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Gianluca Arena


Favorite Games:

314 games reviewed
76.5 average score
78 median score
60.4% of games recommended
Mar 11, 2020

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not only one of the best metroidvania in years, but also one of the finest Microsoft exclusives yet. It's by no means perfect, but it has a heart and a soul. Don't miss it.

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Sep 11, 2018

Ten years have passed since the release of the first title, but the mechanics and the unique mix of action, visual novel and turn-based strategy of the Valkyria Chronicles franchise remain enjoyable and addicting, making this fourth episode probably the best up to now.

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8 / 10.0 - The Messenger
Sep 2, 2018

The Messenger is yet another quality indie title that comes to Nintendo Switch this year: if you've grown up playing Ninja Gaiden or any Castlevania game (both pre and post Symphony of the Night), this is the adventure you've been waiting for.

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Sep 2, 2018

Alothough we apprecciated tha frantic action seen in Yo-Kai Watch Blasters, our love for the unique combat system seen in the first two episodes remains unchanged, and we hope to see it return as soon as possible in the franchise. This spin-off is a nice buy for the newcomers, though.

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Dragon Quest XI is the best looking in the long running franchise, and at its core, while unchanged, remains solid and funny. Still, we would like to see some major changes and improvements in the next installment.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Yakuza Kiwami 2
Aug 23, 2018

Graphically-wise, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best in the franchise so far, but it's not only the Dragon Engine that shines: an array of mini-games, an amazing campaign and improved combat system are the stars of the show.

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Aug 17, 2018

The Boomsday Project is funny and brings back a lot of the robo-craziness from Hearthstone's old days, but it's not the shift in the metagame that we were expecting, as the same deck archetypes continue to rule the ladder.

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8 / 10.0 - Dead Cells
Aug 6, 2018

No need to reinvent the wheel when you have a fast combat system, a good algorithm and a lovely artistica design: this is why Dead Cells has become one of the best habits of this summer. Don't miss it it you loved any Castlevania game ever made.

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Jul 12, 2018

When old game mechanics and modern sensibility merge in such a glorious way, a smile appears on the face of million of JRPG fan: Octopath Traveler is an excellent throwback to a time when a whole world was stuffed into a tiny cartridge. After the two Bravely games, we really hope to see more in the future from Takahashi-san and his team.

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Jul 9, 2018

Shining Resonance Refrain is a missed opportunity for Sega to bring its beloved JRPG series to the west in its better form. The remaster has several problems (both technical and structural), but can still deliver some fun to the hardcore aficionados.

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Jul 3, 2018

The Xbox One version of the Crash Bandicoot Trilogy is as solid as the PS4 one was a year ago, and it comes recommended for both the PS One aficionados and the ones who love their 3D action platformers.

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One of the best games of this generation (and one of the best action rpgs ever) finally comes to Xbox One, in a slightly refined version and with a price cut: do we really need to recommend it once more?

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9 / 10.0 - Hollow Knight
Jun 29, 2018

Hollow Knight confirms on Switch all the good showed in its PC version: we're talking about one of the best (if not the best) metroidvania of the last years, graced by a gorgeous art direction and a fantastic level of challenge. A must buy if you're not afraid of difficult titles.

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8 / 10.0 - West of Loathing
Jun 25, 2018

What a delightful and funny adventure West of Loathing is, a unique blend of a very simple turn based role playing game and an old time point and click adventure. It's a perfect companion for lazy sundays and hard day's nights.

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Jun 21, 2018

Azure Reflections costs way too much for what it can offer to both veterans and newcomers alike: this is a run-of-the -mill horizontal shooter with no distinctive features and too few stages.

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Jun 8, 2018

Even if it is definitely spread too thin to match the length of full release games, Dillon's Dead Heat breakers is a nice little game, which blends action, tower defense and Animal Crossing-style interactions. The best in the series, but still not the best in the 3DS library.

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Jun 7, 2018

Sushi Striker The Way of Sushido is a frantic and fun action puzzle game that catches up with Puyo Puyo Tetris and Battle Chef Brigade in the circle of the best puzzle games available for Nintendo Switch. It's expecially good in portable mode and in short bursts.

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9 / 10.0 - Ikaruga
Jun 3, 2018

This is the best version of the best (or one of the top three, in any case) shoot'em up ever, with a glorious TATE mode and a 2-player coop that will both blast you. Do we need to say more?

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7.5 / 10.0 - Moonlighter
May 28, 2018

Moonlighter is a good idea made game, and as such it entertained us for all the time we spent with it. It's by no means perfect, but Digital Sun's first effort is a quirky little game recommended to all the people who loves roguelites and hack'n'slash rpgs.

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The 3DS version of this underrated classic finally comes to Europe, bringing a solid, dark and difficult RPG to a dying console, that still refuses to let go in its sunset days. Don't miss this one out if you're a fan of role playing games.

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