Hot Shots on PS5 takes the safest route, and it does so with dignity. Yet it also leaves the suspicion that the less safe path—the one of risk—was the only truly necessary one to restore the series to the freshness it deserves.

Bloober Team has hit the mark once again, proving how the experience accumulated over years and years of horror productions is leading to titles of ever-increasing quality. Cronos: The New Dawn started out as a new IP with everything to prove, and it managed to win us over thanks to a captivating setting supported by an intense atmosphere, perfectly functioning survival horror mechanics, and excellent level design. We’re convinced that for many fans of the genre, Cronos could become a name to watch in the future, but for now, enjoy this excellent beginning.

Helldivers 2 is still today a chaotic, hilarious, and addictive cooperative shooter, one that shines thanks to finely polished gameplay and a commendable business model. Despite a technical side that isn’t flawless and a potential repetitiveness in the long run, Arrowhead’s work stands as one of the most genuine and entertaining multiplayer experiences available on the market—and now also on Xbox Series X|S.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a strong sequel that, while sacrificing part of its soul in the pursuit of becoming more mainstream, stands out as one of the most complete, long-lasting, and satisfying mecha experiences on Nintendo Switch 2. Despite a slight, unavoidable repetitiveness and a few technical hiccups on Switch 2, Marvelous has delivered a solid hit that successfully broadens its answer to Armored Core for a wider audience.

Hell is Us boldly carves out its own path, favoring a slower, more contemplative experience that rewards patience, curiosity, and a taste for the unconventional. It’s not trying to appeal to everyone—and that’s precisely the point. This is a game for those who find meaning in silence, in suggestion, in the space between things. It seeks to provoke rather than guide, to immerse rather than entertain. For some, it will resonate deeply; for others, it may feel distant or impenetrable.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown makes its way to Nintendo Switch with the same strengths and weaknesses as the recent PC release. It’s a fun experience for TMNT fans, but the lazy porting effort and some missing features hold it back. The core idea is strong and the game is well put together, yet its short length and minor flaws keep it from truly shining.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land remains a must-play platformer for Switch and Switch 2 owners. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Super Mario Odyssey, HAL Laboratory delivers a stellar 3D reinvention of Kirby. The Star-Crossed World expansion blends seamlessly with the base game, adding variety and longevity. The only drawback is a price point that feels fair for the content, but was poorly communicated by Nintendo.

Gears of War Reloaded is a remaster aimed at newcomers, delivering the best way to experience Marcus and Dominic’s first adventure. While it adds little beyond the technical upgrade and shows some signs of age, it remains a highly enjoyable classic. If you already own the Ultimate Edition, there’s little reason to double-dip, but for everyone else, Reloaded is an easy recommendation, especially at its fair price point.

Midnight Murder Club feels like one of those games that had the right idea but the wrong execution. The concept of using darkness as a gameplay mechanic is intriguing, but it’s as if the developers turned on the flashlight, showed a glimpse of its potential, and then immediately switched it off again, leaving us wandering through a huge, empty mansion.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a love letter to SEGA’s classic saga, blending old and new in a masterful 2D hack ’n slash. Challenging, rewarding, and packed with secrets and style, it’s a must-play for action fans and a hopeful spark for a new SEGA renaissance.

It wouldn’t take much for Drag X Drive to shake off the label of “short but pricey diversion” and become a true must-have. With such a polished control system, Nintendo only needs to add meaningful content to make its affordable price point irresistible to fans of Rocket League–style hybrids that mix sports, arcade flair, and Twitch-ready multiplayer. Hopefully that happens, because it would be a real shame to see this one fade away quietly.

Delta is a remake that walks a tightrope between admiration and routine. It takes your breath away when you traverse the jungle as Snake, yet it constantly reminds you that you are experiencing something already seen, merely dressed in new lights and polygons. Konami has done an impeccable job technically, but without Kojima’s wild touch, everything remains predictable, elegant, yet lacking the spark that made the original an unforgettable experience.

Gradius Origins is an impressive but incomplete collection. It captures the essence of a genre and a generation of gamers. It's a shame that the absence of the fourth and fifth installments keeps it from being a must-have for every SHMUP fan.

Hellblade II Enhanced on PS5 is proof that form can reach astonishing heights, yet emotional substance doesn’t always manage to recreate the miracle of a first encounter.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a little gem, ideal especially for the more nostalgic players, but it could also engage anyone looking for a retro-flavored challenge, complete with scores and rankings to climb at every stage.

Mafia: Terra Madre stands out as a mature and necessary work of interactive storytelling—one that goes beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for critical reflection. It's an experience that unsettles, engages, and, above all, provokes thought: because to understand the mafia is to confront the deep-rooted forces that sustain it—and this game does so with rare courage and clarity.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is both an improvement of the original and a direct sequel, but it's also a product made mostly for fans of the series.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is still one of the best games in the series, but we feel like there was more that could be done to truly make the Switch 2 an unforgettable experience.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a rough gem that, beneath a tough and unyielding exterior, offers a number of very interesting insights, making it worth playing for those who appreciate the genre.

A bold metroidvania that places Pac-Man in a dark, narrative-driven world. Strong concept and solid fanservice, but held back by unpolished mechanics, uneven difficulty, and imprecise controls. Still, a unique and entertaining entry point for newcomers to the genre.

Donkey Kong Bananza is another good reason to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 if you haven't already, after Mario Kart World. But if the kart franchise will get better with post-launch support, DK and Pauline adventure is already a great game at day one, albeit too simple even for Nintendo standards. A triumphant level design and a mesmerizing destruction rage will accompany both veterans and newcomers to the center of the earth.

Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer is a perfect adventure for anyone who misses a well-structured point-and-click game reminiscent of the genre’s golden age. Thanks to its twist-filled narrative and well-written characters, it’s a joy to play from start to finish. The entire story is accompanied by classic old-school gameplay, featuring cleverly designed puzzles that are challenging without ever feeling overwhelming. If you’ve been longing for a new point-and-click adventure capable of leaving a lasting impression, Kathy Rain 2 might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Dino Path Trail is a journey we thoroughly enjoyed experiencing firsthand—an earnest and fairly successful attempt to break into the world of roguelikes, enriched with survival mechanics that add a refreshing twist, making each run as unpredictable as it is fun. It’s a bit of a shame the game didn’t push the pedal further when it came to integrating dinosaurs more deeply into the world, but we like this Frontier, and we’re eager to see if it can lay a solid foundation for the future of Void Pointer.

The Gex Trilogy brings back one of the many forgotten mascots of the '90s, offering all three games to today’s audience with minimal changes. While the first title hasn’t aged particularly well and is fairly forgettable by modern standards, the second and third entries still stand out as solid examples of collectathon platformers. They're a perfect time capsule of the '90s, with well-designed levels and a charismatic lead—though the American voiceover can be grating, so we recommend switching to the PAL dub if that option is available. It might be a little too late to give Gex a proper comeback, but hope springs eternal, and this trilogy is well worth revisiting regardless of its protagonit's future.

Dune: Awakening is an ambitious MMO Survival Sandbox, capable of delivering the rich atmosphere of the world created by Frank Herbert. The survival mechanics, such as water management and craftin, are detailed and well-developed, while the skill progression system offers deep and engaging customization. The game introduces some unique features, like an original server structure and a competitive endgame set in the Deep Desert. However, it still has a few shortcomings: the enemy variety is limited, some quests can feel repetitive, and the endgame content may not appeal to everyone. Despite these aspects, Dune: Awakening has all the potential to grow over time, especially with Funcom’s continued support. In short, it’s a must-play title for fans of the genre.

If Sloclap can rightfully be considered a small forge of ideas, then Rematch is undoubtedly its most ambitious project to date. However, this ambition, when confronted with the reality of execution, sees the game struggling to shine as brightly as hoped—at least initially. That said, it provides a solid foundation to build upon, update after update, with the goal of engaging and growing a community—something that is essential for a project of this kind.

Death Stranding 2 is a bold game that knows exactly what it wants to be when it grows up. It carries the shadow of being a little less of an “experience” and a bit less unique than the first – yet it remains unmistakable and eccentric compared to anything else on the market, because nothing else truly resembles it. What emerges is an incrementally enhanced more of the same – something that feels unusual for Kojima, who has always been eager to reinvent the wheel, the engine, and even fire itself if necessary. He layers complexity upon complexity into the gameplay, even at the risk of diluting the paradigmatic uniqueness that is (and should remain) the very identity of Death Stranding. When we published our review of the first game back in 2019, the headline was “Black or white”: I was certain people would either love it or hate it, with no middle ground. This time, we’re talking about “Black and white,” because Death Stranding 2 manages to be both at once — a grayscale of choices, some disappointingly safe and others brilliantly singular. It’s a video game that loudly insists on being, first and foremost, an artwork, while at the same time being far more of a product than its predecessor. It can’t quite replicate the disruptive, singular impact of the original, but it gently – and beautifully – reminds us that with every package we deliver to someone else, we also pass on a piece of ourselves. And that this thing we call love, these human connections, can hurt deeply — but also heal just as much. Just like Death Stranding 2 does.

In an era where everyone’s chasing the next big thing in multiplayer, FBC: Firebreak dares to be weird, borderline, and at times deliberately off-putting. It’s a game that doesn’t demand your daily grind, doesn’t punish you for skipping a week, and doesn’t crave your undivided loyalty. And maybe that’s exactly why it ends up having something to say. Maybe not much — but it says it with a style that sticks. If you’ve got two friends and a few hours to spare for some paranormal chaos, with zero expectations for emotional depth or narrative weight, FBC: Firebreak is well worth the price of admission.

Even with a barebones remaster, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a must play for anyone who never owned a 3DS and lost one of the freshest and most original combat system of the last fifteen years. The same can't be said for the ones who already saw the game to its conclusion, as thers's simply not enough new content to recommend a second purchase.

The Alters is a game that resonates more for what it tries to say than for how it says it, and although it doesn’t always manage to balance ambition with execution, it still carves out an interesting niche within the landscape of narrative-driven experiences.

Atlus put so much effort in this new rendition of one of its most obscure PS2-era gems, with significant changes to both the combat system and many other aspects of the gameplay. This is, overall, the best version of the game by far, but a lacking partner AI and by the numbers side quests move Raidou Remastered away from the best of Atlus long-running production.

Yakuza 0 Director's Cut is one of the best games in Switch 2 launch lineup, since it is the best version of one of the best episodes in the whole Yakuza franchise. This should be enough to recommend a buy, but the new Red Light Raid, extra story content and new localization languages round up a perfect package.

Fourteen years after the original release—and one year after its first reissue—Sonic x Shadow Generations remains an excellent video game that deserves to be discovered or rediscovered. The Nintendo Switch 2 version delivers a genuine technical upgrade, albeit with a few compromises. However, the lack of a free or discounted upgrade for owners of the 2024 version is hard to justify, especially given the complete absence of new content. If this is your first time playing it, consider yourself lucky: you’re about to experience one of the best Sonic games ever made.

Street Fighter 6 once again proves itself to be an outstanding fighting game, even on the Switch 2. The graphical downgrade is minor and most noticeable in handheld mode, while on a 4K TV the differences compared to more powerful consoles are significantly reduced. Being able to play it on the go is a major plus—especially since, unlike the original launch version from two years ago, this one includes all Season 1 and 2 characters at no extra cost. It also features two simple but fun exclusive modes designed for casual play with friends. The only major drawback is the World Tour mode, which runs at just 30 fps—something that can be quite frustrating. Aside from that, though, we’re still talking about one of the best fighting games of this generation, and it holds up well on the Switch 2. One word of advice: if you’re planning to play seriously, we strongly recommend investing in a proper controller—Joy-Cons are far from ideal for a game this technical.

The Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is a stellar port of one of the best action RGPs of the last decade. And, at the same time, it is a manifesto of the passion and care CD Projekt put into their games and of the potential of the newest Nintendo hardware. We sincerely hope this marks a new era of fantastic third party support for Switch 2.

It’s certainly not fair to say that Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a bad project—far from it—but there’s a clear and undeniable sense that it’s a far less daring effort than expected. That said, it remains a solid roguelite that, with a fair amount of cleverness, manages to attract genre fans thanks to a wide range of ability combinations and an element of unpredictability that enhances its overall replay value. Still, when considering the full narrative and artistic potential of the world of Alea—with its biting critiques and grotesque tales—it’s hard not to feel a tinge of regret.

On one side, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a good entry point for whoever wants to discover the console's potential, but on the other side you have to pay for it as you would any other game, without nothing more to show for it.

Mario Kart World attempts thrilling, high-risk maneuvers like a stunt pilot seeking new shortcuts, and these don't always land perfectly. While the visuals are stunning, the new game world could have used more polish. Curiously, the classic Grand Prix mode feels hobbled, and track designs are more homogeneous. Survival mode takes the top spot, prioritizing pure fun over competitive fervor. This shift signals Mario Kart World's new direction, and it's up to players to decide if they're ready to embrace this uniquely rare game.

Elden Ring Nightreign represents a bold attempt to evolve the Elden Ring universe through a cooperative and dynamic format. The streamlined progression and reduced exploratory freedom may not satisfy series purists, while the introduction of roguelike and battle royale elements does not fit perfectly with FromSoftware's design philosophy. Ultimately, Nightreign may attract a new audience, but for longtime fans of the series, the balance between innovation and faithfulness to the spirit of Elden Ring will prove to be less than optimal.

F1 25 is a solid entry in the series, making clear progress in the visual department and introducing meaningful improvements to the handling model, especially for those using a steering wheel. The enhanced track detail and the full integration of Icons into Career and My Team modes enrich the gameplay experience. The return of Braking Point, with its engaging narrative and well-executed motion capture cutscenes, also adds depth to the overall package. However, the game doesn't mark a true revolution compared to F1 24. Some core mechanics remain largely the same, and while the driving physics are more refined, they still fall short of delivering a true simulation feel. New features like the Invitationals mode add variety but don’t significantly impact the overall formula. This title is best suited for fans of the series and Formula 1 enthusiasts who will appreciate the technical and narrative upgrades, even if the generational leap feels only partial.

Sunderfolk is a standout debut from Secret Door—an overlooked gem with a strong, nostalgic multiplayer concept rooted in strategy and social play, offering a unique adventure that’s well worth your time, as long as you’re open to playing on a smartphone.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown delivers on its promise with a fresh take on turn-based brawling, blending strategy and action, but falls short in content just when it starts to shine.

While Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon may not shine from a technical standpoint and can feel like a patchwork of successful ideas reassembled in a new way, pulling off such a feat was far from easy. The developers never hid their (notable) sources of inspiration and have instead crafted a love letter to open-world role-playing games, brought to life through a compelling and well-executed dark fantasy atmosphere—one capable of winning over genre enthusiasts and, perhaps, drawing in newcomers as well. It took some time in early access to reach this point, but it was undoubtedly worth the wait.

Even with a mostly no-frills remaster, Capcom succeeds in bringing Onimusha 2 on modern hardware, so that a new generation of players can appreciate its combat system and rudimentary affinity system. A better game than its predecessor overall, but still not the best in the series, however.

PS5 - appearances—for those who seek in video games not just entertainment, but a chance to journey through, understand, and, in a way, forge themselves. Imperfect and a bit rough around the edges at first glance, yet incredibly solid and deep, MercurySteam’s latest project is further proof that you don’t need a massive budget to create something truly special.

Deliver At All Costs is one of those games that sticks with you—for better or worse. Its deliberately over-the-top nature, lighthearted tone, and constant drive to surprise make it a fresh and unconventional experience, capable of delivering moments of genuine fun.

Despelote is far more than a football video game. It is a profound and human narrative experience—a heartfelt portrait of a childhood that feels both distant and universally familiar, an ode to the strength of community and to the power of sport to forge bonds, meaning, and hope. It invites us to see the world anew—or rather, through the eyes of a child—and to recognize, in the simplest of gestures, the enduring possibility of telling stories that belong to all of us.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is yet again another quality selection of fighting games, even if it will probably be less impactful for new players.

It’s much harder to create an enjoyable video game where you play as a police officer than one where you play as a criminal – and the reason is quite simple: in the latter, the core of the fun lies in the illusion of having no rules, in the freedom to do whatever you want. In the former, however, it’s precisely the adherence to protocol that forms the foundation of the experience, making any attempt at a free-roam style game, like The Precinct, inevitably more “simulative” and routine-based. This, in fact, is something Fallen Tree Games’ title does very, very well. Set in a convincingly stylized 1980s atmosphere with a fitting soundtrack, The Precinct offers a gamified version of just about every aspect of being a virtual cop: issuing fines for vandalism, dealing with gang wars, handling traffic duties, calling in backup, investigating murders, and even stopping robberies in progress. Where The Precinct struggles is in its gameplay loop. By its very nature, it doesn’t easily lend itself to a long-lasting gameplay experience, and its momentum starts to fade a bit before the game itself actually ends. Technical rough edges still present in the build also occasionally hold it back from fully shining. Yet despite these issues, it remains the most successful “police simulator” to come out in a long, long time — less rigid than its competitors, sharp in its atmosphere, and incredibly stylish in its direction and art design. It may not be GTA, nor its opposite with a badge, but it’s a game with personality. And while it’s true that playing the good guy in a video game can feel less exciting than playing the bad one, The Precinct proves that it can still be satisfying.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a game that, while solid and captivating, doesn’t quite recapture the groundbreaking impact of its predecessor. It attempts to offer a fresh take on the series, but does so a bit too conservatively, lacking the sense of novelty that defined the bold direction of DOOM Eternal. While the deliberate pacing of combat and the intricacy of the environments have their own appeal, the absence of that dynamic drive leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. For longtime fans, it’s still a journey worth taking — but it certainly doesn’t represent the saga’s highest point.

Star Overdrive swings big — and for a team working with limited resources, it hits a lot more than you'd expect. While it wears its inspirations on its sleeve (especially the latest Zelda games), it still manages to carve out a style of its own, offering plenty of striking moments both visually and in gameplay. At times, though, the game feels like it’s reaching beyond its grasp; some areas feel a little thin, and you get the sense it might have been stronger if the team had narrowed their focus.

Rise of Rebellion comes off as an ambitious but still very raw and unfinished project, held back by technical issues and an overall lack of polish. The gap between the demo and the final release reveals flaws that are hard to ignore. Still, there's undeniable potential here, thanks to a combat system that introduces directional parries and dodges. With more development time, it could have truly shined in the soulslike landscape. As it stands, it's a missed opportunity for the genre's more demanding fans.

MotoGP 25 marks its return with an exciting addition to its gameplay modes: the opportunity to ride a variety of bikes beyond the traditional racing machines. The inclusion of minibikes, motards, and flat-track bikes significantly diversifies the experience, making it fresher and undoubtedly more entertaining. We particularly appreciate the introduction of an Arcade riding mode, tailored for players who have limited time or who seek a more accessible and relaxed style of play. Unfortunately, the Pro mode does not feature major innovations on the track, which is a slight disappointment. On the technical side, the graphical improvements are barely noticeable, despite the use of a robust graphics engine. However, it is worth highlighting that cross-play is finally no longer restricted, enhancing the multiplayer experience considerably. Overall, MotoGP 25 remains a pleasant and engaging title, ideal for both solo and multiplayer sessions.

Days Gone Remastered doesn’t just refine an already solid game - it enriches it with new content and technical enhancements that elevate the entire experience. With the original’s technical issues smoothed out, more varied and polished gameplay, tougher game modes, and advanced accessibility options, this version is a must-play for longtime fans and anyone looking for one of the most immersive and dynamic open-world adventures available on PS5. Yet, the lingering sting of an unresolved ending — and the knowledge that the long-hoped-for sequel will likely never happen — leaves a bittersweet aftertaste on what could have become another flagship PlayStation saga.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is undeniably more than just the sum of its parts: in 2025, it brings not only a technical facelift through Unreal Engine 5 and a few small updates to progression, but also the wealth of memories and emotional attachment it earned at its original release—when it became, for many players (especially on consoles), the true gateway into the franchise. The enduring charm of Cyrodiil—magnificent not only as an “open” game but also excelling as a fully realized “world”—is still very much intact. However, it’s accompanied by a technical side that, at least on PC, feels rough and problematic, and an undeniable truth: even seen through the nostalgic lens of love we all share, Oblivion bears the weight of its many years, evident in its rough edges, imperfect balancing, and the sparse density of its world. What we are left with, then, is a project that pays heartfelt tribute to the Elder Scrolls game that was many players’ first love, but that—despite the new polish—struggles to fully transport it into 2025. Instead, it mostly transports us back to 2006, with all the beauty and discordance that entails.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises since at least five years or so. It's clearly a work of love and passion, made by talented people who love JRPG of old and has the vision to offer a modern interpretation of them, palatable for both old-time fans like them and newcomers alike. And if that soundtrack doesn't melt your hearts, we really don't know what could.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a truly solid and well-crafted work, a significant representative of a genre that has become overly saturated. Mandragora doesn’t quite stand out for originality or for that sense of uniqueness one might expect from a title of this kind. And yet, despite offering a lot of déjà vu and familiar tropes, its strong gameplay consistency and its almost always spot-on choices manage to frame it as a game that definitely deserves a fair and confident chance.

SNK returns with a fighting game that stays true to its classic roots, while also attempting to take a step toward the more modern direction seen in recent titles of the genre. The combat system is undoubtedly the game’s strongest feature—tactical, satisfying to master, and visually impressive once you get the hang of it. However, the steep learning curve and the complexity of its various mechanics make it less accessible for newcomers. The available modes are mostly traditional, with the addition of a more elaborate one clearly inspired by Street Fighter 6’s World Tour mode. Unfortunately, due to budget limitations, it ends up being a stripped-down version rather than a true rival. The character roster is solid, but the inclusion of figures like Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci in a legendary franchise like Fatal Fury feels jarring.

Don’t Nod delivers another captivating tale with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage—a story rich in unspoken emotion and subtle storytelling, carried by compelling characters and a magnetic premise, even if the ending doesn't quite live up to the rest.

Commandos: Origins is a well-executed nostalgia trip. Those expecting a major leap forward for the genre may end up disappointed, as Claymore Game Studios’ work closely follows the traditional blueprint of classic real-time tactics games, with only a handful of modern adjustments—aside from a much-needed quick save system. The end result is a game that’s as challenging as it is intriguing, rewarding well-thought-out strategies and the occasional bit of improvisation. That said, some clever ideas can fall apart due to a few too many technical hiccups—issues we hope will be ironed out with future patches.

Blue Prince is not just a game — it’s an invitation to engage in a layered, active process of interpretation. It defies conventions, rewards patience, and values the player’s critical intelligence. It won’t appeal to everyone, but those who accept its challenge will come out changed. A rare, bold, and necessary experiment.

Monster Energy Supercross 25 has truly won us over this year. While there are still some details that could use refinement in the future, the game arrives in great shape and shows strong potential for further improvement. The overhaul of the physics and dynamic system, for example, offers gameplay that feels well-suited to the current generation—though there’s still room for some visual enhancements. The career mode isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it does its job and allows us to enjoy the solid racing experience on track. On the other hand, the customization section really stands out, especially thanks to the new livery editor, which rounds out an already well-developed feature set. AI improvements are noticeable and welcome, but not yet fully satisfying—this may well be the area where the development team needs to focus most in future iterations.

It's still a delight to play both Lunar games, as they are innocent and delightfully simple in their plots, but also full of unforgettable characters and emotions, but this package does the bare minimum to make them palatable also for newcomers and not only for nostalgic players. Also, why French and German subtitles and no Italian localization?

What saddens us about Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is that it’s clear this is a fighting game developed with a lot of passion and attention to detail — but the project’s low budget has dragged down many aspects of the title. The Story Mode is undoubtedly the highlight of the game: it follows the original storyline with obsessive fidelity, including many battles that other games would have skipped, and it’s packed with moments designed to delight fans of the series. Unfortunately, the cutscenes are marred by often atrocious animations. The combat system is truly original and does a great job of capturing the spirit of Bleach’s battles, but character imbalances, animation issues, and collision problems hold it back significantly. What hurts the game the most, however, is the online mode, which is virtually unsalvageable — especially due to its terrible netcode. That said, if you’re a big Bleach fan and you’re looking to relive Ichigo’s adventures firsthand, the excellent Story Mode still makes it worth considering.

South of Midnight thrives on contrasts and fails to offer the same level of quality across all aspects: while the stories being told are the true driving force and the artistic side is excellent, inspired, and capable of giving the work great uniqueness, the gameplay doesn’t keep up and feels reminiscent of action-adventure/platform games from fifteen years ago, lacking any standout moments or particularly memorable features.

In Koira, players embark on a heartfelt 2D adventure alongside a small, glowing-nosed dog who helps guide them through a magical forest. The game blends exploration, musical puzzles, and a beautiful soundtrack, creating an introspective and poetic experience. The game's emotional depth touches on themes of mental health and the beauty of nature, offering players the chance to care for both familiar and unexpected creatures. With a delicate yet powerful approach, Koira delivers a touching story of friendship and resilience in the face of life's struggles.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a Soulslike that is brutal and genuinely challenging, yet never unfair to the player. Its combat system, finely tuned, satisfying, and varied, keeps players engaged until the very end, offering a worthy title for fans of the genre. While it may rely a bit too heavily on NiOh’s structure, it unfortunately inherits some of its more frustrating flaws, which inevitably prevent it from fully reaching its potential.

Everhood 2 is an original, absurd, and highly experimental game. For these unique qualities alone, it’s worth a try, and we’re sure many players will be drawn in by its story—if it can be called that—its psychedelic visuals, its soundtrack, and its rhythm-based combat. However, compared to the first installment, some newly introduced elements didn’t fully convince us, and the narrative itself quickly turns into a maze of thoughts that are hard to follow.

The stylistic choices and the intention to offer a game that challenges the conventions of the sci-fi horror genre are commendable, but the overall feeling is one of a missed opportunity. If you're a fan of the genre and looking for an experience that challenges your perceptions, KARMA: The Dark World is still a title worth exploring, but with the awareness that it never fully reaches the potential greatness it could have.

As far as we are concerned, Atomfall is the most brilliant and inventive title to ever come from Rebellion. It's fun, smart, highly replayable and well written, and almost forced us to begin a second run as soon as we completed the first. The combat system is basic, however (especially lacking in close combat), and the AI routines are limited. A nice try overall, and we hope to see a sequel soon.

WWE 2K25 is undoubtedly the best wrestling simulation available right now, taking over from its predecessor, which it largely builds upon. This year’s Showcase mode is less engaging than last year’s edition but still works well, just like the rest of the package, which remains mostly unchanged. For wrestling and gaming fans, the series remains a key reference point (and the only option on the market), but the annual release model is showing its cracks—especially with the increased focus on microtransactions this year.

Merging the two core identities of the Assassin’s Creed franchise was no easy feat, but Ubisoft Quebec largely succeeded. The game boasts a vibrant open world, a wealth of activities, and a solid—if somewhat simplistic—combat system. However, where Assassin’s Creed Shadows stumbles is in its lackluster enemy AI, which often behaves irrationally, and its consistently low difficulty level, even at the highest setting.

Xenoblade Chronicles X was the last missing piece to recreate the whole quadrilogy of Xenoblade Games on Nintendo Switch, and this Definitive Edition makes it justice. The team worked on most of the things that didn't work so well in the original (an already great game) and made it viable for both newcomers and old-time fans.

Atelier Yumia is the classic case of a niche series desperately trying to adapt to a changing market, losing what made it unique in the process. The shift to an open-world structure, instead of expanding gameplay possibilities, reduces them to a repetitive loop of activities, while the combat system, despite a few interesting ideas, lacks depth.

We’ve waited over six years, but the wait has been well worth it: Foundation is one of those city builders you never want to put down. Polymorph Games’ title has everything you’d expect from a city management sim, skillfully blending creative freedom with careful planning. It’s visually stunning, enjoyable to play, and its interface manages to keep even the most advanced and complex moments clear. The only real downside is the occasional bug and a few crashes that persist despite the long development time.

Wanderstop has two main strengths. As a cozy game, it works very well—the gameplay loop is simple and relaxing, avoiding the usual performance-driven clichés of many modern titles. From a narrative perspective, the story is effective and highlights real-life situations that, unfortunately, most of us can relate to in some way. That said, it falls far short of the high standards set by Wreden and Zimonja’s previous works. Comparing it to The Stanley Parable or Gone Home simply doesn’t hold up. Wanderstop lacks the experimental madness we often hoped to witness, and its storytelling unfolds rather predictably, with plot twists appearing only when strictly necessary.

Considering the variety and versatility promised by the development team in terms of configuration to properly enjoy Rise of the Ronin, one has the feeling that the same mixed result has been achieved as the console version. All things considered, some post-launch patches will be necessary to enjoy an even more solid experience: the publisher has already confirmed to us that several updates are on the way, but at the moment know that the launch version needs more than a few technical refinements.

Suikoden I - II HD Remaster is a good enough compilation to discover (or re-discover) two of the most influential JRPG of all time, both treated with respect and both still very enjoyable today. The budget Konami allocated for this project was probably minimal, but the effort put in recreating these two classics is commendable nonetheless.

A journey through breathtaking worlds, gameplay that constantly reinvents itself, and a cooperative experience that truly shines—especially when played with the right person. Split Fiction isn't perfect, but it's one of those games that, if only for its genuine intent, deserves recognition without hesitation.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is a compilation clearly aimed at a very specific niche: the early fans of the series, those who have loved it since its very first years. For everyone else, including those who got into the TCG from 2008 onward, these games will, in most cases, feel far too “dated” in their structure to be truly enjoyable. The essence of the collection lies in its historical value, but even from that perspective, it’s hard to fully justify its steep launch price.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a bit like an old vinyl record reissued in digital: the charm remains, but the crackle of time can't be completely erased.

After hospitals and university campuses, the citizens of Two Point County now have museums where they can admire fossilized floppy disks, demonic mannequins, and the remains of Atlantis. The management sim created by Two Point Studios is far from a revolution and shares many similarities with its predecessors, including its unique sense of humor and numerous gameplay elements. Fortunately, the few new additions are also the most successful aspects—sending explorers to the far corners of the world to retrieve strange artifacts is both fun and rewarding, as is displaying and showcasing all the unearthed relics.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a vast and majestic game, much like the monsters that inhabit it. The new approach to exploration and the complexity of the various biomes evolve the classic formula of the series, enriching it immensely. Combat takes significant strides forward thanks to the wound system, the Seikret, and the revamped weapons—further enhanced by monsters with more complex behaviors and a greater overall environmental interaction. Some hunts will stay with you forever. The story is also a pleasant surprise—we didn’t expect it to be told so well, aided by a cast of well-developed characters. If we had to point out a flaw, we would have liked more from the endgame phases and the roster of monsters, but we are well aware that with future updates and the almost certain introduction of Master Rank, these issues will likely be addressed. Capcom completes yet another hunt—and does so in truly grand style.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the exact image of its protagonist: funny, out of its mind and light on serious content and story beats. Long-time fans of the franchise will remember this as a Majima extravaganza, while newcomers as the perfect entry point in this long-running series.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Stairward Vector represents a step forward from the previous game and once again adheres to the canons of classic tabletop RPGs. While this will please purists, others may have some impatience with the static nature of the action, which despite the additions offers little dynamism and a really significant amount of text.

Avowed has a lot of strenghts, from its worldbuilding to its RPG systems, and it entertains for at least forty plus hours thanks to them. Obsidian didn't reinvent the RPG wheel, but considering how cold is Bethesda's first-person RPG throne, and how far still a new The Elder Scrolls game might be, this is a very solid effort that any RPG fan should try.

Being a second part of a new story arc, The Legend of Heroes Trails through Daybreak II hits all the right marks, but in doing so the core system of the game, its challenging and deep turn-based combat system, somehow degenerates into a by the book real-time affair, that will surely please newcomers but probably alienate long-time fans. Still, another solid JRPG by Falcom.

Synduality: Echo of Ada is a title that has potential but fails to fully express it. It’s a shooter with solid gunplay, but nothing more. The missions are repetitive, the equipment lacks variety, and the map feels underwhelming. The gameplay also becomes monotonous too quickly, in addition to being overly punitive. Items earned— even those tied to the deluxe edition or purchased (!)—are easily lost. A particularly bad choice was implementing microtransactions for in-game items that turn the game into a pay-to-win experience. We appreciate the option to launch cooperative missions, but it’s frustrating that you can only do so with random players; a simple matchmaking system with friends would have added extra value. Another downside is the storytelling, which is completely overshadowed by the gameplay, making the experience feel uninvolving. The game ultimately seems to cater only to those who enjoy jumping in occasionally for some virtual carnage rather than engaging with a deeper narrative or immersive world.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist totally forgoes evolving the original concept, merely repeating the same formula and gameplay situations, with improvements so bland as to be almost irrelevant. This sequel is still very strong and appealing, but chooses to live off its laurels.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an experience tailored for those who appreciate the slow passage of time, uncompromising realism, and the profound impact of every decision. It plunges you into a gritty, unforgiving Middle Ages—harsh, unfiltered, and devoid of shortcuts or concessions.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII had a truly difficult task. The previous installment is still one of the best—if not the best—4X games available and often ranks among the most-played titles on Steam. At the same time, even though no competitor has quite reached its standards, rival games have attempted to innovate the genre by introducing new gameplay mechanics and adopting interesting variations on design principles established decades ago. Additionally, the success of the console versions forced the development team to adapt their new work for a broader, more diverse, and heterogeneous audience. These were three significant challenges, and we can confidently say that Civilization VII has overcome them. This seventh iteration does not rest on its laurels and is unafraid to propel the series into the future, even at the risk of betraying its roots. The game is noticeably sleeker, faster, and more intuitive to play, diplomacy finally has the importance it deserves, and longevity has significantly improved thanks to the separation between leaders and civilizations, which rotate throughout the matches. Civilization VII is an excellent strategy game, but that does not mean everything is perfect. After several hours of gameplay, we still struggle to get used to the new UI, the removal of certain units makes some actions feel overly abstract, and only future expansions will make the game truly complete. There’s no way around it: the biggest point of contention is the inclusion of only three historical eras—a radical design choice implemented by Firaxis to eliminate the chronic late-game fatigue. Despite the good intentions, this decision risks disappointing traditionalists, creates gaps that feel too pronounced within a match, and even within these eras, some phases feel lacking, with crises and objectives that don’t always hit the mark.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black it’s a breathless challenge, a true test for anyone who dares to call themselves an old-school gamer. There are no compromises here: every victory is hard-earned, every defeat a lesson, every battle a trial of reflexes and strategy. In an era of increasingly accessible games, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a monument to pure skill, a fierce and unforgettable experience. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Sniper Elite Resistance keeps all the qualities and, unfortunately, all of the flaws of the previous numbered entry, of which is more a stand-alone downloadable content than a sequel. The problem is that the price is that of a full-blown game, and if you value it as such, it's much harder to overlook the massive reuse of mechanics, assets and maps. Still a solid buy for the long-time fans of Karl Fairburne, but not the overhaul the series desperately need.

Ravenswatch masterfully blends dark-fantasy storytelling with engaging roguelike mechanics. The unique characters, each with distinct abilities and rich backstories, elevate both the narrative and gameplay. While the secondary missions can feel repetitive, the cooperative dynamics and high replay value make it a standout title for fans of the genre.

Even in its PC version, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to the saga in the last 18 years. With this new look, and with a level of detail that is truly enviable for those who can afford the highest settings, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the new glimmer of hope for all those fans who felt betrayed by the most discussed and controversial chapters of this beloved saga.

Dynasty Warriors Origins embodies everything fans of the musou genre have always dreamed of for their favorite series. This installment raises the bar in terms of quality and, in many ways, sets a new standard for the genre, appealing not only to longtime fans but also to newcomers, while laying a solid foundation for the future of the entire franchise. From its storytelling to the revamped combat mechanics, nearly every piece falls perfectly into place. Despite a few hiccups and some rough edges that still need polishing, it’s impossible not to appreciate the fantastic work done by the team at Omega Force.

Tales of Graces F Remastered is a game that might leave you somewhat indifferent if you look only and exclusively at the graphics. However, the numerous internal improvements, the novel options and the smoothing out of the edges typical of jrpg's of the old era, may bring a new audience to the saga or attract all those who for some reason skipped over this good and perhaps under-celebrated chapter.

The quality of its level design, the two-player coop and a wealth of stages, including the 3DS ones, are enough to recommend a purchase, but Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is sort of lazy if compared to other remastered versions of Nintendo old classics. If you have already played it before elsewhere, there is really no reason for a second playthrough.