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Directive 8020 is an interesting and, in some respects, bold attempt by Supermassive Games: it doesn’t just change the setting, but seeks to revamp the series’ formula by introducing stealth sections, real-time dangers and a narrative rewind system that makes the experience more flexible. Not everything is equally convincing, however, because the writing – although of a very high standard – can feel predictable, and some stealth sections don’t always seem to live up to the stated ambition. There is no doubt, however, that Directive 8020 is an adrenaline-fuelled experience and that – if you’re a fan of the Dark Pictures Anthology (and space settings) – it’s absolutely worth experiencing!

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Forza Horizon 6 isn’t a game that rewrites the rules of the series, but it’s much more than just a minor update. It’s the classic example of a sequel that knows its strengths inside out and chooses to build on them in the smartest possible way. The choice of Japan as the setting for the new Horizon Festival finally gives the series an identity perfectly suited to its nature: drift-friendly roads, illuminated cities, mountain passes and picturesque coastlines seem tailor-made for the kind of freedom and spectacle the series has always pursued. The overall impression is of a self-assured work, generous in content, immediately entertaining and, at the same time, richer in cultural subtext than in the past, all enhanced by a social-creative ecosystem that transforms the player into a protagonist and creator, rather than a mere spectator of the festival. The main limitation, if anything, is precisely its fidelity to the classic formula: those seeking a revolution might be disappointed that, all new features aside, the core of the experience remains the same as ever. But for those who love Forza Horizon, this is also its greatest strength, because the game never betrays its nature and indeed manages to give it a new, fresh and far more captivating look. Furthermore, the philosophical contrast with Forza Motorsport remains stark: here, there is none of the rigour of a track simulator, but rather a celebration of excess, freedom and spectacle that makes light-heartedness its hallmark; for some it is a virtue, for others a limitation, but it is a clear and consistent choice, which Horizon 6 embraces wholeheartedly, becoming the flagship of the Forza ecosystem On the Xbox Series X, then, the switch between 4K/30 fps and dynamic 4K/60 fps allows you to choose an experience truly suited to your taste (whether to prioritise image clarity or the smoothness of 60 fps), whilst the soundtrack – featuring 9 radio stations, the debut of J-pop and the largest tracklist ever seen in the series – is set to become one of the most memorable soundtracks ever for a driving game. All of this is framed by an exemplary focus on accessibility and quality of life, making the Japan of Forza Horizon 6 not only spectacular to look at, but also a delight to experience for a vast audience of players. Ultimately, Forza Horizon 6 stands as the culmination of Playground’s open-world racing vision: a gigantic automotive playground set in one of the settings most desired by fans, underpinned by top-tier technical production and a rare focus on accessibility and soundtrack. For fans of the series and anyone looking for a driving game that’s accessible, spectacular and vast, this new instalment has everything it takes to establish itself as the new gold standard of the genre on Xbox Series X.

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Call of the Elder Gods is a successful sequel, particularly when judged on the strength of its world-building, the quality of its puzzles and the solidity of its authorial identity. It isn’t perfect: the attempt to expand on the formula established in Call of the Sea results in a slight loss of cohesion, the overall impact may feel a little less immediate than its predecessor, and the narrative – though equally compelling – ultimately culminates in a disappointing and forgettable twist. Nevertheless, the game excels in other areas, thanks to the richness of its environments (which help recreate that Indiana Jones atmosphere), a gradual and well-balanced difficulty curve that sees the puzzles become progressively more complex, and a pair of likeable protagonists. The overall impression is, ultimately, that of a first-class adventure that is absolutely worth experiencing, and thanks to a generous hint system, Call of the Elder Gods is a game that everyone will be able to enjoy.

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Constance is a game that knows when to begin and, above all, when to end—a rare quality these days. It offers a masterfully balanced experience that doesn’t waste a single minute of the player’s time, yet leaves a slight sense of longing for extra content that could have made it timeless. It is a tribute to resilience in the purest and most modern sense of the word. It’s not just the resilience of the artist who falls and gets back up in front of the canvas, but our own daily resilience. That of those who must fit their passion into days overflowing with commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities. In an era that bombards us with endless titles that almost feel like a second job, Constance’s compactness is an act of respect for our time. It teaches us that to leave a mark, you don’t need to be immense, but rather dense, honest, and capable of transforming effort into something beautiful. It is a challenge that tests us but rewards us with immense satisfaction, reminding us that, despite the limited time available and life’s difficulties, there is always room for a work that can truly move us. A must-have for anyone craving a product that is not just entertainment, but a small, great personal victory to hold in their hands.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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