GameBlast

Nikoderiko: The Magical World runs the risk of looking like a mere Donkey Kong Country clone with elements of Crash Bandicoot, but it has the merit of being competent in all the main aspects that made these series worthy of fame, despite some technical flaws. With always beautiful and interesting stages, the campaign is fun to play alone or with others in local co-op. Whether you're a fan of the famous mascot platformers or someone newer to the genre, Niko and Luna have an adventure that's worth enjoying.

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Neva combines stunning visuals and a story marked by the relationship between unique characters to result in one of the most exciting experiences in recent years. The addition of combat and platform mechanics really enhance the context of urgency, even though its proposal is not focused on being an action game. All of this makes Neva an unmissable title and a true work of art in digital format.

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Shattered Space hits the mark by delivering a worthy expansion to one of the biggest and better mysteries in Starfield. This dive into the legacy of House Va'ruun brings precise criticism to religious fanatism to deliver excellent moments with some of the most beautiful visuals of this generation, which will please fans of Bethesda's most ambitious RPG to date.

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Ys X: Nordics brings back the classic spirit of the franchise with fast-paced combat and revamped mechanics. The dynamic between Adol and Karja, united by a spell, creates a good starting point for the plot, and the duo combat system offers exciting moments, especially against bosses. The protagonists' customizations and abilities also give plenty of room to explore different combinations. However, the game stumbles in several aspects. The narrative, although promising, gets lost in superficial developments and unmemorable characters. Exploration, although well-intentioned with the addition of naval combat and transversal abilities, suffers from simplified maps and a lack of incentive to revisit areas. Overall, Ys X: Nordics is a fun adventure, but it could have been more memorable if it had made better use of its ideas.

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It's great to feel that Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO has managed to rescue this very clear, yet abstract concept of what makes Dragon Ball what it is, something that the Budokai Tenkaichi of the past managed to achieve without even thinking too much. Even with its flaws, saying that this is a game "more for the fans" is to diminish the very concise product that it is. Thank goodness, in this case, that Dragon Ball has a ton of fans around the world, right?

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Dagon: Complete Edition is an interesting experiment in interactive literary dissemination. Over the course of an hour and a half, we go through four short stories by H. P. Lovecraft recreated in three-dimensional settings, atmospheric narration, immersive sounds and explanations of the contexts surrounding the writings. Although the most control we have is to move the camera around to look around the subtle but unsettling environments, the whole thing is an immersive foray into dark territory that is worth a visit for those already familiar and for those who want a simple introduction to the territory of the patron saint of cosmic horror.

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By confining gameplay to groups of four people, whether locally or online, All You Need is Help restricts the ways we can enjoy its simple but cute and fun ideas for a while. This practical limitation doesn't fit with the game's casual intent, which also doesn't attempt to deepen the gameplay to the point of being a memorable cooperative puzzler.

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Europa opts for a minimalist, contemplative approach, centering [the experience] in the narrative and atmosphere instead of complex mechanics or intense challenges. Its strongest suit is the beautiful ambientation and emotional story exploring the relationship between creator and creature in a decaying world. However, the simplicity of its mechanics, along with a few specific issues related to camera control and Zee's movement may upset those looking for a more robust challenge or a more refined gameplay. Despite those limitations, Europa delivers a poetic and immersive experience, ideal for those who love games with a soft and intimist concept.

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We shouldn't judge a game by what it could be, but in the case of Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire it's almost sacrilege to realize that the game has potential buried by mediocrity. From the tired story, which could pass as a good 26-episode summer anime, to the sleepy and repetitive combat, this air pirate adventure is only recommended for those who have a good nostalgia for Skies of Arcadia or really like airplanes, because even the replayability factor is weak and it's only worth it to complete the easy trophies (or achievements).

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Despite some frustrating issues in character development and the tedious, long and empty corridors that it hardly uses well, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus is a high level adventure game. Its thrilling mysteries filled with twists are curious enough to be worth the investment, as is the rewarding feeling of agency during the labyrinth exploration.

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On the one hand, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templar Reforged disguises its age with beautifully drawn visuals, more appropriate to today's aesthetics, and accessibility incentives, but there's no hiding the fact that this is a point and click adventure from the 1990s. A mystery story full of dialogue, ironic and cartoonish humor, simple mechanics, investigation more by trial and error than by deduction; all of this is presented in a consistent way, showing that the strength of the classic remains. What will really make the difference here is whether these things entertain you or if they are far from your taste.

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Metaphor: ReFantazio combines tactical combat, social interactions, and exploration into a rich experience set in a unique fantasy world. The flexibility provided by the Archetype system encourages the creation of varied strategies, while the progression structured in days adds a layer of planning that enriches the journey. With so many options for activities, from side quests to moments of socializing, it is difficult to have two days the same. However, there are some limitations, such as the repetition of activities and the lack of creativity in some optional dungeons, making the experience tiring at times. In addition, the inconsistent graphic quality and the drop in performance are points that weaken the immersion. In the end, with an extensive campaign and a competent localization, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a robust and memorable RPG. The title does not revolutionize the studio's formula, but it is still an immersive and engaging experience.

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Despite bringing three more characters and a new story, the high cost of the expansion, combined with the fixes and new features that have been arriving in dribs and drabs since the incomplete release of the base game, puts the current entry in the series in a delicate position. The reward system remains unchanged, the Invasions mode remains slow and boring, and the absence of the Krypt still weighs on the single-player content. Kaos definitely hasn't found its anarchy.

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God of War Ragnarök lives up to expectations and delivers an even more spectacular sequel to one of the best games of all time. Its long-awaited arrival on PC in yet another great adaptation from PlayStation Studios is above all a reminder that good works are timeless and deserve to be experienced by as many players as possible. Regardless of your platform, then, visit the nine realms and witness the Norse apocalypse alongside Kratos and his son: I guarantee that it will be hard not to consider this one of the best action-adventure titles ever made.

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The Vessel of Hatred expansion delivers a robust and engaging experience for Diablo IV players by introducing a new region rich in culture and mythology, as well as a new playable class with unique mechanics and innovative combat dynamics. The immersive storytelling and design of the new areas maintain the high standards of the franchise, providing additional hours of exploration and character development. While some aspects, such as the new PvE mode, require a group of players to fully appreciate, the content offered in the expansion further enriches the game’s universe. For fans of Diablo IV and action RPGs in general, Vessel of Hatred is a package worth investing in, especially for those looking for new ways to customize their adventures and explore new facets of the dark and immersive world of Sanctuary.

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The Garden Path is a title that bets on a serene, leisurely rhythm, leading to an attractive experience for those looking for a soft daily routine in a tranquil environment. However, the absence of clear directions and the not so intuitive controls can be quite frustrating, demanding a good amount of patience. Though the core mystery and the characters have a captivating potential, it takes a long while until these elements truly shine.

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On paper, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions seemed like a great idea. In practice, it's just ok: on the one hand, we have a well-crafted production, lots of references to the franchise and robust gameplay; on the other, the amount of different things to do is small, as are the rewards for continuing playing. Unless the game receives interesting future updates, it's only recommended for ardent fans of the series or those who really enjoyed the idea of ​​playing ball with broomsticks.

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Final Fantasy XVI dares to offer a new direction for Square Enix's legendary franchise, and the result is an unmissable title that gets almost every crucial aspect right. Now in its definitive version on PC, Clive Rosfield's journey gains a new chapter that even the occasional slip-ups in the adaptation work can't compromise. In the end, like a certain Eikon of fire, here is a flame bright enough not to be easily erased from memory.

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Unfortunately, Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports is a game with a great idea but weak execution that doesn't do Bugs Bunny and company justice. At least the good use of references shows that the formula of putting these iconic characters in sports competitions can work — it just needs more competent gameplay to keep the fun from getting lost along the way.

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Copycat stands out for its emotional depth, touching sensible, universal themes, like neglect and the true meaning of home. Dawn's story, as a cat that faces many adversities, can create empathy and profound reflection about the eonnection between humans and pets. A surefire recommendation for those who value compelling, moving stories. However, despite a captivating plot, the game suffers from technical issues that compromise the gameplay. Sluggish movement, troublesome camera, and limited animation hinder the experience as a whole, which is a shame considering the emotional potential of its plot.

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