Once Pirates VR: Jolly Roger is completed, it feels like a small step back in time due to its highly traditional approach. If I still had the first Sony VR headset in mind, I might have been more impressed by Split Light Studio’s work, despite its very short duration. There are no unforgivable flaws—the mechanics are functional, though undeniably old-school. In the end, it’s an enjoyable yet predictable pirate-themed VR adventure, well-crafted but brief and highly foreseeable.
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Will MercurySteam now be recognized as the studio behind Blades of Fire? Based on my experience, I certainly hope so. Their new IP offers a challenging and engaging adventure with a distinct identity and well-crafted gameplay elements, particularly its combat system and arsenal management. Its main flaw lies in an overly extended duration, leading to some redundant and less inspired sections that may amplify a sense of disorientation due to certain design choices. Nonetheless, it remains a game with a strong personality, making bold and divisive gameplay decisions that will reward those willing to embrace its nature.
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Empyreal makes an undeniably striking debut but suffers from some baffling gameplay choices that turn the experience into an unnecessary frustration. While the lack of a thorough tutorial and a deliberately chaotic narrative can be overlooked, the overly punishing and unbalanced combat system proves much harder to tolerate, often making encounters feel unfairly one-sided. That’s a shame, because the combat mechanics are engaging—despite their derivative nature—and the cartogram and asynchronous multiplayer features are solid ideas. A fascinating game that could have reached greater heights with better balancing. As it stands, Empyreal is best suited for players with plenty of patience.
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Got a group of RPG-loving friends and want to dive into a video game with the same vibe? Sunderfolk might just be a pleasant surprise. Secret Door has brilliantly captured the social and narrative essence of role-playing, offering a hybrid experience between big-screen gaming and mobile devices. With well-balanced mechanics blending deck-building and cooperative strategy, this debut from ex-Blizzard veterans is a fresh take on digital RPGs—best enjoyed with friends, as it should be!
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"Lies of P" doesn't reinvent the wheel, but after years of soulslike games, few have truly dared to do so successfully. Despite its inherently derivative nature, Neowiz’s title stands as a solid and well-executed entry into the genre, thanks largely to its original setting and the intriguing inspiration from Collodi’s work. This mechanical Pinocchio’s journey brings fresh, well-placed ideas that will delight fans. In the end, it’s a carefully crafted soulslike that, even without groundbreaking innovations, delivers an engaging and enjoyable experience on par with the best in its class.
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Days Gone Remastered isn’t exactly the game we were waiting for (who said Bloodborne?), and the adjustments it introduces don’t drastically change the overall judgment—the rating mainly reflects the quality of the update. After post-launch fixes, Deacon’s journey had already proven to be a solid and entertaining open-world zombie experience, and this remaster doesn’t change that. If you’ve already explored Oregon and still have the original installation, consider whether it’s worth spending €10 to access the Horde Assault mode—the most substantial new addition. If you’ve yet to experience the thrill of being chased by a massive zombie horde, this remaster might be worth considering—though the ending, without a sequel, might leave you frustrated, as it did for me.
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Halfway between a 2D soulslike and a metroidvania, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree delivers a compelling and original RPG experience, as well as plenty of fun. With solid, satisfying combat mechanics and well-structured progression, its only minor flaws lie in the entropy-based levels and somewhat inconsistent difficulty. Overcoming these, Primal Game Studios offers an engaging, carefully crafted adventure that provides hours of entertainment—an underrated title with a fresh take on the soulslike genre.
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Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the new Canadian team at Don't Nod, continues the studio's style, improving almost every aspect introduced in Life Is Strange. This first part of the story of Swann, Autumn, Nora, and Kat may surprise with its pacing and narrative, revolving around a MacGuffin that reunites old friends after years apart. Everything falls into place by the end of this installment, leaving you eagerly awaiting April 15th. True to Don't Nod's famous gaming style, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will win over fans who appreciate the studio's narrative approach, delivering a heartfelt story that captivates emotionally. Let’s hope the second and final part lives up to this promising start.
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If you've never played Croteam's puzzle game, The Talos Principle: Reawakened offers the perfect excuse to dive into this captivating journey for knowledge. Even 11 years after its original release, the adventure of our android protagonist retains all its charm, thanks to its clever and challenging gameplay. Now featuring revamped visuals and a brand-new DLC, it promises fresh challenges even for seasoned players. Ultimately, it's a small classic that every puzzle game enthusiast should try.
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If you're looking for an accessible metroidvania with intriguing storytelling and world-building, Rusty Rabbit is worth a try. The futuristic, snowy adventure of Stamp offers a well-blended mix of elements, even if it doesn't revolutionize the genre. While not impressive in level design or groundbreaking ideas, and with some minor progression flaws, it stands firmly over its roughly 16-hour playthrough. Ultimately, it's an honest and enjoyable game available at a very affordable price for what it delivers.
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Underdogs is a brawler enriched with well-crafted RPG elements, offering a thrilling and immersive experience. Its standout feature is the highly engaging combat system, which effectively conveys the brutality of the battles in the Neo Brakka arena. However, the sections between fights rely heavily on randomness, which may overshadow the gameplay during runs. With the addition of a challenge editor and solid replayability, Underdogs is undoubtedly a highly recommended title in today's gaming landscape.
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Andy Warhol once predicted the famous 15 minutes of fame, but Mullet MadJack needs only 10 seconds to win over players. Despite its simple and straightforward concept, HAMMER95's work captivates with entertainment and near-perfect balance. The narrative layer adds charm, even though it might initially seem superficial. The result is a bold, unconventional, and delightfully psychedelic FPS, hindered only by repetitive level layouts and the inherent randomness typical of roguelikes.
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South of Midnight may not be the ultimate breakthrough for Compulsion Games, but it stands as their most solid and successful work so far. This well-crafted adventure balances platform and action elements, supported by strong gameplay mechanics. However, its progression remains somewhat formulaic, its construction conventional, and its mechanics highly derivative. Despite these shortcomings, the game delivers enjoyment in every aspect. Exploring the bayou with Hazel offers delightful surprises, particularly from a visual standpoint, showcasing that Compulsion Games is on the right path.
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Promising start for Pollard Studio? Judging by the results of Karma: The Dark World, the answer is yes. Daniel's adventure hits the mark with engaging writing and an intriguing, oppressively dark game world. While the story captivates, it falters a bit near the end. The gameplay, though simplistic and predictable, flows well with the progression. Visually and in terms of direction, the debut from the Chinese studio shows potential despite some signs of inexperience. The foundation laid is promising for future projects.
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If I had judged solely based on the demo, I would have regrettably overlooked a well-crafted and enjoyable game like AI Limit. The developers at SenseGames demonstrated their attentiveness to player feedback, delivering an intriguing soulslike experience with its own identity. The game features a well-designed and entertaining combat system, paired with a unique and inspired setting. While the technical aspects fall somewhat short, the gameplay progression is balanced and captivating. For those who tried the demo, forget your impressions and give the game a shot—you might be pleasantly surprised, as I was.
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Does everything change just to stay the same? Not quite. While Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land by Koei Tecmo and Gust serves as a great entry point to the series, the simplifications and innovations introduced seem to have stripped it of its essence. Despite being enjoyable and well-crafted, the game feels more generic and similar to other titles in the genre, rather than a noticeable evolution of the Atelier world. The streamlined alchemy and resource management may disappoint the more die-hard fans, who might not resonate with what appears on screen. It's a shame because the core structure is solid, and the game is fun to play. However, these so-called accessibility improvements have diluted the gaming experience to the point where, had it been called something else, perhaps no one would have noticed the difference.
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While EXOcars can't replace Motorstorm in my heart, it's undeniably carved out its niche. Though not exceptional in terms of gameplay offering (at least for now on PSVR2), the game is a great virtual dive into the world of arcade racing. Well-crafted and, above all, incredibly fun to play, the title by XOCUS shines especially on Sony's headset thanks to its steering wheel support. Regardless of this feature, if you're looking for an easygoing, stress-free racing game, EXOcars is highly recommended for some thrilling rides.
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With Suikoden I&II HD Remaster, Konami brings to current generations and all nostalgic players a pair of JRPGs that are still fresh and fun nearly 30 years after the original debut. While some gaming era quirks can be overlooked, the remastering work by the Japanese company is quite (too) minimal. The graphics and sound have been slightly cleaned up, but there are no additional improvements to impress both old and new players. At least it's offered at a reasonable price, considering what it costs to get original copies. However, a bit more effort from Konami would have been reasonable to expect.
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X-Out: Resurfaced is a nostalgic dive into a glorious past that, alas, will never return. The game by Rainbow Arts resurfaces today with a re-edition that is faithful to the original, with all its pros and cons. Spectacular for its time, despite being derivative, the German shoot 'em up shows its age, flaws that were easier to overlook in the early '90s. Not very long and somewhat unbalanced, this intense underwater race still has a special charm, thanks to its solid technical execution and some notable ideas. The shooter market has made significant strides since then, but if you're eager to experience an old classic (though not the best), I recommend giving it a go. Just keep your expectations in check.
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Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip isn’t long, complex, challenging, or highly original in its mechanics, but it avoids mediocrity thanks to the sum of its parts. While not groundbreaking on its own, it delivers a concentrated dose of fun and eccentricity. Guiding Terry’s celestial ambitions entertains with its simplicity and marked humor. A light, easygoing title perfect for a few hours of smiles. Just a tip: don’t forget sunscreen!
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