STWGames Italia

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is undoubtedly the definitive version of three games that, for far too long, have been unfairly overlooked by the fanbase. This collection finally restores the series to the place of esteem it deserves, thanks to a compilation crafted with evident passion and a great deal of care. We were truly amazed by Capcom’s excellent work, which not only succeeded in the far-from-simple task of adapting and modernizing titles originally released on the Nintendo DS, but also enriched the experience with a significant amount of content, improvements, and customization options that make this edition well worth it even for those who already know the games inside out.

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It’s not so easy to give this expansion a definitive verdict. On the one hand, we have to admit that the quality of the new content is undoubtedly excellent, further enriching what remains one of the best 2D platformers ever made; on the other hand, it’s impossible not to think that it could have been handled and integrated much better. Everyone to Bellabel Park remains, however, a highly recommended addition for anyone who loved Super Mario Bros. Wonder: it isn’t the definitive expansion it could have been, but it’s still a return to the Flower Kingdom that’s absolutely worth experiencing.

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Boiling Point is an expansion that does exactly what you’d expect from Ready or Not at its best: a limited number of missions, but crafted with such care and intensity that they more than justify the price tag. The three missions are the most inspired and best-designed VOID Interactive has ever offered, with level design that raises the bar for the entire genre and an atmosphere capable of unsettling even the most seasoned veterans. The narrative framework that ties them together, while remaining deliberately implicit, gives the package a cohesion and psychological impact that previous DLCs lacked. The flaws of the base game are almost all present and largely unchanged, but those who already enjoyed the original title will find in this DLC the best that Ready or Not has to offer.

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Project Songbird is a work that isn’t afraid to reveal its own uncertainties in order to establish a dialogue with the player. Dakota’s descent into a forest that is only seemingly safe becomes a parable about the difficulty of staying true to oneself when the world demands conformity. Despite some technical shortcomings, the overall impression remains positive thanks to the great attention to atmosphere and sound design. It is an adventure that does not merely aim to scare, but invites reflection, suggesting that true darkness does not lurk in the woods, but rather in the constant doubt that one is not good enough to pursue one’s dreams.

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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, in its PC version, represents the definitive edition of a work that divides and captivates with equal intensity. Nixxes has delivered a port that doesn’t merely translate a console exclusive to another platform, but amplifies its qualities by leveraging every advantage offered by current hardware and technologies. Kojima, for his part, has crafted a sequel that improves upon the vast majority of its predecessor’s aspects without betraying its spirit. The storytelling is more focused, the gameplay is more varied, and the art direction reaches generational heights. Nevertheless, the core loop has its moments of tedium, the writing doesn’t shy away from its excesses, and those who didn’t embrace the philosophy of the first game won’t find enough reason here to reconsider it. For everyone else—for those who found something deeply personal in that first journey through a devastated America—this version is the best way to return to the beach.

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Eko Software's new project is an action RPG that aims to carve out a niche for itself among the giants of the genre through the strength of its ideas. Unfortunately, however, its excellent systemic design and superb soundtrack are ultimately undermined by a technically and structurally flawed execution. Combat mechanics that become repetitive over time, sloppy balancing, and a clunky user interface prevent it from making the leap to the next level. It’s a title recommended for die-hard fans of the genre looking for a complex build-crafting system, but it’s bound to frustrate those seeking a smooth, modern, and polished experience.

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All things considered, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a repetitive and derivative game in which the few interesting plot and gameplay elements are borrowed from titles that handled them infinitely better. We can’t recommend this title to longtime fans of the series precisely because of the various narrative retcons, but we can suggest it to die-hard fans of platformers or the very first Castlevania games. We had high hopes for this return, and while Ascendance really isn’t what we expected, we still hope to revisit the gloomy realms of Nosgoth sooner or later.

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Grime II revamps the thematic, conceptual, and narrative foundations of the first game in grand style, infusing that world with a fresh dose of flair and thematic charm, while still brimming with expressive potential. From a gameplay perspective as well, the game introduces a whole host of new mechanics that shake up the gameplay landscape, making it infinitely more intriguing, dynamic, and full of possibilities than before. Unfortunately, however, Clover Bite has stumbled upon some development hiccups: in addition to a certain underlying clunkiness and graphics that aren’t exceptional

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Super Meat Boy 3D is the exact opposite of the unsuccessful experiment that was Super Meat Boy Forever. On the contrary, this new installment truly succeeds in bringing the series back into the spotlight without compromising its identity, emerging not only as a worthy sequel to the original but also as a solid 3D platformer that works perfectly even outside its traditional audience.

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John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando* is a chaotic co-op shooter that mixes fast-paced combat with vehicular gameplay, emphasizing movement and unpredictability. Inspired by Carpenter’s action-horror style, it embraces excess and irreverence rather than realism. Its identity stands out through this bold approach, even if its success in a crowded market is still uncertain.

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Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is still one of the most compelling games to play, offering unique mechanics and a gripping story with perfect pacing. The additions this new edition brings to the table are enough to justify purchasing it even for those who have already gotten lost once in the streets of Minakami Village; however, the plethora of technical issues and some missteps in the implementation of the new mechanics prevent it from truly reaching greatness.

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Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection marks an unmistakable turning point for Capcom’s spin-off series, which, with this third installment, sheds its status as a minor title to establish itself as a standalone experience of the highest caliber. The cycle of exploration, gathering, and upgrading has been refined to achieve an almost flawless balance, capable of keeping players engaged for dozens and dozens of hours without ever feeling repetitive. A few narrative missteps do not prevent this title from establishing itself as one of the best turn-based RPGs of recent years and, without a doubt, as the best installment ever released in the Stories saga.

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Sedleo is a small development team, and *1348 Ex Voto* is their debut title. This, in part, may explain some of the game’s shortcomings. The team likely bit off more than they could chew; it would have been better to lower their ambitions slightly and develop something less ambitious. *Ex Voto* does have a solid plot, compelling storytelling, and graphics that are visually striking. But beyond that, there’s little else: gameplay that’s far too linear, an imprecise and frustrating combat system, progression that fails to engage the player, and a series of inexplicable bugs that sink the game. It’s a shame, but perhaps this can serve as a starting point for the development team to start over and show us gamers what they’re really made of.

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Marathon is an ambitious experiment that successfully brings a historic brand back into the spotlight through a well-executed artistic vision and gameplay that, while somewhat rigid, reaffirms Bungie’s talent for crafting excellent FPS mechanics. However, the sense that this is a product not yet fully polished—marred by terrible interface design—prevents it from reaching the pinnacle of extraction shooters.

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Angel Engine stands out as a bold experiment, one that captures the essence of the original web series while grappling with the challenges of independent production. Although the atmosphere and art direction are well-executed, the gameplay structure fails to sustain the narrative’s weight over the long term. This is a title that deserves the attention of fans of the original work and analog horror, though it requires a fair amount of patience to overlook the underlying repetitiveness that limits its potential.

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Poker Night at the Inventory is a flawless remaster of a great classic, featuring completely revamped elements. While it could have benefited from a few more additions and some aspects of it haven’t aged well, it’s definitely a must-play for anyone who’s a fan of the featured franchises or poker in general.

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Scott Pilgrim EX is a solid beat ’em up, featuring inspired art direction and a technical combat system clearly designed for multiplayer evenings with friends. On the downside, sluggish movement and some glitches slow down the action, while the mission structure tends to become repetitive after a few hours. If you love the world of Scott Pilgrim and retro-style beat ’em ups, however, you’ll find EX to be an entertaining adventure.

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Esoteric Ebb is a debut of exceptional rarity; an indie title that doesn’t merely fill the void left by its inspirations, but actively contributes to expanding the boundaries of what the genre has to offer. Christoffer Bodegård’s ambition is evident in every aspect of the production, from the complexity of the world-building to the sophistication of the progression system, from the quality of the writing to the art direction. Sudden Snail has delivered a debut of rare maturity to the indie scene. Norvik is a city you’ll want to return to, Snell is a companion you won’t easily forget, and the Quest Tree is a fully realized design concept.

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The Liar Princess and Blind Prince is a massive missed opportunity and a prime example of a game that prioritizes style over substance. The game shines visually, but its beauty can't distract us from its terrible level design and mediocre plot.

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Tales of Berseria returns with a remastered version that, in many ways, feels more like a port than a true polish. Despite this, the numerous quality-of-life improvements still manage to make the experience smoother and more accessible, making this edition the ideal choice for those who have never had the chance to experience the original story. Although the update is fairly minimalist, the game retains a charm all its own that’s hard to resist.

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