Creative Assembly manages to innovate the previous Shogun 2 chapter by changing era and adding fireweapons to the conflicts. Thankfully this creates a well balanced mixture that is sure to be liked by many, if not every, fan of the series.

Sports Interactive wins again. Football Manager 2013 renew itself with all-new "Classic" mode to satisfy all type of players. Challenge mode are another great addition.

Quotation forthcoming.

LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias offers a varied and beautiful game world, never frustrating puzzles and a smart way to take advantage of touch controls.

Underhero is a brilliant game with quirky and fun dialogues that knows how to mix elements of different genres.

With several improvements, F1 2017 is more beautiful and more complex than F1 2016. A great game, but not yet a masterpiece.

Astebreed is a brilliant shoot 'em up, which incorporates many features from Danmaku and reuses them in a complex and well-calculated way, giving rise to a formula suitable for both experienced players and beginners.

We cannot avoid praising the courage of a small team such as Vanillaware in creating a niche and bold title like this. We loved every minute of the 60 plus hours spent with Unicorn Overlord and we're already looking forward to Vanillaware next title.

Cuphead is a hardcore game with a beautiful art design that recalls the classic cartoons of the '30s. Based on splendid boss fights and with some "run and gun" levels, MDHR Studios' game is challenging and satisfying.

Velocity 2X is a small gem in the world of independent games. The title is fast-paced, intriguing and innovative. It perfectly blends many commands, creating an eye-catching end result that will keep you glued to the screen and will test your skills to the limit with goals and spurring online leaderboards, so as to satisfy even the most disengaged players.

Shovel Knight on Xbox One keeps everything that worked so well in all of the other versions, adding a crisp resolution and, most importantly, the Battletoads stage. More than enough to deserve a download.

The Messenger is yet another quality indie title that comes to Nintendo Switch this year: if you've grown up playing Ninja Gaiden or any Castlevania game (both pre and post Symphony of the Night), this is the adventure you've been waiting for.

Quotation forthcoming.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is already quite a fine game on consoles, but on pc it’s even more beautiful to look at. The guys at Crystal Dynamics are definitely good at ports, and this is another fine demonstration of their ability, an extensive and fun action-adventure game that pc users will definitely appreciate.

Although Zero Time Dilemma is nowhere to be found and there's no extras whatsoever, Zero Escape The Nonary Games is a great package containing two brilliant visual novels. If, for any reason, you didn't have a chance to play them (or just one of them), then buying it is heavily recommended, especially for the treatment that 999 has undergone.

Dan The Man is a great action platformer that reminds us that sometimes simplicity is the key to success.

Quotation forthcoming.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is the best example of how a development team can revitalize an old series. It is a must have game.

The five months gape is, only partly, justified by the excellent port made by Capcom. On the other hand it's still the same product seen in March, but on a different platform, that for technical superiority manages to squeeze even more the excellent graphic engine. Whether an action or survival horror, in fact the truth is in the middle, grant it the benefit of the doubt and you'll surely be satisfied.

Saints Row IV is for video games what Epic Meal Time is for food. It's crude, vulgar and exaggerated, yet so absurd and insanely crazy that you will still desire to devour it.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a huge exclusive for the new New Nintendo 3DS. A giant game, with a lot of content and enriched by some changes both in gameplay and in the structure of the game.

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP is a masterpiece, an indispensable game for your iPhone/iPad. It's an atypical, exciting action-adventure with a superb soundtrack and incredbile graphics.

Dragon Quest Builders is what you would expect from a sequel. Richer, bigger, better.

The Sims 3 will make fans fall in love again, thanks to the many new contents added to the franchise. The optimized gameplay also is good news. All the others should know that the game is still the same, deeper, better in the gameplay and graphics and full of stuff to buy, but always The Sims. You love it or you hate it.

It's amazing. A basket game so full of content and quality that its almost unbelievable for a fan of the real sports. It's only fault is the online, that remains unstable year after year, with irritating lag spikes. Oh yeah, the Spike Lee directed stroyline isn't that amazing either, but hey, perfection does not exist after all.

Death Stranding is a must have on PC as it was on PS4, now unlocking bold new features such as 60+ fps even on less performing machines.

An amazing title in terms of gameplay and fun.

Yakuza 0 is a solid and fine port.

Miss Croft's return is a finely crafted action-adventure title, with solid game design choices and some spectacular moments. The action-packed gameplay can't really support the forcefully crude and violent narrative of the campaign though, and the lack of originality and challenge lessens the experience in the end. It's definitely a great game, but with some ballsy moves it could have been an amazing one.

Tribes: Ascend is simply one of the best, if not the best, free to play shooting game available on the market today. It's all about your skill and not how much money you decide to spend.

A great graphic adventure that could be improved by more challenging puzzles.

Konami and Bloober Team revive an invaluable piece of video game history. One of the best games of all time returns with the deflagrating power we remember so well, showing even modern audiences why it still remains the boldest and darkest psychological horror ever seen in the video game industry.

Gears of War 4 on PC is simply the best game on Windows Store and one of the best conversions in years.

We would have liked more new content and a more affordable price tag, but this Remastered version of Ni No Kuni makes a timeless classic available in 4K and for a new generation of gamers.

Ghost of Sparta is beyond doubt the best action experience you can find on your PSP. Still, it feels like a small step back from the evolution of the saga achieved by the last HD chapter: puzzles section are completely useless and mechanics feel somehow old. A very good work, but not the masterpiece it could've been.

Panzer Corps 2 is a modern approach to the wargame genre, but it can easily become a new classic in the years to come.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is a must-buy on Switch even more-so than its Wii U predecessor, thanks to smoother gameplay, flashier graphics and a fun new mode that will allow everybody to enjoy this gem of a platformer. Let's hope Nintendo brings some more Wii U masterpieces to its new console.

Brilliantly fragmented, avant-garde, and quite compelling, Her Story is an innovative adventure that we utterly recommend. A well written, well acted, and well thought game.

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.

Nioh 3 is a game that breathes ambition, a title that dares and isn’t afraid to throw the player into chaos. It’s frenetic, brilliant in many moments, and incredibly rewarding when you master its complexities. The combat system is deep and layered, and the introduction of Samurai and Ninja styles adds a level of tactical choice never seen before.

Quotation forthcoming.

An amazingly crafted expansion that completely modifies the competitive metagame while maintaining the fine balancing of the best RTS around. The narrative could have been better, but the campaign is still a great piece of work that thrives on its amazing variety.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown managed to swipe away every possible doubt after its first reveal, proving itself to be a metroidvania well developed, fun and with the right ideas.

Even if it's not a particularly ambitious production, Pentiment is a small gem that shows all the love for the late Middle Ages and its art in every single aspect.

Bayonetta 3 is the best title from PlatinumGames for creativity and implementation of unique ideas on the gameplay side. A sum of what the Japanese studio can do, and this saga, from the aesthetic and narrative side. A sumptuous display of style and substance, an explosive third chapter in a series that elegantly places itself at the top of stylish action: a perfect Apotheosis.

With the adding of Shadow Lords, Killer Instinct become one of the most interesting fighting games of this generation. The Iron Galaxy title is a great and entertaining game; It offers an amazing experience, for the quantity and for the high quality of its content.

Ghost of Yotei is a melancholic journey that intertwines a thirst for vengeance with a sense of contemplation. It does not revolutionize the genre, but it marks a strong return for single-player experiences on PlayStation, striking where it matters: among the memories of the protagonist Atsu, which tell tragedies without the need for words. It is a game that rewards those who seek atmosphere, subdued moods, and the still open wounds in the hearts of those who fight only for themselves. Perhaps it does not shatter the giants of tradition, but it finds its voice among silences and duels, offering the player not just revenge, but a catharsis with a bitter taste of truth.

While retaining some flaws of the original games, Mass Effect Legendary Edition (and specifically ME1’s remaster and modern take on the action) is worth exploring once again for the fans, and for those who’ve always wondered what was so special about the franchise and never gave it a try.

Mortal Kombat is back. Filled with singleplayer content and with a roster that includes all the most beloved Kombatants, this new chapter is definetly the best Mortal kombat ever. If you are a fan, don't miss it!

Truly a hidden gem, amazingly emotional and well crafted. Only the simplistic nature of most of its puzzles limits its brilliance.

NHL 12 is confirmed as a rigorous, high-level simulation. Few but interesting new features make it feel realistic and closer to TV action.

Not as beautiful as we expected to see, but Final Fantasy XII is still a pearl of jRPG, even in 2017.

The Secret of Monkey Island 2 SE: LeChuck‘s Revenge is a brilliant remake of a great classic. Beautiful graphics, beautiful sound and smooth controls make this game a valuable buy.

Star Wars Pinball is a fun and complete experience for fans of pinball and star wars alike, but it could bring boredom rather quickly for those who are not big fans of the good old pinball.

Disco Elysium The final Cut is a good port of a masterpiece, and as such, it's highly recommended to RPG fans and to whoever thinks videogaming is more than shooting and fighting.

Making one of the best gameplay styles around even better is no easy task, and Ninja Theory was able to do it only partially. Still, this is a great action game, fast paced and spectacular, that should be enjoyed by any fan of the genre.

Professor Layton and The Unwound Future is a jigsaw puzzle that follows the path of his predecessors, delivering once again a great experience.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is not a trivial Assassin's Creed 3.5, as we had ironically suggested when the game has been announced. Quite the contrary: it is a game that performs some important steps forward compared to its predecessor, making it better in every aspect.

Even though some gameplay mechanics are questionable and certain sections feel misaligned with the original spirit of the series, Silent Hill f still manages to leave a deep mark. It’s not a perfect experience, but it’s one that should be approached with clear eyes and a mindful perspective—one that can grasp the emotional depth running through its story. The game speaks to those who know the weight of their own fragility, to those who have learned that the mind can be as unsettling as any nightmare. In Silent Hill f, horror isn’t just something outside—it slowly seeps into the inner self, into what’s left unsaid, into distorted memories. It’s a journey that, despite some obvious lows, exposes the most vulnerable parts of the human soul—the ones so often hidden behind silence.

Quotation forthcoming.

Creative Assembly and Games Workshop have not slipped right on the final and Total War: Warhammer III is the perfect conclusion of the trilogy, as well as a clear step forward for the whole brand.

It's not a simulation, it's not an arcade. It's a Codemasters driving game, and one you shouldn't miss if you appreciate some dirty driving and a great graphic engine.

This Minecraft Edition is a simplified version, perfect for everyone and for who has never experienced the PC version.

Sonic Mania is the return to the 2D gameplay style that the community has been waiting for for a long time, and it's one of the revelations of this year. A game made by fans, for the fans.

An old school videogaming experience, filled with nice graphics and exciting tricks. Definitely worth the bucks.

Desperados III won't be the glorious return of the franchise, but it's certainly a great game for the fans of this peculiar subgenre.

This is not a game about Ponies. This is a bizarre puzzle game that consistently surprises the player and is definitely worth your money. We don’t want to spoil anything, just try it: it’s ridiculously brilliant.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is, without a doubt, the most ambitious chapter of Capcom’s RPG spin-off and marks a significant evolution for the series. While maintaining the classic structure built around exploration, egg gathering, and Monstie training, this installment introduces new mechanics that enrich the formula, making the experience deeper and more strategic.

We have waited ten years to have the third chapter of Max Payne saga, but Rockstar brings us another masterpiece. Great story, lot of multiplayer modes and nice graphics do the rest. Don't miss it.

NBA 2K12 is a true act of love for basketball: a fun game with great audio and graphic, and with several gameplay's improvements. Higly recommended.

Capcom found a new, perfect alchemy by incorporating all the classic elements and placing them in a new context, with the player's prospective changing and fitting a new game world built to give horror the maximum effectiveness. Resident Evil 7 has returned to his roots, for real.

NHL 12 is confirmed as a rigorous, high-level simulation. Few but interesting new features make it feel realistic and closer to TV action.

Crystal Dynamics listened and proceeded to make a game that softens the problems its predecessor had. It’s a satisfying adventure with plenty of content, some spectacular sequences and survival elements that fit a bit more in the mix. Unfortunately, while being very good, it’s not a masterpiece due to some not-so-great shooting, some technical bugs, and a narrative that, while making more sense than that of its predecessor, still has some weak and ridiculous moments. We do understand that action sells, but dampening it a bit to recapture some of the spirit of the originals would have been a great idea.

Chants of Sennaar is a good and immersive puzzle game with a lot of riddles to discover in a unique setting. The player is involved directly in myths and legends with the object to connect ancient populations through the words power.

Thumper is a nonconformist rhythm game made by Drool where you are a space beetle, thrown through a breakneck race, build by nightmares.

Forza Horizon 2 is an exclusive of undoubted value. The driving experience is compelling. Combine this with a wonderful setting, and this game will be able to provide hours and hours of fun to all the fans of racing games.

Even on Xbox, Silent Hill 2 Remake is a product with a dual nature: on one hand, you notice every detail, every crack, and every bloodstain that previously went unnoticed; on the other, you miss that unsettling uncertainty, that sickly slow pace that kept you glued to your seat. It’s an ambitious, bold operation, sometimes successful, sometimes betraying the original. If you want pure nostalgia, be ready to be shaken; if you want modern horror that doesn’t forgive, be prepared for some compromises.

The nice graphics and a simple and intuitive gameplay will definitely make it a game to try, if not a must have for those looking for something different from the majority of the products on the market.

It’s a brisk change of pace from its predecessor: balanced, fun, and always challenging, this little gem is better than most of the strategy games on Nintendo’s portable console. After a good debut, Image & Form confirmed its talent.

Makes one of the best tactical games out there even better, but takes the safest road to do so, and loses some challenge in the transformation. Still, it's a great expansion.

It's not the most complete edition in circulation, given the limited amount of extra tweaks and technical improvements, but it is still a must have for the owners of a Wii U, waiting for the second chapter to further raise the bar.

Quite a good expansion for this MMO, rich in content and novelty. The fact that Heavensward is this neat is testament to the quality of the base game. If the level of the new contents stays like this, players will stay in Final Fantasy XIV's world for a lot of time.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is the spooky and funny puzzle-adventure you're expecting, though it could have been a little more challenging.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, PS4 version, has got a higher gear, takes advantage of the hardware in an intelligent way, it marks a milestone in the MMO genre and in the history of Square Enix. This is the best MMO available on a console.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 is a sequel that improves every aspect of the predecessor, also adding a fun multiplayer. Sin for the abuse of some ideas and the repetitive mechanics, like the combat with the ghosts. However, a great game with a great and ironic atmosphere.

Djing feels still good, even without a deep single player mode and some flaws in the navigation between the menus. More content and some dedicates game modes should do the trick for the next iteration.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a rare beast, and one we would gladly save from extinction, thanks to its unparalleled sense of freedom and discovery and fast paced combat system. It's a courageous game too, with divisive game design that not every player will appreciate. But believe us when we say the travel is well worth it.

Despite being a "minor" game, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is the best possible return for a franchise that has certainly been historic and that remained silent and quiet for many years, but that has still a lot to say.

Dragon Quest XI is the best-looking in the long running franchise, and its core, while unchanged, remains solid and funny. Still, we would like to see some major changes and improvements in the next installment.

A game that could have potential but fails to take off due to the lack of Italian language.

Chaos Rings II confirms once again the ability to dream in the Square Enix fans with their longevity to a title, featuring a deep storyline and above the level of its predecessors Final Fantasy.

There are still some flaws, but The Taken King finally makes Destiny the game it should have been at the release. It is finally a complete title, with a lot of fun and varied content, and a lot of implemented changes based on fan feedback. As we said, anyway, some changes are still due, some design choices remain weak, and the growth potential remains impressive. We just hope the next expansions maintain this level of polish and content in the future.

A marvel of a technical port, and probably the best way to experience Metro 2033: this is Metro 2033 Redux on Switch, and, even with long loading times, we cannot recommend it enough.

Like Metro 2033 Redux, this is a must buy for anyone who loves FPS or stealth/action games, and this Switch version is probably the best of the bunch thanks to the hybrid nature of the console.

Probably the best action gdr out there, much deeper than Diablo 3 and completely free. You can't miss this one.

Returnal is the most important game for Housemarque, with a stellar gameplay and a ever changing structure of levels. However, procedural algorithms create some problem with casual enemy spawn and luck managment.

Madden NFL 10 may well be the best Madden game. This is a great pickup for any football fan. Franchise mode is great this year. A lot more features added to give you a more in depth look at your team, and what is happening around the league. Online franchise is a great addition.

Quotation forthcoming.