Riccardo Amalfitano


108 games reviewed
79.7 average score
81 median score
83.3% of games recommended
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Oct 2, 2024

Priced at €21.69, Jackbox Naughty Pack might be a good option for those looking for a daring, off-the-wall party game. The Fakin' It and Dirty Drawful modes work and entertain while Let Me Finish simply struck us as odd, confusing, childish, and entirely avoidable. It is a pity that only three games are available in this pack and among other things one of them is also quite ugly, but fans of board games will surely have something to enjoy in Jackbox Naughty Pack as well.

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8 / 10.0 - EA Sports FC 25
Sep 27, 2024

EA Sports FC 25 is, in our opinion, a good exponent of the 30-year-old soccer series with the proper adjustments and new modes. We suspect that EA Sports should move to a less frequent release schedule, even every two years, with seasonal updates in between. Still, Rush mode is an excellent addition and, considering its extensive implementation in the game and specifically in FUT Ultimate Team mode, unlike Volta, bodes well for the future. That said, if you were expecting a radical change, you will be disappointed. The visuals are the same (it is only possible to choose between two different modes), the menus are the same (and they are full of bugs, glitches and sudden freezes) and the gameplay is largely the same, despite painstaking tweaks and refinements that have reduced some mechanics that were overused last year (while introducing others such as too-frequent replays that lead to real pinball). But that's part of being an annual buyer of FC or FIFA, and until EA Sports has a real contender in the market for soccer simulators or similar, don't expect incredible changes or an excellent experience.

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5.5 / 10.0 - Pneumata
Sep 25, 2024

Pneumata looked promising in terms of both setting and gameplay. We understand that it was made by a single developer (who certainly made a remarkable and impressive effort to say the least) but unfortunately, serious gameplay shortcomings, especially in terms of the woodenness of several mechanics, the total absence of a map and directions, several technical problems, and sections that were a tad too cramped, led us to a tedious and decidedly forgettable experience.

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Sep 24, 2024

Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss, tells a poignant, intriguing, rather unhappily tinged story of introspection that takes place entirely beneath the ocean depths. Exploring the remains of the ship - provided we get past the initial stages - is utterly engrossing, and deciphering its mysteries (more than fifty) kept us engaged from start to finish. Yes, some elements don't work very well, such as the menus - a bit difficult to navigate and use - but going over and turning a blind eye, you will really struggle to stop playing this adventure of mysteries and revelations.

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Sep 19, 2024

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP - net of a happy throwback - does not shine (also aided by lazy repurposing on the part of the developer) as we would have expected. The game certainly entertains and does so for the vast majority of the time, with a charm and easygoingness - even today - that is incredible and out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, the upgrade to the graphics (to 4K/60fps), the welcome but insubstantial (albeit discreetly enjoyable) gameplay improvements and the RePOP mode (which we honestly didn't quite understand who it's aimed at), are not enough - also considering the less than stable performance - to justify its €40-plus price tag.

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8.6 / 10.0 - NBA 2K25
Sep 17, 2024

Overall, NBA 2K25 is a nice improvement over its predecessor, thanks to an excellent job of correcting several of the previous iteration's flaws. The gameplay is very solid (starting from the movement on offense, through the contestation of the opponent's shot, to the greater impact that the defense has and the very good AI). All the modes work with the exception of the one dedicated to the WNBA (which will hopefully get the right treatment in the future). However, the biggest flaw of the franchise has not yet been solved, and we refer to the microtransactions and the considerable amount of VC needed to improve your player's build; if you don't have a lot of time to devote to it, it is practically impossible not to use cash, which - in our view - is really an unacceptable constraint. That aside, NBA 2K25 is one of the best titles in the series, if not the best in years!

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Sep 13, 2024

Ultimately, nearly five years after the initial announcement and with great fanfare, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, launches with problems (some really serious). But if you can look past the glitches, the bugs, the graphical shortcomings, the lack of life in what is supposed to be a 1:1 transposition of Hong Kong, and the numerous, festering server problems, you will find a good driving experience. It almost sounds like a tease, but when Solar Crown works, we guarantee it works for real, with really fun races and with even the exploration on foot being able to offer something that helps Solar Crown stand out. Unfortunately, the obvious criticalities have largely scuttled a product that could have excelled or nearly excelled, and only time will tell if there will be improvements or not; for now we do not feel like recommending, considering the price as well, the purchase of the game, better to wait and see how things evolve in the future!

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8.8 / 10.0 - Astro Bot
Sep 5, 2024

We didn't want to stop playing Astro Bot, and we guarantee that in the past year, no game has grabbed us like Team Asobi's IP. Astro Bot is the missing piece of the puzzle, a 3D platformer that is nothing short of perfect and that arrives - given the lack of Sony-branded games of weight (with the exception of Concord, which unfortunately didn't get the right response) - at the right time, not only for Sony and PS5 - which needed it like crazy - but for all avid fans of 3D platformers. Astro Bot is a real gem, an outstanding platformer of the modern era that will be much talked about now and also in the near future.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Squirrel with a Gun
Sep 5, 2024

At the budget price of $19.99, Squirrel with a Gun offers a very good platforming experience that is just the right amount of fun and wacky. If you're a fan of games like Goat Simulator, you're sure to love stepping into the shoes of a gun-wielding squirrel runaway. Too bad about the lack of variety (but content coming in the next few months should add that extra bit of spice) and some technical smears, but considering the price, they can absolutely fit.

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8 / 10.0 - DOOM + DOOM II
Aug 30, 2024

Doom + Doom II is simply one of the best video game compilations around and is an excellent tribute (both for seasoned gamers and those who have never had a chance to play the aforementioned titles) to id Software's legendary shooter created back in 1993. In short, Doom and Doom II represent, even today (and thanks to the juicy new additions), two wonderful and timeless FPSs!

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8.1 / 10.0 - Madden NFL 25
Aug 27, 2024

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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6.8 / 10.0 - KAKU: Ancient Seal
Jul 30, 2024

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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8.4 / 10.0 - Anger Foot
Jul 25, 2024

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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7 / 10.0 - Graven
Jul 12, 2024

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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6.8 / 10.0 - Phantom Fury
Jul 9, 2024

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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7.5 / 10.0 - Autopsy Simulator
Jun 26, 2024

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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8.3 / 10.0 - F1 24
Jun 13, 2024

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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8.5 / 10.0 - Sea of Thieves
May 15, 2024

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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7.5 / 10.0 - Harold Halibut
May 14, 2024

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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8.8 / 10.0 - Stellar Blade
Apr 24, 2024

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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