Simone Cantini

“It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers a very solid take on it. SPEAR’s 2D platforming works thanks to clever ideas and a good variety of situations, supported by a light but effective narrative that playfully pokes fun at gaming tropes. Some control inconsistencies hold it back slightly, though they don’t undermine Polyhedric’s overall work. Considering the very low price, Andrea Cavuoto’s project is easy to recommend — and it definitely makes me curious about what he’ll create next.”

“Maybe it’s just me, or maybe the mainstream market has moved beyond what I can appreciate, but despite the brief fun it offers, I struggle to understand where A Game About Digging a Hole really fits. I wasn’t expecting a grand adventure, especially knowing its origins, yet I still wonder how such a simple concept made its way to consoles after its success on PC. It’s not a flawed or sloppy product—there’s clear care behind it—but it’s hardly a game that can hold attention for long. In the end, it’s a harmless little pastime worth its modest price, but its lack of depth makes it easy to forget. And yes, that pun was absolutely intended.”

“She’s Leaving is a small but effective experiment by Blue Hat Studio: short, direct, and aware of its limits, it still stands out thanks to its captivating setting, unusual protagonist, and gameplay that blends investigation and survival with clarity. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but proves that even with few resources one can craft an intense, memorable survival horror experience.”

“Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow doesn’t reinvent the saga, but faithfully revives it. Dark atmospheres and stealth gameplay remain central, while Magpie adds freshness without betraying Garrett’s legacy. Weak AI and simplified progression hold it back from past heights, yet for fans of shadows and Stephen Russell’s voice, this VR journey is a modest but welcome gift—not a masterpiece, but a return that still makes us smile as we steal in silence.”

“Where Winds Meet defies free‑to‑play stereotypes: it’s neither predatory nor a mindless grind, and technically impressive. Despite flaws like missing Italian support and uneven lip sync, its deep combat, artistic care, and activity variety make Everstone Studio’s wuxia adventure a long‑lasting journey worth experiencing—especially for those curious about how Eastern tradition meets modern gaming.”

“The Last Case of John Morley lives and dies by its script: short, straightforward, and light on gameplay, yet offering a couple of hours of well-crafted noir atmosphere. It doesn’t aim for complex mechanics or technical spectacle, but rather tells an engaging detective story that appeals to fans of the genre. Despite its brevity and lack of Italian localization, its early‑20th‑century London setting delivers a simple yet memorable investigation.”

“Dark Atlas: Infernum aims high but stumbles where it matters most: gameplay. The lore intrigues, the atmosphere unsettles, and the sound design impresses. Yet players often fight the game itself more than its monsters. Beneath the frustration lies a clear artistic vision, but only the patient will endure instant deaths, cruel checkpoints, and stamina that rivals an asthmatic sloth. Everyone else is better off staying on the surface and letting the lost souls wander alone.”

“Dark Quest 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it rolls it with style. A heartfelt tribute to tabletop dungeon crawlers, it offers solid gameplay and rewards patience over speed. Imperfect controls, a steep difficulty curve, and grind-heavy economy hold it back. But if you grew up on Hero Quest and still get excited by isometric maps full of monsters, the €19.99 price is well worth it. It’s not genre-defining, but it knows its path—and walks it with confidence.”

“The Cabin Factory is a small indie horror experiment that, despite its simplicity, delivers. It doesn’t reinvent the genre or offer deep gameplay, but it builds tension effectively with minimal, well-crafted elements. A short, atmospheric experience that proves even limited resources can tell a disturbing and engaging story.”

“The Elf on the Shelf: Holiday Heroes is a lighthearted Christmas adventure designed for young children. While it lacks technical ambition and deep gameplay, it delivers simple fun and festive charm. Perfect for families seeking a sweet, reassuring holiday experience—just don’t expect a gamer’s challenge, and maybe keep a cookie ready for Santa.”

“Hirogami doesn’t reinvent platformers, but embraces the genre with elegance and consistency. Its origami-inspired visuals and transformation mechanics add charm and rhythm to the adventure. Despite some design and narrative limitations, it offers a relaxing, artistic experience. Not a masterpiece, but a small gem worth discovering.”

“Reach showcases nDreams' VR expertise with a thrilling, immersive experience and solid design. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, its fast-paced gameplay and smart level design stand out. The story, though familiar, supports the adventure well. Some conservative choices and technical hiccups hold it back, but if you enjoyed Synapse, Reach is worth a try. Not flawless, but memorable.”

“Dreams of Another dares to reimagine what a video game can be. Driven by poetic visions and fragments of dreams, it enchants with its aesthetics and soundtrack but struggles under the weight of its ambition. Repetitive gameplay and fragmented storytelling may alienate those seeking a more cohesive experience. It's a digital art piece for experimental minds—beautiful, yet perhaps too fleeting to leave a lasting mark.”

“Lost Twins 2 isn’t for thrill-seekers or fans of intense action. It’s a gentle, contemplative puzzle game with a heartfelt story and thoughtful design. As you play, it quietly stirs emotions and leaves a lasting impression. Simple yet powerful, imperfect but sincere—a small gem to experience with an open heart.”

“Grit and Valor – 1949 isn’t a game for everyone: it’s tough, demanding, and at times ruthless—but that’s exactly where its strength lies. Milky Tea Studios delivers more than entertainment; it offers a constant challenge that encourages players to fail, learn, and grow. While the story takes a back seat, some missions repeat, and balance can falter, these flaws don’t overshadow the core experience. For fans of strategic roguelikes who want every battlefield decision to matter, this is a title worth playing.”

“Robots at Midnight by Finish Line Games delivers a passable experience, hitting its key points but in a simplistic, overly formulaic way. While the project avoids major flaws, its execution feels bland and uninspired—especially puzzling given the crowded release window. It's a decent entry-level soulslike for newcomers with modest expectations, but unlikely to impress seasoned players.”

“Midnight Murder Club is a successful experiment—a horror party game that's eerie, strategic, and unexpectedly fun. It doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but stylishly reinvents it by focusing entirely on multiplayer. If you enjoy games that blend tension and fun, and have friends to play with, joining this club might become your next late-night obsession.”

“Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek may not reinvent the genre, but it hits the mark. It captures the spirit of R.L. Stine’s books with a solid story and a well-balanced mix of exploration, puzzles, and action. While the technical side isn’t flawless, the experience remains smooth and enjoyable. With full Italian localization and an accessible plot, it’s a great entry point into survival horror for younger players. Faithful to its source and delivering just the right amount of chills, it’s a solid pick for fans or those seeking a lighter horror adventure.”

“Maestro is easily one of the best music titles available on virtual platforms and missing it would be a real shame. Beyond its unique setting, what makes the experience truly unforgettable is the effortless way it draws you into its gameplay loop—both fun and flawlessly executed. Its strengths lie in a solid visual presentation and especially in the excellent hand tracking, which adds that extra spark. If you're a fan of music games, Maestro is a must-have. Skipping it? Now that would be criminal.”

“Despite its short duration, Out of Sight delivers a unique and captivating gaming experience, immersing players in a dark fairy tale rich in atmosphere. The clever camera mechanics, switching perspectives between Sophie and her teddy bear, Teddy, add depth to gameplay and puzzle-solving. While occasional trial-and-error moments may slightly affect progression, its strong narrative, well-paced rhythm, and outstanding sound design create an excellent experience. With its minimalist yet evocative aesthetic, Out of Sight offers a fresh and personal take on the horror genre.”