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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Battlefield 6 marks a turning point for the EA and DICE saga. After a controversial 2042 instalment, it manages to restore fan confidence thanks to a more coherent direction, a return to the classic formula and a solid single-player campaign that finally enriches the universe. While the storyline remains conventional and some mechanics could still be improved, the staging, the richness of the environments, and the attention to detail in the combat experience restore Battlefield to its place among the greats of modern FPS games. Its multiplayer mode recaptures the strategic and cooperative essence of the series, while modernising its foundations, and its more physical and immersive gameplay reinforces the impact of each confrontation. Despite a few imbalances, some room for improvement in the initial content, and maps that are sometimes too large, Battlefield 6 stands out for its technical mastery and its desire to offer a complete, spectacular and unifying experience. It doesn't revolutionise the genre, but it elevates it with conviction and skill.

Karma: The Dark World is nothing like a traditional horror game. It provides a strange, almost visceral sensation, like an introspective dive into the darkest and most tortured corners of the human soul. Disturbing, troubling and deeply Lynchian in its staging, Karma blurs the lines and sows the seeds of doubt. Sometimes confusing, but always intriguing, it dares to make a bold statement that breaks free from the conventions of the genre. However, we regret that screen tearing and FPS instability detract from the immersion because it hinders the title's overall quality. But for a first instalment, Pollard Studio LLC shows remarkable ambition, driven by a desire to shake up the conventions. If you are fond of multilayered narratives, tortured universes and experiences that require interpretation rather than rational understanding, Karma: The Dark World may well surprise you. All in all, it is a radical proposition... take it or leave it.

Triangle Strategy excels in the two key aspects of its genre: story and tactics. While the combat system does not allow for unlimited customisation of units, it does not fall into the trap of trying to reinvent the wheel at all costs. The mechanics are classic and solid, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Aside from its combat system, it is the story that makes it worthwhile. You can have a real impact on the latter with different paths and, above all, it does not treat players like idiots. Add to that a sublime setting (if you are not allergic to HD-2D): Triangle Strategy has earned its place among the great J-RPGs.

Viewfinder is clever, there is no denying it. Its rudimentary premise is surprising and leaves room for imagination, where we believe that anything is possible. What remains is an experience halfway between narration/contemplation and the challenges on offer, which, in our opinion, is due to the decision to target the widest possible audience. Let us be clear, the title is a (very) good choice, that is for sure, but it is not a cult classic.

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.

Borderlands 4 builds on the foundations that made the franchise so successful in the first place, while seeking to broaden its horizons. With a darker narrative approach and more ambitious staging, it attempts to fuse its fidelity to the saga's essence with modernised gameplay. The pace of the quests, exploration and activities on this new planet, as well as the character development, add real richness, but some mechanics remain rigid and the repetitiveness inherent to the genre is still present. Oscillating between artistic ambition and a few technical limitations, the title stands out as a solid instalment, without revolutionising the formula.

Uncompromising, Cronos: The New Dawn stands out as a demanding survival horror game aimed at purists. The beauty of its retro-futuristic universe, its gloomy and chilling atmosphere all wrapped up in a compelling narrative that unfolds across multiple timelines are quite captivating. Its clever mechanics, such as time paradoxes, corpse fusion, and rigorous resource management inject constant and oppressive tension that act as a nice homage to Dead Space. Despite its sometimes frustrating rigidity and demanding combat, the title offers a dark and intense immersive experience that will delight fans of the genre.

Gloomy Eyes is a gem that shines bright throughout the darkness: an interactive tale that draws us into a universe that is both dark and captivating, worthy of Burton's most beautiful daydreams. Visually exquisite, the game weaves a unique story between a melancholic young zombie and a lively human girl, perfectly embodying the intricate duality between dark & light. The tasteful artistic direction sublimates this duality with an aesthetic that captivates us from the very first moments, to the point where one struggles to put down the controller! The puzzles, scattered throughout the game, add rhythm and depth to the adventure. And even if a few minor bugs sometimes disrupt the experience, they in no way detract us from the charm of this poignant and poetic work, which will blow you away! A rare, strange and captivating thrill that should not be overlooked.

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.

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).

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.

Hell is Us stands out as an unusual experience, a deliberate return to the roots of old-school games where deep thinking and intuitive exploration take precedence over modern hand-holding. In this supernatural and gloomy universe, the subtle and disturbing soundscape plays a key role in immersion, while addressing universal themes of the human condition. But this boldness has a downside. By trying too hard to play on complexity and the absence of reference points, the game risks losing its players in its twists and turns. The constant back-and-forth, limited bestiary, predictable combat and uninspired AI make the player's interest run out of steam, especially for those who do not have a keen visual memory or endless patience. Hell is Us fascinates as much as it divides. It is a demanding, sometimes frustrating work that will only appeal to the most daring and tenacious players.

Swiss studio Okomotive once again demonstrates its talent for narrative experiences focused on nature and introspection. However, far from being just a mere contemplative adventure, Herdling offers clever puzzles and sequences that are every now and then intense. If the goal of video games is also to take us on a journey without leaving the comfort of our sofa, this title succeeds with flying colours.

Lost Twins 2 won us over with its charming universe, polished art direction, clever puzzle mechanics and simple but effective gameplay. It offers an experience that is relaxing, entertaining, and at times stimulating, especially in local co-op. Despite a few slowdowns, slightly long loading times that occasionally hinder the pace, and ball physics that are a little too sensitive, which can be frustrating in certain sequences, these minor flaws do not spoil the overall enjoyment. All in all, Lost Twins 2 is a pleasant surprise, accessible and well thought out, which will delight fans of puzzles and poetic worlds.

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?

It is hard to ignore the technical issues encountered, particularly the jerkiness and slowdowns in exploration mode. This gives the impression that the developers bit off more than they could chew and overdid it. Perhaps they should have put aside the exploration aspect and focused all their energy on the story mode? Unlike its heroes, their good intentions were not enough to win us over, but it would be a lie to say that we did not enjoy the faithfully recreated story or the fan service that is very much present. Never mind, a shot of Ether Gear and we will rewind for another try.

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.

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.

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.

We thought we would only spend a few summer afternoons with Wuchang, especially since it is available on Game Pass. It should have been nothing more than an already forgotten holiday fling by the time school started again, which may be true in part because of its story (which is not unpleasant, though), but it is hard to be picky given the game's systems, which give players a lot of freedom. Very generous in terms of content, ticking many of the boxes of the Souls-like genre while inventing its own formula, the title shows that Leenzee Games has understood the essence of the genre and has managed to add its own touch. In a nutshell, yes, Wuchang may stay longer in our hearts than we initially thought so.