4News.it's Reviews
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
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
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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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).
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
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Days Gone Remastered is not only a more engaging version of the same game, but also offers new modes and features that expand replayability. Assault Horde is the most noteworthy addition, catapulting players into increasingly chaotic battles against huge hordes of freakers and forcing them to fight for survival. Permanent Death mode is for those looking for the ultimate test; it offers an even more adrenaline-fueled and insane journey through the campaign, with only one life to spare (ideal for the masochists out there who appreciate a challenge). Add to that the robust updated photo mode and Speedrun option complete with layered accessibility settings introduced to tailor the experience to different needs and support for all PS5 features, and you have the ultimate experience from the guys at Bend Studio.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The very existence of Revenge of the Savage Planet is a small miracle after the unfortunate events involving the original development team. Happy with this unexpected return among crazy alien ecosystems, the title made by Raccoon Logic offers a new adventure that recovers the same sarcasm that had decreed the success of its predecessor. While the writing remains unchanged, what has changed, however, is the play structure that embraces third-person, encourages cooperative play and winks at sandboxes. The final product, while rich and fun, is nevertheless less balanced and cohesive than the first chapter. Some fans may love this new course but others may miss the spark of that crazy 2020 adventure.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fascinating and engaging RPG that offers an intellectually stimulating experience. With a solid, unique and original narrative, innovative gameplay - especially with regard to the combat system - and functional graphics, the game succeeds in keeping the player glued to the screen, leveraging the combination of exploration, mystery and combat. Despite some minor flaws related especially to the ending - a bit choppy and seemingly lost in its own ambition and some technical uncertainties - the title stands out for its ability to deliver an immersive and memorable experience. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is - in our opinion - the most impressive debut role-playing game we have ever had the good fortune to play.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MotoGP 25 is the perfect entry point for those who want to get closer to the world of MotoGP, but it is also a title that longtime fans can squeeze in for hours. The new features introduced are well thought out, the riding is enjoyable but deep, and the Career is finally alive. Those who love motorcycles will find all the passion of the paddock in it. Those who love video games will see in it a technical but accessible simulation. I saw both, and raced it like I was really there. “Look out guys, this is a great title.”
Review in Italian | Read full review
With StarVaders, development team Pengonauts presents itself with personality in the landscape of independent productions. After tastefully mixing Star Invaders with grid-based strategists, the roguelike deckbuilder made by the Montreal-based software house was able to engage and entertain us. Simple to approach and difficult to master, fighting extraterrestrial visitors offers a magnetic loop gameplay that is tastefully varied and deep. If you are a fan of its sources of inspiration, StarVaders is the exact definition of “one more game and then I'll quit...maybe.... maybe not.”
Review in Italian | Read full review
With its characteristics resulting from a roguelike hybrid of old-school fighting game and shooter, KIBORG proved to be a compelling title full of surprises. Tense and violent combat mingles with a steady pace, where the sense of progression is assured and the content knows how to prove generous. However, the experience proves to be imperfectly balanced making Lee Morgan's brutal journey all too rough at times. Nevertheless, the allure of creating an unstoppable cybernetic fighter is a real cool thing not to be underestimated.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Forza Horizon 5 is simply a triumph. On PS5, Playground Games has created an arcade racing game that is complete in every way: fun, long-lasting, technically flawless, and incredibly immersive. It is a game that speaks to everyone: car enthusiasts, casual gamers, and even those who simply want to enjoy an unforgettable adventure behind the wheel. This is not only the best Forza Horizon ever made, but perhaps the best arcade racing game of its generation. If you love the genre, there's really no reason not to jump headlong into this wonderful Mexican adventure.
Review in Italian | Read full review