Simone Cantini


410 games reviewed
73.4 average score
75 median score
42.0% of games recommended
Are you Simone Cantini? If so, email critics@opencritic.com to claim this critic page.
Apr 30, 2024

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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

80 / 100 - Stellar Blade
Apr 24, 2024

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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

80 / 100 - MLB The Show 24
Apr 3, 2024

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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

70 / 100 - REVEIL
Mar 28, 2024

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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Mar 25, 2024

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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

50 / 100 - HappyFunland
Mar 22, 2024

I had high hopes for HappyFunland, eager for a good virtual horror experience. Unfortunately, despite an interesting and well-crafted setting and intriguing narrative, Spectral Illusions' game comes across as very rough, with simply terrible combat that ruins the overall experience. It's a real shame because exploring the decrepit amusement park and delving into its lore shows great potential. Given its gameplay flaws and short duration, it's hard to recommend.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Mar 19, 2024

No, Alone in the Dark doesn't replicate the success of the first chapter of the franchise, but it's more convincing than recent experiments tied to this historic brand. With an excellent atmosphere and reflective, old-school gameplay, it falters with an inconsistent action component. The two campaigns are too similar to be fully convincing. Recommended for those seeking a classic, less frantic survival horror.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Mar 18, 2024

Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story isn't a video game in the true sense but aims to be an interactive documentary. It effectively shifts from simple information to the exciting possibility of testing what’s just been explained. It's an exhaustive look at Jeff's career and highly recommended if you feel an irresistible urge to shoot a camel.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Mar 12, 2024

I don't claim to hold the truth, but if you're fundamentally opposed to how Square Enix has handled this remake trilogy, this review won’t change your mind about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, I believe it’s a shame and unfair to Nomura and the team, who've delivered a compelling RPG experience. Despite technical flaws, the game offers dynamic combat and varied structure, making it one of the most beautiful and engaging Final Fantasy games.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Mar 6, 2024

You won’t pull out Operation Serpens to impress friends with its technical prowess. It’s a simple, unpretentious shooter developed almost four years ago, offering a distraction that quickly fades. It’s only for those seeking a carefree experience or to top global leaderboards.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters has many good ideas, but they're poorly executed. Despite solid mechanics, Complex Games' production is unbalanced, with difficulty that can frustrate even the most patient players. The constant waves of Chaos servants clash with the lore, and the repetitive missions and grinding make it an enormous missed opportunity.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Feb 19, 2024

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden shows the need for productions that don't add unnecessary A's to their value. Red and Antea's adventure offers a long and complex experience, combining Don't Nod's narrative skill with fun gameplay. Despite minor imperfections, it's a worthy buy, being one of the biggest surprises of 2024.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Feb 12, 2024

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth features the weakest narrative in the Yakuza series but offers the most extensive gameplay experience, filled with activities. While the writing disappoints, the numerous mini-games and activities make it worth playing. Ignoring this adventure would be a mistake.

Review in Italian | Read full review

90 / 100 - Tekken 8
Feb 1, 2024

Tekken 8 was worth the wait, delivering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Fun to play and visually appealing, it’s one of the most complete and enjoyable 3D fighters on the market. Just a few netcode improvements are needed for perfection.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Feb 1, 2024

Silent Hill: The Short Message is a must for Konami fans. This free spin-off fits well into the series' lore with a mature, heart-wrenching story. Hexadrive's short yet impactful experience shows there's still much to explore in the fog. And it's free!

Review in Italian | Read full review

75 / 100 - Lil Guardsman
Jan 29, 2024

Lil’ Guardsman is a colorful and fun adventure game, akin to Papers, Please but with its own identity. It features original writing, memorable characters, and excellent art. Despite the lack of Italian translation, it's worth trying for adventure game fans.

Review in Italian | Read full review

45 / 100 - Bulletstorm VR
Jan 25, 2024

If People Can Fly and Incuvo thought Bulletstorm VR would revive this franchise, they've miscalculated. Despite maintaining its intrinsic fun, the return of Grayson and company falls short due to a disastrous technical state. The lower difficulty from VR controls is tolerable, but the multitude of problems, including constant crashes and save errors, make it unplayable. It's a wasted opportunity unless the development team fixes these issues. For now, stay away from Bulletstorm VR until it's playable.

Review in Italian | Read full review

75 / 100 - Vertigo 2
Jan 23, 2024

The PSVR2 version of Vertigo 2 almost stumbled at the finish line, but a timely delay allowed Zulubo Productions to deliver a fun and multifaceted first-person adventure. It's a long and rewarding title with an enviable pace and structure. While the code still has some issues, the overall experience is interesting and satisfying. A must-try for PSVR2 owners.

Review in Italian | Read full review

75 / 100 - The Cub
Jan 17, 2024

The Cub centers on a rebellious protagonist navigating a hostile world shaped by human greed. It's a conventional old-school platformer that excels in its striking graphical style, depicting a recognizable futuristic world. With good pacing and varied situations, despite a basic move set, it will captivate players and provoke thoughts on the future of our planet.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Jan 16, 2024

Should you buy The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered? If you haven't experienced Ellie and Abby's adventure, absolutely yes, given the affordable price and added content. The same goes for those with the original installation, as the definitive edition is worth the reasonable cost. Even with some different opinions, this operation is highly satisfactory in the current market.

Review in Italian | Read full review