4News.it's Reviews
Detective Pikachu Returns is an unexciting, unsparkling title. The superb characterization of the protagonist fails to mitigate the huge, merely playful criticalities the title presents, which become even heavier if you are a not-so-first-time gamer. In light of this, we recommend the product developed by Creatures Inc. only to the very young. Everyone else, even if we were talking about the biggest fans of the brand, might get bored.
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The Crew Motorfest marks an arguably inevitable change for the brand. Leaving behind the American moors (which turned out to be not so rich in opportunity), Ivory West revolutionizes the series by taking us to a motor festival on Hawaiian soil. The sources of inspirations to other masterpieces of the genre are definitely evident but the end result, while not shining in originality and despite some structural issues, is a fun and exuberant ride among the natural beauty of the island of Oahu. Has Ubisoft's arcade series found its way?
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There is no doubt that NBA 2K24 is once again the best presented sports game on the market, and it is also probably the most comprehensive, with a dizzying selection of modes and features that manage to satisfy all playing styles and tastes. The gameplay surprises, with small additions that certainly make it more accessible. Again, it's a shame that microtransactions are so pronounced, but unfortunately it seems that the developer doesn't want to know about reducing them. That said, NBA 2K24, thanks also to the Mamba Moments, which allow you to relive some iconic Kobe Bryant matches, is definitely worth the price of the ticket.
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Separate Ways is definitely - also considering the price (9.99 €) a well-developed DLC able not only to fill some obvious narrative gaps in Leon's main campaign but also to add an additional layer of depth (thanks to Ada's agility and technological “gadgets”) to an already quite good gameplay, greatly contributing to make the RE4 remake experience - also thanks to the fact that it manages to tie in perfectly with the game's overall plot - really complete and absolutely worth trying.
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Assassin's Creed Mirage finally seems to have brought the series back to its roots and does so in the best way possible. The story and gameplay are indeed very similar to what made Assassin's Creed so popular when it arrived back in 2007 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, and the new setting and gameplay mechanics clearly focused on pure stealth, although some might turn their noses up at the drastic reduction of RPG elements, work, entertain and convince. In short, Mirage, if like us you loved the first chapters in the saga of first Altair and then Ezio, represents a new direction that is definitely worth experiencing.
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After a good six long years, Turn 10 Studios' racing title Forza Motorsport is in better shape than ever. The driving experience offered - in our opinion - is fair and balanced, not overly simulative, as perhaps Assetto Corsa or iRacing might be, nor overly indulgent as that offered by Codemasters and EA Sports' F1 23, but it certainly requires the player to pay more attention and dedication - in terms of race and competition preparation - than previous iterations. Between practice sessions, qualifying, races and more, you will soon find yourself “forging” your racing career and achieving great success. All this through an unparalleled driving feeling, even more immersive and immersive, which - thanks to its extensive customization - makes Forza Motorsport can be accessible and affordable for novices while the most avid and seasoned drivers - in addition to finding bread for their teeth - will be enraptured by what is the new era of Forza Motorsport.
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Cocoon is a little gem that, thanks to its immersive puzzle game structure and brilliant concept, completely amazed us. However, also because the game is so beautiful and intense, when we reached the credits after only 5 hours, it felt like we had just started to scratch the surface. Despite this small issue, Cocoon is a product that absolutely deserves to be played.
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Trepang2 manages to be at once as impressive as it is disappointing. As a debut project made by an extremely small team, it astounds by the care taken in the shooting and core gameplay stages, which are as exhilarating as they are spectacular. On the other hand, the Trepang Studios production pales all the limitations of a debut that wants to measure itself against a complex genre, stumbling especially in the importance of level design in the ludic economy. All issues aside, Trepang2 is a triumph of over-the-top action that should be taken for what it is: a highly enjoyable pastime.
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Without wasting any unnecessary words, Lies of P is a true gem. Round8 Studio's work is a title that while inspired by the greats of this now hallowed action-rpg sub-genre, manages to stand out thanks to so many small ludic and non-ludic details, including a fabulous reimagining of Carlo Collodi's classic. Accompanied by a play system that demands commitment but at the same time layered in its balance, all gamers should experience this great adventure.
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Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is yet another demonstration of Nightdive Studios' distinct aptitude for making quality remasters for historical titles. This time, however, it is the turn of an almost unknown title nowadays, a little gem in FPS history. An impeccable job once again for the development team, thanks to an excellent technical realization and the usual, meticulous care for content (also unreleased). However, it remains a title with a high difficulty, as well as an inevitably second-rate product compared to the classics of the same historical period. For admirers and nostalgics alike.
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Gunbrella is yet another project welcomed under the whimsical wing of Devolver Digital. The new Doinksoft-signed creature is an action platformer with metroidvania veins, which dares to stand out from the crowd thanks to the peculiarity of the weapon that gives the title its name. Somewhere between a rifle and an umbrella, the development team's idea allows the title to ground itself in a fresh concept, albeit with an adventure that is not as memorable as we might have hoped. Nevertheless, it remains a fine project, practically unmissable in its value for money, which we hope will find a worthy evolution in the future.
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EA Sports has hit the jackpot with EA Sports FC 24, making (but without disrupting its key elements) the most authentic soccer game to date. The gameplay-although it still appears to be rather frenetic-has been slightly improved, allowing (until new updates) for better weighting of one's action, between reasoned passes and ball management (thus reducing-although it still happens during matches-the frantic runs toward the opponent's goal). Good also the physics, certainly more realistic than past chapters, while the Hypermotion V and the optimization through Opta (really incredible the movements of the game kits and hair), make the matches, even more immersive. Just as before, the major focus is on the multiplayer part and in particular on the FUT Ultimate Team mode that offers an even more complete experience thanks to the addition of women's leagues and PlayStyles/playstyles. Overall, the fact that the overall formula has not been disrupted, we like it and it will surely appeal to regulars of the “made in Canada” iteration as well.
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Although it does not innovate the “psychological horror” genre in any way, Ad Infinitum presents a well-written story that manages to skillfully explore the protagonist's wartime traumas. The lack of conventional combat limits so much the encounters with enemies, which end up becoming a kind of extension of the puzzles in the game, but the design of these creatures is wonderful, especially the bosses, which are truly grotesque. It lacks a bit of refinement here and there, and the frame rate is far too erratic. However, for fans of the genre, Nacon and Hekate's title can definitely be more than enough of an experience to experience firsthand.
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Mortal Kombat 1 marks an important point in the history of the franchise. Setting aside many of the ideas and features of the previous chapters, the new installment of the NetherRealm fighting game revolutionizes its ludic layout while still respecting its more established tradition. The resulting product is, in all likelihood, the best in the series for fun, depth and layering thanks to the renewed flow of fights as well as the importance of the Kameo characters (whose balance will have to be evaluated over the distance). At the same time, it is surprising to see some levity in the refinement of the product, between well-witted but somewhat repetitive modes and scattered lapses in the multiplayer options. Despite these défaillance, Mortal Kombat also rightfully jumps on the 2023 triumphant bandwagon.
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We came to the end of Under The Waves with mixed feelings, to say the least. We thoroughly enjoyed the masterfully crafted environments created by Quantic and Parallel; exploring the ocean was fascinating, among large whales, tiny turtles and huge schools of fish, all accompanied and enhanced by some tense and eerie moments that really kept us in suspense. Too bad these sequences end too soon, which left us a little bitter in the mouth. More effort could definitely have been made that would have further benefited a narrative that was sii good but felt a bit feeble on more than one occasion. Not to mention the poor care in Sam's facial animations in some key scenes that fail to convey well the messages and emotions that developer, publisher and the nonprofit association involved in the project (which makes its full “weight” felt with messages and information about the same during the playthrough), would have wanted to convey. Of course at a price of €29.99 one cannot have everything, and we settle for an inspired, emotionally strong product that really leaves its mark
Review in Italian | Read full review
Phantom Liberty is what Cyberpunk 2077 was originally supposed to be. The plot is masterfully written and is supported by varied missions that - in the 25 hours or so (time that can be drastically reduced if you don't give yourself to exploration) that it took to completely Phantom Liberty's expansion and reach the new ending - literally kept us glued to the screen. This is enhanced by a superlative cast of characters (Idris Elba's performance as Reed is incredible). In addition, the various improvements made in terms of “quality of life,” between new weapons, dynamic events, and especially with regard to the skill tree, make Phantom Liberty a memorable experience, to say the least, that the player can build to his or her liking. If you have already played Cyberpunk 2077, leave the flawed experience of 2020 behind and dive headlong into this DLC; if, on the other hand, you have never played CDPR's creature feature, you will be the envy of many as you can have the ultimate experience in the Night City!
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Super Bomberman R 2 returns to revive the tradition of the Konami saga with a chapter overflowing with content. Those who grew up with the franchise will find themselves right at home thanks to a varied and bold offering that will do justice to the evolutions welcomed over the years, especially on the multiplayer side. However, everyone else may find the new chapter far too confusing and rushed in its realization, ending up being structurally repetitive and generating the fuse of curiosity to fade. In any case, it remains a good product, mainly aimed at fans.
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How 2 Escape is a fun title to play cooperatively with another player. Good puzzles--though some turn out to be really complex--not bad narrative plot as well (though not among the most memorable). If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, BreakFirst Games' game is definitely for you.
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Chanko Studios makes its debut on the independent scene with a brilliant idea behind It's a Wrap!. Somewhere between a 2D platformer and a puzzle game in the shoes of a filmmaker, the French production brings to the plate an interesting and fun mix in which there is a pleasant breeze of freshness. At the same time, the title is not exactly for everyone, given a play formula heavily dependent on trial & error and a rather high average difficulty. These observations aside, this is one of the most original titles we have had a chance to try in recent years: throwing at least one eye into it is almost imperative.
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After years of absence, just when all hope seemed lost, SEGA brings Samba de Amigo back to life with Party Central. Even two decades later, the rhythm game is still joyful and sparkling, thanks to a more varied soundtrack than in the past, a good number of modes and fun that explodes in multiplayer. A few uncertainties in the control system delegated to the Joy-con and the absence of some additional great South American music (theoretically too important not to be included), however, do not prevent the title from being one of the best exponents of the genre on the market. Alone or with friends, it's time to shake your hands to the beat!
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