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.

WRC Generations is KT Racing’s farewell gift to the WRC licence that accompanied it for seven opuses. The French studio could have been satisfied with a last minimum service. Quite far from that, every pixel of WRC Generations exudes the developers’ passion and love for this bewitching mechanical sport that is rallying. Almost all the planets have aligned for this final opus: superb new Rally1, more realistic car physics, a long-awaited convincing artistic direction, and a plethora of content. Far from being perfect, the latter is unfortunately under-exploited. But if we had to keep only one in the whole series, this one would be the precious. A successful ending to a superb adventure! KT Racing will join the greatest of the genre. Our expectations for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown have never been higher.

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.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is certainly not the licence’s renaissance we had been eagerly awaiting. While fun, especially in multiplayer mode, Secret Base's title faces the limitations of a genre that it does not really seek to renew, except through the prism of clichés taken from other genres. It is good fun, with a unique artistic direction that will undoubtedly keep beat'em up fans happy for a while.

Nobody Wants to Die is an immersive narrative experience that excels in its field. Its cyberpunk neo-noir aesthetic blends perfectly with elements of 1940s film noir. With stunning graphics, a remarkable soundtrack and a poignant narrative, the title immerses players in a dark and captivating universe. Despite a few defects and a gameplay that is sometimes too authoritative, it offers a unique and unmissable experience that will appeal to fans of thrillers, investigations and cyberpunk universes.

South of Midnight's adventure is likely to confuse a large number of players. However, the title has some serious assets, particularly with its poetic artistic orientation. In addition, the integration of American myths into Hazel's story offers sensations as pleasant as those felt when a subtle wind from the south comforts you. Unfortunately, the overall experience went south because of completely outmoded technique and repetitive action sequences. It was like discovering a game lost at the beginning of this century because of its overly linear structure. This is highly regrettable, as we would have gladly lost ourselves for a few more hours in the company of Prospero with his endearing characters and excellent soundtrack. Perhaps our wishes will be granted in a possible sequel? Indeed, Xboxygen wishes for this game to find its right direction!

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is aptly named as it is indeed, the fall of an unbalanced dream. The inspired artistic direction, the sensitive characters, the acting in the dubbing and the musical ambience all contribute greatly to the creation of this original and complex universe. Unfortunately, the title is mercilessly weighed down by an unnecessarily complex and ponderous game interface that constantly taunts us with poor gameplay and choices that were deceptive from the get-go. The promise of making “fully informed” decisions by allowing you to go to the other side of the stage and master the mechanics is far from being kept, and that is what makes the title so disappointing. Best reserved for fans of the French studio.

Even if the gameplay mechanics of As Dusk Falls remain specific to the genre, they are right on point. Its unicity comes from its artistic direction and the quality of its writing. The software leans back and forth between an interactive movie and a narrative game. The quality of the dubbing and the soundtrack are just the icing on a skilfully produced and savoury cake. With a substantial lifespan and almost infinite replayability, the title should be a well-deserved triumph. The possibility for co-op sessions or playing with one's community will certainly contribute to this.

So far, MotoGP 21 offers the best gameplay experience of the entire series. In comparison to the previous one, the immersion was truly kicked up a notch and this gives a greatly improved experience that is less punitive and better-dosed. Unfortunately and similar to Monster Energy Supercross 4, Milestone offers two different versions of its game on Xbox One and Series X|S that will end up dividing an already brittle online community. Without this misstep, it could’ve been a real “coup de cœur”.

SCHiM is an excellent discovery with tons of inventiveness, ideas and experimentation, but still finding its way. While it's fun to explore its four-colour levels and test out all the possibilities offered by taking control of each object, the whole thing still feels rather repetitive and linear. Nonetheless, the adventure is well worth getting over its shortcomings, if only for its originality and the ingenious treatment of its content.

Like all bad critics, we would have liked this compilation to have been more generous. As well as a welcome return in time, we would have appreciated it to include all the episodes in the saga and for the remastering work to have gone even further. At this stage, it keeps alive two exceptional games that remain the best gateway to discover Soul Reaver, but without transcending them.

In spite of its arduous development, which gave rise to certain concerns, Dead Island 2 is a real success. The technical aspect is spot on: the quality of its landscapes and the very elaborate atmosphere of its ten explorable zones often make for quite a pleasant surprise. The whole thing is wrapped up in an effective narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat and its well-written secondary characters are the icing on the cake. The title unveils more and more layers throughout its adventure and is filled with good ideas, thus captivating us for the twenty hours it takes to complete it. Of course, the game remains quite standard in its approach and does not revolutionise the genre. Yet, how pleasant can it be to slaughter and butcher hordes of undead foes under the blazing Los Angeles sun. The gameplay is rich and varied, offering many different weapons to play with, while giving free rein to our creativity. Fans of zombie games, go for it! You will not regret it.

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.

By significantly improving the experience of an NBA game in terms of gameplay, sound and graphics, the game has never been so beautiful, exciting, immersive and realistic. With an oustanding amount of content and game modes, all of which are at least of high quality, it's impossible not to find something to enjoy. However, the big disappointment comes from My Career. The idea of interweaving it with the universe of The City technically seems pleasant and logical given the direction the studio has been taking for years. Unfortunately, the presence of outdated RPG mechanics and the inconsistencies of a career of an NBA star player correlated to a life simulation of a neighborhood player (even a "legendary" one) become more and more problematic and annoying as you go on. The experience even becomes exasperating despite a promising start and interesting story situations because of The City's environment which suffers from technical shortcomingsfurther ruining the immersion. In the future, truly separating the My Career and My Player modes would make it possible to enjoy the best of both worlds rather than persisting in this flawed marriage doomed to failure, if that's not too much to ask.

Techland really is an astonishing studio. Funnily enough, we were amazed by Dying Light 2’s narrative and roleplay even though we had reservations about it and were disappointed by the map design and certain gameplay mechanics, elements which we took for granted until now. Nevertheless, we salute the absolute dedication of an artist’s vision that oozes in the whole game design and the risk-taking to update the gameplay after the first episode’s overwhelming success. Even if the game doesn’t reach the expected heights, it allows Techland to move upwards, which is promising for the future, so let’s meet again in 5 years! In the meantime, Dying Light 2 remains one of the last very good representatives of an open-world formula that marked the previous generation but is at risk of aging badly in the years to come. Enjoy it now, because we had a lot of fun playing it and also because the next big game that will shake things up is yet to be announced.

Park Beyond offers some good ideas for building roller coasters, and the first few hours are rather pleasant to explore. Unfortunately, despite the clever ideas related to the management of visitor categories, the diversity of outlets and the freedom given to creation, the experience quickly runs out of steam. We were also put off by the lack of clarity in the optimisation of park management between profit, fun, amazement, and cleanliness. Then we move on to camera problems and numerous glitches that mar the game experience. Apart from having a new competitor, Planet Coaster is still the master of theme park management games. Park Beyond presents a game lacking in content, with six themes and around fifteen unique attractions, the rest being available as DLC... Nuff said.

During the trailer of Need For Speed Unbound, the cel-shading visuals made us grit our teeth a little bit. It turns out that after a few minutes of action, we realise that the British studio has expertly blended this type of graphics to the rest and it is quite stunning! As far as the story goes, it is well introduced and quite catchy. As regards the handling aspect, this is a pure NFS experience, therefore something close to arcade style. Thanks to an energetic soundtrack, the races are full off rhythm and the police chases keep us glued on the edge of our seat when we carry a large amount of money. The only downside might be the limited interaction between single and multiplayer. To cut to the case, whether visually speaking or with the controller in hand, this game is a real success. For fans of the genre, you will surely have a great time. For the others, we strongly invite you to give it a spin!

Mourning is a theme that has been rehashed many times in video games. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU does so in the most beautiful of ways. Through this metroidvania, Surgent Studio related the personal story of its founder, Abubakar Salim, in a wonderful way. With its warm art direction and flawless production, this first work will undoubtedly receive the praise it deserves among gamers.

Star Wars Outlaws proposes a captivating adventure that immerses players in the rich and complex intricacies of the galactic underworld, whilst bringing a breath of fresh air to Ubisoft's familiar open-world formula. Despite some significant shortcomings in the combat and space exploration phases, the experience remains highly engaging thanks to a convincing narrative, a varied open world and (finally) natural, organic exploration, as well as well-developed characters. Nonetheless, technical problems on Xbox Series X tarnish an otherwise promising proposal. All in all, Star Wars Outlaws manages to captivate, but fails to fully realise the potential that its concept and universe can allow.

Like demigods, Eternal Strands gives us the power to unleash the elements and battle titanic colossi, while giving ample room for crafting and exploration in gorgeous landscapes. Despite a few technical hiccups, such as camera problems and framerate drops, its rich, entertaining and fluid gameplay makes this videogame experience a pleasure to indulge in. Fans of action-RPGs will be delighted by this fairly successful first title, and we will be closely following the future development of this young studio.

Onimusha 2 remains an experience of its time. Visually, like its hero, the game hasn't aged a bit, and the gameplay mechanics are enjoyable, despite camera angles that will frustrate many players. There's no denying that Capcom has done a neat job of making it more digestible. The poor writing and its gallery of ridiculous villains,which by the way shouldn't be taken seriously, unfortunately drag it through the mud.

Packed with a multitude of good ideas, Pepper Grinder has exhaustively explored its main gameplay concept and brought it to its peak. The game’s too discreet exploration and perfectible time-trial mode are shortcomings that hinder it from receiving the recognition it deserves.

Wild Hearts is not without its qualities. It even manages to captivate us during certain moments of grace, notably with its lively, nervous and dynamic gameplay as well as with its colourful bestiary. The ability to build structures on the go during battles is a real advantageous edge, both offensively and in our movements. Despite its first few hours which are hard to take in hand, it gains momentum as you unlock new game mechanics. It must be said that technically speaking, it is weak and it suffers from a badly-designed camera that barely does its job.

With After Us, the Piccolo studio once again flexes its ability to make video games go beyond mere entertainment. Despite a simple gameplay, the title manages to surprise the player with each new environment. Its clever level design manages to break the corridor effect inherent to the genre. Even if the camera system could be improved, nothing hinders the player's progressive awareness. After the ten hours or so spent with the controller in hand, we came back to reality with a different perspective. This title undoubtedly deserves its place among the nominees at the next Game Awards.

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.

Phasmophobia stands out as a real UFO, offering a frightening and unrivalled experience that is great fun to play with friends. Its gloomy, oppressive atmosphere, immersive gameplay and remarkable sound design are its main assets. Despite a few collision bugs and slightly stiff animations, this original work has everything to captivate and bewitch thrill-seekers, and all at a low price. Constantly evolving, Phasmophobia promises many more surprises with regular updates and additional content. According to Kinetic Games' roadmap, the game could be completed in 2025, by which time it will have reached its pinnacle for an even more accomplished experience.

Adventures of Chris has left a sour taste of frustration and disappointment in our mouths. The title showed promise thanks to its gameplay revolving around a balloon that inflates and deflates. Unfortunately, the inaccurate hitboxes combined with a slightly too high difficulty tends to frustrate the player at an early stage. One feels eager to put the controller down despite the pleasant 90’s inspiration and the few comical notes here and there. Facing a tremendous competition on the independent market, it will be hard for this game to find an opening.

CyberConnect2 once again tries to win over a large portion of gamers by proposing for the first time on the Xbox ecosystem a more generous, sexy and authentic as ever take on this JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R. Despite a single-player content that will undoubtedly be consumed very quickly by aficionados of Hirohiko Araki’s universe, it is ultimately the community’s devotion that will decide if the title is a success in the long run.

As an action-RPG, Asterigos: Curse of the Stars offers a sensational experience. Whether in terms of story and combat gameplay, this rich AA production is more than generous. Unfortunately, the level design struggles to be convincing and clearly tarnishes the general experience. As regards the technical aspect, the AA production status and the usual lack of means it implies might explain why some corners were cut. However, the gameplay experience remains pleasant and the story and gameplay largely make up for the shortcomings.

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.

Dying Light: The Beast succeeds where Stay Human fell short, reconnecting with the horrific, visceral and nerve-wracking essence of the franchise. The return of iconic hero Kyle Crane, his monstrous transformation, steroid-fuelled parkour and the sublime setting of Castor Woods provide a brutal, intense and deliciously wild immersive experience. The gameplay gains depth thanks to the well-exploited man-beast duality, and the day/night cycle is even more unforgiving. Not everything is perfect: the storyline remains mundane, exploration is more restricted (but more intense), some recycled mechanics struggle to surprise, and the AI still has a few glitches (sometimes more frightening than the undead themselves). But no matter, The Beast, like a hungry offspring, becomes the wild child of the trilogy, howling its return to its roots with rage and darkness. If you liked the first Dying Light, you'll love The Beast!

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 Precinct aims to change the GTA-style genre by reversing the roles, featuring more structured police gameplay and a retro atmosphere inspired by 1980s crime films. While the concept, aesthetics and variety of patrol situations are appealing, the game suffers from a lack of narrative depth, repetitive gameplay and notable technical issues. The game offers an arcade-style police simulation, in which you shouldn't expect anything more than a sandbox world, but one in which you can still have a good time.

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.

RiMS Racing is far from being a negative experience. Sadly enough for RaceWard, the studio in charge, their expectations might’ve been too far up. Basically, we are faced with a game teeming with good ideas but an overall outdated realisation. The content really is too light, the AI is frustrating, and the multiplayer lobbies are desperately empty. For whoever is passionate enough to discover the game, some good sensations can still be felt with a controller thanks notably to a very immersive point of view within the helmet and the joy of mingling with one’s vehicle to maximise its stats.

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.

Evil West manages to stand out from the crowd thanks to its efficient, cruelly brutal and well-orchestrated gameplay. The character’s increasing power is well designed and it offers dynamic, fluid and addictive combat scenes to the player. On the other hand, do not hope for a story worthy of the greatest westerns and exploration: this is a game based solely on action and you should not ask for more.

After the narrative excellence of Rime, we had high expectations for this new title from Tequila Works. Unfortunately, Gylt fails to match its big brother. The lack of risk-taking in the gameplay and in the construction of the puzzles leads to a rather plain game. Due to a lack of finesse between what is narrated and what is suggested, the chemistry is not right and many players will miss out on what the developers wanted to convey. As Stadia's sole exclusive when it was first released in 2019, the title probably suffered from the weight that was on its shoulders at the time. We hope that for its next release, the studio will be able to fully express its talent.

We can only thank 2K for bringing back this licence after so many years of absence. Obviously, the budget invested isn't the same as in NBA2K or WWE2K, but the intention is there and we think that this is a successful gamble. Indeed, the game is far from perfect, both in terms of its scarce content and the inequalities in its gameplay, which we hope are temporary, but whatever happens, it stands well above all the other licences we have seen over the last 13 years. In some interviews, Rémi Ercolani spoke of a lack of interest in tennis, but the buzz around TopSpin 2K25 shows quite the opposite. Nonetheless, it remains a very good tennis game, with only a few shortcomings linked to a lack of confidence in the title's potential for success.

While the reveal of Train Sim World 3's content had received a mixed reception from fans of the series, it is clear that this new opus fully deserves its new number and is becoming the new benchmark for railway simulation on Xbox. Dovetail Games' title is all set for the ninth generation of consoles (and the arrival of multiple DLC), with the redesign of the user interface, the addition of a Training Center, both functional and well crafted, and the remarkable work done around the skybox, the lighting, the sound of the locos and the dynamic weather spread to all game modes. Only some technical issues tarnish the party a bit, but they don't spoil the captivating immersion and the intense passion for the train that Train Sim World brings.

Les Schtroumpfs L'épopée Des Rêves won us over and transported us on a dreamlike journey with colourful, pleasant graphics, simple, effective gameplay that's easy to pick up, worlds full of fun activities, exploration that encourages curiosity and ingenious mechanics that renew the gameplay, leaving very little room for boredom. However, some levels can be very (too) long, and some bits are clearly difficult enough for children, who are the main target audience of this title, although it will undoubtedly appeal to young and old alike, and why not in pairs, as the game offers a local co-op mode. For those who like 3D platform games like Mario 3D World, we can only recommend this fun and original game.

Primarily aimed at a niche audience wishing to immerse themselves in the conflicts of the First World War and indulge in a realistic and demanding gameplay, Isonzo could still appeal to neophytes of the genre. The immersion in the battles is successful, notably thanks to the quality sound design. As long as our team makes the best use of the different classes’ abilities, the confrontations are quite enjoyable. However, one will have to overlook the outdated technical aspect that could put some people off.

Call of Duty Vanguard offers meaningful elements, especially in multiplayer thanks to a large number of varied and well-constructed maps. However, the TTK is far too low and the SBMM is abysmal. The campaign has some nice assets with some fun missions, allowing us to experience various conflicts of the Second World War. However, it’s a shame that the storytelling’s quality is not as good as it could be, but the visual one manages to bring the game up to par. As regards the Zombie mode, it will have to be disregarded, at least until new content is added. As it stands, the mode is sorely lacking in interest. Overall, Call of Duty Vanguard won’t be a landmark in the series, but it should still keep fans entertained until next year.

To put it straight, Steelrising has won us over. Of course, the challenge might be a bit too easy for the fans of the genre, but Spiders' title opens the door to newcomers who want to try souls-like games, while remaining quite demanding. The universe is coherent and convincing, this uchronic Paris in the grip of the flames coupled to the madness of its ruler is as exciting to discover as it is dark and oppressive. Aegis and the emblematic personalities of this era participate to a pleasant scenario to follow, even if it lacks a little touch of epic and despite a convincing O.S.T.. A well-oiled adventure, close to be one of our favorite, congratulations Spiders!

Ubisoft promised the most ambitious DLC of the series and a 40-hour life span to go through all the content. Unfortunately, neither of these promises have been kept. Dawn of Ragnarök follows the path of the two previous expansions with an uninspired narrative that struggles to keep us interested. There is little new gameplay to acknowledge, apart from the addition of new powers, but this barely acts as a breath of fresh air. We could have been a bit more tolerant if the expansion had been included in the Season Pass, but at €39.99, there’s no way we can recommend it. Being fans of the licence, the disappointment is even greater, and we hardly recognise the series that used to fascinate us. Ubisoft must urgently make changes and go back to what made the fame of Assassin's Creed.

Much less mature and gory than most of the adaptations featuring the bearded hero, Conan Chop Chop remains nonetheless a very funny and entertaining outlet for many. Thanks to its colourful and cartoonish artistic style, it will suit young and old generations alike. Despite being casual for most of its duration, some of its difficult passages may bewilder those with little patience, especially on the third boss. Its bestiary and environments also lack in variety. Despite a few setbacks, Conan Chop Chop definitely has a constant and inexplicable ingredient that pushes one to go back for seconds. It’s globally a good title to enjoy with friends and without moderation, by Crom!

Code Vein 2 perfectly embodies the idea of a missed opportunity. The game is full of good ideas: a rich universe, a strong narrative concept, a flexible progression system and pleasant anime-style art direction. However, in its quest to make the experience more accessible, its very essence is being diluted. The overly low difficulty, overpowered companions, excessive recycling, and technical issues prevent the title from reaching the minimum standard at times. The result is an experience that is sometimes enjoyable, but often frustrating and rarely memorable. Code Vein 2 remains a solid game at its core, but it lacks the rigour, tension, and boldness necessary to make a lasting impression in the landscape of recently released souls-like games.

Our fear of a 1.5 version of Sniper: Ghost Warriors Contracts, only 18 months after the previous one was released, turned out to be quite real. Fortunately, our concern was soothed by the studio's choice for a Middle East environment with its warm colours instead of a freezing Siberia, as well as adding the well designed and essential long-range shooting feature for contracts of more than one kilometre. We can’t deny that Contracts’ formula isn’t efficient for whoever is fond of a mix of precision shots, action and stealth. This second episode enhances many strong features of the previous one, but it’s sad to say that it also keeps all the annoying parts such as a poor AI and a bland narrative to keep up appearances. Nonetheless, for whoever thinks that sniper shots are divine gifts, they will obviously have a dozen hours of intense fun with it. Thanks to an AA’s cheaper range of price, the contract is rightly fulfilled and let us hope for an exclusively new gen third episode that’ll take risks and be more ambitious than ever.

Despite a short lifespan and a feeling of cumbersomeness in certain movements, the title remains a pleasant surprise. The environments are varied, rich and colourful. Although not revolutionising the genre, the gameplay mechanics and various puzzles aren’t repetitive. The top-notch soundtrack brilliantly follows the poetry of the experience we’re offered. The enigmas’ moderate difficulty allows a wide audience to participate and we're thrilled to know that Wondernaut’s next title will be a horror game.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed clearly convinced us. There are few asymmetrical games where being in one or the other team leaves us so untroubled, as they are both enjoyable to play. Everything that makes the saga a myth is present, diving us totally into the experience to the point where it becomes difficult to stop as the games follow each other with ease. The absence of paid content is a real good surprise in 2022 and the pleasure of modifying one's equipment or ghost between games pushes us to quickly return to the hunt in order to experiment with new strategies. The games are fast but intense and if we strongly advise you to assemble a solid team in order to take full advantage of it, playing alone is still quite possible thanks to the tools at our disposal. A very good point for the ghostbusters license. Let's hope that the updates will be as good as the launch.

Kingdom Rush’ success is by all means well deserved. Excellent in its proposals, it perfectly masters the codes of Tower Defense to offer us an exciting title. However, being a simple port of the mobile version removing the shop, its interest remains limited when compared to a free title that is similar in every way.

To sum up Life is Strange: Double Exposure, a few words of clarification are in order. Overall, the title offers a nice and comprehensive picture of everything that has made this licence such a success. Max's return illuminates an interesting story that you quickly fall for. What is more, the many choices to be made are still quite memorable, as if stored on a memory card. However, a closer look at the game reveals a thin layer of goo that hides the flaws already present in previous episodes. To be totally objective, this tends to overshadow the new features of the experience on offer, and leaves a rather bitter aftertaste.

Refereeing this TIEBREAK is no a walk in the park! On the one hand, the game is a real winning blow thanks to its impressive cast of players, both current and recently retired. On top of that, you get to play on some of the most prestigious courts on the circuit. However, the return of serve is quite brutal when you consider the absence of Grand Slam tournaments. The gameplay's minor imperfections are not far off a double fault. Lots of highs and lows, like the incessant bouncing of the little yellow ball... To wrap things up on a drop shot, let us just say that the title has real potential, but as it stands, it may disappoint the most demanding players!

We were eager to discover the contributions of the famous Frostbite engine for the NHL franchise. EA’s ugly duckling sports game, which always comes last, can now be at ease and benefit from a technically and graphically solid engine to face the future on the new generation of consoles. The first try isn’t perfect with disappointing face modelling, but the outstanding dynamic lighting, much more realistic physics and additional animations mean that an ice hockey game in NHL 22 has never looked so good and immersive. Unfortunately, the welcome arrival of the Superstar X-Factor can’t cover for long that the content is almost a copy and paste of the previous game. Apart from the traditional statistics update and once the wow effect of the first few games has passed, those used to the franchise will be disappointed by its monotonous content. However, NHL 22 remains an excellent sports game for other players to discover with a ton of quality game modes ranging from simulation to arcade.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly successfully manages to modernise a classic without betraying its essence. The game is elevated by meticulous art direction, chilling sound design, optimised controls and a more immersive presentation, all of which emphasize the emotional and horrifying intensity of Mio and Mayu’s journey. Nevertheless, the game remains haunted by its old demons, with a persistent stiffness and sluggishness, battles that sometimes drag on and a camera work that can be a bit unpredictable. Despite these flaws, this remake offers an experience with a unique atmosphere, both melancholic and spellbinding. However, as respectful as it is of its heritage, you can still feel that many years have passed since the inception of it. For long-time fans, it’s a wonderful rediscovery. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to one of the most distinctive survival horror games, provided you can accept a certain rigidity inherited from its era. All in all, it's an imperfect but undeniably captivating horror journey that will delight thrill-seekers despite its flaws.

Wildgate offers a chaotic, often brutal, but undeniably memorable journey to those who dare going beyond its first few hours. Each mission becomes an unpredictable story, each confrontation a test of composure and coordination. While its technical flaws and limited accessibility sometimes hinder immersion, the game makes up for it with a unique atmosphere, varied gameplay and constant unease. More than just a cooperative shooter, Wildgate functions as a shared adventure, where improvisation, anticipation and mutual aid forge the best memories, much like another well-known pirate game: Sea of Thieves.

Creatures of Ava was an extremely promising project, which seemed to have been born under the best of auspices, but was brought down mid-air by its technical execution. We sincerely regret not being able to appreciate it to the full, despite its beautiful and sensitive universe. Considering the game was cleverly integrated into the Game Pass, we strongly recommend those with a subscription to give it a try, if only to see for themselves. On the other hand, steer clear of any purchase option, which would be more akin to early access than a full version. A terrible disappointment for a title that has so much to offer.

The world of video games is unforgiving. Some extraordinary games are released in total anonymity, only recognized by a small obscure fringe of gamers while other games know a strange craze even though they aren't that valuable. Sonic Colours Ultimate doesn't belong to either of these two categories: it's an average Sonic that only had the merit of reviving a license blunted by some frankly disappointing titles. Sonic Colours Ultimate brings back to light an average game, not really bad, but which didn't need to be blessed with the honors of a remake. But maybe this is just a wake-up call for other high-flying remakes of the franchise like the two Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast?

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.

Mafia: The Old Country could be accused of being a game that plays it safe, due to its lack of risk taking and its well-worn theme. However, we can forgive this new instalment for its classicism and a hero with the charisma of lawn clippings as an authentic charm exudes from it; a true love letter from its developers to the iconic gangster story genre. Ultimately, for less than 50 €, it offers a good time, and isn’t that all we could ask for?

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER presents an adventure in the same vein as its predecessor, with a particular emphasis on social struggles and inclusivity. However, its lack of risk taking prevents it from offering a scenario that had all the potential to become vertiginous. Instead, we have to make do with a gentle but overly timid plot. If its biggest flaw is its French localisation, this can at least be fixed via a few updates. Nevertheless, it remains a visual novel with an interesting universe, for those who love pixel art adventures.

If Grid Legends takes a good step forward compared to Grid 2019, this step is unfortunately not a leap. Content-wise, Codemasters was generous with more cars, more tracks, a kind of disappointing story mode which serves as an interesting tutorial and finally an efficient, yet classic and extensive career mode that can be done in multiplayer. Unfortunately, the limited physics of the racetrack and a poorly managed AI are quite anticlimactic. Nevertheless, the signature arcade atmosphere typical of Grid’s fierce races with no holds barred remains true to itself if you are lucky enough to have a driving level that fits the game’s difficulty scale. Grid Legends is therefore mainly aimed for a casual audience searching for a fun and very accessible racing game. If you are a seasoned car racing fan, the game’s blatant flaws will quickly be the only things you notice.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is the long-awaited sequel fans have been waiting for and it offers a much better gameplay experience than its predecessor thanks to a myriad of adjustments. Still as addictive as ever, the concept is once again foolproof and gives us even more freedom of choice in the adventure and the kingdom we build. Graphically speaking, it is much more up to date than Warband and this new opus will undoubtedly seduce previous fans and win over new players.

The Italian studio Milestone, creators of motorbike games for many years, finally presents the new MotoGP 23. Unfortunately, the joy of discovering the new features crashed as quickly as a motorbike on gravel roads after just a few minutes. The neural aid undoubtedly helps new players understand the bikes’ mechanics. The scripted challenges and the addition of relationships in the paddock tend to go in the right direction, but almost everything is a copy of MotoGP 22– released a year ago. The visual integrations in no way justify the purchase of this title. A game that will surely linger in the pits until next season.

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.

Atomfall offers an immersive adventure in a post-apocalyptic universe sprinkled with a dash of British charm. Although it does not revolutionise the genre, we enjoyed the plot, the narration and the free exploration that bolsters the feeling of freedom. The bartering system adds a touch of originality, while the classic but effective gameplay and customisable difficulty make it accessible to all types of players. However, it is not without its flaws: unbalanced graphics, sound and image bugs, NPCs that are not always well modelled and a soundtrack that lacks depth. All in all, the title is more of a narrative FPS with some survival elements, but it does not embody a pure and simple authentic survival experience.

Ultimately, our opinion about Atomic Heart leaves a sour taste in our mouths. At first, we were very excited by this memorable introduction and a cool building to explore, but we were quite disappointed by the bland and trite open world environment. After enjoying the discovery phase, the fun of it all quickly fades away. The initial ideas concerning the various gameplay phases were not bad, but they should not have been recycled ad nauseam. Right now, Mundfish's title has all the makings of a repetitive game ticking all the industry’s requisites without mastering the ins and outs of the genre. This results in a pleasant title that should nonetheless find its audience. Sadly, it will also disappoint a lot of people. Was it too ambitious? Perhaps. It must be said that, according to us, the studio masters quite well the technical side: it still needs more work to be convincing, though. So, a sour taste, but one that still needs to be experienced nonetheless.

Despite a few imperfections, Blades of Fire stands out as an intense adventure where challenge and strategy are at the heart of the gameplay. Its captivating universe with unique characters and its varied and customisable combat system offer an immersive experience that rewards persevering players. However, the forging system may appeal to fans of customisation, but it may also confuse those looking for immediate gameplay.

The Ukrainian studio Frogwares has opted for a remake of one of their games released in 2006 as a result of the conflict ravaging its country. Rather than being satisfied with a slight remake, the game has been completely reworked from A to Z: that’s what we’re talking about! The story is slightly modified compared to the original, and the graphics are very pleasant, as is the soundtrack. We really get into the game when searching for clues and reconstructing sequences of events. The only small drawbacks come from the characters’ stiffness and the fact that the game only has English subtitles. What a lovely time spent with Holmes and Watson.

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.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is not a game for everyone. It requires a certain tolerance for technical clumsiness, a taste for free exploration, and an attraction to heavy, mystical atmospheres. The game does not revolutionise the genre, but it has a solid grasp of the mechanics it chooses to exploit. And for those who are willing to dive in, it offers a rewarding experience, rich in meaning and atmosphere, which unfolds and gains depth throughout the adventure. It is a work marked by the passion of its creators, who, despite their limited resources, have managed to propose a unique open world, challenging gameplay and an interesting alternative mythology. Despite lacking some proper finish, this adventure and its captivating universe and gameplay are worth spending some time on.

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.

Concerning the gameplay and the narration, Soulstice does not beat around the bush and offers a wide-ranging adventure. The approach to combat and the fighting style you want to adopt are fully customisable. The progression and the feeling of a growing power are well represented. Unfortunately, we could not sweep under the rug the camera issues and level design shortcomings that marred our gameplay experience. We would recommend Sousltice to those absolutely fan of beat-them-all games who will undoubtedly be able to overlook the flaws that annoyed us.

Do not expect it to be a worthy contender to Dark Souls: Thymesia simply draws its inspirations from the latter while proposing its own, more nervous and dynamic formula. With the help of his sword and ancestral weapons, the hero gifts the player with some particularly memorable fights and moves that every respectable swordsman should try for himself. It is a shame the adventure is a tad short.

Sand Land is an excellent surprise. Despite our fear of a 1:1 adaptation of the manga, it instead offers us a vast, rich and interesting universe that is thrilling to explore. Despite a few accessibility weaknesses and a frustrating slow dialogue flow, the game is satisfying in both its combat and its adventure phases. Lastly, while the second half of the story may be less convincing, it truly shows that no one is yet capable of taking up the torch of Akira Toriyama's legacy.

Even though Bad Dream: Coma is a classic of the genre among the multitude of point’n click games, it somehow manages to stand out thanks to its macabre atmosphere and, above all, its much appreciated replayability. With different goals depending on your decisions, Bad Dream is rather complete and offers interesting in-game possibilities despite the sometimes tricky puzzles. For €10 on the store, it would be a shame to miss such an enjoyable nightmare.

Toxic Commando delivers an effective cooperative stress-reliever, driven by an unapologetic B-movie vibe, spectacular hordes, complementary classes and vehicles that make for memorable road trip sequences. That said, a flimsy narrative, repetitive objectives, slow progression and shaky technical performance (particularly on Xbox Series X with dynamic resolution) limit its longevity and impact. When played as a team, the game hits its stride and offers genuinely exhilarating moments of chaos, but it reveals its shortcomings over time in single-player. If you’re looking for a cooperative shooter that’s immediately accessible and packed with enemies to blast, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, provided you can accept a fairly repetitive gameplay loop and uneven visual quality on Xbox.

Been so pleasantly accustomed to the narrative quality of DigixArt studio’s works, we were not prepared for discovering Road 96: Mile 0. Rather than capitalising on the previous episode's success by regurgitating its concept, the developers took a risk by proposing a totally different narrative construction in the same universe. This bold gesture did not convince us. Despite the quality of the production and the soundtrack, the game's life span is far too short to leave us with an unforgettable memory.

Thanks to its fast-paced trailers, Exoprimal had a lot going for it. Unfortunately, after just a few hours of play, we soon realise that the content is not up to scratch. Without being exceptional per se, it nonetheless has a certain charm: what a pity. The thrilling idea of putting pressure on the two teams during game sessions is quite clever, as are the various exoskeletons that delight us. But the whole thing is swiftly marred by the redundancy that sets in. If the Japanese studio does not get involved soon, Exoprimal could well disappear like the dinosaurs...

It is a mixed picture for Sniper Elite: Resistance. Far too similar to Sniper Elite 5, this spin-off does not really bring anything new and fresh to the franchise, but it offers a controlled and particularly enjoyable experience during the various missions. That being said, there are a few bugs and the graphics, while pleasant, feel a bit disused. Nevertheless, fans of the franchise will certainly feel at home and will find everything they love in this title, thanks to its effective gameplay and a formula that has proven its worth over the past twenty years or so. We can only recommend enjoying this game at a low price, as it feels more like an expansion than an entire new game in its own right.

Bladed Fury is one of those games that is hard to enjoy at first, but even harder to let go of once you’ve completed it. Considering how many different paths there are, it’s a shame that the main story happens to be so short. Nonetheless, NExT Studios offers us a perfectly-well-made piece of art brilliantly achieving the challenge of creating an action-oriented shadow theatre. What if this was the true definition of what martial arts are?

Little Nightmares III follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, without really taking any risks. While the introduction of online co-op brings a new dynamic, it's not enough to compensate a formula that struggles to reinvent itself. The lack of innovation, repetitive mechanics and overly directive AI in solo mode detract from the experience, especially for regular players. The atmosphere remains effective, the puzzles are well crafted and the universe, as disturbing as ever, may captivate newcomers, but veterans of the saga may feel a certain weariness. An honest sequel, certainly, but one that lacks the spark that made players shiver with excitement on day one.

Beautiful, lively and intense, Lego 2K Drive is as pleasant to watch as it is to handle. Based on classic karting game mechanics (turbo drifts, objects to throw, etc.), it does not forget to add its own touch by offering some well thought out subtleties. First of all, the story mode (the adventure’s core) has nothing to be shy of in terms of activities compared to Forza Horizon games and it can be played by two people simultaneously. However, it must be noted that the monetisation aspect is rather invasive with its integrated purchases and a season pass. We can only hope that this optional paid content will be used to finance additions to the title and that the support will be long-lasting, because the basic material is excellent.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is quite a positive surprise. It gained our attention when it was first announced and after testing it, we can easily say we’re impressed. Thanks to its 100% arcade gameplay and its easy handling, one is immediately having fun. Content-wise, the game is quite generous, both in terms of the number of cars and tracks available. The latter are a real success, magnified by superb lighting effects. The only downside is that collisions with the environment and opponents lack impact. Nevertheless, Milestone delivers a beautiful copy that will delight both young and old gamers.

Even if everything is not perfect, Outcast A New Beginning is entertaining and pleasant to play, offering us an adventure filled with action and exploration. The planet Adelpha proves to be spellbinding and the story of the Talan race is captivating. The improvements made to the graphics and gameplay modernise the title, and we had a great time. However, we would have appreciated a slightly more developed storyline, and even if the game does not revolutionise the genre, Appeal Studios comes through with flying colours.

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.

A worthy successor to the remake released in 2020, Destroy All Humans 2! - Reprobed has all the same ingredients, but makes a better recipe out of it. The graphics are beautiful, and the locations we visit all around the Earth and beyond are all well designed. The humour is still present; the narrative still cleverly written; the handling is ideal, and Crypto’s overwhelming power can still give us chills. If you enjoyed the first opus, do not hesitate: planet Earth will welcome you with open arms to scourge some humans. The Furons are superior to the human race and it is your time to shine!

Clash: Artifacts of Chaos certainly suffers from a lack of budget and polish despite the few postponements already made. Adorned with a scrumptious graphic design and an enjoyable soundtrack, ACE Team's title unfortunately collects shortcomings. If in a tolerant mood, we would say it is just above the average line; in a more virulent one, we would say it is simply unbearable. We wish we could have ignored some of the flaws and game design choices, but the accumulation of a bland storyline lacking impact and emotion, the borderline useless RPG components and the quite ill-adjusted difficulty got the better of our patience, to the point of quitting the adventure before the climax. An unfortunate disappointment, that needs to be quickly forgotten.

Reverie Knights Tactics is an excellent tactical RPG. Its well-oiled combat system offers some real sensations and will make our brains go into hyperdrive. Going half-cocked will follow with an unprecedented demise. To move forward, you must take advantage of the confrontations’ richness, and this will be done with a large grin on your face thanks to an interesting and well-told narrative, and most importantly, thanks to choices that will have a measurable impact. All of this within an enticing visual environment on which great studios have contributed. Yes, what we have here is a very good game, although a little short if done straightforwardly.

Minecraft Legends is a potential gem in the making. While it does not revolutionise the genre, it brings a refreshing twist to strategy games with its unusual third-person camera angle. Once you get the hang of it, the title becomes a real pleasure to play. We still have questions about the multiplayer, which we imagine to be really fun and promising. Its potential remains to be confirmed, but the foundations are solid. All in all, without even taking this aspect into account, Minecraft Legends is a spin-off that we consider successful, accessible and enjoyable to play. See you on the battlefield, comrades?

Even though filled with good ideas, Strayed Lights gives us the impression of being unfinished. It is as if a polishing phase was missing, which would have done it the world of good. In the end, despite such good bones, we can only feel frustrated. Message to Embers Games: don’t rest on your laurels, you have a diamond in the rough in your hands. We are impatiently waiting for a sequel that will be able to take advantage of the universe we see in the background. We want to discover the truth about this falling civilisation and its Lovecraftian architecture. Unfortunately, here, some things are still missing.

Initially scheduled exclusively for PC, the release of Silt on console is a great opportunity to discover Spiral Circus’ beautiful first accomplishment. This game, which can be described as a puzzle/adventure game, plunges us into the oceanic abyss inspired by the dark art of Mr. Mead. Despite a very short lifespan and some rare display bugs, Silt offers a different experience from what we are used to. With its efficient gameplay mechanics and original art direction, the title manages to stand out. Silt is a treasure lost at the bottom of the sea worthy of being discovered.

The Canadian studio Brass Token can be proud of its first game. Indeed, despite some visual shortcomings, the Chant is rather pleasant to play and is as good as some so-called AAA titles. As long as one finds the various clues on the island, a well-crafted story unfolds before our very eyes. The game mechanics are good, the graphics decent and the combat phases well-paced. Additionally, the truly immersive soundtrack allows us to plunge wholly in a rather scary universe. The stiffness of our character and the life span of the title are the only real downsides. All in all, we indeed had a good time with Jess and the Prismic Science Spiritual Retreat.

Annapurna Interactive truly is a well-tried publisher and Luis Antonio sets in stone his talent thanks to 12 Minutes. Despite feeling like swimming in a fish bowl during a few loops, the title manages nonetheless to absorb the player in a story that is both captivating and confusing for at least a good five hours if one enjoys solving puzzles as well as making their brain overheat. Graphically simple, yet efficient, the characters’ charisma and magnetism rely heavily on the amazing performances by James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley and Willem Dafoe. The game can be done again a few times if one wishes to unlock the alternate endings for curiosity’s sake. Even though 12 Minutes isn’t perfect, it can easily join the big boys.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is an asymmetric multiplayer experience that pays tribute to the cult 1988 film, skilfully blending horror and black humour. While the game doesn't revolutionise the genre and has a few technical issues, it does stand out for its attractive graphics, dynamic gameplay and slapstick clownish cinematics: a perfect combo for evenings with some friends. We hope that frequent and consistent updates will enrich this entertaining universe.

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.

Endzone - A World Apart is a very good adaptation for the home video game consoles. The key mapping and the different options are cleverly designed for the controller. As for the game itself, it offers a good mix between city-building and management of our emerging society. The gameplay loop manages to renew itself and brilliantly succeeds in immersing us in this universe and keeping us there for several hours. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere is as real as it gets, and the different game mechanics result in a straightforward and enjoyable title for whoever likes to spend hours managing a city and a fictional society.

Unlike almost anything else made in recent decades, Harold Halibut opts for an uncluttered gameplay in order to concentrate on its storyline. Similarly to an interactive film, the game encourages exploration, is caring, inclusive and wickedly hilarious. With a final twist that is absolutely impossible to predict, Harold Halibut proves that, far from blockbusters and other AAAs with Hollywood funds that bet everything on their appearance, video games still have something to say.