4News.it's Reviews
Symphonia is a unique experience that combines gameplay, music, and storytelling in a way that few video games manage to do. The variety of platforming, combined with the need to learn the timing of most actions, makes Symphonia a real pleasure to play. The optional power-up system also makes it a perfect entry point for those who have never tried exponents of what, let's face it, is a truly niche subgenre. Regardless, for those looking for a game that combines visual beauty, precise gameplay and an outstanding soundtrack, Symphonia is a must-have title. It is an experience that sounds almost like a perfect melody, with only a few minor off-notes.
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Nine Sols is an experience that shines with narrative depth, top-tier art direction, and above all, damned satisfying and varied gameplay. Every aspect of the game seems to reflect the eternal dance between opposites that characterizes Taoism: light and shadow, tradition and modernity, action and reflection. Get ready for a harmonious, perfectly balanced storm.
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Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is exactly what fans of the franchise have been waiting for for years: an engaging, mystery-filled, action-packed adventure that honors the unforgettable movie saga. I didn't expect this, I admit, yet MachineGames has been able to create a title that, despite a few flaws - such as the aforementioned deficiency in artificial intelligence and a limited number of hand-to-hand combat animations - manages to capture the essence of the Spielbergian saga, offering an experience that alternates between moments of pure adrenaline rush and reflective exploration sessions. The game especially shines for its level design, its original take on the open world, its faithfulness to the source material, and the way it manages to make you really feel in the shoes of the legendary archaeologist. In short, whether you are a longtime fan of the IP or simply looking for a good adventure, Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is a game worth playing.
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Spirit Mancer represents a convincing debut for the Thai team Sunny Syrup Studio. An intriguing production in aesthetics as much as in gameplay, it mixes such ludic concepts as hack & slash adventure, deck-building and monster taming with stimulating ideas. The end result is a fun and tasty indie, capable of engaging through the compelling loop of combat. Not all the mechanics are perfectly calibrated and there are sometimes minor concept naiveté, but it matters little: Sebastien and Mary's quest may win you over.
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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of those titles that must be tried at least once to grasp its essence. It is definitely not for everyone because it requires time, dedication and skill to master a gameplay formula that relies mainly on survival and exploration. The Zone is a hostile and unforgiving area that cuts no one any slack, where a weapon jammed at the wrong time, a move too instinctive or a distraction can prove fatal. The narrative component is one of the game's strong points, not only for the main story but also for the many side missions that weave equally articulate and interesting events. In addition, much of our actions will affect reputation with factions and characters, opening new paths or closing doors. Net of some uncertainties from the technical point of view, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers a challenging, fulfilling and dynamic experience perfectly capable of satisfying players who like a challenge.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a monument to aviation in its broadest and most all-encompassing form. Asobo Studio restarts from the excellent base of the previous chapter to make the Redmond-based company's historic simulation even more vast, majestic and outsized. Stemming the difficulties of the early days related to the cloud infrastructure, the production now opens up with its unparalleled offering, for the first time smiling at the audience that is also looking for a more traditionally playful facility in addition to simulation as an end in itself. With the knowledge that the title will only get better with time (and become even more technically stable), there is no doubt about it: get ready to fly the skies around the world... for real.
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The eternal charm of Dragon Quest flows powerfully in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, a well-thought-out remastering of the classic RPG released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System by Chunsoft. With its significant additions to gameplay, quality of life, and the HD-2D style used in the Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy games, representing the right blend of old and new aesthetics and majestically blending 3D and 2D environments while adding depth and dimension, it is impossible not to recommend this remake that gives Dragon Quest 3 its splendid and definitive form, although some of the flaws of the original are unfortunately brought out more in this remake.
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Farming Simulator 25 is the new iteration of the popular series developed by GIANTS Software, even richer and more complete than in the past. Complex and rewarding, if incredibly peaceful and relaxing once the mechanics are assimilated, the farming and livestock simulation reaches new heights with brand new biomes and crops, as well as a number of interesting updates and improvements. This is not a title for everyone; however, those looking for a different and relaxing experience will find a true bucolic paradise.
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Goat Simulator: Remastered is the best version to enjoy the iconic 2014 indie experience. A complete package that includes all DLC and a new look, it nevertheless stumbles clumsily in a technical realization that omits to pay attention to crucial factors that undermine its enjoyability for the general public. The remaster thus becomes a cult product exactly like its progenitor, intended for fans of the unscrupulous Pilgor goat as well as for all those able to overlook the graphics engine's performance embarrassments.
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The Boss Team and Wayforward tandem, with RetroRealms Arcade, has managed to offer two incredible 2D platforming adventures inspired by two cornerstones of the horror genre, Halloween and Ash vs The Evil Dead. We really enjoyed playing each adventure (albeit with not the highest longevity) and the clever choice of mixing and matching characters is nothing short of genius. Add to that the colorful pixel art graphics with the ever-moving worlds, the functional old-style 16-bit gameplay, and the additional content and you have the “almost” perfect package.” Why almost? The asking cost, almost €60 for the complete package, is quite an amount that many gamers might find excessive!
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership is yet another little gem in the impressive Nintendo Switch lineup. Acquire takes the helm of a saga born over twenty years ago on handheld consoles and successfully ferries it into 2024. Fun and multifaceted in its play proposition, the colorful new installment of the RPG adventures of the video game media's most famous plumber brothers is a must-have experience for Nintendo fans. There may be little in the way of ruolistics (apart from perhaps far too verbose dialogues), but one thing is for sure: it's really nice to experience a new odyssey with Mario and Luigi.
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The Veilguard is an incredibly complex title to evaluate, in the throes of a particularly electric launch context. On the one hand, there are the objective sacrifices made by BioWare towards some features beloved by fans of the series. On the other, one cannot fail to highlight the validity of the work done by the development team, capable of rescuing a product that over the years has been one step away from eternal oblivion. It may not please, it may infuriate longtime fans, and it may disappoint those who were looking for a title similar to the never-replicated splendor of Origins. However, for those who can appreciate the good things present, the latest Dragon Age will be an enjoyable and long-lived adventure with one of the best crescendos in the history of the Canadian software house.
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Rogue Flight is the most classic of love letters. Truant Pixel's dedication is toward the rail shooters that so raged at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. However, the end result proved to be much more concrete than a simple nostalgia operation. As frenetic as it is explosive but always and consistently galvanizing, Nadia's adventure is a little gem of game design thanks in part to an art department that pays homage to great classics of Japanese animation. Let yourself be enraptured by the pure arcade experience: it's worth it.
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LEGO Horizon Adventures really impressed us. The title made by Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo in association with The Lego Group and Sony Interactive Entertainment is not only super fun to play (alone or with friends thanks to the local and online cooperative mode) but is almost slavishly faithful to the original material, except for the alternative and decidedly lighter and humorous tone and managing - at the same time - to have a precipitous identity, which is not overshadowed by the very large portfolio of LEGO games from Traveler's Tales. In short, LEGO Horizon Adventures can be considered to all intents and purposes to be part of the world of Horizon and we feel we can recommend it both to those who are looking for a quiet and relaxed adventure, although the rate of challenge especially at the higher levels is not lacking at all, and to those who loved the original IPs, Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West.
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Sonic X Shadow Generations is a package simply not to be missed. In addition to giving new luster to one of the most appreciated chapters dedicated to the blue hedgehog, the SEGA operation also conveys a darting, never-before-seen adventure dedicated to the charismatic black hedgehog. An outstanding ride at times, showcasing the full potential, as yet uncertainly explored, of the series in its three-dimensional incarnation. Two titles for the cost of one (actually less, given the budget price) for one of the best platformers of recent years. Unmissable.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 manages in one fell swoop to erase the bitterness left by the last chapters in the series. A far from trivial achievement, achieved thanks to a surprising campaign (in a good way, thankfully), a wide-ranging Zombie mode and a solidly reliable multiplayer package. Perhaps it is precisely this last part that shows some intolerance, thanks to a less than exciting launch offer on the side of the available modes as well as the initial maps strangely less inspired than what Treyarch has historically proposed. For all fans of the series as well as especially for those who have put it aside over the years or have never approached it, rest assured. Activision's covert operations have hit the jackpot.
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Life is Strange: Double Exposure, took us back to the origins of the Life is Strange franchise. Our iconic protagonist, Max, returns more mature, even as she continues to have overtones of what happened in Arcadia Bay, but definitely more aware of herself and what she needs to do. Her powers have evolved and allow her to live with them and examine the ripple effects that ensue while the new cast of characters, along with the outstanding soundtrack, support a narrative plot rather well, certainly not perfect but one that manages to convince by dealing with important themes even if less impactful than the original. In our opinion, Double Exposure is a compelling adventure that represents something of a potential turning point for further expansion of the LIS universe, and we look forward to its continuation.
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Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is still as offbeat and endearing as it was when it was originally released 13 years ago. The story works precisely because it is not afraid to be funny, disgusting, and mischievous (perhaps too much so) which might bother some. The gameplay is still quite good and varied today. The 4K resolution and 60 fps, is the only real difference from the original, which would not justify buying this version. However, considering the price, €24.99, if you want an over-the-top and unusual experience in the underworld, give it a chance, you won't regret it!
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Dreams confirms, once again, how much the real videogame dimension of The Smurfs is in platforming. The talented developers at Ocellus Studio produce a fun, colorful and idea-packed title suitable for both the very young and more seasoned gamers. The sources of inspiration are obvious, but instead of being lazily repurposed, they are instead paid homage to with creativity, sagacity, courage and expertise. A little fall 2024 surprise, as well as another great production dedicated to the little blue men born from the imagination of Belgian artist Peyo.
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Empire of the Ants is not just an RTS but a true celebration of nature. The presentation, graphics and emotive music are nothing short of gorgeous, as is the gameplay (albeit simplified to be best handled via DualSense) which entertains, though lacking the depth that characterizes other exponents of the genre. Not to mention that it is really interesting to understand (by experiencing firsthand) the perspective of such tiny creatures doing anything to survive. It is a splendid example - in video game sauce - of how we too often take for granted what is outside our homes and how each of us should take a moment to appreciate the little things. Priced at €39.99, it is an experience we definitely feel like recommending!
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