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.

Ys Memoire The Oath in Felghana is a love letter from Falcom to both one of their longest-running franchise and its fans worldwide, who grew up with the adventures of Adol Christin and its companions. We're talking about a fast paced action-rpg that doesn't outstays its welcome and will please anyone who's looking for no-brainer action and a stylish soundtrack.