Playing Cronos: The New Dawn is a memorable experience, not so much for its moments of pure terror, but for the way it immerses you in a devastated, abandoned, and, at the same time, dangerous world. The constant sensation is that of walking through ruins and distorted memories, knowing that every step could change something, and that every choice has a real impact on the fate of the Traveler and that of the inhabitants of a humanity struggling against its own end. There's a subtle, persistent tension that pushes you to observe, plan, and carefully evaluate every action, as if you were truly part of that broken time flow. It's a game that lingers more for its atmosphere and worldbuilding than for its technical perfection or shrewd game design choices, which are often cumbersome and unable to work perfectly together. It's tough, at times frustrating, but ultimately satisfying.

An aesthetically pleasing, fast-paced, and appropriately challenging FPS with platforming/parkour elements and a strong nod to the Metroid Prime series. The developers at Ruiner have already demonstrated their talent and demonstrate their prowess in creating atmospheric, futuristic adventures with incredibly captivating gameplay ideas.

More than a remake, Project-X Light Years is the modern sequel to a great classic that made history and, in addition to being one of the best 'reboots' ever seen for IPs of the past, it is also one of the best side-scrolling shmups released in recent months, competing with Yuzo Koshiro's Earthion for my very own award for the most interesting of the season. Proof, if there was still any need, that we Westerners are also very capable of making excellent games of the genre, even if we don't speak Japanese.

A return that doesn't revolutionise, but confirms that Kirby and the Lost Land is still one of the most successful chapters in the series. The graphical upgrade and new content don't transform the experience into something completely different, but they offer the perfect excuse to return and explore the meticulous level design and creativity of the Mouth Morphs. The level remixes, although familiar, prove surprising thanks to new paths and spectacular visual interactions, demonstrating how even a small adjustment can breathe new life into an already beloved world. Short, yes, but intense enough to remind us why the chubby pink hero always manages to make us smile and make every exploration a pleasure.

After Grendizer, Microids brings back Space Adventure Cobra, which spotlights a sort of interstellar Lupin III who loves getting into trouble. Unfortunately for him, this time he has to deal with an adventure marred by incomprehensible design choices. What's completely flawed is the control system, which makes many stages of a game that otherwise had the potential to appeal especially to "old teenagers" of the '70s and '80s, unnecessarily difficult and unfun.

The Rogue Prince of Persia presents itself as a solid and engaging roguelite action platformer. While strongly reminiscent of Dead Cells, it manages to carve out its own identity thanks to the protagonist's agility and fluid, rewarding gameplay. The variety of equipment, meta-progression, and procedural level structure offer a good amount of depth, although the moderate difficulty and limited content may disappoint more demanding players.

After 20 years, Gears of War is finally coming to PlayStation 5, with the very first installment of the series further polished, enhanced, and complete with all the content released to date. A few wrinkles are noticeable, and the gameplay's rigidity might make it a bit unpalatable for younger players accustomed to blistering speed, but the charisma is still there, and the power of the war between the COG and the Locust is still ready to make your Lancer explode in your hands.

Art of Vengeance is a title capable of redefining what a 2D action platformer can offer today. Lizardcube succeeds once again, combining technique, style, and rhythm with a mastery that captivates both longtime nostalgics and those approaching the Oboro Clan for the first time. Every fight is a lethal dance, every stage an invitation to explore and improve, and every extra feature a challenge that rewards dedication and commitment. It's an intense, elegant, and ruthless experience, where every victory is earned on the field and every mistake is paid dearly. A return in which past and present collide uncompromisingly, reminding us why Joe Musashi is, and remains, a legend. And now, friends of Lizardcube, how do you feel about bringing Golden Axe out of retirement?

Diving back into Snake Eater in a remastered, more fluid and modernized remake with a revised control system is undoubtedly an offer few would be able to resist. We would have liked to see a little more courage—after all, a betrayal for a just cause would have given the production character—but we understand that Delta is the first timid step toward a new direction for the series. We remain curious to see how Konami will expand its ambitions in terms of re-releases of past installments, perhaps in Volume 2 of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection or, who knows, with future remakes and, why not, new episodes. A reverential homage, perhaps too much so, but nonetheless essential for fans.

A huge and luxurious mansion, haunted and full of traps, becomes the setting of deadly challenges between complete strangers. What might seem like the beginning of a book written by Agatha Christie and Stephen King is actually a surprisingly fresh and entertaining party game with a thriller twist. Technically it's not a masterpiece, but if you have a few friends around it could become your favourite multiplayer game until Halloween and beyond.

Gatekeeper is an isometric roguelike that focuses on straightforwardness: no complex hubs, just choose a character and get started. Missions alternate between simple objectives such as escort, resistance, and activation, and spectacular, well-constructed boss fights. The power-up system is effective, with 10% bonuses that are cumulative and immediately noticeable. However, the progression system is immature: perks are unlocked with a slow “point collection” that does not enhance the character but only the assortment in the shops, and abandonment due to excessive grinding could come very soon.

Kill the Brickman is a decent roguelite with a nice idea behind it, but unfortunately it suffer a bit from repetitiveness and lack of varied enough content.

Abyssus is a good cooperative roguelite shooter, featuring a beautiful setting and decent gunplay, but it suffers from lack of variety, being too chaotic at times (especially with four players) and also, let's face it, having a subdued soundtrack. It must be said, however, that when you're shooting, you don't ask too many questions.

Now that Hellblade II has arrived on PS5, there's no excuse not to play it. Especially since once you've finished the game, you can start again by activating developer commentary, which is also added for free on Xbox and PC, along with Photo Mode and the other improvements in this Enhanced Edition.

The Necromancer's Tale is a narrative RPG set in an alternate 18th century, where black magic and political intrigue intersect. The gameplay in the early hours prioritizes storytelling over action: character creation takes place through a long interactive prologue, which affects stats, reputation, and relationships. The pace is slow, but it offers depth in dialogue and moral choices. The trust system heavily influences interaction with NPCs. Turn-based combat benefits from good artificial intelligence, and once the art of necromancy is discovered, the action becomes much more compelling. A fascinating title that requires a good deal of patience, ideal for those seeking immersion and storytelling.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is an extremely disappointing “definitive” collection: a superficial remaster that doesn’t do justice to the historic first chapter of the RTS saga. The four included titles remain solid in terms of content and replayability, but the remastering work is minimal and incomplete. Given the high price, the remastering feels sloppy and unjustified. Yet another wasted opportunity for Relic Entertainment.

BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary revives the 1984 classic with over two hundred levels, including the original sixty from the first three chapters, introducing new gameplay elements such as enemy generators and acid pools, plus an intuitive editor. The fast pace and scoring system reward reflexes and precision, while the variety of content ensures longevity. Among its strengths are the solid gameplay and Chris Hülsbeck's soundtrack. Less convincing is the graphic style, which is uninspired and too reminiscent of hyper-casual mobile games. A successful tribute, despite the occasional lapses into laziness.

A futuristic wheelchair basketball game that nods to Rocket League. The idea isn't bad and the foundation is there, but currently Drag x Drive is more of an experimental title that needs some tuning and, above all, desperately needs new content in the months immediately following its launch.

Echoes of the End is an action game that aims high, but struggles to achieve its most ambitious goals due to stuttering gameplay, which is only partially offset by the beautiful vistas and excellent acting. Myrkur Games is a small team, and this is their first effort, so it's not a huge fault: but the result is still not entirely convincing.

Gradius Origins is a celebration, a labour of love for an era when every token was a gamble between you – a clumsy kid – and the universe itself. With never-before-seen goodies, meticulous revisions and gameplay refined with the obsession that only M2 can offer, this collection is as much a historical document as it is an invitation to rediscover a legendary series. It's a shame about the barely adequate museum section, an aspect that should be given more attention, especially now that Digital Eclipse's work has raised the bar, setting a standard that every retro collection should now strive to meet. But there's always time to improve with a second volume: after all, even Gradius IV: Fukkatsu was left out of the arcade discussion.

A faithful and visually stunning adaptation of Demon Slayer’s latest arcs, but limited content, minor gameplay tweaks, and weak online support make it feel more like an expansion than a true sequel.

Heretic + Hexen marks the grand return of two first-person fantasy classics, brought to life by Nightdive Studios with an impeccable and meticulous restoration. Technical improvements, new campaigns, and reworked balance enrich the experience without betraying the original spirit, offering the best of both eras: the freshness and usability of modernity and the rugged charm of the '90s. Whether you're a veteran ready to dust off old glories or a new adventurer curious to explore these milestones, you'll find a solid, rich package capable of engaging for dozens of hours.

Mafia: Terra Madre is a compact work, a rarity these days, that makes storytelling its main strength. It's not a revolutionary video game, nor does it claim to be, but it manages to leave its mark despite the flaws of overly formulaic gameplay. The rendering of early twentieth-century Sicily is excellent, thanks to appreciable aesthetic and stylistic research and the presence of full Sicilian dubbing. It's a shame there are a few too many technical issues, which I hope will be resolved as soon as possible.

There's a bit of everything in Luto. Wandering through its endless rooms and corridors that only appear to be the same, you will perceive visions of Silent Hill, references to the legendary P.T. and many other echoes from other psychological thriller games, from Layers of Fear to the underrated Reveil. A brief descent into the depths of the mind, but one that will linger in your memory even after the credits roll.

Back to the Dawn is a management RPG set in a prison populated by anthropomorphic animals, with strong survival elements. You have twenty-one days to organize an escape, keeping an eye on time, resources, social relationships, and skills. Every action consumes precious minutes and can influence future events. The turn-based combat system mirrors typical JRPG gameplay. Deep, branching, and challenging, it surprises with its wealth of options and narrative variety, despite its lackluster sound. A brilliant and strategic game, worth replaying several times to see as many endings as possible.

The Wandering Village offers us Onbu, which is great. It’s great to shape our relationship with him and care for him; however, as a city builder, the game rhythm is pretty flat and lacks memorable moments. It all runs pretty smooth – maybe too smooth.

Ragebound is a love letter to 2D action platformers, blending arcade heritage with modern solutions and jaw-dropping production design. Short but dense, the game manages to amaze with inspired design, fiery direction, and two protagonists who are perfectly integrated into the gameplay. The challenge isn't brutal at first, but those willing to push themselves further will find plenty to keep them occupied. A satisfying return to a legendary saga, and a damned promising taster while we wait for the "real" Ninja Gaiden.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers isn't a soulslike without its problems, quite the opposite. And that's a shame, because despite all these issues, the game is convincing: the combat is fun, the setting is appealing, it can be spectacular without overdoing it, and it's also quite long. But then you fall to the floor and get a few extra slaps, you die to a boss and have to walk all the way back, you enter a room and find yet another stupid enemy hidden in a vase, and well, a lot of the charm is lost.