4News.it's Reviews
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Capcom Fighting Collection 2 represents yet another must-have collection of classics signed by the legendary Japanese software house. Drawing directly from the glorious (and ill-fated) Dreamcast era, the selection ranges from some of the best fighting games in history to iconic arcade action games via great little forgotten gems. Once again, this is a must-see for every retrogaming fan and anyone who wants to savor tasty pages from this sweet video game past.
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The Precinct takes advantage of a brilliant concept to deliver a title with great, at times unexpressed, potential. Playing law enforcement in a fictitious American city of the early 1980s is a challenging experience, yet one that lends itself to some oversights and game design levity. The life of a police officer may not be for everyone, but Averno City remains a destination with definite appeal: get your handcuffs and badge ready, there's a city to clean up.
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Doom: The Dark Ages marks a definite and conscious turning point for the franchise, offering a more mature, visceral and atmospheric dark fantasy/fantasy single-player experience. Abandoning the ultratechnical frenzy of Doom Eternal, the game draws on dark, Lovecraftian medieval imagery, resulting in a slower, but no less brutal or satisfying shooter. The introduction of new parry mechanics (thanks to the incredible shield saw), melee weapons, new and devastating mouths of fire, and sections aboard mechs and dragons makes the gameplay surprisingly varied and consistent with the setting. Despite some risk of repetitiveness and the absence of a multiplayer segment, The Dark Ages succeeds in revamping the formula without betraying the identity of the Doom Slayer and making it-thanks to the many accessibility features-accessible to any player. It is a different Doom and, for that very reason, damn fascinating!
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is exactly what we expected: a shiny new dress for a timeless classic. However, just as a beautiful dress does not alter the signs of time on the skin that wears it, the Bethesda title ludically is and remains a product of 2006. Even the unprecedented graphical reworking provided by Unreal Engine 5, although it marks a marked improvement over the original title, shows the uncertainties now inherent in Epic Games' graphics engine. All that said, the remastering of Oblivion represents the best way to venture into the lands of Cyrodiil and appreciate one of the most important titles in gaming history.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Once Upon a Puppet is a recommended experience for those seeking a narrative platformer with a strong artistic and emotional component accompanied by a sublime, theatrical soundtrack. However, gamers who are more demanding in terms of gameplay mechanics may find some of its technical flaws frustrating, including the rather slow pace, the uncooperative fixed camera, and the imprecise controls.
Review in Italian | Read full review