4News.it's Reviews
More than thirty-five years after its debut, Puzzle Bobble still represents one of the best puzzle games in the gaming landscape. Everybubble! is no exception, presenting itself as a colorful and fun chapter in keeping with tradition. After VR experimentation, the series returns to the classic while nevertheless winking at even the most savvy gamers (with EX Stages) and offering pleasant play alternatives (the crossover mode with Space Invaders). An excellent addition to the series, which we hope will continue to follow the intent of improving and enriching the ludic offering in the next chapters as well.
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XEL is a highly discouraged title. We are faced with a product that, under "normal" conditions, could have achieved a barely passing grade, and nothing more. In its current state, however, it is a testament to the developers' lack of respect for their audience. It is unacceptable that, in 2023, video games are being released in this condition. We regretfully acknowledge this, but we could not do otherwise.
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Zool Redimensioned is an honest and respectful “nostalgia operation” of the original work. The team at Sumo Digital Academy pays homage to an Amiga-era masterpiece with a work capable of speaking to fans of the original. Not only that, Redimensioned also manages to appeal to today's audiences, allowing them to experience a classic with a modern twist. It is not, however, a title for everyone. The game system is, for obvious reasons, rather outdated, and the difficulty fluctuates quite noticeably between the permissive ease of the updates and the luciferous strictures of the original formula. Despite this, the ticket price is far too tempting not to give the old ninja from “yet another dimension” a chance.
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Tin Hearts is why independent productions should never be underestimated or, worse, judged by their cover. What, at first glance, might seem to be a modest title dedicated to young children, instead hides a clever and rewarding puzzle game, inexhaustible in its ideas and desire to surprise. As if that were not enough, Rogue Sun also gives us an emotional story, capable of dealing with profound themes and movingly touching chords in the soul. Despite an acerbic technical aspect and a revisable control system, Tin Hearts is an experience that every player should have on his or her skin.
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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will have more than a few technical issues, we reiterate, but we still consider it one of the best action-adventures of recent years. The high numerical rating you find accompanying the review was assigned taking these issues into account, to highlight how successful the game still is. To conclude, the best thing we can say about Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is that, in terms of "scale," we think it is one of the few "next-gen" titles on the market. It’s a theme park with countless attractions and set-pieces, vast both qualitatively and quantitatively, which made us realize that finally, someone has started to make use of these new consoles, despite all the "bottlenecks" (both figurative and literal) we've had to go through.
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Death or Treat reminded us that, sadly, a little luck is often needed in life. If it is already difficult for an up-and-coming studio to carve out a place in the sun with its debut title, it all becomes tremendously more difficult if fate pulls a trick by putting a frighteningly similar title not far behind. Saona Studios builds a competent and entertaining 2D action roguelite, focusing on an aesthetic that winks at Nightmare Before Christmas and an allegory aimed at the world of social (and beyond). What is lacking, however, is a bit of freshness in the play system, which relies excessively on resource farming and old-school hack'n'slash, net of a control system that is not always brilliant. All in all, an enjoyable production, although it cannot rival other exponents of the genre.
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With Strayed Lights, the developers of Embers make their debut on the video game scene with a production full of personality and interesting ideas. Inspired art direction and intriguing gameplay constitute obvious points of merit, as bold as they are ambitious, such that allow the title to stand out from the competition. Unfortunately, however, the price to pay is significant: an almost linear level design, a bland narrative compartment and a sense of progression that is rarely incisive. Son flaws that prevent the production from ascending to greater heights, but do not affect its enjoyability.
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Bramble: The Mountain King is a ludically anachronistic adventure that nevertheless manages to stand out thanks to the amazing atmosphere that permeates the production, inspired by an impeccable interpretation of the folklore of the Nordic lands. Dark, distressing, disturbing, but also gentle for those with the sensitivity to observe and perceive certain nuances, Olle and Lillemor's fairy tale deserves a chance from all gamers.
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Omen of Sorrow represents, unfortunately, the most classic of “dead on arrival” projects, now as well as way back in 2018. AOne Games decides to bring to unreleased platforms their undoubtedly interesting and content-rich fighting game, but still lacking the necessary polishing that in this genre makes the difference between meteor and surprise. In a year that will see the return of the genre's heavyweights, Omen of Sorrow attempts to carve out a small and modest space for itself, failing in the (very difficult) attempt to carve out a fan base that will give the title longevity.
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In conclusion, MLB The Show 23 is another quality episode in the successful Sony series. The revised and refined gameplay, the new game modes (Negro Leagues alone is worth the ticket price), and the official season roster are a must for all baseball fans and fans of the series. Despite some imperfections in the multiplayer compartment, MLB The Show 23 offers a perfect mix of simulation and arcade that will thrill all American sports fans.
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After a year of early access, Have a Nice Death bursts onto the scenes in full release confirming the goodness of the Magic Design Studios project and its development path. An action roguelite with exhilarating gameplay enriched by an inspired artistic vision, it nevertheless shines in its being an allegory (and indictment) against contemporary working society. Despite an all-too-waivering procedural level design and some balancing issues, Have a Nice Death represents a centerpiece for the development team: give them a raise (and a few weeks off).
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Saga of Sins represents, unfortunately, what can happen when a very good idea does not find an appropriate playful balance. Bonus Level Entertainment makes a product that is fascinating to look at, thanks to an immediately charismatic art style, and equally intriguing to follow, because of a plot that plays on the suggestions and contradictions of the deadly sins. When one picks up the pad, however, all the problems and limitations of a production born too old and without sufficient bite emerge. Ironically, Saga of Sins thus ends up being an allegory of the forbidden fruit: a sometimes irresistible attraction, which unfortunately brings with it a sad fate.
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Tchia is one of those productions that is good for the entire industry and the video game media. Beyond particular play merits, the title is indeed a mere open world inspired by the last generation with flashes of Nintendo school ideas. However, it is in the feelings it manages to evoke that the Awaceb production shines its own light. It is a magical and dreamy journey in a tropical world inspired by the landscapes and traditions of New Caledonia, in which one breathes and experiences the sensations of being in a place so different from our everyday lives and far from the hectic pace of our societies. Tchia's adventure may not be playfully unforgettable: but the young girl's journey may mark you inside for a very long time.
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Everspace 2 is the sequel that perhaps not all admirers of the old chapter expected, but it is the product that was clamored for by all gamers looking for a title less simulative than productions like Elite Dangerous, but more addictive. The game created by Rockfish Games is prime example of a work that excels in the fundamentals of what it wants to offer, with a world built mostly by hand-in contrast to the massive use of procedural systems by competitors-and listening to the thousands of feedbacks received from its community over the years. Perhaps some aspects of gameplay, such as trading, resource finding, or the lack of off-hull sections, may not appeal to some, but Everspace 2 is to date one of the best exponents of the genre. To New Galaxies.
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With Resident Evil 4 Remake, Capcom has really done the impossible, making it, in fact, far better than the original. The game environments are rich in small details and make the world vibrant, the gunplay has been revamped (mind you not overturned), introducing a number of new and useful improvements, from the aid of knives (usable in a variety of ways), through a truly superlative ammo creation system and healing kits. The remake adds a more survivalist aspect to RE4's gameplay: a perfect blend of resource management (of the classic Resident Evil games) and the action turn taken with the original RE4. The controls are more in step with the times and the graphical rendering-thanks to the RE Engine-is truly incredible. While, the excellent work done on plot and characters provides a richer, more connected and coherent experience. Kudos also go to the excellent use of DualSense on the PlayStation 5. In short, Resident Evil 4 Remake is the best remake we have ever played, and that could stand to mean that 2005 and 2023 could share the same award, namely that of game of the year!
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The Last Worker is a complex product to interpret. On the one hand, the creative flair is palpable, thanks to the intervention of the important names involved in art direction, scriptwriting, and voice acting. The particular playful balance proposed by the development team is also intriguing and quite original. On the other hand, however, the feeling is that Oiffy, Wolf & Wood Interactive wanted to do perhaps too much in relation to the available means. It does not entirely speak in favor of the production's willingness to speak simultaneously to VR and traditional audiences, ending up having to be evaluated as a product somewhere between two worlds. As a VR title, the title has undoubted qualities and can certainly be recommended as an excellent immersive experience. Conversely, as a mainstream production, The Last Worker is lost in a sometimes inaccurate control system, simplistic game mechanics, and a rather modest longevity. Still, the advice is to give it a chance: Kurt's epic may leave an impression on you.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Almost two and a half years after the original PC release, the psychedelic POST VOID finally debuts on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. An accurate conversion that allows to enjoy the adrenaline-fueled gameplay of the YCJY Games production, halfway between arcade FPS and roguelike. A hypnotic title, which pushes the player into a loop made of violence and speed, searching for the perfect score in the lowest time. A small cult of the independent scene, which nevertheless has to deal with a very orthodox play formula that may not meet the favor of the general public (and perhaps even displease part of the target audience). POST VOID is a trip that, in small doses, will be able to give you a short but overwhelming odyssey.
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Shadow Warrior 3 Definitive Edition represents a marked step forward from the original release, fixing most of the problems of Wo Lang's third adventure. Somewhere between a technical performance upgrade and a re-release with new content, Flying Wild Hog's refinement and enrichment work is commendable and significant, making it in fact the best way to enjoy the title. The same game design foibles already found in the original release (as well as the very annoying stuttering between missions and cutscenes) are still present, but the fun (thankfully) will reach galvanizing and irreverent new heights.
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Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a new success for the Team Ninja guys. With some minor adjustments regarding the structure of side missions and the narrative framework (and if we want to be picky, a few technical shortcomings), the latest work from these talented developers could have even earned the label of masterpiece. Referring back to the opening statement, if six years ago, with Nioh, Team Ninja began its maturation journey, today, with Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, they have brought it to completion. And we hope that the long-awaited masterpiece crowning their revival will come with the upcoming Rise of the Ronin—they certainly have everything it takes. But that’s another story...
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Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a fantastic remake of one of the best platforming adventures dedicated to Kirby. With a new look, some significant gameplay changes, and two excellent new modes to try your hand at, this Deluxe Edition is a swirling, fun, and colorful celebration of the “pink blob” that should delight both new and returning players alike
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