Riccardo Amalfitano
We likedMadden NFL 25. The action on the field is the best we have ever seen in an American football game, thanks to the new Boom Tech and additions stemming from EA Sports College Football 25, making it a better game than Madden NFL 24. The new animations, lighting system, shadows and all the surrounding elements are excellent. And in case you're wondering, even last year's stubborn and slow menus have been overhauled (thanks EA). Too bad, on the other hand, for the modes, which are pretty much unchanged, but you can't have everything, can you?
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Kaku: Ancient Seal is - albeit with the many limitations due to budget constraints - a good representative of the third-person action-adventure genre. The basic mechanics are engaging enough, and the game world, thanks to the variety of biomes, offers an impressive overview. Unfortunately, the narrative is not as deep as it should be and the combat system, although there is a wealth of new moves that players can learn above average, is not balanced very well, which makes combat too mundane and simplified. Fans of the genre will certainly appreciate the four continents and the unique content associated with each. But the whole experience would certainly have benefited if the developer had focused more on the content than on the game map (which is too large and bare of elements).
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Anger Foot is a unique FPS/beat 'em up, wacky, violent, wild and nothing short of racy and irreverent. A true action-packed combat simulator. It's stylish and frenetic, and incredibly challenging, but also damn fun thanks to its wild, colorful and highly accessible gameplay with levels full of optional challenges. Perfectionists will be faced with an arduous mountain to climb, but the journey of mighty kicks, once completed, will be even more rewarding. Whether you use the assisted options or work your way up on your own merits, Anger Foot is an explosive title that is truly worth playing. Considering also the price, €24.99, if you are looking for a different experience from the canonical ones, you cannot pass up this cheerfully exaggerated and lighthearted speedrunner FPS, developed by Free Lives and published by Devolver Digital.
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GRAVEN ultimately succeeds in creating a rich and immersive world that harkens back to an era when first-person dark fantasy adventures were at their peak. The combination of retro aesthetics with a modern lighting system and particle effects, engaging (if slightly repetitive in longer game sessions) combat, and a good variety of enemies, puzzles, and environmental explorations succeed in offering an experience that is as fresh and immersive as it needs to be. However, the game's sometimes disconnected narrative and some somewhat articulate puzzles in addition to minor technical problems mar the overall experience.
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Phantom Fury - albeit with more than a few reservations - is a decent sequel to Ion Fury. The maps, aside from the disarming linearity in the first few hours of play - feature sprawling layouts that intertwine and require adequate exploration and even a decent memory in terms of exploration, the gunfights, although the gun system did not fully convince us, manage to entertain just enough by alternating between a few divergent sections that also require driving vehicles, the interactive environments that wink at illustrious works of the past and the “old style” graphics make up for the shortcomings in terms of performance (definitely many) and several questionable choices such as the save system, which uses classic checkpoints and which does not always work very well forcing the player to replay rather extensive portions of the game, and an AI that to say seesaw is putting it mildly. In short, all elements that as disorienting as they are in 2024, can be easily fixed with a corrective patch. At the moment The title from Slipgate Ironworks and 3D Realms is just a good game that barely exceeds sufficiency. If you are a fan of boomer-shooters you certainly cannot fail to give Phantom Fury a chance; if, on the other hand, you are looking for a qualitatively superior product, we advise you to direct your attention elsewhere!
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Autopsy Simulator surprised us with good graphics, outstanding writing-addressing such impactful topics as substance abuse, trauma, and grief-and well-structured gameplay. At a price of about €25, you really cannot ask more from a game of this type. Sure, the long loading times and strong graphical content might put some people off, but we guarantee that if you grew up on bread and CSI, the game from Woodland Games and Team17 is really worth a try.
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The launch of F1 24 - without mincing words - was a disaster. Technical issues, quite significant in terms of physics (extreme cornering tire grip, nonexistent kerbs, suspension system as unprecedented as it is unrealistic, Dynamic Handling revisited but paradoxically worsened), infuriated and uprising the community; fortunately the new and necessary corrective patches (which we decided to test by hand before giving our final judgment) saved Codemasters and EA Sports from a gigantic misstep. The driving experience - initially far too arcade-like and simplified - although still lacking a “polishing” hand - turns out to be “almost” in line with that of the last chapters of the franchise, as are the game modes; the lack of Braking Point - which took a sabbatical - is felt but with a further improved career, the characteristic Fanzone mode , an all around level graphics (with great attention to detail on and off the track), F1 24 - although losing some ground compared to previous iterations - is once again the place to be for all Formula 1 fans. Last but not least, the incredible accessibility - for which the developer should be applauded - means that anyone can experience the thrill of being a driver (pad or steering wheel in hand).
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Sea of Thieves is an adventure that excels at capturing the spirit of piracy with its remarkably inspired graphics, compelling gameplay, and vibrant community. Although its minimalist progression systems and occasional repetitiveness may deter some players, the sense of exploration, camaraderie and discovery makes up for its shortcomings. Whether you are an experienced buccaneer or a budding sailor looking for adventure, Sea of Thieves offers a veritable paradise for aspiring pirates. Regardless of the platform, whether PS5, Xbox or PC, Sea of Thieves of 2024 has a lot to offer, thanks to an immediate experience free of any obligation to have to improve skills and level up. Unfortunately, the game does not - in our opinion - yet have the depth and variety needed to keep players engaged over the long haul, but rest assured that in the time you devote to SOT, you will laugh out loud, sail around enjoying the sea and drink grog until you're sick. Ahoy!
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Harold Halibut is an adventure game that, although reminiscent of a walking simulator due to its rather skimpy and simplistic gameplay (without any really engaging mechanics), thanks to its unique and distinctive atmosphere and visual style manages to become a memorable title to say the least. It is certainly a strange and peculiar adventure that prioritizes storytelling and presents it through engaging dialogue and well-characterized characters. Despite the compassed pace, it is an intense and almost poetic experience that offers more than one food for thought on the meaning of life both in terms of the individual and as a collective, all enhanced by the wonderful aesthetics fully realized in stop-motion and justifying the ten years it took to conclude development.
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Stellar Blade is an incredible title, to say the least; although initially there is a sense of inspiration to the plethora of action games/hack-and-slash released in the last 10 years, of all of them, NieR: Automata, soon, it differs from it, managing to have a soul of its own, both action but also souls-like, which is the perfect combination. The initially action mechanics, take an unexpected turn, quickly approaching the reasoned, precise and rewarding combat system of games such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring compared to the more open and indulgent NieR: Automata, Bayonetta & Co. While the lore, which we could call almost biblical, if rather familiar, works excellently, thanks to deep, mysterious and revealing themes. Excellent work by the developer also in terms of graphics and technical (there is some slight uncertainty but nothing that would undermine the gaming experience); wonderful the soundtrack that will make you really feel part of the post-apocalyptic world and settings of Stellar Blade. In short, SHIFT UP's product, is - also considering the lean period in the video game industry - absolutely a must buy, both for fans of the genre and for those who are looking for a mature, powerful and compelling experience!
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Princess Peach: Showtime, with its simple and immediate controls, bright colors, incredible variety of costumes (which although with mixed results, keep the gameplay fresh and diverse) and all-too-simplified difficulty is clearly aimed at younger gamers. That said, if you want to play something easy and lighthearted to relax, Princess Peach: Showtime!, without a shadow of a doubt, will put you in a good mood.
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WWE 2K24 continues the winning streak of its predecessors. Every feature has been improved and, as a result, so has the entertainment offered. The amount of content available is staggering, and wrestling and WWE fans will have no trouble finding their favorite. With more than 200 Superstars available, minus some slight uncertainties and narrative inconsistencies, WWE 2K24 is another important entry in the WWE 2K series from 2K and Visual Concepts.
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MLB The Show 24 further improves the formula and does so thanks to the skillful work of San Diego Studios who have made slight but significant changes. The gameplay has been further refined, as have the game modes that put together form a compelling package, with the Stories mode resembling a true documentary featuring Derek Jeter accompanying the second and highly anticipated season of the outstanding Negro Leagues introduced with MLB The Show 2023 and the Road To The Show (which now allows you to step into the shoes of a female alter ego). Also incredible is the Diamond Dynasty while the Franchise one has major gaps that should definitely be filled. That said, MLB The Show 24 is undoubtedly one of the best entries in the series which bodes well for the near future.
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Alone in the Dark is definitely not a perfect title, but it is, without a shadow of a doubt, a brilliant job of (re)contextualizing the classic survival horror (while keeping true to the spirit of the original), featuring a stunning 1920s setting. Alternating between an intriguing detective story and total horror, we were literally enraptured by Pieces Interactive and THQ Nordic's game. Although exploration is the mainstay of the Swedish production, with lots of elements to analyze and understand in order to solve the various puzzles scattered along the way, as well as collectible objects, since it is also a survival horror game, combat is nevertheless well present. Too bad for the somewhat lacking shooting system that does not give that right feel, for an AI that is not quite up to speed and some slight technical uncertainties. All in all, Alone in The Dark is a splendid and flawed horror/esoteric, psychological and detective adventure that pays homage to Frédérick Raynal's vision to the best of its ability-thanks in part to a first-rate cast.
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All in all, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remix that - between highs and lows - manages to have its say. It is definitely an uninspired but enjoyable remake for Nintendo Switch (provided you get through the first few hours of play unscathed and overlook the clumsiness of some of the mechanics that slightly undermine the gameplay experience) that allows you to experiment with new ways of approaching the genre in what in our opinion turns out to be a good postmodern puzzle-platformer and nothing more. That said, although two additional worlds are available - complete with an extra mode (which will keep you glued to the screen) and local co-op mode for two players, Nintendo could have made an extra effort and added some extra content that would certainly have benefited the (rather skimpy) duration.
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Bandle Tale is a refreshing addition-perfect for fans and newcomers alike-to the League of Legends universe, offering players a quiet yet engaging experience that departs from the franchise's usual combat-based gameplay. Focusing on creation, exploration and community building, the game features a rich narrative and engaging world-building that celebrates creativity, friendship and the joy of discovery. The inclusion of a customizable Yordle protagonist provides a personal touch that allows players to connect deeply with the story. Ultimately, whether you are looking for a relaxing adventure away from the battlefield or are eager to delve deeper into the lore of League of Legends, Bandle Tale offers a compelling experience that is both moving and fulfilling, marking it as a must-play game that stands out from the crowd for its creativity and unique charm.
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Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora does not deviate at all from Ubisoft's well-established “open world” formula and draws so much mostly from its other proprietary IP, Far Cry. However, Massive Entertainment has managed to capture and re-present the feeling of exploring a wonderful and vibrant alien world of lush fog-covered jungles, gigantic windblown plains and floating mountains in which you can run, jump and climb. At the same time, the generic storyline, poor enemy variety, simplistic combat system, and stale and repetitive quests make for a boring rest of the experience. Unless you are a big fan of Avatar and Far Cry, Frontiers of Pandora is a totally avoidable title; if you are really intrigued, we recommend waiting for a drastic price drop before buying it.
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KarmaZoo's unique approach to multiplayer games, emphasizing cooperation over competition, sets it apart in a market saturated with Battle Royale and other competitive game modes. Its charming pixel art style, combined with an undercurrent of kindness and positivity, creates a delightful experience. The game's long-term success, however, depends on the formation of a dedicated online community, which is always a daunting challenge for games of this type. As it stands, KarmaZoo is one of the most enjoyable multiplayer platformer experiences we have played in a while.
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If you have already played UFC 3 and UFC 4, then you will feel right at home in UFC 5. The new iteration from EA Sports is decidedly similar, but features a number of updates in the right areas. The moves are mostly the same, although ground fighting, as well as grappling, have taken a nice step forward, turning out to be-in addition-more accessible. The presentation is also incredible, as are the graphics thanks to the Frostbite engine. Too bad about some bugs (among the most hilarious we have seen in recent years). Aside from these minor issues, EA Sports UFC 5 is an excellent game to spend a lot of time with and one that we recommend to all Ultimate Fighting Championship fans.
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Kona 2: Brume is a fantastic and engaging mystery/horror game featuring a frightening atmosphere and immersive setting. The game excels in narrative-driven exploration, offering a rich story steeped in mystery and mostly engaging puzzles. However, some gameplay elements, such as combat and some narrative choices, do not work properly. That said, the improved graphics and atmospheric design contribute to the overall experience, making Kona II a worthy continuation of the series. If you have not played the original Kona, we suggest you do so before starting Brume.
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