Simone Cantini
Without altering its identity, Pixel Ripped 1978 introduces some small changes to its already well-tested and fun structure, putting us for the first time in the shoes of the heroic Dot. Once again, the real/virtual duality, with all its mutual influences, works excellently, creating a sort of video game Inception that has already amazed and entertained in previous iterations. The nostalgic setting, thanks to the presence of Atari and some of its icons, adds to the fun. Unfortunately, the longevity is still minimal, a flaw also found in previous titles, which is partially offset by the rich variety of ideas and situations offered during the approximately 3 hours spent with Arvore's production.
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With Layers of Fear, Bloober Team has created a work that properly celebrates its pedigree, delivering a revised and corrected version of their flagship saga, including some pleasant and well-crafted new entries. The new narrative framework, within which the stories that have terrified us over the years unfold, successfully expands the mythology traced since 2016. It does so through a brand-new storyline that, although condensed, contains all the elements that contributed to the franchise's initial success. Add to this the concluding chapter of the Artist's adventure, a revamped graphics section for the occasion, and top-notch audio, and you have a package that will delight fans of psychological horror experiences. Naturally, as a simple re-edition, however revised and corrected, those who never appreciated the slow gameplay and allusive atmosphere are unlikely to change their minds. Everyone else can proceed without hesitation.
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Can one ask for more from a fighting game? If the answer is Street Fighter 6, the question is certainly appropriate. With a sumptuous and multifaceted offering, and an accessible combat system, Capcom's return is undoubtedly one of the best fighting games ever. An original, long-lasting, and entertaining story mode accompanies a traditional gameplay structure of absolute respect, perfectly complemented by the excellent Battle Hub. While not an easy game to master, it will provide great satisfaction to those with the patience and will to explore its incredible potential.
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With We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie, Bandai Namco delivers to new (and old) generations of players what can undoubtedly be considered the most successful and fun chapter of the adventures of the King of Cosmos and the Prince. With an immediate and addictive gameplay structure, the second episode of this crazy series boasts the best mission lineup, enhanced by some interesting variations that keep the rolling always varied and stimulating. Add to this a successful, albeit slim, set of new levels, and the usual splendid soundtrack (too bad for the paid DLC), and it becomes clear that We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a must-have title for fans of Keita Takahashi's psychedelic creative style. Now, excuse me while I hum my na-na na-na-na-na-na na-na, Katamari Damacy...
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With We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie, Bandai Namco delivers to new (and old) generations of players what can undoubtedly be considered the most successful and fun chapter of the adventures of the King of Cosmos and the Prince. With an immediate and addictive gameplay structure, the second episode of this crazy series boasts the best mission lineup, enhanced by some interesting variations that keep the rolling always varied and stimulating. Add to this a successful, albeit slim, set of new levels, and the usual splendid soundtrack (too bad for the paid DLC), and it becomes clear that We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a must-have title for fans of Keita Takahashi's psychedelic creative style. Now, excuse me while I hum my na-na na-na-na-na-na na-na, Katamari Damacy...
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I hated it viscerally at our first encounter due to its misleading progression, but Amnesia: The Bunker eventually won me over once I fully understood its gameplay intentions. After the disappointing Algerian adventure, Frictional Games' return offers a convincing and enjoyable horror experience, strengthened by its open-map approach and player freedom. Balancing light and shadow, silence and noise, Henri's race for survival will captivate fans of the survival concept. It's not without technical flaws and replayability issues, but if you love these experiences, Amnesia: The Bunker is highly recommended.
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Thanks to Red Matter 2, Vertical Robot is now in my top 3 VR studios. Beyond the solid foundations of Sasha's new adventure, which is fun and intriguing, the technical expertise is unparalleled in the indie world. The game combines puzzles and narrative progression with stunning aesthetics, making every step within the Volgravian structures palpable. It's a well-crafted adventure in every aspect. Looking forward to their next work.
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Unexpectedly, given its predecessor's success, Another Fisherman’s Tale changes its gameplay framework, abandoning perspective and perception puzzles for more conventional ones based on physical exploration and Bob's unique dismemberment ability. While the concept works well, it suffers from imprecise controls. Nonetheless, it's an intimate, profound adventure offering emotional and entertaining moments, albeit needing a bit more polish.
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The Amiga era, which I will always be a fan of, is rich with titles and characters deserving a glorious return, but the ninja of Dimension N isn't one of them due to the forgettable gameplay of his first adventure. Zool Redimensioned, while an interesting port and update, suffers from the uninspiring gameplay of Gremlin's title. Unless you're a die-hard retrogamer, it's hard to recommend this edition, as the improvements fail to effectively address the dated 1992 formula.
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After the predominantly VR adventure, Bub and Bob return in a more classic chapter with some interesting novelties. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! offers an enjoyable Story Mode with mechanics that partly modify the gameplay formula, accompanied by a challenging difficulty, especially in secret levels. The emphasis on multiplayer and an endless mode ensures hours of fun, making it a recommended purchase for fans. However, the non-memorable crossover with Space Invaders and some lengthy load times are minor drawbacks compared to the solid experience offered.
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Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a perfect representative of the techno-fantasy universe beloved by miniature-based board game fans. Born from the best of the glorious '90s, the zero-decade of first-person shooters, Auroch Digital's title offers a respectable old-school experience. While it won't revolutionize gameplay, it delivers a satisfying brain-off adventure. Simple yet adrenaline-pumping and rewarding gameplay makes the Space Marine's mission a thrilling dance of bullets and guts, despite its lack of creative originality.
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LEGO 2K Drive marks the successful entry of the Danish brand into 2K's stable with a fun and enjoyable arcade racing game, albeit not very original in its basic concept. The game is convincing and well-structured but lacks creative sparks. However, the not-so-hidden presence of microtransactions, due to a not very generous in-game credit drop, might prompt less patient players to spend money quickly. Overlooking this and some chaotic situations, LEGO 2K Drive will entertain those looking for a carefree and lighthearted production.
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Don't be fooled by the fairy-tale atmosphere when you start Tin Hearts. Developed by Rogue Sun (founded by ex-Lionhead veterans), it hides a challenging puzzle game under its playful veneer, accompanied by a narrative that's not as rosy as it seems, and will touch the hearts of those patient enough to reach the end. With a mix of intuitive and simple mechanics that offer a substantial challenge, it will test puzzle enthusiasts' wits as they work to save the adorable mechanical soldiers. The game's longevity, given its nature, is commendable, though the lack of PSVR2 support at launch is a pity.
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The Last Worker is a title that convinces halfway and, ironically, excels in the aspects it aims to criticize. Kurt's adventure offers the most satisfaction during the portrayal of monotonous work oppression, perhaps due to our competitive spirit. However, it falters during revolutionary digressions, weakened by an anarchic control system. Overall, it's an enjoyable title that deserved more narrative depth and polish. What are you still doing here? It's time to work; our customers can't wait.
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GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a courageous and interesting title from a team that has consistently resisted market pressures, even at the expense of profits. The bizarre mix of visual novel, RTS, and tower defense mechanics remains fresh and intriguing 16 years after its original debut. However, these good ideas haven't fully adapted to gamepad use, resulting in a fun and character-rich game with management limitations not resolved since its PS2 incarnation. Once mastered, Vanillaware's title surprises with its intriguing conceptual mix, but its intrinsic limitations might discourage those seeking a more accessible game.
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Honestly, while I’ve appreciated Gust’s latest alchemist since her debut, I expected a more decisive turn from Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key to conclude the trilogy on a high note. The latest JRPG from the Japanese team is certainly not dismissible; in fact, it’s undoubtedly the most mature and refined in terms of mechanics, an important aspect. What can be criticized is the lack of courage in pacing and screenplay, which ended up being too similar to the previous two chapters. Verbose and overly relaxed, Gust’s title will still delight fans of the brand, thanks to its solid and satisfying gameplay, but its surrounding narrative feels too familiar.
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Like the ever-changing sea it chose as a setting, Dredge hides two distinct souls, initially appearing as a simple and fun fishing game, but also offering a much darker and complex story, creating a world more troubled than the comforting Midolla Major port suggests. Black Salt Games' title isn't shy about revealing its gameplay truths, leaving the narrative to gradually unfold. It's a much more mature and intriguing title than it appears, captivating those who delve into its murky waters to uncover the fisherman’s past.
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It may be a simple port, but The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution justifies the cost, especially if you own the Tourist Edition for PSVR1. The incarnation for Sony’s new headset improves the game in every aspect, both technically and aesthetically, and enhances gameplay enjoyment. The new hardware and peripherals fully realize the concept, although mastering it can be complex for those new to the series. The main flaws lie in its assumption that players are already familiar with the previous chapter. Once you overcome this steep learning curve, wandering through this ruthless and decayed New Orleans is extremely satisfying.
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Only fools never change their minds, and I must belong to this unenviable category since the Resident Evil 4 Remake hasn't changed my opinion on Capcom's title, which I still consider one of the most overrated ever. But it would be foolish not to acknowledge the excellent work by Capcom in this remake. Like the second and third entries in the survival horror series (more shooter than horror in this case), the remake is highly praised for its refined gameplay, enhanced narrative that highlights the character cast, and technical aspects that meet current standards, despite being cross-gen. Sure, not everything is perfect, with the notable absence of Separate Ways, but the overall quality of the package is undeniable.
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Fun and addictive, Pirates Outlaws! will charm any GDC lover with its simple yet complex and long-lasting gameplay formula. With solid mechanics that change as new characters are unlocked, Fabled Studio's title boasts considerable content to keep players engaged for many hours. While the game's randomness is not negligible, prudent and judicious pirates can mitigate its effects on more than one occasion.
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