Francesco Pollara

“Static Dread: The Lighthouse proved to be a refreshing break from the usual parade of cinematic AAA releases, offering a more contained yet no less gripping adventure. It draws players in with a mysterious world steeped in evocative Lovecraftian atmosphere, and a narrative that urges you to explore, to uncover and above all.. to doubt.”

“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains every bit the masterpiece it proved to be at launch, an audacious evolution built on the foundations of a game that redefined the open-world genre, and one that dares to push even further, delivering an experience so ambitious and visionary that few ever thought it could be realized.”

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains a revolutionary masterpiece to this day, still capable of astonishing with its bold ideas and the ambition of its open world, now shining even brighter thanks to a Switch 2 edition that finally gives it the technical polish it deserves.”

“The Darkest Files is an extremely engaging text-based adventure, capable of bringing us to the anguished post-war Germany thanks to an endearing writing and intriguing gameplay mechanics, even if not fully utilized. Although not free from flaws, including an excessive amount of bugs, the game manages to stand out for the depth of its message, today more than ever of fundamental significance.”

“Enchantment under the Sea is a great DLC that represents a significant improvement compared to previous expansions, both from a narrative and gameplay point of view, setting itself up as the correct evolution of the base game. Unfortunately, an unimaginative setting that does not honour either the original work or its sources of inspiration, and some rooted problems since the release of the title, once again prevent Atomic Heart from joining the big names of the genre, although it still is considered another step in the right direction.”

“DETECTIVE - The Motel fails on all fronts in delivering the immersive experience it promises, featuring puzzles that are overly simplistic, trivial, and more akin to an escape-room structure than a true investigative adventure. With restrictive gameplay and a linear, unremarkable story, the only aspect we found enjoyable was the graphical presentation—yet even that is insufficient to redeem a brief journey that ultimately offers nothing substantial by the end of the day.”

“Grunn is a small yet charming adventure, perfect for unwinding after a stressful day, but don’t be fooled: the numerous dark secrets hidden within this town will captivate you, urging you to complete the game in a single sitting. The blend of classic 'gardener simulator' style with an atmosphere far more unsettling than it initially appears creates a unique experience that we highly recommend.”

“Shadow of Doubt is an incredibly ambitious and conceptually brilliant title, with the potential to offer endless hours of gameplay thanks to its procedural structure. Unfortunately, its execution falls short in several areas, preventing it from reaching its full potential, and the technical and gameplay issues present in its current state are unacceptable for an official release. If these flaws were resolved, Shadow of Doubt could genuinely redefine the genre and deliver on its revolutionary promise.”

“Despite occasional bouts of excessive linearity, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder firmly establishes itself as one of the most captivating 2D metroidvanias we’ve experienced. Its exceptional gameplay and richly crafted characters, both in design and personality, will immediately immerse you in their compelling tales.”

“Just Crow Things is the perfect game for those moments when you just want to disconnect and dive into a relaxing, carefree experience. Despite the occasional technical or audio hiccup, we’re confident this title will entertain you, offering hours of pure fun in a world as colorful as it is delightfully absurd.”

“No Case Should Remain Unsolved is a humble yet deeply engaging graphic adventure that delivers a touching and unexpectedly heartfelt story, paired with a mystery that challenges you to think critically and use your wits to progress.”

“The ZeniMax Online Studios team delivers another noteworthy effort with Gold Road, an expansion that, while lighter in content compared to previous releases, still manages to shine in its execution. The available features stand out with exceptional quality, though the experience is held back by notable flaws, including lackluster side quests and systems in need of further refinement. Despite these shortcomings, Gold Road remains a strong addition for fans of the base game.”

“How 2 Escape excels as a puzzle game inspired by classic escape rooms, drawing players in with its compelling narrative and appealing cartoon visuals, delivering several hours of pure fun with a friend. While its more challenging puzzles and limited hints may pose a barrier for newcomers to the genre, its clever design and engaging atmosphere make it a standout experience for puzzle enthusiasts.”

“Dread Delusion offers an extraordinary experience that takes us back to a time when everything was less straightforward, and we had to figure out what to do and where to go, managing to deliver a nostalgic yet still solid experience. However, we cannot overlook the numerous flaws that plague the game, leaving it feeling almost incomplete and imperfect, though we are sure that genre enthusiasts will still find plenty of enjoyment in embarking on this adventure.”