4News.it's Reviews
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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!
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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!
Review in Italian | Read full review
We are faced with a game that is simply delightful, as much to play as it is to watch and listen to. A dynamic yet tactical combat system and a game world with exceptional level design marked our experience, which we could call addictive. Sabotage Studio has achieved its goal: Sea of Stars seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is yet another great success for From Software, capable of doing practically nothing wrong for more than 10 years now. A triumph that smacks of revenge for a historic series, which inherits the lessons undertaken by the Japanese software house and applies them while preserving its strong identity matrix. The result is not only the best Armored Core ever, but also one of the most frenetic and galvanizing action games on the video game scene, as well as a true paradise for all mecha lovers. Let's be clear: this is not a title for all palates, who may find the pace of confrontations or the spikes in difficulty of bosses unmanageable at times. But for everyone else, rejoice: 2023 will long be remembered.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Enchanted Portals is a title that doesn’t make the grade because, quite simply, it’s not fun to play. We regret being so blunt, especially since the game was developed by only two people, but during our ten-hour playthrough, we genuinely enjoyed ourselves for only one-tenth of the time spent. And, unfortunately, this is more telling than any analysis or consideration we can offer.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Immortals of Aveum represents Ascendant Studios' first attempt to offer gamers its own fantasy universe in which magic replaces bullets. The very good gameplay (although on several occasions the fighting proved rather chaotic), chock-full of magic and sorcery, is not adequately supported by a solid narrative plot (the interesting incipit literally ends up collapsing in on itself) and more than a few glitches and bugs negatively affect the experience. That said, the potential was all there, and given the experience of much of the development team, we certainly would have expected a better job. Let's keep our fingers crossed for the future!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle represents a definite step forward for Invader Studios. The new survival horror from the “made in Italy” team convinces and entertains. Between unexplained electromagnetic events, bizarre experiments and government conspiracies, the narrative plot develops quite well, with apt twists and turns that manage to keep the story fresh and interesting. In terms of gameplay - however - the leap forward is there and it all shows. The aiming and reloading system has been simplified - which makes for a more solid and immediate experience - while the addition of new gadgets such as the HADES scanner and the Frost Grip, seemed to us more apt than ever, as these are gimmicks not to be used just once but to be firmly relied upon over the course of the game. The enemies are also well done, although they lack some variety that could have given even more depth to the production. In short, if you are a fan of Resident Evil but in general of “old school” survival horror, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a must buy.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Madden NFL 24 is definitely a good sports title that entertains without, however, reaching the optimum. The improvements made to this year's product are there but for the finer palates, they might be a bit of a stretch. The graphics are undoubtedly incredible, as are the new animations and the revised AI - guaranteeing challenges - thanks in part to the various content available - that are realistic and authentic, to say the least. Unfortunately, there are some major uncertainties, especially with regard to the physics - on more than one occasion unconvincing - while the new launch feature, ends up being tricky to say the least to assimilate, in a game system that is already hostile in itself. Add to that menus that are borderline embarrassing (too wooden and slow to navigate), and the omelette-at least from a technical standpoint-is served. And that's a shame, because with a little care we would be talking about a near-perfect product.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is the classic "bigger, better, and more badass" sequel, as that legend Cliff B. used to say a few years ago. The biggest limitation of the latest work from the Finnish team at Frozenbyte is a side effect of their decision to stay within their comfort zone. We hope that with the next iteration, a true revolution for the franchise will come, as in its current form, it has said everything it needed to say. In an excellent way, it's true, but it has said everything.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Fort Solis conveyed a rather distinct feeling to us. On the one hand, we sensed the willingness of the development team to put itself out there, even resorting to the professionalism of big names like Troy Baker and Roger Clark. On the other hand, we were faced with an unfortunately intangible title, both ludically and narratively. The Polish team Fallen Leaf, in spite of itself, went the extra mile. The result is a sci-fi thriller experience that, despite the appeal sought by the marketing, slips by without gasps or exclamation points. A title therefore suitable only for a fleeting unpretentious evening: a pity.
Review in Italian | Read full review