STWGames Italia

“Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is a solid, fast-paced, and engaging racing-action roguelite, capable of becoming addictive thanks to a well-crafted gameplay loop, rewarding progression, and a wide range of strategic options. The gameplay is chaotic and exhilarating, supported by a strong system of weapons and perks and a reliable technical performance. At the same time, however, the game abandons much of Carmageddon’s historical identity: iconic characters, vehicles, and maps are missing, the narrative remains marginal, and the overall aesthetic feels dark and somewhat anonymous.”

“Pseudoregalia is a little platform gem that captures the pure essence of the genre while evolving its mechanics. Although the combat system and initial navigation may be a little rough around the edges, the title shines thanks to a movement system that is pure joy. It is a work dedicated to those who love a challenge, unguided exploration and that lost aesthetic charm of the early 2000s.”

“Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is not a video game for everyone, nor does it want to be. It is an experience that requires patience and a willingness to be transported to an era of cultural and spiritual clashes. This development studio's debut offers an honest and never banal look at colonial history and the roots of the Innu people. Despite some technical uncertainties, the title manages to impress with its enchanting atmosphere and profound message.”

“Ritual of Raven proves to be a successful video game experiment, capable of shaking the foundations of a genre that too often lacks innovative ideas. The work done by Spellgarden Games delves deeply into the dynamics of interaction between the user and the world of Leynia, offering a vision that is different from the rest.”

“Syberia remains one of the most unique graphic adventures ever created. On the one hand, the original has aged surprisingly well; on the other, this remaster suffers from some technical issues that prevent it from being considered the definitive version of the world imagined by Sokal. Despite these limitations, it remains a worthwhile experience, especially for those who have never played Syberia before.”

“Death Howl stands out for its strategic depth and dark atmosphere, which are captivating, but the frustration that builds up during gameplay risks overshadowing much of its potential: despite the high-quality atmosphere and pixel art, the overall experience is often compromised by excessive difficulty and a lack of strategic variety, which turn the challenge into a test of endurance rather than a fun experience.”

“LOST EMBER: Rekindled Edition is a charming title that will keep us busy for a few hours as we discover its wonderful landscapes and endearing inhabitants. However, repetitive gameplay and a rather dull story mean that we are unlikely to feel any interest in the game, and we are likely to forget it once we have finished playing.”

“Ayasa: Shadows of Silence is a product where the artistic aspect dominates the entire experience, but which cannot sustain the entire production on a decadent gameplay structure. As it stands, the experience is so undermined by control issues, crippling bugs and sound gaps that Ayasa's journey is more a test of frustration than pleasure. This title is a beautiful dream trapped in corrupted code, a work that perhaps, after many months and many patches, will find its redemption.”

“Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is a double-sided work, where the combat system is well designed and satisfying, but with a gameplay structure anchored to the mobile version of the title. Although the graphic impact of the characters and the fidelity of the animations manage to capture the attention, the overall experience ends up being inevitably diluted by an overly fragmented narrative, environments lacking in detail and technical issues. We are faced with a solid but still rough base, a title that will require substantial corrective measures and additional post-launch content to express its true potential.”

“Rue Valley is a good title that will surely appeal to fans of Disco Elysium and CRPGs in general, thanks to its refined artistic style, engaging soundtrack and impeccable writing of the protagonist, capable of creating a strong emotional bond with the player. The time rewind mechanic is well implemented, adding depth to the gameplay and encouraging exploration and experimentation. However, the game can be disappointing due to the lack of depth in the choices, which rarely affect the plot, and the apparent uselessness of the skill system. Added to this is a story that, after a promising start, and underdeveloped secondary characters, seem to quickly exhaust their narrative potential. All this makes the work, despite its merits, a wasted opportunity, especially in terms of dynamic storytelling and engagement through choices.”

“No Players Online is a natural evolution of the original concept, transforming what was a brief experience into a complete work, capable of satisfying those seeking a narrative that goes beyond linearity and the medium of gaming. Although the decision to alternate between 3D exploration phases and long investigation sessions may be an obstacle for those who prefer a more immediate pace, the production succeeds in allowing the user to experience the excitement of an ARG.”

““For enthusiasts, Abathor is both a tribute to a golden age and a challenge — a battle cry that speaks the language of forgotten deities and worn-out joysticks. We’re talking about the dream of any kid who grew up between an SNES controller and getting pummeled in the arcade after feeding in 500-lire coins: at the heart of the experience is tight two-dimensional action, made of strikes, dodges, and carefully measured jumps, but also of constant cooperation and competition among players.””

“A Pizza Delivery is an excellent example of a debut work driven by a big heart and remarkable artistic ambition, but still technically immature. Eric Osuna's adventure has the merit of offering a surreal and melancholic atmosphere that captures the eye, using the pretext of delivery as a metaphor for a touching inner journey, especially in its most intimate dialogues. It's a real shame that this strong authorial vision is constantly undermined by gameplay that works against the player, with imprecise controls, problematic level design, and unstable technical aspects that break the immersion.”

“Dreams of Another is an example of a work that confuses the means with the end, presenting itself on the market as an interactive art installation that unfortunately forgot to take care of the playful component. The work done by Q-Games on the artistic front is undeniably well done, but unfortunately, as soon as you are ready for action, the whole structure collapses, revealing a hopelessly dramatic void in content.”

“Ale Abbey is a surprisingly deep and coherent management sim, crafted with an artisanal care that perfectly mirrors its subject matter. Its slow, contemplative pace, detailed production phases, and ironic yet respectful tone make it a little gem for those who love beer and slow, nuanced management games. The pixel art warms the eyes, the soundtrack supports the mood with restraint, and the gameplay—once learned—offers a pleasant sense of “monastic routine.” On the other hand, the repetition of daily tasks and the limited number of music tracks may emerge after several hours, making the experience less stimulating for players seeking a faster pace. But if you embrace its cozy, contemplative spirit, **Ale Abbey** becomes a long and satisfying toast—one that blends humor with the quiet pleasure of thoughtful, deliberate management.”

“Alien: Rogue Incursion Part One – Evolved Edition is a game built on contrasts. On one hand, it delivers an atmosphere that’s faithful to the saga’s retro sci-fi roots, a captivating soundtrack, and a storyline that, while not original, manages to maintain momentum through cliffhangers and references to the expanded universe. On the other hand, it stumbles with gameplay that leans too heavily on action, limited gunplay mechanics and arsenal, and—most disappointingly—an underwhelming alien AI, far from the psychological tension that made Isolation a cult classic. The transition from VR to traditional systems works surprisingly well, and the small QTE sequences replacing physical interactions add a tangible touch—though one that grows repetitive over time. Ultimately, this is an imperfect yet worthwhile experience, capable of holding your attention and entertaining despite its structural flaws. It’s not a game for those seeking a refined survival horror, but it stands as a recommended purchase for Alien fans eager to relive the xenomorph nightmare in a fresh and engaging narrative context—with the promise that Part Two might finally fill in the gaps left open.”

“Katanaut proves to be a work with a dual soul, a title capable of offering a well-designed combat system with great artistic direction and an apt synthwave soundtrack, but which also has several imperfections. Katanaut is a raw weapon, at times repetitive due to procedural level design that is not always top-notch and a narrative that serves as a mere pretext, but in the right hands, it can be immensely satisfying. Recommended for roguelite lovers looking for a challenging experience.”

“Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant presents itself as a solid expansion, but one that is not without its uncertainties. While it manages to offer an additional adventure that delves into a fascinating past and introduces a new character, it does not always manage to match the depth and narrative complexity of the main game. The addition of new mini-games is not entirely successful, leading to RNG-driven frustration for the player. Although it does not achieve perfection, this DLC appeals to those who loved the main chapter, offering an experience that is worth living but with the awareness that not all elements shine with golden light.”

“Over twenty years later, Dawn of War still stands as a timeless RTS classic, with epic battles and a distinctive style. Its Definitive Edition offering a massive package, though without fixing long-standing issues or pushing audiovisual restoration further”

“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.”