Vampire Crawlers is further proof of poncle’s talent: a game that knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn’t waste energy trying to force originality at all costs. It takes familiar formulas, reworks them with flair, sets them within a coherent universe, and crafts a magnetic, rich experience that’s quick to grasp but hard to put down. And it is precisely in this ability to draw the player into its vortex of progression, combos and instant gratification that Vampire Crawlers finds its greatness.
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Saros confirms Housemarque’s growth, delivering a spiritual successor to Returnal that is more accessible, polished and self-assured. Whilst it sacrifices some of the predecessor’s element of surprise, the game stands out for its extremely solid combat system, a well-executed evolution of the formula and top-tier technical execution. Some concerns remain regarding longevity, as once the campaign is complete, additional activities are virtually non-existent, leaving a sense of regret at having to leave an experience too soon—one that, given the quality of its gameplay and the solidity of its structure, deserved to keep us on Carcosa for much longer.
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ChainStaff is an imperfect yet incredibly inspired game. An action platformer that takes the best of a bygone era and reimagines it with a visual imagination that is all too rare in today’s landscape. It has obvious flaws, including an uneven pace, a few too many frustrating moments, and gameplay that isn’t always flawless. But it also has something that many more polished games lack: a strong, distinctive and constantly surprising vision. It is a title that dares, overdoes it, makes mistakes, but never ceases to be interesting. And in a market full of well-made but soulless games, that is no small feat.
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Pragmata proves that when something takes time, it's because you want to do it right. Capcom has succeeded in the challenging task of bringing a new IP to market with fun and deep gameplay (once mastered). Despite a few minor flaws, including less-than-inspired missions and questionable checkpoint management, the Osaka-based studio's latest effort is worth picking up for TPS fans and those looking to experiment with something different and with innovative mechanics.
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PowerWash Simulator 2: Adventure Time Pack is a DLC that does exactly what it promises: it takes the series’ tried-and-tested formula and adapts it with great respect to one of the most beloved animated universes of recent years. It doesn’t reinvent the game, it doesn’t introduce any major structural changes, and perhaps it could have been a bit more daring in terms of its audio and narrative presentation. But it more than makes up for this with focused art direction, well-constructed levels and a cleverly measured dose of fan service.
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Grime II is a strong sequel, flawed but absolutely worthy of attention. It excels in combat, atmosphere, and art direction, but is less convincing in exploration and narrative construction. It doesn't reinvent the wheel of the Metroidvania or the Soulslike, but it takes familiar elements and combines them with enough personality to make for an engaging experience. It's perhaps slightly less strange and unique than the first Grime, and in that sense, it loses something of its uniqueness. Yet it remains a remarkable game, capable of offering memorable battles, a disturbing and fascinating world, and an aesthetic identity that few other titles in the genre can match.
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The Occultist is a work that expertly blends puzzles and exploration in a compelling and mysterious setting. DALOAR's debut work entertains and encourages you to continue your investigation to fully understand what Godstone Island holds. The only drawback is its very limited running time and its technical performance, which is at times lacking.
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Darwin's Paradox! is an original and visually captivating cinematic platformer, with a likable narrative, a compelling protagonist, and solid platforming and puzzle sections. Its biggest letdowns are the stealth elements, which slow down the pace, along with some technical imperfections and limited length. While it doesn't quite reach the best of the genre, it's still an enjoyable adventure and recommended for those looking for something light, creative, and unconventional.
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Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is a highly successful remake, probably the best way to relive this historic installment today. It doesn't offer a memorable narrative or a particularly rich single-player offering outside of World Stage, but it makes up for it with a still-exceptional combat system, an online experience that's finally up to date, and a very solid technical implementation even on Switch 2. For those who want to rediscover the series or rediscover it in its most refined form, it's really hard to ask for more.
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John Carpenter's Toxic Commando isn't the new king of cooperative zombie shooters, but it's still a fun, solid title brimming with personality. It has some noticeable rough edges, especially when played solo or if you're looking for more generous and refined progression systems, but when played with friends, as intended, it really comes into its own. It's a loud, brutal, and delightfully trashy experience, capable of offering several hours of chaos and fun to anyone willing to get swept up in its madcap spectacle.
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Minishoot' Adventures is a small independent gem that cleverly blends shoot-em-ups, bullet hell, Metroidvania, and Zelda-like genres. It doesn't really reinvent the genres it touches on, but it meticulously combines them to transform a simple idea into something special. The beginning can be challenging and a bit disorienting, but those who give it the time will be rewarded with a surprisingly deep, fun, and memorable experience.
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Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake thrives on light and shadow. Although the gameplay has been revamped with welcome additions such as dodging and the enhancement of the Camera Obscura, on the other hand we have a product that could certainly have done more, especially from a technical point of view. Nevertheless, those who loved the 2003 original will find this remake an excellent reason to immerse themselves once again in the village of Minakami. Those approaching it for the first time, on the other hand, may find it difficult to digest the various choices made by the Japanese team.
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Resident Evil Requiem is not a flawless title. The plot may not satisfy everyone, and the repeated shift between horror and action is undoubtedly divisive. However, in our opinion, Capcom's new instalment succeeds in something extremely difficult: bringing together the two opposing souls of the series. The game is excessive, melodramatic and sometimes even absurd, but precisely for this reason, it is deeply faithful to the spirit of Resident Evil.
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God of War: Sons of Sparta is a title that should be analysed from two perspectives: as part of the series and as a Metroidvania game. While Mega Cat Studios' experience is interesting from a narrative point of view, Santa Monica's 2D work fails to reach the artistic and conceptual heights of other well-known milestones. As a result, the product is recommended for those who love the franchise and are not looking for a deep and innovative Metroidvania.
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Crisol: Theater of Idols isn't a perfect survival horror game, but it's one of the most interesting ones in recent years. It has brilliant ideas, an original combat system and a memorable setting. Technical flaws and some unpolished mechanics prevent it from achieving absolute excellence, but the experience remains solid and enjoyable. A successful return to the kind of video games that can be completed in a few hours and are most memorable.
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Reanimal is the best possible comeback for Tarsier Studios. The development team has succeeded in the difficult task of building on the legacy established with Little Nightmares and creating a solid, engaging project that has been expanded in virtually every aspect. Although it does not revolutionise the concept too much, the new effort is capable of capturing the player's attention from the very beginning, thanks to its exquisite aesthetics and masterful technical aspects.
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Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a great starting point for Square Enix's IP. HexaDrive's work is convincing in almost every way, thanks to a revamped and captivating aesthetic and a nearly complete customization of the experience. The only disappointments are some overly wordy sections and a soundtrack that becomes slightly repetitive towards the end of the adventure. Nonetheless, the Japanese studio's new effort is a must-buy for fans of the franchise and highly recommended for all fans of turn-based RPGs.
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Tombi! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition is a nostalgic venture that, like the first instalment, brings a legend of the past to PS5. Although the porting work has been carried out with a certain degree of laziness, the small additions in terms of mechanics greatly enhance the modern-day experience. Needless to say, those who lived through the late 1990s will not be able to resist returning to attack evil pigs, but for everyone else, the approach may be a little more difficult, given the age of the title.
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She's Leaving is a survival horror game that focuses entirely on an original and realistic concept. The forensic mechanics and well-told story set the title apart from the crowd, especially for those who are passionate about true crime and investigations. However, repetitive and unpolished gameplay limits its potential, preventing it from reaching higher levels. Nevertheless, the production shows that Blue Hat Studio has valid ideas: with greater care in execution, the studio's future could hold even more interesting surprises.
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A.I.L.A is a game of two halves: the first half promises an intriguing and compelling narrative experience, with varied gameplay and an immersive world, while the second half tends to fall back on more conventional solutions and loses some of its initial charm. Despite this, the game shines thanks to its original concept, thought-provoking moral choices and engaging art style, showcasing the potential and risks of artificial intelligence applied to a horror entertainment context. It may not be a masterpiece destined to compete with the great classics, but it represents a significant and interesting step forward for the independent gaming scene.
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