Mario Ricerni 's Reviews
Esoteric Ebb is a debut of exceptional rarity; an indie title that doesnât merely fill the void left by its inspirations, but actively contributes to expanding the boundaries of what the genre has to offer. Christoffer BodegĂ„rdâs ambition is evident in every aspect of the production, from the complexity of the world-building to the sophistication of the progression system, from the quality of the writing to the art direction. Sudden Snail has delivered a debut of rare maturity to the indie scene. Norvik is a city youâll want to return to, Snell is a companion you wonât easily forget, and the Quest Tree is a fully realized design concept.
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Elden Ring: SOTE is a majestic expansion, showcasing both quality and scale, and stands as one of the best examples in the medium's history. Despite some questionable balance choices and confusing level design, it highlights the full maturity of Elden Ring as a milestone in the genre, satisfying the high expectations of fans and critics alike.
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Zero Parades: For Dead Spies makes no attempt to be accommodating, and it is in this stubborn refusal to compromise that both its most obvious limitation and its most valuable quality lie. It is a game that demands of the player the same emotional and intellectual investment that it demands of its protagonist, aware that the value of the journey is measured by the quality of the questions it poses, not by the speed with which it provides the answers. The new mechanics demonstrate a concrete desire to go beyond mere replication, to take an already extraordinary playful language and develop it in a direction that fully justifies its independent existence.
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Ghost of Tsushima is an exceptional title, an experience worth having for its powerful emotional impact and timeless setting. The well-crafted story and high-quality gameplay solidify its status as one of the best titles on PlayStation from the last generation.
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Revelations doesnât just passively extend the life of The Dark Ages: it corrects its most-discussed âflawâ by restoring the Slayerâs speed, agility, and freedom of movementâand it does so through a Chain Lance that has everything it takes to establish itself as one of the best ideas in the entire modern trilogy. The wealth of tools requires patience and a significant learning curve, and the new pace of gameplay raises the bar considerably, but those who accept the challenge will find one of the most deep and rewarding combat systems in the genre. This expansion impresses as much for its substance as for the sheer volume of content it offers, and it reminds us once again that when id Software decides to revisit its formula, it rarely misses the mark.
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Blue Prince is a brilliant testament to how a clear, ambitious vision can transcend limitationsâdelivering a genre-blending, idea-rich experience full of secrets to uncover and puzzles to unravel
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Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is, in many ways, the pinnacle of a series that is no stranger to excellence. Adrenaline-fueled, breathtaking, and incredibly fun, Bandai Namco Acesâ latest title doesnât reinvent a formula that already worked perfectly well, but it takes it to its absolute peak thanks to controls that are more responsive than ever, top-notch cinematic direction, and a cast of characters capable of stirring emotions far beyond expectations. The soundtrack, once again, is spectacular. There are still some issues with PC optimization that need addressing, a few narrative elements that feel too superficial, overly verbose briefings, and a certain reluctance to innovate in the gameplayâbut these are minor flaws that do little to detract from what, all things considered, is one of the most successful titles of the year.
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Pragmata is Capcomâs swan song, proving that the company still possesses the talent needed to create something entirely new without relying on the proven success of its most iconic franchises. The gamble of building a new intellectual property around such a unique and risky combat system proves, in almost every case, to be a winning one, bolstered by exemplary technical execution and striking artistic direction. The bond between Hugh and Diana serves as the true emotional driving force of the experience, crafted with a delicacy and sincerity that elevate the narrative above the conventions of the genre. All things considered, there are a few rough edges that prevent the title from achieving perfection. Nothing that compromises the overall solidity of a work that deserves to be experienced and that rightfully stands among the most significant experiences of this promising 2026.
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Thank Goodness You're Here is a unique title, able to bring the essence of satirical cartoons to the screen, pairing it with a skilled and irreverent dissection of English society. Despite its short length and uncertainties around replayability, its undeniable strengths make it a comedic experience not to be missed.
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The Silent Hill 2 remake is a magnificent work, the result of a development process that not only pays homage to its origins but also strives to expand and enrich them while maintaining their defining aspects.
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1000xRESIST is a one-of-a-kind title, heavily focused on weaving an intricate narrative and offering diverse points for reflection. Despite its limiting gameplay and aesthetic design, this game stands out as one of the most surprising and complex narrative experiences in recent years.
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Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, 13 years after the original, sets a high new standard for video games in the Grimdark universe of Games Workshop. Ruthless, entertaining, and refreshingly straightforward, this title from Saber Interactive will delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES marks the full maturity and redemption of a title that previously impressed but had its reservations. With triple the content and improved, innovative mechanics, the latest installment of Total War finally deserves recognition as one of the most interesting and in-depth experiences in the series.
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Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic product, showcasing meticulous attention to the original material and providing a solid narrative foundation. Mature, nuanced, and filled with thought-provoking themes, the story remains relevant today, offering much to both new players and longtime fans. Whether through its refreshed aesthetics or modernized combat system, Atlus consistently delivers excellence.
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The Talos Principle 2 is a wonderful title, perfectly capable of engaging both genre enthusiasts and lovers of a good story. With its exceptional world-building, solid gameplay, and stunning aesthetic impact, TTP2 is the perfect sequel, and we can't wait to experience whatever else Elohim has in store for us.
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Smart, unsettling, and expertly made, Look Outside stands out as a cosmic horror gem; ten hours of dread-filled exploration that far exceeds its modest price, even if some balance issues remain
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The Alters delivers a powerful narrative experience, though its gameplay can feel frustrating at times. 11 bit studios reaffirms its talent for exploring the human condition through games.
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Doom: The Dark Ages boldly redefines the series while staying true to its roots. With a slower pace, revamped combat, and stronger narrative focus, it delivers a visceral experienceâflawed, but memorable. A brutal, modern throwback that stands out in todayâs industry.
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Senuaâs Saga: Hellblade II sacrifices gameplay depth in favor of a slow, cinematic journey defined by sights, sounds, and interpretation... an experience not for everyone, but one of the most visually powerful and evocative of this generation
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Saros presents itself as the natural evolution of the path Housemarque embarked upon with Returnal, and in many ways it successfully builds on that foundation with great maturity and insight. The combat system remains the gameâs crowning achievement: fast-paced, multi-layered, and supported by a color-coded bullet system that transforms every encounter into a fast-paced exercise in reading and reacting.
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