Another old-school survival horror game, for better or worse. If you love fixed camera angles, pre-rendered backgrounds, limited saves, and constant tension, you can safely add half a point to the final rating. Technically, it's a step up from the previous installment, with excellent, detailed locations, atmospheric and crystal-clear sound, and responsive controls. Animations and poly-models aren't top-notch, but you can't have everything.

Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a charming celebration of one of Gust’s most beloved RPG sagas. The three remastered titles look and play better than ever, packed with all DLCs, quality-of-life updates, and plenty of content. While the first game shows its age and performance could be smoother, the trilogy’s warmth, optimism, and refined alchemy systems shine through. A colorful, feel-good journey about friendship and growth. Perfect for fans and newcomers alike.

Do you like the Anno series? You'll also love Anno 117: Pax Romana. The city builder stays perfectly on the trajectory of its predecessors, with a few improvements that add gameplay options without, however, offering anything substantially different from the usual. The real star of this game is the user interface, at once simple, elegant, and super efficient: all management games should take it as their absolute model. It's a shame that the campaign story has one of the most anticlimactic endings I've ever seen.

The restoration of Syberia is, first and foremost, a duty toward a classic that plays an important role in what we might call the "renaissance" of the point-and-click genre. Kate Walker's early adventures transcend pure gameplay to become art, and it is precisely here, perhaps, that the risk of distorting a work lies. Fortunately, this is not the case: Virtuallyz Gaming has been meticulously respectful of the style, colors, and pacing established by Benoît Sokal, with the goal of offering us a version of Syberia less prone to ageing with the advancement of technology. And they have succeeded. A must-have for those who have never played it and a pleasant, necessary refresher for everyone else.

ARC Raiders perfectly combines the punishing gameplay of extraction looter shooters with the setting, graphics, and storyline of the best single-player shooters. Battling against machines is engaging, and the game encourages cooperation even without friends to form a party. The gun physics are very well done and create a pleasant sense of impact. While you can purchase assets with real money, there's no pay-to-win. Servers that guarantee near-instant access and a solid, lag-free netcode complete the package.

Earth vs Mars is a turn-based strategy game that doesn’t aim to revolutionize the genre, but rather sticks to the tried-and-true formula of Advance Wars with a small twist: hybrid units infused with animal DNA. The storyline is simple and the retro-inspired art direction is intentional, yet the missions are well-designed and offer a gentle difficulty curve. The hybridization mechanic adds a layer of tactical depth, though it remains the only truly innovative feature. A conservative product, but a solid choice for those looking to explore the genre without too much complexity.

Fans of the World of Darkness will certainly find at least the atmosphere, good characters, and an enjoyable plot, thanks in part to the fact that big-budget vampire-themed games don't come flooding in. Fans of the first game for its RPG aspect and replayability will find almost nothing here except pale homages. It's up to you to decide where you stand between these two extremes. As a side note, I feel it's important to note that compared to The Chinese Room's typical output, this game still represents significant ambitions and a first for the English studio. Perhaps the experience gained will one day bear sweeter fruit, without leaving a legacy too burdensome to manage.

Death by Scrolling is a top-down roguelite by Ron Gilbert that combines instant action with ongoing progression: each run makes your character a little stronger, pushing you toward the classic "last playthrough." The simple yet tactical gameplay offers automatic combat and limited equipment options, with procedurally generated environments and a constant wall of flames hounding you. However, it suffers from a lack of variety, a sometimes unclear level design, and an often unfair difficulty. It's fun for short sessions, but far from the brilliance of the best casual roguelites.

The musou genre set in the world of Zelda is once again a success. A top-notch cast delivers a story that feels a bit familiar but manages to captivate and excite. The gameplay remains a bit monotonous and suffers from some balance issues, but the many elements and characters introduced throughout the game manage to freshen things up and provide constant stimulation to the end credits... and beyond.

Misery isn't a title for everyone, nor for those who love single-player adventures - it needs co-op to show off its true worth - but for those who embrace its pace and constant melancholy, it can prove to be a surprisingly sincere experience.

Necesse is fun little survival with light management mechanics: by starting a settlement we can invite NPCs to join it and delegate to them trivial tasks like cutting trees or gathering produce, while we dig through underground caves and fight huge bosses.

Football Manager 26 is finally back, and the effort has certainly been tasteful and valuable. The primary goal was to revamp the game and start from scratch, but obviously the tried-and-true gameplay formula couldn't be completely overturned. The new drop-down menus are pleasant and touch-friendly. All the new features, such as the reorganization of some mechanics, including those incorporated elsewhere and others eliminated, need to be taken into account. We're on the right track as we await patches and additions with future versions of the game.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is the latest chapter in the saga that's been missing for thirty years, more or less since the release of the second installment, and was likely meant to inspire a new generation of players to become fond of the character. Simon's comical expressions, his impatient banter, and his frequent fourth-wall breaks take us back to a time when humor reigned supreme and permeated games of the genre. It will certainly appeal to those disappointed by the penultimate installments of the series, although, it must be said, we're no longer accustomed to such a crude approach to puzzles. In some places, it's truly overdone. But the sublime technical execution and incredible irony almost scream masterpiece. Almost.

There's little you can do about it: the first two Dragon Quest games fail to offer the variety and inventiveness of the third installment, rightly considered one of the fathers of modern Japanese role-playing games. The remake makes a commendable effort to enrich the original formula, but it can't work miracles: although expanded, the storylines remain simple, and the combat system (especially in the first installment) is often overshadowed by grind sessions and rather exhausting random encounters. However, the additions are numerous and well-thought out, and will make veterans happy. The HD-2D style remains in splendid form, accompanied by a historical soundtrack that fully conveys the atmosphere of the era. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake thus proves to be a solid restoration, suspended between fidelity to the past and a desire for renewal. Limited by its source material, but precisely for this reason, fascinating: a perfect window into an era, finally re-proposed in its most accessible and carefully preserved version.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is fun, but it's clearly light-years behind industry standards and what one would expect from the most profitable franchise in video game history. The good ideas are completely drowned out by shoddy graphics and dialogue that still believes children need to be banal and simple, ruining a plot that works at its best and finally gives dignity to the characters and the plot holes that Game Freak missed in the sixth generation.

Double Dragon Revive isn't a complete disappointment, but it doesn't completely captivate either. It's a prime example of a project that works just enough to entertain, especially when the action heats up and the combat system shows its potential, but never really pushes the envelope. Arc System Works has crafted a respectful and reasonably solid beat 'em up, but it lacks a clear vision: a comeback that doesn't know where to look, torn between reverence for the past and a fear of fully modernizing itself. The result is an honest title, even enjoyable for fans of the genre, but inevitably destined to fade away without a trace, especially when compared to far more successful experiments like Neon or Gaiden. Perhaps wait for a price drop before giving it a chance.

BALL x PIT takes the simple mechanics of a brick-breaker like Ballz and transforms them into an explosive roguelite RPG. Between twin-stick shooter action, Vampire Survivors-style power-ups, and surprisingly deep city building, each playthrough becomes a whirlwind of frenetic action and strategic planning. Unlocking new powers, fusing abilities, and upgrading your base is an irresistible gameplay loop, enhanced by beautifully crafted biomes and bullet hell battles against ruthless bosses. Kenny Sun once again proves his ability to transform simple ideas into brilliant and engaging experiences.

Beneath the wacky cover of The Crazy Hyper-Dungeon Chronicles lies an old-school pixel art RPG that surprises above all with its meticulous level design, which blends procedural generation with hand-designed elements, giving each floor of the dungeon different puzzles, action, and personality. The hybrid turn-based and QTE combat works properly, and all the typical role-playing game elements are in place, suitably simplified. In between the quests, you can also have fun finding all the pop culture references from the last few decades.

It's not the return fans of the series were hoping for, but that doesn't stop it from being a decent cooperative shooter. It does, however, need more content.

The Outer Worlds 2 is exactly what you'd expect from Obsidian, if not in its prime, then at least very close to that status. If that's not enough to get you into the game, you're probably looking elsewhere.

Escape From Duckov transforms the intensity of extraction shooters into a brilliant and surprisingly solid parody. Behind the ironic nature of armed ducks lies mature, well-balanced gameplay, capable of blending accessibility and tension, lightheartedness and constant stimulation. The loop between raids, extraction, and progression works brilliantly, aided by a pace you're solely responsible for and a refined technical package. If you can't live without competing against other players or don't like the idea of ​​grinding in the later stages, it might leave a bitter aftertaste, but it remains a fresh, intelligent, and characterful experience, recommended for everyone, especially anyone drawn to extraction games but steers clear of them due to the PvP component.

Katamari Damacy is back, and it's still the same: crazy, fun, and hypnotic. The first true new entry in the series in 14 years offers a remarkable amount of content, plenty of customization options, and gameplay accessible to everyone, though it requires a fair amount of practice to master. The camera system, always the series' blessing and curse, has been improved, but it will require a fair amount of patience, especially in the more complex levels.

After making a name for itself on PC, Reus 2 arrives on Switch and Xbox Series X|S determined to prove that the definitive strategic meditation on cosmic creation and destruction is more than ready for portability and consoles.

Persona 3 Reload is a necessary return, a bridge between past and present that confirms the strength and sensitivity of a saga capable of reinventing itself without betraying itself. Atlus demonstrates its ability to respectfully restore, giving the game a modern look and splendid art direction, even if it fails to completely smooth out the wrinkles of a dated design. The experience remains intense, emotional, and deeply human, with a refined combat system and a narrative that continues to shine. The Switch 2 version, unfortunately, shows some technical limitations that partially dampen its magic, but not enough to obscure the greatness of the work. An essential journey for fans, and an excellent entry point for those who have never experienced the Dark Hour.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a powerful return, imperfect but full of character, capable of making us forget the years of silence with a combat system that borders on perfection in its fluidity and ferocity. The union between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames works: the action is brutal, visceral, and visually stunning, with an artistic direction that transforms Tokyo and its nightmares into a kabuki theater of soft lighting and blood. A clear limitation is the linearity of the maps and the repetition of enemies and bosses, which end up diluting the pace, making the second half of the adventure more tiring than exciting. Ninja Gaiden 4 has plenty of character and confirms itself as an aesthetically captivating game, but incapable of maintaining the tension it promises in its best moments. A convincing new beginning, even if it's not yet the masterpiece fans have been waiting too long for.

Keeper is a poetic puzzle adventure in which you play as a sentient lighthouse who, with the help of Twig, explores a mutating island. The goal is to dispel the darkness by harnessing his own light and, above all, his unwavering determination. Without words or death, without real obstacles or elaborate puzzles, the game focuses entirely on atmosphere, metamorphosis, and visual appeal. The gameplay, basic in terms of puzzles, revolves around the beam of light and Twig's contextual action, intentionally keeping it light and uncomplicated in terms of challenge, instead pushing more convincingly on emotion, the power of images, and free interpretation.

A worthy spiritual sequel to Strange Horticulture, in Strange Antiquities we run an esoteric shop as an apprentice thaumaturge. Customers arrive with vague requests, and it's up to us to identify the correct object among relics and amulets. Gameplay revolves around observation and deduction, analyzing objects, exploring maps, interpreting symbols, and consulting manuals for clues. Progression intertwines complex puzzles and narrative choices, influencing events and endings. Challenging puzzles, a relaxed pace, and a dark atmosphere define the experience.

Battlefield 6 arrives in grand style to remind us that all-out war, when it's virtual, can be magnificent. EA, Battlefield Studios, and the community were eager to move on from the disappointment of Battlefield 2042, and we can finally say it: Battlefield is back.