STWGames Italia

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 elevates the retro-FPS formula with two distinct protagonists, branching campaigns, and punchy, visceral gunplay. Embracing a glorious chunky pixel-art aesthetic backed by thunderous meaty sound design, it delivers an adrenaline-fueled love letter to '90s shooters and the 41st Millennium.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is the comeback fans have been waiting for for over a decade: a metroidvania that is classic in structure but modern in sensibility, crafted by a studio that knows the genre inside out and proves it with incredibly rich traversal, memorable bosses and outstanding art direction.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Total Chaos defines what an authentic, uncompromising survival horror game should be today, eschewing mainstream appeal in favor of an experience that is both extremely violent and ruthless. The game doesn’t try to guide players as they explore the depths of Fort Oasis; on the contrary, it requires a rational approach and constant strategic thinking to survive the situation created by this industrial nightmare. Although there are many rough edges in the earlier levels, you’ll find the game irresistibly compelling from start to finish.

Review in Italian | Read full review

One More Level has managed to surprise us with a game that blends two seemingly different genres—soulslike and FPS—which, however, coexist very well. It’s a title dedicated to punishing action that must be thoroughly mastered; a treat for fans of the genre but not suitable for newcomers. The story isn’t particularly original, but the historical setting and storytelling more than make up for it. The technical aspects are impressive in terms of visuals and sound, though they aren’t without a few issues.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Nivalis Nights is an excellent game with incredible attention to detail in the design of its world and a gameplay loop that will easily draw you in, leading to long play sessions. However, its poor technical performance and terrible optimization prevent us from recommending what would otherwise easily be a must-play.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Well Dweller doesn't revolutionize the Metroidvania genre, but it executes its rules with exemplary precision—especially for a project created almost entirely by a single person. Exploration, skill progression, bosses, and the art style all fit together perfectly, and even the limitations of the shallow combat aren't enough to detract from the value of an adventure that captivates from the very first minutes.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is such a rich and well-crafted expansion that it could have been sold as a standalone title, and any fan would have been extremely satisfied with it. Not only does it add a new region with an exclusive storyline, introduce a brand-new looting system, and further refine the combat system, but it also goes back to the drawing board to improve certain aspects of the base game that had previously received quite a bit of criticism. It’s the expansion Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been waiting for, finally realizing a potential that, until now, had only been partially realized.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival deserves credit for taking a major horror icon and breaking it free from the now-tired formula of asymmetric multiplayer, building a brutal, cohesive, and completely unfiltered single-player adventure around it. The melee combat and the Genesis Configuration work well, the Cenobites are handled intelligently, and the technical aspects leave a lasting impression, despite a few rough edges. Anyone looking for a horror game that isn’t afraid of censorship will find this right up their alley.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Map Map - A Game About Maps presents itself as a truly unconventional venture, capable of transforming a forgotten art like manual cartography into the centerpiece of a relaxing experience brimming with the charm of exploration. The magical atmosphere, supported by warm writing and a cast of memorable supporting characters, lends a touch of sweetness to the entire expedition, transforming each new island into a puzzle ready to be deciphered through your own eyes and notebook. However, the game doesn’t always manage to keep its formula clear, revealing several structural flaws that diminish its overall impact during the final quarter of the adventure.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Fully developing its cast will, at times, end up distancing us from the game's events, making many moments less moving. From an artistic standpoint—both in terms of style and soundtrack—the game certainly excels, creating a spectacular world; however, even these elements won't be enough to elevate gameplay that is far too scripted and monotonous.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Garfield: Escape from Monday is a game best suited for younger children, but its excessive simplicity may mean it doesn't offer an enjoyable experience for more seasoned players. That said, it's not a game to be overlooked, as it still manages to hold its own thanks to its excellent level design and creative mechanics—even if those mechanics aren't new to the genre.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is, in many ways, the pinnacle of a series that is no stranger to excellence. Adrenaline-fueled, breathtaking, and incredibly fun, Bandai Namco Aces’ latest title doesn’t reinvent a formula that already worked perfectly well, but it takes it to its absolute peak thanks to controls that are more responsive than ever, top-notch cinematic direction, and a cast of characters capable of stirring emotions far beyond expectations. The soundtrack, once again, is spectacular. There are still some issues with PC optimization that need addressing, a few narrative elements that feel too superficial, overly verbose briefings, and a certain reluctance to innovate in the gameplay—but these are minor flaws that do little to detract from what, all things considered, is one of the most successful titles of the year.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Rivage is a classic narrative puzzle game—a pleasant way to spend a quiet afternoon—but it doesn’t bring anything revolutionary to the table. The plot, while derivative, manages to draw the player in, serving as the driving force behind further exploration of the space station. It’s a game worth playing, thanks in part to its solid graphics and audio, even if there are a few optimization issues.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Lords of the End Times is the most ambitious DLC ever seen in Total War: Warhammer III and, without a doubt, one of the most generous as well. Nagash and Thanquol offer two of the most original campaigns in the entire trilogy; the Glottkin are solid without going overboard; and only Boris Todbringer falls slightly short. Between Neferata, the rework of the Vampire Counts, the new endgame content, and an access model that’s finally beginner-friendly, the End Times was truly worth the wait.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Remedy has pulled off its risky gamble! *Control: Resonant* builds upon and expands the previous installment, and the dystopian Manhattan added to the action formula works well, making the game thoroughly enjoyable. You’ll need to understand its mechanics and master the various abilities, but we can say with absolute certainty that throwing yourself into the fray in a chaotic city transformed by malevolent entities has never been so immersive and exhilarating. It’s a shame about the camera work, which doesn’t always stay centered on the action, the character models that lack graphical detail, and the absence of compelling cutscenes. Nevertheless, it remains a must-play title for both fans of the series and those looking to dive into the world of Control.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Stick It to the Stickman demonstrates just how a simple idea—developed consistently and with the right dose of madness—can carry an entire game. The one-button combat, ragdoll physics, and unbridled corporate satire come together to create an accessible roguelite that’s rich in content and often hilarious, especially when played with a friend on the couch. A few control glitches, some repetitiveness in the main hub, and a few technical issues prevent it from reaching excellence, but it fully deserves a recommendation.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Blackshard isn’t a game for everyone; it’s a small work that captivates and draws you in—but only if you’re willing to embark on an experience, to let yourself be transported to an incomprehensible and remote place, with little else to do but explore it and try to unravel its mysteries. It’s almost pointless to criticize the lack of gameplay—that’s not the development team’s goal. But if you look at it from an artistic perspective, setting aside a few imperfections, what you have before your eyes is a charming little gem, as mysterious as the labyrinth the player is led to explore.

Review in Italian | Read full review

All in all, this reimagined version offers an evocative yet inevitably contradictory experience, one that is bound to divide audiences between appreciation for the new sequences and regret over the lack of depth in the original story. Those who loved the original film will find this revival interesting as they observe how the world has been reimagined, though they’ll have to accept a script that’s at times less incisive and a pacing that doesn’t always justify the increased runtime. For those, on the other hand, who wish to experience an experimental psychological horror film—one that defies prevailing trends—for the first time, the film still offers a fascinating descent into the darkest recesses of the American dream, provided they accept its pacing and deliberately enigmatic nature.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Marvel's Wolverine is paying a price that isn't its own. The resentment toward Sony, the fatigue with a genre that has been overrepresented—far too much: these contextual factors say nothing about the game's true value, yet they inevitably influence how it's received. But it would be unfair to stop there. Because while the story takes risks, the gameplay does not: it plays it safe, polished but never truly surprising, almost timid compared to what Insomniac has proven it can do elsewhere. Wolverine is a game that never truly tries to be memorable through and through, neither when it takes risks nor when it doesn’t. It remains a solid title, with enjoyable combat and a top-notch voice cast, but it lacks that spark that had won us over back in the 2021 teaser.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Qliphah in Providence's Shadow is a fascinating and unconventional venture one we can certainly call a success, though not without its flaws. While it bears the obvious hallmarks of a mid-budget production, the game manages to create an intriguing atmosphere, supported by excellent art direction. At the heart of the experience lies a bold combat system that rewards focus and a sense of rhythm like few other games in the genre do. For anyone looking for an unconventional JRPG, Rena and Souma’s investigation in the shadows of Tokyo is definitely worth a try.

Review in Italian | Read full review