Silver Pines is an atmospheric game, a Metroidvania-style survival horror title that draws heavily from genre classics like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Alan Wake, as well as from television and film, such as Twin Peaks, The X-Files, and The Shining. However, these inspirations don’t reduce Wych Elm’s work to a mere collection of references; thanks to excellent storytelling, they allow the game to carve out its own path between nightmare and mystery. Solid gameplay underpins the experience, reinterpreting the genre’s conventions without forcing a radical overhaul. It’s also impossible not to mention the excellent art direction, featuring rotoscoped animations, and the soundtrack, with atmospheric music that heightens the tension. Silver Pines is a haunting adventure, a glimpse into the mystery of identity that straddles the line between reality and imagination.
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In a gaming era where many remakes and remasters feel the need to completely reinvent the classics, *Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered* is, to all intents and purposes, a rediscovery of a great classic, with optional gameplay innovations that breathe new life into the hands-on experience. The graphics have been completely overhauled thanks to the use of Unreal Engine 5, and one might even say that this is more of a remake than a remaster. As if that weren’t enough, there are other substantial additions, such as new scenarios and new officers, including the protagonist from Dynasty Warriors Origins. In short, the game that revolutionized the Musou genre and won over audiences a full twenty-five years ago is back, still solid in its gameplay, and we’re always ready to fight!
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The greatest strength of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered is that it gives us an excuse to once again step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia on his journey across the Continent. Even years later, it’s still thrilling to wield the steel sword and the silver sword, and this time around, CD PROJEKT RED delivers an updated combat system that’s smoother and more modern. The graphics have been updated, particularly in terms of models but especially in lighting, which, thanks to ray tracing and path tracing, has achieved a new level of visual realism. It’s a shame, however, that the overall result is inconsistent and that performance takes a significant hit when these technologies are enabled. The developers have already stated that they’ll release patches to address these issues in the near future, but for now, we have to acknowledge that the performance of this Remastered version isn’t optimal. Still, the joy of riding our Roach again is priceless, and it’s a great way to pass the time while waiting for Songs of the Past!
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Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter picks up directly where the climactic ending of the first chapter left off. Estelle is once again on Joshua’s trail and continues her fight against the evil Ouroboros. The story is full of plot twists, but what stands out most in the series is the excellent construction of a detailed and believable world, thanks in part to the many well-developed supporting characters. The gameplay remains top-notch, featuring a hybrid combat system that blends action and turn-based elements, along with a well-designed character progression system. Technically, the game certainly isn’t at the cutting edge of this generation, and the environments, in particular, lack detail but the audio is excellent, with very expressive Japanese voice acting and a soundtrack that effectively complements the narrative. Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that once again, there is no Italian translation. But 2nd Chapter remains an outstanding JRPG, and we can’t wait for the upcoming remakes and the continuation of this long-running series!
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And when an expansion manages to make us look at Immortal Empires with the feeling that there's still something new to discover, it means Total War: WARHAMMER III undoubtedly still has some cards (and turns) left to play.
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The lovable characters from André Franquin’s French comic strip are back in Marsupilami 2: Salsa Palombia! And it’s a successful return, thanks to this colorful platformer. The game retains virtually all the elements that made Hoobadventure, the first installment in the series, so enjoyable, while improving on certain aspects thanks to the three protagonists’ unique abilities and level design that continues to reward exploration. Running, jumping, swinging with your tail, switching characters on the fly, and retracing your steps to retrieve a missed collectible remains an activity that offers plenty of satisfaction to all platformer lovers!
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The Sinking City 2 is a survival horror game that clearly draws inspiration from the latest entries in the Resident Evil series, only to carve out its own path under the influence of the unsettling atmospheres described by H.P. Lovecraft. The new installment in the saga created by Frogware is a completely standalone sequel to the prequel, but unfortunately, despite its in-depth lore, the plot tends to lose its way at times, and the narrative’s pacing falters on more than one occasion. The gameplay and puzzles, however, are excellent and kept us thoroughly entertained.
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Mafia: The Old Country - Man of Honor is a DLC that doesn’t aim to introduce new gameplay elements to the original game; rather, it’s more of the same, offering a narrative episode set during the main story, not after it ends. The new story, starring Enzo, lasts about two hours, and it’s precisely this short playtime that might deter many players, given the €9.99 price tag for the additional content. On the other hand, there are excellent new additions to the “Free Ride” mode, with missions that let you return to the Sicilian countryside and fully enjoy the scenery created by Hangar 13, scenery we loved so much in the base game released a year ago.
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The main mission of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 is to revive and rediscover two truly great games. Metal Gear Solid 4 is an imperfect but utterly unique experience. Its endless cutscenes and uneven pacing put your patience to the test, and its pacing hasn’t aged well, but its ambition, emotional depth, and moments of nostalgia are hard to match. Kojima told the story he wanted to tell, no matter how long-winded or bizarre it might be. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is truly a must-play title. Although it began as a Metal Gear Solid game for a handheld console, it remains an extremely well-rounded game, featuring all its elements of stealth, strategy, co-op missions, and, of course, Kojima’s signature storytelling. Finally, Ghost Babel is a most welcome addition: an almost-forgotten entry that’s now available on all modern platforms. It’s a shame about the absence of certain games that would have perfectly rounded out this collection such as Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and the two Metal Gear Ac!d titles—and especially about the half-hearted nature of these ports, which unfortunately offer no technical improvements.
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Brigandyne Abyss is a decidedly unconventional tactical JRPG that combines gameplay similar to a highly simplified grand strategy game with turn-based battlefield battles, where you lead one of the six factions in the game. Six years after the release of the previous installment, the Brigandine saga returns, offering excellent replay value and a particular focus on tactical variables on the battlefield. It’s just a shame about a few narrative flaws, as the story tends to drag and cram in far too many characters without ever developing them properly. The interface could also have used some streamlining, as players are too often overwhelmed by information. However, these are flaws that do not undermine the game’s value; it manages to captivate and entertain with a more than solid gameplay experience.
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Tukoni: Forest Keepers is one of those heartwarming cozy games, not only because of the various herbal teas we’ll find ourselves sipping with friends, but also because of the positive vibes that this world and its inhabitants manage to convey. Let’s pause for a moment and let ourselves be carried away like the leaves in a warm and welcoming forest.
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Steins;Gate Re:Boot is a journey through time, taking us back to the memories of one of the best visual novels ever released. The power of its convoluted plot and its absurd characters is still electrifying, and there’s even new material for longtime fans to discover. However, there are a few reservations, as this edition may not be all that essential for those who’ve already played the original game: the new content isn’t exactly unmissable, and some longtime players might prefer the original artwork. Furthermore, there are still a few technical issues to be resolved, particularly for players on Steam Deck. With these caveats in mind, Steins;Gate Re:Boot is an absolutely unmissable story for those who’ve never experienced it, and a must-have purchase for science fiction fans.
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The new Endless Ragnarok expansion, as its name suggests, brings a massive amount of new content to Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Cygames' colorful action RPG originally released in early 2024. The update introduces new abilities, higher difficulty levels, additional characters to unlock, and even a brand-new roguelike mode, significantly expanding the game's longevity. While its story, built around many familiar genre clichés, may not leave a lasting impression, the real highlight is its refined combat system. Deep, fast-paced, and spectacular, it draws inspiration from the very best action JRPGs, delivering dozens of hours of engaging gameplay whether you're playing solo or with friends.
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Denshattack! is one of the most original games we’ve had the chance to try lately. Who would ever think to blend the world of Japanese trains with skateboarding and the vibrant colors of Jet Set Radio? This crazy and incredibly successful idea comes from the Catalan studio Undercoders, which has delivered a game that captivates us with its challenges and its eccentricity. But be warned! Mastering Denshattack isn’t for novice train drivers, and you’ll need a lot of dedication to impress your friends with the craziest tricks. Now it’s up to you: ready to go?
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ShantyTown offers a different take on city-building games, one that’s more peaceful and relaxing. In fact, what we build on its maps are actual dioramas, each with a specific and highly original setting. It won’t take you long to complete the campaign, and it does lack a certain sense of challenge and difficulty to test your skills. ShantyTown is actually perhaps closer to a cozy game than to a game like Cities: Skylines. But if you’re looking for a pastime that lets you unwind for a few hours from the stress of everyday life, ShantyTown might be just what you need.
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In the Jungle is a phenomenal expansion for Dave the Diver, the wildly entertaining game from Mintrocket that has been a huge hit since its release in 2023. Our favorite diver faces a new setting and a slew of exciting minigames, ranging from rhythm games to JRPG-style turn-based combat. Bancho is no slouch either, and this time he’ll have to temporarily set aside sushi to focus on barbecuing at his new Bancho Grill! The content is endless, and for just 10 euros, Mintrocket offers us dozens of hours of fun. In the Jungle is simply a must-have DLC for all Dave the Diver fans.
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We certainly did not dislike our time with Tales of Seikyu, but neither can we say that it truly impressed us. Fans of cozy life simulators who have already spent countless hours with titles such as Stardew Valley and its many contemporaries may find something to pique their interest here. However, with new games in the genre being released at a relentless pace, we believe it takes more than a single transformation mechanic to convince players that this title deserves greater attention than its many competitors.
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Stonemachia transports us to a distorted version of Milan, a fantasy world inspired by Italian architecture and the world of chess. Crossfall Games’ concept is highly original, even as it builds upon the established foundations of the soulslike genre, though at times it reveals some rough edges and a lack of attention to detail. However, the foundations for building an excellent future title are all there, and we hope the studio will surprise us with their next project!
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Luna Abyss is a highly original game, and its strengths lie in its atmosphere and storytelling. The gameplay is basic and more reminiscent of bullet hell games than a classic FPS. What really stood out to us was the exploration of a world that is as mysterious as it is fascinating, and the stories hidden within it.
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Zero Parades: For Dead Spies arrives with high expectations following the success of Disco Elysium. It must not have been easy for ZA/UM to live up to the immense anticipation surrounding its latest work, especially given the complicated production circumstances. The spy story starring Agent Cascade is intriguing and offers approaches that are as varied as they are entertaining and absurd, but you can sense the meticulous attention to detail in both the narrative and artistic aspects. A few too many bugs might raise an eyebrow during your playthroughs, but they certainly won’t detract from one of the most interesting experiences of recent times.
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