4News.it's Reviews
1348 Ex-Voto is one of those games that puts us in an awkward position: its flaws are obvious, but we can’t bring ourselves to completely dismiss it. Because yes, the flaws are numerous. The narrative constantly falls apart, the combat is more interesting in theory than in practice, and… so much more. There’s too much that “doesn’t add up” to call it a truly successful game. And yet it had, at times, an inexplicable hold on us. Because all it took was a vineyard, a church, a country road, to captivate us with a very specific imagery. Perhaps its charm lies precisely in this constant contradiction: seeing clearly everything that doesn’t work, and yet continuing to believe that beneath those cracks lies something precious.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Under New Management takes the crazy concept of Hotel Barcelona and transforms it into an action roguelite that finally stands on its own two feet: the combat now flows smoothly and responsively, the balance of enemies and bosses is convincing, the difficulty rewards intuition rather than frustration, and the Hotel – with its B-movie serial killers, a soundtrack blending cheeky references and raucous guitars, giving the whole thing a powerful personality, and surreal dialogue – proves to be an irresistible resort of carnage for anyone who loves the auteur-style of Swery and Suda51. It isn’t perfect – the engine still has a few glitches and the structural roughness remains in the project’s core DNA – but it is a triumph of creative coherence, where the Slasher Phantoms system shines as one of the genre’s most ingenious twists and every death tells a story to be exploited, not endured. If the base version was a rough diamond in need of polishing, this update turns it into a finished work, polarising enough to (once again) divide the audience (while remaining a far cry from titles like Hades or Dead Cells) but capable of winning over anyone willing to check into the madness of the Hotel Barcelona.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics doesn’t revolutionize the original version, but it still manages to enhance the experience. The new narrative content, additional abilities, and various gameplay refinements make this edition more complete and better balanced. For those who have never played Ys X, this is undoubtedly the best version to start with. Adol and Karja’s adventure remains fun, dynamic, and full of spectacular moments, thanks above all to a combat system that continues to be one of the game’s strongest points. Those who have already completed the original might find the new features less essential, but the collection of additions still makes Proud Nordics a successful re-release.
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GreedFall: The Dying World had a rather difficult task. Not only did it have to build on the strengths of the first chapter released in 2019, but it also had to be a test of maturity for the Spiders development team, which has historically been torn between heart and compromise. The ambition is clear: an even bigger RPG packed with content, with strong themes and difficult choices for the player. However, where aspiration gave way to risk was in revolutionizing the popular combat system, abandoning the action setting in favor of real-time turn-based combat. This is a choice that did not fully convince us and which, we suspect, could alienate some of the audience that loved its predecessor. The end result is therefore not far removed from the software house's tradition, partly due to a technical aspect that is harsh at times, an overly uneven pace, and combat that is not as polished as one might have expected.
Review in Italian | Read full review
WWE 2K26 is an instalment that focuses on quantity and solidity rather than breaking with the past, but still manages to take a few steps forward in terms of ring feel and content. Those coming from previous chapters will find a familiar setup, enriched with new stipulations, a more readable reversal system, further expanded key modes and a Showcase dedicated to CM Punk which, although heavily guided, represents one of the most polished single-player contents in the package, all accompanied by a technical department on PlayStation 5 that is now mature and reliable. The title successfully appeals both to hardcore fans, attracted by modes such as Universe, My GM, The Island and the possibility of shaping their own show ecosystem, and to those looking for evenings of immediate entertainment featuring extreme matches and experimentation with the most extravagant stipulations. Some structural limitations remain: a feeling of déjà vu about the overall feel of the matches, the persistence of certain long-standing automatisms, and a progression of my FACTION that is not suitable for those who do not like excessive grinding. Overall, however, WWE 2K26 proves to be a robust, rich and generally successful instalment, while maintaining an accessible approach in the ring, capable of consolidating the growth of the series and digital wrestling.
Review in Italian | Read full review
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is one of the most pleasant surprises on the current cooperative scene. The title perfectly balances frenetic action with rewarding progression and an old-school cinematic atmosphere. Thanks to the power of Saber Interactive's Swarm Engine, the hordes of enemies become an unprecedented visual spectacle that tests the team's reflexes and coordination. Although the narrative moves quickly and some design elements may seem familiar, the solid gameplay and pure fun that comes from using vehicles make this an unmissable experience for fans of the horror and action genres.
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FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE does justice to one of the best survival horror games not only of the sixth generation but in the entire history of the medium. The story of Mio and Mayu Amakura continues to be as chilling now as it was twenty-three years ago, thanks to technical and gameplay tweaks that are both targeted and respectful of the original material. From this perspective, it is a shame that the optimization on PlayStation 5 does not currently offer a perfectly smooth and flawless experience. In this context, and faced with a title that perhaps remains too faithful to itself (including its traditionalism and wooden feel), what remains is an inevitably bittersweet feeling. Fans of the genre will love it, while we advise everyone else to approach Minakami Village with caution: once you enter, getting out will not be easy.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The re-release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch is, first and foremost, a preservation effort. On the one hand, it allows a new generation of gamers to discover two of the most solid and representative chapters in the saga. On the other, it offers long-time fans the opportunity to return to Kanto and relive an adventure that marked an entire era of gaming. However, the feeling remains that more could have been done. Some online features, greater integration with the modern ecosystem of the series, or even just minor technical improvements could have made these re-releases even more significant. As they stand, FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch remain two timeless classics re-released in their purest form. And perhaps, ultimately, that is precisely why they continue to work so well.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tales of Berseria Remastered brings back one of the most unique chapters in the franchise, featuring a fascinating story, memorable characters, and a truly compelling combat system. Given that the title is still one of the most captivating JRPGs in the recent history of the genre, it remains to be seen how successful the remastering process has been. From this point of view, Bandai Namco is following the same line already seen on previous occasions, combining subtle technical upgrades, the inclusion of released DLCs, and a wide range of quality of life improvements. Perhaps more could have been done to give Velvet Crowe's revenge a new memorable life. However, the title is and remains the best way to experience this great episode of a historic saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Resident Evil Requiem is, for better or worse, the synthesis of thirty years of Resident Evil: a game that takes everything that worked in the past, tries to correct some of what didn't convince, and even takes a few structural risks, such as the dual Grace/Leon crossover gameplay and the free change of perspective between first and third person. The mix works with exceptional results, to say the least: Grace's survival horror segments are among the most tense and best constructed in the recent saga, while Leon's action sections manage to be solid and spectacular. However, there are some limitations: the pace is not always calibrated (especially in the middle of the experience), some sections are less inspired, and a certain tonal shift between very serious moments and B-movie madness could throw off those looking for a more uniform and purely horrific experience, just as the “two-soul structure” risks dissatisfying those who clearly prefer only one of the two. Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem works in what we believe to be a requiem that sounds more like a hymn to the resilience of a saga that continues to reinvent itself without forgetting its roots, as it should!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Poker Night at the Inventory is one of the most unusual products in the Telltale archive, resurrected by Skunkape Games after the excellent restoration work dedicated to the Sam & Max episodic trilogy. This time, however, we are faced with a title that is very difficult to recommend without reservation. In terms of gameplay, it is a simple No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker game which, apart from a few minor cosmetic unlockables, offers nothing special except for the presence of some iconic characters from the world of video games and American animated series (more famous in their home country than here in Italy). Unfortunately, the limited gameplay and lack of Italian translation create a clear obstacle for those who would like to enjoy at least the main selling point of the title: the gags and witty dialogue of the cast.
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Planet of Lana 2 is a lesson in how a silent narrative platformer can entertain and excite in just a few hours. Expanding on the bond between Lana and Mui, the game offers an emotional journey through a post-apocalyptic world that appears as dangerous as it is breathtaking. Although there are a few minor flaws, the extraordinary art direction and excellent soundtrack more than make up for them. It is a little gem that explores the balance between technological progress and the soul of a planet, proving that some stories don't need a single word to stay in your heart.
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High on Life 2 succeeds in a task that is anything but obvious. Not only does it preserve the iconic sardonic wit of its predecessor, but it also manages to enrich and refine the gameplay formula with greater quality and variety. All this, of course, in the name of the most unpredictable madness. Those who loved the first chapter will adore whizzing around on their skateboards between witty jokes and galactic bounties. For everyone else, the crazy universe of Squanch Games could win you over, provided you embrace its peculiar humor and structurally classic approach.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is yet another excellent installment in a saga that has now spanned more than twenty years. The remake of the ill-fated third chapter in the adventures of Kazuma Kiryu reworks the gameplay, story, and content to make it a fresher and more appealing product. Not only is the main campaign now more fun and fluid to play, but the brand new appendix dedicated to Yoshitaka Mine adds a touch of extra variety to an unquestionably solid package. Much has been said about the controversies surrounding the title (mainly related to narrative and casting choices, as well as new content that in some cases has replaced older content), but honestly, it seems to us that they are talking about everything except the validity of the title itself. The saga will inevitably have to deal with the near future and all that it entails. But returning to the Morning Glory orphanage after all these years couldn't be more comforting.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Switch 2 is a perfect bridge between the past and the future, offering one of the best JRPGs of its generation to a modern audience, in 4K and 60fps.
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Mario Tennis Fever is a successful arcade sports game that brings the series to maturity with multiple modes, a substantial roster and explosive gameplay, perfect for evenings with friends and online challenges. However, it falls short on the single-player front, with a story mode that doesn't fully exploit the potential of the cast and serves mainly as a long tutorial, and with a frenetic racket balance that will probably require some adjustment. Considering the solid gameplay and high replay value, however, Mario Tennis Fever is an experience that we would recommend to both tennis enthusiasts and casual players who want to try a few swings! Ultimately, there is no better compliment we can give Nintendo and Camelot than to say that Mario Tennis Fever has really excited us and gives us hope for the future of sports games set in the Mushroom Kingdom. If the developer manages to apply the same formula to Mario spin-offs dedicated to golf, baseball and football, then there will be many surprises in store for Nintendo Switch 2 throughout its history.
Review in Italian | Read full review
God of War: Sons of Sparta is a good Metroidvania game. Solid, consistent, respectful. But also cautious. Too cautious to aspire to anything more. It doesn't redefine the subgenre. It doesn't establish itself as a new benchmark. And at this point, reflection becomes inevitable. Is an experiment like this, perhaps imperfect, better than yet another live service project designed to chase the market and then, perhaps, be canceled? Is a “small” God of War that tries to explore different territories better than the total absence of the brand while waiting for a bigger chapter? At the same time, it is legitimate to wonder whether a name like God of War deserved a more ambitious, more refined, more courageous production. Between black and white, in short, there are many shades of gray. Sons of Sparta is exactly there, and for us, that's fine. It's a good product that demonstrates how, on that fine line between rigor and limitation, moderation can become a virtue: essential, disciplined... Spartan. In the positive sense of the term.
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Soulslinger: Envoy of Death is both a great idea and a missed opportunity. Combining FPS and roguelite in a supernatural setting set in a Western afterlife shaken by a mysterious organization... well, it's certainly intriguing. It's a shame, though, that once you pick up the controller, the game never really takes off. The technical aspects are uneven, the gunplay lacks impact, the progression is uninspiring, and the level design is ill-suited to the desired dynamism of the gameplay. In any case, it remains an enjoyable title for a few hours of lighthearted fun.
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Styx: Blades of Greed carries with it an undeniable sense of ambition. Cyanide Studio's intent to create the definitive chapter in the stealth franchise is evident and shines through in what is effectively the greatest and most varied adventure of the witty, irreverent goblin. In this sense, the development team has learned from experience, introducing improvements that mark a decisive step forward from Shards of Darkness, released almost ten years ago. However, what dampens enthusiasm is unfortunately a technical optimization of Unreal Engine 5 that is problematic to say the least. Between unstable frame rates, stuttering, and assorted graphical uncertainties, slipping into the shadows currently comes with obvious compromises that make the experience far from what developers and audiences had hoped for.
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Reanimal represents the natural and daring evolution of Tarsier Studios, taking the fragile and surreal essence of Little Nightmares and transforming it into a more expansive and explicitly horror-filled, disturbing, brutal, and relational cooperative horror game (without betraying its melancholic and childlike soul), perfect for those seeking shared tension on an island of living nightmares. Despite some narrative crypticism and minimalist combat that is not for everyone, the result is an unforgettable adventure (albeit rather short) that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is a title that is best played in pairs, where the tension of having to protect (and depend on) another person amplifies the journey.
Review in Italian | Read full review