The Games Machine

Cataclysm makes you feel like a medieval architect with performance anxiety: every mistake is set in stone and paid for in blood. It may not be a title for the masses and it has some areas that could be improved, but it can be rewarding and is certainly original.

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Hoverboards and rock music made the fortune of Back to the Future and the formula works quite well also in Star Overdrive. The game developed by the Italian team Caracal presents an aesthetically pleasing sci-fi adventure, with a setting that is not particularly original but fascinating and full of activities. Some 'stiffness' problems in the walking phases, small technical stumbles and a bit of repetitiveness in situations, however, prevent it from taking off.

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It's not without its flaws, but The First Berserker: Khazan is ferociously capable of instilling first hatred and then love in the most determined player to tame it, and this makes it a must-have for any hardcore action game fan.

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Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered is a faithful re-release of the original 1997 3D platformer, with more user-friendly controls and slightly - just slightly - more modern graphics. The retro charm remains intact with levels full of secrets, funny enemies, and simple but rewarding gameplay. While not shining in technical innovation, it includes extra content such as the Crocipedia and the original game. A nostalgic remastered, more conservative than revolutionary, designed for historical and curious fans of digital vintage, proving that even lesser known video games can deserve a second chance.

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Monster Energy Supercross 25 represents a step forward from previous titles. The progress due to the adoption of UE5 is evident and has brought the series even closer to a true simulation. Some adjustments are still necessary to better balance the difficulty level, correct sporadic problems with the opponent AI, and improve the navigability of the UI.

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25 years have passed since the release of this JRPG by Square, which proves, however, that it still has something to give thanks to an intriguing combat system, a 'dual-track' story, and restorations and enhancements that include new game modes, novel narrative elements, and streamlined gameplay that is very enjoyable to play.

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South of Midnight is a decent single player action-adventure, overall and without giving too much weight to the linear gameplay or to some technical and structural limitations. Narratively and artistically it is really intriguing, too bad that from a gameplay perspective it shows much less courage.

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Nixxes Software raises the bar once again with The Last of Us Part II Remastered, a technical, narrative and action masterpiece. The physics engine gives combat a visceral realism, while textures and models elevate settings and actors' expressions to cinematic levels.

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Despite its enchanting atmosphere, however, the short overall duration and low level of challenge may not satisfy players looking for a more challenging experience.

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Bleach Rebirth of Souls is a solid fighting game based on Tite Kubo's manga, perhaps the best production related to the franchise. It's not a perfect fighting game and there are some problems with online matches, but it's a solid base to start from.

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An horror adventure with a strong cinematic flavour, with aesthetics and themes reminiscent of the works of Lynch, Cronenberg and Nolan. The gameplay is reduced to a minimum and there are a few too many bugs, which however do not compromise the enjoyment of an extremely 'atmospheric' experience with adult content.

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Are you desperately looking for a new soulslike to play, and you also like anime girls that fight in high heels and dress like they're going to a cosplay show, and also don't mind a graphic style straight out of 2014? Well then I guess AI Limit isn't the worst choice you could make, as it does offer a fairly smooth experience, but it's also not going to be a great one.

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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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