Let’s face it, Quadroids is an excellent videogame experience. The way the levels are split between several screens is brilliantly executed and offers a real challenge throughout the adventure. The little trials to collect medals offer a replayability that also allows you to progress. We have our doubts regarding the random difficulty spikes and the Quark saving glitch, but ultimately, the game proposes a truly stimulating experience: it is a great way to rack your brains and keep your circuits from getting rusty!

Hotel Renovator is a great hotel and interior design simulation game. With tons of objects and creative tools at your disposal, the title lets you design magnificent spaces with unique styles. The various quests in the story mode are, for the most part, quite fun, and provide a good introduction to the game. However, a few texture glitches, a number of slowdowns and the handling of certain objects sometimes mar the gameplay experience. There's no doubt that with a few patches, the game would be much more enjoyable. Despite these few setbacks, we still enjoyed fine-tuning, creating and decorating our hotel. There's no doubt that the title will appeal to fans of the genre and those looking for a relaxing, creative game.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is not a disaster, but it lacks any real interest to keep players on their toes. Its 'Management' section is far too rudimentary, and all in all, there is no point in doing anything other than endlessly churning out taxi runs. To make things worse, the game suffers from a lack of finish and numerous glitches spoil the driving experience. It is a shame, though, because the reproduction of some parts of Barcelona is rather brilliant. It is a pleasure to wander through its streets and alleys, which are teeming with detail and life. It is a title that is sure to relax you for an evening or two, but which struggles to maintain a real desire to stay behind the wheel.

PixelSplit Games has delivered a successful title with a nightmarish atmosphere, albeit with a few shortcomings inherent to the indie scene. All the same, we were able to enjoy the unusual storytelling and well-crafted puzzles. It is a great story to enjoy, despite recurring pacing problems. The horror genre is highly subjective and sometimes hard to pin down, which is why we recommend this title to anyone who was intrigued by the trailer.

Tomb Raider I – III Remastered offers gamers a unique opportunity to revisit the classics that have shaped the video game industry. With remastered graphics, improved controls and a host of new features, these remasters are a celebration of Lara Croft’s legacy and her impact on popular culture. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or discovering these games for the first time, Tomb Raider I – III Remastered promises an unforgettable experience, taking you on an adventure and exploring mysterious worlds with one of the most iconic heroines of all time. Let us not forget to observe a moment of silence for the butler locked in the fridge.

As neophytes of the licence, we set out to play Expedition: A MudRunner Game, and it won us over. Equipped with a truckload of experience, the developers at Saber Interactive have retained the quality of their gameplay to give us an exhilarating hands-on experience where the physics of the vehicles and the game terrain are impressive. The content is very generous and, although the objectives are not very varied, the journey is so enjoyable that it doesn’t really matter. Visually, the title is actually gorgeous, despite a problem with the way certain textures are displayed, impacting on the contemplation of the environment.

For many gamers, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is an opportunity to discover this friendly world, imagined and designed three decades ago. There are many additions to the original title, thus breathing new life into the licence. However, the length of the adventure and the ease with which it can be completed are likely to disappoint a good number of players, especially long-time fans. All in all, it’s an episode with mixed feelings that probably won’t leave its mark on today’s videogame landscape.

Captain Velvet Wonder: The Jump + Dimensions is a little golden nugget. It would be wrong to think that the mix of genres it brings to the fore is a sign of a game that is struggling to find its own path: quite the opposite, in fact. Indeed, the developers have succeeded perfectly in making content and form coincide. Double culture, double gameplay, double graphic identity… brilliant ideas to illustrate a story about change, fear and dimensional blends! Like Damien, the player dreams of being an explorer and wants to know what is hidden in the next level. An ode to imagination that reminds us just how good it is to keep our childlike spirit alive!

Garden Life: A Cosy Simulator is undoubtedly a great game to take a well-needed break. With its splendid art direction, simple gameplay and attention to detail in the flowers and sound effects, you really feel at one with nature. It is poetic and sometimes even forlorn, as you learn more about the main storyline. Unfortunately, the main storyline’s requirements are a little disappointing, too repetitive and similar to the secondary quests, which often require you to accomplish the same objectives. Fortunately, the main interest of this game is creativity, and it offers all the tools you need to express yourself freely.

Spells & Secrets attempts to propose a refreshingly colourful take on a world steeped in chaos to deliver a magical gaming experience. The different parts take turns, but never look the same. The procedural generation of the levels allows for some well needed diversity to mitigate the redundancy of the genre, even though the biomes always follow each other in the same order. The roguelike aspect of the opus may confuse players not used to the genre. Spells & Secrets quickly becomes repetitive as you go from one game to the next, even if it does allow you to progress further and further through the levels. Fortunately, the game's cute and sweet side contrasts with the elementary storyline. The Greifenstein Academy welcomes you into its fold, but leaves you to fend for yourself, forcing you to learn the mechanics quickly and complete a series of runs in order to progress as quickly as possible. In the end, Spells & Secret is a cute game that requires you to persevere to reach the ultimate goal and save the school.

Promenade strikes a delicate balance between being a demanding platformer and a highly accessible one. Its brilliant level design and multifaceted mechanics make it a veritable Swiss Army knife of the genre. While those fussier may criticise its almost non-existent storyline, there is no denying that it offers a highly enjoyable experience, as well as bringing a breath of fresh air to the genre. After a success like this, there is no doubt that we will be keeping a close eye on the next productions from the French team at Holy Cap.

Who would have thought that tidying up could be so much fun? A Little to the Left shakes things up with simplicity and fantasy. A videogame UFO with a meditative, calming atmosphere that is diabolically satisfying to play. With its atypical, highly accessible concept, the game offers an original way of bringing puzzle games to life. A genre too often ignored, either because of its classicism or its difficulty.

Skull and Bones is not the shipwreck that many people made it out to be, but it is not a masterpiece either, and we are a long way from a title that is supposed to represent the AAAA classification that has been claimed so far. The game doesn’t really offer a storyline, but rather a series of missions with little variety, culminating in an endgame mode that we found too time-consuming and repetitive. Fortunately, the combat aspect is pleasant and works well, and the atmosphere is there, with sailors shantying in calm weather and shouting during confrontations. The customisation of your captain and your ship is extensive, although some elements remain blocked behind the infamous “credit card barrier reef”. It must be said that the technical aspects of the title remain stuck in the past, with a game that is aesthetically displeasing, terribly rigid animations and very little interaction with the environment.

This new opus is enriched with mysteries and new graphics, enhanced by the Unreal Engine 4, and will appeal to old and new gamers alike. Let us face it, Evil Nun The Broken Mask is, to our great surprise, a little golden nugget with a successful art direction, exhilarating gameplay, a solid narrative and plenty of puzzles. It is a fine achievement for a low-budget studio like Keplerians, and one that almost won our hearts! We are sorry that Sister Madeleine does not strike fear into your heart, and that there are some glitches with the disappearance of objects linked to our goals. But we would like to say a big thank you to the Keplerians studio for making our wishes come true!

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden blew us away and is an excellent surprise. The studio's expertise in storytelling is once again confirmed, and the overall quality and attention to detail are astonishing. There is a very good balance between storytelling, combat and exploration, each of which is mastered and continues to evolve throughout the adventure. For us and so far, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden truly is the action-RPG of the year.

As we said in the introduction, video game adaptations of manga, apart from One Piece and Dragon Ball, are often fairly average. Unfortunately, Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash is no exception to this rule, and it too delivers a less than flattering copy. Fans of the universe will be pleased to find a full cast and a story mode that covers well enough the early part of the story. On the other hand, the gameplay is faulty with some camera issues, a lack of fluidity in sequences and poor moovesets. The quality of the graphics is also quite a downside, although some of the animations slightly raise the bar and the soundtrack strives to make the whole experience a little more enjoyable. Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash remains a game to be reserved for fans of the licence, but one that we would not recommend as a pure fighting game.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League isn't the foreshadowed disaster it was meant to be, but it has too many flaws to be fully enjoyable. Its gameplay, while very energetic and relatively easy to get to grips with, is as basic as it gets. Worse still, the missions are repeated over and over until the game bows out. The same is true of the loot and character statistics, which boil down to percentages in tables. In the end, it is only the incredible direction and the four-star cast, buoyed by the omnipresent humour, that salvage this more-than-mixed review. All that remains now is to see whether the next seasons will bring a breath of fresh air, although it is hard to imagine Rocksteady remedy this.

KarmaZoo is a great lesson in cooperative gaming. By placing love at the heart of its identity, the title offers a positive and constructive experience in an era filled with multiplayer game revolving around violence. It is great to constantly have to think about the best way to help your partners achieve a common goal, and not be called names when you fail. In short, this is a true cross-generational masterpiece to be put in everyone’s hands, even for those a bit grumpy.

Song of Nunu is a real success. While the game does not try to reinvent an already well-known and tried formula, it shows that it has perfectly understood its codes and techniques. The story is perfectly paced, the adventure never runs out of steam: how pleasant. With a finale that foreshadows a sequel, it is sad to learn that Riot Games has decided to stop developing Spin Offs from its universe. Song of Nunu will therefore be the swan song of a series of games revolving around League of Legends’ lore.

Thanks to the efforts provided to dust off a cult title that gave the Persona series its credentials, everybody can finally give it a try. Although the structure is a bit outdated, everything has been fine-tuned to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. There is plenty for fans to enjoy, and the title will also be a gateway for newcomers. It is a shame that this version does not include all the content that has been added over the years, but let us not get carried away. To date, Persona 3 Reload is “THE” most accomplished version of this opus, whilst waiting for Persona 3 Reload Festival?

Go Mecha Ball is quite a nice surprise, and its original concept works perfectly. The gameplay is exhilarating and dynamic, and it is a real pleasure to eliminate enemies with the rich arsenal available. It is a shame, however, that the arsenal takes a long time to unlock before you have access to its wide variety, and that the action can be utterly confusing at times. Still, the title should please fans of the genre and perhaps even convince a few curious onlookers.

Lil' Guardsman has plenty of surprises in store for gamers tempted by this wild adventure. Hiding behind its colourful visuals, the title reveals itself to be more mature than anticipated, emphasising the role of responsibility and its consequences. The various gameplay options for interrogations are exciting, but redundant. And, although the encounters with the characters have their share of funny situations, not all the exchanges stand out, due to a narrative that drags on in some parts. Despite some regretful minor details, this globally remains a pleasant experience.

Howl came very close to being a real golden nugget. Thankfully, its low price will allow strategy aficionados to give it a try despite its repetitive nature. Notwithstanding its flaws, the game is nonetheless full of good ideas. All the more reason to hope that the studio's next creation will be a true masterpiece.

If its big brother had already pleasantly surprised us in 2020, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic manages to surprise us once again. It uses the same “Where is Waldo?” principle of searching for objects, but improves on its recipe with prettier, more detailed and livelier settings and environments. Offering the same scene at different times of the day or with changes in the weather is also a good idea. However, we regret that the campaign is too short and that the soundtrack is barely noticeable.

Much to our delight, the King of Iron First Tournament is back for another round. The game offers a huge amount of content that will enchant fans of the licence, while being perfectly accessible to newcomers. The few offensive additions make for dynamic confrontations, all enhanced by a brand-new Unreal Engine 5. A successful return for Tekken 8, which is comfortably installed on this ninth-generation console.

"Like a Dragon: Inifinite Wealth" is one of the biggest titles of 2024. Anticipated by an ever-growing community, it is sure to delight both long-time fans and those who will be discovering the series on the 26th of January. Worthy of its predecessors, it continues the excellent storytelling that this saga has gifted us with for almost 20 years, and knows how to renew itself and skilfully fine-tune all its gameplay. More than just a video game, it has everything we need to travel, have fun and enjoy an experience worthy of a work of the 7th art. The immersion into the Japanese culture, even when the parody reaches its climax, is simply exquisite. We highly recommend it!

Slava Gris’s work has the merit of immersing the player in themes that are rarely, if ever, exploited in video games. As a result, due to its heavy atmosphere and themes, Fearmonium is not suitable for everybody. A slight lack of finish prevents it from becoming a game one would wholeheartedly recommend. A general update of its ergonomics to address the troubles encountered during our test would be more than welcome. Nonetheless, it remains an attractive proposition in terms of its artistic direction, interesting in the themes it tackles and impressive in the work it achieves.

We thoroughly enjoyed this compilation of the second trilogy in the Ace Attorney series. The many new features, such as the French translation, make it easy to discover these stories, which feature some very rich characters. The scenarios are extremely well written, with plenty of humour and a plethora of twists and turns. It is a delight to follow the various cases, and suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat as situations can be turned upside down following testimony or as soon as a new piece of evidence comes to light. On the other hand, some of the dialogue phases can drag on for a long time, and after a few hours the game can feel a little redundant. Fortunately, the variety of gameplay, which alternates between phases in the courtroom and investigative ones in the field, helps to maintain interest and keep us eagerly following our ongoing cases. The new features and additional content added are real assets to give fans of the licence the desire to rediscover these three titles and, why not, also attract those wishing to learn about the legal adventures of Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice and Athena Cykes.

Well, there is no need to beat about the bush if you have read the whole review: Baldur’s Gate III more than deserves its status as the best game of the year. It ticks all the boxes, even if you try to find faults or shortcomings. The only caveat is that, as with all games, Baldur’s Gate III is not for everyone. You need to love RPGs, you need to love turn-based combat and you need quite a lot of time to enjoy this adventure.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the licence, the teams at Ubisoft Montpellier are paying tribute to the legend of the Prince of Persia in a very beautiful way. This 2D metroidvania offers such rich gameplay that you could almost suggest a crossover between Ori and Kratos. The platforming phases are totally mastered and the combat has a range of possibilities that would make some beat ’em all red-faced. Even if the dialogue scenes and the soundtrack do not leave a lasting impression, Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is the perfect episode to wait for The Sands of Time’s remake. We would expect nothing less from a studio whose track record includes Rayman and Beyond Good and Evil.

Rough Justice '84 is a game with plenty of potential, both in its narrative and in its gameplay. Unfortunately, players will have to wait for several updates and patches to get the full experience of it. As it stands, the game does not let you get to the end of the adventure. It is a shame, because its graphic identity and atmosphere suggested it might be a little nugget.

Pixel Cafe is a small-scale reflection about customer service in the restaurant industry. All the variables are in place to make us aware of the complexity of the job, while sitting behind a screen with a joystick in hand. Spoiler alert: it is clearly not easy. Despite the catering aspect, you have to learn how to manage your time and deal with unhappy customers, sometimes at the expense of another one. The game does not paint a rosy picture of the job, which has admittedly as many good sides as bad ones. But that is only one side of the story, as the bulk of the game focuses on Pixel's life and its evolution. One can easily identify with her, both in terms of life's hardships and her journey, making for quite an immersive experience. The formula works perfectly and strikes the right balance between narrative and time management. All in all, this Baltoro Games production shines with its rich content, fancy restaurants, well-designed story and clever gameplay. The pixel art is a real charm, and a perfect match for what Pixel Cafe has to offer.

Have a Nice Death is an excellent roguelite, full of humour and with a very nice artistic direction. For its second game, the studio from Montpellier (cocorico!) has set the bar very high. Long, demanding and addictive … while it may be harder to get to grips with than Moonlighter or Hades for newcomers, it remains an excellent pillar of the genre. Needless to say, once you have wandered the corridors of Death Incorporated, you will not be afraid of Death!

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is not the revolution we were expecting. It retains a narrative structure that is fairly close to that of the Far Cry licence, including too many tedious side activities. The similarities with the aforementioned licence are also present in the confrontations, but the title still manages to propose a well-crafted main story that will not bore you. On the other hand, this new baby from Ubisoft is a treat for the eyes. The environments are sublime and every panorama is a dream come true. Combined with the exhilarating parkour and aerial movement, Pandora is a real thrill to explore.

The Last Faith is inspired by some giants of the video game scene, but while it is neither a Bloodborne in 2D nor a Castlevania, it manages to create its own dark and bewitching universe. It still needs to free itself from its influences to override them and become a must-have game. It is a good first step with much more to offer than a shiny outer layer that makes you want to see the rest of Kumi Souls Game’s work. We are confident in their potential: all it takes is a little faith.

Laika: Aged Through Blood confirms the talent of the teams from Brainwash Gang. The title combines the best of a roguelite with the wealth of a Metroidvania without a single false note, all the while generously revisiting the genres. The difficulty is perfectly balanced, and although the game is designed to be punitive, it never becomes frustrating. Improved by a highly immersive soundtrack and an artistic direction that draws you in from the very first moment, the game is a real nugget. For us, it is a real coup de coeur that we cannot recommend highly enough.

Strange Horticulture is a puzzle game that combines plants and occult forces in a unique adventure. Its intriguing story grips you from start to finish, and its well-thought-out investigation system is well conceived. The main characters present us with some decisive choices, leading to numerous twists and turns with different endings and a high degree of replayability. Strange Horticulture offers an original and enjoyable gaming experience. It is a pity that one quickly feels it repetitiveness, but fans of the genre will be enchanted by this universe. Bad Viking’s creativity shows great promise for their future games, and this is a studio to keep an eye on and root for.

Entering the world of Born of Bread is like stepping into a bakery: you do not know where to look! The game is based on a well-crafted storyline and offers plenty of mouthwatering activities that will appeal to a wide range of players. Admittedly, those most demanding will find fault with a few missions that feel a little reheated or with some smothering glitches. But Tipain’s gang does not sugarcoat the experience and manages to transport us into a bewitching universe as sweet as honey.

NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS is ultimately a big disappointment, regressing on many points compared to previous CyberConnect2 releases. Admittedly, it boasts the largest roster in the series, but there is no excuse for the title’s lack of ambition, even less so when you consider that seven years separate this episode from Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. At best, it is a snack designed to keep fans waiting for more content (if not new content). For the rest of you, skip it.

Beyond its near-perfect graphics, The Invincible fails to keep us gripped in the long haul. According to our research, the game doesn’t strictly follow the book and takes certain liberties with the story. This results in a game following the narrative codes and pushing further and further away any kind of action. If it had been made entirely as a narrative game, the codes would have been in line. However, it was sold to us as an adventure game, which means that the plot had to be introduced more quickly to keep the player engaged until the end. Knowing this, it seems hard to enjoy all eleven endings. Nonetheless, The Invincible remains a high-quality space adventure game that is more than worthy of our attention. Yasna says this during his journey: “Faced with a beautiful landscape, an hour can seem like a minute.” This quote sums up the title perfectly. Despite its shortcomings in terms of action, its aesthetics compel us to linger, if only to contemplate what Starward Industries has to offer: space, its immensity, its stillness, peace and beauty. We could almost forget that this planet aims to exterminate us: some deaths are far more troubling.

Desolatium is a real success for all fans of the Great Old Ones and lost cities imagined by H.P. Lovecraft. Like the master’s works, the game always suggests more than it shows, and with the right mix of elements, it goes beyond mere hints to the works to let us experience one in its own right. The photorealistic aesthetic is totally mastered, but still less so than the stunning soundtrack, which commands respect. If it were not for the rare moments when some of the 3D models were outdated by a few console generations, this would have been a clear round.

Venice 2089 is a clever little game. Beneath its childlike colourful exterior and chill, relaxing vibe, Nova’s adventures inevitably lead you to reflect on future climate change. Admittedly, you will have to complete some very conventional missions and read the long dialogues in English to finish exploring this futuristic Venice. Paradoxically enough, when you put down the controller, you are left with a feeling that you have just played an educational title.

This campaign for Call of Duty Modern Warfare III does not cut the mustard. Lasting only 4 hours, it is far too short, and the storytelling is not as good as in the last few games. The visuals are as polished as ever, and the classic missions are well staged and packed with action. Unfortunately, the new type of open-ended missions introduced this year is barely convincing and is far too present in the campaign. It is quite hard to recommend buying the game at full price for someone who only focuses on the single-player experience, and you cannot help feeling that it is more of an extension of Modern Warfare II than a title in its own right. The same is true of the Zombie mode, which is closer to a variant of the DMZ mode than a truly original experience. Fortunately, the multiplayer side of things picks up the slack, with sixteen very good maps at launch, and some welcome in-game improvements.

Hellboy games are rare, but good Hellboy games are even rarer, and this one unfortunately does not even out the odds. It would be quicker to say what is right than what is wrong: faithful aesthetics and quality dubbing despite the scanty source material. Hellboy misses everything it sets out to do, right down to the very Roguelike structure of play, die, improve, try again, forgetting in this case the moment when you die. It is a bad adaptation, a bad Roguelike and, in the end, a bad game despite all the ingredients available to offer something at least decent. Fly, you fools!

We were awestruck by Jagged Alliance 3. We were not expecting a game with such depth on every level. However, he first few hours of play were rather strange, with the old-fashioned interfaces giving the game a retro feel and the contrast in the way the different territories and gameplay were realised. You really get into the mercenary game, and the fondness developed between the different members of the squad is brilliantly made. The quality of the writing is spot on, as is the interest of the sub-plots. The title is clearly made for fans of X-Com, Wasteland and the first Fallout games.

If you like mythology, interactive comics and Visual Novels, Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is for you! The game tackles topical and sometimes difficult subjects, such as gender and sexuality, disability and post-traumatic stress disorder. The adventure is short but fast-paced, and brilliantly plays on both the codes of the musical and the ancient myths scene. However, its price (€29.99) might be excessive given how quickly it can be completed. Its few translations and responsiveness problems in no way detract from its fascinating storyline, and are nothing that an update will not rectify at a later date.

We had to wait patiently for a sequel to the excellent first Alan Wake, but every second that passed of that wait was worth it. Driving its narrative and gameplay into a horrific thriller, Remedy delivers a work at the height of their creativity, seamlessly fusing the best elements of their previous productions. This sequel shines with its gripping atmosphere, captivating dual storyline and impressive direction, positioning it among the very best of single-player experiences. Rarely has a story bedazzled us like this, and the attention to detail is simply breathtaking. Admittedly, there are a few minor flaws, but nothing that detracts from the overall coherence.

As fans of the genre, we had high expectations vis-à-vis the Polish studio Jukai Studio. Aware that this was a modest production, we did not set our expectations too high. Still, this was a bit of a let down. This video game is only vaguely inspired by its predecessors, and in no way pays tribute to them with such an appalling technical production. Only the soundtrack is a success, but unfortunately it cannot erase this painful experience from our minds. Stray Souls is a game to run away from and never look back!

Blue Isle Studios shows us what happens to a myth when it leaves the internet to materialise. There are no fewer than 10 chapters, including a secret one. Slender Man made a name for itself with its predecessor Slender Man: The Eight Pages, but this sequel enters the pantheon of horror games not to be missed. Slender: The Arrival convincingly demonstrates how video games can create authentic horror experiences. The game manages to capture players' imaginations and hold them under its spell for a minimum of 2 hours. To make it even more terrifying, let us turn off the lights, crank up the volume and immerse ourselves in this frightening adventure that will haunt us long after we have played it.

Like a Dragon Gaiden in no way reinvents the saga’s well-established formula. Fans will be delighted, but if you have never been a fan of the licence before, it should not be any different here. The game has a pleasant, well-staged storyline, with plenty of twists and turns and buckets of emotion. Concerning the gameplay, it remains classic, but the originality of the Agent style and its gadgets entertained us. Finally, even though the story wraps up more quickly than usual, Like a Dragon Gaiden does not forget to pack in a hefty dose of side content to keep the fun going. As a fan, we were more than satisfied, and we are looking forward to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in the very near future.

Jusant won us over with its originality. Restful, poetic and artistic, Don’t Nod’s game seized our attention and held it right through to its conclusion, without ever boring us. Boasting a message that is more relevant than ever in terms of ecology and the future of humanity, Jusant is a resolutely militant work. It is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ears, and provides a great sensation as regards the climbing. Finally, its melancholy and message of hope are particularly compelling: a real breath of fresh air in these suffocating times!

We had a great time in 2021 fighting ViLeaf. Unfortunately, the magic did not happen this time. Technically dated and not aesthetically pleasing, The Smurfs 2: Prisoner of the Green stone does not do as well as its big brother. The gameplay is pleasant and is fairly quick to pick up. The puzzle mechanics are well thought-out and work well. However, there are not enough of them, and they are all presented far too early. Once you’ve completed the first world, the game never really renews itself, either in its bestiary or in its gameplay mechanics. As a result, by the first third of the game you will be bored, wandering through lifeless, panache-free settings, desperately waiting to see the end.

It may require some intellectual effort to enjoy, but the game is well worth the effort. In a walking simulator, it is not the gameplay or the objective of reaching the end of the game that matters, but the path you take. In this case, that path presents many twists and turns, and the story of a family shattered by life is gradually revealed. Their story is a touching one that stirs our empathy. You could compare The Gap to an interactive film, the kind you wouldn’t walk through with a smile on your face.

Endless Dungeon offers solid gameplay and a fresh experience that makes you want to go back for seconds and explore the mysterious space station, but there are some major issues. Despite the fine-tuning by French studio Amplitude, the numerous glitches that affect the saving of progress in both single-player and multiplayer, combined with gameplay typos and the sometimes-capricious procedural generation, ruin the experience. An emergency update is required and is overdue, more than a week after the game’s release. Once it is deployed (if it ever arrives), we can only recommend a co-operative adventure, if you like one of the tower defence or roguelite genres offered by Endless Dungeon.

Leaving behind this adventure after experiencing a story that deserved a much better treatment truly saddens us! And yet, the dark, mature story is not overhauled, the sliding gameplay – which has become all too rare in games – is enjoyable, the massive anomalies are striking and the storyline keeps us on the edge of our seats from start to finish. Unfortunately, it is not mastered and proves to be more frustrating than exhilarating. We are constantly left with the feeling of something promising that systematically deflates like a soufflé, thus inflating our frustration tenfold. Even though we are disappointed, we think the way is now wide open for a sequel that will erase all these flaws and deliver quite a masterful game!

Headbanger Rhythm Royale is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise that has what it takes to earn a place in the world of Battle Royale. Original and fun, it offers fast-paced but not unchallenging sessions. Rhythm, memory and concentration will be your best assets if you want to be crowned the best pigeon. To top it all off, you will be able to do it in style, thanks to the extensive customisation of your feathered avatar.

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is undoubtedly a very good detective story game, thanks to its truly immersive gameplay: it really makes you feel like a detective. The variety of locations and the possibility of playing as two characters make it a very complete game. The story is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns, and there is a plethora of mystery and suspense, just like in any good old whodunit. It took us fifteen hours to complete our investigation, and the game delivers on its promise right up to the last second. The game’s French dubbing is excellent, making it even more immersive. Tested on Xbox Series S, we encountered no glitches whatsoever. We can only recommend this excellent Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express to fans of the genre and to those who want to discover or rediscover this captivating tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat for many hours.

Lil Gator Game is a cute adventure game populated by many inhabitants who moved us with every encounter. Gator and his sister have a close-knit relationship that is reminiscent of real-life situations. This brother-sister relationship is the core of the game, while simultaneously giving us a great life lesson. This title offers around five hours of gameplay enabling you to escape your reality and think of nothing. Lil Gator Game is a feel-good game that reminds us not to lose our childlike spirit. This title is so short that you will want to play it again, both for its beauty and for the breath of fresh air it provides. There is no complexity here, so you can enjoy it for what it is: a nice little stroll. Lil Gator Game's message is benevolent and full of hope. Never forget that if we experience intense things, so do others. It is important to remember that we are not inside other people's heads, so there is no way of knowing what is going on there. Sometimes, a simple conversation can change it all. And that is the beauty of Lil Gator Game: it takes us beyond the simple childishness of it all to ponder about more serious matters.

We loved Hot Wheels Unleashed before, and the same goes for its sequel. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged takes the basics of its predecessor and develops and improves them. Still, the campaign mode's storyline is a little too childish and the boss battles are quite tedious. However, with even more vehicles available at launch, new game modes, enhanced gameplay with the addition of jumps and side attacks, and a revamped car upgrade system, the title succeeds, like its predecessor, in keeping us on the edge of our seat.

Sonic Superstars is at the convergence of trends in the evolution of the franchise. It has an old-school spirit that would not be denied by the Mania episode, as in a continuity of the original philosophy, but with modern tools and a much more discreet use of 3D than in Colors. Between tradition and modernity, Sonic Superstars has everything it takes to bring together young and old, die-hard fans and new players alike, behind the spiky, colourful gang, who, to mark the occasion, welcome a very endearing new member among them. After the slightly odd modernisation gap with Frontiers, which offered a more realistic vision of the franchise, it is great to see our favourite hedgehog and his team racing back to the tried recipe at the core of Sonic's success: a cute, side-scrolling platform game that takes players for a helluva ride at breakneck speeds.

More beautiful, more complete and also more responsive, Ghostrunner 2 initially appears to be the expected and controlled follow-up to the first opus. However, the second half of the game opens up its playing field, offering less cramped environments and new gameplay mechanics, including motorbike passages. These additions are both good and bad, and the core of this sequel still lies in its frenetic action, this time wrapped up in a captivating storyline. Be warned, however, that the title should be reserved for a discerning audience, as the challenge is not for the faint of heart.

Arriving where he is least expected, and above all without a white steed, our supercharged knight succeeds in proposing an interesting iteration of a relatively fashionable genre. The gamble of integrating the whole mythology of the Round Table is an excellent idea that brings a real breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur lacks the bespoke armour that would allow it to shine during a parade. A little awkward and rough around the edges in its deliberately restrained evolution, it is but a helmet too large for its ambitions as a resolutely indie title. Arthur nevertheless manages to give us a pleasant moment in the shimmering lands of this dark age of Camelot.

Despite the impression of playing an unimpressive caricature of a 90s survival game, we had a good time during the ten hours it took to complete the adventure. It is at times annoying to stumble over certain convoluted puzzles or to get lost in the map's vague intricacies. However, Kona II: Mist excels in its storytelling, and that is what really matters in the end. It is not one of those games that should be put in everyone's hands, but some gamers will truly love it.

Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a fun adventure set in richly varied environments, populated by characters from the world of country balls. To get the most out of exploring these levels, the game offers simple, but effective gameplay that, despite being confusing at time in battles, proves to be satisfying. You will enjoy exploring each location from top to bottom, not hesitating to smash into walls and obstacles to destroy them, and sometimes stumble across a hideout full of rewards. Unfortunately, the adventure may prove short-lived for those who do not want to get everything, as it only takes around five hours to complete. Easy to have a ball with Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, but having a bit more content on our plate could have rounded it off nicely.

Like a mischievous cannibox, Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai knows how to lure us in only to bite us in the rear afterwards. The promise of reliving the peregrinations of Dai and his friends is partially fulfilled, but weighed down by an intrusive narrative that turns the player into a mere spectator, something connoisseurs can overlook, but that might upset the rest with its restrictive format. The combat gameplay lacks ambition, offering something less complete and enjoyable to play than other titles in the genre, even those bearing the Dragon Quest stamp. What is left is the roguelike spirit of collecting memories, which here is relatively scarce in its offering, questionably balanced and, above all, contradictory with the spirit of the licence: that of the gradual rise in power of the characters through epic confrontations. All in all, Infinity Strash is not completely off the mark, but it still falls well short of its objective of perpetuating the legend, at least by a good dragon's length.

Following the preview of Forza Motorsport and the Q&A session with the Turn 10 team, we were very optimistic about this test, and we were right on track. Admittedly, the A.I. is still a work in progress, and the images in the rear-view mirror are of poor quality, but all this is outweighed by the overall excellence of the title. The graphics and soundtrack are breathtaking, and don’t get us started on the “feels”: it is quite simply extraordinary. Additionally, the game is designed to be accessible to everyone, as is the level of multiplayer security, allowing you to race with like-minded players. Whether you are a motorsport fan or not, it would be a shame not to join the starting grid of this new Forza Motorsport.

We were bouncing off the walls to see the licence go back to its old foundations. Our heart skipped a beat when we first saw the menus and interface taken directly from the last games, but fortunately it went right back on track. The narrative is well paced, and it is a pleasure to follow Basim’s story from his early days in the Brotherhood. However, it is a shame that there is no meta-story in the game, even though it would have been appropriate given the events described in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The fact that infiltration is back at the heart of the gameplay is a real treat. Basim has a plethora of tools and opportunities to hit his targets in all sorts of different ways, thus dispelling our concerns regarding the lack of variety in combat. Finally, as usual, Ubisoft was meticulous as regards the artistic direction, creating a lively, resplendent city of Baghdad that is a delight to explore both from the streets and rooftops.

With Payday 3, we thought that the Swedish studio Starbreeze would have learned from its past mistakes, but apparently not. As soon as we launched the game, we discovered that we had to register on the official website to be able to play. Of course, we were stuck with the synchronisation problems, and then the matchmaking errors finally put an end to our desire to play. Despite this, the game’s qualitative gameplay, the number of skills, the mission objects’ random changes and the polished graphics are convincing enough, especially if the game switches to the Unreal Engine 5 in the near future. All in all, considering what Starbreeze has done with Payday 2, it might be better to wait a little before taking full advantage of this game. Everyone is free to make their own choices, but ours has already been made.

Paleo Pines offers an interesting gaming experience with a concept that deserves to be explored. However, the title is dormant. Italic Pig wanted to give players a unique adventure set in the Mesozoic era, while incorporating modern elements. This concept is sure to please those fond of dinosaurs. While this title achieves its goal in terms of experience, it does come up against other games in the genre that offer similar experiences, but in a different setting. With the trend towards simulation and farm life, the other titles that are being released at the same time might outshine it due to the lack of activities and redundant quests. And yet, all it takes is a few tweaks to keep players hooked on the adventure. Exploration is indeed an important element, especially if there is something to keep you busy. Unfortunately, the title quickly goes round in circles, with a storyline that does not move forward… It is worth noting, though, that Italic Pig has come up with a very pretty, fairly childlike title, with ultra-cute dinosaurs and a relaxing setting. Even so, it is not enough to take us back to the Mesozoic era.

Lies of P baffled us on many levels such as its universe, which takes up Carlo Collodi’s fairy tale in a steampunk, mature and dark mix. The art direction and soundtrack are also highly inspired, adding a layer of elegance to the adventure that is both mundane and gloomy. Those familiar with this type of game should find it challenging enough to satisfy their thirst to outdo themselves, especially when it comes to the bosses, who are often devious, not to say infuriating. For a first release, the Round8 studio has passed the test with flying colours, even if there are still a few areas for improvement.

Telltale Games had no room for error with this episode after missing the beat with the two previous ones. We were rather pessimistic, but this one turned our frown upside down and proves that the studio was not brought back to life for nothing. This multifaceted conclusion admirably displays the quality of the writing and the talent of the scriptwriters. Every player will experience this final chapter differently, as their respective choices will have altered it. With a truly generous replayability, The Expanse: A Telltale Series finally manages to make up for its technical weaknesses.

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a must-have for fans of old-school games. It proposes an immersive experience that will delight fans of classic survival horror whilst introducing new ideas to a beloved genre. The developers at Invader Studios have once again succeeded in seducing fans with a visually pleasing title, an excellent soundtrack and some decent enough cinematics. Despite an effective gameplay and a mostly enjoyable adventure, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle suffers from a cruel lack of emotion and surprises. Despite a convincing atmosphere, the game’s horror aspect is below par. The action is often predictable and repetitive, leaving no room for chance or doubt. Enemies that are a little too clingy also quickly become annoying… Although Invaders Studios pays a real tribute to Resident Evil with its licence, our game struggles to stand out in the survival-horror scene, both in terms of its story and its gameplay. Does that necessarily make it a bad game? Absolutely not. If you focus on the action and atmosphere, you will still have a fairly entertaining experience.

It would have been very easy for Electronic Arts to rest on its laurels, given that there is no competition whatsoever, but they decided otherwise. EA Sports FC 24's new name brings with it tons of new features such as an improvement in the Frosbyte engine, which looks as good as it feels on the controller. The physics of the athletes is a delight, both in attack and defence. Special mention must also be made of the additions to the career modes, which offer unprecedented depth of play. As for the Club mode, it finally gives the player the chance to fight to the bitter end to reach the Playoffs, giving this co-operative game mode a new lease of life. Whether you are a fan or not and despite a few occasional glitches, FC 24 deserves its place in your game library.

Considering it is coming to the Xbox Game Pass as soon as it is released, everyone should give Party Animals a try. With its cute animals, the game offers some amusing confrontations and, provided it is played with friends, can make for some memorable nights. The gameplay can be frustrating at times due to messy combat, but the fun and extravagant situations are never far away and compensate this well enough. With convincing content from the outset, both in terms of different game modes and avatar customisation, Party Animals has what it takes to make a name for itself.

Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way, and so has CD Projekt. Even if some technical weaknesses persist despite three years of updates/patches, the Phantom Liberty expansion rekindles V's adventures in a wonderful way. We were carried away by the storyline, worthy of a James Bond film. Between gunfights, political betrayals and lies at every corner, we enjoyed every minute of it. With a lifespan that can easily reach twenty to twenty-five hours, depending on the player, this expansion is well worth buying.

Ultimately, Mortal Kombat 1 is an episode fully in line with the licence's latest releases, exploiting the foundations that have made the series' revival such a success since Mortal Kombat X and 11. By revamping its scenario, NetherRealm has opened the door wide to accessibility and taken the opportunity to reintroduce a number of familiar faces, while simultaneously disrupting fans' habits. With the controller in hand, a certain nervousness pervades the fights, mainly due to the arrival of the Kameos which are support characters who can be used both offensively and defensively. As for the rest, we are back to the best the series has to offer, emphasising the gruesome effects and mind-blowing animations (pun intended) for a most definitive “Konvincing” finale.

Without a doubt, The Crew Motorfest is an absolute hit. It features a rich and varied content, with effective gameplay that's quick to pick up, and a lively map with many distinct biomes and playgrounds, as well as a convincing summer ambience. Although we were a little disappointed by the aircraft handling and the slippery feel of the turns, we enjoyed every second we spent on land, at sea or in the air. We're definitely going back at it!

The Total Mayhem Games studio surprises us with a new series of We Were Here games. However, we're divided between the pleasure of rediscovering new puzzles spiced up by a scoring system and the disappointment of the game's format. Despite being rather short, we found the experience amusing, and some of the crazy situations even provoked a few laughs. Although it won't appeal to everyone, the game will serve as a nice introduction for the most curious players who have missed out on the first four excellent opuses, especially since we can all enjoy it for free from today until mid-October!

Sea of Stars is one of the finest tributes to the great J-RPG era we've seen in recent years. Sabotage Studio has captured the quintessence of the genre and adapted it perfectly to today's standards, without betraying it or falling into the trap of simply copying it for a limited audience of die-hard nostalgics. Following the adventures of Zale, Valere, Garl and their companions is a constant source of delight, with every plot twist, every new setting and every hard-fought battle keeping us eager for more. With all these qualities, there's no reason to resist the appeal.

With this penultimate episode, the Telltale Games studio had to be convincing, especially after a rather lacklustre mid-season storyline. The result is more than a little disappointing. With a long, soporific section at the beginning of the chapter, it's hard to be satisfied with the dynamism brought by the conclusion of this opus. The development team has put itself in a difficult position and no longer has the right to make mistakes to convince. The final episode will have to be a real big bang if The Expanse: A Telltale Series doesn't want to end up forgotten on the edge of explored space.

To be frank, we were not quite on board as regards the outcome of this test during the first few hours of play. In the end, we unknowingly went with the flow and, like narcosis, the emotions we experienced slowly took our breath away. The wave knocked us on our feet and we drowned in the abyss of the narrative. Even if the technical production struggles a little in some respects, the immersion remains total and it is hard to get your head out of the water to avoid staying trapped “under the waves”.

The cat is out of the bag! Developed by AnnaPurna Interactive, Stray features a well-designed introduction that gets players fully immersed in the adventure. Shame for its sometimes-basic gameplay and somewhat short lifespan. Throughout the game, the sublime art direction, worthy of the best triple-A studios, endows the title with an exceptional atmosphere that is very much its own. Do not hesitate to get your paws on it as soon as possible!

Four years after its predecessor, Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy still is very much bathing in its comfort zone. It is a particularly enjoyable game to play on your own, of course, but playing with others is the bee’s knees. It would be criminal to miss out on the multiplayer experience, which guarantees many hours of fun, laughter, grunts of frustration, name-calling and even temporary misunderstandings that fade into a big smile when you finally get the hang of it. Too few games today offer this explosive mix of action, platforming and thinking to share with friends, whether they are on the other side of the world or on the sofa beside us. And when we are faced with such a qualitative, there is no reason why you should not want to join Trine’s heroes on their adventures for the first or fifth time.

The middle episode of a mini-series is a difficult turn to negotiate for a scriptwriter. You have to set the final course without giving away too much or too little. In our opinion, with this third instalment in the adventures of Camina Drummer, the Telltale Games studio has almost got its recipe right. Although we would have appreciated a little more action, we were delighted with the writing of the characters and the dramatic turn the story can already take. Despite a few camera angle problems, already encountered in the second episode, immersion remains total. However, whether in terms of action and storyline, we are expecting a lot from the second half.

Let us cut to the chase: we were over the moon with Starfield. The number of available quests is remarkable, but the writing’s quality is what truly amazed us. Bethesda has delivered a masterful experience here by intelligently guiding us through the multiple narratives as we discover and explore the universe they have created for us. Even after +100 hours, one can still find a way to keep busy whilst feeling the same exhilarating sensations of the adventure’s kickstart. The expected journey is there, and the space adventure is almost limitless. Unfortunately, exploring on our own is not as exciting as we had hoped. In our opinion, the promises of freedom are only half-fulfilled: yes, one can travel and roam the galaxy, and yes, some rich adventures can be experienced, but space and planetary exploration are barely on a par with games like No Man’s Sky or Elite Dangerous. It all depends on what you are expecting for that point, which is definitely there, but sadly lacks depth and possibilities. Starfield encompasses and combines all the studio’s know-how on a highly ambitious game that delivers a stellar experience, but one that needs to be accepted for what it is.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is undoubtedly the best opus in the licence, as well as being an enjoyable reboot of the series that quickly plunges us into the core of its plot. Despite being incredibly rich and offering everything that fans of the series have come to expect, it may well put off new players with its obscure technical terms, more arcade-style approach and astonishing difficulty.

With Ride 5, the Italian studio Milestone has brought us a game that is as accomplished in terms of gameplay as it is in terms of graphics. Make no mistake about it: the sound is highly qualitative. With over two hundred vehicles and thirty-five circuits, the career mode guarantees long hours of play. The addition of endurance races and dynamic weather add a significant and desirable element to the title’s content. If beautiful motorbikes are your thing, it is definitely a game that needs to be in your library.

For its first major title, Ascendant Studios has big ambitions, and by recruiting talented developers, the studio has done everything it can to live up to them. As far as we are concerned, that is a big yes. Aveum's universe is rich and deep, and its artistic direction is coherent and immersive. Even though the diversity of the gameplay tends to make mapping a little complex, we did not see the hours go by with the controller in hand, and for us that is the mark of a successful game. We are curious to know what the studio has in store for us next.

We really enjoyed playing Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara. More than just a platform game, it is an excellent pirate-themed adventure title. By giving us the chance to develop the island of Qalis by collecting various resources, it offers great replayability. With a great narrative, beautiful graphics and great content, embodying a seasoned pirate and completing the various challenges to uncover the secret hideout of Grantloom (the pirate leader) was enjoyable from start to finish. Rhythmic and original, the discovery of the title went off without a hitch and no glitches were noticed on Xbox Series S. The title has been translated into French and whether you are a fan of platform games or pirate adventures, it will certainly appeal to young and old alike.

Writing a review of Blasphemous 2 is no picnic. We enjoyed it because we could both feel a real increase in our abilities as players and in those of our character. Simultaneously, we were disappointed by the lack of difficulty encountered, with the exception of a few completely unbalanced, sudden and infuriating peaks where we could see the strings of skill validation, all mixed with mechanics that were sometimes poorly thought out and frustrated us more than necessary. Fortunately, its polished atmosphere and the design of the NPCs, bosses and other creatures of the underworld offset the setting’s quite bland artistic direction. It is not a bad game, and it is even really enjoyable at times, but The Game Kitchen still has a long way to go before it manages to repent for its previous sins.

We had our fair share of concerns after the first episode’s conclusion. Even though the technical blemishes highlighted in our previous test have not been, and probably will not be, fixed, this second episode is reassuring. We gradually get a glimpse of a quality writing, and are pleased to discover that our previous choices now have an impact. We also become increasingly attached to the characters as we learn more about their dark pasts. Let us hope that our current positive impression will be reinforced in the next episode, which we cannot wait to put our hands on.

The darkness of Gord reminded us of the excellent Cult of the Lamb, but without the irony. The Polish studio Covenant has delivered a first quality title that we clearly did not see coming! The mix of survival, management and horror topped with solid gameplay mechanics works wonders. Additionally, the random events and the way the game unfolds tend to be reminiscent of a board game. However, we do regret the player's lack of involvement in the confrontations, during which we are forced to remain passive with no possible interaction to change the course of the automatic battles.

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm has certain qualities. It has a pleasant storyline supported by a relevant soundtrack and polished graphics. Alas, despite the various inspirations from The Legend of Zelda licence, which may appeal to some, one tends to feel frustrated by the confusing menus and an unfortunately outdated gameplay. However, even though we were not able to fully complete the game due to these shortcomings, we still enjoyed the main storyline for the ten hours or so it took.

From Worms to Overcooked! and The Escapists, SMG and Team17 have once again delivered a well-made party game to spice up our days out with family and friends. With the addition of new mechanics, a cross-platform online co-op mode and versatile accessibility, there is no reason to miss out on this title, which heralds the end of quite a “moving” season!

Despite the plethora of flaws listed and a major feeling of wasted time, we are convinced that Atlas Fallen can find its audience. Given the lack of big releases this month, Deck13's title could use this brief dip in the calendar to its advantage. Even with some good ideas, a pleasing art direction and level design, Atlas Fallen still struggles to convince in its current state. Considering we wholeheartedly believed in it, the pill is all the more difficult to swallow. The waves of sand were not enough to win our hearts.

With F1 Manager 23, we were hoping that Frontier Developments would make some big improvements and iron out the imperfections present in F1 Manager 22. As regards those improvements, it goes without saying that we are in for a treat, as there are plenty of new features that add more fun, depth and immersion to this management game, which remains fantastic in many respects. The graphics inevitably drag the title down, which smears all the new features. On the other hand, we are still having just as much fun playing the game. So, yes, the British studio is offering us a major update rather than a complete overhaul, but that should not hold back fans of the genre.

After having flown too close to the sun and burnt its wings, the Telltale Games studio arose from its ashes with the undisguised ambition of trying to reproduce the success of The Walking Dead. Will The Expanse: Telltale Series be up to the task, and will players forgive the mistakes of the past? That is not a question we will be able to answer clearly from the first episode. Although technical progress has been made, there are still a few kinks in the engine. Therefore, everything remains to be done if the studio is to return to its former prestige. We are confident, however, that the teams are determined to do the right thing, and look forward to the sequel to flesh out our opinion.

Sanuk Games offers us here a very timid rewrite of the supercharged space skirmishes that have delighted arcade fans since the 90s by adding an oh so fashionable of today dash of Roguelite. Whether in the mechanics and the technique used, this attempt is sorely lacking in ambition. Nova Strike remains an old-fashioned shoot'em up that's far too generic in its conception, and while it's far from bad, it missed the boat to be a suitable alternative to the current offerings in this very niche videogame branch.