4News.it's Reviews
I Am Jesus Christ is a title that is difficult to judge by the usual gaming standards, because it starts from such a unique concept – almost to the point of seeming unreal – and translates it into a video game that genuinely attempts to do something different from the norm. The problem is that the project’s originality is not enough to make up for a presentation and gameplay that are often more interesting in theory than in practice. It remains, however, a curious, bold and divisive experience, which will be appreciated above all by those drawn to narrative experiments that break the mould!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Jesus Simulator is not a game in the traditional sense of the word. It is an interactive retelling of the Gospel, presented with respect, care and a clear intention to honour the original text. The idea of telling the Gospel in an interactive format is interesting and potentially inspiring – the presentation is quite polished and the narrative, told from multiple perspectives, is compelling – but it is held back by simplistic gameplay and inconsistent technical execution. Judged on the basis of its intentions, and not merely by the standards of the video game medium or interactive narrative adventures, it succeeds in its aim: to offer players a way to experience the life of Jesus first-hand. Ultimately, it remains a niche experience, recommended almost exclusively to those who are genuinely curious about the concept or the subject matter!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Aphelion is a project that impresses above all for its ambition, identity and coherence: DON’T NOD has chosen to move away from its best-known and tried-and-tested formula with the clear intention of creating an adventure that is more compact, more direct and less branching, yet no less personal. The linear narrative could have been a risk but – in reality – it is the best way to give strength – thanks also to a top-notch soundtrack and sound design – to a story of survival and relationships set in a scientifically credible context. The gameplay, whilst less brilliant than the narrative and artistic aspects – partly due to less-than-ideal input lag and questionable precision, as well as the excessive presence of scripted sections (which unfortunately affects the final rating) – completes a formula that is certainly not flawless but which ultimately offers an experience that, however imperfect, we are sure will be appreciated especially by lovers of science fiction and films such as Interstellar, Gravity, Ad Astra and The Martian!
Review in Italian | Read full review
MotoGP 26 looks set to be a strong, confident and more ambitious instalment than usual. The new Rider-Based Handling system, which focuses on the rider rather than the bike (with the clear aim of making the rider’s weight feel like a structural element of the ride), greater integration of the dual Arcade and Pro modes, a more structured career mode with progression that feels more contextualised and dynamic, adopting an almost management-simulation approach, the various Race Off activities, the updated roster (complete with dynamic ratings) with greater focus on the 2026 season, a more open and modern online mode and – last but not least – top-tier graphics and a technical side virtually free of significant issues point to a project that aims not merely to course-correct, but to redefine the direction of the series. MotoGP 25 was already a compelling instalment; MotoGP 26 looks set to be the one that truly consolidates the franchise’s growth.
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Housemarque has crafted a masterpiece in which the dynamism of the gameplay and the controlled chaos that ensues generate an ‘instinctive’ feel that is utterly addictive. It is a work that minimises the gap between intention and action, capable of making us enthusiastic ‘accomplices’ in a magnificent frenzy. If Returnal challenged us with its harshness, Saros invites us to master the storm with a newfound awareness that creeps under your skin in a damn natural way. It is a cohesive, pulsating and utterly dynamic experience that makes everything else seem to move in slow motion. It is the Finnish team’s mature masterpiece: intelligent, brutal and bloody brilliant. Once you’ve entered its loop, you’ll just want to keep going, and going, and going.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss struck us as an ambitious and intriguing project that successfully blends Lovecraftian horror, science fiction and psychological thriller elements within a fascinating and oppressive underwater setting. The gameplay revolves around analysing clues, manipulating objects and environmental deduction, offering tools such as sonar, the Crypt and Key, the support AI, as well as the ability to unlock new frequencies, which give a different twist to the usual Lovecraftian experience, in what we might call a disturbing and mind-bending adventure. It’s a choice consistent with the source material and, for this very reason, we’re sure it will win over those who love elegant, slow-paced, cerebral horror, but it might also leave those wanting a faster pace or greater variety in terms of action feeling a bit perplexed. The visuals are excellent, with environments – thanks to Unreal Engine 5 – that are meticulously crafted and full of detail, though there are a few rough edges; it’s a shame about the technical side, which isn’t always up to scratch but can easily be improved with a patch!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Super Meat Boy 3D succeeds in the feat of translating all the hallmarks of an inherently two-dimensional series into a thrilling 3D platformer. Team Meat and Sluggerfly have created a new incarnation of the iconic indie game that debuted sixteen years ago, yet one that retains the same gritty, edgy identity. Once again, we’re faced with an extremely demanding title that requires high precision and Olympian calm, yet offers immense satisfaction thanks to its absolutely rich and satisfying content—even if there are a few inaccuracies in the spatial perception of this new iteration. At the same time, the franchise remains, as it always has, not for everyone: but if you’re among those who love being pushed to the limits of your skills (and your patience), this is the game for you.
Review in Italian | Read full review
What can I say? This is a great game. You could argue that indie games are for a niche audience, that it’s too short, or that it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking. That may be true, but the fact remains that Replaced excels at what it sets out to do and keeps you glued to the screen without you even noticing the time passing. The cyberpunk settings in a post-apocalyptic world, the story to uncover, the highly realistic battles against enemies, and the urge to ask yourself more and more questions and see the world from the perspective of a computer that has just taken on the body of a human being. If you want to do the right thing, try Replaced and you won’t be disappointed. There are many doubts about human nature, but one thing is certain: indie games can convey much more than big-budget titles, as Sad Cat Studios has proven.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Pragmata is a powerful new IP, solid in every respect and capable of laying the groundwork for a major new franchise. The game successfully blends fast-paced, multi-layered action with an intimate and moving narrative. Exploring the Cradle alongside Diana, alternating between intense firefights and hacking sequences, is a fun and engaging experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a title that rewards tactical intelligence as much as reflexes, wrapped in technical prowess that showcases the power of current-gen consoles. Another plus is that the game is released at a budget price, retailing at the recommended price of €59.99. Pragmata isn’t just a great game; it’s proof that taking the time to refine an artistic vision always pays off. If you love sci-fi, stories of deep connections, and high-quality action gameplay, Pragmata is a must-buy that will keep you glued to the screen from start to finish.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Hades II is, at its core, exactly what every sequel should be. Supergiant Games has done it again. They’ve managed to take an already extraordinary formula and make it even richer, more varied, and more “sustainable” in the long run. Of course, it lacks the novelty factor of six years ago: the first Hades was, after all, a groundbreaking, hugely important game. But setting that aside, and overlooking the narrative issues highlighted, Hades II is simply a must-play title. Irresistible.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Blue Prince on Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid port that adapts well and perfectly complements the game’s core mechanics—which rely on observation, patience, and constant flashes of intuition. Nintendo’s hybrid console particularly enhances the portable aspect of the experience, making it even more natural to lose yourself in the ever-changing corridors of Mt. Holly, even if it means accepting a few technical compromises here and there. Rather than aiming for spectacle, this version prioritizes consistency, and it succeeds: the result is a fascinating, intelligent puzzle game that feels perfectly at home on the Switch 2. For those seeking an original title that rewards curiosity and deduction, this is a game not to be overlooked.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ghost Master: Resurrection is a passionate remake of a cult management game from the early 2000s. A blend of strategy and puzzle-solving set against a delightfully ghostly backdrop, the game is a treat for fans of the original thanks to its high fidelity to the source material. Having made that necessary introduction, the Nintendo Switch version is unfortunately not the best platform to experience Mechano Story Studio’s title. Between lengthy load times, various bugs, and technical compromises—both in graphical resolution and frame rate stability—the experience proved less smooth than hoped. A less-than-intuitive interface and a few too many rough edges in the button mapping round out a picture that only marginally benefits from the Nintendo Switch 2’s backward compatibility. Scaring humans is still fun even after more than twenty years... but it’s better to do it elsewhere.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance presented us with a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, our passion for the Nosgoth universe led us to appreciate the franchise’s first original title in over twenty years, thanks above all to a bold reinterpretation of the narrative canon, a refined art style, and simple, fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, viewed through the lens of players less captivated by Crystal Dynamics’ vampires, we found ourselves with a two-dimensional action game that is far too linear and repetitive, betraying Bit Bot Media’s inexperience. What was meant to be an attempt to revive the franchise thus ends up being a product aimed solely at the series’ most die-hard fans, who might even be annoyed by the lack of consistency with the past.
Review in Italian | Read full review
More than two years after its first release, Super Mario Bros. Wonder continues to impress with its freshness and irresistible pace. Meetup in Bellabel Park, while being a limited-scope expansion heavily focused on multiplayer, still adds moments of fun without upsetting the game’s balance. Overall, it remains an extraordinary experience: a masterfully crafted platformer that excites and entertains just as much today as it did two years ago, and is destined to remain a benchmark for fans of the genre.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Life is Strange: Reunion is the sort of epilogue that arrives late – perhaps too late – a nostalgic embrace that nevertheless manages to strike a chord we thought had long since faded, bringing Max and Chloe back to the heart of a story that once again explores guilt, second chances and the fragility of our certainties. It is a return that does not resolve all the tensions left open by the saga – indeed, for some, it risks reopening wounds that the 2015 finale had sealed with painful consistency – but which offers fans the chance to walk once more alongside two characters who have now, for better or worse, become part of the family. In its precarious balance between fan service, structural repetitiveness, a decidedly lacklustre supporting cast and the lack of any real, authentic character development – with the characters seeming trapped in an eternal emotional adolescence despite the passing years – Reunion ends up being less revolutionary than it would like to be, but also more sincere than its framework (particularly its decidedly static and very conservative gameplay) might have led us to fear. It doesn’t change the story of Life is Strange, but observes it from a new angle, reminding us that certain choices remain, even when time seems to bend to accommodate us. Perhaps it isn’t the perfect ending, but it’s a farewell honest enough to be worth experiencing, especially for those who have never really stopped coming to terms with Max and Chloe.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Crimson Desert is a colossal, rough-edged, and at times chaotic game, yet one that is also incredibly captivating. Its controls demand patience, its narrative falls short of the potential of its world, and some of its design choices remain overly cumbersome. But it also boasts exceptional exploration, deep combat, an impressive array of mechanics, and a sense of adventure that few open-world games today can still convey with such power. Pearl Abyss has created a work that doesn’t aim for formal perfection, but for grandeur. And, despite stumbling several times along the way, it still manages to leave its mark. If you can get past the initial hurdle of the controls and accept a few inevitable rough edges, and overcome that ‘déjà vu’ feeling you’ll often experience when encountering a mechanic from that particular game, you’ll find yourself with a title capable of absorbing you for hundreds of hours, full of surprising moments and, above all, incredibly fun to play. It isn’t the most polished game in its category, but it is certainly one of the most vibrant, generous and ambitious of recent times.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that few would have predicted when it began nearly a decade ago. Capcom has pulled off yet another feat in a gaming generation worth celebrating, elevating a spin-off series born from a successful IP to the very pinnacle of excellence. A sumptuous JRPG, as mature in its storytelling as it is layered and satisfying in its gameplay, it’s already a contender for one of the best games of 2026. We don’t know what the future holds for this series, but one thing is certain: missing out on this adventure would be a mistake as big as a Rathalos.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Laysara: Summit Kingdom has proven to be a city-builder with a vibrant personality. The Himalayan-inspired setting brings with it enjoyable gameplay elements tied to the challenge of building an efficient human settlement amidst mountain slopes, harsh weather, and unpredictable avalanches. The gameplay formula combines the genre’s hallmarks with a touch of puzzle-solving, which serves as both its distinctive strength and structural limitation. On one hand, this originality rewards Quite OK Games with a refreshingly unique title. On the other hand, the repetitiveness tends to set in more quickly than fans of the genre might expect. One thing is certain: building on the side of mountain slopes has never been this fun and rewarding.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Darwin's Paradox! has proven to be a genuine, wild, and entertaining adventure. ZDT Studio has succeeded in its goal of creating a game that captures the magic of animated cinema, while also offering some interesting gameplay ideas. Part platformer, part stealth game, part puzzle game, Darwin’s odyssey manages to engage, make you smile, and even make you think. It is, therefore, a title of absolute value, even accounting for a few sections that are less polished than others and a sometimes excessive reliance on trial and error.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Marathon is not a failure. Even if the numbers might suggest otherwise, this statement speaks purely to the immense effort Bungie put into developing its latest game. From its inception, Marathon has always been, first and foremost, a title that the creators themselves wanted to play. A concrete response to a niche landscape—that of first-person extraction shooters—plagued by the demands of the current era in which the entire video game industry finds itself. Abandoned by its original director and with its core team reduced by half, the American team managed to create a work light-years away from the recent failures, which have proven to be nothing more than gambles and attempts to chase the usual trends, without trying to reinvent or refine the mechanics of their genres. For those who have never had the chance to try Marathon, or haven’t had the time to overcome the steep initial learning curve, it’s hard to convey just how much of the original Bungie’s DNA lies behind this production. Fans of extraction shooters will find in Marathon perhaps the best experience currently on the market, capable of consistently balancing the genre’s more hardcore and more casual sides, succeeding—through its constant updates based on player feedback—in building a product that is increasingly less experimental and increasingly the benchmark for the design of similar products. For those still undecided, Marathon remains a title worth considering carefully. The decision to release it as a Premium title in a market dominated by F2P games may pose a challenge given its niche nature and exclusive focus as a multiplayer title. Although a roadmap is already in place, the game’s future will depend heavily on player response, but if free events are offered, our advice is simple: Try to complete at least one run on Tau Ceti IV. If you can.
Review in Italian | Read full review