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Atomfall is a simplified immersive sim that transports the player into a Quarantine Zone filled with mysteries, where moral decisions shape the course of the adventure and its conclusion. Featuring a retrofuturistic sci-fi setting that is distinctly "British", Rebellion's game offers non-linear progression and a fair degree of freedom. The survival and combat mechanics are solid as well, although the final stages suffer from a sudden and unjustified spike in difficulty.
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While MLB The Show 25 closely follows the aesthetics and gameplay structure of the previous edition, albeit with some pleasant refinements, it is the new game modes that bring a breath of fresh air and elevate the level of excitement. From the single-player career mode to the collectible card system known as Diamond Dynasty, passing through the management of an entire franchise, the implemented changes are particularly well-thought-out. They inject vital energy, intensifying the passion of fans and compelling them to take the field daily in an endless cycle of pitches and hits.
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Wanderstop is a game about espaping the characters people project on us, finding a way out to our freedom. Freedom to be who we are, to let down expectations we never wanted. Sometimes life it'is only about slowing down and making some tea.
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Beyond the Ice Palace 2 attempts to resurrect a forgotten action platformer from 1988, turning it into a Castlevania-like. The gameplay introduces chains used for both combat and platforming, but imprecise controls and questionable physics detract from the experience. Uninspired level design, repetitive bestiary, and badly distributed checkpoints make the game frustrating. While having a good atmosphere and an interesting combat system, this sequel ranks below the average of modern indie productions and will therefore be appealing only to hardcore fans of the genre.
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Monolith Soft brings back one of Tetsuya Takahashi's most unique JRPGs, originally buried in the depths of Wii U. The absence of the GamePad is amply compensated for by new content and enhancements that refine both the pace of the confrontations and the narrative experience, making the adventure even more immersive. Living up to its name, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is the best way to lose yourself for countless hours among the wonders of Mira.
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After years of anticipation, the series finally ventures into feudal Japan. Combining stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, Assassin's Creed Shadows is hindered by an overly invasive live service model and an underwhelming plot. Nonetheless, its dense open world and rewarding combat system ensure that the experience remains enjoyable.
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Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land Atelier Yumia represents a turning point for the series, offering a more ambitious experience than previous chapters. The open world formula only attempted in the past has finally managed to come true by following the path paved by the most popular gacha titles of the moment and the decision to make the narrative and gameplay of the series more in line with what one would expect from a classic JRPG will surely meet the preferences of a wider audience.
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If you've always wanted to emulate a kung-fu action movie actor and have a few pounds to lose, you've come to the right place. There's a bit of repetition and an anachronistic rail setup to digest, but beating one bad guy after another relentlessly is a challenge that will test you both physically and mentally. Just like the real kung-fu masters admired in the movies, yes.
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WWE 2K25 moves in the groove of the previous version, which was already excellent, by the way. The main addition is The Island mode, which, however, still appears immature (and a bit of a money-spinner). The rest of the game has enjoyed refinements and adjustments that raise the bar of quality a little more. Unfortunately, at the moment a few bugs undermine stability, but more importantly the audience feel of the arenas is not up to par with the rest of the simulation.
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Microtopia is a colony sim in which the player controls robotic ants engaged in resource gathering, building construction, and automating production processes. The gameplay is based on the design of an optimized path system, in which ants follow predefined trajectories to maximize efficiency. The huge technological tree and expansion to new biomes constantly introduce new challenges. With a minimalist design and flexible sandbox structure, Microtopia offers a deep management experience with excellent longevity and a high level of replayability in search for the perfect colony.
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Rise of the Ronin on PC reconfirms the strengths pointed out when it arrived on PlayStation 5: a perhaps too clichéd open world structure is revived by a satisfying combat and progression system against the backdrop of a convincing and exciting narrative set during one of the most peculiar periods in Japanese history. The technical limitations encountered on the SONY console are thankfully a bad memory, and this unremarkable element makes this new incarnation the ideal choice for venturing into the Bakumatsu era.
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Konami's Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars revives two beloved JRPG classics, preserving their deep storytelling and strategic gameplay. While the remaster improves visuals and adds quality-of-life updates, presentation leans heavily on HD aesthetics, which may divide longtime fans. The lack of a full retranslation and some dated mechanics hold it back from being a true definitive edition. Still, Suikoden II remains a masterpiece, and this collection is a welcome return for the franchise. Hopefully, Konami's renewed interest signals future installments or improvements.
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In case anyone had any doubts, Split Fiction is proof that It Takes Two was not a random stroke of luck. Hazelight's new game is every bit as crazy as the 2021 Game of the Year, and although this year the competition is going to be fierce, Split Fiction might be a serious contender for the title as well.
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Everhood 2 is as weird as the first game. More RPG, more "real video game" vibes, but in the end is the same unconventional experience played 4 years ago.
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X-Out Resurfaced is a faithful remake of the 1990 classic, preserving its challenging gameplay, retro visuals, and customization system, but missing opportunities to modernize key mechanics.
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It offers compact maps, three playable factions and extensive unit customization. The game also shines for longevity, thanks to a myriad of missions plus extensive modding support.
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Two Point Studios are now veterans of this genre and you can see that: they master the basics of management sims and also manage to introduce some fresh novelty, particularly in the way they have structured the campaign.
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Collector difficult to recommend to all gamers. Excellent for nostalgics, less so for those approaching Yu-Gi-Oh for the first time
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Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the most exciting games of recent years. It further polishes the winning intuitions of Monster Hunter World and grafts them into a living, changing open world to deliver a first-rate synaesthetic spectacle in the most successful instalment of the prestigious Capcom series. Repetitive by its very nature, but if the exquisite arcade action grabs you there's no escaping it.
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While not revolutionizing the formula, the game offers a solid and intense experience with punishing combat and backtracking-based level design. It would have been interesting to add a character growth system, but it remains an excellent swashbuckling game that will thrill fans of the genre.
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