4News.it's Reviews
Mafia: Terra Madre (Mafia: The Old Country) is a strong return to the tradition of the series, a story of pain, power, and moral compromise, set in a rigorous and authentic early 20th-century Sicily. It is a predictable tale of a man who becomes what he did not want to be, staged with consistency, drama, and historical and cultural care. An intense and compact narrative that speaks more through emotions and atmosphere than gunpowder. All this is accompanied by gameplay that is decidedly derivative, with the exception of a few mechanics, an inconsistent AI, and graphics and technical aspects that, despite the details, lack depth, interactivity, and responsiveness. If you are looking for a direct, intense, cinematic experience, but without the filler and dispersion typical of modern open worlds, this title is definitely for you. However, if you want innovative mechanics, challenging AI, or free exploration, it may be decidedly limited.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 delivers a visually stunning and technically polished experience, clearly crafted with fans of the series in mind. From the animations to the soundtrack and cinematic sequences, every element is recreated with genuine passion and deep respect for the source material. The love for the original work is evident in every stylistic choice, making it almost impossible not to appreciate. That said, the exploratory segments fall a bit flat, interactions lack depth, and while the combat system is refined, its simplicity may cause it to lose its edge over time. Still, this is a game we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves Demon Slayer and wants to relive its most iconic moments firsthand. And finally—dare we say it—this time there’s plenty of content and fanservice to satisfy the core audience. For its intended fans, this time, they got it right.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wild Hearts S on Nintendo Switch 2 is a bold attempt at porting: it's not technically perfect, quite the contrary (with inconsistent performance for a title that is two years old), but it still manages to bring an IP that we believe is underrated back into the spotlight, offering unique mechanics, customization, and cooperative gameplay for up to four players that hold up quite well. In particular, the Karakuri system, a unique mechanic that allows the player to build wooden constructs and tools in real time, supported by an excellent combat system and good equipment, will delight you. If you enjoy titles such as Monster Hunter, Toukiden, or Dauntless, but want a touch of structural innovation and less “grind” with plenty of portability, Wild Hearts S is a fresh and exciting choice in the “monster hunter” landscape. If you've already spent time playing Wild Hearts on other platforms since its release in 2023 and are wondering whether or not it's worth returning to action, there's nothing about the Switch 2 version, apart from the ability to play on the go, that's worth a new run.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Luto is one of the most ambitious indie debuts of 2025. It is not a conventional horror game, but rather a silent and oppressive exploration of the suffering mind. If you're looking for immediate thrills or dynamic gameplay, this probably isn't for you: Luto isn't designed for those seeking classic or adrenaline-fueled interaction, but for those who want a dense and intimate experience. The game asks you (almost forces you) to slow down, observe, interpret, and, above all, feel. It may not satisfy players who love complex systems or constant action, but it is extremely effective in engaging the player on an emotional and sensory level. If you are willing to immerse yourself in a reflective, disturbing, and deeply human experience, Luto is a journey that will undoubtedly leave its mark on you.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 represented a turning point in the series, striking a perfect balance between arcade gameplay, freedom, and style. While THPS 3 refined the classic formula of the first two iconic installments, THPS 4 successfully experimented with a more open-ended structure. Both titles, although technically outdated, remain just as fun thanks to eclectic gameplay characterized by a fluid and satisfying trick system and the depth of each unique map, full of shortcuts, secret areas, and perfect lines for tricking. A complete remaster with more up-to-date technical features (in the wake of THPS 1 + 2 Remake) would be desirable, as the 3D models and textures clearly show the technical limitations of the time, especially on modern screens, as does the camera, which can become unresponsive or confusing in tight spaces or during certain combos. This would restore them to their deserved glory, making them even more unforgettable.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth succeeds in the most difficult task: creating a strong identity by reimagining a media icon and more. It is a game made with passion, ideas, and courage, which manages to transform a legend like Pac-Man into a chiaroscuro symbol, tragic and deeply human. Imperfect, true, but one that leaves its mark. A true love letter, deconstructed, to the iconic Pac-Man.
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Donkey Kong Bananza is a real masterstroke, a 3D platform game that draws on the best Nintendo traditions (with clear influences from Super Mario Odyssey) and adds a touch of innovation thanks to the high level of environmental destruction and the amazing Bananza transformations. Despite some obvious technical imperfections (particularly in terms of frame rate, which is rather unstable on several occasions, camera stability, which is rather shaky in the narrowest sections, and pop-ins when advancing towards distant scenarios), it offers a unique, rich, engaging experience that is suitable - although the difficulty is a little too low - for a wide range of players. A must-play for anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch 2: an exclusive title that is destined to remain - without a shadow of a doubt - in the history of Nintendo's current flagship console.
Review in Italian | Read full review
For those who were introduced to the world of RoboCop through Rogue City and are looking for a faster-paced, more focused experience (around 7-8 hours), Unfinished Business may represent a satisfying return to the myth of the cybernetic cop. However, for players who were hoping for a significant improvement in gameplay or a deeper storyline, the DLC may seem limited and overly conservative. Ultimately, RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is yet another love letter to the franchise, full of powerful and nostalgic moments. But while it offers some interesting new features, it lacks the innovation that many were expecting. It's enjoyable content, but perhaps it fails to truly “finish” what the original 2023 chapter started.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Karma: The Dark World is not a game for those looking for fast-paced action or conventional horror. It is a slow, cerebral experience-as exciting as it is challenging-that relies heavily on atmosphere and symbolism, leaving the player free to interpret what is happening. The plot, rich in moral and philosophical themes, coupled with compassed but functional gameplay and polished graphics (although more variety in the game environments would not have hurt), makes it a recommended title for those looking for something deeper and more thoughtful in today's video game landscape. If you are looking for a dark, disturbing, unique adventure full of meaningful choices, Karma: The Dark World definitely deserves your attention: Get ready for a narrative that leaves more questions than answers!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a divisive, challenging work that never tries to please everyone. And because of that, it succeeds in leaving a deeper mark. Hideo Kojima returns to talk about connection, but this time he does so in a world that no longer needs to be united: he does so in a world that must learn to live with its own fractures, its own shadows, its own broken memories. It is a video game about mourning and hope, about collective choices and personal sacrifice, but one that manages to remain a game in the purest and deepest sense of the word. Play-wise, the title consistently evolves the original formula, incorporating new mechanics, more dynamic rhythms and a more layered structure, where the narrative and management components meet without ever clashing. Not everything is perfect: some sections still feel too slow, certain gameplay choices may be off-putting to those expecting more continuous action, and some narrative passages risk being overly cryptic. But these are small cracks in a work that manages, once again, to be visionary, fragile, and powerfully human. The technical compartment on PS5 borders on excellence: lightning-fast loading, visual cleanliness, granitic stability, without sacrificing the artistic detail that makes every shot worthy of a photo shoot. DualSense is put to excellent use, as are 3D audio and haptic feedback, making every step, every raindrop, and every beat of the BB's heart a living part of the experience. Ultimately, Death Stranding 2 is much more than a sequel. It is a second work that rewrites the meaning of the first, a new journey that does not erase the previous one but transforms it, reworks it, sublimates it. It is one of those games that asks for trust, time, and a hint of surrender. But if you let go, On the Beach manages to touch chords that modern video games rarely dare to touch.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It is not for everyone. The content is undeniably challenging for only some, and the gameplay is minimal. Ratshaker is not "entertainment" in the traditional sense; it is a kind of interactive short film, a psychological experiment, a raw catharsis. For the price of a cup of coffee and in less time than an episode of a television series, Ratshaker offers-with a quirky twist-a one-of-a-kind experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Recommended for those who love experimental, intriguing, cryptic, and off-the-wall titles!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Lies of P: Overture is capable of expanding and improving everything that made the base title so fascinating. With more refined level design, smarter enemies, new weapons, and a narrative (silent and otherwise) that adds depth to Round8's re-imagined universe, Overture stands out as one of the best add-on content in years. An intense, deep and highly satisfying experience. The show, once again, made its mark.
Review in Italian | Read full review
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a great little gem for the contemporary audiences. If being able to get your hands on this installment of the Devil Summoner series is a real surprise today, it is even more so to note the work done by ATLUS, which has not only significantly modernized the presentation, but has profoundly tweaked the content and combat system. Halfway between remastering and remake (but paradoxically more skewed toward the latter), Raidou Kuzunoha's return nevertheless remains a product for true connoisseurs, appealing to the most ardent fans of the genre and the Megami Tensei franchise.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Mario Kart World is destined to be a landmark title. Not only does it have the honor of accompanying the launch of the new Nintendo generation, but it also has the burden of evolving the solid formula of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, the end result manages to go beyond a simple improvement, ending up representing a true revolution for the historic franchise. The new gameplay introductions (grinding and wall running) are so impactful on the way of reading and approaching races that they make World a real novelty even for the most experienced players. In this light, what is not fully convincing, however, is the open world structure (which could and probably should have been better) as well as a multiplayer component that, at least at this time, struggles to find a balance between the increased number of players and the chaotic welter of weapons. Even deeper than before and with an encyclopedic amount of content, Mario's return to the racetrack is the archetypal perfect launch title.
Review in Italian | Read full review
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition is not a perfect collection, but it is a seminal historical record of game design from 2007-2009. Imperfect, brutal, but incredibly engaging, masterfully winding through three games, it is a must-have for fans of the genre and a daunting and fascinating challenge (considering also that it is not a remake but rather an experience designed to preserve not modernize) for newcomers.
Review in Italian | Read full review
F1 25 represents the most complete and refined version of the franchise to date. The title succeeds in combining simulative fidelity and accessibility, with plenty of content to satisfy both hardcore Formula 1 fans and novices. Technical improvements, new modes and the graphical leap made thanks to the exclusive focus on next-gen (and PC) make the game a true benchmark for Formula 1 fans. Some shortcomings - such as historical content or VR on consoles - weigh heavily, but do not compromise the overall judgment.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Blades of Fire left us with mixed impressions and feelings. On the one hand, MercurySteam's title offers a deep and immersive experience thanks to its unique forging system, mature storytelling with engaging characters, gorgeous and immersive environments, and an aesthetic reminiscent of past IPs such as Fable and Brütal Legend, all accompanied by an incredibly evocative soundtrack; on the other it has some obvious limitations, such as an upwardly calibrated learning curve, less-than-stellar weapon management, a combat system with great potential but that ends up being too erratic, flawed and repetitive, and unclear objectives. In short, a little additional work, would surely have benefited the production; as it stands, Blades of Fire is a good game and nothing more!
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Midnight Walk is not a traditional video game: it is a sensory journey (lasting about 4 hours), an illustrated tale brought to life with patience, love and a rare artistic vision. It is a title that targets the heart and mind by telling a story of redemption, of how a burning spark can rekindle old passions or heal a broken heart. Highly recommended for lovers of narrative experiences, fans of games like INSIDE, Little Misfortune or What Remains of Edith Finch, and those who appreciate handmade art in stop-motion and claymation (a real treat for the eyes).
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If you love titles that make originality and madness their hallmarks, we have no doubt that you will love Deliver At All Costs. The debut from Studio Far Out Games is an action title as fun as it is absurd, capable of combining unpredictable situations with a mysterious story, against the backdrop of a setting to be torn to shreds thanks to incredible interactivity. It is a product proudly different from the crowd, proving once again that the future of the industry should perhaps aim more at intriguing game design philosophies, as opposed to the bewitching and risky chants of big budgets.
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In a video game landscape that often chases spectacularity at the expense of substance, The Siege and the Sandfoxchooses a different path: that of quiet elegance, intelligent challenge, and respect for the player. It is a game that speaks to those who love the genre, but also to those who want to discover a new way of experiencing 2D platforming. It is a game that makes no noise, but leaves a mark.
Review in Italian | Read full review