With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive came up with a masterpiece. Beautiful, powerful, original, captivating... this turn-based adventure RPG has brilliantly modernised the classics that inspired it and surprises the player where you least expect it. Seeing a small independent team come up with such an ambitious title is a real breath of fresh air for a video game industry that seems to have been going round in circles for several years between niche games that never find their audience and big productions that are becoming increasingly uniform in order to reach as many players as possible. "To say goodbye is to die a little", and that is the issue when you love something like this game: you eventually have to say goodbye. When it is time to put down the controller, one thing remains clear in our head: is not creating a true masterpiece out of a game dealing with art the most beautiful mise en abyme there is?

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.

The Bearded Ladies wanted to make a richer, deeper and more ambitious game, but unfortunately, they failed. Even if you ignore the glitches, fix the difficulty and fine-tune the combat, the story and universe are far less interesting than the experience offered by Mutant Year Zero, especially as the main protagonist, Elvis, was quite annoying. From what we have seen on the PC version, the game runs without too many problems, but several players complained about the balance of the battles. If you are still interested in the game, we can only advise you to wait for the expected patches to arrive or to play the more stable PC version.

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.

Joyfully absurd, Date Everything is a fun dating simulator that tackles real issues around mental and sexual health with a great deal of kindness. These are topics that it's perfectly possible to ignore in order to focus on ending a romance with a bath towel! The title is still imperfect due to bugs and a lack of accessibility options, but it already offers a concept that is fun enough to attract curious and open-minded players. It's not the game of the year, but we applaud the originality shown by Sassy Chap and Team17.

We are delighted to welcome back a licence to which survival horror owes a great deal, if not everything. Despite the weight of time and a lack of originality in its very conventional gameplay, the title stands out thanks to the richness of its environments and the quality of its technical production. With a soundtrack and ambience that hit all the right notes, the studio manages to strike a chord of nostalgia and pleasure. THQ Nordic has succeeded in restoring the Alone in the Dark licence to its former glory. Edward Carnby can finally take a well-deserved retirement, without having to be ashamed of his last performance.

Blizzard Entertainment sure took its time with this. But it was for a good cause. Diablo IV has clearly given itself the means to achieve its ambitions: to become the benchmark for hack 'n slash for years to come by bringing together old and new players under the same banner. The game system reveals its riches quite gradually, and the available content from launch is already pantagruelic. The question of the title's lifespan does not even arise, given that the Seasons system will periodically bring new exploits to complete. Whatever version of the game you choose, one thing is certain: Lilith will suck out your soul and bend you to her will.

Neva Prologue offers enjoyable additional content that manages to rekindle the emotion and prolong the magic for a lovely moment suspended in time. It features the beauty, melancholy, poetry and intensity of a touching encounter in watercolour-style settings, which is what Neva is recognized for. The whole thing is sublimated by a soundtrack that is as magnificent as ever, but the challenges here are more demanding. However, the lack of gameplay evolution and, above all, the short lifespan leave us with a feeling of missing out, similarly to a book ending abruptly. It's certainly a decent prologue for a few quid, but this adventure is too short and deserved to be fleshed out more to leave a lasting impression: what a shame.

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.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is both a refreshing new instalment in the series for fans, and the most comprehensive introduction to the universe for newcomers. While the latter may find it a little difficult to grasp certain subtleties in the storyline (such as the difference between riders and rangers, which is very poorly explained here) and may not feel the same joy at the return of certain familiar characters from the saga, they will nonetheless have the most accomplished, complete and varied version of the Stories games. Among monster hunting and capture titles, MHS has clearly managed to stand out from the big names to build its own identity, which is an excellent thing.

After a meticulous dissection of The Ants, we can conclude that the experience of following the footprints of these insects is no small feat. The different levels offer an immersion into the heart of the infinitely small that hits the bullseye. There are even a few butterflies in our stomachs when we think of the combat possibilities offered by the multiplayer modes. However, the problems with the camera make us wonder about the target audience for this adventure. The on-screen instructions are apparently written for ants, and it is often difficult to get your bearings properly due to a lack of legibility. We therefore recommend the title to curious and patient minds, or to those who are a little “boar-ed”!

Nightrein fulfils the dream of going of roaming a familiar universe with friends. Will you be hooked on it all night? Not necessarily. However, FromSoftware's DNA is clearly present in the learning curve, the challenges and the feeling of pushing yourself beyond your limits. Nightreign is a roguelike game whose addictive potential will depend on how much you invest in it. Its multiplayer aspect could be improved with for example the much-requested two-player mode, integrated chat, or simply cross-play. Still, it's a nice dip into multiplayer gaming, and we look forward to seeing how the studio integrates this aspect into its future productions.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers an excellent RPG experience and a great adventure. Exploration is just as rewarding as in other games such as Elden Ring or Zelda Breath of the Wild. The gameplay and its versatility are like two peas in a pod, thus setting Dragon’s Dogma 2 apart from current standards. This second opus builds on solid foundations that it has managed to improve, while offering a range of welcome new features. However, the main storyline and the side quests are no more than backdrops, serving to establish a guiding thread and give meaning to this universe. Players familiar with the licence will be able to understand and reach the game’s ending, while it will be more complicated for those uninitiated who may be left wanting more.

Is Forza Horizon 5 a good Forza Horizon? Of course, it’s even the best episode until the next one as the license shamelessly reiterates its successes and adds minor tweaks here and there. This results in a game as addictive as ever allowing for a great deal of pleasure. In this respect, the Mexico map is a devilishly efficient playground, both for the variety of its landscapes and for the tracks that have been devised on it. We drive, we explore, we marvel while time passes quickly, as quickly as the scenery passes by at an improbable pace without anything really slowing us down. This pretty much embodies what the series has become for the Xbox brand since this opus will undoubtedly be praised by the public and reviewers. Hopefully, it’ll go down that road.

GreedFall: The Dying World is an ambitious RPG that pulls off a daring narrative gamble: reversing the perspective to offer a first-hand experience of displacement and colonial domination. This choice lends the game an undeniable intensity and uniqueness. The writing is solid, the themes are relevant, and the character progression offers welcome freedom. However, the fragmented structure of the quests, the excessive back-and-forth, and the labyrinthine level design regularly slow the narrative momentum. Technical issues on Xbox, notably stuttering and overly noticeable dynamic resolution, further accentuate this sense of incompleteness. GreedFall remains a brave and rich work with strong intentions. But its uneven execution still prevents it from fully achieving the scale that its narrative ambition foreshadowed.

Neva's story is both beautiful and moving. It brilliantly explores strong, universal themes such as parenthood, love, war and the cruel, unchanging cycle of life. Its sumptuous art direction, engaging characters and ingenious gameplay mechanics, combining environmental puzzles and intense combat, make this title the kind of golden nugget we would like to see more of. Neva is one of those rare games that leaves a lasting impression and that you will not come away from unscathed. A big thank you to the developers for demonstrating their talent and proving that video games are an art form in their own right.

Abandoning Grounded to start work on a much more ambitious sequel seems clearly the best decision Obisidan Entertainment could have made with this franchise. Backed by Eidos-Montréal, the studio has a particularly robust foundation. We're now keeping our fingers crossed that future additions will enrich the content and mechanics enough to make it a new benchmark in survival and crafting games. However, there are still many technical issues to be addressed, although communication with players during early access should help iron out any remaining kinks.

VanillaWare has managed a successful incursion into the tactical-rpg scene: the title delivered by the studio is rich and shines with innumerable qualities. Although the story is clichéd, Overlord Unicorn is sumptuous and generous. The multiple layers of gameplay make it an adventure well worth exploring. The systems are numerous, but the whole thing remains accessible, and that is its greatest feature. You will have to test and experiment to master the art of war. It is hard to keep it simple.

If we were to remember only one thing about Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, it would be its ease of completion. Forget about other titles where you had to work your ass off to even complete the first level. With Team Ninja’s latest, we can almost finish the story in one go. As for the graphics, an extra effort would have been appreciated, even more for the soundtrack. On the other hand, the gameplay’s pleasantness makes for quite an enjoyable experience. Whether alone, with friends or discovering this type of game, you will not regret it.

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.

The path of the ninja is fraught with danger, but the mission has been accomplished thanks to the alliance between The Game Kitchen clan and the ninjas at Dotemu. The challenge of bringing the licence back from the 1980s/1990s and modernising the experience has been completed without a hitch. The love for the title shines through, the reimagined gameplay works wonders and the pixel art is top-notch. For all fans of retro experiences, we award it an S rating.

Technically, Backfirewall has everything to please: caustic humour, a minimalist and original art direction, a fresh concept and exciting puzzles. It is a shame that the handling and glitches are tarnishing the experience. It did not need much more to become a real favourite.

Drawing on mechanics from a variety of genres, Neon White achieves a near-perfect marriage. It is a good rogue-lite, a good arcade title, a good platformer, an FPS simulacrum and so on. Rather than trying to categorise it, let us just say that Neon White is quite simply a good game, with a carefree vibe that takes the player by the hand thanks to its game design choices. It is also a good introduction to the world of speedrunning.

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.

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.

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.

The Valiant is undoubtedly one of the best RTS games we have ever played on Xbox. It is a huge favourite for its plot, its characters, its atmosphere, its soundtrack… Everything would be perfect, if this console port did not suffer from so many handling problems. By trying too hard, the developers have failed to find the right balance, or to deliver a convincing port. It really is a shame.

Light Fairytale Episode 2 starts on a positive note, despite some flaws. Once again, the episodic format for this type of game seems clearly unsuitable as the feeling of barely progressing in the story is too much felt. The same goes for the combat system which, although becoming more and more interesting, is still unsteady due to the aforementioned slow progression. But the universe is rather endearing, and one wonders how the whole thing will end. Let's wait and see then!

Final Fantasy VII Remake remains a deeply ambitious work, torn between homage and reinvention. It shines in its combat system, artistic direction and character development, but stumbles in its pacing, narrative filler and technical choices that are now showing their age. In this Xbox Series X version, the game is neither a failure nor outdated, but it is clearly not aligned with 2026's standards. If you've already completed the game on PlayStation or PC, there's no real reason to start the adventure again on Xbox. However, for those discovering this Remake, FF7 remains a must-play, even in 2026.

It’s no easy task to give a clear-cut opinion about this compilation. On one hand, we cannot deny the efforts made to pay a tribute to Capcom’s history thanks to the modelled original arcade machines, the unique interface, the new and quite well-made instructions and the numerous settings available. On the other, it’s hard to forget the remaining problems that any serious player could’ve found during the first playtest. This evolves into a form of frustration in seeing a product that had everything to become a premium competitive basis for the players, but which will stay a tiny nostalgic amuse-bouche… Until the next one.

More than a mere copy of Battle Chasers and more than a guilty pleasure for League of Legends players, Ruined King proves to be an excellent game and its quality is surprising. The deeply addictive combat system and advanced character customisation allows you to explore the different zones offered through a story that is as well written as it is portrayed. You'll want to play it again!

Technically, Kursk could’ve been a great game with a tragic and fascinating narrative. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth due to repetitive loading times, a stiff and linear gameplay and a serious lack of diversity within the missions which ultimately, ruins the whole experience. The soundtrack and the dubbing are temporary lifelines pulling the game upwards, but we quickly understand that Jujubee’s work isn’t up to the task and certainly not worth €20 to go and experience life in a tin box in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is undoubtedly a great game. Despite some controller issues, it remains a must-have for all strategy fans, especially as it stays 100% true to the original content or gameplay. Primarily aimed at the most hardcore gamers and those without a powerful enough PC, do not expect to do more than the solo modes, especially in crossplay, unless you use a keyboard and mouse.

Unfortunately, Company of Heroes 3 fails to repeat the feat of its predecessor. Yet RTS fans will certainly be impressed by the title’s undeniable qualities. While we bitterly regret the studio's lack of risk taking or the controller’s shortcomings, this title’s new gameplay is absolutely brilliant.

Subnautica: Below Zero could be compared to an iceberg. Hidden underneath a seducing art direction, its many treasures are only available to those who are ready to truly invest some time in the game. To do so, one will have to dive into the unknown, avoid the monsters hidden in the dark shadows and deal with a constant management of the inventory and health bar. Once the basic mechanics are understood, Unknown World Entertainment’s game unleashes gorgeous surprises and knows how to reward us. Despite some scenes on solid ground, we only have one wish: dive deeper again and again in this sly ocean filled with mysteries and toying with our fears.

SpongeBob: The Cosmic Shake is not a bad game. We mainly criticise it for recycling well-established codes in the genre, ones they already exploited in the previous episode without ever trying to bring something more. The story is only a pretext, far from the standards the square sponge got us used to. The title does not offer a really tough challenge and it is all this that makes us say that the game is rather intended for children. An adult will still be able to enjoy going through levels as varied as the enemies to fight, though.

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.

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.

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

In a galaxy not so far away…How could one refuse to discover or play again entirely what is considered to be one of today’s greatest sci-fi saga in the history of video games? Despite its shortcomings, the Mass Effect trilogy has tremendous qualities and enough of them to have made an impression on a whole generation of gamers. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is not only a nostalgic pleasure for the original players, but also for all of those who never had the chance to discover its epicness. More than just an outstanding trilogy, the latter carries within itself the whole background of the Bioware studio as well as the stigmas of an ambitious project that was overwhelmed by the players’ expectations. Playing Mass Effect Legendary Edition enables us to partake in one amazing science fiction story as well as having a glimpse of the background behind the entertainment industry that we adore so much: the one of gaming.

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.

Throughout this review, we have been quick to point out some of Nocturnal's shortcomings. But make no mistake: even though the game is not perfect, it immediately stands out as one of the gems of the independent scene. An exceptional title as good in form as it is in content. It is a real favourite that you absolutely should not miss.

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.

Biomutant had long been awaited. Unfortunately, we find it slightly disappointing. It offers great elements such as the fighting sequences in its gameplay, as well as an extensive customisation whether for the character’s stats or for its equipment. Exploring the world map is entertaining and discovering the various locations along the way is almost systematically rewarded. Alas, adding to the several technical and outdated aspects, the dull scenario truly becomes the main drawback of the game. We quickly understand that Biomutant is better suited to those searching for an instant dose of satisfaction and pleasure with its gameplay and for whom the narrative is of no importance. As for the rest, looking elsewhere might be a better idea.

Being way over the top impedes Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion from being excellent. That, and its particularly confusing storyline. Those looking for a game that is quick to pick up will be put off by its complexity, but if you have some time on your hands, the title will prove particularly enjoyable once you have worked out its kinks. And if you like mechas and are looking for a fun co-op game, this adventure is for you. It will be complex, imperfect, and sometimes a little frustrating, but also particularly satisfying.

The Quarry is to video games what most slashers of the ’90s are to movies: a guilty pleasure in dire need of a breath of fresh air. Despite it all, playing the latest title from Supermassive Games is bonkers if you get its numerous references and dismiss an uneven rhythm and some pointless gameplay phases. Fortunately, its story, its characters and above all its charming aesthetic are enough to keep you around for a while.

“Do not regret, remember.” Despite being too short, Before I Forget reaches its original goal. Thanks to quality dubbing, an emotional soundtrack and risky directing choices, the 3-Fold Games studio “walking simulator” often finds the right tone to address the delicate and rarely discussed subject of memory loss. The only real downside to this beautiful love story lies in the outcome of the game which is quickly predictable and perhaps a little bit too dramatic. This will not tarnish a beautiful experience which, even if it won’t be remembered by all, will certainly shake you to the core.

Soul Hackers 2 follows the tried recipe of Atlus’ recent games. By borrowing all the ingredients from the previous productions without ever really trying to innovate, one is unfortunately forced to compare it to other titles of the genre that are far better. Despite this, it has some undeniable qualities, an extremely rich lore and a really pleasant gameplay – it will undoubtedly satisfy the J-RPG fan or anyone who has never played any of the studio’s previous games.

Without revolutionising the genre or making any grand technical claims, Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek stands out as a faithful and honest adaptation of R.L. Stine's universe. Designed above all as a family experience, it charms with its retro horror atmosphere, well-integrated puzzles and multiple references to the Goosebumps saga. The balance between adventure and mild thrills works wonderfully, carried by a colourful, polished and charming art direction. While not particularly memorable, it is nonetheless a pleasant escape for young players or adults in search of a hint of nostalgia. Despite a few minor issues such as collision bugs and occasionally stiff animations, the experience remains enjoyable and we definitely recommend it once the price goes down a bit (it is quite short).

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.

While rediscovering this saga is an obvious joy for any shmup lover, we can’t help but quickly notice the many shortcomings. R-Type Final 2 is an honest game made with passion, but it lacks several months of development, and certainly did not need to comply with modern publisher standards with its Season Pass, even though the technical side of things still needs a lot of polish. It’s a shame, but we can hope for a perfectly playable game after a few patches. The R-Type series’ final act is yet to come.

Even though Samurai Warriors 5 does not revolutionise the Musou genre, it nonetheless allows newcomers to smoothly start their adventure. It provides an efficient narrative that is simultaneously highlighted by gorgeous cinematics and tainted by a relatively poor staging. Thanks to their experienced background, the team from Omega Force offers us –as always– a solid gameplay with a nice and diverse selection between the 27 warriors. Slaughtering the enemy forces is quite delightful, and what better way to do so than with friends at home? Yet, the outdated technical side is still annoying. To sum up, if you weren’t already a fan of the Musou genre, Samurai Warriors 5 won’t change your mind. Otherwise, you’ll spend some quality time with it.

With Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Microsoft and Ninja Theory have produced a masterful sequel following the first one’s footsteps. The atmosphere is as incredible as ever, the work on the technical and artistic side leaves us breathless, and the graphical fidelity reaches heights rarely seen on home consoles. Regarding the main issues worth mentioning with Hellblade I, they have been toned down but not completely eradicated. These include, for example, the feeling of playing through an interactive film punctuated by slightly tedious puzzles, and a lifespan that is likely to disappoint many. Fortunately, there are other revisions to counterbalance this feeling, such as the more intense confrontations and the adventure’s overall faster pace. There is no doubt that die-hard fans will be delighted, and that the game will find its audience. And for the rest of us, in the worst-case scenario, some of its magnificent landscapes will be fantastic wallpapers material.

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.

“A sublime game sublimated.” Nier Replicant ver.1.22444487139… is a playful work of art, a fascinating journey driven by one of the most beautiful OST ever made for a video game. This is the perfect opportunity for all players who missed this experience in 2010 to discover it sublimated by a sensible but respectful remake of the original material. Nier Replicant ver.1.22444487139… has a real depth and soul to it, a singular identity like its little brother Nier Automata. Our best recommendation would be to embark in this universe, immerse yourself in its superb music and with a little luck, if the game manages to sell well, Taro Yoko hinted that it would not be impossible to see the Gestalt version happen as an extra DLC. Yet, do not await this hypothetical future and go with your guts as soon as possible.

With its specific graphics, its hyper-intense gameplay, and its scoring system, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is a little retrogaming gemstone capable of charming only a small part of today’s gamers made of nostalgic arcade fans of the 90’s and the die-hard scorekeepers who will experience a fully satisfying challenge with this game. This title concludes the trilogy initiated in 2014 in a masterful way by reinventing itself with the addition of new features while relying on the proven recipes and fan service of the series’ entire cast.

Planet Coaster 2 introduces new aquatic options that enrich the management experience, notably with the arrival of pools and slides, as well as a number of improvements to park customisation. While these additions add a fun dimension and more depth, they struggle to fully justify a second opus, as the new features could have been integrated via DLC. Additionally, technical issues, especially on consoles, detract from the experience: bugs in paths, slowdowns, all-too-frequent crashes and confusing navigation for staff management all stack on the frustration-meter. With its polished art direction and undoubted creative potential, this second instalment nevertheless struggles to fully convince. The lack of significant innovation reduces its appeal, and the performance problems are all the more disappointing given that this is a game that was supposed to offer a fluid, optimised experience, just like the first.

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

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”.

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!

“Hamlet isn’t (quite) dead.” Capcom has worked tremendously hard to turn this Resident Evil Village into the new spearhead of action-horror games. Technically flawless and carefully paced, the experience never runs out of steam even though sometimes, we’d like to stop and enjoy the scenery to find all the secrets it hides. This opus definitely sends the previous one back to its scrappy status by brilliantly taking over the first-person view and its characteristics to generate great moments of stress and fear. The in-game breaks are well managed and the build-up to the inevitably gritty and unsubtle finale is not a disappointment here: far from it. Doing better than this in the future will be no easy task, but at least when putting the controller down, we thought about how memorable this experience had been and how we’d like to go for seconds.

Like its story, Dragon Quest brings together past and present in a high-quality remake. The work still bears the marks of its age, whether in its narrative structure that still paces itself, its resolutely classic combat system, or certain exploration options that may startle players. In its desire to be accessible at all costs, the game perhaps loses some of its consistency with its original premise. However, while this seventh instalment may not really surprise, it remains a great JRPG that respects the codes of the genre. The work done by Square Enix to bring it up to date is obvious and clearly deserves to be praised.

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.

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.

Children of Silentown is an enjoyable add to to the point’n click category. Its luminous art direction at the service of a rather dark story is sublimated by hand-drawn environments. Its shy intention to dust off proven mechanics could have been more assertive. Even if the title suffers from small flaws, notably in the lack of musical diversity, it remains a pleasant video game discovery for lovers of the genre.

Despite a small price, Kingdom of Arcadia will not gain enough traction to prove its worth. Alright, we might share a smile when discovering that the protagonist lands on another world thanks to an arcade machine kept by his father, but this will not be enough. The gameplay is excessively boring and the AI is in a world of its own by relentlessly repeating its patterns and not caring the slightest about the player –this won’t help breaking the monotonous circle. All is needed to complete the game is going through the various levels in each castle and never going back to a previous zone as it’s not necessary. Kingdom of Arcadia is a basic platform game –not a Metroidvania– which wasn’t blessed on any particular point.

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.

Despite some flaws, One Piece Odyssey is a fine tribute to the original work. In our opinion, it is the best One Piece video game adaptation to date. On the other hand, it is essential to take into account that the game fully follows the traditional codes of JRPGs, while making them more accessible. The choice of turn-based combats does not do justice to the spectacular battles and moves seen in the anime. But if you are a One Piece fan, you will love the game!

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.

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.

Beyond the technical issues that will mostly be adjusted in time, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a remarkable title worthy of the “fantastic sequel pattern” that have marked the videogame history. If Jedi: Fallen Order was a pleasant surprise and built a solid foundation for another great single-player epic saga in the compelling Star Wars universe, Survivor improves on nearly every aspect of the original game. Indeed, the main characters grow in stature and become more and more endearing. Something quite challenging to achieve considering the ice-cold reception around Cal Kestis during his presentation. For Stig Asmussen, the Game Director, a trilogy was always the initial plan. We are looking forward to this third episode. May the force be with Respawn.

Battle Axe is the kind of game that one wishes to treasure as it toys with a nostalgic vibration that always works. With rather solid foundations, the game presents a visually magnificent universe thanks to its sprites and backgrounds, a coherent artistic direction, a soundtrack produced by an eminent name and ultimately a team who knows its way around that kind of production. Nonetheless, it’s hard not to sense a certain “laisser-aller” on the grounds that the game leans on its authors’ reputation and the influences which they used rather than on what new elements it could give to the genre. Even its radical suggestion that is here considered as a quality might be judged otherwise by many other players. For the time being, it’s a game rather destined to the retro-experience aficionados and a game that hopefully one day could actually be played on an arcade machine where it would shine bright like a diamond.

Regarding the latest Arkham Austin title, we are not going to hide the fact that we were on the fence. On one side, we felt this irrepressible urge to bash the game, especially concerning its definite lack of finish. On the other, and despite its shortcomings, the title kept us on our toes and we sincerely enjoyed playing it. Saying Redfall is imperfect is an understatement, but with the right follow-up, we really think that it could, in time, rise from its ashes. Hopefully, this will come true as soon as possible. Good luck to Arkane's teams: coming back from this will be quite challenging.

To summarise, we were used to something better as regards the interactive movies made by Wales Interactive. Even though the supernatural-ish plot remains rather pleasant, the sloppy ending and the basic other narratives not standing out from the crowd are rather disappointing. The two hours spent playing it were still nice, but one’s immersion ends up being interrupted by truly amateur cutscenes that are not up to the task in keeping the player spellbound during the whole game. This aspect can be truly off-putting if one wishes to start again in order to find out the alternative endings.

Still Wakes the Deep is first and foremost an atmospheric experience. Beira D itself is an inherently inhospitable setting, and adding the threat of the unknown is a rather good idea. However, by plunging us into situations we havve seen over and over again, the work fails to emerge from the depths, and risks being drowned by indifference.

“Embrace death.” Despite a very short lifespan and few scenes of actual gameplay, Adios has enough qualities to impact players who will give it a go. Thanks to incredibly well-written dialogues and interesting choices as regards the aesthetic, Mischief’s walking simulator conveys gorgeous feelings. A great sense of sadness can be felt in game and it contrasts with a great and palpable uneasiness. Simultaneously touching and disturbing, this story about a man dedicated to regaining control of his own destiny can be appreciated like a great movie. Inspired by the movie industry to be a work of art on its own, this title exudes love and regret and addresses life and death issues: the story of a man finally at peace with himself. Adios.

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.

This third DLC of Immortals Fenyx Rising is a more than welcome surprise. This episode was already the first to really catch our attention when the several extensions were revealed thanks to its different gameplay and style. Indeed, one finds again the well-oiled mechanics of the main game which are the storytelling and the different gorgeous scenery as well as the different puzzles. With this new way of playing, this DLC truly is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the two previous ones that were more classic in their formula. The whole game works like a charm but the unclear and overloaded with information compass kind of overshadows the whole experience by complicating the exploration of the Pyrite Island. Anyway, if one wishes for a sequel or even a spin-off from the main story, maybe this format could do the trick.

Genesis Noir voluntarily chose to focus on the visual and auditive experience even if it meant compromising the player’s interactivity. This decision results in an experimental storytelling nuanced with jazz rhythms where the unknown limits of its own realm mingle with the invigorating pace of this mysterious investigation resembling a film noir. We are slightly disappointed by the gameplay that happens to be quite fastidious whenever one of the rare interactions happens; this could dishearten more than one player. Considering how generous the game is artistically speaking, this would be an understandable but damaging problem.

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?

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”.

Despite my absolute fondness for Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Arkham Horror: Mother’s Embrace is dreadful: a sort of empty and unfaithful substitute to a pleasant board game deserving to be acknowledged. Mother’s Embrace is a mere video game transposition without an ounce of creativity and even at times a bit lazy and slow. Nonetheless, those used to the series might be thrilled to once again find some of the franchise’s iconic characters and enjoy its atmosphere. As for the others, this game can also be a sleeping-pill substitute rather than a decent introduction to H.P Lovecraft’s universe or FFG’s board games: what a waste.

Knight Squad 2 could be perceived as quite a minimalist sequel for those who’ve already played the previous title in every possible way with their friends. Nonetheless, the pleasure felt when playing remains the same and whoever discovers this multiplayer game for the first time will greatly value being able to launch quick and entertaining games online or with friends at home kicking back in the couch. After all, there are few games nowadays offering accessible and stress-free gaming sessions for up to 8 players.

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.

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

With this, Capcom presents its best do-over yet. Never has the term “remake” been better suited for describing what is Resident Evil 4. The story benefits from a reorchestration that erases the narrative defects of the original work. Offering a modern gameplay without forgetting its original DNA, the title manages to keep the right balance between action and survival horror. If Capcom's wizards manage to do the same magic trick with the two subsequent episodes shunned by purists of the license, all will be forgiven.

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

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.

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

Cult of the Lamb truly is a great gaming experience reminiscent of Moonlighter with its interdependent management/rogue-like aspect. The sadistic elements that one would expect from a demonic cult are cleverly designed and the whole experience almost feels as a God Game as one can do almost anything they yearn for with the cult. Both the management and the action parts do not take any risks and remain too classic. Nevertheless, their adequate balance enable the player to fully appreciate the title’s offbeat concept.

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

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

Whether on foot or behind the wheel, the developers of Volition’s reboot offer us a wickedly fun title where one can take a perverse delight in making everything explode around them. The new characters are endearing and make us forget the old ones. Despite some successful quest sequences, the scenario remains too short. From secondary activities to the extensive customisation of the protagonist, weapons and vehicles, the game’s content is quite rich. This Saints Row is a pleasant and entertaining game to blow off some steam, but ultimately, it sticks to its guns and does not take enough risks to really set itself as a master of the genre.

As a professional car mechanic who has not played the other episodes of the Car Mechanic Simulator license, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the realism of this simulation in regards to dismantling the parts, ordering those that seem defective or repairing them when possible. Expanding your garage to optimise your workspace, buying a car at auction to make a profit and of course receiving cars whose customers tell you that there is only a "small" noise when half the car needs to be replaced, the recipe is complete. Despite some flaws in its usability, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a briliant game that all mechanic lovers (and others) should own.

Life is Strange: True Colors respects the legacy of its elders. Perhaps too much so. Three years after the last episode by Dontnod Entertainment, Deck Nine Games followed all too well the original recipe. After discovering Alex Chen’s power and the graphical improvement, the novelties to shake up the fans of the licence are scarce. But let them be reassured: all the elements that made the success of the previous episodes are right there. The pleasure of discovering Haven Springs, its mysteries and its inhabitants is real and the emotion does not falter. Nevertheless, the technique as well as the freedom of action and the staging are outdated and hard to ignore. The next game in the saga must take more risks, whether in terms of the themes tackled or the diversity of the exploration phases or else, the tide will shift from an emotional game to a boring one.

Diablo 2 Resurrected is the embodiment of a balancing act: how can one preserve the original vision of a 20-year-old title, while adapting it to an audience that has since seen a sequel, and all this on a controller? This is the daring challenge that Blizzard and its teams set themselves, and where many expected an industrial accident, the result, even if imperfect, still makes us smile. We can only advise you to think carefully about the choice of your version if you have the possibility to play on PC. However, it must be said that the experience on a console remains quite pleasant. A classic among classics and a sure value for hack’n slash fans.

Without much surprise, FIFA 22 is unfortunately the logical continuation of all its predecessors. For its first real opus dedicated to new generation consoles, EA doesn’t manage (and doesn’t want) to fix the repetitive flaws that have plagued its franchise for years and chooses instead to improve the gameplay and atmosphere which are major, but secondary aspects. Even graphically, the evolution remains insignificant and it leaves a sour taste. For FIFA fans, the 22nd episode should, however, be a satisfying vintage subject to a patch that could change everything. For lovers of simulation and real football, it’s best to heed the advice of the legendary Gary Lineker: “FIFA is a simple game: 22 clowns dribble with a ball for 90 minutes and in the end, football still manages to be the real loser.”

Travelling back in time through the completely delirious universe of Kraken Academy!! is not unpleasant despite its lack of striking resolutions, especially as the humorous dimension fits adequately. The investigation to discover The Perfidious’ identity is gripping, but the way to wrap it up is kind of repetitive. We would have appreciated more variety in the mini-games, as well as a real use of the Kraken-net social network to find clues for an added layer of substance. Without being transcendent, the side quests contribute to the title’s already crazy background, but they’re still too shallow to bring a real added value to the scenario. Kraken Academy!! thus graduates with honours. Teacher’s comment: “Kraken Academy!! is a studious but somewhat dissipated student, be careful not to rest too much on your laurels!"

It is clear that Remnant 2 has made some concessions. This is particularly true as regards the narrative and the rushed main plot. On the other hand, the gameplay has been enriched, particularly during boss battles. Compared to the previous episode, the art direction is far more polished and immersive. Similarly to its predecessor, Remnant 2 is a 3rd person shooter with classic but effective RPG mechanics, sprinkled with a dash of Dark Souls for a welcome and controlled challenge. Our first run lasted around twenty hours, and our feeling at the end of the final sequence was close to: “already!?” The adventure mode and procedural world offer great replayability, and we cannot wait to get back to the game when future DLC will come.

Going against the grain of everything the industry preaches in 2024, Mistwalker offers a JRPG that doesn't try to impress players with its graphics, yet manages to be technically impressive. Rather than using a story that focuses on social issues to make itself look engaging, the game has opted for a return to the roots of fantasy. Some may criticise its clichéd characters, but where FFVII Remake chose to drown itself in pseudo-philosophical considerations and a multiverse that made it lose all dramatic stakes, Fantasian Neo Dimension uses its own to offer players a deep and moving story, as well as a reflection on mourning so dear to Sakaguchi. It's a great lesson in humility for other studios, and a real joy to play with.

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!

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.

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.

MotoGP 22 doesn’t revolutionise the recipe and simply heats up its old leftovers gameplay-wise. It brings some improvements here and there, but its visuals are getting outdated. However, its playable documentary NINE, which is a nice surprise, avoids the shipwreck. The addition of a local multiplayer option and cross-gen feature that was long awaited by players and no longer divides the community must also be mentioned. It’s high time for the studio to move up a gear and offer something completely new with an updated career mode and a refined presentation.

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...

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.

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.

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.

To finally be able to get our hands on this epic previously reserved for the Japanese public is a real chance for the fans of the licence. Unfortunately, after six episodes in the same format, it is disappointing to live a similar experience once again. If the narration of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is excellent and makes us experience a beautiful adventure, we cannot help but see it as yet another Yakuza, whether in its construction or its side content, but with a samurai filter. If you are still thrilled by the formula, it would be a shame to miss it.

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.

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

We enjoyed Bus Simulator in 2019, and our pleasure remains intact in 2021. It uses the same recipe but adds some welcome new ingredients. Managing your routes can be complicated at times due to menus that aren't always ergonomic, but it nonetheless remains fun to set them up to increase one's profits as much as possible. The driving experience is still pleasant and you quickly get hooked on roaming through the new town of Angel Shores and the good ol' Seaside Valley.

Crown Wars: The Black Prince is a very likeable X-COM that unfortunately (and probably) suffers from a lack of resources to make the most of the studio's ideas. Despite a few glitches and a tedious storyline, Artefacts Studio's title managed to keep us coming back to the game several times to improve our domain and our troops. The gameplay does not in any way revolutionise the genre, but it does offer a complete and enjoyable experience, which ultimately provided us with a good time: guilty pleasure is back on the menu.

Nova Lands has won our hearts. The heaviness at the start of the game quickly fades away, giving way to a desire to go as far as possible. Progression is fairly well balanced and the title is never frustrating, even going so far as to make you think about how to improve your productions once you have turned off the console. The experience has been quite enjoyable. Provided you enjoy the genre, Nova Lands is well worth a minute of your time.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks BioWare’s return to immersive, polished storytelling that anchors the quality of dialogue and interaction at the heart of the experience. Although the title moves away from the RPG foundations of the first instalments in favour of a tenaciously action-oriented approach, the balance between intensity and moments of lightness is well orchestrated. The semi-open world and art direction add a touch of magic and adventure that is highly enjoyable. The environments and characters, enriched by companion quests and sub-plots, create a vibrant universe. On the other hand, the choice of an action-oriented gameplay, to the detriment of the RPG elements of the first episodes, could destabilise fans of more classic RPGs. This shift towards a more accessible and intense adventure, despite a few redundancies, gives the game its own identity, where epic sequences and more intimate moments come together skilfully. The Veilguard is a solid addition to the Dragon Age universe, ready to appeal to loyal fans of the series and new explorers alike.

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.

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.

Within an industry that sometimes struggles to renew itself, especially in the themes it tackles, Road 96 is a daring bet. Even though we freely admit that it is far from perfect, especially as regards its procedural part and its technical aspect, the title nevertheless offers an original experience that goes off the beaten track. This is portrayed by the narrative expressed through the iteration of encounters with the seven key characters. Despite being divisive, this mechanic leads to a rather unique game revolving around intertwined stories that puts the player in the position of a partial spectator of the events occurring before his eyes.

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.

As fans of the survival horror genre, we were eagerly waiting for The Callisto Protocol: and what a ride. Glen Schofield and his new team of industry veterans master their art and offer us a very successful horrific experience with an exemplary artistic direction and production. The nervous and tactical confrontations are exhilarating to play and the discomfort can be felt throughout our undertaking. Fans of gore will be served. Despite all the studio’s efforts to diversify the game sequences, the title suffers from a dated level design linked to the cross-gen development. Spiritual son of the legendary Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol, if not having killed its father, can at least look him straight in the eyes with dignity. Thanks to a lore that looks promising, it has also earned the right to chart its own course. We are ready for the next one!

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

Funko Fusion is full of good ideas, but it struggles to fully convince despite all its potential. The charm of its well-modelled Pop figurines and colourful worlds is not enough to compensate for its repetitive gameplay, lack of honing and numerous glitches that jeopardise immersion. It truly is a shame, because with some more polished development, it could have rivalled the best. So it is best reserved for miniature enthusiasts, and preferably at a low price.

Past its lengthy and monotonous introduction, Marvel’s Midnight Suns finally becomes interesting when it gives the player full control. Offering a great deal of relationship management between characters while exploring the Abbey, labelling it simply as a tactical combat game would be too reductive. The result is an atypical experience, more akin to a Fire Emblem or Persona, with day-to-day management and activities gift-wrapped in a Marvel suit. Despite a pleasant combat system, it might be more enjoyed by fans of comics and the MCU than by those fond of tactical games.

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

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

“Mixed feelings” is the best way to describe how The Last Stand: Aftermath made us feel. The Rogue-Lite genre's inherent mechanics (starting over and over again, dying repeatedly and leaving behind a few artefacts for the next character) are spoiled by an overall lack of variety. It’s a pity considering it remains truly addictive despite this. Good ideas are hampered by an archaic scavenging system and too many combat phases that aren’t thrilling enough. If we set aside these few blunders, The Last Stand: Aftermath remains a guilty pleasure that makes us want to go back for seconds. Its heavy atmosphere, its mutation and crafting mechanics and its difficult progression make it compelling. Let’s hope that a patch will quickly fix the technical issues.

Timothy VS the Aliens does not reinvent the genre but offers an enjoyable experience. Its few weak points do not tarnish our overall good impression. However, the game’s easy difficulty makes it more appropriate for a young or beginner audience. Considering its limited lifespan, the price seems a bit overboard.

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.

If Shakespeare’s language has no secrets for you, how can one not fall under the spell of Wytchwood? But like many witches, its sombre beauty and intriguing story conceal some real flaws: outdated craft-based mechanics, a lot of back and forth and a below-average difficulty. No matter how one feels about it all, this witch will leave no one indifferent: whether you like it or not!

Let’s wrap it up with Jack: It should have been an ordinary evening; I hadn’t planned on spending so much time in Mouseburg. There’s a special, unique atmosphere there, sometimes gloomy or, on the contrary, blinding, as if someone had forgotten to switch off the spotlights. I’d been tipped off by the Herald’s pen-pusher, to whom I’d occasionally pass on some information. This ‘minor’ disappearance case should never have taken me this far. I just had to fill in a few gaps to solve the case. I never imagined I’d be criss-crossing the city for this. I stumbled upon some colourful characters: the sinister face of the politician Cornelius Stilton, the pretty doll—too pretty to be honest—Miss McCarthy, and a whole string of blokes who would have made a viper’s nest look like a summer camp. And then there was the gunpowder. Far too much gunpowder. It's as if Mouseburg had decided to set off a personal fireworks display for me. All things considered, I came out of it without a scratch – either a feat of skill or just plain luck. Either way, case closed.

The Cosmic Abyss had everything it needed to draw us in with its polished atmosphere, inspired art direction, a storyline seemingly worthy of the Cthulhu mythos, and its intriguing investigative mechanics: all in all some great potential. Unfortunately, it mostly managed to leave us lost, and we soon found ourselves overwhelmed under a mass of major technical issues such as game-breaking bugs, repeated crashes, and lost saves. Under these circumstances, it’s difficult for us to recommend the game as it stands. It’s better to wait for the patches before giving it a go. It is equally difficult for us to give a definitive verdict, as our assessment is based on a truncated experience. And that is undoubtedly the most frustrating part as we know there's an interesting world taking shape, but we cannot confirm it. One question remains as we conclude this review: have we fallen victim to the curse of Cthulhu, or simply to a premature launch?

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.

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 its offbeat universe, its omnipresent dark humour and its numerous references, Charlotte Sutherland presents a pleasant Point and Click game to play. We were slightly disappointed by its extensive accessibility and a help option available at all times would have increased its complexity and allowed each player to approach the game freely. Nevertheless, the impeccable sound design, the extra-caricatural and fantastic characters and an ending with unexpected twists easily compensate for the few blemishes mentioned. In the end, we only have one wish: follow our two friends to the ends of the world in their next adventures.

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.

Two Point Hospital had charmed us, and we were looking forward to Two Point Campus. Ultimately, even if it does not meet all our expectations, we were not disappointed. Because of its solid foundation, we understand that the British studio did not want to alter its recipe. At first glance, one can easily recognise the graphic style and the ever so enticing animation of the franchise’s characters. After a few minutes, we were delighted to find its wacky humour and gameplay mechanics. After a few hours, we were pleasantly surprised by the game’s change of pace with the school years passing by and the building feature in the great outdoors: but that was not enough to satisfy our needs. One will experience a certain redundancy when facing the basic arrangements of the student life and the management of the planning of cultural events. Nevertheless, getting the three stars per scenario in a reasonable amount of time and the excitement of discovering new campuses and wild courses consistently pushed us in indulging some more with the adventure. Final result of the Jury: Graduation with Honours. Congratulations!

To say that we liked Tinykin is an understatement. With great qualities (in its miniature universe), it almost leaves us with a taste of too little as we devoured it without restraint. Our character reacts with great ease. Navigating through the different levels is a real pleasure, especially since they are full of details and corners to explore. If you are a fan of platform games and completion, go for it!

It is hard to really get excited about SBK 22: the game will not surprise anyone as it is essentially a carbon copy of the previous MotoGP games developed by the studio. Despite a slightly more accessible gameplay and a brand-new race format, we would have liked a bit more highlight on the Superbike Championship’s specificities. It nonetheless remains a decent and complete game that will allow fans to indulge with the pilots and tracks they love at a reduced price until a next episode that will hopefully stand on his own two feet.

The studio’s desire to propose a short but well-crafted game is a risky bet that can fully satisfy casual players. The latter will undoubtedly find a challenge to their liking, without necessarily seeking completion. On the other hand, those who are used to this type of production and who have probably worn out their pads feeding armies of zombies with Hawaiian pizzas will only make mincemeat of this Fueled Up. The title is nevertheless very fun and introduces several original, but unfortunately played down mechanics. A pleasant way to pass the time for social gatherings with friends.

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.

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.

As it stands, it is difficult for us to fully recommend this Path of Titans. Technically, the concept is really good and original. Even if the lack of diversity in the missions is not very engaging and the Solo experience truly is boring as beans, one can be addicted to the exploration of this world untouched by any civilisation. However, the potential is real, and we have experienced some beautiful and strong emotions with some online encounters. Provided that the developers ensure a regular and qualitative follow-up of the title, getting your hands on it might be worth it!

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.

For their first title, the Canadians from Norsfell have designed what appears to be an interesting game filled with good intentions, but it is unfortunately not sufficient. We enjoyed the two game modes available, and there is room to add a few more including PvP and PvPvE modes that could undoubtedly attract more players. The combat and the exploration are both a bit dull and overly repetitive. On the other hand, the free Battle Pass, the less restrictive Survival mode, the challenges and the many associated rewards are reason enough to go on farming. Despite its shortcomings, playing Midgard in single player is far from torture, and it is rather entertaining in multiplayer!

Castle Walker is a simple, yet very slow game to play. It will hardly suit fans of old school Castlevania because of the cumbersome gameplay and its disconcerting ease. Furthermore, on Xbox One at least, the game suffers from some pretty bad framerate issues in the later levels, which tends to make the experience even harder to enjoy. The title is nevertheless offered at a very low price and can still be a nice experience if you lower your standards.

The rediscovery of Shadow Man was surprising, to say the least! The remastering work done by Nightdive Studios allows us to (re)discover the title at its best, even if the gameplay is not always enjoyable. This comeback to the world of the dead shows the extent to which videogame titles aren’t all identical regarding the inexorable passing of time and Mike LeRoi carrying the heavy burden of the first 3D action/adventure games is a fitting example of this. It is thus difficult to face the complete absence of indication and the rigidity of this gameplay, which did not bother us so much at the time. Despite everything, the magic is still in the air partly due to an artistic direction that is as deliciously morbid as ever. However, it seems difficult to recommend this game to anyone considering the recent and double-edged evolution of our medium. This makes us wish for a full reboot to carry on indulging in this unusual atmosphere which time seems to have no hold on.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is an immersive and spectacular experience, marked by a successful fusion of the TPS and beat'em all genres. The game impresses with its artistic direction, faithful to the Warhammer 40k universe, as well as its intense and diverse gameplay, which encourages a wide variety of approaches to situations. Character customisation and multiplayer cooperation add further depth, offering hours of fun in prospect. However, Saber does not reinvent anything and simply improves the formula of the first opus. The corridor aspect is still present, and there is a real problem with the AI of our brothers-in-arms. The interface for choosing game modes could be improved, and a save system for missions in progress would have been useful. Despite these minor imperfections, Space Marine 2 succeeds in offering an epic and brutal journey that will delight fans of the franchise and lovers of frenetic action.

For those fond of metal music and Doom, Metal: Hellsinger had all the ingredients to rock our hearts. The final product is as good as we hoped it would be and we loved the adventure albeit it being a little too short. Considering its efficient gameplay mixed with a delightful banger soundtrack, we were gutted to see the credits roll after less than 5 hours: we wanted more! If headbanging is your jam, Metal: Hellsinger is the way to go, especially as it is released day one in the Xbox Game Pass.

Circus Electrique is a remarkable title that deserves to be appreciated for what it is and not solely be considered a “niche game” amongst others. Far superior to what Darkest Dungeon could offer in its time, it also manages with a disconcerting ease to sublimate its management part. Some features could be improved and polished, but considering the quality and passion exuding from each of its pixels, criticising it would be ludicrous.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable game to play despite the few crashes encountered. Some of the levels can be done with disconcerting ease while others will unduly try your patience. A good game to play during the slow season for a decent price.

Even though Islets is not a bad game per se, it vainly tries to mimic its predecessors' recipe without understanding their very essence. This results in a flawed and overly simplistic adventure that will only please children and neophytes.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition is an excellent surprise, provided you appreciate the visual novel style: plenty of emotional scenes, discussions and a multitude of flashbacks. The ship management and the gorgeous exploration sequences are minimalist but very well thought out and fit perfectly with the nuanced narrative that is at the title’s heart. Although slightly too Manichean, the Thousand Peaks universe is rich, realistic and it fully deserves to be discovered so one can savour the adventures of its endearing heroes.

I, AI is not a bad shoot ’em up but its realisation is lazy and below the studio’s previous productions. Its re-release on Xbox Series brings no real improvement or additional content. Seeing slowdowns during boss fights on an optimised title should not be possible, and yet, here they are. The combination of a soporific sound atmosphere with a limited number of levels available all converge into one blunt statement: turn around and aim for other (better) galaxies.

Star Ocean The Divine Force doesn't live up to its subtitle as well as we would have hoped. Caught up with a good soundtrack, a sufficiently inspired artistic direction and a gameplay that is still enjoyable at times, this Star Ocean nevertheless struggles to stand out. Worse, the title of tri-Ace seems to be several years behind its competitors. Its realization suspended from the years 2005 to 2010, its singular chara-design and its pleasant but struggling to take off scenario, immediately push this opus into the limbo of the average games. We are aware that we are in the presence of a double A title, but that doesn't allow us to forgive everything either. We still enjoyed this adventure, even though it doesn't reach the stars.

With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom makes a sensational comeback! Players are drawn in by the sumptuous art direction, a chilling horror universe that stays true to its roots, and a perfectly mastered duality of gameplay and storytelling. The storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat with new mysteries, the photorealistic graphics are striking, and the monstrously effective sound design plunges you into an intense, fast-paced nightmare. Some interesting new features such as the blood collector and the various mutations, breathe new life into a saga that refuses to die, much to our delight! Without being revolutionary, and even if everything isn't perfect (some camera movements can be a bit erratic at times), Requiem is one of the most accomplished episodes: epic, spectacular, modern, respectful of its origins and resolutely forward-looking. We recommend it without hesitation!

Broken Pieces is and will undoubtedly remain relatively confidential. By proposing an intriguing and visually convincing experience but a bit too short, Elseware Experience gives the impression to have developed an alternative universe maybe too rich to be satisfied with a single installment. Many questions remain unanswered once the credits roll and leave us with a feeling of being incomplete. By continuing the chronology of Elise's story, a few months later, two world-famous FBI agents could have said about the Saint-Exil case that ""the truth is out there".

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.

With Ravenswatch, Passtech Games offers a daring interpretation of the rogue-like genre, combining engaging, demanding and meticulously-calibrated gameplay with a dark universe inspired by tales and legends. While the progression system and diversity of heroes ensure excellent replayability, the lack of renewal in the artistic direction, bestiary and environments may limit the game's appeal in the long term. However, for fans of the challenge and co-operative experience, Ravenswatch stands out for its ability to shake up the genre's codes by offering a captivating adventure, as long as you prefer depth of gameplay over a more fleshed-out narrative. The potential is there, but it remains to be seen whether the game will be able to withstand the test of time over the coming hours and with future updates.

Gungrave G.O.R.E is a tribute to the first two installments of the franchise and a gift for the fans. The downside is that the game keeps its former weaknesses and struggles to find its place in the standards of today. Its numerous postponements are not without consequence on the production which is almost a generation late. However, the proposal remains rich in terms of gameplay and length. Let's hope that the presence of the title in the Xbox and PC Game Pass will allow it to find the success it deserves.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

While surely aimed at young players, the title nonetheless develops a relaxing and pleasant vibe that is much appreciated by the big kids that we are. The OST contributes to this chill and bucolic atmosphere, as does the soothing rhythm of the adventure. However, you should not be fooled by the somewhat slow start or the long, childish dialogues, because Hokko Life remains a good alternative to the plethora of sim games available on the market. Even if not as well polished on certain aspects compared to its competitors, the freedom granted to the player, the palliative progression and the simplicity of the adventure allow us to take a well-deserved break in our daily life filled with ups and downs. Is that not what it is all about?

And one more to the list! Not trying to reinvent the formula of the previous games of its anthology, The Devil in Me is the annual guilty pleasure for fans of the genre. Supported by a relatively interesting cast and a gripping plot, this iteration follows the series's recipe. Unfortunately, there are no new ingredients and there is nothing to get excited about either, as the game is filled to the brim with glitches and technical problems, to the point where you end up preferring the dialogue scenes to actual gameplay.

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.

Hobo: Tough Life is a surprising game with great qualities. Unfortunately, by trying to overstep its bounds, the final product remains blunt around the edges. It is nonetheless a very original and pleasant adventure, but one that will quickly be forgotten.

Despite the developers' decision to address a quite unusual theme, To Leave will not leave an unforgettable mark in our hearts. Despite an annoying sound glitch, the title was nonetheless beautifully designed. However, its ill-balanced difficulty, its short lifespan and its lack of replayability push it down further into the ground. Incidentally, its price range will probably not help it find an audience either.

Even one year after its initial release, Deathloop still is a one of a kind videogame that must be played. One needs to experience it first-hand to truly understand the ingenuity behind its intense gameplay with many different approaches, its exemplary level design and its spectacular art direction. Deathloop is not only an original concept (one that is assumed from start to finish), it is above all one of the best narrative FPS of the last few years. The concept “made in Arkane” is pushed to its paroxysm and it is probably one of the best immersive sim we ever played. Its arrival in the Game Pass will undoubtedly give it extra visibility and we hope it will receive the credit it deserves for all of its content and not just for what it could have been. We have waited a year for it, and now it is here: Deathloop is finally back home.

River City Girls Zero is clearly aimed at an ultra-specific audience who have been following the adventures of Kunio-kun's merry gang for years without having been able to get their hands on this historical opus and who are probably gnawing their teeth while waiting for River City Girls 2. We can salute the initiative of bringing out this particular episode which marked the timid beginnings of the hot-blooded Misako and Kyōko the ingenue as playable characters. Despite its new, tangy and shimmering coating, the twenty-eight-year-old pill is a bit hard to swallow nowadays.

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.

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.

The console adaptation (PS5 and Xbox Series only) of Crusader Kings III is a stunning success. Even though the gameplay experience is inferior to the maximum settings on a PC, it doesn’t need to be ashamed of the comparison and comes much closer than anyone dared to hope thanks to a clever use of the controller. Those fond of large strategy games or medieval history should definitely give this game a try, especially since it has been available in the Xbox Game Pass since its release. Crusader Kings III is a must-have in its category and offers a wealth of roleplay. Nevertheless, the title remains such a demanding niche game that it will discourage most players, despite the developers’ efforts to make it more accessible. On the other hand, if you fully adhere to the concept, Crusader Kings III is the Holy Grail.

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

Far from being an empty shell, Another Crab’s Treasure proves to be an attractive proposition for players wanting to discover the Soulslike genre without apprehension. The seabed, littered with rubbish, provides an ideal playground for battling powerful enemies. The slightest mistake is quickly punished, but accessibility options can be activated if the difficulty keeps drowning you. It is a direction that is likely to stump purists, as well as causing a few annoying glitches. As for the subject of ocean pollution, it remains the title’s strongest point and makes you want to pinch the last skeptics.

We’ve been looking forward to finally getting our hands on Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and we’ve been amazed with TT Games’ take on it. For the first time, all nine films are gathered in one Lego game and nothing has been left out. The title retains the solid foundations that have made the licence so strong, but brings a lot of welcome new features to modernise its gameplay. True to the rest of the Lego games, the humour is always present and regularly makes us smile. Whether you’re a newcomer or an avid fan of Lego titles, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is without a doubt the best episode of the license to date. We can only hope that the next games will continue to build on this momentum.

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.

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

Succeeding on many levels, Weird West is a very good first game that bodes well for the next titles from the WolfEye studio. We clearly enjoyed the universe and the narration and the different ways of approaching the action phases are quite ingenious. Unfortunately, several small flaws darken the picture, starting with a controller gameplay that doesn’t really match the title’s ambitions. A lack of precision is quickly felt and makes certain actions, such as the infiltration phases, completely impossible. Nevertheless, this dive into the horrific desert remains convincing, and we particularly recommend it to fans of Arkane’s previous productions.

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

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.

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.

When something is enjoyable, it needs to be acknowledged: BROK the InvestiGator is quite impressive. Disguised behind cute and colourful outfits, it presents us a future that nobody would wish for; yet it is not without hope. It is a real treat to tag along these picturesque and well-written characters’ adventures. The COWCAT studio presents us with a small concoction of mixed genres, something quite rare nowadays. As one can guess, the combat part obviously is subpar to what the specialised competition of the genre proposes. So, grab the hero’s scaly paw and dive into the year 3035: you will not regret it!

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.

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.

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.

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

As it did with Street of Rage 4, Lizardcube studio offers us a true revival of the Shinobi franchise, which both returns to the roots of what made it successful in the first place and provides a fresh coat of paint for modern players. Like its predecessor, Art of Vengeance will undoubtedly give rise to a generation of fans of the perfect run! The game is so compelling when you pick up the controller that one tends to easily forgive its minor flaws. The return of Joe Musashi is clearly a success.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

80's OVERDRIVE is a title that will undoubtedly please the old-timers with its extremely simple gameplay, and without any headache... A kind of love letter to that era. Despite a career mode that is a bit flawed and the participation fees for each race can be a problem, the music and the time trial still make you want to go back.

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

New Tales From The Borderlands is not a bad game per se, but this format feels a tad’ ancient. The formula it uses is outdated and we expected much more from it. Let us be honest: it has some good arguments, especially in terms of its narrative, but its nowhere-to-be-found gameplay might irritate many players. Except for those fond of the Borderlands license who will be able to overlook this aspect and sincerely enjoy the universe, recommending the title to the rest of the players does not feel like the right thing to do.

Offering a horrific game with puzzles is nothing new, but combining a puzzle game and a survival horror: that is a more difficult challenge. The Illusion Ray studio succeeds in presenting a balanced game. Even if the title feels a bit outdated, its immersive atmosphere and well-designed narrative make us forget its little flaws. We cannot wait for its sequel, which is already in production.

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

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!

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.

With their first title, the developers of Nomada Studio are striking just the right chord. The art direction, which benefits from the talent of Conrad Roset, is sublime. It is a real treat to travel through Gris’s world and accompany her in her personal battle. Even though the gameplay of this metroidvania does not reinvent the genre, the quality of its realisation and its soundtrack make it a real video game gold nugget that you must discover.

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!”

In short, Sword of the Vagrant’s qualities and blemishes are elbowing on the same line. By largely taking its inspiration from the Vanillaware games, it offers us a polished visual prowess that has everything to divide the public, probably on the same points. Its gameplay has good elements to rally the aficionados of old-school action-RPGs, but only them. The others will probably prefer other more recent and flashier titles. With its replayability tailored for “completionists”, its attractive price may tip the scales in its favour. A little pleasure, one not so guilty, after all.

With Aliens: Dark Descent, the French studio Tindalos Interactive plunges us into a dark and eerie universe. Despite minor issues with the faces in the cinematics and some of the sound effects, the quality of the title is excellent. Managing the stress of our Marines, but above all being able to extract yourself and resume the mission later, are real pros that make you want to consume this game without moderation.

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.

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!

This title is a real coup de cœur. Its inspired art direction, rich narrative and immersive sound design make it a real masterpiece. Despite an adventure that takes less than two hours to complete, its replayability is at least on the spot. Similarly to a captivating story in which you are the main protagonist, one always goes back for seconds. Belle Game and Arte France have created a very attractive and subtle retelling of Mary Shelley's classic.

This modern version of Persona 3 Portable has some solid arguments in its favour, a well-conceived storyline and a very appreciable, if slightly imperfect, translation. If you don't mind the few graphical problems and the old-fashioned look, you'll be embarking on one of the best J-RPGs to this day.

Without any doubts, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is an excellent game, where everything fits perfectly within the Borderlands universe. The offbeat humor, the fast-paced battles, the artistic quality and the game's length make it a must-have title. It's a bit unfortunate that there isn't more melee combat for a Dungeons and Dragons, but the novelty of using spells makes us forget that. Let's hope that the few login issues to join an online session will be solved soon. One last word if you are not convinced yet: Go for it!

Jack Move is a pixel art retrogaming wonder that benefits from a modern treatment on all levels and whose foretold inspirations are strikingly accurate. We gladly discover a game with simple and proven mechanics, a classic but efficient scenario, what appears to be authentic dialogues and a good dose of humour and derision. Our only regret is the adventure’s length which, despite some anthological parts, could have greatly benefited from the addition of a few levels so one could enjoy a bit more time at Noa Solares’ side.

Even though one might regret that this version of Persona 4 Golden is solely a port of the 2020 PC version to which a few features and a French translation have been added, no one can take away all the qualities and the depth of writing. Persona 4 Golden was, is, and will remain one of the best J-RPGs ever created: to be discovered without any moderation.

With an official Dakar licence, a bewitching and gigantic playing field, arcade and simulation modes, vast improvements as regards the driving of the various vehicles compared to Dakar 18 and a navigation feature via road-book as exhilarating and immersive as ever, Dakar Desert Rally has enough solid foundations to become a prime showcase for rally-raid and its flagship event as long they keep on working hard on it. The new Career mode even welcomes neophytes with open arms to gradually introduce them to the discipline. Unfortunately, the title suffers from a premature release that spoils the game experience due to a feeble framerate, chaotic AI and a frustrating lack of content for fans of the simulation mode. In the coming weeks, the ambitious roadmap should meet the latter’s expectations. Let us hope the studio manages to solve the technical issues as well. If this happens, Dakar Desert Rally will surely become a must-have game for all motorsports fans.

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…

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!

What a great episode this Monster Hunter Rise is! Capcom has taken the formula of the massive Monster Hunter World from a few years ago and sprinkled it with improvements to make it even more dynamic. By reducing the number of ingredients needed for crafting and adding various improvements such as the Wirebug, switch skills or even more verticality in the environments, the Japanese developer has certainly refined the already canonical recipe of the previous opus. The cherished universe, the number of new monsters and the ever-present challenge wrap up the list of essential ingredients which, in our opinion, make this Monster Hunter Rise a savoury recipe to success. We are convinced that a sequel could benefit from a few improvements, especially concerning the tracking, which is almost invisible here. Maybe for a Monster Hunter World 2?

Ivalice Chronicles will undoubtedly delight its long-time fans by offering them a redesigned, enhanced and clearly improved version of the 1997 game. On the other hand, new players will likely be frustrated by the game's overall sluggishness, whose gameplay, although rich, does not compare to tactical games such as Fire Emblem or Valkyria Chronicles, which are much more fluid and fast-paced. We therefore advise those less patient to try it in easy mode in order to enjoy the storyline.

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.

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.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a roguelite aiming to expand the genre with a more narrative and emotional approach. The idea of a hero/companion duo, the gradual sacrifice of allies, and the generational dimension of the village are a real breath of fresh air. All of this is sublimated by a meticulous art direction and a high-quality soundtrack. But behind this attractive façade, the execution remains fragile: the writing drags on and dilutes the emotional impact, the combat becomes bogged down in repetition and imbalance, and the interface and progression systems do more to detract from the game than improve it. The overall impression is of a generous and honest to goodness game, but one that is unable to transform its good ideas into a coherent and captivating whole over time.

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.

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.

It’s so nostalgic to be reunited with our two friends, Max and Chloe, for an emotionally charged epilogue. Although not without its flaws, the story kept us on the edge of our seats as we waited to discover the final outcome, which focused mainly on saving the campus. It’s a shame there weren’t more key moments between the two soulmates, long separated by fate. Finally, despite a few texture glitches that break the immersion, Life Is Strange: Reunion delivers a satisfying conclusion and skilfully brings this timeless trilogy to a close.

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.

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!

Chants of Sennaar bears the seeds of a promising studio capable of offering us, hopefully, new independent gems like this game. Fully aware of its challenges and its influences, Rundisc has developed its own unique style and atmosphere, which deserves to be explored.

Pragmata is one of those games which, despite their flaws, pushes you to cross the finish line no matter what. It offers something different, with a distinct identity and a gameplay approach that clearly stands out. Not everything is perfectly polished; some mechanics lack variety, a few sections can seem confusing, and the whole experience would have benefited from a bit more polishing. But these limitations don’t stop the game from working. On the contrary, everything feels streamlined and coherent. The partnership between Hugh and Diana, the atmosphere, the blend of action and strategy… all of this creates an experience that hooks you and makes you want to come back for seconds. You progress with curiosity, sometimes with a few hiccups, but always with a desire to see what else the game cooks. That is undoubtedly the key point: Pragmata may not be flawless, but it succeeds in offering a unique adventure that is clearly worth your precious time.

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

With his previous works, Dino Patti got us used to dark and suffocating worlds and Somerville is no exception to this rule. Through his art direction and soundtrack, he completely immerses us in the drama experienced by our character. This narrative experience skilfully alternates between action and reflection phases and does not suffer from any break in the writing rhythm. Although the title deserves the status of a gold nugget, we would have liked the development team to step out of its comfort zone and take more risks to enrich the proposal.

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.

We were pleasantly surprised by Sonic Racing Crossworld. We were expecting yet another Mario Kart-like game, but that's not the case at all. Although it uses the same formula, the game brings a certain originality thanks to its varied and entertaining game modes. The Crossworld system brings a freshness to the game with some breathtaking tracks; it's a real success. Whether playing solo or multiplayer, the customisation, accessible content and multi-platform support mean that everyone can have fun. However, we did find it a bit repetitive after a few hours and some parts of the races were a bit messy.

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is undeniably a good experience to have as an Elden Ring player. Whether you are a die-hard fan of FromSoftware's games, or you discovered them (as many did) with Elden Ring, we would strongly advise you to get this DLC. With its incredibly enchanting settings, but sometimes weakened by its lack of renewal, this expansion is, in our opinion, clearly not the best of all time. We were entitled to expect more from it in terms of narrative, which was too scarce. It is a magnificent visual slap in the face in every aspect of its artistic direction, but slightly embarrassing in its uneven content, which we think will objectively divide long-time fans.

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

At first sight, Paper Cut Mansion is a gruesome and twisted experience due to the choices made in terms of graphics and sounds as well as its twilight atmosphere with a lot of jump scares. Yet, it turns out that the title proves to be particularly addictive. In addition to the collection of various clues and objects helping our investigation going forward, they also gradually reveal the story of our anti-hero. By offering us a videogame made of many parts similarly to Frankenstein’s monster, Space Lizard Studio gives life to this hybrid theory of a rogue-lite puzzle-narrative game resolutely horrific: that is quite a mix of genres.

House Flipper 2 offers an experience revolving around management and creativity for home improvement enthusiasts. This opus invites us to take up the challenge of property renovation and leave our mark on the virtual world. Players are invited to discover different properties, customise spaces and take on management challenges. Whether you are an interior design enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur or simply looking for a captivating experience, there is something for everyone. After all, in this world of infinite possibilities, the only limit is your imagination (and your wallet).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is in many ways, quite a surprise. By adopting the pixel art style, Digital Sun Games presents the story of Sylas as a “miraculously rediscovered genesis” of the video game phenomenon that inspired it. Embracing the pitfalls inherent in these technical choices, we more than gladly accompany our unshackled rebel in his battles, both physical and ideological. It's all there: a gameplay without frills but not without panache, an adjustable difficulty adapted to all and a rich scenario that should satisfy fans and neophytes alike. However, we regret the repetitiveness of certain phases of the game, which would have deserved a little more polishing.

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.

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

With Time Stranger, the Digimon franchise makes a comeback with a solid game that is accessible without being simplistic and incredibly addictive. Get ready to spend time working on the stats of your favourite creatures to make them digivolve into ever more powerful and original forms, through an interesting story that is more mature than what we are used to from the franchise. A real treat for aficionados and newcomers alike.

For those who wish to discover the pleasure and stress of running around in the shoes of a chef managing his business, Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator is for you. Cyanide studio offers us a complete immersion in the daily life of a restaurant owner. Unfortunately, the Michelin Guide logo is not there to acknowledge the brilliancy of the artistic direction and gameplay, which are completely outdated. On the other hand, if you do not care about the graphics and are looking for a real management game in the culinary space, then it would be a real pickle to miss it.

Praey for the Gods could have reached the “good game” category. Unfortunately, it only takes a short period of time with the controller in hand before one understands that the means used aren’t enough. The narrative is non-existent, there are no dialogues, the bestiary is scanty, and the fights aren’t thrilling. Similarly to Assassin’s Creed back in the day, we can also mention problems where the character gets stuck when climbing and the sum of all these flaws is further putting down No Matter Studios’ already injured title. It’s a shame considering that Praey for the Gods’ concept could’ve truly been original. Such a shame…

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.

Silent Hill F fascinates with its narrative ambitions and its floral and morbid aesthetic. It offers a poetic and introspective reinterpretation of the saga, supported by remarkable art direction and sound design. However, its rigid gameplay, frustrating mechanics, the complexity of certain puzzles, the clunky camera and the lack of diversity in the creatures and settings prevent it from truly winning us over. Despite a more action-oriented focus and perhaps overly high expectations on our part, Silent Hill F never managed to provide us with as much emotional intensity as the remake of Silent Hill 2. This new episode, promising on paper, turned out to be a bittersweet disappointment. A strange and beautiful flower... but one that failed to fully blossom.

As a fast-FPS mixing 2D and 3D and the first project of an independent studio composed of only three people, Fashion Police Squad had all the odds stacked against it. Nevertheless, it turns out to be quite an intense and enjoyable adventure. Despite a life span that is way too short, it is a surprising and devilishly addictive little gold nugget.

Despite a basic technical aspect, Grim Dawn Definitive Edition happens to be richer than most of its competitors, no more no less. The class system allowing the player to freely combine them as well as the Devotion and its numerous possibilities can turn any fan of theorycraft and optimisation into an addict. Playing with a controller is pure fun and the exploration and combat phases are constantly rewarded with a plethora of loot. The only real downside is the forgettable musical atmosphere which unfortunately doesn’t fit the action and impedes it from reaching the highest rankings of the genre. More accessible than Path Of Exile and more intense than Diablo 2 Resurrected, Grim Dawn Definitive Edition is a title that should delight Hack & Slash fans.

Should we applaud Konami's work? Is the mission a success? Or does it leave a bitter taste? We can debate what this Metal Gear should have been and quibble over the terms “remaster” and “remake”, but this Delta version of Snake Eater remains faithful to its original vision, respectful of its source material, and is currently the best version for experiencing or re-experiencing Snake's adventures. Although we were initially cautious about this facelift, the fact remains that the formula works once again. Nostalgic gamers (like us) will undoubtedly be the most delighted to see Snake again, while lamenting what the game could have been. You can't change who you are... Even if this version doesn't change the way remakes are done, it has still managed to strike a chord in our hearts. A must-have for fans of the franchise and an adventure to be discovered by others.

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.

Split Fiction fully deserves to see its name appear on the list of the best cooperative video game titles. The multiple science fiction and fantasy stories are fascinating to follow, thanks in particular to some sublime immersive levels. Moreover, the adventure is led by an endearing female duo, who slide from one crazy scene to another at an intense pace. Behind their screen, the two players will surely be constantly surprised by the different actions to be carried out in a coordinated manner. However, those who have already tried their hand at previous Hazelight productions are likely to quickly notice all the studio’s know-how and signature movesets, and thus engage in some comparative analyses. There are indeed a few things missing for the title to be perfect, such as more mini-games within the explorable areas, but be snoopy and give a chance to this marvellous fairytale work!

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.

Tails of Iron 2 uses a tried and tested action-RPG formula, while presenting a very neat 2D artistic direction and even benefiting from Geralt of Rivia's voice. Apart from a few ergonomic adjustments, the combat component, which embodies the heart of its gameplay, is well oiled. Exploration and management could be far better to what is currently on offer. All in all, even if it is a decent game that we can recommend without any hesitation, the Tails of Iron licence could become much more, provided that these other aspects are exploited further. As they say, all good things come in threes.

Even though we have highlighted the frustrations we experienced with the controller in hand, it must be said that Inayah is a game that deserves more visibility. Admittedly, it's far from perfect, but when you consider its indie status and the wealth of ideas it proposes, you can't help but be pleasantly surprised. If you can get past its slightly rough first impression and a few missteps, Inayah clearly has a lot on its for plate for anyone in search of a Metroidvania game.

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.

Nothing ever goes according to plan with Indiana Jones. Each of his adventures is full of surprises, both good and bad. The Great Circle follows in the footsteps of the archaeologist's first episodes, thanks to its captivating story. Events unfold at a pace that oscillates between intense combat and moments where patience is required to solve the puzzles. Thanks to a brilliant accessibility mechanic and the precious memories it conjures up, one feels like stumbling upon the jewel of a lost ark. There is nothing revolutionary about the gameplay mechanics, but it is this lack of originality that makes the game so strong. Unfortunately, the picture quickly darkens when you realise that the Xbox version suffers from a number of technical liabilities. On top of that, there are a number of glitches, including the whip that hindered our progress inside a cursed temple. There really isn't much missing for MachineGames to turn this episode into a benchmark for the genre. Believe us, we are ready to throw ourselves into one last crusade to defend this title!

Indika invites players on a spiritual journey of exploration, puzzle-solving and mini-games. All this takes place in a tortuous universe where darkness and light mingle, symbolising the eternal struggle between good and evil. The title stands out for its originality and visual signature, alternating between 3D and pixel art graphics, and enriches the landscape of contemporary video games. However, because of its deep themes and satirical humour, it is aimed primarily at an informed audience in search of a new experience.

Humanity's outer shell is at the service of the game design, and this translates to a clever, addictive and rewarding puzzle-game. Studios tha ltd. and Enhance have gone to great lengths to find solutions to the puzzles' repetitiveness and accessibility. The result is a balanced, fun experience. If it finds its community, the game promises an infinite number of possibilities, so go ahead and create!

Despite a stellar cast and a promising alien invasion plot, Slitterhead struggles to convince. The ingenious mechanics of possession, the enjoyable combat and the skills offered by the Rarities are assets, but they are not enough to compensate for the technical weaknesses. These quickly become apparent in the repetitive, prescriptive missions, camera problems, collision bugs and dated graphics that tarnish the experience. This is all the more regrettable given the title's undeniable potential, which is sadly under-exploited, leaving us with a mixed impression tinged with disappointment.

F1 2021 offers a fascinating immersion into the most popular category of car racing. The new scripted adventure “Braking Point” truly is successful and manages to grasp its audience’s attention for around ten hours with a thrilling storyline, captivating cinematics, and racing challenges. Adding the two-player career mode effectively pumps up the excitement and the interest in this classical race-game experience. Even though it’s a quality game with lots to offer, it must be noted that losing the retro events is puzzling and the rest of the game is a mere copy-paste of the previous title. Another drawback is that the supposed “optimisation” inherent to the Series X|S is rather disappointing, even if the technical and graphical basis of the last opuses was quite impressive already. Despite these issues, this 2021 vintage remains a fabulous, skillful, and fun experience to play: a real must-have for any F1 fan.

Spending these few hours in the shoes of the famous Hercule Poirot and young detective Jane Royce allowed us to experience an adventure full of twists and turns thanks to well-written investigations that take on their full meaning as the story unfolds, the mind map and the well-thought-out puzzles (far more numerous than in Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express). Finally, thanks to a gameplay that encourages players to think and interact, there is no doubt that Agatha Christie - Death on the Nile comes out on top. As fans of the "whodunnit" genre, we really enjoyed discovering all the different aspects of this title. Fans of crime novels or video games similar to Frogwares' Sherlock Holmes series will enjoy discovering (or rediscovering) this new iteration of one of Agatha Christie's most famous works.

A slamming gamble for Digital Cybercherries. Hypercharge Unboxed offers a complete, customisable, fun and uninhibited experience. For those nostalgic among us, the game makes you want to invite your friends to an old-fashioned crips and soda party. For younger players, you will discover a little piece of what the toy market was like in the 1990s and 2000s through a blasting shooting game.

There are plenty of vehement opinions about Death Stranding! While some gamers consider the game to be a pure masterpiece, others feel that you have to be completely insane to appreciate this singular experience. And yet, putting aside the repetitive nature of the missions, it is impossible not to succumb to the charm of this title, which dares to break away from all the codes of today's big videogame productions. Kojima Productions delivers a profound story with a fascinating mise-en-scène. The immense environments that can be explored add an extra dimension to the journey through a desolate America. With this Director's Cut, the Xbox community becomes the lucky beneficiary of a more accessible ultimate version. There is nothing more to say, except that we heartily recommend this veritable love letter to the tenth art!

The Strange Story Of Brian Fisher will not revolutionise the puzzle-game genre, but it nonetheless manages to stand out from the crowd. The brilliance of Intetic’s title results from an atmosphere that is both bleak and creepy, and it acts as the beginning of a series of games that promises to be captivating. If the hero’s face looks rough around the edges, the general graphics manage to neatly save the day. The soundtrack, despite being quite basic, ticks all the boxes to put you in the mood. With approximately 3 hours until completion and depending on your puzzle-solving skills, time will fly and isn’t that what we wish for? Keeping the brain busy and not think about what really happens around us?

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.

Wingspan is a fantastic game capable of subtly making you learn many things on birds thanks to in-game mechanics adapting to the special features of each species. It’s a very entertaining experience that even manages to arouse the curiosity and interest of players who are not familiar with the world of birds. The digital version suffers from the loss of touch and the pleasure of being able to play around a table for a moment of irreplaceable conviviality. Nonetheless, it allows the player to easily discover Wingspan’s peculiar mechanics and atmosphere at an affordable price. Whatever the version, we strongly recommend that you discover this game.

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.

In terms of sensations felt when sliding, the number of missions, the humour, and the soundtrack, FoamPunch really is a great game. But the problems linked to clipping, framerate drops and collisions kind of taint our general enjoyment of it. The realistic physics of our rider during tricks truly is astounding and it forces us to be fully aware of the timing feature to perform one trick after another. An update is necessary to turn this game from something decent to something remarkable.

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!

Considering it’s the first videogame adaptation of the latest edition of Games Workshop’s famous miniature wargame, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Stormground really is quite a success. The Canadian studio Gasket Games offers us a very convincing, fun and addictive turn-based and tactical roguelite game experience. Indeed, the core of the gameplay is focused on skirmishes with fewer than fifteen units present at the same time and does not offer the tremendous battles that can be experienced with the miniature game. However, the battles are dynamic and tactical enough to satisfy the experienced players and sufficiently accessible to attract some new ones. The fact that there are only three factions may also disappoint, but choosing the faction wisely will have its importance and will enable the gameplay to be different each time. If the title finds its audience, other locations and factions could soon join the fight. That would be well deserved.

If you are looking for a game comparable to a John Woo movie, Bright Memory: Infinite hits the bullseye! Bullets everywhere, a high-paced rhythm and graphically speaking, it is phenomenal. It must be said that the game is really short with a lifespan of barely three hours on the normal difficulty, though. Fortunately, during this short period, one tends to feel like a godlike figure when switching between the multiple combinations of Lumi-Blade/abilities/weapons and this could almost brush under the rug the few glitches encountered during our sessions.

Flowing Light is a clever and well-made game that will push your muscle memory and your reflexes to their limits. Merciless at times, this game will please those fond of scoring games and tube shooters. If you fall in that last category, prepare yourself to spend dozens of hours playing it to obtain all the S ranks of a truly well-made adventure. Unfortunately for the others, let’s be honest, this can quickly become a very painful experience. You’ve been warned.

Even though our last trip to Colorado in Wasteland 3 goes back a while, one must admit that returning there for the new DLC entitled The Battle of Steeltown was an absolute pleasure. Indeed, the Rangers are still up for a good dose of adrenaline, money, guns, fights and encounters with freaks, bloodthirsty raiders, existentialist robots, and philosophical workers. The Battle of Steeltown offers us a narrative as “subtle” as always, more strategic fights embellished with new features forcing us to drastically change our already quite-well set methodology. This first DLC is rather short, but clearly worth the €13, 99 it asks or even less for the Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

Even if Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 comes from another era and tries to climb aboard the retrogaming hype train, it remains a pleasant and complete game for those who can forgive its mishaps and its glitches. This simple and lazy €30 port is best aimed for those fond of couch-coop and those nostalgic of the Forgotten Realms.

Even though we had no knowledge about Necromunda’s universe, we had a good time playing it. It’s hard to say if the lore purists and aficionados will be convinced, but we truly enjoyed the game’s artistic direction and the environment depicted by the development team. Unfortunately, the plot (as well as the side missions) truly lacks some depth and nothing really helps us understand what is going on with Necromunda and the gangs inhabiting it. Nonetheless, the title offers a dynamic and pleasant gameplay sublimated by a decent soundtrack and level design. It’s a shame the game gets tarnished by small technical glitches and defects. As is, and as long as those issues haven’t been fixed, we’d say wait a bit before buying it.

DoubleMoose Games missed their shot with their new outlet for steam as it simply doesn’t match the grotesque pleasure felt when playing its counterpart and role model, the one and only Goat Simulator. This results in a tedious experience that doesn’t have a lot to offer besides a short-lived and temporarily amusing multiplayer mode able before abandoning all hope and putting down the controller.

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.

The fact that Hazel Sky is not available in the French language does not hinder the progression as its gameplay is enough to enjoy the ride it offers. Nonetheless, if the English language isn’t your cup of tea, you will miss out on the exciting lore that pushed us in willing to discover more about Shane's strange world through a sequel or spin-off. The fact that the Gallery is accessible in-game and from the main menu allows us to find the different items discovered and their descriptions, thus allowing us to read about them at our leisure and enjoy every little drop of detail the title has to offer. We hope that a French adaptation will one day be available to make it more accessible to the French crowd as it would be a real shame to miss out on such an enjoyable adventure with a rich universe due to a lack of it.

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.

While it's difficult to define the true nature of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, it's fair to say that the game skilfully blends genres to create a highly entertaining work of art. Admittedly, you shouldn't expect to discover a detailed story, and you should definitely overlook the repetitiveness of the first few levels. The richness of the title is based on a solid concept that evolves in a rewarding way over time. Battles become more intense, but also more strategic, thanks to the successive contributions impacting on the gameplay. In the end, the journey to this strange Japanese mountain holds some nice surprises, or at least enough of them to make you want to return occasionally to hunt down more Seethe hordes!

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!

The problem with Star Overdrive is that it's just an average game in a market where hundreds of titles are released every day. So why give it a chance when there are other, better-made games out there? However, we must salute the achievement of the independent studio, which has managed to create a dynamic open world with a stable frame rate. So much so that we are sorry to have to give such a negative assessment of the game. Unfortunately, Star Overdrive is more frustrating than fun and fails to become the space-based Breath of the Wild it aspires to be, but who knows... maybe in three or four updates?

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.

The Tour de France franchise reeks of defeat. The technique is two generations old, the graphical assets are worthy of a trivial mobile game, and the studio shamelessly recycles the same single face for all the in-game riders year after year. Despite its staunchest advocates, the series is evolving too slowly not to disappoint them further down the road. And yet, this failure still manages to stay on course and share the passion surrounding the beautiful sport of road cycling. Once in the game, we are sucked in, immersed, and ravel in the tactical and strategic races at the core of the whole legend behind road bicycle racing. The gameplay and content are consistent and effective. The whole experience is very coherent and offers an interesting simulation. Despite all its flaws, Tour de France 22 will keep us on our toes, at least until the end of July, and this was not a foregone conclusion.

Sifu is a Beat'em up that is almost like a UFO in the genre. It regularly forces the player to analyse his own strengths and weaknesses and offers the keys necessary for one to better oneself, simultaneously as the hero one embodies. Seeing how challenging it is, everything is a matter of calm, understanding and outshining oneself. The story, which at first seems anecdotal, finally promises us a replayability offering a little more depth to the theme of blind revenge that Sloclap wanted to address. All good stuff!

TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is a nostalgic experience for fans of the series. The developers have managed to modernise the gameplay while retaining the essence of the 90s’ beat 'em ups. It is a cool game to play with up to 6 players simultaneously whether online or on your couch with mates. All that is left to do is order the pizzas and enjoy the ride.

MindsEye had potential: a futuristic universe, an intriguing storyline and powerful themes about AI and its technological challenges, but the result is disappointing. The gameplay is sorely lacking in fluidity and originality, the enemy AI suffers from a glaring lack of responsiveness and consistency, and the linear and repetitive missions quickly become tedious. Even Redrock City, which showed promise, appears desperately empty with no side activities and, above all, no soul. And the disappointment doesn't end there. Visually, the graphics fall short of current standards with persistent technical issues such as flickering, slowdowns, popping and frame rate drops despite patches. MindsEye joins the depressing and growing list of games that were released prematurely and not really finished. The studio is trying to reassure players by releasing a series of updates to improve the overall experience. A multiplayer mode and a construction system have also been announced to enrich the content. But will all this be enough to give MindsEye a second wind similar to Cyberpunk 2077's comeback?

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.

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?

Roll7 reignites the spark with this first DLC. The introduction of tractor beams really enriches the gameplay and changes the rhythm and the verticality of the ride. The new biome and the new items to unlock are still very much in line with the zany spirit of the original art direction. The additional levels and challenges promise many hours of gameplay while waiting for the next expansion scheduled for Fall. Nonetheless, it is a pity that these additions are not present in the "Gnarvana League" mode.

Make no mistake: this is not a cross between Mom, I missed the Plane and Doom. This is a game that uses well-established industry codes, sometimes taking things from Resident Evil, sometimes from Doom, but without ever thinking about or adapting its gameplay, all of this sprinkled with numerous nods to pop culture films. Sold as a serious, horrific and complex game, Krampus Kills is actually the opposite. Indeed, we have the feeling that DangerousBob Studio LLC is knowingly trying to hide the truth. This particularly annoyed us, but we must admit that, after the initial disappointment, we enjoyed going through the levels of this game which should show their true colours. Let’s hope that the developers understand this and come up with a future goofy production that is transparent and assertive, which will be all the better for it.

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!

Could we do even better than Persona 5 Royale? While the latter remains the best piece of writing we've ever played regarding adolescence, it has to be said that Metaphor: ReFantazio has taken Atlus' successful saga formula and turned it into a game that's even stronger, more immersive, more mature and, in some ways, crazier. Its minor flaws are quickly forgiven, as its gameplay is a real pleasure and its combat a real challenge. Far from being just another Persona in a fantasy world, the title can even take the time to dabble in topics such as politics, religion and discrimination, without getting bogged down in these sensitive subjects like many others before it. There's no doubt about it, this is a serious contender for the title of GOTY 2024.