GameMAG

Before its PC release, The Run was available on smartphones and even in cinemas, where audiences voted to determine the characters' next actions. I admit that in this format, watching it on the big screen might offer some enjoyment, but seasoned video game enthusiasts are unlikely to appreciate this minimally interactive story with a predictable plot twist in the finale.

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Highguard absolutely does not deserve the hype around its release, which was largely stirred up by Geoff Keighley. Instead of a surprise launch, the developers should have conducted extensive testing to identify all the core issues with the gameplay foundation from the start. However, the train has now left the station, and the audience's attention has shifted to other projects.

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Everything good in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is inherited from its illustrious predecessors, while everything bad stems from futile attempts to tamper with the familiar gameplay formula in pursuit of vague, ill-defined trends. Thanks to its finely tuned optimization, the fourth entry may appeal to a less demanding audience, but the obvious lack of fresh ideas and the absence of a clear creative vision lead to a sobering conclusion: the greatness of Metroid Prime seems to have been left far behind in the past.

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I Hate This Place would have been perceived much more favorably if the developers had abandoned the survival elements and instead focused on exploring its deep lore and dynamic world.

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Microids managed to update the cult classic quest in terms of visuals, but the developers of Syberia – Remastered treated the other elements carelessly, also simplifying the puzzles, which are one of the game's key components..

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MIO: Memories in Orbit is an example of a safe and very player-friendly Metroidvania with medium-difficulty bosses and flexible difficulty settings.

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Kingdom of Night offers a nostalgic adventure, but its experience is undermined by repetitive gameplay and balance issues. The developers are actively patching the game, so significant improvements within a few months are a distinct possibility.

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Forestrike is an interesting attempt to create something new within the roguelike genre. At the same time, the developers do not alienate players who simply want to enjoy the local story without excessive challenge.

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The Last Case of John Morley is a very short, but interesting noir detective story with outdated visuals and technical aspects. However, the developers chose not to create a hollow pretense of philosophical drama or a profound statement. What awaits you is a convoluted yet fairly simple detective story with a realistic ending.

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Terminator 2D: No Fate doesn't offer any groundbreaking solutions, but it is a very well-crafted adaptation of the film. However, you can complete the entire game in just... 38 minutes.

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Routine seems stuck in the past, and the long-awaited project has once again failed to meet expectations. The work of Lunar Software rather resembles a bizarre sequel to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park: Trespasser, where the heroine would practically dislocate her arms trying to pick up a rock or a pistol.

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Bye Sweet Carole is a game with frankly mediocre gameplay and a weak story. However, it is partially redeemed by its excellent visual style, which is reminiscent of a Disney cartoon.

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It's somewhat disappointing that the game occasionally loses momentum due to pacing issues, the lack of full voice acting, and very basic visual presentation. That said, if you push through the drawn-out introduction, you'll find a genuinely engaging tactical role-playing game.

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Looking at Battlefield REDSEC, it becomes clear that EA still hasn't fully thought through its post-launch support concept. In pursuit of content, the company released an outright raw battle royale that has proven to be hardly needed by anyone, judging by the Steam online statistics. And only the Gauntlet mode justifies the existence of this free-to-play offshoot.

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Double Dragon Revive is a lazy sequel. Although the developers tried to adhere to the spirit of the original, they failed in the task of updating the gameplay to modern standards, drowning in goofy mechanics, unoriginality, and boredom.

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Absolum is an interesting roguelike that can be completed in a couple of hours on the lowest difficulty setting. However, even after the finale, the developers encourage players to keep exploring the world to try out new builds and characters.

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Despite a number of missteps, Dispatch has become one of the most notable games of the passing year. And given its success, the development of a second season already seems inevitable.

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Ninja Gaiden 4 cannot be called a return to the roots of Tomonobu Itagaki. However, PlatinumGames has created a bloody slasher with complex and interesting bosses in memorable settings.

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Without a doubt, the developers at Team Cherry didn't waste these years. They poured an immense amount of work into creating the most ambitious and visually stunning Metroidvania to date-one truly worthy of standing at the very peak of the genre. Hollow Knight: Silksong lives up to the expectations of its devoted fans in every way. Yet, like any work of art, it isn't entirely free of objective shortcomings and debatable design choices-particularly in terms of balance-that may push away less prepared players.

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Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a charming yet rushed game built on the foundation of a now‑defunct gacha title. Nevertheless, it attempts to win back fans who were dissatisfied with the radical changes introduced in Atelier Yumia.

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