NHL 26 - PlayStation 5 - 72
Settembre 11, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/nhl-26-ps5-xbox-series-x-s/recensione/
NHL 26 delivers a mixed experience. The game shows flashes of brilliance, thanks to a solid gameplay rhythm and a fair amount of on-ice spectacle, but it's still weighed down by a range of persistent issues. These flaws, while sometimes minor, can become increasingly frustrating over the course of a full season, especially for dedicated players. The revamped Be a Pro career mode is a welcome improvement, addressing several weaknesses from previous iterations. However, the rest of the game modes offer little evolution, largely recycling content and features from last year without introducing meaningful innovations.
Borderlands 4 - PC - 90
Settembre 11, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/borderlands-4/borderlands-4-recensione/
While it isn’t perfect, with optimization especially leaving something to be desired, Borderlands 4 is a very clear improvement over its predecessor, with a far better paced story, a convincing set of characters, and a gameplay that benefited greatly from the newly added movement mechanics.
Katanaut - PC - 77
Settembre 11, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/katanaut-pc/katanaut-recensione-the-games-machine-tgm/
Katanaut is an action roguelite that focuses heavily on the katana: quick and brutal slashes deliver great impact, with the ability to reload your firearm only by striking in melee, creating an aggressive and satisfying gameplay cycle. Melee weapons are complemented by laser rifles, railguns, and grenade launchers that diversify the runs. The extensive perk and power-up system offers spectacular synergies, but some cooldowns are too short, making certain builds overly powerful. The experience is penalized by procedural generation, which offers linear corridors or empty areas, aggravated by enemy AI. Visually polished, it's fun but remains imperfect.
Hollow Knight: Silksong - PC - 92
Settembre 10, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/hollow-knight-silksong-pc-ps4-ps5-xbox-one-series-x-s-switch-2/hollow-knight-silksong-recensione-the-games-machine-tgm/
Hollow Knight: Silksong elevates the Metroidvania experience with a vast and intricate world, rich with unique biomes, hidden secrets, and clever backtracking that turns every step into a discovery. Hornet, agile and versatile, tackles the ascent to Pharloom with dashes, diagonal jumps, and abilities that make platforming fluid and creative. Exploration is intertwined with intense combat against over 200 enemies and 40 bosses, each with deadly patterns that require study and precision due to the high difficulty. Between hand-drawn environments that look like living paintings and Christopher Larkin's soundtrack, capable of shifting from melancholic whispers to orchestral explosions, Silksong transforms every screen into a visual and auditory spectacle of rare intensity.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Switch 2 - 72
Settembre 9, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/daemon-x-machina-titanic-scion-pc-ps5-xbox-series-x-s-switch-2/daemon-x-machina-titanic-scion-recensione/
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is particularly satisfying in terms of gameplay: the combat system is varied and creative, the exoskeleton customisation is very rich, and the boss fights, when they work, provide spectacular moments. The multiplayer is also solid, thanks to crossplay, which expands the possibilities for cooperation. The rest, however, is not at the same level: the plot is weak, the cast forgettable, the filler missions slow down the pace, and the game world, while vast, feels empty and repetitive. Last but not least, on a technical level, the Switch 2 version reviewed here shows obvious limitations in terms of slow loading times and unstable frame rates. This is a title that will entertain fans of mecha and equipment optimisation who are willing to turn a blind eye to the obvious problems, but it is unlikely to satisfy those looking for an engaging story or a world to explore with pleasure.
Super Robot Wars Y - PC - 77
Settembre 8, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/super-robot-wars-y-pc-ps5-switch/super-robot-wars-y-recensione/
Super Robot Wars Y is a tribute to nostalgia and passion for Japanese robots: every animated sequence, every theme song, every battle is a small celebration of the cartoons that marked our childhood. The roster combines old and new series to delight fans of all ages, while the overly simplistic strategic action becomes almost a break between one breathtaking sequence and another. Here too, the series shows the weight of tradition: few innovations, long dialogues and a conservative approach that limits risk and surprise, making it a prisoner of its own formula. You need to know what you're getting into. Those who love Japanese robots and jump out of their seats at the sight of Tetsuya incinerating assorted monsters with the almighty Breast Fire, screaming like a madman, will find it an almost unmissable experience. Those who know the series inside out and are looking for freshness and audacity will inevitably be disappointed.
NBA 2K26 - PC - 8.9
Settembre 8, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/nba-2k26-pc-ps5-xbox-series-x-s/recensione/
NBA 2K26 remains the undisputed king of basketball games in a market with virtually no competition, sticking to its tried-and-true formula while polishing a few key aspects. We truly appreciated the improved on-court fluidity and the revamped shooting mechanics, as well as the solid structure of the career mode—though the reward system and the endless repetitive tasks don’t always meet expectations.
Everybody's Golf Hot Shots - PlayStation 5 - 78
Settembre 8, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/everybodys-golf-hot-shots/everybodys-golf-hot-shots-recensione/
Everybody's Golf returns to its roots, leaving the pseudo open-world of previous instalment for a more traditional structure. The new dev team has worked to give fans an accessible but appropriately challenging title, full of classic and new challenges, but it should have worked harder to offer something truly new that went beyond mini golf-style modes and, above all, a title that was technically and aesthetically on par with current platforms.
Lost Soul Aside - PlayStation 5 - 65
Settembre 5, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/lost-soul-aside/lost-soul-aside-recensione/
Lost Soul Aside shows it's Ultizero Games' debut, with some evident rookie mistakes. A promising battle system sadly gets lost amid the rest of the underwhelming production.
Hell is Us - Pc - 83
Settembre 4, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/hell-is-us/hell-is-us-recensione-the-games-machine-tgm/
Hell is Us is a third-person action adventure game that combines semi-open exploration and Soulslike combat. There are no maps or indicators: the level design guides the player through areas connected by environmental clues and dialogue. The combat system is based on stamina and light or heavy blows, and as hit points decrease, stamina is also lost, creating a vicious cycle that can be broken with the Healing Pulse, a technique that converts damage inflicted into healing. The KAPI drone adds variety with support functions, while battles against Hollow Walkers and Haze offer a mix of interesting but not always varied patterns. The atmosphere is very evocative, but ruined by monsters that don't match the setting.
Cronos: The New Dawn - PC - 80
Settembre 3, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/cronos-the-new-dawn-pc-ps5-xbox-series-xs-switch-2/cronos-the-new-dawn-recensione/
Playing Cronos: The New Dawn is an experience that leaves its mark, not so much for its moments of pure terror, but for the way it immerses you in a devastated, abandoned and, at the same time, dangerous world. The constant feeling is that of walking among ruins and distorted memories, knowing that every step could change something, and that every choice has a real impact on the fate of the Traveller and that of the inhabitants of a humanity struggling against its own end. There is a subtle, persistent tension that pushes you to observe, plan and evaluate every action carefully, as if you were really part of that broken flow of time. It is a game that leaves a lasting impression more for its atmosphere and world-building than for its technical perfection or careful game design choices, which are often cumbersome and unable to work perfectly together. Tough, frustrating at times, but satisfying overall.
Dice Gambit - PC - 77
Settembre 3, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/dice-gambit-pc/dice-gambit-recensione-the-games-machine-tgm/
Dice Gambit is a turn-based tactical roguelike that combines hexagonal grid combat with family management. Each member of the family belongs to a different class and can evolve with active and passive skills, but Stamina decreases with each mission, forcing constant replacement. Death is permanent, and the loss of a relative can compromise the expansion of the lineage, forcing you to balance rest and deployments. The combat is good, with various combos to perform with dice, but the graphic representation of heroes and enemies in battle is rather anonymous.
Metal Eden - PlayStation 5 - 85
Settembre 2, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/metal-eden/metal-eden-recensione/
An aesthetically pleasing, fast-paced and appropriately challenging FPS with platforming elements and strong references to the Metroid Prime series. Reikon Games had already demonstrated their talent with Ruiner and have once again proven themselves to be highly skilled at creating atmospheric futuristic adventures with incredibly captivating gameplay ideas.
Project X: Light Years - PC - 90
Settembre 2, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/project-x-light-years/project-x-light-years-recensione-tgm/
More than a remake, Project-X Light Years feels like a modern sequel to a classic. It's not only one of the best reboots of a retro IP in recent years, but also one of the finest horizontal shmups lately – rivaling Yuzo Koshiro's Earthion as my pick of the season. Proof that great games of this kind can come from the West too
Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening - PS5 - 60
Settembre 1, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/space-adventure-cobra-the-awakening-pc-ps4-ps5-xbox-one-series-x-s-switch/space-adventure-cobra-the-awakening-recensione/
After Goldrake, Microids brings Space Adventure Cobra back to life, putting the spotlight on a sort of interstellar Lupin III who loves to get himself into trouble. Unfortunately for him, this time he gets caught up in an adventure that is undermined by some questionable design choices and a totally messed-up control system.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World - Switch 2 - 85
Settembre 1, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/kirby-e-la-terra-perduta-switch/kirby-e-la-terra-perduta-nintendo-switch-2-edition-il-mondo-astrale-recensione/
A return that doesn't revolutionise, but confirms that Kirby and the Lost Land is still one of the most successful chapters in the series. The graphical upgrade and new content don't transform the experience into something completely different, but they offer the perfect excuse to return and explore the meticulous level design and creativity of the Mouth Morphs. The level remixes, although familiar, prove surprising thanks to new paths and spectacular visual interactions, demonstrating how even a small adjustment can breathe new life into an already beloved world. Short, yes, but intense enough to remind us why the chubby pink hero always manages to make us smile and make every exploration a pleasure.
Gears of War: Reloaded - PlayStation 5 - 80
Agosto 26, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/gears-of-war-reloaded-pc-ps5-xbox-series-xs/gears-of-war-reloaded-recensione/
After 20 years of exclusive, Gears of War is now available on PlayStation 5 with the very first chapter of the series further refined, enhanced, and complete with all content released to date. A few wrinkles are noticeable, and the rigidity of the gameplay may make it a little hard to swallow for younger players accustomed to exaggerated speeds, but the charisma is still there, and the power of the war between COG and Locusts is still ready to make your Lancer explode in your hands.
The Rogue Prince of Persia - PC - 82
Agosto 26, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/the-rogue-prince-of-persia-pc/the-rogue-prince-of-persia-recensione/
The Rogue Prince of Persia presents itself as a solid and engaging roguelite-style action platformer which, despite strongly echoing Dead Cells, manages to carve out its own identity thanks to the protagonist’s agility and a fluid, rewarding gameplay experience. The variety of equipment, meta-progression, and procedurally generated levels offer notable depth, although the relatively low difficulty and limited content might disappoint more demanding players.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance - PC - 95
Agosto 25, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/shinobi-art-of-vengeance-pc-ps4-ps5-xbox-one-xbox-series-s-switch-switch-2/shinobi-art-of-vengeance-recensione/
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a title capable of redefining what a 2D action-platform game can offer today. Lizardcube has done it again, combining technique, style and rhythm with a mastery that will captivate both long-time fans and those new to the Oboro Clan. Every fight is a deadly dance, every stage an invitation to explore and improve, and every extra a challenge that rewards dedication and commitment. It's an intense, elegant and ruthless experience, where every victory is earned on the field and every mistake is paid for dearly. A return where past and present meet without compromise, reminding us why Joe Musashi is, and remains, a legend. And now, friends of Lizardcube, how about bringing Golden Axe out of retirement?
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - PC - 90
Agosto 22, 2025
https://www.thegamesmachine.it/metal-gear-solid-%ce%b4-snake-eater-pc-ps5-xbox-series-x-s/metal-gear-solid-delta-snake-eater-recensione/
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a reverential remake that updates Kojima’s 2004 classic with modern visuals and controls, without altering its core design. The jungle, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, feels alive and immersive, while the option between Classic and Modern controls makes it accessible to both veterans and newcomers. However, the excessive faithfulness to the original means some outdated AI behavior and technical quirks remain. A respectful, visually stunning update that prioritizes preservation over reinvention.
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