-have.

With this remake of Resident Evil 4, Capcom offers us the ultimate version of a title that marked the history of video games. As beautiful as it is good, this new vision of Shinji Mikami's classic erases the imperfections of the original by fixing its clumsy sequences and adding new ones, for a result of a flawless consistency. More rhythmic and pleasant to play than ever, it is simply everything we expect from a video game remake.

There are plenty of things to criticize, from its dated technology to its dungeons with wearying mechanics, but Final Fantasy VII Rebirth manages to hit the nail right on the head. Beyond its fantastic battles and its ever-crazy reinterpretations of scenes from the 1997 game, it's the feeling of having accomplished a great and beautiful journey in the company of an unforgettable group of characters that prevails once the credits have been reached.

We didn't think a new 2D Mario would manage to surprise us in 2023, but it has. The new team at the plumber's bedside have outdone themselves, offering Nintendo Switch players a fun platformer that surprises from its first to its last stage, and is absolutely delightful. We can only criticize the game's lifespan and its somewhat limited challenge in the quest for 100%, but nothing that will prevent you from having an excellent time.

Thirty years of Resident Evil are condensed into the fifteen hours or so of Requiem, which in itself is quite a feat for Capcom. Frightening with Grace, stressful with Leon, RE9 offers two diametrically opposed perspectives for an explosive cocktail that leaves a strong impression. It's a shame, however, that its final act feels “unfinished,” leaving a bitter aftertaste once the credits roll.

With Forza Horizon 5, Playground doesn't shake up its arcade racing formula, but when it works so well, why change? Especially since Mexico in this episode offers undoubtedly the best map of the series, with an amazing variety of biomes and an attention to detail that borders on respect, especially on such a massive playing surface. FH5 is a title that manages to do everything it does with its hands in its pockets. Its also one of the most beautiful games of the current generation.

Not content to keep its promises to hardcore gamers, Street Fighter 6 can be a good experience for neophytes. The game does, however, make a few mistakes, some forgivable given that it's a fighting game trying out new genres, or that a balancing patch can fix, and others less so, such as the lack of dubbing in some directions (even though the dubbers are generally good). The game may find it hard to get casual gamers to invest a little more, but whether it's a question of dosing out the online mode or having a good romp, the mission is accomplished and this opus has the weapons to bring everyone together around a complete versus fighting experience.

With its rare intelligence, Blue Prince is a title with a unique concept that clearly won't appeal to everyone. Demanding a great deal of patience on the part of the player, its roguelite structure also adds randomness to the mansion's various mysteries, which is likely to cause some frustration. But if you can hang in there, you'll discover one of the most innovative and enjoyable puzzle games of recent years.

With some forty hours of content, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is indeed a massive expansion, rich in challenging combat and spectacular landscapes to explore. The new weapons may also offer new ways of playing for the more invested. Despite its price and development time, this is still a DLC, so don't expect to see any major changes to the game's mechanics. If you liked Elden Ring, you'll probably love Shadow of the Erdtree, and if not, it's unlikely to change your mind. We can't help thinking that the studio shines more brightly on more compact games, which allow their level designs to really shine, and spare us the outrageous recycling of certain enemies.

Demon's Souls was eagerly awaited for this PlayStation 5 launch and we are not disappointed, as the game has clearly already established itself as a major title in the PlayStation catalog. This next-gen version takes up all the basics of its first release and revisits the graphics and the optimization without adding new content. It is a stunning remake. We quickly forgot the somewhat rigid mechanics of the genre and let ourselves be carried away by the adventure. The Bluepoint teams have simply brought back to life a masterpiece that didn't have the success it deserved a decade ago.

Studio Zero hits very hard with its new IP, taking the codes of the Persona series, but twisting them in all directions to make something truly unique. The skeleton is the same as that of Atlus' flagship series, but ReFantazio will turn it into something completely different, thanks to its striking universe, serving a scenario that touched us deeply. Regardless of its interface oversights, outdated technology or limited bestiary, thanks to Metaphor, Fantasy is stronger than ever.

Tekken 8 is a more than generous game, and a wonderful love letter to lovers of the license. It's a shame that its story mode is too redundant in terms of gameplay, and that its solo modes are a little less interesting than those of some of its rivals, because it would otherwise have been the best fighting game released recently without any possible dispute. The heart of the game will really be to fight with other players, the other modes being rather limited and relatively short. If the balancing follows, Tekken 8 will also be very interesting on a competitive level, even more so than Tekken 7.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of recent years. An XXL production from a small, passionate team, immersive, polished, addictive gameplay and told to perfection. A real lesson and a new benchmark for all JRPG enthusiasts, it should satisfy all fans of the genre, and particularly the generation that grew up with FF7, 8, 9 and 10, and that has less and less faith in Square Enix to make a really good new JRPG. A slap in the face we won't soon forget, and what's more, it's French - not bad, eh?

Disco Elysium is a true success in its field. The writing is clever and insightful, offering a thrilling story and tasty dialogues. The different choices available through the skill system allow every player to have a completely different experience based on his skill tree, offering endless replayability. The artistic direction and music are both diversely inspired and should satisfy any fan of the genre. However be aware, if you want a action-packed gameplay, Disco Elysium is a classic Point'n Click.

Despite its few flaws and its quickly wrapped up main quest, Donkey Kong Bananza is a title of rare quality, capable of leaving its mark on the history of our beloved medium. For this second 3D adventure featuring the gorilla, Nintendo draws on 40 years of Donkey Kong games to appease long-time fans and bridge the gap with a new generation of players raised on Minecraft, thanks to intelligent destruction gameplay and endless surprises.

With fully customizable gameplay and a game experience that changes daily, Animal Crossing New Horizons is the perfect companion for a dream life. Having kept the basics and the principles of the franchise, Nintendo has introduced some great new features that allow even more total immersion in this bubble of tranquility. Whether it's with the ability to shape your island as you wish, more customisation than ever before, or the addition of a crafting system, while keeping the basics of the franchise, this new game fully meets the expectations of fans and will even manage to convert even the most skeptical.

Hollow Knight: Silksong almost lives up to the community's insane expectations, which is quite an achievement in itself. Its production values are incredible for an indie game, and it's paired with solid gameplay and impressively rich content. Its main problem is its overly steep difficulty curve, combined with a few balancing issues and other clumsy design choices that are likely to frustrate players. Without these issues, it would be almost perfect. This is not a game for the mainstream audience, and in many ways, it proves to be more demanding and punishing than the titles that serve as benchmarks in this area, such as Dark Souls. Before you start playing, be prepared to spend several hours dying over and over again on a number of bosses.

Slightly less memorable than It Takes Two, Split Fiction is still one of the best cooperative games around. With its fast-paced gameplay ideas and two themes that follow on perfectly from each other, right through to its astonishing finale, Hazelight once again proves that they are the kings of 2 player games with this new title.

This should probably boost the popularity of Marvel games. Spider-Man 2 is a real slap in the face when it comes to game-movies, but above all it's a great way to end the year. While a few redundancies in the ancillary activities may detract from the 100% enjoyment, the well-crafted storyline, comfortable gameplay and attention to detail make this third opus the autumn blockbuster that many have been waiting for.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the worthy sequel the fans have been waiting for. Without revolutionising the formula of the first opus, it improves and adds to it in many ways. It's bigger, more complete, more challenging, while preserving the visual identity and narrative style of Ori and the Blind Forest. Although the difficulty is quite high, it's well balanced by the other game mechanisms. It's a good sequel for the fans of the first one, and the opportunity to discover the license for the others.

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.

The culmination of the franchise and so much more. Capcom is still putting up the pressure one notch above, with new mechanics, a renewed gameplay, and a replayability that will make you start the game a second time without losing your smile. The story has matured and a good balance has been found with its three destinies that intersect over the course of the missions, until its apocalyptic final. Only big downside in a game that requires precision in its highest difficulty levels: the camera problems and the targeting system.

Ten years later, Xenoblade Chronicles confirms its status as an iconic Japanese RPG: a classic and an excellent reference for all those who would like to see how the genre has evolved since the 16/32-bit golden age. While the battles are quite messy and the visual redesign will probably have an aftertaste of "not enough" for the most demanding players, it's still the best way to discover this masterpiece by Tetsuya Takahashi and Monolith. If you're a first time player, enjoy: titles of this magnitude are far too rare to miss.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a fantastic expansion for the most committed players. Almost all the flaws we found in the base game have been resolved, and the content available is now quite substantial. Even experts should find themselves putting a lot of extra hours into it. However, it is not a revolution — if you didn't like MHW, then Iceborne probably won't change your mind. If "harder, better, faster, stronger" fights were what you wanted, then this expansion is for you.

After spending a hundred hours at the side of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, the verdict is clear: Infinite Wealth is one of the most solid episodes in the saga that began some 18 years ago. Well-paced and better constructed than its predecessor, this new Like A Dragon engraves its turn-based gameplay in the marble of the series, thanks to some excellent ideas that allow it to assert its own identity against other JRPG greats. With its concrete narrative and gargantuan content, it manages to be interesting from start to finish, before stumbling at the end with a conclusion that is likely to be debated and a new game plus at $14.99.

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.

Almost too easy! With this second release of the WiiU success, Nintendo will once again take over the free time of millions of players thanks to Mario. This episode is well worth the trip: game life, fun to play, crazy level design and multiplayer (local or online)... It has absolutely all the ingredients of a pure platform game, user-friendly and devilishly fun. Already a must-have, Super Mario 3D World added a 6-hour extension with a new world to explore in the company of Bowser Jr. with an original structure and full of new concepts.

By taking the best ideas from Dragon Quest Builders and adapting them to Pokémon, Pokopia offers a proven formula that works well. With its extensive Pokédex and numerous secrets, Koei Tecmo's game delivers the essentials, but ultimately becomes tiresome. After an exciting initial discovery phase, the excitement eventually fizzles out, and what could have been a must-have for the Switch 2 ends up being just a decent experience for fans of pocket monsters.

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.

No big surprise here, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is better on Playstation 5 now that the technical limitations are much less burdensome. While it's not going to compete with a Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart from a technical standpoint, it's better looking, smoother, faster, and the finishing touches have finally been done, even if they probably could have been done long ago. This makes it more than ever a great adventure that deserves to be discovered.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an ambitious and charming game, but in many ways it is also terribly clumsy and unbalanced in its design. It may be pleasant to choose your class and students, interact with them, train them and go to battle, but this ends up becoming heavy and repetitive. When starting FE3H, one should note that it is not just the tactical side of gameplay that is important, but that the school management, dialogue, exploration and mini-games are all crucial to the overall experience.

While Death Stranding 2 is overall a better-finished and more engaging game than its predecessor, it's also a less memorable experience. The grandiose environments presented with a beautiful soundtrack and the major improvements linked to progression fail to hide a Hideo Kojima who overdoes it and doesn't seem to know where he's going with this sequel. Despite all the pleasure we've taken in playing this second game, it's hard not to feel that it's undermining the legend of the first episode.

Let's not be afraid to say that It Takes Two is one of the best cooperative games available: the new Hazelight hits the nail on the head every time, with numerous, varied and always very inventive situations. The pace is so fast that not half an hour goes by without the title integrating a new mechanic or propelling you into a new environment, for a constantly renewed gameplay pleasure. Not to spoil anything, the sublime art direction and the endearing duo formed by Cody and May sweep away its few flaws, which are more of a quibble than anything else. A killer-app, that we warmly recommend to you.

By hiring Vicarious Visions studio (Crash Bandicoot N Sane Trilogy) to remaster these monuments that are Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2, Activision made the right choice. The developers have managed to sublimate the games that we have known for and loved about twenty years now. 4K graphics, recreated levels, new playable characters, new soundtrack, tons of new challenges to complete: everything has been thought out so that players can spend more hours skating using an enjoyable arcade gameplay. Players, young and old will have a blast, and the arcade aspect will delight fans of tricks and huge scores. At an unbeatable price for both games, you won't find anything better.

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.

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.

At last, a real VR RPG, rich in content, with neat and detailed graphics, and which has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the best non-VR AAA RPGs. We are dazzled by this epic journey, albeit the long loading times and poor collision management. Although they end up being repetitive, the dynamic battles require a true gratifying effort without triggering motion sickness. Asgard's Wrath has become the new reference for VR-RPG, and it would be shame to miss it.

Monster Hunter Wilds is unquestionably the best game in the series for a new player. The gameplay is simpler to get to grips with, yet richer than ever. All the weapons have their charm, the new monsters are interesting and vast regions to explore await you. There's even a semblance of a story, clumsy though it may be. Unfortunately, we're left wanting more, as the current content is far from sufficient for players of previous titles. There's little doubt, however, that Capcom will remedy this situation with future updates.

Sekiro Shadows Die Twice is a milestone in the genre. It offers complex, stunning and precise sword fights and duels that its predecessors lacked, and from which its successors will have to keep up with. You no longer simply learn by repeatedly and unfairly dying, but you refine your talents as a player. You seek unique methods to overcome each boss, rather than just rolling at the right time before spamming a few hits.

Mewgenics is a total success, an addictive and unforgiving roguelite that will keep you glued to your screen for hundreds of hours. And while there are a few rough edges in the meta-progression management, there's nothing deal-breaking that couldn't be fixed with an update or two. This title comes highly recommended and will undoubtedly leave its mark on 2026.

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.

It is undeniable that Insomniac Games is a studio with talented developers and this Ratchet & Clank: A Rift Apart proves it to us all along. We can regret a slightly light lifespan and a rift system that is more timid than what was announced. Nevertheless, it's hard to deny that the final rendering is breathtaking and that the game wouldn't have the same flavor on PS4, which explains its exclusivity on PS5. This impression of playing a game with a quality worthy of a Pixar Studios animated film (or even better), with so much generosity in its gameplay and content, coupled with the addition of new rich and worked characters, propels the title to the level of must-have games on PlayStation 5 and as one of the pillars of the shooter-platformer genre.

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.

Horizon Forbidden West does what you'd expect from any blockbuster sequel worthy of the name: by taking the basics of the original episode and improving them as much as possible, Guerilla Games makes sure to hit the mark. There is still room for improvement for a hypothetical Horizon 3, but this is a solid title that hits hard for the beginning of the year of Playstation Studios productions.

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.

With Metroid Dread, Mercury Steam brings a satisfying conclusion to 35 years of history. It's a particularly solid metroidvania, which will make you thrill at every revelation and sweat at every boss fight, while distilling a level-design mastered like never before. However, its main and only innovation, embodied by the E.M.M.I., prevents the title from reaching the pantheon of the genre, which is already full of quality titles: more frustrating than stressful, the mechanics and areas related to the robots of the galactic federation are far from convincing us.

If we were fearful of a 'Version 1.5' when the announcement of Super Mario Maker 2 was made, that is certainly not the case now. After a long time spent skimming its levels and creative tools, SMM2 has fully convinced us of its potential. Fun, filled with content, and always surprising, it's easy to get lost in the superlatives that describe this true 'social network' of 2D platform games. It's a new, instant hit for the Switch and close to perfection, which should appeal to budding level designers as much as lovers of the platform game genre.

Monster Hunter Rise takes the license to new heights with better-than-ever gameplay, accompanied by great graphics and art direction for the Switch. It's a blast to explore the map on a mount, perform aerial maneuvers, and hunt large monsters alone or in groups. This would be a near perfect game if the content followed, having to wait for updates to explore high level content will indeed not be to everyone's taste. So patience may be required.

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.

DOOM Eternal boosts its gameplay to offer spectacular fights of rare intensity. The dive into the action is instantaneous, and you'll have to shoot, run, jump, and cut the demon in every direction to honor the title of Doom Slayer. It's not easy, but it manages to provide a satisfying experience for different types of players. As a solo player, he delivers what the fans have been asking for, and although the campaign is quickly over, the master levels take care of fleshing it out. If it lives up to its promise, multiplayer should also offer a fantastic opportunity to gut each other with friends, but we couldn't test it this time.

The Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection port on PC meets almost all our expectations. The graphics and comfort options are rich, and it's perfectly playable with keyboard and mouse, on different types of screens. The remaster of Uncharted 4 was already an excellent game thanks to its high level of realization, its solid gameplay and its mastered narration, with characters as credible as they are engaging. This new version allows you to experience all of that officially, and in a modernized form, somewhere other than a Sony console for the first time.

Hitman 3 brings the World of Assassination trilogy to its climax thanks, among other things, to more gameplay options. If we would have appreciated more polished cinematics, the in-game graphics meet the expectations and very few bugs are to be deplored. As for the crowd management, it still amazes us, despite the inevitable routines of the NPCs. As for the sandbox aspect, it remains one of the strong points of the title, which will delight the fans eager to experience the numerous possibilities offered.

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.

Pragmata is a prime example of Capcom’s undeniable expertise in action gaming. With its original concept executed to perfection, the Japanese publisher takes risk, and it suits them perfectly. The adventures of Hugh and Diana stand out thanks to combat that blends strategic thinking, fast-paced shooting, and tactical weapon selection. A must-have for seasoned gamers looking to break free from the usual constraints of third-person shooters.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is without a doubt an improvement on the original title in terms of performance, comfort, but also content. More than ever, it gives an almost cinematic experience in single player, with a successful mix of exploration, infiltration and sword fighting. As for the new island, it won't change the routine of the fights, but it's still a change of scenery and its story is quite interesting. Without revolutionizing its recipe, this makes Ghost of Tsushima an excellent game that we highly recommend for both its single and multiplayer modes.

Unsurprisingly, Nioh 1 and 2 PS5 remaster is more of a Next-Gen patch. The result isn't amazingly beautiful, but it's responsive enough in 4K that we can no longer blame frame drops for our numerous deaths. If you haven't tested the license yet and are looking for a challenge, this is a good opportunity.

It's crazy, even though we're playing a game that was created 23 years ago, we still want to forgive it for its youthful mistakes. With its excellent next-gen fighting system and all the iconic sequences of the Midgar arc, enhanced and improved, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a very good title, but is one that unfortunately trips itself up trying to do too much. Hence, its structure which brings us back 10 years back in time, its stammering technique which breaks the immersion, and some dubious additions to the scenario, managed to lower the blissful smile that we would have liked to keep throughout this first episode.

It's tough not to consider Astral Chain something of a small disappointment, especially when you know Platinum Games' talent for beat 'em ups. We not only highly commend the fight mechanics in this latest title from Takahashi Taura, but also its universe — original and supported by a high-class artistic direction. However, the overall game is pulled down somewhat by a structure of missions that doesn't match the studio's desire to mix the beat 'em up and investigative genres, and further by large approximations and other technical problems — all of which have a significant impact on the enjoyment of the game.

Star Ocean The Second Story R is the kind of remake we'd like to see more of. Thanks to a host of changes and additions, it manages to bring up to date a title that has always been considered the must-have episode of the saga. Whether it's the graphics, the soundtrack or the more dynamic combat, this title has won us over and taken us back in time to rediscover the second opus in a licence that deserves to be brought back to the fore. Of course, it also has a few shortcomings, such as the fact that the real challenge awaits you only on Universe difficulty, or that the perfect counter-attack isn't always intuitive.

Noting Strive was difficult, because it really depends on what you expect from the game. If you're a FGC veteran, or a beginner who plans on investing time for discovering fighting games, Strive is a masterpiece. Beautiful game with rock/metal songs, GGST will give you all the keys to become the best fighter in the world, thanks to his amazing tutorials and rollback netcode. But if you just plan on playing offline, just in the solo mode, you should avoid it, because that is not where Strive shines. And if you just want a fighting game to play with friends at home from time to time, well you can give it a shot because the characters are really cool, and you'll have a lot of fun.

Solid is the first word that comes to mind when we think of Final Fantasy XVI as a whole, with its interesting universe and hard-hitting gameplay, including some of the most impressive boss battles ever seen. But there's still a "little something" missing, in the form of a whole host of small flaws which, when put together, detract from the game's enjoyment. There are many avenues for improvement, but with this new episode, Square Enix and Creative Business Unit 3 have fulfilled their contract with flying colors, laying solid new foundations for the FF saga.

As is usually the case with remasters and ports of Sony games, Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection lives up to expectations. Uncharted 4 was already a fantastic game in the first place thanks to the combination of top-notch direction, solid gameplay and masterful storytelling, with characters that are both believable and engaging. This new version allows you to experience all this with the same comfort and the same level of immersion as the other PS5 games or almost.

Gran Turismo 7 succeeds in offering a game for everyone and could well be the much sought-after revival of the license. Even if there is room for improvement, especially in terms of collision and damage management, it manages to provide fun for everyone, regardless of their driving level. It oozes passion for motorsport and pays beautiful homage to its history with stunning visuals, outside of the races, where real and virtual become one.

Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is unquestionably the best game based on the license, and we can legitimately wonder whether it will be entitled to another title of this quality in the future. It takes all the charm of the first films and combines it with the strengths of the JVs to offer us a new, almost perfect adventure. It's beautiful, it's funny, it's varied, and apart from a few little hiccups here and there, it's hard to find any real flaws. For those who missed out on the first trilogy, this is an opportunity to put that right, and enjoy The Ancient Circle to the full.

This cute remake of the excellent Link's Awakening does exactly what we expected of it, namely it allows us to relive the Game Boy adventure many of us experienced more than a quarter of a century ago. Be careful though, this is strictly a remake. The only innovation — the Chamber Dungeon customization tool — is not really worthwhile. With its diorama-style artistic direction, it is nevertheless a very good pretext for new generations to discover this classic — even despite the many framerate drops, which are difficult to justify.

While more accessible than Returnal, Saros is still a real gameplay knockout. Its overly cryptic world will likely leave many players in the dust, and the replayability typical of roguelikes isn’t necessarily there, but it makes up for it with a string of memorable bosses and new ways to utilize Arjun’s abilities. As with Housemarque’s previous game, this is undoubtedly one of the best PS5 exclusives.

Deathloop is a good experience that mixes genres and inspirations against the backdrop of an assassination-based time puzzle. The island and the characters are full of personality, which makes the exploration and discovery of secrets satisfying at first. But you quickly realize that the title doesn't have the means of its ambitions, it's not a very good FPS, nor a good puzzle game, and it doesn't reach the level of Hitman on infiltration and creativity of assassinations. Despite its limitations, you still have a good time on Blackreef Island, and it's fun to progress from loop to loop, getting faster and faster while killing your targets at lightning speed. The multiplayer invasions also add the edge of difficulty and challenge that the rest of the game struggles to offer.

Even if we are still a bit hungry and we were hoping for more novelties to stretch the story or simply more content and side missions, too few and quickly solved, Dead Space Remake remains a success overall. The total immersion provided from the beginning to the end thanks to the suppression of pauses and loadings, as well as the captivating atmosphere of the different areas of the Ishimura. We are in turn amazed, then terrified, but never bored, all the while crushing necromorphs in spades. A 2023 version of a respected and greatly improved classic, which will please those who played the original and surely even more the neophytes, who will discover this classic in this spectacular form, making it one of the best survival-horror of this generation.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an excellent game that manages to improve on almost everything its predecessor had to offer. It's more beautiful, with improved gameplay, whether in terms of interesting and visually impressive combat or the rich monster breeding system. It's surprisingly difficult at times, but in a good way, giving you a good reason to improve your team. We would have liked to see even more challenges at high levels, although there's already plenty to keep you busy. MSH3 also has its share of minor flaws, with an often clumsy storyline, a missing gene bank, and the removal of the multiplayer mode, which had potential.

Despite a few technical and combat weaknesses, Silent Hill 2 Remake is a success that will delight nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. Bloober Team has modernized the game without betraying its spirit, reinforcing its oppressive atmosphere and adding some welcome new features. James Sunderland's poignant story, served up by universal and timeless themes, still resonates as strongly today as it did in 2001. This remake is a true love letter to fans of the original game, while offering a memorable experience for those discovering Silent Hill for the first time. Like the original, it's one of those games that will stay in people's hearts and minds.

Codemasters has not disappointed with F1 2019, the new features and multiple improvements making it one of the most complete driving simulations of the year. Apart from the big black mark in terms of content for the Senna/Prost section, the rest is faithful to the DNA of the F1 license, and that's good. Although the absence of Formula E is regrettable, the gameplay and driving remain intact for our greatest pleasure — there's no need to reinvent the wheel here.

The port was well done, and there's almost nothing to complain about. It's not a big surprise, but Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a fantastic expansion finally available on PC, which should provide you with a much better gaming experience than the console versions, as long as you have an SSD-equipped machine that's up to the task. For a game that sometimes overly encourages you to go back and forth between zones, this is no small feat. If you liked the basic MHW, you'll love Iceborne. If you're new to the game, this is a good opportunity to test the license, as it now includes a massive amount of content.

Ragnaröck brings to the rhythmic VR game something that was missing for the fans of the genre. Less body movement, sure, but your arms have to work like hell. Now with 32 tracks and 6 different environments, as well as various skins to unlock for the hammers, not to mention the tracks you can import at will, it shines with a simple but effective gameplay that requires hours of training and a lot of coordination at the highest level. We mainly regret the lack of cross-play on Quest. The graphics may remain rather simple, but they make good use of the colorful visual effects and are quite pleasant. If you dream of being a rough rock drummer with Celtic origins, don't miss this title.

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.

It's been a long time since a game has conquered us like Hi-Fi Rush did. From the very beginning, Tango Gameworks' title grabbed us by the collar and never let us go until the end credits, and we're asking for more. From its original concept executed with a cheeky mastery to its setting filled with a fine and universal humor, this is a project of enthusiasts for enthusiasts, you can feel it and it obviously warms your heart. You were looking for the first essential of 2023? Well, here it is!

While Xenoblade Chronicles X has received a minor graphical facelift, at most, in this Definitive Edition, it's the opus as a whole that's to be acclaimed. Whether it's its version from 10 years ago on Wii U or this new entry to finish off the franchise's remasters in style on Nintendo Switch, Xeno Cross has all the makings of a great one and is, for many, the best opus in the saga.It shows just how much Monolith Soft knows when it comes to charming, content-filled open worlds. If you missed out on this JRPG and exploration smash over the last decade, this Definitive Edition is probably the best option.

Artdink and Square Enix bring us a near-perfect retelling of a game that's over 30 years old. The Japanese publisher proves once again that it is the king of remakes, with a version that combines HD-2D, more resplendent than ever, with life-saving comfort options. It's modern, but never scratches the heart of the Dragon Quest series, which remains intact in this remake. A must-have title for all fans of old-school JRPGs.

It's been a long time since we've been treated to a tactical RPG with such original, well-thought-out combat mechanisms. It's a breath of fresh air. Although very classic, the main story also innovates in its own way, letting us tackle its content with great freedom, via the open-world map. Add to this a large cast of colorful characters, with pleasing art direction, and you've got a memorable time in Unicorn Overlord.

The port of Civilization VI on PS4 and Xbox One is clean and meets our expectations. It's beautiful, and the functionalities, as well as the interface, are quick and easy to handle. The performances are close to those on PC, as long as you're not too demanding. The real problem lies mainly in long loading times, but you should not get them often. The extensions are sold separately and thus the price is too high, which is regrettable given the game was released 3 years ago. For those who don't have a decent PC, however, this is a good opportunity to get into this excellent title, or simply to discover the under-represented genre on consoles. You'll spend hundreds of hours playing, solo or multi, without even realizing it.

Diablo 4 manages to combine the best elements of the license. We're back to the simple but enjoyable gameplay we've come to expect from Diablo, combined for the first time with a well-thought-out, well-filled open world. The majority of players should find what they're looking for, with varied classes, a satisfying campaign, and top-level content worthy of the name while waiting for the seasons. They are accompanied by an atmosphere as dark as it is gripping, wrapped up in a AAA package of great quality on almost every level. A few details may disturb, such as the online mode, or the announced monetization, but this is probably the price to pay for a good game that should continue to enrich and refine itself over the years, if you're prepared to be patient.

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.

Monster Hunter Rise is a successful and worthy port, its fantastic gameplay and content more than compensate for the somewhat outdated graphics on PC. It's still clean and rather pleasant to look at during the fights, and especially very fluid. Those who enjoyed Monster Hunter World shouldn't hesitate to jump in, it's an equally valid game in the license, even if it's a bit different. For the others, it's also a gateway to the license, with improvements in comfort and accessibility, as well as a slightly faster pace of play than its predecessors.

The Death Stranding port from PS4 to PC is a complete success. Sony, Kojima Productions and 505 Games had the intelligence to use the latest generation of the PS4 in terms of graphics. In terms of content, Death Stranding PC offers six new side quests related to Half-Life and Portal; a welcome homage for Valve's fans. Beyond the graphic qualities detailed in this test, the latest Kojima remains a special experience, fascinating in many ways and very engaging. The atmosphere, the colors, the music, everything contributes to a complete immersion in the tortured world of Death Stranding, particularly well reproduced on PC.

With its open-world bias, Mario Kart World stands out directly from the rest of the series with a structure that destabilizes, and it's double-edged. The sublime panoramas offered by the arrival on the circuits and the extensive search for shortcuts clash with the long transition straights and a free roam mode that lacks true rewards. Nevertheless, this is still a high-quality title, with gameplay of unprecedented depth for the series, supported by a new Survival mode that is clearly the star of this new episode.

Nioh 3 adds its own contribution to the series, with gameplay that is richer and more demanding than ever, and formidable bosses that require players to make good use of all the mechanics available to them. The more open and free structure of the world also allows players to explore and progress at their own pace, mitigating the difficulty. It's a shame that the level design tends to suffer as a result, while the clunkiness of previous titles tends to get worse, with an unsuitable interface and equipment management that is far too time-consuming in our opinion. This sequel should appeal to fans, but it may struggle to win over a new audience, especially with its increased price tag.

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is a pleasant surprise at the start of the year, with a satisfying gameplay offering everything that's best in the Metroidvania genre, without forgetting to innovate. The cartoonish art direction, clichéd story and extravagant action scenes may be a quality or a flaw depending on your sensibilities, but that shouldn't discourage you from playing it, as it's so much fun to explore, fight and perform incredible acrobatics with disconcerting ease.

With this third episode, Bayonetta asserts its domination over the 3D beat them up with new daring and destabilizing mechanics, but which lead to even more enjoyable and powerful combinations than before. An excellent core game marred by a flawed technique that causes problems of precision and readability of the action, which is particularly problematic for a game of this type. No need to sulk in your pleasure though, the witch has once again managed to bewitch us during the fifteen hours that this new journey lasts.

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.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition fulfills its mission, it allows you to discover or rediscover a monument of video games in excellent conditions. This remaster doesn't just give the graphics an update, as is too often the case, or even concentrate the games and almost all of their DLC in a single package, it actively improves the gameplay experience by correcting some of the flaws that plagued the first title in the trilogy, even if it could have gone further at times. Explore the galaxy with Commander Shepard and his crew in an adventure of extraordinary quality that's just as long-lasting. This is a game not to be missed by any sci-fi, space opera or western RPG fan, and even if there are a few wrinkles, it doesn't spoil the experience.