CATAN: Console Edition is intended exclusively for fans of CATAN, the board game version. Even though the game in itself is a success, we quickly grasp how playing with friends makes it drastically more interesting and intense.

Hats off to Bendy and the Dark Revival. Building on the experience gained from the franchise’s first episode, which was considered an unexpected success, Joey Drew Studios gifts us with a golden nugget of the genre. Indeed, this shows and proves that anguish, fear and panic are not the essential prerogative of ultra-realistic productions. The discrepancy between the cute visual aspect and the horrors lurking around the corner of each corridor tends to heighten the player’s uneasiness. This horned shadow with a toothy grin that exhales a foul breath over our shoulder is not the Cheshire Cat, but it still pushes us to jump into the nearest hole – if Ink is all around, so be it.

With numerous side quests, rich gameplay, local cooperation up to four players and an attractive art direction, Curse of the Sea Rats seems to have everything one can wish for. Unfortunately, with its difficulty to read content during multiplayer sessions, its short lifespan and a poorly crafted adventure ending, the title leaves a bitter taste. Without being a train wreck, the game is ultimately a failed soufflé.

Ten Dates is not a bad game per se. The different scenes are quite pleasant to look at, and the game feels a bit like a movie focused on speed dating. It clearly feels like the choices matter, as it is not always easy to close the deal with your partner. The title is therefore a respectable experience, but you have to keep in mind that it is meant to be at least a little bit serious, and that it is not available in French.

To sum up, whether for its poetry, its sweetness or promote an original artistic direction meticulously hand-crafted, we strongly recommend that you experience the journey proposed by Papetura. We also want to give credit to the soundtrack when doing puzzles: simple to take on, but not necessarily easy to solve. Sadly enough, there is one thing we regret: its short life span. When enjoying a game such as this, one wants to go back for seconds.

With two types of vehicles, four game modes, eighteen tracks and three difficulty levels, Formula Retro Racing World Tour is technically quite a generous title. However, its flaws tarnish the whole proposal. The soundtrack is poor and annoying, the collision physics have not been given any attention and the A.I. is quite bizarre. In addition, the price is far too high for what it essentially offers.

Behind her looks of a wild girl with a bad mouth and her thirst for blind vengeance, Vernal is a prime example of finesse and grace once we have a controller in our hands. With a minimum of practice and if you put a little effort into it, you can embody a twirling Dante in 2D wearing petticoats (they are made of steel, though). Hello Penguin Team brilliantly succeeds in offering us a not so “old-fashioned” metroidvania, both rich and complete, while having the luxury of taunting all these modern games over-assisting the player. In short, Vernal Edge takes the best of tradition and modernity to offer us a resolutely solitary pleasure, but absolutely not a guilty one.

Stay Blade is incredibly generous in its gameplay and the numerous paths it allows the player to take. We go on a challenging, but still manageable adventure in a vast, credible and lively world. Unfortunately, the game design drags the game down. It is very difficult to find your way in this universe where everything looks the same; this huge moving labyrinth constantly evolves as the story progresses. The gameplay and the overall experience are quite enjoyable and are sufficient to make it worth your time. That is why we strongly recommend this game and invite you to follow the next productions of this promising studio.

Convergence: A League of Legends Story reveals another important part of the universe, but with the atmosphere of the Arcane series, as the locations and some of the main characters are similar. The conflict between Piltover and Zaun, against the backdrop of a war of influence for the control of Hextech, is given a new chapter of history here, while taking up the traditional themes linked to the risks of temporal paradoxes. One truly enjoys following Ekko in his peregrinations, his fights and his doubts throughout this episode, which is still a bit short considering the price. Nonetheless, whether technically or in terms of gameplay, the title keeps all its promises. It is less metroidvania than it seems at first, but it remains a good 2D action game, both accessible and complete.

With its newcomer, La Poule Noire confirms the strength of its team. To Hell with the Ugly offers a varied and masterful gameplay. Its singular artistic direction with pleasant chromatics delighted us throughout the five hours necessary to solve this investigation, with quite an unusual conclusion. Missing this game and its jazzy soundtrack would truly be a shame. For us, it is a perfect snack for a well-deserved break between two big productions.

All in all, Dordogne is a moving story, full of sincerity and kindness. The title addresses a wide range of family issues: abandonment, family crises, serious accidents in life. It also offers a universal biography that touches our hearts and soul, as much through this summer stroll as through the search for memories. Our only regret is that it only lasts 3 hours at most. Its accessibility will allow everyone to follow in Mimi's footsteps and gaze with marvel at the promises of a more indulgent world.

Indeed, Protodroid DeLTA does not reinvent the wheel. But Adam Kareem has nonetheless succeeded in integrating the foundations of a mythical licence of which he is an unconditional fan into his own universe, with both passion and respect. So yes, there is a taste of Mega Man here. Despite some obvious similarities, its many original additions, some of them quite striking, make it a truly original game. It is a great indie discovery, and a fantastic way to enjoy some quality time whilst waiting for Protodroid DeLTA 2.

At first, it appeared to be an unassuming little game. By the point we reached the end, we were quite surprised by how hooked we were. Anxious, stressed, compassionate are but a few words describing how we felt towards the future victims we have on the phone and whose lives are literally in our hands. We spent five hours hoping to solve this mystery as quickly as possible to put an end to the bloodbath throughout Gallows Creek, so that when it is over, we can finally say to ourselves, “Oh... give more!”

On the face of it, either in form or in content, Army of Ruin is not necessarily original or sexy in, but it does deliver on all its promises. Technically speaking, it has a number of arguments to convince those reluctant to old-school pixel-art and chiptunes from another century and make them try it. Despite some surprising choices and occasional poor balancing, it manages to maintain that dreaded “Come on! Just one more and I will stop!”. To be enjoyed without moderation.

Without suffering from Alzheimer's disease ourselves, we have to admit that Inner Ashes won't remain engraved in our minds. The soporific exploration phases and childish puzzles failed to live up to our expectations. Despite its charming art direction and oniric music, our dream is quickly shattered once we've got the controller in hand, as the challenge presented lacks the depth to convince us. The theme is interesting, but the proposition is not.

Released in 2019, Mordhau managed to win over PC gamers, but considering it is a competitor to Chivalry 2 released two years after the 2021 release of the latter, it is hard not to compare the two. Unfortunately, Chivalry 2 was able to offer a more complete version, and returning to Mordhau after having tried a more recent game does not help at all. Perhaps a Mordhau 2 will arrive sooner on console and offer more content and gameplay than its rival. In conclusion, we would rather go back and slash heads on Chivalry 2.

Oaken is, like many indie treasures drowned out by big releases and an abundance of news, the kind of unexpected discovery that is a real treat, and one that deserves to be known, shared and recognised. Here, Laki Studios restores our faith in the videogame industry’s ability to deliver quality content with a strong personality. These cute little woodland characters exude a love of rigorous strategy, and every mistake can quickly carry a heavy price. As far as we are concerned, it is quite a success, to say the least.

Front Mission 1st Remake carries the weight of decades of frustration for French gamers. But fans can rest assured that we now have the opportunity to play the best possible version of this timeless classic. With an enormous amount of content, fully translated and sublimated by talented graphic designers, Front Mission 1st Remake is quite simply one of those must-have titles.

Ultimately, Full Quiet is a game that has to be earned. Despite being complex at first and difficult in certain resolutions, we get a kick out of wandering around in nature, understanding the different mechanisms (at last!) and finding certain artefacts. In short, it is a great adventure game if you push through the initial difficulties and have a good sense of observation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles has many good ideas, but as it stands, it lacks polishing. In addition to its overly minimalist storyline and gameplay, the game has a few glitches and some of its mechanics are rather obscure at times. Moreover, the controls respond poorly when you move around the world map. A shame, given its potential. Nonetheless, it is the brainchild of a very small and passionate team, so let us hope that the initial feedback will enable them to set things straight with an update.

Without being a perfect game, Terra Memoria will remain a unforgettable adventure for those who explore this uncharted fantasy world. The playable characters are as endearing as those you encounter, encouraging the player to complete the game's many quests. Additional activities quickly become addictive, providing moments of relaxation or stimulation. And, although combat doesn't evolve much over the hours, it remains captivating and tactical. It's with a slight twinge of regret that we bid farewell to this lovely experience, retaining for a long time to come the memory of an unforgettable adventure...

After 7 hours of play, it's clear that One Last Breath is much more than just a video game. With its easy-to-access game mechanics, dark atmosphere and thoughtful reflection about his univers, this game offers an engaging and meaningful videogame experience, an odyssey into the heart of a world in jeopardy, where hope and desolation exist side by side in a fragile balance. One Last Breath is more than just entertainment: it confronts us with our responsibility towards the Earth, reminding us that every action we take has an impact on our environment. Through its poignant message and immersive gameplay, the game invites us to reflect on our own role in preserving nature, and to act responsibly to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

The Möbius Machine is a platform adventure game based on exploration and combat. The Madruga Works studio has pulled off an impressive feat! The art direction, story and atmosphere are spellbinding, and the gameplay is both smooth and precise, offering vibrant fights. It's a wonderful surprise, and looks very promising for what's to come. However, despite its many qualities, the title is challenging and should not be played by everyone, at the risk of making you drop the controller. A high-flying challenge to be recommended to enthusiasts of the genre.

Mix some retro survival horror with RPG ingredients, add a touch of roguelike and sprinkle it all with a hint of souls-like. Shake well! The result is Withering Rooms: a tasty 2.5D horror adventure that blends traditional horror with modern level design to deliver an original, captivating and moreish videogame experience.

Manor Lords represents an impressive feat, especially when you consider that it was created by a single, passionate developer. With its in-depth gameplay mechanics, realistic estate management and immersive strategic combat, it offers a unique experience that transports us right back into the Middle Ages. Despite the complexity of its mechanics, the game is easy to get to grips with, instantly immersing us from the very first minutes we lay our hands on it. The logic behind the villages and production lines is remarkably well thought out, making for a natural and satisfying town-building experience. Moreover, Manor Lords is constantly evolving with new features and game modes, adding to the already solid experience offered at the time of its early access release. The active community and feedback from the developer are helping to shape the future of the game, giving us a glimpse of an even brighter future. Despite a few minor shortcomings, Manor Lords has already established itself as a reference in the city-builder genre thanks to an immersive and captivating experience that promises hours of exciting gameplay. With its release scheduled for the 26th of April, there is no doubt that Manor Lords will capture the gamers’ hearts.

The World After brings a welcome breath of fresh air to the world of FMV games. It combines modern cinematic art with old-fashioned point 'n click mechanics. The title invites us to reflect on mankind's evolution in the face of environmental hazards and our ability to learn from past mistakes. However, it is regrettable that the adventure ends so quickly. Fortunately, Burning Sunset has already announced its next project, which will take place in the enchanting setting of the Frioul Islands in Marseille, and we cannot wait!

Nine Noir Lives unfolds a captivating detective story, packed with humour and puzzles, where mischievous felines take centre stage in a noir setting. The game’s visuals are sublimely designed, and the thriller-like atmosphere is perfectly enhanced by traditional point-and-click gameplay. It is just a shame that a few glitches can uproot one from the experience. This first title looks very promising for the Silvernode Games studio, and it will be interesting to follow its future development.

Gift navigates the tumultuous waters of the platforming genre with a certain ease. It makes up for its technical shortcomings with excellent level design and an appropriately bizarre graphic universe. While the story may be too cryptic for some players, fans of Inside-style adventures should be delighted.

As fans of the genre will know, it is all about blowing a fuse, and yet, we keep getting back for second serving! Reload the same save game 50 times, move a character one square to see what the consequences are, and gloat when you finally get it right! Capes offers exactly the challenge you would expect for any turn-based strategy enthusiast: neither too repetitive nor too exhaustive. The game manages to be funny without falling into the pitfalls of the unsubtle humour of some Marvel productions (hello, Thor: Love and Thunder!). While the title is not without its flaws, it is generous in what it offers and genuinely fun. In short, everything you would expect from a good video game.

As fans of the genre will know, it is all about blowing a fuse, and yet, we keep getting back for second serving! Reload the same save game 50 times, move a character one square to see what the consequences are, and gloat when you finally get it right! Capes offers exactly the challenge you would expect for any turn-based strategy enthusiast: neither too repetitive nor too exhaustive. The game manages to be funny without falling into the pitfalls of the unsubtle humour of some Marvel productions (hello, Thor: Love and Thunder!). While the title is not without its flaws, it is generous in what it offers and genuinely fun. In short, everything you would expect from a good video game.

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami has a clever concept, but its lifespan is clearly too short. Although the concept would probably have proved redundant if spread out over dozens of hours, we would still have liked to see the Salami Bandit's secret not revealed so quickly. A few more environments, new characters and more “crimes” would have been appreciated. As it is, the price of the game is a bit high for the entertainment it offers. A shame, really!

MiceGard offers a captivating epic, immersing us in a world inspired by Norse mythology, in which Viking mice face various perils in the name of honour and vengeance. Despite the sometimes simplistic graphics, limited soundtrack and fairly short lifespan, the gameplay experience is made enjoyable by accessible mechanics, an interesting story and a certain degree of emotional immersion. All in all, MiceGard is an entertaining journey for fans of action and adventure.

While Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge's environmental values and beautiful graphics are appreciated, it is impossible to ignore the weariness that sets in after a few hours. Once you have got past the wonder of the pretty pastel graphics, you realise that the game only has two or three gameplay mechanics in its sleeve, which it rehashes at every opportunity. The little creatures may be cute, but we would have liked to see a more advanced breeding system and more varied interactions. Goes to show that looks are not everything.

After more than 30 hours on Xbox Series X, we can say that Valorant is a successful console adaptation, albeit with room for improvement in our opinion. Inspired by Counter-Strike with hero shooter mechanics, the game offers an interesting strategic dynamic. Despite the aim assist and it's shortcomings, Riot Games manages to offer adjustments to personalize the experience. With its steady pace and surgical-precision approach, the console version of Valorant overcomes challenges where others have failed, offering a captivating, strategic gaming experience that succeeds its landing on consoles.

Umbraclaw is repeatedly precariously balanced, but it still manages to land on its feet often enough thanks to the mechanics surrounding Kuon's nine lives. While the game's aesthetic appeal is easy to stroke and the level of challenge on offer is easy to rub your paws all over, there are some cruel shortcomings when it comes to the technical side of things. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that the adventure and gameplay are merely purring along, and are ultimately aimed at an audience of enthusiasts only. A title that will prove dispensable for most gamers, especially if they have other fish to fry…

For its price (€8.99), A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars offers some interesting new features. While we appreciate the slew of new challenges and the achievements that go with them, it is disappointing because of its haphazard handling (already mentioned in the main game, but made even more unpleasant here) and its bugs. The latter can no doubt be fixed, but you will have to be more patient and precise to play the game without getting frustrated. The levels can be completed in an hour and a half, much more if you take the time to try out all the solutions without resorting to hints. The fact remains that arranging all these everyday objects in such a way as to create the perfect image is as pleasant and relaxing as ever. It is a gamble that is partially successful.

Hand In Hand is a 2D platform and puzzle game that can be played solo or in local multiplayer on a single split screen. In this dreamlike world with a moving story, the gameplay is based on collaboration and puzzle-solving, making for a refreshing and entertaining experience. Available at the low-key price of €11.99, Hand In Hand undeniably deserves a place of choice in the library of fans of the genre. Much more than just a game, Hand In Hand is a roaring hymn to solidarity and shared adventure.

Boasting an interesting storyline and superb dreamlike art direction, Astor: Blade of the Monolith is an action-adventure game that will particularly suit gamers new to video games or those fans of Zelda-like. A few technical issues, especially in combat, may mar the player's experience, but without making it insufferable. Overall, while Astor's experience is decent, there's still plenty of room for improvement. Let's hope C2 Game Studio fixes these problems with its next production.

There's no denying that Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a success. Whether graphically, in its gameplay, its lifespan, its storyline: the game ticks all the boxes of the indie videogame nugget and proves to be a worthy successor to Ori and Hollow Knight, mixed with Japanese folklore. There's no doubt that with such a flying start, we'll be keeping a close eye on the studio's future productions.

There are formulas that evolve too little, whether in form or content. This return should have been a triumph, the joy of seeing a first try converted into a must-have, but it is not. The title remains a retro journey that fails to make the leap to nowadays' standards. Those who adored Volgarr will be happy to have him back, but he has lost some of his prestige through his feasting and drinking. The old warrior has earned his rest. May he rest in peace in Valhalla, where we will sing his praises and his exploits, forgetting that he has traded his soul for an ersatz immortality.

Reign of Sand significantly improves the overall experience of Atlas Fallen, finally revealing its full potential and delivering the version it should have been when it was first released. With additional content, refined gameplay and sublimated graphics, this update enriches the adventure, despite a few persistent pitfalls. It may well attract new players, whether alone or in co-op, and rekindle the flame of old ones, especially as the title is currently available on Xbox Game Pass, thus giving you the chance to make up your own mind.

While Visions of Mana is not without its shortcomings, it does offer an enjoyable adventure, magical settings, a huge lifespan and action-RPG combat with a welcome flexibility. The only downsides are its clumsy script, which does not always manage to move us as it should, its disappointing translation and a few clumsy ergonomics. On the other hand, we praise its class system and superb music. With this new episode, Square-Enix succeeds in bringing this cult saga to a whole new generation of gamers, without betraying the original fans, and that is where its greatest success lies.

Beyond Galaxyland is a real love letter to 20th-century science fiction. The adventure is full of surprises, both in terms of the plot and the different activities that can be played on each planet. As for the battles, they remain fairly classic, apart from those against the bosses, which are far more inventive. In the end, there is almost no weariness as you explore this fun, pixelated universe! As the end credits roll, we can already imagine where our next unexpected journey will take us... and whether there will still be a guinea pig!

Pneumata draws its inspiration from the great classics of the genre, offering an intense, immersive narrative thanks to its meticulous graphics, gloomy, oppressive atmosphere and thrilling combat. Unfortunately, the gameplay is sometimes too rigid and visual bugs tarnish the whole experience. Even if it does not revolutionise the genre, and despite these imperfections, Pneumata remains a thrilling experience for any survival horror fan, and we still hope that the title will find its audience.

We enjoyed discovering Fabledom and how colourful, pretty and full of humour it is. It is easy to get caught up in the game. The first few hours are addictive, and its accessibility means that many players can discover the world of city builders in a straightforward way. However, players accustomed to the genre may find the experience a little too simple and, after a few hours, may find its gameplay less appealing. With its fairy-tale theme, the originality of this title really shines through. Its relaxing, charming and light-hearted vibe will undoubtedly appeal to those wishing to discover the world of city-building games in a fun way and through an original gameplay.

Drova Forsaken Kin is a whole-around RPG experience. Its rich narrative and universe offer a fresh perspective on Celtic mythology. While the combat system can be perfected, the rest of the gameplay is perfectly thought-out, and it's a pleasure to explore this world and discover all its secrets. Despite a few technical glitches, Just2D Interactive still manages to produce its first game with great success.

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication absorbs players in a captivating horror experience thanks to its immersive graphics, spooky storyline, eerie atmosphere and intriguing puzzles. However, the lack of a French translation could be a drawback for many, and it is unfortunate that the title can only be played in solo mode. Nonetheless, this second iteration far surpasses its predecessor on every level, and stands out as a safe bet, whether for Halloween parties or simply for fans of the genre.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a platform game that pays tribute to such classics as Crash Bandicoot and Donkey Kong Country. Its charming 2.5D and 3D graphics, well thought-out game mechanics and melodious music keep us entertained while awakening a sweet sense of nostalgia. Despite a few minor shortcomings such as collision bugs, slowdowns and slightly long loading times, the title's magic happens. Playable solo or in local co-op, Nikoderiko is a real treasure to be discovered and shared with family and friends, all for a modest price.

There is no doubt that this immersive journey into the world of the famous gentleman burglar will have won us over on many levels. It is a pretty title, with a finely chosen musical backdrop, and it is well written, with exciting stories and twists and turns throughout the adventure. With its original gameplay that invites players to take on the role of different protagonists and its game mechanics that differ according to the character, Arsène Lupin - Voleur Un jour is an adventure that is well worth a shot, if you overlook its lack of challenge and its mainstream appeal, which may put off fans of tortuous puzzle games.

If you are tired of seeing your loved ones with their eyes glued to their smartphones, then The Jackbox Survey Scramble clearly is not the best solution. Nevertheless, the title has the merit of playing the conviviality card by bringing different people together around a variety of questionnaires. The games are fast paced, allowing you to discover the words that come spontaneously from your friends' minds. Not all modes are created equal, but most offer precious moments of fun for several players. It is a great way to brighten up a winter's evening, especially as there is no risk of losing a pawn to our slightly tipsy uncle!

Konami is building a new chapter in its Suikoden saga on the ashes of its series. Is this a revolution? No, merely an upheaval, and far from what it should be. It is barely an update, but enough to bring new players on board, win back old ones and stir the embers for a concept that deserves to continue its legend.

Chornobyl Liquidators immerses us in the shoes of the anonymous heroes who sacrificed themselves to contain one of the worst disasters of the last century in order to safeguard humanity. Through a poignant narrative and a realistic simulation, it provides an original experience combining historical narrative, fear, emotions and bravery. Unfortunately, despite a laudable intention and a touching tribute, the visually dated graphics, the too many bugs and certain unnecessary side quests tarnish the whole experience. As a result, it leaves us with a feeling of something left unfinished, and does not make it a memorable experience, despite its potential.

Finding Frankie is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get! Thanks to a unique concept, this game cleverly combines demanding obstacle courses with disturbing mascots in a universe that contrasts the colourful style of cartoons with a few macabre elements. Despite the charm of Deputy Duck, the title failed to win us over due to numerous flaws ruining the experience such as imperfect handling, high difficulty, lack of real horror, uneven courses, patchy sound effects, and a way too short lifespan. This niche title will not appeal to everyone and is mainly aimed at seasoned obstacle course players, a category which is not, it must be said, our cup of tea.

Despite a few flaws, including game mechanics that are not always obvious, a relatively short lifespan and some slight slowdowns, the title is brimming with charm and authenticity. Leila is an appealing work that combines charming visuals with hand-drawn artwork, immersive storytelling, clever puzzles and a soothing soundtrack for an overall rich, entertaining and moving emotional experience. Driven by strong and universal themes, the game invites us on a deep and poetic reflection journey, leaving it up to each player to find their own interpretation. The game is available at a very reasonable price (€12.99) and we highly encourage you to check it out.

In a video game industry that promotes non-stop fighting, Pilo and the Holobook stands proudly as a gentle interlude that we would like to see more often. The title skilfully combines the exploration of tiny planets in search of stickers of all kinds to complete a beautiful collection. However, the pages of our peculiar book fill up a little too quickly and could have been better organised for younger players. Despite this, the adventure is enough to keep you entertained for a few hours, unless you are afraid of hairy situations!

For its first game, the young studio Unreliable Narrators has produced a rather successful work. Although the purely narrative aspect of the title will not appeal to all players, its story offers an exciting and highly rewarding adventure that is well worth discovering. One thing is certain: when you see the care and love that its creators have put into Two Falls Nishu Takuatshina, we are very curious to see what they will do next.

Once Upon A Puppet stands out as an original and charming work, carried by remarkable artistic direction and poetic storytelling. Thanks to the ingenuity of its gameplay based on cooperation and the bonds between Drev and Nieve, the game skilfully blends emotion, reflection and combat, while immersing the player in a rich and theatrical universe. Despite a few technical flaws, such as imprecise movement and jump controls, objects that get stuck in the scenery, and a finicky camera, we had a great time discovering this adventure that blends platforming and interactive storytelling, and we hope it finds its audience.

Spirit of the North 2 fixes many of the flaws of its predecessor. While it still has too many frustrating issues, we still appreciate its peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, the variety of its settings, and the sense of majesty it exudes. The adventure isn't perfect, but it's far from disappointing. All that's left for Infuse to do is polish it up one last time, and we'll have the first game where the best part is actually getting lost.

Preserve is a pleasant surprise. We were expecting yet another classic building game, but this is nothing of the sort. Thanks to its original and ingenious gameplay and its card-playing and card-laying system, it stands out and offers players a relaxing moment of reflection without frustration. Finally, its colourful graphics and nature theme make it enjoyable to create beautiful biomes that invite you to explore and discover them fully. We highly recommend this title as it offers a soothing and addictive escape that is good for the soul.

Right from the start, Despelote shows its offensive ambitions with its offbeat artistic direction. The mix of semi-photographic settings and drawn characters is instantly appealing. Unfortunately, the development team fails to fully realise its ambitions due to overly pixelated textures in certain environments. Simultaneously, a notable flaw linked to a lack of flexibility in the progression system warrants a yellow card. Upon analysing the inaccuracy of the shots, the title avoids a red card by a thread and we will stick with raising a white flag. Indeed, the appeal of the experience lies not in its football gameplay, but in its storytelling, which offers a universal message. This satisfying narrative therefore allows the game to score a short but sweet victory in our little football-loving hearts.

Post Trauma does pretty well thanks to its immersive Silent Hill-esque atmosphere and its sordid and intriguing universe, enhanced by high-quality sound design. However, the rigid gameplay, the sometimes temperamental camera, the limited bestiary and a few texture and flickering issues, as well as collision bugs, detract from the experience. Despite these flaws, the title remains an immersive experience that knows how to play on its oppressive atmosphere to captivate thrill seekers. Indeed, given its modest price (€15), it remains an honest offering.

Throes of the Watchmaker manages to complement Sea of Stars without weighing it down with a well-thought-out adventure that finally brings its heroes down from their pedestals to confront their deepest fears. It's a wonderful gift for fans and further proof of Sabotage Studio's talent. Since the game is still available in Game Pass and the DLC is free, fans of old-school turn-based RPGs have no reason not to give it a try.

30 Birds is a poetic and funny game that blends an oriental tale with a detective story. In this enchanting journey, the player takes on the role of Zig who navigates through breathtaking landscapes and solves fun and complex puzzles in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Simurgh's disappearance.

Robots at Midnight presents itself as a light and stylised alternative to traditional Souls-like games. With its streamlined mechanics, visually distinct universe and deliberately accessible gameplay, it manages to offer an enjoyable experience, driven by a few original ideas such as the MITT space-gauntlet and the dynamic sequences linked to when midnight strikes. However, beyond this promising façade, the game quickly reveals its limitations. Its short lifespan, lack of gameplay depth and sparse world betray the constraints of a modest project that struggles to live up to its ambitions. The gameplay, while functional, remains too linear to inspire real engagement, and the narrative and aesthetic elements never find the scope necessary to transform discovery into lasting immersion. Ultimately, Robots at Midnight is no failure, but it never really goes beyond the stage of an interesting prototype. It lays intriguing foundations without exploring them in depth, and is aimed primarily at a curious audience looking for a short, unusual and relatively accessible adventure in an often demanding genre.