When you don't put all your eggs in the frenetic action, focusing on story and atmosphere, you absolutely must capture player attention to avoid falling into the walking sim trap. The Invincible succeeds in this task right from the first few minutes, immersing us in a situation in which the last thing we want is to run crazily into the unknown, preferring to move with circumspection knowing that each step could be our last. This is due to a superlative narrative technique combined with perfect graphic representation. It is not a survival horror but rather a novel written in the guise of an adventure, and lovers of the genre will love it.

Achilles: Legends Untold is a good mix between RPGs with hack and slash action like Diablo and souls-likes in which every checkpoint is an achievement. The wide range of weapons, each with unique characteristics and combat styles, invite experimentation even to just see the animations of the protagonist as he crushes, kills and rips apart enemies. The story set in Greek mythology could only be interesting, and the fights are fun, even if some enemies appear out of the blue due to the absence of zoom. There are no classes - Achilles is Achilles! - but quite different builds can be created.

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a superb remake that improves the original game all round, making the most beloved chapter of the famous tri-Ace series current again. Some improvements tend to further undermine the mechanisms of a game that was not particularly balanced at the start, but overall it is an old-fashioned JRPG experience that will not fail to excite fans of the genre.

EA Sports WRC manages to bring the sensations and essence of rallying to our screens, revealing itself to be an engaging, at times overwhelming, racing game. Some details are less refined than others and there is various room for improvement, however if a good day starts in the morning I would say that, as regards the future of the series, fans can celebrate.

Jusant is a courageous, intense and detailed work. Full of originality, with a brilliant and intelligent plot, it tells of a cross-section of the world that is explored through long crossings and climbs that are always different, but still complex. Strengthened by an exciting, engaging and well-implemented game structure, it is proof of the passion of Do n't Nod, who is preparing to leave his mark in a panorama that he has known for seventeen years.

Thirteen years after the release of the first chapter, Remedy tries to improve itself and answer the questions that fans have been holding in for so long. Alan Wake II is another excellent step toward the ultimate maturation of the Finnish dev team, capable like few others of telling fascinating and engaging stories, surrounded by solid gameplay and a first-class cast. A few minor technical flaws and some knots yet to be unraveled (perhaps in a DLC?) are the only, small moles in a production that maintains the excellent levels already achieved with Control.

UFC 5 is a decisive leap forward compared to the past as well as a game that takes the discipline it tries to simulate into very high regard. The approach is profound and requires both commitment and concentration even in the least simulative mode. On the other hand, it can be very rewarding once you have mastered the mechanics. The transition to Frostbyte was positive not so much in the graphic leap, which was still evident, but in the animations and the links that connect them.

Cities: Skyline II expands, refines, simplifies and complicates where necessary the legacy of the first chapter, but right now it is above all a vision. It is the vision of what could be after the dev patches for technical problems and the community mods to increase the content, the two premises on which the foundations of a fortune rest that, hopefully, will accompany the days and nights for a long time of a large group of city builder fans.

With no major changes in the game modes, NHL 24 shows some interesting signs of life thanks to some new gameplay features. With convincing graphics and sounds, which manages to immerse the player in the atmosphere of an ice rink, the matches are quite enjoyable, with a good rhythm and a truly well-thought-out renewed control system. There are still some issues, but those who live on bread and hockey will find a way to have fun.

An enveloping production, complete and well composed in every nuance. It's really a lot, a lot of stuff, something that never abandons and that entertains, taking you back in time focusing on the present and the future without compromise. It is a language that can do good, that can be essential and unique, that can set the tone for the future. There is passion, there is love, there is a desire to do and, above all, there is a desire to go against the grain. Go beyond the market itself.

Fast and furious fights in a cyberpunk world, this time also on a futuristic bike exploring post-apocalyptic lands – who wouldn’t love that? Too bad a few too many puzzle keep the adrenaline rush at bay and distract from the most exciting parts of the game.

Haters will say that nothing has changed in Just Dance 2024 Edition and that the few new features are nothing more than a remix – to stay on topic – of modes already included somewhere in the more than twenty releases of this franchise. Although this corresponds to the truth, in reality there is no way to improve an already perfect format, so one can only smooth things over and provide a better and better experience. Despite a somewhat underscoring playlist compared to a some previous chapters, Ubisoft delivers a complete and fun party game that offers its best in local multiplayer, that is, with real friends to go wild with.

From the today’s Konami you would expect a lazy port of the HD Collection and of the original Metal Gear Solid. But in Tokyo someone still love the series, and this first of volume of the Master Collection really shows some heart in reselling three masterpieces of the video games history and a bunch of the 2D chapters (including Snake’s Revenge).

Now that's how you do a remake! Virtual reality and a keen awareness of the past and new technologies has awakened Henry Stauf from a slumber that has lasted since 1993, giving a new, topical youthfulness to an unforgettable classic like The 7th Guest. The ideal companion for your Halloween.

Crymachina is a touching tale that touches on the nuances of human details and its hidden and primitive insecurities. Speaking through a common language, already seen in the works of Yoko Taro and in the history of FuRyu productions, but nevertheless manages to find flashes of originality, especially when the three main protagonists are explored in depth. The game design doesn't shine but it doesn't disappoint either, managing in any case to stimulate the player's interest through a good skill-based combat system. It's a shame that the graphics, very dated and often an eyesore, don't offer further emotions.

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is a timid attempt to modernize a classic of world literature. Aesthetically old with poorly implemented game mechanics I can't make this game shine.

At first it is exciting to unleash the destructive fury of the Red Demon on the unfortunate enemies in the realms of the Wyrd, the first clashes are brutal and pyrotechnic to the point of predicting great things. The truth is that one punch at a time the enthusiasm wanes until it shows, under the skin of a stylish aesthetic that adheres to the original, a roguelite structure that is not very courageous and a gameplay that fails to convince.

Kona 2: Brume is an exciting and engaging video game, biting and well presented. If on the one hand it offers a wonderful and solitary glimpse of Canada, to be precise the Quebec region, on the other there is a thick mystery to be solved that is as complex as the world. Strengthened by an extremely elegant, high-caliber game design, the production achieves its goal without hesitation and with the maturity of someone who wants to say "Present!" in one of the busiest months on the scene for several years now.

Nintendo reinvents the two-dimensional platform game through the sheer power of imagination, looking to the past and using it as a foundation to create something new. No one else has done it so brilliantly, but ultimately everything is easy when you are the king.

The Fabulous Fear Machine must have been hatched by some really sadistic people, because it is one of the creepiest games you will find around, despite being a simplified 4X with a board game structure. The concept of spreading fake news to fuel panic is portrayed with a lot of sarcasm and a graphic depiction that recalls the old horror comic books of the 1950s. Like all games of this type, it becomes repetitive in the long run despite attempts to add new features to each mission, but the particularly engaging story will motivate you to continue.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 - Turbocharged is what they say is a classic sequel: it enriches and expands the legacy of its predecessor by adding novelties to a consolidated game frame, without ever daring to dig deep or dare in terms of originality. Those who appreciated the first one and its gameplay will surely know how to enjoy every moment behind the wheel of the new Hot Wheels video game.

Endless Dungeon is a very good roguelite that, while it can be enjoyed solo, shines much more brightly when played cooperatively.

Marvel's Spider Man 2 is a true blockbuster, a chapter that cannot be postponed for those who have experienced the previous adventures of Peter and Miles, as well as one of the most important gaming events of the year. It plays a little too safe in several areas, but overall it remains an exciting title and a highly recommended adventure for all fans of Spider-Man and superhero comics in general.

Those who expected major innovations in Sonic Superstars should not have expected major innovations in Sonic Superstars. Sonic always remains Sonic, precisely because he is Sonic. New heights have been reached in this particular type of level design, which alternates sections in which the hedgehog splashes like a pinball, apparently without any possibility of control on our part, with almost pixel perfect movements in which excellent timing is also required . Bosses, as always, require careful analysis of movement patterns. Everything else is a pleasant side dish, but at the base there is always the old but superlative Sonic gameplay.

It's clear that Lords of the Fallen starts from good foundations. The problem is that not everything that has been built on these foundations leaves one satisfied, with defects and unconvincing aspects spread like wildfire.

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.