4News.it's Reviews
Another Crab's Treasure is a fun and colorful foray into the soulslike world in the shoes of a naive hermit crab who just wants his home back. The Aggro Crab development team, not satiated with proving that the genre is not just synonymous with tragic seriousness and leaden settings, goes even further by hybridizing its formula with action adventure platforming elements. The end result is definitely appreciable, although there is no shortage of ingenuities, especially in level design. Be prepared: fighting in the deep sea has never been so much fun.
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TopSpin 2K25 marks the return of great 2K-signed tennis, which has been guiltily absent from the scene for more than a decade. Gameplay in hand, the series shines brighter than ever with the enviable balance of its technical depth such that every winning point makes one rejoice. However, not everything goes right. The graphical compartment is disappointing, the content is lacking at times (especially the roster of tennis players, which at present “boasts” tragicomic defections), and some of the career choices may irk the sport's most dedicated fans. Hoping that it can become a series that can grow over time, for now TopSpin 2K25 is a must-play chapter for all tennis fans: for everyone else, the flaws present may be food for thought.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Stellar Blade is an incredible title, to say the least; although initially there is a sense of inspiration to the plethora of action games/hack-and-slash released in the last 10 years, of all of them, NieR: Automata, soon, it differs from it, managing to have a soul of its own, both action but also souls-like, which is the perfect combination. The initially action mechanics, take an unexpected turn, quickly approaching the reasoned, precise and rewarding combat system of games such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring compared to the more open and indulgent NieR: Automata, Bayonetta & Co. While the lore, which we could call almost biblical, if rather familiar, works excellently, thanks to deep, mysterious and revealing themes. Excellent work by the developer also in terms of graphics and technical (there is some slight uncertainty but nothing that would undermine the gaming experience); wonderful the soundtrack that will make you really feel part of the post-apocalyptic world and settings of Stellar Blade. In short, SHIFT UP's product, is - also considering the lean period in the video game industry - absolutely a must buy, both for fans of the genre and for those who are looking for a mature, powerful and compelling experience!
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DREDGE is a vibrant example of what can be achieved when a great idea is developed with love, passion and expertise beyond available means. The New Zealand team Black Salt Games debuts on the video game scene with a gem of rare beauty, dredged up from the deep sea fraught with unnamable dangers and pitfalls. Halfway between fishing simulator and Lovecraftian horror, DREDGE surprises and disorients with the magnetism of a ludic loop in which progression and sense of wonder constantly accompany the player. It doesn't matter if you are a sea dog or an inexperienced hubby: hoist anchor and venture into the fog.
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Pepper Grinder is like the sprinkling of your favorite spice: the one you put on the dish is fine, but you could easily have abounded. The title developed by Riv Hester is a genuine and intriguing platformer, thanks to the drill gimmick that manages to shape exploration, navigation and action at the same time. It's a little treat that will appeal especially to fans of the genre, even in the face of a rather restrained experience. But also given the meager price tag, well ... where there's taste there's no loss.
Review in Italian | Read full review
After more than a decade of waiting, Hideaki Itsuno's creature finally sees the light of day: Dragon's Dogma 2 is not only the return of a title that has become a cult favorite, but also the leap forward that all fans have been waiting for with hope in their hearts. The same heart that is the cross and delight of Capcom's production capable of delivering a one-of-a-kind fantasy experience, uncompromising and without reaching out to the player. As futuristic at some junctures as it is pleasantly retro at others, this is an action RPG not to be missed!
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Withering Rooms marks the intriguing debut on the scenes for Moonless Formless, which successfully blends seemingly irreconcilable elements resulting in a bizarre but fascinating creature. Although some elements are not exactly flawless (above all, the confusing combat system, but also a far too nebulous narrative), the final product represents a pleasant breath of fresh air in a genre, horror, that is witnessing several experiments in the last period. Recommended for all thrill-seekers, but also for those who want to try something different and original.
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Princess Peach: Showtime, with its simple and immediate controls, bright colors, incredible variety of costumes (which although with mixed results, keep the gameplay fresh and diverse) and all-too-simplified difficulty is clearly aimed at younger gamers. That said, if you want to play something easy and lighthearted to relax, Princess Peach: Showtime!, without a shadow of a doubt, will put you in a good mood.
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Freedom Planet 2 is a title rich in content, diverse, and layered. These significant strengths offset the somewhat unconvincing movement system. In light of this, we think it deserves a chance from everyone: it could make inroads into the souls of both the most nostalgic and the newer generation.
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Unicorn Overlord may indeed be the breakthrough title for Vanillaware. While targeting a niche genre with bold game design choices, the Osaka-based developers remain true to their philosophy by churning out this time a tactical RPG of great depth and very high quality. Even net of a less inspired narrative than desirable, some choices may find little appeal in part of the audience, especially because of the enormous weight attached to the management aspects. But beyond that, the title represents one of the best original titles the genre has seen in recent years-don't miss it!
Review in Italian | Read full review
WWE 2K24 continues the winning streak of its predecessors. Every feature has been improved and, as a result, so has the entertainment offered. The amount of content available is staggering, and wrestling and WWE fans will have no trouble finding their favorite. With more than 200 Superstars available, minus some slight uncertainties and narrative inconsistencies, WWE 2K24 is another important entry in the WWE 2K series from 2K and Visual Concepts.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MLB The Show 24 further improves the formula and does so thanks to the skillful work of San Diego Studios who have made slight but significant changes. The gameplay has been further refined, as have the game modes that put together form a compelling package, with the Stories mode resembling a true documentary featuring Derek Jeter accompanying the second and highly anticipated season of the outstanding Negro Leagues introduced with MLB The Show 2023 and the Road To The Show (which now allows you to step into the shoes of a female alter ego). Also incredible is the Diamond Dynasty while the Franchise one has major gaps that should definitely be filled. That said, MLB The Show 24 is undoubtedly one of the best entries in the series which bodes well for the near future.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Discussing "too much of a good thing" in a review of an open world game can lead to misunderstandings, especially for those who only pay attention to the final comments and score. For this reason, we want to clearly emphasize the point. The open world of Rise of the Ronin is incredibly well-crafted. What feels excessive are the ludo-narrative variables related to the choices and freedoms given to the player. It may not be Team Ninja's most focused title (Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty are more structured and precise in what they offer). It won't be the definitive crowning achievement of the studio in the pantheon of developers because the highlighted criticisms stem from "immature" choices that limit the proverbial "next step" in their growth. However, if there’s one thing the Japanese team excels at, it’s creating increasingly satisfying and exhilarating combat systems. Even starting from mechanics we’ve seen before, they manage to deliver something new and more enjoyable every time. And Rise of the Ronin is precisely that: the most satisfying, exhilarating, and fun title from Team Ninja, despite everything.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an absolute masterpiece and the best Square Enix-branded title of recent years. A monumental work in which one breathes the love for the original work, here retraced and expanded, and which shows the new generations the true spirit of a saga capable of winning the hearts of millions of fans. There are those who will be able to make some criticisms against certain narrative choices (in our opinion, to be evaluated globally only with the arrival of the third and final chapter), the excessive abundance of content and some technical smears (especially of the Performance mode). But these are minutiae that disappear in the face of the greatness of this work, capable of reminding the whole world that Japan is always ready to amaze and wonder.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Alone in the Dark is definitely not a perfect title, but it is, without a shadow of a doubt, a brilliant job of (re)contextualizing the classic survival horror (while keeping true to the spirit of the original), featuring a stunning 1920s setting. Alternating between an intriguing detective story and total horror, we were literally enraptured by Pieces Interactive and THQ Nordic's game. Although exploration is the mainstay of the Swedish production, with lots of elements to analyze and understand in order to solve the various puzzles scattered along the way, as well as collectible objects, since it is also a survival horror game, combat is nevertheless well present. Too bad for the somewhat lacking shooting system that does not give that right feel, for an AI that is not quite up to speed and some slight technical uncertainties. All in all, Alone in The Dark is a splendid and flawed horror/esoteric, psychological and detective adventure that pays homage to Frédérick Raynal's vision to the best of its ability-thanks in part to a first-rate cast.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Outcast - A New Beginning is a great open-world action-adventure game that, despite its various criticisms, mainly related to narrative presentation and technical aspects, will entertain you thanks to its successful gameplay loop and the beauty (in every aspect) of Adelpha.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Slave Zero X is probably an even more niche title than the first chapter. It’s a tough and gritty game, with several flaws, but it can still be appreciated by purists of action games. Only them and no one else, because only those skilled with this type of game will be able to dig deep and fully enjoy the title.
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Contra: Operation Galuga marks the return to the scenes of Konami's historic series after a hiatus of several years, especially if we go back to dredge up the last installment with a quality worthy of this IP's prestige. The developers at WayForward painstakingly reworked the classic run 'n gun action game of the 1980s, managing to replicate the original feel with a little splash of modernity. The operation is certainly successful, yet the more orthodox features of the saga (edginess of difficulty, primarily) may still be a relevant deterrent for many players today.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Outlast Trials is a bold experiment on the part of Red Barrels, which sets aside the established structure that has made the series successful in favor of a new interpretation devoted to online multiplayer. The creepiness and horror are constant presences, as is the rich content enriched by an interesting support on paper. What did not convince us 100%, however, is precisely the very choice to tackle an Outlast-style adventure with other people, given the structural limitations required to “make” the gameplay work in co-op in addition to the inevitable collapse of the oppressive atmosphere given by solitude. If you are a fan of the genre and have a good group to experience the title in the right way, Trials can thrill and terrify you. If, on the other hand, you plan to play it with casual players (or in single player mode), the production may show all its flaws.
Review in Italian | Read full review
With Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Saber Interactive decides to take its simulative series into the wilderness with a change of perspective. So here are scientific expeditions to be meticulously prepared, between retrieving precious cargo to rescuing lost vehicles, passing through the inevitable snags along the way to be solved with skill and craftsmanship. In this respect, the new spin-off installment of the MudRunner series surprisingly tends toward puzzle games, putting the player in situations to overcome with the right method at the right time through full awareness of one's resources. However, the purely simulative approach may not suit every palate: if you don't want to freak out over yet another vehicle mired in mud, paved roads may be more for you.
Review in Italian | Read full review