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“The Perfect Pencil stands out as a true gem that excels in blending art design and psychological elements, offering an intimate and visually mesmerising experience that deserves attention from lovers of action-adventure platformers. Its strengths lie in its impeccable artistic style and touching narrative, which touches on themes such as fear, depression, anxiety and personal growth, and really makes you think. All this is accompanied by gameplay that we found to be really solid and well integrated; there are few uncertainties and compromises – which are absolutely surmountable – such as repetitive backtracking (on rare occasions) and controls that are not always very fast in portable mode. The Perfect Pencil is more than an indie game, it is a true life experience that we highly recommend you try, as you will not regret it at all.”

“Code Violet presents itself as a title with interesting ideas and multiple aspirations: a sci-fi horror plot mixed with action and survival, and technical execution geared towards exploiting the features of PS5. Elements that - at least on the surface - make it potentially appealing to fans of the genre and those looking for an experience reminiscent of classic dinosaur survival games such as Capcom's historic Dino Crisis. At the same time, when playing it, there is a clear inconsistency between ambition and execution, with obvious structural problems in the gameplay (particularly poor combat and tedious exploration) and narrative and technical choices that are far from satisfactory. The result is a disjointed experience that can only be enjoyable in a few brief moments but struggles to shine, except for its attractive protagonist, at least aesthetically speaking. In a word: Not recommended!”

“From the Ashes represents the moment when Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora finally finds a clearer direction. It doesn't erase the uncertainties of the past, but it confronts them, transforming them into an opportunity for growth. Thanks to a more personal narrative, refined gameplay, and structural changes that improve pacing and immersion, Pandora manages to rise from its ashes, offering a more mature, more coherent, and decidedly more compelling experience.”

“Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons attempts to innovate the formula, but the execution doesn't live up to the ambition. The superficial level design, mobile game progression, minimalist presentation, and lack of co-op severely limit the experience. The only real point of interest is the Bubble Symphony extra, which reminds us how solid and fun the series could be. Otherwise, the initial runs may be briefly entertaining, but the underlying repetitiveness makes the title overall unsatisfying.”

“Two Point Museum: Zooseum is an excellent and substantial expansion for one of the most popular management games of 2025. It is a varied and comprehensive content pack that not only offers extra longevity, but also, and above all, a concept that is pleasantly different from that explored in the base game. Whether it's building your nature reserve or taking care of all the wildlife species present, there is always something to do and a goal to achieve. If you loved the latest chapter in this saga, this is a DLC you won't want to miss.”

“The task facing Terrifier: The ARTcade Game was not exactly straightforward. Adapting a franchise like the one created by Damien Leone to the world of video games presented many pitfalls and challenges. Relevo tried its hand at a side-scrolling beat 'em up, immersing it in the unhinged bloody madness of Art the Clown while giving a nod to the gaming tradition of the 80s and 90s. The arcade cabinet atmosphere is present and reworks the carnage of the feature films with an original twist. However, from a strictly gaming point of view, we are faced with a title that is too simple, lacking the necessary bite to make up for its lack of originality. If you are among the most die-hard fans of the unstoppable clown, give it a try: it could become a little guilty pleasure.”

“Total Chaos is a rough, visceral survival horror game aimed squarely at fans of the genre, preferring to be edgy and punishing rather than watering down the tension in the name of accessibility. The writing doesn't revolutionize the genre, and some interface and structure choices can be frustrating, but the combination of atmosphere, level design, and sound design creates an experience that leaves a lasting impression, especially for those who love old-school horror. Considering its origins as a mod and the scope of the project, the result is a more than successful title that carves out its own space in the horror landscape of 2025. In essence, compared to other recent examples, it represents the most “old school” and brutal link in the chain: less polished, less narratively ambitious, but valuable for those looking for a survival game that truly brings back the “pure fear” of limited resources, heavy blows, hostile maps, and enemies.”

“Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition fails to truly be the “definitive” version. On a purely technical level, it does an excellent job, and overall it is probably the most stable version. However, it is unacceptable that the developers have failed to “confirm” the purely graphical aspect of a work that was released nine years ago. That aside, Lara Croft remains a magnetic protagonist, the adventure retains its charm, and the portability option adds real value to the package, making the experience accessible anywhere.”

“Anima Gate of Memories: I&II Remaster is a collection that deserves credit for re-releasing two unique titles in the most solid and consistent way possible. It does not attempt to modernize the formula or reinvent it, but aims to provide a more stable experience that is less prone to the original technical issues. The two narrative perspectives contained in a single package emerge today with greater clarity and continuity, representing the true added value of this new edition. It is a recommended collection for those who have never played the series, and a useful opportunity for those who wanted to replay it without the limitations of the past.”

“Whispers in the Woods proved to be a good expansion for returning to the Exclusion Zone described in Pacific Drive. It is a long-lasting and pleasantly disturbing adventure, with some quality of life improvements that make the original experience less rough around the edges. At the same time, the DLC reconfirms all the strengths and weaknesses of the title, which continues to be a production for many but not for everyone, mainly due to its underlying repetitiveness accompanied by a rather steep learning curve. If you loved the title, jump in the station wagon and watch out for the whispers coming from the woods.”

“The Berlin Apartment is an intimate and delicate experience, capable of telling small but significant stories through a “simple” apartment in the city of Berlin and a narrative arc spanning almost 120 years. Although it does not shine in terms of originality in its gameplay mechanics (not fully exploiting their potential), the title impresses with its narrative effectiveness, the emotional power of the stories it tells, and its artistic attention to detail, making it particularly recommended for fans of historical narratives and lovers of contemplative experiences.”

“Despite itself, Chicken Run: Eggstraction is one of those titles that can slip by unnoticed in the chaos of an increasingly lively and abundant video game market. Quite ironic for a stealth game. However, ignoring this production by Aardman Animations and Outright Games could be a serious mistake. Not only are we faced with a fun adventure with challenging gameplay suitable for all ages, but also a hilarious sequel to the film “Chicken Run.” If you love the franchise, you have no excuse not to pay attention to it. For everyone else, it's yet another demonstration that sometimes small surprises can hide in plain sight.”

“NASCAR 25 is a fairly solid debut for iRacing in the console world. It doesn't reach the complexity of the original simulator, but it manages to balance realism and immediacy like few other titles of its kind. The gameplay works, the modes are substantial, and the technical aspects—despite a few imperfections—keep pace. It still needs a little polishing to resolve the opponent AI issues and better optimize performance, but the foundation that has been built is definitely promising for the future of the series.”

“Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition is a partial answer to the question: how can a VR title be successfully adapted by removing its structural characteristic? Survios' ambitious episodic project thus becomes orphaned of its potential, which is closely linked to the way of experiencing interactive horror against the fearsome xenomorphs. At the same time, it also loses some of its original engagement and tension in exchange for more solid and functional gameplay that speaks the playful language of the vast majority of the audience. What remains is an FPS that is certainly enjoyable, especially for fans of the iconic franchise born from the imagination of Ridley Scott and Dan O'Bannon. For everyone else, it is probably better to wait for the second and final part of the story to better understand the cohesion of Zula Hendricks' odyssey.”

“Wild Hearts S on Nintendo Switch 2 is a bold attempt at porting: it's not technically perfect, quite the contrary (with inconsistent performance for a title that is two years old), but it still manages to bring an IP that we believe is underrated back into the spotlight, offering unique mechanics, customization, and cooperative gameplay for up to four players that hold up quite well. In particular, the Karakuri system, a unique mechanic that allows the player to build wooden constructs and tools in real time, supported by an excellent combat system and good equipment, will delight you. If you enjoy titles such as Monster Hunter, Toukiden, or Dauntless, but want a touch of structural innovation and less “grind” with plenty of portability, Wild Hearts S is a fresh and exciting choice in the “monster hunter” landscape. If you've already spent time playing Wild Hearts on other platforms since its release in 2023 and are wondering whether or not it's worth returning to action, there's nothing about the Switch 2 version, apart from the ability to play on the go, that's worth a new run.”

“Luto is one of the most ambitious indie debuts of 2025. It is not a conventional horror game, but rather a silent and oppressive exploration of the suffering mind. If you're looking for immediate thrills or dynamic gameplay, this probably isn't for you: Luto isn't designed for those seeking classic or adrenaline-fueled interaction, but for those who want a dense and intimate experience. The game asks you (almost forces you) to slow down, observe, interpret, and, above all, feel. It may not satisfy players who love complex systems or constant action, but it is extremely effective in engaging the player on an emotional and sensory level. If you are willing to immerse yourself in a reflective, disturbing, and deeply human experience, Luto is a journey that will undoubtedly leave its mark on you.”

“It is not for everyone. The content is undeniably challenging for only some, and the gameplay is minimal. Ratshaker is not "entertainment" in the traditional sense; it is a kind of interactive short film, a psychological experiment, a raw catharsis. For the price of a cup of coffee and in less time than an episode of a television series, Ratshaker offers-with a quirky twist-a one-of-a-kind experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Recommended for those who love experimental, intriguing, cryptic, and off-the-wall titles!”

“S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition is not a perfect collection, but it is a seminal historical record of game design from 2007-2009. Imperfect, brutal, but incredibly engaging, masterfully winding through three games, it is a must-have for fans of the genre and a daunting and fascinating challenge (considering also that it is not a remake but rather an experience designed to preserve not modernize) for newcomers.”

“Once Upon a Puppet is a recommended experience for those seeking a narrative platformer with a strong artistic and emotional component accompanied by a sublime, theatrical soundtrack. However, gamers who are more demanding in terms of gameplay mechanics may find some of its technical flaws frustrating, including the rather slow pace, the uncooperative fixed camera, and the imprecise controls.”

“With its characteristics resulting from a roguelike hybrid of old-school fighting game and shooter, KIBORG proved to be a compelling title full of surprises. Tense and violent combat mingles with a steady pace, where the sense of progression is assured and the content knows how to prove generous. However, the experience proves to be imperfectly balanced making Lee Morgan's brutal journey all too rough at times. Nevertheless, the allure of creating an unstoppable cybernetic fighter is a real cool thing not to be underestimated.”