A-Train: All Aboard! Tourism might seem a lighthearted game suitable for beginners, instead the last of Artdink’s productions turns out to be the exact opposite. It’s a complex and articulated managerial title, full of micro-management elements and with a particularly steep (perhaps too much) learning curve. That’s because, despite the presence of two exhaustive tutorials, there’s always the risk of being disoriented by an unnecessarily confusing interface.

Cyanide & Happiness: Freakpocalypse is a game made for C&H’s fans, rather than point&click lovers, and it’s okay. The game’s mechanics act as a stimulus, prompting the player to talk to all the characters and examine every single part of the setting, enjoying the surreal dialogues and absurd descriptions that dot the game. I don’t know if everybody can appreciate it, but if you like dark humor and you’re not afraid of BDSM teachers, bullies and delusional weirdos, this is a point&click adventure that may fit your lovely taste.

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is an interactive novel in which interaction is reduced to the bare bone, allowing us only to turn the pages of the book and choose our next moves from a list of options. So it should not be evaluated as a game but as a story. And from this point of view it is a brilliant tale, which manages to capture attention from the very first pages, making us suffer for the unfortunate protagonist. Like all products of this kind, however, after the first intense run you will only want to see the multiple endings, skipping most of the rest of the story.

Into the Radius is an ambitious STALKER-like VR game, so deep in its sci-fi survival features that it feels like a real "Roadside Picnic Simulator". The development team is very small and, in technical terms, the experience is very far from perfect, but also capable of immersing you in a scary and hyper-realistic Zone.

Curious Expedition 2 is a fun roguelike that quickly turns out to be a matryoshka of unpredictable adventures. It's a nice tribute to the adventure novel à la Jules Verne, and one that knows how to reward its players. It doesn’t dare as much as I would have liked narratively, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had.

The Climb 2 remains too unbalanced in muscular activity to really fulfill the task of the only fitness game in VR. If this is your aim, it must necessarily be combined with other “sports” experiences in virtual reality, including the well-studied FitXR and VRWorkout.

Does the “Zeldalike” genre exist? If it does, Rogue Heroes would be the perfect example: easy to pick up, but deep and complex enough if you try to go for 100% completion, with a top-down perspective view, pixel-art graphics and a story that leads us to travel in a big, hostile open world. While it does not achieve the excellence of its mentor, it stands out for it interesting gameplay choices such as the village management and an open world-oriented approach. To be played on your own digging up one secret after another, or in chaotic runs with up to three friends. Some repetitive sections and a few glitches only partially cloud what is overall a satysfying experience.

Curse of the Dead Gods is a roguelike hack'n'slash with fast-paced action, and an immediate but also very deep combat system.

Bravely Default 2 is a classic JRPG that certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but its intriguing combat system and the customization offered by the many classes available can make it interesting for fans of the genre.

Tokuro Fujiwara strikes again by taking Ghosts 'n Goblins back to its roots. As difficult as it gets and as inventive as it gets, this is a return in style for Arthur fans.

Capcom Arcade Stadium provides a generous bunch of golden-age arcade titles (with a little too much Street-Fighterism), paired with a vast assortment of options and gorgeous presentation.

Surviving, nowadays, is hard. It’s DAMN hard. So it’s good to find a survival game like The Wild Eight that does not enjoy punishing the player without reason. I still don’t know if this softer approach is an attempt to offset some design issues (like the combat, or the clunky inventory) or if it was meant to be like this since the beginning. Anyway, The Wild Wight feels like a survival game approachable even by players that usually don’t like survival games so much, and at the end of the day this feels like good news.

A third chapter that sticks to its predecessor in every possible way. While Revenants does not lack interesting aspects, it also painfully shows its low budget nature. In particular, confusing combat and poorly delivered story are its most significant flaws.

Destruction AllStars is, above all, fun and enjoyable mayhem, supported by a very polished technical aspect and an undeniably cool stylistic approach. The choice to launch it as part of the Plus Collection will certainly give it a huge boost in terms of playerbase – certainly more than its 80,99€ launch price would have attracted otherwise – but, as usual, these kinds of games are a matter of endurance. And for how long Destruction AllStars manages to keep its audience engaged remains to be seen.

Main Assembly offers many powerful tools to the most creative users with which to indulge themselves in building robots, as long as they have the patience to learn how the game works through a good dose of "trial & error" given the meager tutorial.

We might define Encodya as a casual adventure. Although it doesn't add anything new to the genre and it’s very easy to complete, we can’t deny that Chaosmonger was brave enough to bring back to life an almost forgotten gameplay, with a good and compelling story. The dark atmosphere of the dystopian world clashes with the innocence of the little protagonist in a game whose lack of complexity could turn out to be a winning move, hooking new players to a genre that has been experiencing a crisis for many years now.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an explosive pack. 3D World returns with an improved pace, while retaining the stellar gameplay that characterized it when it first launched, and of course being still as hilarious as it was back then. Bowser's Fury takes the lesson a step further, creating a small and dense open world that will put you to the test with a sense of urgency unlike any other Super Mario game. The result, needless to say, is pure, unadulterated joy.

Speed Limit is a kaleidoscope of pixels, bullets and ever-changing gameplay. It's very short and not that deep mechanically, but speed runners and nostalgic people will love it because it’s an intense challenge and an inspired love letter to the 80s/90s.

Persona 5 Strikers is a good action role-playing game, but an imperfectly polished combat system and the absence of some of the series' core elements make it a must-buy only for fans of the Phantom Thieves.

Little Nightmares II is based on the relationship between Six and Mono, both from a narrative and a gameplay perspective, and there will be heart-pounding situations where you will come to wonder how much you are willing to push yourself to get both children safe from this spiral of pure terror. If you enjoyed the original game, this new chapter is another little gem worth buying.

Skul: The Hero Slayer has a roguelike concept but it almost feels like a beat 'em up given the amount of enemies we’ll have to face and the amount of characters available, each one with its own personality and moveset. The huge amount of available builds makes each run a unique experience. Fast and fun, with pretty charismatic enemies, colorful and fairly challenging. Absolutely recommended if you love action games with an RPG flavour, and also suitable for hardcore gamers aiming to beat it in as few runs as possible.

On PS5, The Nioh Collection offers the refined gameplay that allowed Nioh 1 & 2 to distinguish themselves within the soulslike genre, but with the added perks of 4K resolution, 120 fps and quick loading times. The DualSense’s haptic feedback also reacts to some of our inputs, but the feeling is that more could have been done. Nevertheless, the Nioh Collection is an excellent package for anyone who wants to experience Team Ninja’s take on the genre.

Our time with the complete edition of Nioh 2 proved to be really positive, an element that leads us once again to praise the care with which Team Ninja tries to involve PC users, offering them an extremely dignified port of their game. The presence of all three additional contents published for the title guarantees not only an almost inexhaustible fun, given the new stories and modes, but also a good and interesting closure for a story that will leave a mark on the soulslike scene. A word of warning: make sure your PC is within the hardware requirements.

Whether it’s lack of effort, time or budget, Cyanide Studio does not enough to provide a satisfying combat system, nor an interesting story-telling, nor a decent technical presentation.

Control: Ultimate Edition on PlayStation 5 is a real treat. Gone are all the technical issues that plagued the game on the old generation of consoles: loading times are lightning fast, textures load instantly, and the game runs smooth as silk. Ray Tracing is also an impressive addition to what is already one of the best games of recent times.

Redout: Space Assault is an aesthetically brilliant rail shooter, with a casual-gamer oriented gameplay but a lot of sci-fi appeal. Pleasant graphics, good soundtrack and low price.

A new chapter in the long-lasting Nihon Falcom series, that delivers exactly what you expect: classic JRPG experience with outdated tech and gameplay that is still fresh and entertaining.

When a new idea arises in a genre where recycling is the new normal, it’s always good news: and this is the case with Gods Will Fall, who reminds us that challenging the gods is quite the gamble. Unfortunately, even if the idea is clever enough to be appreciable even when it causes anger, it does not appear to be supported by an equally valid gameplay. The boss fights with the giant gods are quite entertaining to play, but the tons of repetitive battles against uninteresting enemies that you have to face to get there feel way less intriguing.

Olija is more than just the sum of its parts. Its action-platform-with-a-bit-of-metrodavania formula is nothing new, like its art style or the mechanics made available by the mystic harpoon. But when every single part works in conjunction with the others, Olija becomes a super rewarding game, where puzzles make you feel smart and fights make you feel strong: not every game needs to be super difficult.

The latest horror from Bloober Team is a great bridge between the new generation of consoles and the old classics of the genre, with an intriguing story, a surreal setting and a road full of puzzles to decipher.

A new chapter of Ryza’s saga, Atelier Ryza 2 improves the combat system with the interesting Item Rush mechanic. Its longevity is also very good thanks to a wide variety of activities, but those looking for a challenge might be disappointed by its difficulty. All in all, Atelier Ryza 2 is a game that shows the care and love that went into its making.

Ride 4 on PlayStation 5 is the best version of an already gorgeous motorcycle sim. The DualSense’s haptic feedback brilliantly amplifies every sensation, and the game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second and beautiful 4K resolution. Milestone has employed effectively the next-gen capabilities offered by Sony’s flagship console, offering console owners the first, spectacular example of what the future has in store for asphalt racing.

Hitman 3 dances asymptotically with the concept of perfection, often approaching it without ever really grasping its essence. Nevertheless, IO Interactive manages to improve and refine a well-established formula, while offering a a truly satisfying conclusion to 47’s struggle against Providence. Although there are some flaws, they’re almost entirely eclipsed by the incredible quality of everything else.

No new features but still one of the most entertaining beat 'em up ever made. If you loved Streets of Rage 4 and River City Girls, this must be your next game of choice.

MXGP 2020 is not a particular show of effort, and the consequence of this are noticeable on platforms that are not the PlayStation 5. On the new Sony flagship, however, a (rather primitive, admittedly) use of the DualSense is more than enough, and does a lot of work when it comes to feeling the bike in your hands. As for the rest, there are noticeable, but also not particularly impressive improvements on the (already good) MXGP 2019 experience. But let’s be honest, what we’re waiting for from Milestone is a true next gen game.

Unto The End is able to build an entire universe using almost no words. Every gameplay element is part of its narrative of a wild, brutal and unfair world. Sadly, its combat system feels (and probably is) unfair, making the entire experience sometime unbearable.

Even with a reduced resolution and half the frame rates, it's hard not to consider this port on the Nintendo Switch as a small miracle. Once again, Panic Button has proven to be able to do the impossible: recreating the experience of a triple A shooter in portable format.

It’s not Worms. With that out of the way, let’s talk about what it actually is: an easy-to-get-into Battle Royale with fast matches, fun and quite casual as there isn’t that much to do in the way of unlocking stuff: you’ll just play, and play, play. This could be an issue in the long run: for how long will Worms Rumble be able to keep its players entertained? But do we really need to have an answer right now, or should we still be able to play just for fun, without worrying about seasons, events, tournaments we’ll never take part and prizes we’ll never win?

Haven is a great comfort game. Relaxing music, pleasant color palette, dialogues that are often light but never empty. Yu and Kay’s adventure on source never fails to be entertaining, and if the combat seems a bit shallow at first, it will certainly put you to the test as you progress. Some things could be better, of course; but after the excellent Furi, Haven is another proof of The Game Bakers’ competence.

What a surprise Call of the Sea was! Out of the Blue’s debut title shows off its own well-defined personality through a very accurate artistic direction and attention to details. All puzzles have their own logic and the idea of ​​proposing them in blocks, separating the adventure into sealed chapters, helps to focus attention on a limited number of elements. With its crazy atmosphere and an eight-hours duration, which prevents any kind of fatigue, Call of the Sea is a highly recommended game for adventure’s (and Lovecraft’s) lovers.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack is a good collection plagued by a couple of mistakes. I wouldn't recommend it to newcomers (for them, the right game is clearly Drum 'n' Fun), but if you don't have enough of Don-chan and Ka-chan it can be a good way to get the band on the road again.

Respawn Entertainment nails everything that makes VR so special and wraps it in a fun shooter with a narrative style that doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers simple but solid multiplayer options. Add to the mix a true gem with real historic value like the Gallery, and you can hardly ask for more.

Pistol Whip is an excellent and original VR Rhythm FPS, now even more unmissable with the free 2089 DLC. Great on PC VR, but even better wireless on Oculus Quest or Quest 2.

With plenty of quality content, a revamped progression system and many intriguing features like Torgast and Covenants, Shadowlands is an artistic triumph and one of the best expansions ever. It doesn't revolutionize World of Warcraft and the leveling phase doesn't really develop the character that much, but who cares? The Afterlife is fun.

Monster Sanctuary merges a complex turn-based combat RPG we are used to see in big JRPG productions with metroidvania-style exploration and succeeds in both genres. Pixel perfect jumps alternate with tactical battles down to the last hitpoint, and we’ll need the help of our monsters to overcome difficult areas and solve puzzles. Meanwhile, an interesting storyline compels us as we catch enemy eggs, Pokémon style. So many genres mixed in one game, and such a pretty one to boot! Highly recommended.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 expands the previous game in every single aspect with new modes and a delightful RPG twist.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a wild journey within an incredibly fascinating setting; some technical uncertainties destined to disappear and a partial repetitiveness limit its glory, but overall it is an adventure worthy of William Gibson himself. Cyberpunk 2077 allowed me to finally feel immersed in that pen & paper RPG I discovered in 1988, pouring rain clouding my view in a kaleidoscope of neon signs, just as I had imagined while leafing through those pages. Some may not consider it a perfect game, but I do.

After 30 years, the original Fire Emblem gets a Western release, an English localization and some new features meant to smoothen the experience. It’s a neat history lesson, but gameplay wise Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light shows its age.

Twin Mirror is a good adventure, albeit with its flaws. Even without infusing its new IP with the same depth of character development shown in past works, DONTNOD still managed to create a well done self-contained story and enrich it with interesting additional mechanics. But despite all this, Twin Mirror’s story feels like it could have used a few more hours.

Ringfit Boxing 2 is a strange mix between WiiFt and Just Dance, but it works. Since you can’t get out a lot nowadays, if you like training having a fitness app you can use and enjoy everywhere may be a good idea. Motion detection is quite accurate and the daily training program has a good variety of exercises. It won't last forever, but it should do its job until the lockdown ends.

Immortals: Fenyx Rising is much more than a simple Zelda: Breath of the Wild clone. Ubisoft's open-world epic adventure delivers a compelling and fun game that we hope will become a new, successful franchise.

Chronos: Before the Ashes arrives too late to the party. Years ago, the main character’s aging mechanic would have been enough to grant it attention and praise. Today, it’s barely a spark of light in a technically dated game. The fact that the controls aren’t terribly responsive and the narrative is a bit confused don’t help either. Souls-addicted players might find its ten hours of length an enjoyable diversion, but that’s about it.

Empire of Sin is a competent hybrid that borrows mechanics from tycoon games, turn-based tactics and RPGs. Unfortunately, the game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches that risk compromising the experience.

Godfall is not a title without its charms. The combat system is solid and satisfying, and technically, the game is great proof of PlayStation 5’s potential. But cramming levels full of particles effects and shining lights does not necessarily make for good aesthetic design, and Godfall also suffers from a weak story and repetitive endgame.

Football Manager 2020 is another confirmation of Sports Interactive’s ability in crafting a great title every year. No revolution is to be expected, but many smaller improvements bring the game ever closer to technical perfection. FM 2021 is clean and optimized, probably also thanks to the fact that the game will also release on Xbox One and Series X|S.

Halo 4 comes to PC with a good remaster, even if there are flaws here and there, while preserving its excellent gameplay.

Exit Limbo: Opening is a violent, charismatic and gore-ish beat ‘em up which is not only a videogame, but also an heavy metal band. Just what you need to kiss any pent-up sense of frustration goodbye, for example after a tough day at work or, even worse, of domestic captivity during the lockdown. Immersing yourself in its bloody ultraviolence is somehow liberating and it does not matter if proceeding, at first, will be tough: once you get the hang of the complex control system and the wide range of moves available, dismembering all the enemies will be really fun.

The Falconeer is an interesting aerial combat game which, however, is weighed down by several burdens that do not allow it to shake off the monotony that arises from its own ambition as an open world.

The Sims 4 Snowy Escape is yet another proof of Maxis’ competence, thanks to a full-bodied expansion on the proposed theme, which will surely be able to please the fans of the franchise. The proposed activities, the Lifestyles system and the whole package of themed objects included will delight many, especially considering how loudly desired by the community they were.

In a different year, Airplane Mode would be a nothing more than a nice joke, a strange experiment forgotten in a couple of days. In this strange 2020, AMC’s first game is instead a sort of relief from the lockdown we are living in. If you miss being stuck in an uncomfortable chair, bored to death for hours, this is the game for you.

For fans of the original, there will be no problem facing the original Demon's Souls, hard and pure in an aesthetically sumptuous context, damn vivid even in the disturbing rottenness that surrounds it, while for others it may be difficult to swallow an extremely mechanical title, which has exactly the same flaws it had in 2009, especially on the artificial intelligence side. However, the experience remains fascinating, thanks above all to a masterful level design, galvanizing as well as terrifying, that dictates the rhythm of a role-playing experience that is certainly solid and violent.

Hyrule Warriors: The Age of Calamity is a well-made Musou, which tries to break the preconceptions with which the saga often tends to clash in the West, taking its cue from one of the best games ever. The result is ambitious and effective, albeit with some reservations mainly due to the Switch's technical limitations.

System Redux brings the original Observer to new heights thanks to revised gameplay mechanics and redesigned visuals. Looks gorgeous on next-gen consoles.

Under normal circumstances, Beyond Light would have been a somewhat decent expansion with little new content, despite an engaging plot. However, the vaulting of much of the old content – most of which paid in hard cash by the users – represents an unforgivable sin since all the new activities and equipment of Beyond Light fail to come close to the amount of content removed. If Bungie continues to walk on this self-destructive path, it risks to irreparably compromise the future of Destiny 2.

This is the great return of a much-appreciated saga: lots of content, a non-linear campaign and various improvements manage to overshadow some technical imperfections. And above all, shooting is pretty damn fun.

Sackboy: A Great Adventure is perhaps the real surprise of the PS5 debut. A solid platformer as expected from Sumo, which knows where to draw inspiration from and how to reinvent it, as if they were true game design restorers. Simple and very smooth from start to finish, but a good challenge to bring to full completion, with all its collectibles and challenges that enhance a level design that is not at all trivial and that always strives to do something different to make each stage a unique gaming experience.

Sniper Elite 4 is a superb adaptation, capable of shrinking Karl Fairburne's Italian adventure into a pocket size while keeping the strengths of the original game intact. If you already played Sniper Elite 4 three years ago and aren’t itching to replay it in a portable format, your savings would be better spent elsewhere, given the absence of exclusive content.

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is an excellently packaged rhythm game overflowing with options and good music. If the genre suits you and the soundtrack of Kingdom Hearts holds a place of honour among your memories, you can't go wrong.

Cobra Kai is an entertaining beat ‘em up, colorful and faithful to the original, and also incredibly rewarding in co-op. It does, however, suffer from some annoying technical issues.

The content of this DLC for The Elder Scrolls Online, part of the Greymoor arc, may not satisfy in terms of content added but still manages to give a worthy ending to the Dark Heart of Skyrim storyline. Markarth is essentially a piece of content that focuses on the story; you should not expect new gameplay mechanics or anything of the sort out of it. Could it have been better? That is often the case, but the hopes for ESO’s future lie elsewhere.

The Signifier is an ambitious game that is also aware of its limits. Unfortunately, that is not enough to elevate it among the greats. It offers a great, alienating and at times disturbing atmosphere, but its strongest suit is tackling issues that force the player out of his comfort zone. Unfortunately, mechanics are not as strong as the atmosphere, which makes the short duration (about six hours) a good choice. The ending is a bit fuzzy, however – and probably a setup for a sequel.

Chicken Police: Paint It Red proves you can create a smart, original game even by putting together pieces of 40’s noir movies with old point&click adventures and painting it all in cool B&W visual style. The smart move is adding animals to the equation: grumpy roosters and sexy cats lead to sharp dialogues and funny wordplay, while at the same time showing what is wrong in human nature. The plot may not be the most original, but Chicken Police is definitely worth playing.

Devil May Cry V debuts on the new consoles with a definitive Special Edition, which confirms its status as the best stylish action of the last generation. The new modes and the presence of Vergil as a playable character are great additions, while the Ray Tracing does not feel like it adds much, and certainly not enough considering it comes at the cost of a slashed frame rate or resolution.

Thanks to a gameplay formula more refined and an even more prominent identity, Valhalla is the chapter where Assassin’s Creed’s new cycle reached its full maturity, despite the fact that some of its oldest flaws still remain.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales certainly does not reinvent the original work, but manages to tell a particularly intense story by introducing and deepening an extremely positive character with a compelling personality. More compact than Peter Parker's adventure, with an elegantly told political subtext and a warm family dimension that you’re going to want to protect at any cost, Insomniac’s game also showcases what PS5 has to offer from a technical point of view, with an impressive lighting system that benefits greatly from Ray Tracing and a world that loads in an instant thanks to the new and powerful SSD, which virtually eliminates pop-ups, while also allowing incredibly fluid action, a great sense of scale and an absolutely breathtaking overall visual impact. Some repetitive secondary missions and not particularly exciting environmental puzzles dampen the rhythm a bit here and there, but at the same time the game does not lack incredible scenes, both scenographically and emotionally. A very good stand alone episode, a must for those who loved the Marvel’s Spider-Man, and a great appetizer for a more than likely sequel.

Just as Astro Bot Rescue Mission was the perfect title to introduce PS VR, Astro's Playroom is a gem that works better than any manual or data sheet in creating a real man-machine relationship, informal, very pleasant and extremely fun. The DualSense proves to be an exceptional controller with absolutely unique sensory possibilities, capable of bringing the player even closer to the gameplay. Not a traumatic revolution, but still one that leads to a new and unknown level of intimacy that, apart from VR, had never been reached in a “traditional” video game. Its nature as a pre-installed software gives Astro’s Playroom a sensational value in terms of empathy and "first impact" with the new generation, communicating in the language of fun and surprise everything there is to know about the characteristics of PS5. Something far more important than any judgment.

Overall, the work carried out by Stellar Entertainment and Criterion is good but with several flaws. While many parts of the game got a visual upgrade, some of them remained incomprehensibly unchanged. Nonetheless, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is still an excellent arcade racing video game, even after ten years from the launch of the original game.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an interesting new entry into the criminal universe created by SEGA, and undoubtedly represents the most courageous and anarchic chapter so far. It's not entirely convincing, but what works bodes well for the future of the series.

Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered shows the weight of 17 years in its ancient gameplay structure, plagued by glitches and significant frame rate drops.

The fifth entry in the DIRT series is another brick in the wall of a franchise that delivers solid, accessible and brilliant arcade gameplay with gorgeous tech. Can't wait to see this on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Amnesia: Rebirth is a survival horror where the "survival" component is guaranteed, as there isn't any event that can lead to the death of the protagonist, steering the experience towards the "horror" component and making the most of the fear of the dark and a particularly distressing story made unpredictable by various plot twists. Three different endings and the ability to scare without splatter effects, but relying on the feeling of vulnerability, make this game a must play even for those used to more frenetic gameplay.

Original, challenging and incredibly deep, Noita is a roguelike capable of surprising every time you launch a new game. If you like tough challenges and love this genre of games, Noita is really for you. It doesn't cost much and guarantees plenty of hours of exploration, disruption, killing and fun. But beware: it’s tough. Really tough!

Little Hope is, both from a technical and gameplay point of view, a step forward compared to Man of Medan. The changes do not impact the gameplay greatly, but still make the experience more pleasant overall. The storyline is well thought out with numerous branches leading to an interesting plot twist at the end.

Watch Dogs: Legion starts with some really intriguing background ideas, ideas that try to dig deep and to leave us with many more questions about the near future. The overwhelming control of a state willing to know everything about its citizens, however, does not prevent a few uncertainties about the gameplay, a sore note that prevents the game from shining as hoped. However, it remains an enjoyable offer, ready to satisfy the taste of lovers of the genre.

Pikmin 3 is still fresh, engaging and eventually challenging after all these years and we hope that this Deluxe Edition is just the beginning of a new era for these sweet and hard-working little creatures.

Doom Eternal – The Ancient Gods Part 1succeeds in its goal: to give the fans more action, gore and fun. If we put aside the small step backwards made with the soundtrack, this DLC will undoubtedly appeal to all those gamers who are still not satisfied with Doom’s adrenalinic gameplay loop.

The remake of Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a success of style, fidelity and gameplay. Adding a few elements to the original, the game confirms itself as a milestone for a genre lost in time that finds a way to live anew.

Ghostrunner is a pure game: if you came for a parkour adrenaline rush with katana swords, you are in for a treat. The fast pace and good variety of levels and enemies will keep you playing for longer than you expect, and you will barely notice the “meh”-grade graphics.

Pumpkin Jack is a hilarious 3D adventure platformer, with clear and obvious references to MediEvil. But while the pace is good and the aesthetics charming, the repetition of the same gameplay loop becomes tedious already halfway through the game. The controls are also a bit slippery, but Pumpkin Jack is still a very enjoyable action platformer.

Cloudpunk is an original and fascinating game, on PC. This Nintendo Switch port, on the other hand, is a bit of a technical mess.

The underwater combat in Aquanox: Deep Descent certainly feels right, however the lousy enemy AI, the consequent generally low difficulty, and several naiveties in the gameplay formula do not allow the game to be enjoyable from start to finish. It doesn't help that the plot and dialogue writing is abysmal. The end result is unfortunately an all too generic, sometimes soporific, submarine shooter.

Monster Truck Championship finally does justice to the crazy world of monster trucks with a good game, genuine and fun, absolutely standard in its structure but made unique by a control system and physic engine apt for handling steel behemoths, maybe not always perfect but tasty for racing fans looking for different sensations. The freestyle mode is certainly the best part of Teyon's game, with a good number of arenas and a handful of tricks to be chained and controlled with skill. The rest should be played without too many expectations. Technically lackluster, but seeing those wheels spinning in the mud is spectacular.

You can see sparks of an excellent game here and there, but the full potential got lost along the way. Still, not so many tactical action games around – beggars can’t be choosers!

FIFA 21 follows the formula of its predecessors, with a few changes within a widely consolidated game structure. It’s fun, but it’s not a huge step forward from the past years.

The Survivalists is a fun survival sandbox which can be played both as an arcade adventure, hunting for every treasure and secret hidden around the island, and with a more casual approach by trying to just build some kind of boat and leave. Plenty of situations to face, a huge amount of structures, artifacts and recipes to unlock and experiment with. Each run will be an unique adventure. Monkey training is the icing on the cake. Pretty, fast and responsive, it will keep you in front of the screen for a long time.

The child in me was happy with the first turn of my TIE Interceptor, but the adult in me also has to recognise a very straight-forward campaign and a surprising lack of multiplayer modes. But what’s there is pretty good, thanks to a phenomenal flight system, clever maps and strategic progression system. Oh, and VR support.

Don’t trust art of rally. Even if it looks like a cute, tiny, aesthetic arcade racing game, it is actually a love tribute to the history of rally, from a rally lover to rally lovers all over the world. Underneath his neat visual style and his top-down visuals lies a great rally sim, stripped of every needless detail and still playable by any kind of gamer thanks to a vast array of camera and difficulty options.

Kirby Fighters 2 can be a nice introduction to fighting games, especially for children. But don’t get deceived: the first levels might be easy to beat, but the later ones will prove challenging even for those familiar with the genre.