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

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 However, one will have to overlook the outdated technical aspect that could put some people off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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