Gradius Origins stands as a masterful work of preservation and a solemn tribute to the genre. The choice not to analyze the individual chapters with modern standards was a deliberate decision, as the collection's nature is intrinsically educational and preservative. The final evaluation, therefore, does not pass judgment on the intrinsic value of the classics, but rather reflects the meticulous work of packaging and refinement. It should be interpreted as a tribute to the restoration of a work of art, without constituting a judgment on the merit of the original painting. M2 has crafted an anthology that, while not all-encompassing, proves to be the definitive testament to the titles it includes. The impeccable emulation, the precious additions aimed at improving the user experience, and the inclusion of a new, unreleased chapter make it an essential purchase for both nostalgic veterans and newcomers eager to explore the roots of one of Konami's most influential and enduring franchises. Despite the understandable disappointment regarding the gaps in the catalog and the concerns raised by the €40 launch price, this collection stands as a faithful homage that celebrates and hands down the history of video games in its purest form.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Are you truly ready to take responsibility for your actions? This is the question raised by S.p.l.i.t, and it also serves as a perfect demonstration of what a single visionary mind can achieve when blending aesthetics, coding, and soundtrack. Mike Klubnika crafts an alienating work that is almost impossible to judge by modern video game standards — completely outside of current norms, time, and logic. Short, intense, disturbing, and eloquent in its minimalist silence. A product capable of completely disorienting the player, perfect for those seeking something truly different.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In summary, The Drifter offers accessible yet not simplistic gameplay, where every interaction serves to heighten the atmosphere and support the narrative. It stands as proof that, in an era when graphic adventures seemed destined to remain a nostalgic memory, titles like this one mark a vibrant revival of the genre, especially within the indie scene. The protagonist is a tormented man, closed off from the world, a prisoner of his own ghosts and haunting regrets. He is portrayed with remarkable depth: hopeless, crushed by past mistakes, and reluctantly forced to start over. It’s a surprisingly intimate portrayal for a graphic adventure that is just as surprising, beautiful, and absolutely unmissable.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Antro is a work that dares. It shouts a powerful message through its soundtrack in a world that has stopped listening. The opening is striking, the artistic direction is captivating, and the use of music as the backbone of the narrative is undoubtedly original and powerful. However, when theory turns into practice, the game struggles to bear the weight of its ambitions. The repetitive and unpolished gameplay, the limited evolution of its mechanics, and various technical issues end up overshadowing an experience that could have left a much deeper mark — a goal that, for now, remains out of reach. It's a title that earns appreciation more for what it represents than for how it delivers it. And perhaps that's its greatest flaw: fascinating from afar, but fragile up close.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In summary, Ruffy and the Riverside is a collect-a-thon that impresses with its creativity and unique visual style. Despite some technical and design flaws, and a few unfortunate choices, its potential is evident. A fun and creative gaming experience that, with greater attention to detail, would have had the potential to become an instant classic, a goal that, as it stands, eludes it. Although the 3D side may show recycled elements and certainly does not stand out for its detail, it blends beautifully with the grace and animation of the 2D sprites of the characters, which are fully successful and consistent with the humor and atmosphere of the work. This is a noteworthy and intrinsically original debut, positioning itself as a promising launch pad for future projects which, with greater attention to detail and refinement, will be able to scale even higher peaks of quality.
Review in Italian | Read full review