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Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is a 2D shooter platformer that allows players to assume the role of Vinnie, an old Mafia member still grappling with the consequences of the events in the first game.

While clearly inspired by games like Contra, Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is not as challenging as the classics it draws inspiration from. In fact, the game is easier than its franchise predecessor.

The gameplay has seen significant improvements compared to the first game. Players must navigate through stages, simultaneously encountering zombies and Mafia members who open fire. The screen is filled with various elements, requiring players to skillfully eliminate enemies while avoiding getting hit. The gameplay surpasses that of the initial game in the franchise, which I found perfect at the time.

The story serves as a sequel to the first game, and newcomers may feel completely lost without having played it before. I highly recommend experiencing the first installment as it is genuinely humorous and entirely sarcastic. However, if you choose not to, the engaging gameplay should suffice to keep you interested until the end.

The art maintains its high quality with a cartoon design that complements the game's vibe. No significant changes have been made from the first game, and I appreciate that.

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 stands out as a commendable sequel—a short, incredibly enjoyable game that is worth every penny.

Swans music in a video game form

Florence is a graphic novel game that depicts a specific phase in a girl's life. It's a brief experience that didn't resonate with me.

The game features relatively easy puzzles and doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay. It's more reminiscent of a visual show than a traditional game.

The artwork is quite enjoyable. Frankly, the game appears to be hand-drawn, which is likely its standout feature.

You can complete Florence in about 40 minutes, making it worth a try. While I personally didn't connect with it, your experience might differ if you can relate to the challenges the main character faces in her story.

For months, I was in doubt about paying for this game. I saw some reviews, but I was not certain if it would be fun to play. So, I decided to give Marvel's Midnight Suns a chance, and I can confidently say it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in the gaming industry in recent years.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a unique blend of real-time strategy games like XCOM and card games like Hearthstone. I'm a big fan of games like XCOM, but I usually don't enjoy card games, which made me hesitant about this one. However, in the end, the card aspect is the heart of this game, and it enhances the strategy element, adding complexity and an element of luck.

About the gameplay, you have a stage with certain objectives, and you control a group of heroes facing off against enemies. Each hero has cards that require a certain amount of power to use and a designated area to cause damage. This requires you to strategically position your characters to attack your foes while avoiding enemy attacks. Meanwhile, you also need to manage your deck of cards.

The story is interesting and focuses on lesser-known heroes, although you still have a team that includes Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain Marvel. The connections between all the heroes are well-developed, and you'll become more interested in these lesser-known characters and how they come together to prevent the end of the world.

One downside for me is the hub area where you spend time between missions. It's quite large but not very enjoyable to explore.

The graphics may not be top-notch, but that wasn't a problem for me. During the missions, the game looks more beautiful because you get to appreciate the stage from an overhead perspective.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a delightful surprise, and it's a shame that it doesn't receive more attention. It's a fantastic game that deserves more recognition. If you enjoy strategy games or are looking for something unique, I highly recommend giving it a chance. In my opinion, it's worth every penny!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom had a challenging mission to accomplish: to surpass Breath of the Wild. In the end, we can say Nintendo achieved this goal and delivered one of the best games of all time.

To start this review, we have to mention that the game is quite similar to its predecessor. The developers reused the same main map but added an entirely new world in the skies and in the depths. Furthermore, the game improved Link's abilities, which, to be honest, are much better.

The graphics in Tears of the Kingdom remain consistent with what we saw in Breath of the Wild. It's a beautiful game, but it would have benefitted from more powerful hardware to run at a higher resolution and without any frame drops. I frequently encountered issues with low frame rates, but it's impressive to see a game of this caliber on the Nintendo Switch.

The story is quite compelling and is undoubtedly the best in the franchise. It's remarkable how the developers crafted such an emotionally engaging narrative and allowed players to have unique experiences due to the myriad possibilities for progression.

Honestly, towards the end of my journey, I started to feel a bit fatigued and rushed through the game a bit. It happened to me, although I haven't seen others complaining about it.

Another important point to mention is that you shouldn't play Tears of the Kingdom if you haven't played Breath of the Wild. Not just because the stories are connected, but also because, after playing Tears of the Kingdom, you'll realize that Breath of the Wild almost feels like a beta version in comparison. So, you won't be able to fully enjoy the first game after experiencing this superior sequel.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a modern classic. It's incredible how Nintendo developed a game that lived up to all the hype players had. It's a must-play title in the Nintendo Switch library, and we'll still be talking about it for decades to come.

Final Fantasy XVI is being classified as a new direction for this traditional franchise. The game has abandoned the classic RPG system to focus more on action-packed battles. For some people, this change was welcomed, but some longtime fans didn't appreciate this new direction.

As I'm not a huge Final Fantasy fan, I enjoyed the battle system. My only previous experience was with Final Fantasy XV and VII Remake, so I come from this new action-oriented era of the franchise, and all the action on XVI didn't bore me.

It's a complex system, but it can be quite easy to manage all the characters' powers. The game can provide challenges at the hardest level, but it can also be a "walk in the park" for beginners. In the end, it's a classic action battle system that we've seen in other games.

The boss fights are really good and a lot of fun, but I can't say the same for when we are playing as Eikons. Controlling and facing these massive monsters feels like completely generic battles.

The world is lacking. There's hardly anything interesting to explore. We have small open worlds that don't invite us to visit other places. During my gameplay, I was always heading toward the main objective, and it didn't affect my level ups.

The map is pretty similar to what we saw in the Xenoblade franchise. It's incredible how similar it looks, even with how enemy encounters start.

The best thing about Final Fantasy XVI is definitely the story. I can say for sure that it has one of the best storylines I've ever seen in video games. The characters and their motivations are really deep. It's a complex story, but it's also really good and clearly inspired by Game of Thrones. The game touches on topics like slavery, war, and the excessive exploitation of natural resources. I didn't like how it ended, but that didn't ruin my overall experience.

Something I really enjoyed is the fact that we can consult a summary of the game anytime we want. You can pause a cutscene to see information about the character, place, or army they are talking about. By pressing a button, you can quickly read a small summary based on what's happening in the part of the game you're at. With such a complex story, this feature was very helpful in preventing players from feeling lost. It's a feature that I'd like to see in other games.

In my opinion, Final Fantasy XVI represents a new direction for the franchise, aimed at a broader audience. It offers enjoyable gameplay and an amazing story. While there are some downsides, they aren't that significant. I highly recommend it for players who haven't experienced the series before but are familiar with action games.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is undoubtedly the best hidden gem of 2023. This Yakuza series spin-off transports players to a pivotal moment in Japan's history, circa 1860, when the nation was encountering visitors from other countries, reshaping crucial aspects of its way of life.

This game is a remake of a title originally developed for the PS3 and exclusively released in Japan. This remake version boasts stunning visuals and modern gameplay. With its new features, it stands out as one of the top games available on PS5 and Xbox Series, while also being accessible on PS4 and Xbox One.

The narrative revolves around Sakamoto Ryoma, who grapples with conflicting pressures and uncertainty surrounding his identity and societal role. Amidst a coup in Tosa, he is determined to uncover the assassin responsible for his mentor's death, leading him to operate under a secret identity on the streets of Kyoto and aligning with the formidable Shinsengumi.

One drawback for me is the reuse of faces familiar from other Yakuza games. In a story set two centuries ago, it feels off to see these faces interacting again. The presence of undercover villains is somewhat undermined if you're familiar with the Yakuza storyline, as it becomes predictable, affecting the impact of plot twists.

The game offers an open world to explore, although not overly expansive. Despite its size, there are some noteworthy locations to visit.

Combat in the game is both enjoyable and accessible. While there are four fighting styles available, players will likely find themselves primarily using just two during gameplay. The standout moments in combat are undoubtedly the encounters with bosses.

It's unfortunate that Like a Dragon: Ishin! isn't receiving as much attention as it deserves. This release is unquestionably solid, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action games.

Planet of Lana is a side-scrolling game that draws inspiration from Limbo and Inside. In this adventure, you take control of Lana, a young woman embarking on a rescue mission through a vibrant world teeming with heartless machines and peculiar creatures.

As mentioned earlier, Planet of Lana strongly echoes the influences of Limbo and Inside. While playing, I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities in Lana's control mechanics, particularly in her movements. A unique aspect introduced in this game is the presence of a companion, a small creature that can be directed to access certain areas and perform specific actions. The gameplay is generally solid, though there may be occasional challenges in issuing commands to your companion, but nothing too serious.

The game's standout feature is its artistry. Planet of Lana captivates with its beautiful and colorful visuals. The characters and environments are meticulously crafted, setting it apart from the more mystical and dark atmospheres of Limbo and Inside.

Regarding the narrative, the game encourages players to use their imagination to interpret the events. There are notable similarities with the storytelling styles of Limbo and Inside. Developers intentionally leave some aspects unexplained, allowing players to construct their own narratives. The premise involves Lana's world being invaded by machines that have captured all humans, and players must confront this imminent threat.

While the game doesn't have any major issues, it fails to deliver a sense of novelty. Throughout my playthrough, I couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu, constantly reminded of my experiences with Limbo and Inside, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

In conclusion, Planet of Lana is recommended for those who enjoyed Limbo and Inside. It offers a great experience with enjoyable gameplay. However, if you haven't played the aforementioned titles, it's advisable to try them first, as they excel in achieving their intended goals, a standard not entirely met by Planet of Lana.

Hi-Fi Rush is a new addition to Xbox's franchises. After years without a significant console exclusive, Microsoft released this game out of nowhere and caught everyone off guard. Is it good enough to achieve everything the fans dreamed?

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-focused game, a hack n' slash that encourages players to attack, jump, and perform in sync with the beat constantly playing. To be honest, the concept is cool, but in my opinion, it didn't work. You can perform actions out of rhythm, and it won't impact your gameplay.

Analyzing it as a pure hack n' slash, it's fun to play. Not outstanding, but it has its moments. The combat is enjoyable, but it's the only significant activity during gameplay.

One remarkable aspect of the game is its ambiance. The art is beautiful and colorful. It's impressive how they synchronized all objects on the screen with the beat mentioned earlier.

The downside of the game, for me, is the soundtrack. As a game focused on music, it should feature an unforgettable soundtrack. Unfortunately, the music in this game is disappointing.

The story is not that compelling, but the characters are charismatic. There is room for more development for them, and I'm excited to see what they could do in a sequel.

In conclusion, Hi-Fi Rush is a valuable addition to the Game Pass catalog. It may not be the blockbuster Microsoft needed, but overall, it's a good game.

The Walking Dead: The Final Season is the conclusion to the game series that chronicles Clementine's life in a world destroyed by a virus-induced zombie pandemic, where humans pose a greater threat. The game is a direct sequel to three previous games, each divided into episodes, maintaining this format in its final season. Not recommended for those unfamiliar with the preceding games.

The story unfolds another chapter in Clementine's life, now a teenager navigating the shattered world. She must now care for a child she adopted out of necessity.

Gameplay and story intertwine as your choices shape events and Clementine's relationships with other characters. Gameplay aspects other than dialogue responses are largely inconsequential to the experience.

Despite the increased impact of choices compared to previous games, there's a lingering sense that they may not be as significant, as both main characters share the same fate for all players regardless of choices made.

After the franchise faced challenges following the first game winning Game of the Year, the fourth and final season regained its footing but left a feeling that the characters' stories could continue, despite the game's title suggesting otherwise.

Regarding graphics, there's a notable issue. Despite the comic book-style art, serious problems occasionally disrupt immersion, coupled with performance issues that make it feel like the game could crash at any moment—a recurring problem in the franchise, especially in the third season.

It's crucial to note that the franchise was revived after the original studio's bankruptcy, marking a victory for fans.

The Walking Dead: The Final Season is practically a must-play for fans of the previous games. Those new to the franchise should play the earlier games, despite the mentioned issues, which I highly recommend.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder marked a necessary and innovative direction for Super Mario's 2D games. After numerous titles following a similar formula and several years without a new release, Nintendo decided to introduce some significant changes.

At the beginning of this review, it's essential to highlight that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a classic 2D side-scrolling game with modern features. While introducing something new to the franchise, it represents an evolution of the first Super Mario games released on the NES.

Critics argue that the game is completely different from the New Mario Bros. series, but I disagree with that assessment. Despite having some distinct features and being an improved version, it essentially remains the same game. It is undoubtedly an evolution of the previous games released on the Wii, DS, and Wii U.

The art is incredible, making it arguably the most beautiful Mario game ever released.

In conclusion, the timing was perfect for the 2D Mario games, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out as the best side-scrolling Mario game to date. Personally, it might not be the type of game I typically enjoy, but I can't deny its excellence. It's a game that excels in everything it sets out to accomplish.

Super Mario RPG is a remake of a game with the same name originally released on the Super Nintendo. For many years, fans treated this game as a forgotten classic only available on illegal emulators. Now, these remake allows young players to enjoy this important game.

To start this review, I have to say that I never played the original game. Even so, I was able to see that this new version preserves many aspects of the older version. After I finished, I decided to read some reviews, and people were thinking the same. It doesn't make the game dated or bad; the minor changes were enough to make this remake an enjoyable experience for anyone.

As the title suggests, the game is an RPG. The gameplay is the classic turn-based RPG that we were used to in the '90s. To be honest, Super Mario RPG is the easiest RPG game that I have ever played. I never felt weak against any enemy.

Even with not an outblowing story, I can say for sure that it is the best we ever had in the Mario franchise. The characters are charismatic, and it is really fun to see some unexpected alliances.

The graphics are quite good, and the new cinematics are amazing! A significant downside, in my opinion, is the absence of voice acting.

I can say for sure that we finally have this necessary remake. This new version of Super Mario RPG is crucial to bringing back one of the best games from the Super Nintendo. I truly recommend this game to anyone who likes turn-based RPGs, and I can say that you should really give it a chance even if you're not a big fan of this genre of games.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is an action-adventure game focused on one of the most popular superheroes of all time. In this game, players can control two Spider-Men as they attempt to save New York.

As for the gameplay, I can confidently say it is near-perfect. Exploring New York as Spider-Man is truly enjoyable, and the fights against both regular enemies and bosses are incredibly fun. However, one drawback for me is certain parts of the game where you control Mary Jane or the two Spider-Men in their everyday lives.

The story serves as a sequel to the first game and its DLC featuring Miles Morales. In my opinion, the storyline is the best we've seen for these characters. The interactions between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, with Peter as the mentor and Miles as the apprentice, are amazing.

We're also talking about one of the most beautiful games on the PS5. The graphics are stunning! Simultaneously, we get a near-perfect representation of New York, and revisiting the city was delightful for me.

In summary, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 stands out as one of the most enjoyable games of 2023. It's my Game of the Year, even though there are other games that may be more ambitious. It's a perfect sequel that enhances everything we saw before, even with almost no innovations.

The Nintendo Switch is a hardware that allows Nintendo to popularize some of their hidden franchises like Animal Crossing. It's clear that Nintendo tried to do the same thing with Pikmin 4.

Describing Pikmin 4 is not an easy task. I can start by saying it's a real-time strategy game featuring little creatures that resemble ants. You control a captain who gives commands to these creatures, each with different characteristics. Your goal is to increase your army to allow you to carry more items, face enemies, and explore new places.

For me, Pikmin 4 is an easier game compared to the old ones. This new title is more accessible for any type of audience. Despite the old games being really hard and cruel sometimes, Pikmin 4 can be played by a child.

The game is really colorful, and the art and atmosphere are unique. There's nothing bad to say about this aspect of the game.

The only downside, for me, is the gameplay. I know I'm the only one complaining about this, but it was more enjoyable to control your army with the Wii U gamepad in Pikmin 3. It doesn't make Pikimin 4 bad, and if you never had the experience to play the failed Nintendo console, you won't understand what I'm talking about.

Pikmin 4 is a really good game and deserves more attention than it has. I highly recommend this game if you want to play something truly different from everything else.

Writing about Immortality is extremely challenging. It's unlike anything else out there, and discussing its gameplay too much could spoil the experience. Rest assured, I'll steer clear of anything that might ruin it for you.

I can begin by explaining that Immortality is a blend of a game and an interactive movie, featuring real people.

The game begins with a video featuring an actress on a talk show. Within the first few minutes, you realize that by pausing the video and selecting a person or object, a new video will start, similar to your selection. Your task is to unlock new videos by doing this.

As you unlock new videos, you're introduced to the life and career of Marissa Marcel, a talented actress. Her story is compelling and well-crafted.

I can't reveal much more, as even how to progress in the game is a spoiler. It's not very clear to the player how to move forward. At some point, I felt satisfied with the experience and understood what I needed to do, but still struggled with how to finish. Towards the end, I became fatigued and eager to complete it.

I played the iOS version and found the controls to be unreliable at times. There was a particular video where I knew what I needed to select, but it took me about 20 minutes to do it correctly. I wouldn't recommend this version, to be honest.

One more thing to note is that the game contains explicit scenes, including nudity and sexual content, so be prepared for that.

In summary, Immortality offers a unique experience despite some minor issues. I wish the game offered clearer guidance on what the player needs to do and was a bit shorter. Nonetheless, I recommend playing it on a PC or console, avoiding the mobile version.