The credit Konami has long enjoyed because of its indispensable role in the modern conception of soccer video games has now been exhausted. And you have to recognize eFootball 2024 for what it is, a very slight improvement on the previous version, still plagued by the same, huge problems. The music is still the same: decent gameplay, Dream Team limited by the database, other modes none to be had, cumbersome menus. The time has come for a breakthrough, because the alternative is rather bleak.

A splendid campaign mode with many systems working in conjunction to offer a varied experience without losing the focus on the military conquest. Few cavalry units are partly compensated by a renewed attention to different types of infantry, but to be honest I do miss a good old cataphract charge.

Characteristic, original and engaging, The Lamplighters League is a small pearl that offers an interesting and engaging story, also strengthened by a very valid game design.

Those who got excited with Slay the Spire should also jump on Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles without delay. Everyone else will find a very complete deck builder in which there are dice instead of cards, using them to build chains of combos relying on the dualism Purification and Corruption. The huge amount of Oracles, dice and Blessing to unlock, Sentinels to upgrade and enemies to defeat ensures excellent replayability even if the too many combinations available encourage a bit too much luck at the expense of strategy. The graphics are inspired although the colors chosen, pale blue and crimson, do not provide good contrast.

Instant classic, without mincing words. Cocoon is a magnetic, sneaky work, one of those that you just don't know when to stop playing with, it is so organic, fluid, stimulating, absolutely determined not to allow brain breaks. A puzzle adventure that constantly seeks out the new, the amazement, with the virtuous reuse of known design elements which, used wisely, support and allow the explosion of ideas of pure gaming genius. Outstanding shots, which often led me to relive the impact of Fez and the first, surprising indie masterpieces of the past decade. A special video game, one that is not easily forgotten and whose genius we will find in many other titles in the years to come.

A "Layton-esque" detective game in which Pikachu is obviously the undisputed star. Light and somewhat repetitive gameplay make it suitable for a fairly young or inexperienced audience in this genre of titles. Those looking for a deeper, more complex and challenging experience should look elsewhere.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is not a remake of the first chapter of the series in disguise, as some might think, however the declared intention to pay homage to the origins of the series has been fully respected. With everything that comes with it, for better or for worse. The more compact and not at all distracting experience benefits not only the pace of the game, but also that of the narrative, which manages to always be focused on the figure of Basim. Unfortunately, many of the historical defects of the series remain, primarily the poor artificial intelligence of the enemies, while the structure of the main missions is overall of a good standard, with a few small exceptions. However, a successful operation was completed by Ubisoft Bordeaux.

Like a Formula 1 car, Forza Motorsport has quite radically rethought its set-up to reduce the gap to its rivals. The new career introduces RPG components designed to increase the bond between the player and their vehicles: the fleet of vehicles is still large, but the focus has shifted to the customization of performances. The manual calibration of difficulty and aids makes it suitable for any type of player, offering in any case an intriguing challenge thanks to the AI of the drivatars. Visually it's impressive, but there's still something missing to match the realism of GT.

The game offers simple hack 'n' slash action and a story mode that follows the manga's plot. However, the gameplay experience often becomes dull due to poorly designed boss battles and design limitations. The Temple of Recollection mode adds an interesting variation but doesn't significantly impact character strength. Despite attractive graphics and the inclusion of the entire story, the game lacks refinement and feels like a disappointing tie-in for a brand like Dragon Quest.

Warstride Challenges is a mix of action and violence where all that matters is speed. Perfect for lovers of speedruns, fast-paced games and competition, this FPS is a must-try unless you're looking for a canonical shooter.

The dream game for Bud Spencer and Terence Hill' lovers. A classic, fun and easy to play beat 'em up with lots of quotes from the movies and a killer soundtrack. A few minor technical issues in no way alter the gaming experience, which despite the addition of mini-games and Party mode has a somewhat limited longevity.

Adrenaline-inducing, crazy, exaggerated and well-constructed, Sevant - Ascent Remix is ​​a first for anyone who adores video games of this caliber and spontaneously chooses to go wild and completely mad. Absolutely must have.

There is nothing wrong with Limerick: Cadence Mansion. No bugs to report, no glaring gameplay problems, no frame rate drops, nothing. The entire production does, however, flaw in experience, from the complicated graphics setup menu that made me desist from playing with the settings, to the banality of many puzzles, more appropriate to a Professor Layton series than a survival horror. Textures, 3D models, and lighting are close to amateurish, which should not necessarily be seen as a negative aspect, but unfortunately in this kind of games atmosphere is everything, so it would have deserved more polish.

A mature and exciting video game, capable of keeping you glued from start to finish in a pleasant and multifaceted way. An absolute must-have, as it boasts a convincing game design and plot.

Cyberpunk 2077 has come to the end of its journey, setting aside the best for the grand finale. Phantom Liberty is arguably the best expansion created by CD Projekt RED, and it concludes with a bang the journey of a much-discussed game, nevertheless deserving now more than ever to be played. There is no better time to return to Night City or - even better - to step into the shoes of V for the first time.

A superb DLC that remains on the same, excellent level as the Resident Evil 4 remake. In terms of gameplay, Ada's adventure mixes elements that often speed up the pace a bit with others that fit perfectly with the espionage nature of the protagonist. Narratively speaking, Separate Ways expands on the original story and reveals new details that will delight hardcore Resident Evil fans.

Days of Doom tries to do something new by fusing together turn-based strategy and roguelite. The end result, however, can only be said to be partially successful. Both the battles and the growth are characterized by slow times that end up diluting the fun: in the short run you have fun, but the risk of getting tired soon is real. The art direction is nice, though derivative at times. Overall a good pastime, but one that risks slipping away without leaving a trace.

In theory, Payday 3 offers an engaging gameplay loop, and trying to achieve a perfect Stealth heist is both challenging and fun to attempt. However, what Starbreeze’s new game does well is mired down in poor gunplay, lackluster optimization, excessive grind and always online requirements.

Chants of Sennaar is a game that uses language in a unique way, putting it at the center of its bizarre puzzles. Midway between graphic adventure and puzzle game, it sports rarefied and evocative settings, populated by mysterious figures speaking unknown languages. Beyond that, however, it does something very few other games do: it displaces the player, disorients him or her, and urges them to pursue the discovery of knowledge, instead of replicating already seen mechanics. That is why it is even forgiven for stealth phases.

EA SPORTS FC 24 is not a revolution in the football world, but an evolution of what we have seen in past FIFA seasons. A mammoth amount of content and a game structure that convinces, albeit with some flaws, are a good calling card for this "debut-non-debut", which promises to keep virtual footballers busy for a long time, be they potential coaches, hunters of stickers or street game enthusiasts.

Eternights, an indie game inspired by Persona, blends RPG progression with hack 'n' slash action. While combat lacks depth, the game shines in character development and storytelling. Its teenage-oriented tone may not appeal to everyone, but it offers a unique mix of romance and supernatural intrigue.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a triumph in every way. Aesthetically clean, carefully crafted, with a revised and optimized combat approach for each character. The introduction of the Kameo characters amplifies the need to find ever new and lethal combinations.

NBA 2K24 is a video game that convinces but falls short on microtransactions in the career mode, improving little, offering an interesting city to explore and in which to make choices. The progress made is notable, especially in the most requested ways, but it could have aimed for something more.

All things considered, The Crew Motorfest makes variety its strong point and its postcard views a perfect setting for experiencing everything it has to offer. An open world a little bare of significant secondary activities, which however excels in atmosphere and functions as a link between the playlists, the true strong point of the production. Of course, not all driving systems have succeeded in the same way, but the possibility of changing elements and gameplay so quickly allows you to always keep curiosity and the desire to race high, simply because apart from GTA, a completely different genre and mood, there are no other series that offer such a great variety of engines. Quantity, thus, also plugs certain qualitative holes. What remains is the feeling of holiday, persistent and precious. Maika‘i ka huaka‘i!

A "cozy game" in the wake of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley and other similar games. Phoenix Labs has drawn heavily from the inevitable sources of inspiration and created an all in all enjoyable and relaxing sim-farm that unfortunately, however, does not sufficiently deepen its fantasy and adventure soul.

Gunbrella throws a huge amount of elements into the pot of game design: twin stick shooter, action platformer, a touch of adventure, pure arcade sections, and a story designed specifically to insert any element into the game without penalizing narrative coherence. Impossible to properly delve into every aspect in the bare eight hours required to finish it, but the result is nevertheless very interesting, also by virtue of a slightly lower price than the average for this type of videogame. It also features a very well executed filter that gives the noir look to the excellent pixel art graphics

Dune: Spice Wars is an excellent Dune-licensed RTS. The approach to the game mechanics is fresh and functional, net of some various imbalances.

Super Bomberman R 2 is an improved title from every point of view and in terms of quality. Many more game modes and many ideas. Finally, it's worth the price.

This is definitely a lucky time for soulslike lovers, and Lies of P is no exception. Nice to look at and well thought out in terms of gameplay, the criticisms to be leveled at the creation of Round 8 Studio are very few, and all of them have little impact. It also manages to be an interesting reinterpretation of the Pinocchio opera, think about it.

Legend Bowl is a game with some strengths and just as many flaws. Its retro look is exquisite, but the gameplay has some issues that can cause a certain sense of annoyance and frustration.

A video game that would have deserved more care and attention from a technical point of view. The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo could have been much more and with more content. Such a pity.

The PS5 version of Baldur's Gate 3 offers a gaming experience as excellent as the PC version in almost every respect, and while it lends itself to a few minor technical stumbles, it plays great thanks to a perfect adaptation of the control system on the DualSense controller. Even on consoles the Larian Studios title quietly establishes itself as a new benchmark for the RPG genre.

Under The Waves is an incredible journey of memories. Developed by Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream, the work combines the environmental theme with a moving and engaging story, also strong in a well-implemented play structure. Must have absolutely.

Pure in its design and maniacally focused on details in its execution, Toss! is a typical example of what works extremely well in VR games, on the same level of other classics like Beat Saber and Pistol Whip. [tested on Meta Quest 2]

Invader Studios has packaged a survival horror experience with a good atmosphere and decent pace, adding small but interesting new features and significantly improving the technical compartment. A sequel that represents a good step forward but still has a long way to go to walk side by side with the best exponents of the genre.

Sea of Stars is a Vergil for all the Dantes that want to explore the Hell and the Heavens of JRPG. Sabotage Studio learned from the genre’s master, but took away the boring grinding part giving life to something very catchy to play.

Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten is an exciting and engaging JRPG, with an interesting and impactful story. More could have been done on the play system.

Starfield is for cautious and patient explorers, not for those who want it all at once. The incipit of the story is rather bland, the sense of estrangement at the highest levels. But as the fog thins out, all its potential and the free will left to the player are understood and appreciated, who really has a thousand things to do as he wants and when he prefers, perhaps leaving the continuation of a mission to better times (and stats). On the other hand, the slowness of the movements on the ground and the small design defects have their weight and, albeit reluctantly, they must be taken into account in the global assessment, which remains high in anticipation of future developments. Maybe a few more weeks of playtesting would help.

A "more of the same" that will surely not disappoint fans of the series. Even if some small novelties can be glimpsed, Trine 5 does not change the cards on the table that much and offers the classic mix of platforming and physics-based environmental puzzles. Very pleasant to play in single player but even more fun in co-op, but the series is starting to feel the need for real evolution.

Digital Eclipse is incapable of failing, and this first installment of the Gold Master Series is confirmation that Mike Mika's team is second to none when it comes to preserving and spreading video game culture. The reduced price only completes a really appetizing package for retrogaming enthusiasts.

Take the previous chapter and improve it aesthetically, adding the right ideas to make a very good game now much more than good. A precise and refined narrative, together with a cleaning and optimization of the maps as well as the game models, give a certainly interesting quality to this new digital iteration of Hercule Poirot.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central is the classic game that you would hardly start to play solo, but which cannot be missed at a New Year's Eve, a birthday, or any house party. We challenge each other to see who is the best dancer, we make fun of who gets all the steps wrong, we laugh, have fun and sweat. Then, after the fiesta, you probably put it away until the next opportunity. The virtual maracas work very well and do not suffer from any input lag, and the only perplexity at the moment concerns the playlist which does not include many Latin hits or many famous songs.

Despite the excellent work done by FieldSENSE, Madden NFL 24 fails to solve some of the issues that have plagued the EA Sports saga for years. Adding poor menu navigation to predictable game modes and imperfect AI, the final result is a game that has some good moments, but has no chance to win the Superbowl.

Mediterranea Inferno, from a gameplay point of view, is a solid visual novel in which the choices left in the hands of the player lead to radical turns, really giving the impression of being in control of events. However, the quality of the writing and the ability of its young author to deal with complex and multifaceted themes with great maturity, awareness, and courage in taking clear-cut positions (which should be common ground in 2023, but that's another matter) should be even more emphasized.

Fort Solis is a satisfying and simple narrative video game, with few real innovations but many themes and points of reasoning that thriller lovers might like. It's not a horror movie, so don't expect scares of any kind. It is not even approachable to works like Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a return in style for the series of robots signed FromSoftware. Despite some frankly incomprehensible slip-ups, including the presence of invisible walls and stealth missions that seem to come from two or three generations ago, the Japanese studio's work manages to offer frenetic and deep combat, as well as heart-pounding boss battles and an incredibly diverse customization system.

A fantasy FPS not very original in terms of storytelling and themes but still fun, fairly challenging and technically appreciable. The combat system based on the use of three different types of magic and a fair variety of customizations make for a solid and well-balanced experience.

I have to be honest, 3 years after the fourth episode I would have expected a more evolved fifth chapter and, instead, net of a decidedly more focused and engaging career, the competition against the AI suffers from illogical behaviors that the player is forced to manage manually, while technically you don't notice a leap in current-gen quality that could have been expected, without the ballast of a cross-gen development. At its best it is always Ride, an almost unique game in the panorama of simulation racing and therefore a point of reference for those looking for this specific type of experience. But there is potential here that goes far beyond the improvements expressed in this chapter, closer to those of an annual series than a triennial one.

Quake II Enhanced is the definitive, improved and updated version of the second iteration of idSoftware, one of its most important historical IPs belonging to another generation. An accessible, unique price that could be useful for anyone, especially newbies, above all ever-enthusiasts and those looking for a unique experience. To have everywhere, even on a toaster.

A dungeon crawler that delves a little deeper into the "ruolistic" elements of the first Hammerwatch while still remaining too much on the surface and offering no particular creative flourishes. If you plan to play it alone be prepared for a fair amount of repetitiveness, but if you have a few friends on hand the fun rate is bound to go up quite a bit.

What's up, Quantum: Recharged? Did you absolutely have to be released in these days without some final tweaks? The game is fast-paced and fun, making it perfect for a score attack, but there are a number of shortcomings that soon end up spoiling the experience. Controlling the spacecraft with the mouse is frustrating, but fortunately the pad does its job very well. The additional challenges are more or less all the same and represent no real added value. With a little more attention to detail it could have become a must-have hyper casual, instead it is little more than a weekend game.

Adore is a smart and addictive videogame with important messages at its core. Even if it's nothing new, it's still an experience to be had. Must have absolutely.

Blasphemous 2 is the maximum evolution of a video game that, in the past, mildly surprised the critics but entered the hearts of the players. If with the first chapter there was a lot, perhaps too much uncertainty, the second iteration of the franchise has instead totally evolved the entire play system, proposing a poignant story. With a pixel art that fills the screen, coloring it with vivacity, Blasphemous 2 is also a beautiful sight from an artistic point of view. What else to say about game design? Evolved, mature and concrete. In a hot, very hot summer in which video games are demonstrating ever higher standards, the second iteration of the most blasphemous franchise ever could not be missing from the appeal. Sin awaits you.

Baldur's Gate 3 is incredible, proof that in 2023 it is still possible to be amazed by a video game. It is deep, flexible, and engaging, but most importantly, it is able to tell an immersive story dictated by the player's smallest choices. Pioneers like Richard Garriott or Robert Woodhead can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a well-deserved retirement, because their legacy is safe in the hands of Larian Studios.

En Garde! focuses the whole experience on the charismatic protagonist and the spectacularity of the fights, which are truly reminiscent of the swashbuckling films that were so popular in the last century. It therefore offers a lot, but at the same time it offers only this: a hack and slash that in the end is little more than a beat'em up. Definitely a welcome surprise for those who enjoy action-packed games with a light and fun story in the background, but those looking for depth in gameplay, exploration or character growth will find this game too simple. In any case, I'm sure we will hear the name of Adalia de Volador again.

The fantasy setting of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew plays a decisive role in giving new life to the Commandos-like genre, providing a series of new skills that will surprise newbies and fascinate veterans. The complete freedom of approach to the missions and the possibility of deciding almost immediately which character to face them with makes this game unique, certainly the best of its kind and among the most interesting real-time strategy video games to appear lately. Charismatic protagonists and a superb level design complete the offer making it a must for those who want to be quick with the mouse and quick with the mind.

A sequel that improves the gameplay mechanics of the first Moving Out by heading in new directions, and that expands the amount and complexity of the challenges. In some cases, some immediacy is lost, but the fun is guaranteed, thanks also to the possibility of four-player play in both local and online modes.

Finally an open world in which moving from one part of the map to another is not a problem. It is certainly one of the strengths of Atlas Fallen, together with the numerous builds that we can continuously experiment by playing with the enhancements of the glove, and the combat system against the huge monsters that we encounter, unfortunately not as frequently as I would have hoped. The gameplay does not add anything new to the RPG genre, but action and variety of settings, combined with a good speed in progression, make it engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. To be played in one breath.

30XX is a compelling upgrade from 20XX. No longer a clone of Mega-Man, but a game with a convincing and fun structure. Too bad for the usual problems with the online.

Venba could have been my story. Or your story, if you know what means to be the son (or the daughter) of a couple who moved to give you a better future at the cost of giving up to pass on their roots. And it’s awesome a video game could tell this very thing in about two hours of gameplay and stay in your memories forever.

Noob - The Factionless is an imprecise and not very incisive video game, with an uncertainty based on a game design that does not offer particular novelties. A missed opportunity.

Remnant II is a faithful and revolutionary sequel. A huge game, fun to play with friends, full of things to do. A manifesto of the talent of the Gunfire Games guys.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart finds its fullest expression on the mid-end to high-end PC, delivering unmatched graphics quality that PS5 just couldn’t achieve. It guarantees lot of fun thanks to fast-paced action, tons of enemies to eliminate in the most creative ways, intriguing story, intuitive and responsive controls, puzzles to solve, battles to the last hitpoint, planets to explore, mounts to ride, secrets to discover and weapons to upgrade. The Steam Deck version is a little miracle, properly handling such a hardware challenging game.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons convincingly declines the experience gathered with Streets of Red, giving new and interesting mechanics to the eternal Lee brothers' fight. A good number of extras and a roguelite structure are the pass for good longevity, penalized only by the absence of online play.

Bloodhound is an excellent and well orchestrated FPS that takes its inspiration from the great classics like Doom and Quake. On the narrative side I would have liked more insight, even if the rest reaches its goal. Must have absolutely.

Dave the Diver deserves to be a hit of summer 2023. He does not innovate and does not offer new gameplay mechanics, he is "only" concerned with giving ten hours of superfine quality and succeeds with a style and lightness from which one immediately becomes addicted. It is a much more accurate work than it seems, an experience in magnificent balance between its two souls, characterized by an immense heart and continually able to amaze you as it drags you deeper and deeper into the abyss of the "another dive and I shut off" loop.

Exoprimal is a definitely original PvEvP, with various game modes capable of ensuring ever-changing matches, although undoubtedly the most exciting are those in which there are direct clashes with the opposing team. The story is enjoyable to follow, and it would be no problem to discover it little by little, if this did not also affect the options available during multiplayer. This way, the game does not show its full potential right away, almost as if it were a free-to-play that needs to convince us to upgrade and unlock the full product. The problem is that it is a premium game, and may not appeal to those who want everything on day one.

Pikmin 4 keeps the solid gameplay foundations of the chapters that preceded it intact, however adding to the original formula a series of (small) innovations capable of making the game even more fun and satisfying. A strategic management suitable for all tastes, from those who like to take things lightly just for fun to those who prefer to go deeper and test themselves by completing the missions in the most complete and efficient way possible.

Viewfinder was the game I needed. It goes alongside those narrative puzzles with a strong emotional and playful impact such as Superliminal, The Stanley Parable, Mainfold Garden and others that I won't list otherwise the review becomes a "Top Ten Best Video Games Ever". And just like the latter Viewfinder finds a mechanic to revolve around and tells a story that hits and leaves its mark, teaching anyone who plays video games out there that there's no use shooting high with a thousand skill trees or additional options that no one will use never, except to add color when doing the marketing campaign. The video game is made of good playful and narrative design and a small spark is enough to transform a sketch of an idea made on a napkin into a real work of art. Just send a specific message to the user, a message that doesn't matter if it's shared or not because it's your personal message and to do that you have to make sure that each piece fits well with the other like in a perfect machine. Viewfinder's message is clear: the planet is dying and we are killing it, it's time to do something about it. Maybe we should listen to them.

Testament: The Order of High Human is definitely an ambitious game. However, being ambitious didn’t serve it well – it’s obvious that the scope of this game was beyond what a small studio like Fairyship Games was capable of, and the result is a mediocre action RPG that fails to impress.

Jagged Alliance 3 represents the return of turn-based strategy combat in a big way, and is so addictive and well done that it could revive a genre lately dedicated only to a few enthusiasts. The reckless choice not to show the probability of scoring the attacks proves to be decisive, as it makes every firefight unpredictable, forcing us to risk everything on several occasions. The only drawback in this excellent production is the artificial intelligence of the enemies, who sometimes spare us for no reason and seem devoted to suicide. However, it remains unmissable.

Nocturnal is a characteristic and original videogame which, however, does not innovate the videogame panorama, while proposing an interesting and satisfying context. The playful structure, pleasant and extremely well integrated, could entertain for a few hours. A work to have if you love the genre and if you are curious about it.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a great second season that makes the already beautiful Oxenfree feel like a pilot episode. An intense, exciting and playfully aware narrative adventure, capable of perfectly integrating gameplay with writing. Artistically remarkable, thematically profound, full of tense situations, where to make decisions and direct the fate of our protagonists, playing the part that seems most suitable to us, without the story ever lacking in coherence. If this is what Netflix wants to do with the video game, the future looks rosy for lovers of this genre (success permitting). Radio chills.

Ray'z Arcade Chronology is a great collection of the best vertical scrolling shooters, to replay and discover them. Only the last two chapters are in HD, but this does not prevent immediate and addictive fun.

The Necrom expansion of The Elder Scrolls Online stands out for its captivating atmosphere and richly detailed setting. The presence of Hermaeus Mora and the introduction of the Arcanist class add a surprising depth to the gameplay. Despite some potential improvements, the expansion offers a compelling new experience and reaffirms that ESO is destined to remain a force in the world of MMOs.

A fun and engaging party game that offers the beauty of seventeen mini-games to be discovered. Absolutely to have, especially for its price, net of the lack of online mode, which would have helped.

With a strong and engaging play structure, The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is certainly an interesting game. The story impacts and gives value to the meaning of words and the essence of books. Too bad for some bugs, because it is an absolute must have.

An adventure with basic stealth elements and a teen-horror atmosphere that also winks at more recent genre series. The atmosphere is good but the all too basic gameplay seems to be aimed at a fairly young and unweaned audience. Technically it does not leave great memories but the porting job could have been better.

All in all, Voidigo is just another twin stick shooter with roguelite dynamics, but it ranks among the best of all time in its genre. What does this mean? That if you love this type of game, it's a must-have that will keep you hooked for a long time. If, on the other hand, you are used to a more lukewarm reception to roguelites, then this could be your chance to try a video game that represents excellence. Finally, if you are fed enough with this type of gameplay, try to have it as a dessert, and you won't regret it.

An intriguing adventure with noir overtones and 100% Japanese madness, featuring an intriguing story involving a team of super-detectives, an unscrupulous multinational corporation remotely reminiscent of Resident Evil's Umbrella Corporation, and a protagonist whose past and future are shrouded in a thick blanket of mystery.

Bleak Sword DX could be deceiving with its "mobile game" air, but underestimating the merits of the experience it offers would be a mistake. Frustration is real and there are some limits, but when the essential is so clearly visible to the eye and fascinating, it becomes easy to accept them and enjoy what is there.

Crime O’Clock runs smooth like a real clock, never losing a single movement of the hands and showing on-screen the perfect illegitimate son of Columbo and Where’s Waldo, with a tiny bit of Minority Report – or the MCU series Loki, for the youngsters.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie may not mark the beginning of a new narrative arc, but it serves as a celebratory culmination of a beloved RPG series. With its well-crafted characters and intricate political storytelling, it offers a final chance to revisit the rich Trails universe. While visual aspects may show their age, the engaging gameplay and memorable interactions make this a worthwhile experience for dedicated fans. For newcomers, starting with earlier entries in the series is recommended for a proper introduction.

Pikmin 1+2 is a pleasant return to the past in 2023 necessary to further extend the lore around one of the most curious and interesting Nintendo franchises of recent years. Strong and powerful from a playful point of view, it is also satisfying from a technical point of view. Must have absolutely.

Sonic Origins Plus is the best way to play 16-bit Sonic video games. Skill challenges, modes specifically designed for speedrunners, and the ability to play each level with all the series' main characters make this collection a must-have for Sonic fans, despite the quite high price. The museum, once all the entries have been unlocked, is a great source of information, and the platformer action is still able to entertain after thirty years. The Game Gear section is unlikely to spark interest, but the more the content, the higher the value.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective reconfirms itself as a gripping detective story, characterised by unique ideas and mechanics and populated by razor-sharp situations that will keep your attention until the end credits. After that you are unlikely to replay it, not least because of its linear structure, but while it lasts it remains a highly recommended experience, today as in 2010.

Stasis: Bone Totem is a point-and-click graphic adventure that exploits the classic mechanics of the genre in a modern and appealing technical setting, although the game was made almost entirely by only two people. Its strength lies in its horror-tinged sci-fi atmospheres and in its narrative which presents interesting reflections on ethics and corporations. The writing style is verbose: this might be a limitation for some, but it is an indispensable ingredient in the creation of a world that winks at cosmic horror.

Decarnation is an incredible and well written video game, supported by an intelligent and always engaging and impactful storytelling. Furthermore, the play structure fascinates and surprises. Must have absolutely.

Park Beyond comes with some intriguing ideas, some technical flaws, and some compromises to make. It's good at entertaining those who want to unleash their creativity by building the theme park they've always dreamed of and newbies to the genre, but those looking for a managerial soul to lose sleep over and their sanity might want deeper and more challenging gameplay.

Final Fantasy XVI is a difficult beast to judge, a divisive experiment that would have found itself more at home as a spin-off, rather than in the awkward guise of the final official installment of a much-loved series. A passionate plot and a successful combat system keep their attention for the approximately 30 hours it takes to finish the game, but unfortunately they are forced to divide the scene with rose-water "role-playing" mechanics and a sadly arid and artificial world , net of a commendable artistic direction. On the JRPG front we are faced with a very controversial result, but overall a more than decent game.

Trepang2 does nothing to hide its true nature, which is to be a decent fps, very fun in the shooting phases, but poor in all the rest of the game package.

Aliens: Dark Descent is a more than good real-time tactician, who manages to find the right balance between the proficiency in the marine weapons trade and the need to play smart and avoid confrontations when possible. In short, definitely a game that manages to respect the atmospheres that one would expect to encounter in the narrative universe popularized by Ridley Scott and James Cameron.

A very particular compilation, which collects the remakes of the two main stories of Layers of Fear, together with the two DLCs of the first chapter (one of which is unpublished) and a totally new adventure that binds everything together. The Unreal Engine 5 gives us genuinely terrifying settings and atmospheres and the "package" guarantees many hours of thrills but also manages to arouse emotions other than simple fear.

Diablo IV is only the first stage of a long journey and already a convincing ARPG that throws you into a dark open world from which it is increasingly difficult to detach thanks to addictive gameplay and deep customization of your alter ego. Those who dreamed of a work capable of rewriting history might be a little disappointed, but sometimes less is enough to be happy.

Pixel Ripped 1978 lasts less than ten hours and isn't particularly memorable to play, yet the spot-on humour, the abundance of hilarious gimmicks and the feeling of being in Sunnyvale during those pioneering years manage to pack enough of a context to make the game appealing to anyone interested in Atari's history and in the mood for a few good laughs. Overall, it is a game that is greater than the sum of its parts.

F1 23 improves and expands almost everything from the previous iteration of the series, from the driving model to the physics of the single-seaters, even the multiple game modes are now – finally – abundant.

Intense, detailed and capable of telling a story that goes far beyond expectations, Dordogne is a story that strikes the soul, thanks to an excellent play system. Must have absolutely.

Elegant and minimalist, Humanity is an excellent puzzle game. Its philosophy, effectively represented by the constant stream of humans to be led to safety, is supported by excellent technical realization and over-the-top design. Despite levels lasting dozens of minutes, the trials it subjects the player to are al-ways challenging and entertaining thanks to a number of solutions designed to enhance the player's experience, such as the ability to repeat the scenario with given commands, speed up the passage of time, and actual video walkthroughs.