4News.it's Reviews
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is an excellent return to the scenes for A44 Games, which once again proves to be a capable team in the perilous soulslike genre. The peculiarities of the title distributed by Kepler Interactive are such that they make it a recommended entry level for those who want to approach the genre, thanks also to some structural choices that make it less dispersive and more focused. On the other hand, the price to pay arises from a sometimes confusing and redundant implementation of mechanics, which end up diluting (or even hiding) some game design levity, particularly blatant in comparison with such fierce and all-embracing competitors. An enjoyable “Souls-lite” that can keep you entertained in the summer heatwave.
Review in Italian | Read full review
GRAVEN ultimately succeeds in creating a rich and immersive world that harkens back to an era when first-person dark fantasy adventures were at their peak. The combination of retro aesthetics with a modern lighting system and particle effects, engaging (if slightly repetitive in longer game sessions) combat, and a good variety of enemies, puzzles, and environmental explorations succeed in offering an experience that is as fresh and immersive as it needs to be. However, the game's sometimes disconnected narrative and some somewhat articulate puzzles in addition to minor technical problems mar the overall experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Phantom Fury - albeit with more than a few reservations - is a decent sequel to Ion Fury. The maps, aside from the disarming linearity in the first few hours of play - feature sprawling layouts that intertwine and require adequate exploration and even a decent memory in terms of exploration, the gunfights, although the gun system did not fully convince us, manage to entertain just enough by alternating between a few divergent sections that also require driving vehicles, the interactive environments that wink at illustrious works of the past and the “old style” graphics make up for the shortcomings in terms of performance (definitely many) and several questionable choices such as the save system, which uses classic checkpoints and which does not always work very well forcing the player to replay rather extensive portions of the game, and an AI that to say seesaw is putting it mildly. In short, all elements that as disorienting as they are in 2024, can be easily fixed with a corrective patch. At the moment The title from Slipgate Ironworks and 3D Realms is just a good game that barely exceeds sufficiency. If you are a fan of boomer-shooters you certainly cannot fail to give Phantom Fury a chance; if, on the other hand, you are looking for a qualitatively superior product, we advise you to direct your attention elsewhere!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect closure of the circle. Elden Ring with Shadow of the Erdtree definitely becomes FromSoftware's glorious work. The rating you see here has been assigned also, or rather especially, for what Elden Ring was, is, and will be. Are we romantics to see that kind of message in it? Maybe yes, maybe no, but there is no question that there is a before and an after Elden Ring.
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Autopsy Simulator surprised us with good graphics, outstanding writing-addressing such impactful topics as substance abuse, trauma, and grief-and well-structured gameplay. At a price of about €25, you really cannot ask more from a game of this type. Sure, the long loading times and strong graphical content might put some people off, but we guarantee that if you grew up on bread and CSI, the game from Woodland Games and Team17 is really worth a try.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The launch of F1 24 - without mincing words - was a disaster. Technical issues, quite significant in terms of physics (extreme cornering tire grip, nonexistent kerbs, suspension system as unprecedented as it is unrealistic, Dynamic Handling revisited but paradoxically worsened), infuriated and uprising the community; fortunately the new and necessary corrective patches (which we decided to test by hand before giving our final judgment) saved Codemasters and EA Sports from a gigantic misstep. The driving experience - initially far too arcade-like and simplified - although still lacking a “polishing” hand - turns out to be “almost” in line with that of the last chapters of the franchise, as are the game modes; the lack of Braking Point - which took a sabbatical - is felt but with a further improved career, the characteristic Fanzone mode , an all around level graphics (with great attention to detail on and off the track), F1 24 - although losing some ground compared to previous iterations - is once again the place to be for all Formula 1 fans. Last but not least, the incredible accessibility - for which the developer should be applauded - means that anyone can experience the thrill of being a driver (pad or steering wheel in hand).
Review in Italian | Read full review
Astor: Blade of the Monolith is a title characterized by an overwhelming sense of flatness in gameplay. Despite the intriguing narrative twists and the dungeons in the latter half of the game that manage to be somewhat stimulating, our gaming experience can be summed up in a single word: monotony. If you decide to give Astor a chance, remember the Blade of Mono... tony that will inevitably hang over your heads.
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Sea of Thieves is an adventure that excels at capturing the spirit of piracy with its remarkably inspired graphics, compelling gameplay, and vibrant community. Although its minimalist progression systems and occasional repetitiveness may deter some players, the sense of exploration, camaraderie and discovery makes up for its shortcomings. Whether you are an experienced buccaneer or a budding sailor looking for adventure, Sea of Thieves offers a veritable paradise for aspiring pirates. Regardless of the platform, whether PS5, Xbox or PC, Sea of Thieves of 2024 has a lot to offer, thanks to an immediate experience free of any obligation to have to improve skills and level up. Unfortunately, the game does not - in our opinion - yet have the depth and variety needed to keep players engaged over the long haul, but rest assured that in the time you devote to SOT, you will laugh out loud, sail around enjoying the sea and drink grog until you're sick. Ahoy!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Harold Halibut is an adventure game that, although reminiscent of a walking simulator due to its rather skimpy and simplistic gameplay (without any really engaging mechanics), thanks to its unique and distinctive atmosphere and visual style manages to become a memorable title to say the least. It is certainly a strange and peculiar adventure that prioritizes storytelling and presents it through engaging dialogue and well-characterized characters. Despite the compassed pace, it is an intense and almost poetic experience that offers more than one food for thought on the meaning of life both in terms of the individual and as a collective, all enhanced by the wonderful aesthetics fully realized in stop-motion and justifying the ten years it took to conclude development.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a title with a strong emotional impact that gave us back feelings we have rarely experienced while playing a video game. This is partly due to the meticulous audio-visual research conducted. Unfortunately, in strictly gameplay terms, the title from Surgent Studios has proven to be somewhat uninspired and imprecise. Otherwise, we would be talking about a true gem of a medium. Thus, Tales of Kenzera: Zau is “just” a good game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
SAND LAND is a complicated product to evaluate. On the one hand, there is the fascinating adaptation of one of the lesser-known stories by the late master Akira Toriyama, a manifest expression of his stylistic signature enriched by deep themes. On the other hand, there is an action RPG of an extremely classic mold, to the point of seeming to have come out almost two gaming generations ago (with all the pros and cons of the case). If each product is sum of each element, then SAND LAND is a fine adventure capable of providing many hours of entertainment. However, where you cannot get past an outdated open world setting as well as several barely sketched gameplay elements, this desert journey may not be what you are looking for.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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!
Review in Italian | Read full review
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!
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review