Digimon Story Time Stranger is a surprisingly deep JRPG. Its compelling story and complex, strategic gameplay are engaging, and raising Digimon is highly rewarding. Unfortunately, the game is held back by an outdated technical department, a result of its long development. However, it lays a solid foundation for the series' future and is a must-try for fans and JRPG lovers alike.

With Keeper, Xbox Game Studios adds another standout to its diverse and artistically driven lineup. While its relaxed, “chill” gameplay may not satisfy those seeking challenge or intensity, it offers everyone else a visually stunning, heartwarming experience brimming with positivity and surprises - one of the year’s most delightful and memorable adventures.

EA takes a cautious step toward evolving the FC series, delivering a high-quality football game with solid mechanics, deep customization, and strong content. However, persistent legacy issues, limited innovation, and questionable choices - like the season pass and offline-only new mode - hold it back. Still, it’s immensely fun and engaging for fans of EA’s football.

Formula Legends is a pure, no-frills racing game - accessible yet deep enough to demand real skill. The lack of multiplayer limits longevity, but what’s here works beautifully. For Formula One enthusiasts, it’s nearly unmissable: despite lacking official licenses, it convincingly captures the spirit, history, and excitement of the world’s premier motorsport.

Battlefield 6 delivers exactly what Battlefield should be - fun, content-rich, and visually stunning. Rising from Battlefield 2042’s ashes, the new Battlefield Studios title offer the franchise’s most complete experience yet. While some may miss naval battles or larger maps, this polished, balanced, and thrilling debut marks a powerful new beginning, setting the stage for an exciting future.

Little Nightmares III is a captivating adventure that honors the series’ roots while introducing fresh characters, a new setting, and a multiplayer mode. Its atmosphere and layered storytelling keep players engaged throughout, though short length, low replay value, and a limited co-op mode hold it back. Despite this, it stands as a worthy successor and a must-play for genre fans.

Frostpunk 2 is an excellent strategic city builder. Despite some imperfect pad controls and a steep difficulty curve, its deep and rewarding gameplay, centered around a unique diplomatic system, makes it a must-try for any fan of the genre, especially since it's included in Game Pass Premium.

Dying Light: The Beast marks a welcome return to the series’ roots, highlighting fluid parkour, brutal combat, and the fresh addition of “beast” powers. While dated mission design, forced grinding, lack of fast travel, and a weak narrative hold it back, the game remains content-rich and highly enjoyable, proving the Dying Light formula is still thrilling and remarkably effective today.

Hotel Barcelona stands out for its unique style, gradually revealing strong gameplay after a shaky start. Flawed design, balance choices, and technical issues limit its impact, and like the B-movies it emulates, it entertains without cutting deep. Yet its atmosphere and personality linger, giving it the potential to become a cult classic: imperfect, but memorable for genre fans.

EA Sports College Football 26 is a fantastic university football game, and arguably the best American football simulation available today. This year's version raises the bar with numerous upgrades that make the gameplay experience decidedly superior. With improved gameplay, especially on defense, and exceptional immersion, it's a top-tier product for all fans of the sport.

Silent Hill f is a beautiful game, with deep lore and a compelling story that makes it shine. However, its qualities are held back by dated gameplay mechanics and a poor and misleading puzzle text translation (reviewed in Italian). Yet it's an experience worth living, especially for its impressive narrative strength and world-building.

NHL 26 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, delivering a deeper and more realistic simulation. Thanks to the new ICE-Q 2.0 engine and the integration of real NHL data, gameplay feels more authentic. While minor technical issues persist, the revamped Be a Pro and richer online modes make it a must-have for hockey fans.

Borderlands 4 delivers everything expected from a modern AAA game, balancing fresh ideas with the franchise’s trademark style. Though the looter-shooter formula feels less groundbreaking and the narrative lacks the punch of earlier entries, the flawless gameplay and perfect gunplay makes this new episode worthwhile. Overall, it’s a stylish, confident return and a strong contender for action/shooter of the year.

Helldivers 2 is a solid and hilarious co-op shooter, offering explosive moments especially when played with friends. While it can become repetitive when played solo and lacks cross-progression, its satirical take on propaganda and its budget price make it an excellent value and a must-try for fans of cooperative action.

NBA 2K26 revitalizes the franchise after a small dip in NBA 2K25, led by the strongest MyCareer mode in years, thanks to a gripping prologue and refined gameplay with updates like the new shot meter and smoother movement, even if MyGM still lags. With only minor flaws, it feels nearly complete, true to the slogan “Ball Over Everything.”

With Cronos: The New Dawn, Bloober Team delivers its most accomplished work yet: a gripping survival horror with a masterful artistic vision, shaped by both past experiences and genre classics. Set in 1980s Kraków under Russian occupation, the game shifts into a nightmarish, oppressive reality. Its demanding mechanics and outstanding art direction make it one of the most intense horror experiences in recent years - unmissable.

When EA unveiled Madden NFL 26 earlier this year, expectations were cautious, but the promised improvements have all materialized. The game surpasses Madden 25 both on and off the field, with major leaps in presentation, gameplay, and an excellent new Franchise mode. While Superstar and MUT still need work, Madden 26 stands as a significant step forward - arguably the best Madden since Madden 17.

Gears of War: Reloaded doesn’t reinvent the game for those familiar with the original one or the 2015 remaster, nor does it address all previous shortcomings in campaign or multiplayer. Still, it offers a substantial set of graphical improvements, making it enjoyable on modern platforms and competitive with newer releases, while delivering the most polished and content-rich version of Gears of War to date.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater successfully modernizes a gaming classic, with Konami delivering a visually stunning and smoother experience that respects the original almost to a fault. While its extreme fidelity limits the potential for a bold, fully reimagined remake, this remains the definitive version of a timeless masterpiece - an essential opportunity to relive or discover one of gaming’s most historic titles.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound proves to be not only an excellent 2D side-scrolling action-platformer with engaging gameplay and high-quality ‘90s-inspired visuals, but also a strong spin-off that fits neatly into Ryu Hayabusa’s saga. Greater variety and better difficulty balance could have elevated it further, yet it remains a highly recommended experience for fans of the series and the genre.

Kill the Brickman offers a crazy and engaging mix of brick-breaking, deck-building, and puzzle-strategy elements. While not a masterpiece, its huge variety of tactical options and its ridiculously low price point make it a must-buy for any fan of the genre who's looking for a fun and satisfying challenge.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a solid release with a well-crafted story, cinematic cutscenes, and engaging stealth-puzzle gameplay. While replay value is limited and the lack of specific localization options may deter some players, its affordable price and distinctive design make it an appealing choice for fans of the genre. Not for everyone, but those who connect with it will find a rewarding experience.

Mafia: The Old Country is a pleasantly surprising release that offers around sixteen hours of solid entertainment. A well-paced story and detailed setting help it stand out, despite major drawbacks like repetitive knife-based fights and poor enemy AI. While not a top-tier title, its budget price and overall coherence make it a worthwhile option in today’s gaming landscape.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a gritty, fast-paced soulslike that surprises with its sickly, atmospheric world and challenging but fair combat. Despite technical flaws and poorly explained mechanics, its intense boss fights and deep gameplay offer real rewards for dedicated players. A strong sense of identity and smooth progression make it well worth trying, especially for Game Pass subscribers looking for something fresh.

Edens Zero is another low-budget anime tie-in with hidden potential. Despite dated visuals and a confusing, shallow narrative, it offers surprising customization and some solid mechanics - though underused and ultimately repetitive. Aimed mainly at existing fans, it falls short as an entry point for newcomers. With more polish, a sequel could shine, but for now it’s best suited to the series' enthusiasts.

Ready or Not is one of 2025’s most surprising and rewarding shooters - especially for those craving the tactical edge long missing from console FPS. Tense, difficult, and deeply satisfying, it delivers high-stakes realism both solo and in multiplayer. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready for the pressure, the intensity becomes part of the thrill.

Shadow Labyrinth is a bold reinvention of a beloved arcade icon. Bandai Namco delivers a challenging and rewarding metroidvania with great level design, deep combat, and a tough but fair difficulty curve, while its few flaws stem from design choices rather than bugs. A must-play for genre fans, especially those who once roamed arcades decades ago.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is a heartfelt tribute to the series, a remake that captures the essence of two timeless classics. Iron Galaxy modernizes gameplay and levels with style, delivering depth, adrenaline, and rich content. While technical hiccups and a divisive take on THPS 4's career mode hold it back slightly, this is still a vibrant slice of gaming history, reborn.