CONTROL Resonant finally puts Dylan Faden at the center of the story. One of the franchise's most enigmatic characters, Dylan spent much of the first Control under the care of the Federal Bureau of Control, while his sister Jesse tried to understand the paranatural phenomena threatening the Oldest House. Throughout that journey, it was hard not to wonder what would happen when he finally awakened and what role he would play in the events to come. Now, Remedy turns that anticipation into a new adventure, taking the franchise in a different direction. Rather than remaining confined to the Oldest House, the story expands into a Manhattan consumed by paranatural phenomena, where Dylan must confront the consequences of his past while trying to find Jesse. CONTROL Resonant is one of the most impactful, immersive, and enjoyable games I have played this year. Changing the protagonist, overhauling combat, and expanding exploration were decisions that could have distanced the sequel from what made the original so special, but Remedy turns these changes into its greatest strengths. The first Control remains one of my favorite games, but Dylan's journey won me over with its freedom, mechanics, and the importance of its story. More than simply repeating a successful formula, the sequel demonstrates that a franchise can expand by exploring new directions, as long as its defining qualities remain intact. It is an exceptional adventure that leaves me even more curious about what Remedy will develop next.
Some investigation sequences can interrupt the pacing when we cannot immediately identify which item we need to use or combine. Although most puzzles are intuitive, I found myself stuck at certain points, trying to figure out what the game expected from me and revisiting areas that had nothing to do with the situation at hand. It is also difficult not to question some of the protagonist's decisions, especially given Ivan's disappearance and the lack of answers. Overall, these are minor limitations, accompanied by an additional consideration for those seeking to complete everything: missable achievements require careful attention to save files and campaign progression. These aspects could have been handled better, but they do not compromise the experience. On the other hand, Tenebris Somnia makes excellent use of its investigation mechanics. The ability to collect and combine items, discover new ways to interact with the environments, and tackle specific situations, such as the battle in the dark room, provides enough variety to maintain interest throughout the campaign. The narrative also gains momentum as we descend through the building's floors and learn more about Ivan's memories. Although combat plays a secondary role, boss encounters introduce distinct moments into the progression, while exploration and puzzles sustain most of the experience. The biggest highlight is the integration of gameplay and cinematic sequences. The live-action actors, practical effects, scene direction, and sound design contribute to an atmosphere that also works in the 2D sections, where the game demonstrates its ability to inspire fear without relying on filmed footage. The story, which revolves around a troubled relationship, cults, and disturbing events, gains strength by presenting conflicts that feel tangible. This is a testament to a script that sustains curiosity until the most unsettling moments, even across its multiple endings. Tenebris Somnia is an exceptionally competent production that delivers on its vision, featuring a distinctive visual identity, well-executed investigation mechanics, and a cinematic presentation that makes the experience particularly memorable.
Ghost of Yōtei is undoubtedly one of the most visually impressive games of its generation, and the Complete Edition arrives to cap off an experience that was already remarkably complete. The Echoes of Sekigahara expansion deserves particular recognition for exploring Atsu's past and her relationship with Nagato, adding new layers to the narrative without relying solely on the events of the main campaign. Although having to progress several hours into the story before accessing this content is a drawback, the expansion justifies its existence by filling in important gaps and providing new reasons to return to Ezo. The Most Wanted mode is also a very welcome addition, particularly because it transforms combat into a more dynamic and replayable experience. The ability to experiment with different hunters, skill combinations, and upgrades makes each run interesting, but its greatest strength lies in encouraging players to better understand the combat mechanics. It almost serves as a training ground for anyone looking to improve their skills, experiment with new strategies, and prepare for higher difficulties, including a new journey through New Game+. The inclusion of Digital Deluxe Edition content and new New Game+ items also makes this edition more appealing, bringing together much of what has been developed for the game since its release in a single package. It is important to remember that some improvements were made available for free to all players, but the combination of the narrative expansion, Most Wanted mode, and additional content makes the Complete Edition the most comprehensive option for anyone looking to experience everything Ghost of Yōtei has to offer. Ultimately, Atsu's journey feels more complete than ever. The new expansion adds depth to her story, while Most Wanted broadens the possibilities of combat and provides a compelling reason to keep playing even after completing the campaign. For those who have yet to experience the game, this is the ideal opportunity to embark on the adventure with virtually all the available content. For those who have followed the journey since launch, returning will largely depend on their interest in discovering the new chapters of the story and exploring the possibilities offered by the additional mode. The Complete Edition does not reinvent what already worked, but rather builds on its strengths and delivers a more complete experience, reinforcing Ghost of Yōtei as an adventure worth experiencing to the very end.
It is difficult not to highlight how much the wingmen contribute to this experience. Their presence during operations, the commands we can give them, the ability to configure their aircraft and, most importantly, the personalities presented in the cinematics make them much more important than simply occupying space in the sky. Combined with the variety of the 30 missions, the preparation before each operation, the different aircraft classes, upgrades and battles against major targets, the campaign maintains a very high level of quality throughout almost its entire duration. My favorite mission was the first attack on the land battleship, precisely because it brings several of these elements together and requires a different approach compared to conventional combat. Ace Combat 8 gave me the most enjoyable aerial combat experience I have ever had. The night missions accompanied by a memorable soundtrack, the constant progression in difficulty, the large-scale battles, the presence of the wingmen and, above all, the ability to play with a flight stick made a huge difference to my experience. The game is accessible enough for someone who is not a simulator specialist to learn, while also offering enough depth for that same player to notice their own improvement as they progress. I started out needing to adapt to the controls and ended up much more comfortable with the flight stick, making decisions about aircraft, weapons, allies and positioning almost naturally. With an exceptional campaign and an impressive variety of possibilities in each operation, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve establishes itself as a landmark for the franchise and as the most complete and enjoyable aerial combat experience I have ever had.
The biggest problem with Marvel's Wolverine remains its pacing, especially during the first half. The excess of scenes, dialogue, and situations that interrupt the gameplay weighs heavily on an attempt to teach you how to play a simple game, and some missions, such as searching for a cellphone under the sofa or putting a record on the turntable to listen to the "perfect music," feel more like content created to increase the game's length than to develop the story or its mechanics. The voice acting is very competent in both the English and Brazilian Portuguese versions. Even so, I still disagree with the decision not to localize the characters' names for our language, an idea I have considered rather silly since Spider Man 2018. There are moments when the narrative could have been more ambitious, particularly in the development of the supporting characters and the relationship between Logan and Jean. The experience improves significantly once we reach Japan. By this point, the game has already introduced its main mechanics, the combat is more developed, the enemies offer greater variety, and the story begins moving toward its most important moments. The final battle is also a good way to close the campaign, especially because it brings together elements that were built throughout Logan's journey. The visual presentation remains one of the game's greatest strengths, and the depiction of Tokyo, despite its limited exploration, is among the most beautiful parts of the adventure. The portals, Rage system, adaptations, techniques, and the evolution of the combat itself make the second half work much better than the beginning, especially once the game starts letting go of the player's hand when introducing new features. Overall, I had a lot of fun with Marvel's Wolverine. It is a game that works very well when it simply lets Logan fight and use his abilities, and it also serves as a very effective entry point for anyone who wants to get to know the character better. The story is competent, but it is not extraordinary and could have developed its characters beyond Logan much more. The combat, visuals, some of the boss battles, and the evolution of the campaign after Japan were enough to greatly improve my perception of the game. If the experience had maintained the pace it reaches during its second half throughout the entire campaign, we would probably be looking at a very different score.
The main issue I had with NHL 27 comes from some of the small inconsistencies during matches. Puck pickup can still feel inaccurate, particularly in situations where you expect a more direct puck steal, and some AI decisions make you stop for a second and wonder why a player moved that way. The number of menus also makes some modes slower than they should be, especially Ultimate Team. These problems do not ruin the experience, but they are noticeable during gameplay and prevent everything from feeling as fluid as it could. I also really missed having a Brazilian Portuguese translation, especially to make it easier to dive deeper into modes that involve so many menus. On the other hand, the more time I spent playing, the more I enjoyed the possibilities offered by the mechanics. The initial accessibility of the controls combined with the difficulty of actually mastering every available tool creates a very interesting learning curve. Directional passing, plays involving the boards, teammate movement, and the variety of strategies can quickly turn a simple match into a sequence of decisions. The balance found in the movement of the AI controlled teammates was also one of the things I enjoyed the most, because there is a very satisfying feeling that the players are participating in the same play instead of simply following isolated commands. In the end, NHL 27 is an extremely fun game once you start mastering what it has to offer. The offline one on one experience was one of the things that stood out to me the most. The presentation is also at a very high level, with incredible looking arenas, an authentic atmosphere, a very well selected soundtrack, and a broadcast presentation that fits the sport. There is still a huge difference between knowing how to play and actually mastering NHL 27, but that depth is precisely one of the things that made me want to keep playing.
The main issue that bothered me during my playthrough was combat against multiple enemies. The directional attack and blocking system works very well individually, but the camera and aiming system end up significantly hurting the experience when several opponents surround Coen. The stealth could also have been much more developed. For a game starring a vampire, with all the importance given to nighttime and hunting, I found the stealth possibilities far too simple. Basically, we crouch and try not to be detected, while certain actions, such as opening a door, can immediately alert enemies to our presence. The AI has some good moments during combat, but its limitations become obvious in certain chase situations. Even so, it is difficult to ignore how well the time structure works to create constant tension. Having only 30 days to save our family makes every decision feel important, even when we realize that there is enough time to build a very satisfying adventure. Before accepting a quest, I often found myself wondering whether that activity was really worth spending several hours of the calendar. Combined with the day and night cycle, activities exclusive to each period, vertical exploration, and the different skill trees, the system creates a dynamic that makes the world feel much more interesting than simply an open map filled with question marks. The ability to use a sword and vampiric claws, switch between different ability styles, and walk across walls also reinforces the feeling that Coen is becoming something different from a conventional medieval warrior. And it is precisely this combination that surprised me most about The Blood of Dawnwalker. The vertical exploration, vampiric movement, directional combat, dark atmosphere, and time-based quest structure create an experience I did not expect to find at this level in a vampire game. The influence of The Witcher is evident in several details, from the structure of certain quests to the presentation of characters and the object inspection system, but this did not bother me because there is a very natural evolution of these ideas within its own proposal. The combination of urgency in the story and the freedom to decide what to do creates a dynamic that works extremely well throughout the adventure. At any moment, there is a feeling that we could be doing something else, following another quest, or exploring a different path, and that uncertainty ends up being one of the most interesting and distinctive aspects of the experience.
The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 is a collection that successfully brings together three very different experiences without making any of them feel out of place within the package. Metal Gear Solid 4 is naturally the main highlight, especially because it is finally available on modern platforms, but Peace Walker and Ghost Babel also have enough qualities to justify their inclusion. Beyond Ghost Babel itself, the collection offers an interesting amount of bonus content, ranging from additional camouflage options to a digital soundtrack, concept art, and complete digital books containing information about the story, characters, and other elements of the games. In the end, we have three different ways of telling stories within the same franchise, each with its own level of density and structure, yet all capable of entertaining and engaging players in different ways. It becomes clear that the purpose of the Master Collection Vol. 2 is much closer to preserving and adapting these experiences than rebuilding them according to modern standards. Improvements to resolution, performance, controls, and accessibility make the games more comfortable to play on modern platforms, but many older elements remain. Some of these characteristics are part of the games' identities and help preserve their original experience, while others could have received more careful treatment in this new version. Even considering that we are dealing with a remaster, there were opportunities to improve certain visual, technical, and presentation aspects, making the package even more consistent without necessarily changing the essence of the games. Regardless of which of the three titles you choose, there is a unique experience waiting for the player, and I find it particularly interesting how such different approaches can work so well when placed side by side. Metal Gear Solid 4 remains an extremely solid and dense experience, Peace Walker is particularly surprising thanks to its combination of short missions, management, and multiplayer, while Ghost Babel demonstrates how the essence of Metal Gear could be adapted even to hardware as limited as the Game Boy Color. The core experience of these games remains strong enough to deliver an extremely satisfying result and, above all, preserve three distinct moments from one of the most important franchises in video game history.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered manages to preserve an important part of video game history and offers a very complete way to revisit Lara Croft's early years. The visual improvements and modernized controls are welcome, but they do not completely solve problems that are deeply rooted in the games' original design. It is an experience that will probably resonate much more with players who already have an emotional connection to these titles. In my case, even though I had an enjoyable experience with these games when they were originally released, I felt that the concept does not work as well today. I understand the decision to preserve much of the original structure, but I believe these three games could have benefited from a much more modern approach. They could even have worked with a completely different presentation, including a pixel art aesthetic, as long as the experience itself had been adapted to modern expectations. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is a competent collection for anyone who wants to revisit Lara Croft's early adventures, but it ultimately finds itself caught between preserving the past and trying to update it. The result is enough to bring back fond memories, but not necessarily enough to win over newcomers. For a collection of games that played such an important role in the character's history, I expected the modernization to go a little further.
The problems are difficult to ignore, especially when the game forces players to travel long distances again because an area remained locked or because certain enemies simply failed to appear. The AI of the allied characters could also be better, and their oversized presence area gets in the way of movement at times. Potions are almost useless since it is easier to die and be revived, while certain enemies have so much health that encounters that should be intense turn into prolonged battles. These problems did not ruin my experience, but they are exactly the areas where this version could have gone further than simply preserving the game. Still, the further I progressed, the easier it became to understand why War in the North found an audience at the time. The combat is heavy, the three classes have genuine differences, the skill trees have practical value, and the ability to switch between Farin, Andriel, and Eradan adds an interesting layer to the campaign. Exploration also rewards players who pay attention, whether by finding hidden chests, revealing secrets with Andriel, or using each character's unique abilities. Even Beleram, the Great Eagle, works as a powerful combat tool, allowing him to be summoned for aerial attacks against specific enemies. That is why I think it is unfair to describe War in the North as simply a bad game that somehow turns around and becomes good. It is a good game that ended up in a difficult position, surrounded by releases with similar mechanics. For anyone missing a new The Lord of the Rings game, especially after Shadow of War, this new opportunity to experience the adventure of Eradan, Farin, and Andriel makes a lot of sense. There are imperfections, moments where its age is clearly visible, and decisions I would change without hesitation, but there is also an enjoyable, challenging action RPG here with plenty of systems that still work very well.
Madden NFL 27 delivers a consistent evolution by improving different parts of the experience. The gameplay places greater emphasis on decision making, particularly in defensive and short yardage situations, while Franchise and Superstar offer strong options for players who enjoy following a career across multiple seasons. The presentation also helps considerably, with more dynamic weather, more natural player movements, and a soundtrack that blends different styles. The result is a Madden that maintains the series' identity while adding enough new elements to make the season feel fresh. There are still areas that could have received more attention. Franchise could require fewer menu confirmations and steps before games, while Ultimate Team keeps microtransactions highly visible and consistently encourages players to engage with its systems from the very beginning. Timing Based Catching could also offer a more flexible default configuration. The achievement list is another area that could have received more attention. With only 24 achievements and several ideas that closely resemble objectives found in previous editions, it feels like there was room for more creativity to take advantage of the variety of modes and mechanics available. These issues do not compromise the overall experience, but they show that Madden NFL 27 could still have been more ambitious in certain areas. The edition does not reinvent the franchise, but it evolves it consistently and delivers a complete season. For longtime Madden players, it is a solid and enjoyable experience that can justify another season in the NFL.
Duskfade has some clear problems. The map design could have been better, especially in the earlier regions, where the lack of a map can make exploration confusing. The camera also has issues during combat, and the target lock does not always select the enemy we want. Regular combat is also quite simple, especially at the beginning, with limited variety in enemy attacks, while progression takes a while to unlock the tools that actually make the gameplay more interesting. To top it all off, the PC version reviewed here offers very few graphics options, almost none, and a port that leaves something to be desired in several technical aspects. Still, it is difficult to ignore the number of things I enjoyed during the campaign. Zirian’s movement is precise and becomes increasingly fun as new abilities are unlocked. The projectile parry mechanic, Chrono Shot, Pendulum, and different devices help transform the experience as we progress, while the bosses make good use of what we have learned throughout the journey. Exploration also has plenty to offer, with collectibles, secrets, upgrades, and areas that encourage players to return after acquiring new abilities. Visually, Duskfade is also very impressive. Its environments are detailed, colorful, and full of personality, while the characters have great animations and expressions. The soundtrack fits the adventure very well, and the voice acting helps make the cast more charismatic. The story is simple, but it works within the game’s premise, especially because of the personalities of Zirian, Allira, Tristan, Cuco, and the various characters we encounter along the way. In the end, Duskfade is an enjoyable adventure that takes a while to show everything it has to offer. It modernizes several characteristics of classic 3D platformers, while also repeating some familiar problems from the genre. I would have liked some systems to be more refined and for the PC version to have received more attention, but the precise movement, bosses, exploration, characters, and art direction make the journey worthwhile. I would mainly recommend it to players who enjoy 3D platformers and do not mind exploring a world that, at times, demands a strong sense of direction.
Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand offers a different approach within the franchise and successfully adapts some of the series' strongest elements into a survival-focused experience. Building an effective defense, choosing technologies, and constantly reacting to enemy attacks creates intense moments, especially when stronger enemies appear and every decision starts to matter. However, the biggest issue lies in its limited scope. Final Stand is a much smaller experience than a full Company of Heroes game, functioning almost like a separate mode that is restricted by the amount of available content. Despite having a strong strategic foundation, the lack of variety and some systems that encourage replaying the same battles repeatedly make the sense of discovery disappear faster than it should. The randomness of technologies can also create unfair situations, while the lack of saving options and some camera issues show that there was still room for more improvements. It is an experience with good ideas that can provide enjoyable matches, especially for players who like testing different strategies or playing cooperatively, but it leaves the impression that Final Stand could have gone much further. With more maps, a greater variety of events, deeper progression, and additional quality-of-life improvements, it could have become a much more memorable addition to the franchise.
Verde delivers exactly what it promises. Its streamlined management systems, cozy atmosphere, and freedom to grow a small community make for a satisfying experience for anyone looking for a relaxing city builder. There are improvements that could make the experience even more enjoyable, such as a more practical building customization system, proper controller support, and slightly faster progression during certain sections. Additionally, the Portuguese localization contains a few translation issues. Even so, none of these shortcomings undermine the game's core appeal. If you're looking for a relaxing city builder without unnecessary complexity, Verde accomplishes its goal very well.
Beast of Reincarnation was one of the biggest surprises I have experienced in recent years. Game Freak has delivered something completely different from what most players expect from the studio, demonstrating an ambition that few imagined they would see outside of Pokémon. The relationship between Emma and Ko is the game's greatest strength. Ko is far more than a gameplay mechanic, playing an essential role in combat, progression, and the narrative itself. It is rare to find a duo this well integrated, where one character influences both how you play and how you experience the journey. The combat system is equally rewarding once you understand its philosophy. Its emphasis on parrying, the strategic use of Ko's abilities, and the progression built around the Nushi's powers create a satisfying learning curve that rewards mastery rather than simple stat growth. There are still areas that keep the game from reaching perfection. PC optimization needs improvement, the Nushi encounters could offer greater variety, the skill tree could communicate its upgrades more clearly, and some invisible boundaries reduce the sense of freedom during exploration. Even so, Beast of Reincarnation stands out because of the strong identity it builds throughout the campaign. Its combination of precise combat, vertical exploration, memorable protagonists, and a richly detailed world allows it to stand out in an extremely competitive genre. Emma and Ko's journey is one of the most memorable gaming experiences I have had in 2026 and easily ranks among the year's most ambitious and surprising releases.
College Football 27 proves that the franchise is much more than a collegiate reskin of Madden NFL. Its heavy focus on recruiting, program management, and player development creates a distinct experience where strategy and planning hold as much weight as stick skills. Modes like Dynasty and Road to Glory are the clear highlights, while the presentation, complete with detailed stadiums, marching bands, and an atmosphere true to traditional American universities, makes every matchup deeply engaging. On the other hand, a steep learning curve and the lack of Brazilian Portuguese subtitles may make the onboarding process harder for new international players. Even so, anyone looking for a deep sports simulator will find in College Football 27 a comprehensive experience, one fully capable of carving out its own space without relying on comparisons to Madden NFL.
Halo: Campaign Evolved achieves something few remakes manage to accomplish. It completely respects the original material while finding room to expand the experience with new missions, weapons, vehicles, and additional modes without losing the essence of the campaign that defined a generation. The combat remains exceptional. Very few games make almost every weapon enjoyable to use, constantly encourage experimentation, and maintain engaging battles throughout the entire campaign. Combined with the impressive visuals, excellent art direction, high-quality cinematics, and outstanding audio work, the result is the best version of this story ever created.
CULTIC is a love letter to classic first-person shooters while confidently introducing plenty of ideas of its own. Its outstanding artistic direction, exceptionally clever level design, countless secrets, brutal combat, and survival horror atmosphere come together to create an experience that stands apart from most modern shooters. Anyone who plays it will almost certainly remember the "chainsaw guy," though probably not for friendly reasons. My biggest criticism remains the camera controls, which never felt completely comfortable to me despite trying several different sensitivity settings. Fortunately, this issue became much less noticeable after switching to Casual difficulty, which I believe is the best way to experience the campaign for the first time. I also loved the way the game rewards exploration. Finding secret passages, uncovering new routes, and revisiting older areas never feels like wasted time. Quite the opposite. That constant sense of curiosity is exactly what makes CULTIC feel so much like the genre's greatest classics. If you're looking for a modern FPS packed with cinematic storytelling, you'll probably find better options elsewhere. However, if you miss the creativity, exploration, and unapologetic brutality of 1990s shooters, CULTIC absolutely deserves a place on your list. It's one of those rare games that fully understands its inspirations and successfully transforms them into something that remains just as fun today.
One of The Alters' greatest strengths was leaving important questions unanswered even after the credits rolled. Last Variable builds directly on that idea by turning one of the possible endings from the main campaign into a brand-new story, following the scientist Jan, who chose to remain on the planet while the others managed to escape. The expansion can be started independently from the base game and even includes a recap of previous events to help newcomers understand the context, although being familiar with The Alters' mechanics and universe makes the experience considerably more rewarding. Rather than repeating the structure of the original campaign, the DLC completely shifts its perspective. Survival remains important, but it now shares the spotlight with a much deeper investigation into the planet's mysteries, the consequences of past decisions, and the fate of a Jan who spent years living with what the others left behind. The result is an expansion that meaningfully expands the universe created by 11 bit studios without feeling like simple bonus content, establishing its own identity through stronger character development, new mechanics, and, above all, its narrative.
Some games stand out because of their technology, others because of their gameplay, and some simply because of their personality. Geppy-X certainly belongs to the latter. Originally released in 1999 for the original PlayStation as a Japan-exclusive title, it remained a hidden gem for more than two decades, known mostly among retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of giant robot anime. Thanks to this new HD remaster, players around the world finally have the chance to officially experience one of the most unique releases of its era. It is important to point out that this is not a remake. The original campaign, stages, and animated sequences have all been preserved. Instead, this release focuses on restoring and modernizing the experience through higher resolution, quality-of-life features such as Quick Save, Rewind, image filters, achievements, and a wide range of customization options, making the game much more approachable for modern audiences. What truly makes Geppy-X special goes far beyond its retro appeal. From the very beginning, it becomes clear that the developers never intended to create just another shoot 'em up. Playing it feels like discovering a forgotten anime from the 1970s or 1980s, complete with comedy, over-the-top action, giant robots, catchy vocal themes, and an atmosphere that proudly celebrates classics like Mazinger Z and Getter Robo.