Awaken: Astral Blade impresses but doesn't amaze, presenting itself as a solid and well-constructed metroidvania, though far from a landmark in the genre. While the exploration of the vast game map is interesting and shows good progression, it is rather linear and predictable. The combat system, however, is its standout feature, along with the visual aspects, despite occasional slowdowns. Overall, Awaken: Astral Blade is a very good production, recommended for genre enthusiasts and those looking to try it for the first time.
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If you loved Shinnosuke Nohara's previous foray into the gaming world, there’s really no reason to stay away from Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town. This new adventure effectively brings back the mix of relaxed yet engaging elements that characterized Neos's previous work. It re-emerges with a carefree and delightful adventure, reminiscent of a warm summer day from our childhood, filled with the boundless adventures that only a child's imagination can create.
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As a fan and follower of Stormind Games, I eagerly awaited the release of A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead. I was curious to see how the team would handle a franchise and partnership that is quite unique in our domestic production landscape. Given the studio’s past work, I wasn’t too surprised by the quality of this peculiar survival horror. It demonstrates Stormind's growth and integrates effectively with the film's world. It offers an oppressive and obsessive experience, which isn’t for those looking for an adrenaline-packed horror. But if approached the right way, it holds plenty of surprises. Plus, it comes at a very affordable price.
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Still thinking of platform games set in Bikini Bottom, playing SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game left me quite disappointed. Although I wasn’t thrilled by the idea of a simple collection of minigames, if it had at least been packaged in a more engaging and cohesive way, I could have reconsidered my expectations positively. Unfortunately, the title developed by Outright turned out to be rather rough on almost every level, presenting conceptually decent micro-experiences but staged in a crude and unentertaining way. In light of all this, unless you're a true fanatic of SpongeBob and his friends, it’s really hard to recommend Bandai Namco’s production without reservations.
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Transitioning from a classic view to VR doesn’t always work out for every game, which often end up as grotesque and uninspired caricatures of their original identity. But that’s not the case with Metal Hellsinger VR, which actually turned out greatly improved by its foray into virtual reality. Slaughtering demons to intense heavy metal tracks has a unique appeal when you’re called to do it, literally, in first person. Of course, if you don’t enjoy the accompanying music genre, you’re unlikely to appreciate this production by The Outsiders even in its new form. Otherwise, it’s highly recommended.
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Are you fans of Astro Bot and disappointed by the absence of a dedicated PSVR2 game? Well, don’t worry, as Mac Mustard has done an excellent job of filling the void left by Asobi’s beloved robot. Through a carefully crafted platforming experience, both visually stunning and surprisingly fun to play, Toast Interactive’s production exudes charm and includes some truly clever gameplay ideas. The only drawback is its mild difficulty, which doesn’t detract from the quality of a VR game every headset owner shouldn’t miss.
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Bravo! Standing ovation, with Bloober Team at the forefront, receiving well-deserved applause after months of backlash that ultimately proved unfounded. Silent Hill 2 Remake is not only a fantastic game, but it’s (especially) an excellent reimagining of the most beloved entry in the series and one of the best horror games—period—ever to hit the market. The stakes were high, as evidenced by the initial skepticism around the reveal, but joy is in order as the Polish team has masterfully navigated this tricky terrain of memories and emotions. Every detail reflects the developers’ love for the original material, creating an unforgettable experience. These are the remakes that make sense to exist, with no place for robotic dinosaurs or teenage slashers.
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No, Until Dawn Remake really doesn’t make the cut, once again highlighting how Sony hasn’t quite grasped the approach to remastering recent titles—especially with the PS5 being introduced with an emphasis on backward compatibility with PS4 games. Ballistic Moon did well, improving on a title that still holds up 9 years later. The real issue lies with the Japanese giant, which, while excelling in third-party collaborations, seems to have lost its internal production direction, as evidenced by the upcoming remake this month (still unclear who it’s for). Take the score below as a judgment on the entire operation, not the technical polish, which, though superficial, isn’t the problem. The issue is rooted much higher up.
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I had been waiting a long time and was frustrated by its repeated delays, but now that Pneumata has finally arrived on my PS5, I have to admit I'm partially disappointed. The game by Deadbolt is built on solid foundations, with multiple sources of inspiration simmering beneath the surface, and offers a genuinely fun and well-constructed horror experience—at least until some shortcomings emerge that hamper progression. While it’s easy to overlook a murky script poorly translated to the screen, it’s harder to ignore the obvious difficulty imbalances and occasionally problematic level layouts. Nothing insurmountable, of course, but it does require a good dose of patience. It’s a pity, as the potential to go beyond mere adequacy was definitely there.
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What to say about Evotinction? The team’s sources of inspiration are clear, both visually and in gameplay, yet the result feels cohesive and convincing despite looming iconic references. Though the story has potential, it’s told in an overly confusing way. The game offers well-designed stealth mechanics paired with an impressive set of gadgets and options, even if it ultimately feels derivative due to the influences it draws from (not a flaw in itself). Add a solid and sometimes surprising technical side, good longevity, and a competitive price, and the result is a game I highly recommend to fans of sneaking without leaving a trace.
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Gundam Breaker 4 is a game of two sides, but they don’t seem to blend smoothly. While the constructive side of Bandai Namco’s title is unquestionable due to the depth of the gunpla editor, the gameplay aspect is quite weak. Despite the gameplay's potential, the game’s design feels disappointingly repetitive, whether in single-player or multiplayer modes. The campaign, in terms of writing and progression, only exacerbates this dichotomy. A lackluster title destined for die-hard fans—those who enjoy virtually assembling their mobile suits won’t be disappointed by Gundam Breaker 4, but others should avoid it if they’re waiting for a title that does justice to the legendary Sunrise robot franchise. Now, excuse me as I get back to assembling my new Master Grade model...
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Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Period. Astro Bot speaks for itself. Given the original Trojan Horse’s success, it’s no surprise that Team Asobi’s complete vision is a triumph, as evidenced by the rating below. While it’s not the most challenging platformer, this Sony title has few rivals in terms of sheer quality and inspiration, thanks to phenomenal artistic direction woven with tasteful fan service. Astro Bot’s strength lies in its ability to captivate through impeccable use of DualSense features, providing an experiential boost that's hard to replicate. After some tough days for PlayStation fans, Astro’s adventure couldn’t have arrived at a better time, showing Sony’s ability to hit the mark while keeping an eye on its past and future.
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I’m not a fan of roguelikes, as I mentioned at the start, but I happily made an exception for Shogun Showdown. Developed by Roboatino, the game won me over despite my aversion to the genre, thanks to a satisfying and layered gameplay experience that effectively combines strategic elements and deck-building mechanics into a challenging but enjoyable hybrid. The trade-off is that players must be willing to endure a substantial number of failed attempts. It’s not one of September’s most eye-catching releases, but it would be a shame to overlook it.
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No, Akimbo is not the next Ratchet & Clank, but it would have been presumptuous to even try to match Insomniac’s duo. Aware of their limitations, the team at Evil Raptor approached the original material with respect and knowledge, creating their own personal take. The result is an action/platform game that may not be groundbreaking in originality but is still fun to play, thanks to a reasonably well-done cast and a few gameplay ideas that break the routine. It’s just a pity about the technical issues currently affecting the console versions, which I hope will be fixed soon as promised by the team.
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The console debut of Age of Mythology: Retold is welcome, as it's an interesting, fun, and long-lasting RTS. The gameplay changes introduced are convincing and expand the original experience without altering its essence. However, on Xbox machines, the adaptation of controls to a pad is somewhat awkward, sacrificing the intuitive PC control system. It's not unplayable but will require extra effort to master. Fans of the genre should consider this a recommended purchase.
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Honestly, sometimes I don't understand how certain productions, not even very successful, can become huge hits on PC. That's what I thought while playing The Mortuary Assistant: Definitive Edition, which, despite offering peculiar gameplay, didn't feel as explosive as its PC fame suggests. Beyond a gameplay loop that quickly exhausts its tricks, the sense of terror diminishes once you realize you're never in real danger. The fragmented experience also dilutes the interesting story, requiring patience to repeat the same tasks.
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House of Golf 2 is a pleasant surprise for arcade mini-golf fans. With fun gameplay, creative holes, and convincing physics, Starlight Games' title captures attention and offers hours of entertainment. Although the lack of game modes and poor Italian localization are limits, it's a great choice for those seeking a simple and immediate experience. If you enjoy arcade games and aren't too demanding about content, House of Golf 2 could be for you.
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If you enjoy Telltale's approach to graphic adventures (though not reaching the heights of The Walking Dead), you won't be disappointed by Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered. The return of the two detectives retains the spirit of the third posthumous season, combining the five episodes from 2010 into one package. Despite maintaining all its original gameplay issues, it boasts a polished technical aspect that modernizes this vision of the duo created by Steve Purcell. A complete and interesting package for those wanting to (re)experience the crazy situations only a detective dog and a psychotic rabbit can.
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Don't be fooled by Phantom Spark's seemingly simple gameplay; it's as fun as it is straightforward. Borrowing elements from F-Zero, Trackmania, and Thumper, Ghosts' title is a hymn to speed and skill, an irresistible draw for those seeking the perfect lap time. Without unnecessary frills and power-ups, it maximizes the player's abilities, leading to a loop where the search for the perfect trajectory makes all the difference between victory and defeat. Simple to approach, hard to master, and highly satisfying.
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BUY IT! Seriously, I'm not kidding. Ten letters and an exclamation mark, plus having written it six times already, should be enough to convince you to spend 9.99 Euros on Doom + Doom II. If you don't, you might as well throw your console in the trash. Opening your wallet will get you two of the best video games ever created, in their most complete edition ever. To partially quote an old print review from the original release: if you don't like Doom + Doom II, you don't understand video games.
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