Simone Cantini
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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As stated at the outset, for Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery, I could have reused the previous review, but that would not have been fair to the development team's efforts. They worked hard to offer a series of new levels for our pixel-hunting pleasure. While everything changes to remain the same, the game offers a light and fun experience. More like an add-on than a new episode, it's perfect for a few relaxing hours during this hot summer, a perfect appetizer while waiting for more substantial productions.
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Visually stunning and with its own personality, Cygni: All Guns Blazing represents an interesting approach to the shoot 'em up genre. While the narrative efforts are not very convincing, the gameplay and presentation shine. With unique mechanics and a tactical touch, the visual presentation brings spectacular firefights to life. The overall longevity is not stellar (a common genre flaw), and the ability to shoot at the ground is marginal, but the Scottish team's debut is highly convincing.
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Looking for a classic survival horror set in an original and well-defined setting? Then you should not avoid Conscript, which effectively and modernly incorporates elements from the genre's past. With a powerful and well-executed setting, plus an additional strong gameplay, Jordan Mochi's title also benefits from a refined indirect characterization. The enemy AI is sometimes inconsistent (except for the human blood-sniffing rats!) and the backtracking is quite invasive, but Conscript impresses positively in terms of quality and fun. Give it a chance; you won't regret it!
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During my roughly 5 hours with Indika, I constantly wondered where Odd Meter was heading, given its sudden shifts in progression. Despite occasionally unclear situations, the overall result was very enjoyable, thanks to a story filled with contrasts and struggles. While the mix isn't always perfect due to some technical stumbles, it's a less predictable narrative adventure worth experiencing.
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Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess reminded me of the 128-bit era when the gaming scene wasn't all about chasing success at any cost. Capcom’s title stands out by being unconventional, yet polished and fun. Don't be intimidated by its tight gameplay flow; the surprises from Osaka will impress you at every turn. Backed by excellent technical and gameplay elements, it’s a must-have for Japanese game lovers and those tired of repetitive productions.
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There's not much to say about Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, as it retains its original incarnation despite some modern improvements. Bub and Bob's third adventure remains incredibly enjoyable and fun. While more bonus material would have been nice, the affordable price makes it a satisfying purchase. It's a game to replay if you loved it in the past or discover if you missed it on older hardware.
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If you grew up between the '70s and '80s and love robotic anime, Megaton Musashi W: Wired is the realization of that childhood dream. Level-5 has turned a mecha series into a long-lasting, fun game with plenty of customization options. With a more intriguing story than expected and solid, albeit repetitive, gameplay, it's a content-rich production and a tribute to Japanese animation. A game that was once unimaginable to see in the West, deserving of your attention.
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Exo One is a unique and intriguing journey worth your attention. Rolling, gliding, and flying across planets towards Jupiter delivers tangible emotions despite some control issues. Putting these aside, the game offers a whispered, ethereal story with evocative presentation. Exbleative's work captures those willing to dive into the cosmos' depths.
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The console version of Horizon Chase 2 kept us waiting, but after spending a significant number of hours with it (which will surely increase), I can confirm it was well worth the wait. Aside from some minor general simplifications, Aquiris' new work expands and improves on its predecessor's solid foundations, delivering a highly enjoyable and long-lasting arcade racing game. The single-player campaign is satisfying and substantial, complemented by a multiplayer component that now goes beyond local play, finally embracing online gaming. With a good car selection and impactful technical execution, Horizon Chase 2 is a must-play for arcade racing fans.
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It's said that the anticipation of pleasure is itself pleasure, but after playing System Shock Remake, I'm thrilled to have finally enjoyed the original title developed by Spector and Looking Glass. The game appears in top form even on consoles, as if the 30 years it carries were just a fleeting moment, with design and gameplay aging beautifully. Engaging, long-lasting, and incredibly fun, System Shock Remake is a must-have for immersive sim lovers and those seeking a timeless adventure. The transition from PC to console made some aspects slightly clunkier, but if that's the price to pay to challenge SHODAN again, who are we to complain?
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With Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory continues their strongly auteur path, proudly advancing their unique series with this logical and predictable sequel. The new adventure of Senua doesn't stray from its past, at least gameplay-wise, limiting innovations and confining itself to being "better seen than played." The overwhelming beauty of the audiovisual production, despite evident compromises, stands as the most impressive on consoles today. Some will undoubtedly complain about the lack of interactivity, bland combat, and self-serving puzzles, but if viewed as a purely narrative experience with strong cinematic elements, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will satisfy those seeking such an experience.
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With Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets, Antonio Esparcia Ibarra has delivered a highly respectable horror game that entertains and scares those who give it a chance. After about 5 hours needed to complete the adventure, it's hard to believe it was developed by a single person, given its surprising and inventive gameplay. While the absence of a larger development team and budget constraints occasionally show, Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets deserves to be played by survival horror fans for effectively embodying the genre's standards. I'm curious to see what TonyDevGame will bring next, hoping for better production values.
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Soul Covenant made me quite angry, as it failed to do justice to an interesting VR concept, resulting in an underwhelming experience. The script, a crucial element for a JRPG, was particularly lacking. The repetitive gameplay quickly reveals all its cards, but it remains fun and visually impressive. While it could have done more, Soul Covenant can still please those seeking a functional and unpretentious title.
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Saying I didn't enjoy Mixture would be false and unfair to Played With Fire's title. Sola and the Alchemist's adventure was fun and engaging, though it was marred by technical and conceptual issues that prevented it from being unforgettable. It's regrettable what it could have been with a bigger budget, but there's hope for a more successful sequel. I'd be happy to see that.
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No, this time nostalgia isn't enough to raise Wrath: Aeon of Ruin to a satisfactory level. The console version’s limitations are evident from how the experience was adapted to home hardware controls, making it frustratingly difficult. The poorly balanced difficulty and the odd save system make it even worse. I suggest saving your money for something like Quake 2 Remaster, which still stands strong.
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In the end, the question must be asked: was the recent attention on Stellar Blade justified? After spending many hours with EVE, the answer is yes. The adventure is solid and fun, with an interesting combat system and a gameplay loop that goes beyond mere melee sequences. However, it isn’t revolutionary, and the narrative reveals its cards too early. Despite these flaws, it offers a generous amount of content and is worth playing.
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MLB The Show 24 once again confirms itself as the most complete and satisfying baseball simulation on the market. It offers a rich content experience with an engaging career mode, solid online component, and a variety of options for all tastes. The gameplay has been further refined, with a deeper pitching and batting system and increasingly realistic game physics. The technical department is top-notch, with excellent sound and graphics that, despite some flaws, deliver moments of great visual impact. The only real drawback is the total absence of an Italian localization, limiting the game's accessibility to a broader audience.
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Reveil is an interesting experience that, while not original, stands out with a well-crafted script and a twist that catches the player off guard. The gameplay is solid, with well-structured puzzles and inspired level design, but the brief modern survival horror-style hunting sections feel out of place, and the protagonist's vocal performance is lackluster. Fear is minimal, leaving room for tension that never turns into true terror. Despite these flaws, the game is enjoyable, more for its story than its gameplay.
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After my time in the Bakumatsu period, Rise of The Ronin reminded me of the often-overlooked Days Gone. Like the Bend title, Team Ninja's latest work shares many strengths and weaknesses: a derivative structure and questionable technical polish, but it’s incredibly fun gameplay hides some of its uncertainties. Crossing blades with other ronin and historical figures offers palpable joy, making up for the less impressive visuals and a weak enemy AI. If you're ready to compromise with a familiar structure, this journey in late 19th century Japan can surprise you. It may not be perfect, but it's undeniably fun.
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