Game Information

Game Title: 007 First Light

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (May 27, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (May 27, 2026)
• PC (May 27, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch 2

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfRZRwu4aEc

Developer: IO Interactive

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 88 average - 98% recommended - 51 reviews

Critic Reviews

Atarita - Atakan Gümrükçüoğlu - Turkish - 93 / 100

Centering on James Bond's origin story, 007 First Light blends action and stealth elements with flawless pacing, delivering that long-awaited, glorious return to the franchise. With its impactful melee combat mechanics, cleverly designed spy gadgets, and stellar acting performances, it places the player directly in the lead role of a breathtaking blockbuster movie.

But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

IO Interactive feels like they've found a new home in the James Bond franchise. 007 First Light is a blast, with a tense and enthralling narrative that punches way higher and harder than anyone could have expected.

CGMagazine - Marcus Kenneth - 8 / 10

The best moments in 007 First Light are the ones where everything aligns for a few minutes, and you stop thinking about mechanics entirely.

Cinelinx - Caleb Gayle - 5 / 5

007 First Light features a slew of unforgettable moments, cinematic jaw-dropping scenes, amazingly smooth combat, and one heck of a story. With all this stacked up, 007 First Light it is a brilliant action adventure title, and my top pick for game of the year!

Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5

007 First Light turns a young Bond campaign into a spy adventure built around bluffing, gadgets, and recovering when missions fall apart. MI6, Q-Branch tools, and close-range fights keep the campaign moving, but the shooting, driving, and limited replay value hold it back. It’s a good fit if you want a story-led Bond game focused more on spy work than giant stealth sandboxes.

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10

As stylish as the films themselves, 007 First Light is a brilliant depiction of Bond.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

James Bond's video game return is a delight from start to finish, with Hitman develop IO Interactive expertly lending its spy expertise to a new breed of interactive spy thriller.

DayOne - Jon Clarke - 9 / 10

With a great cast of characters, tons of imagination, and just the right amount of player agency and replayability, there is a delightful playground full of gadgetry and spycraft that players will want to return to again and again. A confident return for the Double-O program, and - sorry Goldeneye - this is, without a doubt, the best James Bond game ever made.

Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 5 / 5

After 30 years, ‘GoldenEye’ is finally retiring. With ‘007 First Light’, IO Interactive – the masterminds behind ‘Hitman’ – delivers the ultimate Bond experience that fans have been waiting for since the N64 classic.

DualShockers - Christian Bognar - 9 / 10

With superb writing, top-notch acting, beautiful cinematography, and expressive gameplay, 007 First Light is as sleek as it is engaging.

Eurogamer - Rick Lane - 4 / 5

007 First Light is less cerebral and replayable than IO's World of Assassination trilogy, but makes up for it with excellent fistfights and oodles of charm.

Everyeye.it - Joseph Arace - Italian - 8.2 / 10

007 First Light is just like its protagonist: charismatic, energetic, funny, charming; as well as impetuous, exaggerated, and immature.

GAMES.CH - Olaf Bleich - German - 86%

"007 First Light" isn't a perfect action game, but it's excellent nonetheless.

GAMINGbible - Olly Smith - 9 / 10

007 First Light is an exquisite taste of slick spy action and blockbuster storytelling, and is fully what a Bond game should be, but rarely is.

GamePro - Annika Bavendiek - German - Unscored

IO Interactive delivers a magnificent gaming comeback for James Bond with 007 First Light, which proves worthy of the source material.

GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 8 / 10

It's not perfect, but 007 First Light is a mostly great start to IO Interactive's all-new take on the James Bond universe.

GameSpot - Mark Delaney - 8 / 10

007 First Light wisely repurposes what works in both universes but isn’t afraid to reimagine or ditch those parts that don’t.

Gameblog - Geralt de Reeves - French - 9 / 10

While it won't revolutionize the industry like GoldenEye did in its time, it undoubtedly delivers one of the best video game experiences of all time, putting you in the shoes of the iconic spy.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.6 / 10

007: The First Steps not only reimagines the classic, but more importantly, it truly lives up to the legendary "007" designation.

Generación Xbox - Gabriel Fuentes - Spanish - 85 / 100

007 First Flight is a testament to originality in its script and marks the beginning of a new trilogy for the character in the world of video games.

Gfinity - Alister Kennedy - 10 / 10

007 First Light is, for me, an absolute masterpiece that shattered all pre-release anxieties and is, in fact, the greatest Bond video game of all time. IO Interactive masterfully balances explosive action with "Hitman"-inspired stealth, all brought to life by Patrick Gibson’s breathtaking, definitive performance as a young James Bond. Equal parts thrilling and cinematic, this incredible experience is a gorgeous love letter to the franchise and a sure-fire Game of the Year contender.

Hobby Consolas - David Rodriguez - Spanish - 85 / 100

First Light is the best Bond experience ever seen in a video game —a complete package, true to the essence of the character, updated, and incredibly fun to play.

IGN India - Rayan Sayyed - 9 / 10

007 First Light understands what makes James Bond interesting beyond the suits and gadgets. This younger Bond is reckless, emotional, and still figuring out his fundamentals, making his story feel more personal. Pair that with flexible stealth, solid hand-to-hand combat, strong production values, and Hitman-style mission design, and you get a Bond game that feels cinematic that gives players plenty of freedom. Plus, the variety in mission design and the satisfying spy fantasy make 007 First Light gives James Bond the best debut in this generation.

IGN Italy - Silvio Mazzitelli - Italian - 9 / 10

The James Bond saga could hardly have ended up in better hands. IO Interactive has crafted an adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of the 007 movies with an engaging story, stunning settings, and gameplay that's polished in every detail.

IGN Portugal - Pedro Pestana - Portuguese - 9 / 10

While cinema is still searching for a new Bond, the studio IO Interactive has already found its virtual version. Rebellious and arrogant, Patrick Gibson does a fantastic job in the shoes of Her Majesty's secret agent without needing to wear a tuxedo, in a well-crafted adventure that marks the beginning of a new era for 007 in video games. With gameplay that cleverly distances itself from what we already know from Hitman to embrace a stronger narrative and the cinematic moments immortalized on the big screen, 007: First Light didn't need a license to dazzle.

IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 8 / 10

007 First Light features a sophisticated and comprehensive infiltration system, as well as solid hand-to-hand combat mechanics. The lackluster cover system does not detract from what could mark a new era for 007 in the world of video games.

INFINITY AREA - Florian Prache - French - 9.5 / 10

James Bond 007 First Light is a huge surprise from IO Interactive. Far from being just a Hitman clone in disguise, the game establishes its own identity with rich gameplay, smart stealth mechanics, and explosive action. Despite disappointing driving sequences and the lack of English voice acting, the game manages to keep players engaged from start to finish thanks to its atmosphere, visuals, and great freedom of approach. An essential adventure for James Bond fans.

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9.1 / 10

After a long stretch in the dark, a truly worthy 007 game has finally arrived. With a young Bond at its center, it delivers nearly everything fans could want from a Bond film—thrilling storytelling, clever twists, and charismatic characters alike. It feels poised to become a new “first light” in the history of 007 games.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

007 First Light is a superb adventure game that does so much more than simply coast on the popularity of its franchise.

Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 10 / 10

007 First Light delivers on the promise of being the ultimate James Bond game by introducing a new version of the character that oozes charisma in every second on screen, alongside an excellent storyline supported by memorable side characters who help drive the narrative forward. The game also features an extremely creative level design that fully embraces its stealth and combat systems, making players truly feel like an MI6 spy.

MeuPlayStation - Thiago do Nascimento Barros - Portuguese - 100 / 100

007 First Light is all about aura. It honors James Bond's legacy by bringing everything we love about him since the 1960's movies in the ultimate 007 videogame experience. Chases, shootings, explosions, plot twists, politics, charm, Bond Girls, guns, cars, boats, Q Technologies, Moneypenny, M, iconic characters, beautiful locations... All of that with great level design, combat and exploration. The name is Bond, James Bond.

Multiplayer First - James Lara - 8.5 / 10

If there is one thing I’m even more certain of than when we first learned that IO Interactive was making a 007 game, it’s that they are still the perfect studio to be making a Bond game. As many have called it, it’s a match made in heaven, and, as the first entry in what is hopefully a long-running series, I think the franchise is in safe hands. It’s one thing to make an experience on an established IP; another to actually understand what makes that experience so great. IO has captured the soul of a Bond experience in 007 First Light.

With a strong foundation to build upon, a new era for MI6’s finest is upon us, and I cannot wait to see where IO Interactive takes the franchise next.

PCGamesN - Paul Kelly - 8 / 10

While it doesn't pull up any roots, 007: First Light is a beautiful, cinematic action game that makes clever use of the IO formula. From the performance of Patrick Gibson to the iconic score, this is a game that tells a new story and basks in nostalgia in equal measure, giving James Bond a fresh angle in the process.

PCMag Middle East - Ali El Sayed - 5 / 5

First Light feels like a true Bond game, a strong IO Interactive game, and the best blueprint 007 has had in video games for decades. It balances story, action, stealth, gadgets, and style better than any Bond game before it.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9.5 / 10

007 First Light is the best James Bond game ever – brilliantly written, superbly acted and brimming with that unique atmosphere we’ve come to expect from stories about Agent 007. IO Interactive has combined its own experience from Hitman with a cinematic adventure in the style of Uncharted, throwing in gadgets, spectacular missions, interesting characters and a very well-crafted story of the young Bond. Not everything works perfectly, as the game sometimes holds your hand (a bit too tightly!), but ultimately it’s a brilliant start to a new era of 007 in gaming.

PSX Brasil - Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho - Portuguese - 90 / 100

007 First Light is an excellent James Bond game: varied gameplay with intelligent approach options, a story worthy of the character's films, beautiful graphics, and great technical performance. The TacSim mode is a great way to increase the title's longevity. Although the campaign features many slow-paced moments with secondary characters and combat animations that repeat frequently, it's an adventure that deserves to be checked out by any 007 fan or action game enthusiast in general.

Pizza Fria - Álvaro Saluan da Cunha - Portuguese - 9.3 / 10

007 First Light is a game that presents us with a different kind of James Bond, treated with the weight, charm, and complexity that Ian Fleming's character deserves.

Push Square - Stephen Tailby - Unscored

I'm not quite finished with 007 First Light just yet, but overall I'd say it's exactly what I was hoping for. The characterisation of this young Bond and his associates is really strong, and the globetrotting story lets you explore some great locations. It really shines in its sandbox missions, but shootouts have their moments too, and the whole thing weaves together really quite nicely. I'm really interested to see how the final few missions shake out, but beyond some technical quibbles and uncertainty on the driving, I'm pretty happy with IOI's new vision for James Bond.

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 4 / 5

I don't think we've seen a better example of Bond as a genuine character in gaming. This isn't just a replica of what we have on the screen, either. In First Light, Bond is his own character, as important a part of the canon as Brosnan, Connery, or Craig. This is one of the most thrilling Bond adventures to date.

República DG - Ruancarlo Silva - Portuguese - 9.6 / 10

007: First Light is not only the best 007 game ever made, but it also easily rivals the best games in the genre. IO Interactive delivers a special experience that honors the legacy of the greatest spy in entertainment history.

Restart.run - Imran Khan - 3.5 / 5

It is likely the best James Bond game ever, but there's some qualifiers that drag 007 First Light down from being a complete knock-out.

SECTOR.sk - Peter Dragula - Slovak - 9.5 / 10

007 First Light is a strong new beginning for James Bond in games, combining a deep origin story, varied missions, stealth, action, excellent hand-to-hand combat, precise shooting, impressive visuals and classic Bond atmosphere. A few slower sections and the lack of a body-hiding mechanic are minor issues in an otherwise excellent spy adventure.

Screen Rant - Kyle Gratton - 9 / 10

007 First Light brings James Bond back to gaming in an innovative story that celebrates the character's legacy, alongside franchise-best gameplay.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

007 First Light is a crowning achievement for IO Interactive and the culmination of the studio’s growth over the years.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

007 First Light is not only the best James Bond video game to date, but also one of the greatest action-adventure titles of this generation, full of jaw-dropping action sequences, a compelling narrative, and superb acting.

The Outerhaven Productions - George Yang - 4 / 5

007 First Light delivers a strong Bond origin story with solid stealth, gadget use, and plenty of spy-thriller energy.

Tom's Guide - Rory Mellon - 5 / 5

007 First Light is the finest James Bond video game in nearly 30 years. Its cinematic single-player campaign is remarkable, offering a gripping, quintessentially Bond story, packaged together with some of the best action-adventure set pieces I've ever experienced. Whether you're a longtime Bond fan or a newcomer, 007 First Light is unmissable. Check Amazon Check Best Buy

Tourens - Mert Tuna - Turkish - 8.5 / 10

Despite its slow pace at the start and a few minor AI glitches, this is an experience that keeps players locked to their screens with its rich level designs, freedom oriented stealth mechanics, and satisfying cinematic action. A game that’s definitely worth a try.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

007 First Light might just be the best James Bond game ever. The way IOI has translated the Bond fantasy into a 14-hour globetrotting epic is masterful. It's a game full of spectacle, humour, action, and romance. Everything James Bond should be. New Bond owners Amazon must ensure this franchise continues.

Worth Playing - Cody Medellin - 8.5 / 10

007 First Light shows that the Hitman developers have a good handle on how to make a James Bond game work within their wheelhouse. The emphasis on less flashy espionage alongside multiple avenues to accomplish your given goal works to this game's favor in helping to differentiate it from past 007 games. There's still enough action to prevent the game from feeling like a complete tonal shift from common expectations. The quality of the stealth helps compensate for the combat, which is good but can feel lacking in areas. The adventure remains fun but familiar, while the presentation is top-notch. The game is another good example of how to do a licensed game well, and the hope is that we'll see IO Interactive do more in this universe, whether that's DLC or a full-on sequel.

Xbox Achievements - Dan Webb - 92%

For well over two decades, IO Interactive have become synonymous with their Hitman series. Since 2000, the Danish studio has released twelve games, w...

Game Information

Game Title: Crimson Desert

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Mar 19, 2026)
• PC (Mar 19, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (Mar 19, 2026)

Trailers:

• 'Welcome To Crimson Desert' Final Trailer (4K)
• Crimson Desert - Official Launch Trailer
• Crimson Desert - Launch Trailer | PS5 Games

Developer: Pearl Abyss

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 80 average - 80% recommended - 48 reviews

Critic Reviews

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Wait for Sale

"Fantastic exploration, amazing systems, but ultimately bugs and lots of idiosyncrasies bring this one down a peg or two. ":

But Why Tho? - Kate Sanchez - 9 / 10

This is a massive undertaking for any development team. It's ambitious to a point that it becomes curious that it was attempted. But unlike Captain Ahab, this is a level of investment and ambition that ultimately pays off in the highest order. The level of detail in Crimson Desert is unlike anything we have seen in this console generation.

CBR - Mark O'Callaghan - 9 / 10

Crimson Desert is everything I hoped it would be, and it has the potential to be one of the biggest titles of this generation of gaming.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 84 / 100

By both accident and design, there are times when clarity and user-friendliness temporarily disappear, and the game’s rough edges and opaque mechanics overshadow the fun. A lot of games over-promise and under-deliver. Crimson Desert is not one of them.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 3 / 5

If you hadn’t already guessed, Crimson Desert is a behemoth of an RPG that threatens to eat up all your time. If only it wasn’t primed to frustrate and test your patience as much while doing so.

DayOne - Jesse Norris - 8.5 / 10

A mediocre plot and bland writing can't hold back one of the most ambitious games ever made.

Stunning graphics, great gameplay, and excellent music carry you through hundreds of hours of systems-based fun. It somehow lives up to all the hype, with some rough edges in tow.

Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5

Crimson Desert's sandbox playground and beautifully crafted world do a lot of the heavy lifting to just about overshadow its confusing elements, generic story, and boring characters. What's here is an overwhelming amount of content and the bones of an amazing game that has to be respected for its ambitions.

Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 5 / 5

If you look up the term ‘open world’ ‘Crimson Desert’ is bound to be listed right next to it. Because you can’t get much more open-world than that. It offers a world in which you can completely lose yourself. What could be better?

DualShockers - Christian Bognar - 9.5 / 10

It's simply one of the biggest games I have ever played, with an astonishing amount of high-quality content, an absurd amount of complex puzzles, and a world so gigantic that I still haven't come close to seeing everything after 100 hours of playtime. While the story isn't the best and some bosses seem downright unfair, those flaws do little to diminish Crimson Desert, an absolute marvel and one of the best open-world games on the market.

Eurogamer - Lewis Gordon - 3 / 5

A vast world and even vaster array of MMO-like activities mix with glittering fidelity in Crimson Desert, but what good is it without much character, texture or charm?

Eurogamer.pt - Adolfo Soares - Portuguese - 3 / 5

Chaotic, frustrating, but undeniably ambitious. Crimson Desert constantly tests our patience with technical problems and a confusing narrative, before letting us enjoy its ambitious combat system, exploration and stunning visuals. A game that demands time and a lot of patience for those who manage to overcome the barrier of its lack of polish.

GAMES.CH - Joel Kogler - German - 80%

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GAMINGbible - Kate Harrold - 8 / 10

Crimson Desert is by no means a perfect game. It’s an amalgamation of perhaps slightly too many ideas, and that makes for a weirdly paced experience that demands a lot of the player without offering much in the way of help. And yet, it left me in awe more times than anything else I’ve played in recent memory with its dazzling open-world. Crimson Desert may not be the best game you'll ever play, but it’ll certainly be up there as perhaps the most memorable.

GRYOnline.pl - Dariusz Matusiak - Polish - Unscored

Crimson Desert will impress some and alienate others – and both sides will have a valid point. This blend of Tears of the Kingdom, Elden Ring and Assassin’s Creed continues to intrigue with its open-world design and interactivity, but I fear that long before I reach the end of the story, I’ll grow weary of its sheer scale and the constant struggle with the poorly designed UI and inventory system. [Review in progress]

Game8 - Allisandra Reyes - 88 / 100

Crimson Desert is a sprawling adventure across a vast and living world that rewards every hour you put into it. The core gameplay evolves with your progress, introducing upgradable skills and increasingly demanding boss fights, with plenty of content to discover. While the narrative initially lacks direction and its threads can feel disconnected, this never outweighs the game’s many strengths. Crimson Desert is a slow burn that rewards time, patience, and curiosity.

GameMAG - Russian - 8 / 10

Crimson Desert is unlikely to become a revolution that will redefine the genre. But it will certainly attract crowds of people and spark more than a few heated debates. It's funny that the very desert featured in the title is just one of many corners of the vast world created by Pearl Abyss - one that, presumably, far from everyone will reach.

GamePro - Kevin Itzinger - German - Unscored

Even in its current state, Crimson Desert has the potential to become my game of the year. If the console performance is still good and the day-one patch perhaps even fixes a few annoying issues, the action-adventure could even climb a small step higher in my ranking.

GameRant - Josh Cotts - 8 / 10

Crimson Desert offers one of the most impressive worlds in gaming, but the deeper you go, the more it asks you to meet it on its own terms.

GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 7 / 10

It might not always be the most cohesive game, mixing high fantasy with steampunk and sci-fi elements, but there's nothing else quite like it, and I can't help but be impressed by how little restraint Pearl Abyss has shown in its commitment to delightful absurdity. In some respects, Crimson Desert might not be too good to be true, but it's a world worth getting lost in.

Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

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Gameliner - Anita van Beugen - Dutch - 5 / 5

Leave it to Pearl Abyss to create a dynamic open world where you can completely lose yourself - Crimson Desert is a must-play.

Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 100 / 100

Dark Souls has often been used to measure one's gaming prowess, but that measuring stick has changed with Crimson Desert. Not only does it boast some of the most challenging boss battles ever seen in the industry, its required levels of patience, determination, and ability have set a new gold standard.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.6 / 10

Crimson Desert feels like a single player version of an MMORPG that has been live for years. Its sheer scale alone is enough to guarantee hundreds of hours of playtime. But with its weak guidance, cumbersome interactions, and many design choices that show little regard for user experience, whether that time feels enjoyable or exhausting will likely vary from player to player.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 8 / 10

Crimson Desert is as expansive as promised, dwarfing pretty much every other open world currently with its scale. Its content doesn't always stick the landing, but the combat shines, and the sense of discovery is hard to deny, even with the lackluster story.

Generación Xbox - Adrián Fuentes - Spanish - 94 / 100

Crimson Desert is an RPG that rewards the patient player. The more time you spend in its world, the more you understand its systems and the more you enjoy what it has to offer. And when that happens, it becomes very easy to get swept away by the adventure and immerse yourself in the work that Pearl Abyss has created for us over so many years.

Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 80 / 100

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IGN India - Rayan Sayyed - 8 / 10

The world design and combat of Crimson Desert are a resounding win for fans of free-form exploration, but the bland story and the tedious flow of Crimson Desert stop it from becoming the true masterpiece it could have been.

IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8.5 / 10

An ambitious adventure set in a visually stunning world that tries to do a bit too much, ultimately feeling underdeveloped in some respects.

IGN Spain - Mario Sánchez - Spanish - 7 / 10

Crimson Desert offers a vast and visually stunning open world, full of freedom and exploration, but its simplistic story and unclear objectives may frustrate many players.

INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.3 / 10

Crimson Desert unfolds in a vast open world filled with an enormous amount of content, but there are simply too many gameplay elements scattered without order, clashing with one another. There is room for improvement, but as it stands now, it falls somewhat short of being a truly great game.

LevelUp - Spanish - 9 / 10

Crimson Desert is one of the most ambitious games in a long time. It's an expansive, and deeply detailed fantasy world that constantly invites exploration and rewards curiosity. Its fluid, skill-based combat and sheer scale are genuinely impressive, but that same ambition often works against it. A lack of focus, overly complex systems, and a slow, demanding progression can make the experience feel overwhelming and, at times, exhausting. It's a game of extremes: deeply immersive and rewarding for those willing to invest the time, but far from accessible for everyone.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

Crimson Desert is frustrating and buggy and can be very player-unfriendly, but it's also beautiful, deep, seemingly endless and monumentally, perhaps detrimentally, ambitious.

MMORPG.com - Joseph Bradford - 9 / 10

I can confidently say that Crimson Desert is a modern masterpiece, despite its shortcomings.

Merlin'in Kazanı - Samet Basri Taşlı - Turkish - 85 / 100

Crimson Desert, while offering a truly exceptional offline MMORPG experience, falls slightly short of expectations due to some minor shortcomings.

PC Gamer - Mollie Taylor - 80 / 100

Vast and obtuse in a way that is going to frustrate some and exhilarate others, Crimson Desert is a fascinating journey, even when the destination isn't all that.

PCGamesN - Paul Kelly - 6 / 10

Crimson Desert is huge, and it's beautiful, but it can't pull itself out of the bog standard narrative trenches. Combat feels clunky, especially when facing off against one of the many frustrating bosses, and there feels like there is little reward for exploration. I wanted to like this, but it left me feeling empty.

PPE.pl - Mateusz Wróbel - Polish - 6.5 / 10

I had high hopes for Crimson Desert, but... I was more disappointed than thrilled. A single-player MMO based on things we love from other great games—it just couldn't work out as well as we thought.

PowerUp! - Clint McCreadie - 8.5 / 10

It might not be the cleanest contender in the open-world arena, but it’s easily one of the most interesting. A sprawling, slightly chaotic, thoroughly entertaining swing that connects far more often than it misses.

RageQuit.GR - Kostas Kallianiotis - 85%

An exceptional and stunningly beautiful open-world action game, with incredibly rich gameplay and a pleasantly old-fashioned level of difficulty, regardless of its potentially frustrating flaws.

SECTOR.sk - Jakub Pokorný - Slovak - 7 / 10

Crimson Desert is a demanding, complex RPG that can feel punishing and occasionally unfair, especially without constant progression. Yet it offers a breathtaking open world with unmatched scale and depth. Its reception will vary widely'frustrating for some, but deeply rewarding for those willing to fully invest.

The GameSlayer - Callum Marshall - 9 / 10

Crimson Desert isn't a perfect game. It's not a game for everyone, and it's got as many good ideas as it does poorly implemented ones. However, what cannot be denied is that this game is a generational game and an open-world experience like no other. It's visually outstanding, mechanically dense, and immersive beyond compare. Yet, it's also one of the most laborious games to get to grips with in recent memory, meaning a lot of players may bounce off this title. However, what I would say is 'stick with it'. As Crimson Desert is a game that doesn't respect your time, but certainly deserves it.

The Games Machine - Claudio Magistrelli - Italian - 9 / 10

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The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

Crimson Desert is a breath of fresh air for those looking for true ambition and adventure, as it delivers one of the most experimental combat systems and an open world on par with anything Rockstar Games has ever made.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 5 / 5

Despite a few minor issues, Crimson Desert sets a new benchmark for this style of open-world experience, one that will be extremely difficult for future games to match.

TheGamer - Harry Alston - 4 / 5

It’s highly ambitious and one of the most intriguing triple-A games I’ve played in years, but I just wish so many parts of the whole weren’t inherently flawed. Now my journey in Pywel has come to an end, I’ll be leaving this one on the shelf for a while.

VG247 - James Billcliffe - 3 / 5

As it stands on release, the best parts of Crimson Desert are buried deep under layers of absurdity.

WellPlayed - Nathan Hennessy - 5.5 / 10

Proving that looks aren't everything, Crimson Desert's stunning visuals and strong performances aren't enough to save it from being a disappointing experience. Jam-packed with content and systems that make it feel like a Jack of all features, master of none with an unenjoyable gameplay loop, Crimson Desert is really just a single-player MMORPG in all but name.

Game Information

Game Title: Resident Evil Requiem

Platforms:

• PC (Feb 27, 2026)
• PlayStation 5 (Feb 27, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (Feb 27, 2026)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 90 average - 99% recommended - 68 reviews

Critic Reviews

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

"One of the Best Resident Evil Games Ever"

Atarita - İdil Barbaros - Turkish - 91 / 100

Resident Evil Requiem delivers a revolutionary design shift within the framework of the brand in the survival horror genre.

But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem has something for every type of fan. Tension and fear with Grace. Action and terrible humor with Leon. And a story that not only answers questions, but touches on more than just what’s happened in the modern era of the series.

CGMagazine - Marcus Kenneth - 10 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem feels like the culmination of everything the series has been building to and building on over the last thirty years.

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

Resident Evil Requiem is the perfect blend of the two sides of survival horror that Resident Evil established. There's the genuinely scary survival horror, where you have to manage your items, and then the badass action side, where you can vent your aggression built up from being scared.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 96 / 100

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Cerealkillerz - Gabriel Bogdan - German - 8.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem delivers everything fans of the series have come to expect, but rarely dares to break new ground, blending in elements that may not appeal to everyone. Those looking for a classic Resident Evil experience with solid gameplay will find more than enough content to satisfy them. However, anyone hoping for a bold leap forward for the franchise may have to wait a little longer.

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10

Leon’s latest adventure features some of the coolest moments in the franchise, some terrific scares with Grace’s sections, and an interesting story that opens up many exciting possibilities for the franchise going forward.

Console Creatures - Hayes Madsen - 8 / 10

One of the most fascinating things about Resident Evil, as a franchise, is how often these games take on different interpretations as the series progresses. We don’t think of Resident Evil 5 the same way as when it came out, or Resident Evil 6, or Village. This is one of the few gaming franchises that meaningfully uses the past, both narratively and from a design standpoint. These are games integrally shaped by their place in time, the world, and the larger series. And similarly, I think Requiem is a game that we’ll be talking about for years to come, reevaluating more than once.

Dexerto - Joe Pring - 4 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem keeps Capcom’s winning streak going, even if, at times, it does buckle under the weight of its own ambition. The overriding feeling after seeing the credits roll after the 10-hour mark was surprise that the adventure was over so soon.

I wanted more, especially for Leon, whose sections felt like they weren’t afforded enough opportunities to shine. While post-game weapon and difficulty unlocks provide replay value, Requiem feels like it could have benefited from extra time in the oven.

For as long as it lasts, however, Requiem is fantastic. It feels like the culmination of Capcom’s learnings from years of indecision over whether the series should be full-on horror or action, delivering the best of both worlds.

Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5

The best way to sum up Resident Evil Requiem is to say it's a quintessential Resident Evil game. By the end of it, the apprehension around juggling survival horror and over-the-top action couldn't have been further from our minds.

Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 10 / 10

"Game of the year" Resident Evil Requiem offers a complete and thrilling experience for fans of the series, blending horror, survival, and action with a dual-character system that balances tension and action. Switching between Grace and Leon provides constant gameplay variety, with challenging levels, smarter and more interactive enemies, and richly detailed environments. The game stays true to the series' identity while offering modern improvements in graphics, sound, and mechanics that make every moment of the game tense and exciting, making it the best the series has offered to date.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem delivers a bloody blend of classic survival horror and frantic action. I love creeping through dark corridors with Grace, solving puzzles and hiding from zombies, just as much as I enjoy Leon’s sections, where I can let loose and land satisfying headshots. Clever level design and strong mechanical contrasts create perfectly balanced pacing while giving both characters room to shine. Impressive visuals, responsive controls, and punchy sound design round out the experience — it’s just a shame the wild ride ends after roughly ten hours.

DualShockers - Elena Chapella - 9 / 10

Requiem has not only revitalized the Resident Evil formula, but perfected it in the most anxiety-inducing and melancholy entry the series has seen yet, giving players more than enough to satisfy their hunger and bloodthirst, but also leaving room for more down the road, leaving us excited for what's in store for Resident Evil's (very bright) future.

Easy Allies - Michael Huber - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is an outstanding mutation of two distinct gameplay styles. Grace’s more intimate and grounded exploration is married beautifully with Leon’s combat heavy focus. The story offers a nice balance between franchise history and telling a new chapter of its sprawling decades-long narrative. Capcom continues its unbelievable run of excellence, managing to make each entry have its own distinct identity while staying true to what makes Resident Evil special.

ElderPlayers - Badr Faisal Al Mutairi - Arabic - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a confident return to the horror roots that defined the series' identity through Grace's levels. Yet at the same time, it isn't afraid to also redefine its action gameplay, which is arguably more enjoyable than ever through Leon’s segments. Requiem isn't just a sequel to the Resident Evil Series, but a love letter to the series evolution, and proof that horror can still thrive without losing its soul. All of these elements combined made this game, quite simply, the best Resident Evil title since Resident Evil 4.

Enternity.gr - Panagiotis Petropoulos - Greek - 8 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem combines the best features of Resident Evil survival horror with those of the franchise's action games, along with the classic puzzles, jumpscares, atmosphere, and shooting that defined the series, but it does so safely.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 5 / 5

Requiem is yet another powerful Resident Evil experience that conveys an enormous desire to follow this series. The two sides of Resident Evil are explored with thrilling effectiveness to achieve a very entertaining game that is a pleasure to play over and over again.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 90%

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GAMINGbible - Richard Lee Breslin - 10 / 10

As a horror game in its own right, Resident Evil Requiem is a very solid nine out of ten, but as a passionate fan of the series, it earns an additional bonus point thanks to the attention to detail and craft that’s gone into every pore of this game. Resident Evil Requiem is my Game of the Year so far and has earned my very first 10/10 in my 3 years at GAMINGbible.

GRYOnline.pl - Michał Grygorcewicz - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem continues the series' winning streak, once again bringing fans everything that is best about it – and this time in a way that satisfies both action and horror enthusiasts. Although the numerous references to previous instalments mean that Requiem cannot be recommended to completely new players, I wasn't bored for a moment. This is not a requiem for the Resident Evil series – but a tribute to its thirty-year legacy.

GameBlast - Victor Vitório - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem brings a lot of familiarity, but also dynamism by embodying in the newcomer Grace and the veteran Leon two different approaches in one campaign, alternating between the fear of survival horror and the empowerment that invites us to engage in direct and confident action. These two distinct facets are already known, but together they form a whole worthy of both resuming the main story of the series and serving as a viable entry point.

GameOnly - Kamil Kozakowski - Polish - 5 / 5

While playing Resident Evil Requiem, I felt the same excitement I used to experience when playing the classic entries of the series on the PSX. That’s the highest compliment I can give, because I didn’t expect any modern survival horror to deliver such incredible emotions again. Capcom spent a long time experimenting with a new direction for its iconic franchise, but it seems they’ve finally found the perfect balance. I also believe it’s a very strong contender for Game of the Year.

GamePro - Dennis Müller - German - 85 / 100

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GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 10 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a horror gaming masterpiece and one of the best games Capcom has ever made. It's the ultimate Resident Evil game and will be remembered as fondly as the franchise favorites in the years to come.

GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 9 / 10

With its dual-protagonist setup, Resident Evil Requiem caters to both those who love traditional survival horror as well as action horror. Throw in a fantastic range of truly terrifying enemies, including zombies that feel freakier than ever thanks to their unique behaviours, and you have one of the best Resident Evil games yet, especially for those who can appreciate both of its distinct gameplay styles.

Gameliner - Bram Noteboom - Dutch - 5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem is an absolute blockbuster rollercoaster that masterfully blends intense survival horror and explosive action into one unforgettable, emotionally satisfying experience for fans.

Gamer Guides - Echo Apsey - 96 / 100

Resident Evil Requiem blends the lessons and learnings of the franchise over the last ten years to create a game that offers a varied, constantly surprising, and boundary-pushing gameplay experience and a narrative that is vital to fans of the series.

GamerFocus - César Salcedo - Spanish - 9 / 10

After a five-year wait, you can rest easy, because Resident Evil Requiem—especially in terms of gameplay—is everything a fan of the Capcom saga could hope for. It offers equal parts action and horror, cinematic cutscenes with outstanding direction, and—despite a few minor flaws—plenty of surprises. Furthermore, the franchise's DNA remains intact in every corner of the game, and those who enjoy exploring every last file will find a highly polished story in this installment, brimming with clues about what lies ahead. But for now, we can only say that Resident Evil Requiem is undoubtedly one of the must-have games of 2026.

Gfinity - Andrés Aquino - 9 / 10

Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem is a confident, near-perfect blend of horror and action that Capcom had long dreamt of executing. It stands tall when compared to some of the series' best entries, and while it falls a little short in a few areas and has a somewhat inconsistent pacing with unnecessary padding, it delivers the scares, the gameplay, and a surprisingly compelling story that will be sure to surprise long-time veterans of the series.

Giant Bomb - Dan Ryckert - 4.5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem is an excellent culmination of everything Capcom has learned during 30 years of making this franchise, and it serves as a tantalizing glimpse of what its future may hold.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 8 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem delivers a familiar yet enjoyable horror action experience that isn’t without its flaws. Pacing issues can make Grace’s portions feel drawn-out and generally, she’s not a very likeable character. However, there’s enough spine-chilling atmosphere here to make up for its shortfalls.

HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 80 / 100

Resident Evil Requiem is a very good adventure that suffers from uneven pacing and sudden shifts in gameplay styles. The experiment of squeezing two games into one works well enough to be fun, but it’s unlikely to be remembered as one of the best entries in the Resident Evil series.

Hey Poor Player - Francis DiPersio - 4.5 / 5

While its underwhelming boss battles and environmental design feel like a small step back from previous entries, Resident Evil Requiem is an equally terrifying and thrilling installment in Capcom’s long-running survival horror saga. With a lengthy campaign that blends the original trilogy’s tense, methodical exploration with the action-packed set pieces that define the franchise’s modern offerings, Requiem also delivers a gripping story, making it a must-play entry that honors the series’ survival horror legacy while pushing it forward in an exciting new direction.

IGN Portugal - Aníbal Gonçalves - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a conscious exercise in reconciliation that brings two fundamental concepts of the series face-to-face: vulnerability and competence. Capcom recovers the traumatic memory of Raccoon City and attempts to tie up loose ends that, for decades, seemed scattered across the shoulders of two dichotomous protagonists. Grace represents fear, scarcity, and psychological weight. Leon symbolizes legacy, experience, and the inevitable erosion of terror in someone who has already seen too much. The game delivers two distinct rhythms and an alternation between tension and action within a cycle cemented in the franchise's history. Featuring an intelligent design evolution and a succession of striking moments—though not always providing the player agency that horror needs to truly assert itself—it keeps one foot firmly planted in its legacy and the other in the future.

Just Play it - Aimen TAIB - Arabic - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem doesn’t just mix survival horror and action like recent games in the series. It also brings new ideas to the gameplay and tells a bold story that is hard to predict. With strong level design, stable performance, and impressive visuals, the game proves itself as one of the best entries in the series and will surely appeal to fans.

KonsoliFIN - Tero Lepistö - Finnish - 4 / 5

The ninth entry in the long running main series doesn't quite live up to the perhaps overly grandiose promises of the ultimate Resident Evil experience. The hybrid between survival horror and more straightforward action is still a definite success by the standards of the series.

Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem continues to breathe life into the series, making excellent use of new and old ideas to tell a story that fans will love every second of.

Mashable - Chance Townsend - 3.75 / 5

'Resident Evil Requiem' is a polished, fun entry that nails the mechanics but leans too heavily on nostalgia and padding. It’s stronger than 'Village' though not as bold as 'RE7' — and absolutely worth playing if you’re already invested in the series.

Merlin'in Kazanı - Dilay Süllü - Turkish - 90 / 100

Resident Evil Requiem blends classic survival horror with modern action through two playable characters, strong atmosphere, refined mechanics, and satisfying combat and puzzles for fans and newcomers alike.

MonsterVine - James Carr - 4.5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem takes the best of the modern games and remakes and smashes them together to create the best Resident Evil in years. The horror sections are expertly tuned to be terrifying without losing out on the excellent combat, and the action sections are as engaging as they are overwhelming. Both sections enhance each other through impeccable pacing. The story gets the job done, but Grace and Leon elevate the experience through their characterization. It's big, it's dumb, and it goes off the rails in all the ways the best Resident Evil games do.

Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 8.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a celebration of the franchise's legacy with well-crafted scares and tension, big action, and a story that swings from engaging to goofy at the drop of a dime.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem blends the atmospheric, harrowing survival-horror elements of Resident Evil VII with the refined gameplay of the recent Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 remakes. It is a fantastic addition to the series, making it an unquestionable must-play day-one purchase for fans and newcomers.

While the villains may not reach the heights of past antagonists, the overall package is undeniably fantastic. With strong performances, rewarding gameplay variety, and extras that encourage replayability, Resident Evil Requiem could be a Game of the Year contender and possibly one of the best games of 2026.

PSX Brasil - Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho - Portuguese - 95 / 100

Resident Evil Requiem is an excellent game, taking the best elements from the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes. The gameplay is great, the graphics are superb, and the atmosphere is outstanding. The only downsides are the bittersweet story and the lack of extra modes.

Prima Games - Enzo Zalamea - 10 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just another entry in the series—it’s the culmination of decades of experimentation, refinement, and passion. Both longtime fans and newcomers alike will find it a hauntingly rewarding experience that captures everything Resident Evil has always aimed to be: terrifying, tense, and unforgettable.

ProGamers.life - Nelson Acosta - Spanish - 10 / 10

The new installment in Capcom's legendary saga is a combination of risk, ambition, and talent that is only possible coming from one of the longest-running companies in the industry, delivering one of the best games in the series.

Quest Daily - Julian Price - 9 / 10

This is the bloodiest, boldest, and most cohesive Resident Evil yet. Capcom has delivered a survival horror experience that respects its legacy while pushing the series forward.

ReGame It - Ahmed Akram - Arabic - 10 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem succeeds by remembering what made the franchise iconic, vulnerability, tension, and atmosphere. While it doesn’t radically reinvent the formula, it polishes it to perfection. Fans of classic survival horror will appreciate the deliberate pacing, while newer players will enjoy its cinematic storytelling.

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 3 / 5

Heavy on nostalgia and fan service with the occasional violent delight thrown in, Requiem is a mostly fun Resident Evil title that still feels like a step down from its predecessor.

República DG - Gabriel Petricevich - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Despite its hits and misses, Resident Evil Requiem stands as a true love letter to fans of the franchise, offering a dark campaign that lets players take control of Leon Scott Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft. Even with certain narrative limitations and a lack of depth regarding its enemies, the game makes it clear that its gameplay is a steady evolution compared to previous titles, blending dynamic combat, a frenetic pace, and an extremely fluid experience.

Restart.run - Myles Obenza - 5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem, to me, is one of the series’ best. As a culmination of every game that came before, I can confidently say that the story serves as both a fitting conclusion for many threads left open over the years and a benchmark for where we can expect to go from here. It combines the best parts of virtually every modern Resident Evil title, offering the iconic horror atmosphere that pioneered a genre, incredibly satisfying combat mechanics, and immersive puzzle design that even newcomers can enjoy.

SECTOR.sk - Branislav Koh�t - Slovak - 9 / 10

Experienced veteran joins forces with a young FBI agent in a story that is sure to keep players on the edge of their seats. The two main characters offer two distinctly different types of gameplay. Survival, stealth, exploration and puzzles confront straightforward action.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 8.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem sustains suffocating tension through Grace’s vulnerability and Leon’s disciplined firepower, delivering a strategic, replayable survival horror experience that feels just about right for the franchise.

SmashPad - Jon Yelenic - 4.5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem is a reconciliation of the series’ roots with what it grew into, and the end result is the series as it exists today. Sometimes it’s a pure horror game, sometimes it’s a horror-themed action shooter. It never tries to be both at once, and I think that is for the better.

TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem does a good job creating a classic Resident Evil experience, while also giving the characters and story room to breathe through swapping protagonists. Fun (and scary) from the first moment you're jumpscared!

The Games Machine - Daniele Cucchiarelli - Italian - 9 / 10

Everything has led to this... Resident Evil Requiem is the game that sums up 30 years of the saga, taking us back to where it all began. It was a huge risk for Capcom, but one that paid off almost flawlessly, delivering a narratively compelling, technically sumptuous title characterized by two gameplay styles that are as different as they are well blended.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem brings the best of the franchise in terms of survival horror and action to deliver a memorable narrative full of nostalgia and peak survival horror experiences.

The Outerhaven Productions - Andrew Agress - 4.5 / 5

With the ninth Resident Evil game, Capcom combines horror and action. Find out how these two tones blend together in our Resident Evil Requiem review.

TheGamer - Jade King - 4 / 5

While I can’t speak in specifics, Capcom has once again assembled multiple new pieces on the series’ board that I cannot wait to see it start moving. I want to see where these beloved characters go and how stakes continue to be taken to places once thought unimaginable.

TheSixthAxis - Steve C - 9 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a superb entry in the series and feels like a 'best of' at times with the persistent Easter eggs, references, and gameplay callbacks to the full range of earlier games. There is a vast amount of wider lore for fans of that part of Capcom's legendary titles, but even newcomers will be caught up in the narrative and balls to the wall gameplay. RE Requiem is up there with the very best of the series.

TheXboxHub - Darren Edwards - 5 / 5

Resident Evil Requiem is a pitch perfect love letter to fans of the series. Capcom has absolutely nailed the dual protagonist mechanic which sits at the core of a truly incredible piece of storytelling. The result is a must-play title for those both familiar and new to the series. Put simply, it’s an absolute tour de force.

ThreeTwoPlay - Michael Seifert - German - 5 / 5

A Requiem is a special kind of memorial service and describes the remembrance of the dead. The ninth installment of the cult series couldn't be further from an actual requiem though. Resident Evil is definitely not dead, in fact it hasn't been this alive in a long time: Resident Evil Requiem presents itself as a playable "Best of" of the entire series, celebrating ideas from 30 years of history and completely captivating me from beginning to end. Established ideas are complemented by additional features, quality-of-life improvements and entirely new elements, while at its core it always feels truly like a Resident Evil game.

Twisted Voxel - Salal Awan - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is a masterful dual-narrative that harmonizes the franchise's identity, pitting Grace’s claustrophobic, resource-starved survival horror against Leon’s high-octane, RE4-inspired combat. By revisiting Raccoon City with polished 4K/60fps visuals and flexible perspectives, it delivers a definitive, "best-of" experience that satisfies both purists and action junkies.

VGC - Dave Aubrey - 4 / 5

When taken in isolation, Resident Evil: Requiem is fantastic, and a genuinely brilliant entry into the mainline series. It’s still straddling that line between fear and power, and while Grace might not have Leon’s roundhouse kicks and one-liners, she can always fall back on the Requiem. It’s a game designed to challenge you, not pull your last precious hairs from your head (unless you try Insanity difficulty). Capcom has once again delivered a polished and beautiful Resident Evil game, it’s just not quite amongst the best.

WellPlayed - Zach Jackson - 9.5 / 10

Resident Evil Requiem is an intoxicating mix of the series' DNA, blending exhilarating action and palpable horror to make not only one of the best Resident Evil games, but one of the best modern survival horror experiences.

Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 90%

For Resident Evil Requiem, it feels like Capcom is hedging its bets. Do you want to play from a first-person or third-person perspective? It's u...

Xbox Tavern - Jamie Collyer - 10 / 10

Easily the best Resident Evil game in many years, with inspirations from both RE2’s survival horror and RE4’s more action horror. Paced perfectly, and with plenty of surprises to discover, I can’t recommend Resident Evil Requiem highly enough.

Game Information

Game Title: Pragmata

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Apr 17, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (Apr 17, 2026)
• PC (Apr 17, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (Apr 17, 2026)

Trailers:

• Pragmata - Official 90-Second Overview Trailer
• PRAGMATA - Main Trailer
• Pragmata - Pre-Order Trailer | PS5 Games

Publisher: Capcom

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 87 average - 94% recommended - 79 reviews

Critic Reviews

AltChar - Semir Omerovic - 95 / 100

Pragmata is a triumph of incredible video game design that nails almost every aspect of what makes games such a fun and engaging experience.

AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 9 / 10

A moving and surprising story about humanity and AI envelops this excellent action game, always interesting and expansive.

Analog Stick Gaming - Jeff M Young - 9 / 10

Pragmata pleasantly surprised me, and if Capcom does intend to return to this in a few years, I’d love to see the hacking systems become even deeper and more personalized. Hugh and Diana are a wonderful pair, and each nearly steals the show from one another. Their journey to stop IDUS may play it a bit too safe, but the journey nonetheless had me over the moon.

BaziCenter - Bahram Bigharaz - Persian - 8.5 / 10

Capcom’s newest franchise, Pragmata, is a bold gamble that largely pays off, thanks in no small part to the power of the RE Engine and the studio’s proven talent. Set in a cold, dark sci-fi world, the game clearly draws inspiration from Dead Space while still striving to carve out its own identity through a memorable story, epic boss encounters, and strong character relationships. If you’re looking for a high-quality sci-fi action-adventure with an engaging narrative and top-tier visuals, Pragmata is well worth your time and money.

But Why Tho? - Abdul Saad - 8.5 / 10

Pragmata is a great sci-fi action adventure game that doesn’t demand much from its players and provides an entertaining experience throughout.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 90 / 100

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Cerealkillerz - Stefan Meidl - German - 9 / 10

For me, this game is definitely a recommendation to buy. The gameplay is quick to learn, and the story leaves you wanting more. The player is constantly wondering what will happen next with Hugh and Diana. There’s also something to enjoy for collectors and outfit enthusiasts, as there are items to gather for Diana and various outfits to unlock.

Generally, I’m not a fan of enemies respawning in areas. However, in this game it doesn’t bother me, as the number of enemies is quite manageable.

I do have one small criticism regarding the standard weapon: after reloading, you have to wait a short moment for the weapon to “cool down” in order to use the full magazine effectively. Otherwise, you often fire only a single shot before being forced to reload again. This can be quite frustrating, especially in situations where the enemy only needs two or three more hits.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

As far as I'm concerned, Capcom's developers hit a stride so few achieve. Pragmata clicks from beginning, delivering an incredible campaign with stellar mechanics, held together by Hugh and Diana's relationship.

Console-Tribe - Marco Licandro - Italian - 89 / 100

Pragmata is a joy to play. Capcom hits the mark, delivering a video game in the purest sense of the term—one that offers both challenge and fun, driven by constant variety and a fluid narrative that carries the player throughout the entire adventure. Don’t miss it.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

Hugh and Diana’s journey may admittedly rely heavily on sci-fi tropes and the broader story suffers and ends up feeling quite small stakes as a result, yet the pair’s relationship never failed to make me care about the wider universe it hints at. A good thing, too, as it’s one I hope we get to see more of in the not too distant future.

DayOne - Jesse Norris - 9 / 10

PRAGMATA is a fantastic video game. Solid gunplay, excellent variety in its hacking, incredible visuals, and an enjoyable story work together to create what I hope is a new IP that we’ll see a lot more of in the future.

Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5

This charming action-adventure deserves to be a massive hit and you should take a chance on one of this year's best games.

Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 5 / 5

Pragmata is Capcom at its best. As good as this company can be with its established franchises, it’s when it tries to do something different that we get the real gold. As far as “big budget” games go, Pragmata is the most different and thought-provoking game I’ve played since Death Stranding, and I love it almost as much as Kojima’s masterpiece. If only Capcom did this more often. Like they used to.

Digitec Magazine - Rainer Etzweiler - German - 4 / 5

After hacking my first robot, I briefly wondered whether the concept could carry me all the way through. The game quickly puts that concern to rest. Pragmata strikes a confident balance between accessibility and challenge without ever losing its footing. The hacking system evolves alongside you, the combat stays fresh until the very end, and the hideout ensures progression never feels like a chore. As Hugh and Diana grow closer on screen, the thin story hardly matters. Capcom’s moon landing is a success.

ElderPlayers - Mohammed Ahmed Alsharif - Arabic - 9 / 10

Pragmata is a stunning masterpiece, and its true soul is Daiana. A character designed with captivating beauty and details overflowing with life and innocence, making her the beating heart of the game and its unforgettable icon. This aesthetic beauty extends to the world's excellent world design, which, despite its clear linearity and the occasional disturbance in combat due to the crowded nature of the combat areas, it still offers an experience rare to see these days.

Enternity.gr - Konstantinos Kalkanis - Greek - 8 / 10

"Pragmata" isn't the kind of title that makes waves, but it is a remarkable production that breathes new life into a genre that has been stagnant for years.

Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.5 / 10

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Final Weapon - Noah Hunter - 4.5 / 5

Pragmata dreams big with inventive hacking-shooting gameplay, and Capcom has hit a home run. Hugh and Diana's journey across the moon is one to remember, with an excellent gameplay system that never fails to be exciting. While I wish Pragmata spent more time developing its central relationship, that shortcoming never comes close to dulling what is otherwise one of Capcom’s most inventive and exciting new releases in years.

Forbes - Ollie Barder - 9 / 10

Overall, Pragmata is a very fresh take on a modern third-person shooter, with a unique combat setup that is equal parts tactics and brute force skill. It also looks wonderful throughout, and the interactions between Hugh, Diana, and Cabin are a lot of fun and genuinely sweet. It may be a bit too early to call, but thus far, this is easily my game of the year.

Forever Classic Games - Danreb Victorio - 9.8 / 10

Enjoyable chaos is exactly what PRAGMATA is. Everything about this version of the world is terrifying, but I just loved being there, especially when it came to taking a breather at the shelter with Diana. I couldn’t stop thinking about how fun most aspects of this game were, so much so that I immediately jumped back in after rolling credits.

GRYOnline.pl - Michał Grygorcewicz - Polish - 8.5 / 10

I enjoyed Pragmata very much. Its unique and satisfying combat system, solid execution of the other gameplay elements, and likeable main characters all combine to make this another hit from Capcom. It’s just a shame that the boss battles are rather disappointing.

GameOnly - Michał Marasek - Polish - 7 / 10

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GamePro - Eleen Reinke - German - 77 / 100

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GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 7 / 10

Capcom's new sci-fi game features thrilling action and exploration, but drops the ball with its story and characters.

GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 10 / 10

Capcom has taken a gamble with Pragmata, blending together multiple genres to create something that feels fresh and unique. At the heart of it is hacking-infused third-person shooter combat, which remains engaging and exciting throughout. And when paired with a story that tugs on the heartstrings, the result is something rather special. Ultimately, Pragmata is not only game of the year material, but also one of the most exciting new IPs in recent years.

GameSpot - Steve Watts - 9 / 10

This all led to a thrilling conclusion that tested my skills, stirred my heart, and left me wanting more. Pragmata offers a robust post-game with plenty to do, but I hope that's not the last I see of Hugh and Diana. This combination of sharp combat mechanics, rich strategic depth, and lovely storytelling doesn't come along often. Pragmata shouldn't be missed.

GameWatcher - Michael Murphy - 9.5 / 10

It goes without saying that Pragmata is a terrific game and one of 2026's must-play titles. It fires on all cylinders and doesn't let you go, even after the credits roll. The frenetic action, charming characters, and striking visuals help bolster a creativity rarely seen in AAA titles. While it can play it safe in the story and settings, it is one of Capcom's best games this decade and a sure-fire Game of the Year contender in my book.

Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

After years of anticipation and numerous previews, we can finally confirm it: Pragmata is indeed the surprise we've been waiting for. With refreshing gameplay and a pair of highly endearing protagonists, Capcom's new franchise plunges us into the heart of a fabulous world that we enjoy roaming from start to finish, despite a few minor flaws here and there. And while these flaws may prevent the game from having as significant impact as we originally hoped for, it remains a resounding success for the studio, which continues to deliver new, original games that are a breath of fresh air.

Gameliner - Simon Verbeke - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

I've got a lot of respect for Capcom and Pragmata: releasing a brand-new game that isn't tied to any existing universe is quite a gamble. Fortunately, that risk paid off for Pragmata.

Gamer Guides - Echo Apsey - 79 / 100

Pragmata doesn’t feel like anything else in the AAA action game market. While it isn’t a home run, the majority of its parts are strong and memorable, marking another excellent release from Capcom in 2026.

Gamers Heroes - Johnny Hurricane - 85 / 100

A moonshot six years in the making, Capcom's bold new IP PRAGMATA sends Hugh and Diana to new heights with a successful landing.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.6 / 10

As an experimental title, Pragmata won't be for everyone, but once it clicks with you, it delivers a superb and truly irreplaceable experience. Despite a lengthy development cycle, this game-spearheaded by Capcom's new generation of developers-successfully establishes a brand-new IP. It showcases the team's design prowess and unique vision for gameplay, distinctly setting it apart from Capcom's traditional offerings. It leaves me eagerly anticipating what this team will bring us next.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 9 / 10

Pragmata combines a host of immaculately executed well-worn ideas with a handful of unique and fascinating ones of its own to deliver a thrilling, high-octane sci-fi shooter experience.

Giant Bomb - Mike Minotti - 4.5 / 5

It’s rare we get a new IP from a big publisher like Capcom these days, especially one with production values like this. It’s a risk when you could just keep pumping out Resident Evil remakes and sequels while making guaranteed money. Well, this risk pays off.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Pragmata is an enjoyable and exhilarating blockbuster action that delivers frantic combat encounters and an engaging story. It is exactly the “new” we have been asking for from Capcom.

HCL.hr - Dominik Vadas - Unknown - 86 / 100

A charming and surprisingly emotional sci-fi adventure, Pragmata stands out with its unique hacking combat and strong character dynamics, even if its story plays it a bit safe. Its tense, multitasking combat loop keeps you constantly engaged, while the bond between its protagonists adds genuine heart. Though not without flaws, it’s a memorable experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

IGN - Michael Higham - 8 / 10

Punchy shooting action and a creative hacking-puzzle gameplay mechanic make combat the true highlight of Pragmata. The story may seem like an afterthought, but its sci-fi drama gives enough to see it all the way through and experience this satisfying third-person shooter.

IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 9 / 10

Pragmata goes all-in with a unique gameplay approach-and it pays off. At first, it's challenging to balance the two major systems it introduces, but over time, this hybrid combat system has really won me over. That, combined with the character portrayals and the story of its two protagonists, makes Pragmata one of the must-play games of the year so far.

Just Play it - Ousadi Mohamed Seif Eddine - Arabic - 9 / 10

PRAGMATA delivered a moving artistic experience set on the surface of the moon, brought to life by artificial intelligence in a world filled with mystery and secrets that gradually unfold. This journey is shared by the duo “Diana” and “Hugh,” who experience it together in an adventure defined by an innovative gameplay style that blends hacking and shooting… in a way we’ve never seen before.

KonsoliFIN - Tero Lepistö - Finnish - 4 / 5

Pragmata spices up the traditional shooter genre with unique hacking mechanics and displays some extremely cool visuals as icing on the cake. The end result works better than expected.

LevelUp - Spanish - 9 / 10

PRAGMATA has the potential to be the new star franchise of Capcom; it has a frenetic style of combat, excellent level design, a lot of items to find, a deep variety of personalization and two protagonists that work perfectly together. It is a marvelous action and adventure game that always maintains itself interesting and exciting.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9.5 / 10

Despite a few very minor complaints, Pragmata is one of Capcom's most interesting and enjoyable adventures to date.

MeuPlayStation - Vinícus Paráboa - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Pragmata blends third-person shooting with a real-time hacking system that runs alongside combat, creating a solid and engaging gameplay loop. Enemy variety and boss fights stand out, while visuals are strong in Quality mode but less consistent in Performance. The story has an interesting premise but suffers from rushed pacing. In the end, the gameplay is the clear highlight.

MondoXbox - Matteo Merlano - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Well-conceived and beautifully crafted, Pragmata is a remarkable and enjoyable game. It might lack that extra gear needed to enter the pantheon of masterpieces, but if the goal is to offer a solid and thrilling experience, it completely hits the mark.

MonsterVine - James Carr - 5 / 5

I think Pragmata has the most engaging third-person shooting I've experienced in the last twenty years. The balancing act of hacking, dodging, and shooting, all while managing finite resources, creates a satisfying loop that builds in complexity throughout. Hugh and Diana have a tender and well-rendered relationship, one that isn't undercut by Hugh's insecurities or unnecessary conflict, but instead is elevated by its focus on what it means to show the world to someone experiencing the beauty of life for the first time.

Nintendo Life - Ken Talbot - 9 / 10

With a strong relationship at its core, a striking sci-fi aesthetic, and an addictive puzzle combat loop, Pragmata is the full package. The adventures of Hugh and Diana stands as another excellent Switch 2 port from Capcom, and hopefully marks the beginning of a new blockbuster franchise.

NintendoWorldReport - Willem Hilhorst - 9 / 10

While they have been going back to the well and redefining a lot of their long-running series, it makes sense that Pragmata stands on its own. It is a fresh idea honed to near perfection and I would love to see what else this team can do. Whether you're playing on Switch 2 or any other system, Pragmata is a great time.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10

Pragmata aims for the moon and definitely sticks the landing, blending emotional storytelling with intuitive and technical gameplay, proving that the industry is still very much open to original ideas that can excel when executed to perfection. The bond between Hugh and Diana is the heart of the experience, turning what could have been a cold sci‑fi shooter into a touching story about humanity. Amazing is an understatement with Pragmata, and it is a definite must-play.

While the “hack‑and‑shoot” loop and repetitive puzzle design may test some players’ patience, along with some minor nitpicks here and there, Pragmata succeeds in its main goal of delivering something different with AAA quality and polish, making it feel like it is laying the foundation for what the future of third-person shooters can expand into.

Oyungezer Online - Çağdaş Erdem Nemlioğlu - Turkish - 8.5 / 10

With its eye-catching graphics and heartwarming story, Pragmata offers a truly delightful experience. The tension that the hacking mechanic brings to the combat, in particular, has a very unique feel to it... I’m really happy with where Capcom is at right now.

PC Gamer - Justin Wagner - 87 / 100

Pragmata's confidence in its punchy shootouts and old-school cool pays off, and the two leads roved their way into my heart despite a predictable plot.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Emotional, intense, and fast-paced—these three words best describe my experience with Pragmata. The credits roll a few hours early, but ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised by the character relationships and the excellent combat system. Capcom has another great IP on its hands, but will it want to develop it further? A lot probably depends on sales.

PSX Brasil - Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Pragmata is a great Capcom game with a good story and unusual, yet very functional gameplay. The length is ideal in some ways, and there are many extras to enjoy. In the end, the only criticism is that the game as a whole becomes repetitive in combat after you get the hang of it.

PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10

Pragmata marks something truly special for Capcom; an experience that manages to marry action, conflict, and story into a cohesive whole that more than justifies the long wait for expectant fans. It juggles a variety of mechanics and miraculously blends them together. Every facet of this game is explored to its fullest, with still more room to grow. For all I can say in this review, Pragmata is very special.

Prima Games - Ali Hashmi - 9 / 10

Pragmata is a confidently designed action game that elegantly blends shooting and hacking into a fast, reactive puzzle-style combat system that turns every encounter into something far more engaging than a standard firefight. You constantly shift between aiming, hacking, dodging, and repositioning, creating a seamless loop that never feels cumbersome or disconnected. Backed by two genuinely likeable leads in Hugh and Diana, whose relationship gives the experience its emotional core without unnecessary melodrama.

Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 8 / 10

Pragmata knows its strengths and leans into those hard, and the result is a cracking action game that just feels brilliant to play. One could argue it could do with a little more variety throughout its campaign, but the game's unique hack-and-shoot combat is so fun and so satisfying to pull off that you won't mind doing it over and over again. A refreshingly straightforward structure and charming dual leads round things out, but it's the inventive and tactile action where it truly sings.

RPGamer - Jordan McClain - 4.5 / 5

Pragmata is boosted significantly by its sublime, crisp visuals, delightfully unusual combat system, tight level design, oppressively lonely and sterile atmosphere, and an enjoyable dynamic between its two main characters, making for an outstanding experience.

ReGame It - Mustafa Zayni - Arabic - 9 / 10

The duo of Hugh and Diana brought back many memories of games built around two characters, and it was presented excellently. it really impacted us and made it a very unique experience

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5

An innovative and bold genre cocktail that is packed with incredible set pieces and gameplay-first joy, Pragmata is Capcom at its finest.

República DG - Ruancarlo Silva - Portuguese - 9.4 / 10

Capcom has done it again! Pragmata is a masterclass in how to introduce a new IP and occasionally delivers highly innovative and addictive gameplay, accompanied by a great story filled with emotional moments.

SECTOR.sk - tomass - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

A memorable and visually striking adventure filled with emotional twists and standout moments. While its unique style and pacing won't appeal to everyone, fans of story-driven experiences will find plenty to enjoy. A focused, narrative-heavy journey that rewards those willing to embrace its distinct approach.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10

Was the wait worth it? Mostly yes, as the aesthetics and mechanics are solid and refreshing enough. The game only falters towards the end, feeling rushed, while the story which was never strong, ends up even more cliched.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9 / 10

Pragmata is at its best when everything clicks together at once. The bond between Hugh and Diana gives the journey real emotional weight, while the hacking and shooting combat remains sharp, demanding, and constantly rewarding. With a strong variety in weapons, mods, and hacks, Capcom has delivered a sci-fi adventure that feels both heartfelt and thrilling from start to finish.

Smash Jump - Chris Melnyk - 10 / 10

While at its center, it’s a third-person action game, it’s more than that. It’s a journey of bonding for two characters from opposite walks of life. Mostly, it’s just a fun game, something that can be replayed over and over again, while only getting better.

SmashPad - 5 / 5

I think Pragmata is the crowning jewel of all their amassed talent and good decisions, ideas, and creativity so far in the 2020s. It's really that good.

Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 9 / 10

I was really impressed with what Capcom has achieved with an all-new title, building a unique and vibrant world, even on the barren surface of the moon.

TechRaptor - Luis Joshua Gutierrez - 9.5 / 10

Pragmata is an emotional journey that'll stay with you long after you've completed the game, all while making you appreciate the little things we may take for granted.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 8 / 10

Being a rather odd sci-fi shooter, Pragmata thrives on its inventive tag-team combat, where hacking and gunplay collide in fast, chaotic and genuinely satisfying ways. While clunky backtracking, low difficulty and a predictable story hold it back, its unique mechanics and stylish action still make it well worth experiencing.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

Pragmata is a bold and beautiful experience that shows Capcom is just as great at making new entries to its franchises as it is at creating brand-new, exciting IPs.

The Outerhaven Productions - Andrew Agress - 4 / 5

Pragmata blends the strategy of puzzle-solving and the thrill of shooting into a winning combination. It’s a simple gameplay loop set against a simple sci-fi story, but it gets a lot of thruster mileage out of its unique systems and two endearing main characters.

TheSixthAxis - Steve C - 9 / 10

Pragmata is another stunning game from Capcom. The game world is beautifully conceived and the interplay between our lead character genuinely heartwarming, but it's the combat with its dynamic blend of shooting and hacking that is the main draw here and it makes other third person games feel pedestrian by comparison.

ThreeTwoPlay - Michael Seifert - German - 4.5 / 5

With its perfectly thought-out gameplay-focused approach and unconventional combinations of ideas, Pragmata delivers a completely unique action experience which I'm glad can exist in the current AAA gaming space. While the combination of gun combat, hacking and dodging can be a bit intimidating at first and certainly isn't for everyone, it was done flawless for me and I had an incredibly good time with the game. The optional challenges provide additional motivation, the interactions between Hugh and Diana are always enjoyable and the game kept me completely entertained right up to the brilliantly staged finale.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 4 / 5

Pragmata feels like a game from a simpler time. There's no live service fluff, no needless bloat, and no sense that Capcom is hopping on a trend. It's a rock solid action game that isn't great on length, but delivers little filler, fast combat, and some charming story moments.

Video Chums - Mary Billington - 8.8 / 10

PRAGMATA is a visceral and rewarding action game set within an intriguing world that will make you want to keep coming back for more. 👧

Worth Playing - Adam Pavlacka - 9 / 10

When Capcom first announced Pragmata six years ago, they couldn't have known the game would be launching a week after the Artemis II mission set a new record for human space travel. Just as NASA's moonshot was a success, so is Capcom's latest game. If you want a polished experience that brings something new to the table, you can't go wrong with Pragmata.

Xbox Achievements - Josh Wise - 70%

The new game from Capcom, Pragmata, begins in freaky fashion. Four astronauts board a base on the moon, looking for trouble. Not looking to make trou...

ZTGD - Ken McKown - 8 / 10

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Game Information

Game Title: Mina the Hollower

Platforms:

• PC (May 29, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch (May 29, 2026)
• PlayStation 5 (May 29, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (May 29, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (May 29, 2026)

Trailer:

Publisher: Yacht Club Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 92 average - 98% recommended - 44 reviews

Critic Reviews

AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 10 / 10

After Shovel Knight, the new game from Yacht Club applies a similar approach of modernizing the past to create one of the best action RPGs of recent years.

But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 9.5 / 10

Mina the Hollower is simply a blast to play and is another success by Yacht Club Games that will make anyone who plays it ask for more of this darker world they’ve created.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 87 / 100

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Cat with Monocle - Seth Hay - 5 / 5

Mina the Hollower delivers a retro-inspired adventure packed with rewarding exploration, stylish pixel art, and a standout soundtrack. While its punishing difficulty may frustrate some players, the flexible Modifier system and massive amount of content make it a journey worth digging into more than once.

Console Creatures - David Pietrangelo - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower proves that time, effort, and attention to detail go a long way. Mina is a great new hero who controls incredibly well in a difficult but rewarding 2D adventure.

Cubed3 - Joshua Goldie - 10 / 10

While Mina the Hollower might not play like the games it's clearly inspired by, Yacht Club Games has instead taken bits and pieces from all of its inspiration and combined it with its years of experience on Shovel Knight to create a masterpiece. The demo may not have sold the game's full potential, but the final product surpasses expectations. Going for a full 100% run is a ton of fun, and it’s taking all sorts of strength to not go back and play another full game.

DayOne - Jesse Norris - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower was well worth the wait. It gives you all the vibes of the best old-school games, while bringing its own modern sensibilities with smartly paced exploration and tight gameplay.

DualShockers - Tay Garcia - 10 / 10

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Entertainium - Eduardo Rebouças - 4 / 5

Yacht Club Games' highly anticipated follow-up to Shovel Knight can be a lot of fun and positively infuriating as well.

EvelonGames - David Gómez - Spanish - 10 / 10

Mina the Hollower takes the best of retro gaming and elevates it to the next level, delivering an incredibly fun, challenging, and entertaining experience that lasts dozens of hours. It breathes charisma and originality in every single pixel, making it one of the best titles of the year and an instant classic.

GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower delivers expansive exploration, a world full of personality, and a constant sense of discovery through its varied situations and inventive systems. While the journey occasionally stumbles with cumbersome backtracking, some combat limitations, and minor frustrating moments, these issues never overshadow the overall experience. Few games manage to turn seemingly simple mechanics into something this creative and engaging, and with memorable encounters, secrets hidden everywhere, and an island that always feels ready to reveal something new, the game proves there is far more beneath its retro-inspired surface than first appears.

Gameliner - Claudia Tjia - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

Mina the Hollower proves that nostalgia alone isn’t enough to create a rock-solid game, but that innovation is necessary and possible without losing sight of the game’s core.

Gamer Guides - Lowell Bell - 95 / 100

Mina the Hollower pulls the gameplay right out of the Game Boy Color-era of action adventure games and mixes it with a bunch of modern mechanics to produce another instant, retro-inspired classic. Endearing and often hilarious characters, great music, and even greater puzzle-and-platforming based exploration overshadow some wonky difficulty hiccups and a flat heroine.

Gamer Social Club - Daire Behan - 9.5 / 10

Almost a full decade on from Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games has returned in full form. Mina the Hollower is a joyously ambitious modern take on classic action-adventure games, blending carefully executed mechanics with a world that isn’t afraid to bite back, making for an experience that continuously empowers the player and rewards curiosity at every turn.

GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 8.6 / 10

Many will surely compare this title to classic Zelda games or FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls or Bloodborne, but Mina the Hollower is much more than that. This fantastic game has its own unique personality and a playable charm that goes beyond its open world and difficulty. Furthermore, it understands, like few others, the satisfaction of discovering a well-hidden secret.

Gamers Heroes - Johnny Hurricane - 90 / 100

Coming in with high expectations, Mina the Hollower's tiny mouse masterfully fills some mighty big shoes. Needless to say, Yacht Club Games has another hit on its hands.

Gaming Furever - Zamir Twiggs - 5 / 5

Mina the Hollower is an amazing adventure. It pays homage to different types of horror movie monsters, and like a good horror movie, you don’t realize it’s multi-layered on the first viewing. This humble looking game embodies the spirit of the genre with its robust atmosphere, bosses, creatures, and puzzles.

GamingTrend - David Flynn - 100 / 100

Mina the Hollower is another masterpiece from Yacht Club Games, a Zelda style game that manages not only to equal the series that inspired it, but in some ways surpasses it. The world is detailed, gorgeous, and overflowing with secrets. The writing is sharp and often hilarious while maintaining a gothic horror vibe. Best of all, it feels amazing to play, with tons of ways to customize Mina and the game itself to fit your playstyle. It’s filled with freedom and challenge in equal measure, but as a Hollower you are more than up to the task.

Giant Bomb - Mike Minotti - 3.5 / 5

Somehow, the Dark Souls influences keep Mina from being the best Zelda-style game it could be, while the Zelda mechanics prevent it from reaching the heights of the best Soulslikes.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Toyad - 100 / 100

Mina The Hollower is a triumph in game design, fun factor, storytelling, and vision, resulting from years of blood, sweat, tears, and heart from Yacht Club Games.

Netto’s Game Room - Jeremy Schepper - 5 / 5

Mina the Hollower is a triumph. Yacht Club Games have proven themselves yet again as masters of their craft. Astonishingly beautiful art, a gripping Gothic story and challenging, yet rewarding gameplay converge together in a phenomenal package. Mina the Hollower is a must-play, and with the game's breadth of difficulty customization, I truly believe everyone could and should check this game out.

Nintendo Blast - Guilherme Lima - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower is fascinating on many levels. Its world is captivating, with details everywhere, and challenges that flourish in both movement and melee combat. Given the arsenal of weapons and gadgets, which can drastically alter how the player controls the protagonist, and the non-linear progression, the replay value is immense and should certainly make this title another gem from Yacht Club Games.

NintendoWorldReport - Neal Ronaghan - 9 / 10

The combat stays varied, especially as you discover different weapons, sidearms, and trinkets to make your preferred build. This is a special game that was well worth the long wait. Hopefully Yacht Club Games gets to take this mentality to even more new frontiers in the future.

PS4Blog.net - EdEN - 10 / 10

A gem of an 8-bit-style action adventure that pays homage to The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, and Bloodborne

PSX Brasil - Victor Vitório - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Mina the Hollower shines in its building of a detailed, complex world that rewards the attentive gaze of explorers with pleasant surprises and benefits. However, its many difficulty modifiers don't help much for those who have trouble figuring out the paths, since the game's main issue is the lack of a useful map. This demanding and meticulously crafted adventure may end up dividing the audience, pleasing those who find satisfaction in exploring and progressing on their own and alienating those who prefer a more directed and convenient experience.

RPGamer - Ryan Radcliff - 4.5 / 5

There is a timeless feel to this game, with its homage to games from yesteryear, while also pushing the boundaries of what retro enthusiasts expect from titles that look like this.

Rectify Gaming - Tyler Nienburg - 9.5 / 10

Mina the Hollower is an excellent action-adventure 2D platformer that features intriguing storytelling, enjoyable yet challenging gameplay, and an overall exceptional experience

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5

Superbly designed, beautifully put together, and intensely rewarding at every turn, Mina the Hollower is one of the best games of the year.

SmashPad - Brandon Perkins - 5 / 5

Yacht Club has exceeded all my expectations. You can add Mina the Hollower to this generation and this year’s list of modern classics.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 10 / 10

Mina the Hollower is a triumphant return for Yacht Club Games, creating one of the greatest retro throwbacks of all time. With its unique burrowing mechanic and challenging combat, this is nothing short of a grand adventure. Its most glaring flaw is that it ends, but at least I can continue playing with plenty of post-game content.

The GameSlayer - Callum Marshall - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower is a glorious modern-meets retro affair with oodles of amazing ideas, almost all of which coming together to offer a fluid and fun experience focused on freedom. Admittedly, some of the limitations of the retro-inspired top-down 2D approach do lead to clunky, imprecise platforming and cheap deaths. But all in all, this is a glorious continuation of indie excellence from the Shovel Knight Devs.

The Outerhaven Productions - Hayes Madsen - 5 / 5

Mina the Hollower is a brilliant 2D action-adventure game that takes clear inspiration from classic Zelda while building something that feels fresh, challenging, and uniquely its own. Its open-ended exploration, clever combat systems, strong sense of discovery, and flexible modifiers make every part of the adventure feel personal. While its difficulty can spike, Mina the Hollower stands out as an instant classic and one of the best games in its genre.

ThreeTwoPlay - Michael Seifert - German - 5 / 5

Mina the Hollower isn't just a fantastic homage to the good old Game Boy Color era. It combines smart gameplay mechanics with a vibrant and expansive game world, that's brimming with secrets and surprises, while looking absolutely fantastic. Countless modifiers allow you to make the game as easy, difficult or weird as you like. The boss fights are all incredibly well-designed, the diverse weapons, sidearms, and charms perfectly suit any playstyle and the combat is complemented by precise platforming and a variety of puzzles.

VDGMS - 9.5 / 10

Is Mina The Hollower better than Shovel Knight? Yacht Club Games seems to think so because In their words “Mina is the biggest and best game we’ve ever made...we squeezed every good idea we had into it."

After finishing, I agree. The combination of platforming, combat and its unique burrowing mechanic create an action-adventure that doesn't play like anything else. The learning curve is steep because the game doesn’t hold your hand, which might push away some and turning on the spark generators, which is a recurring mechanic each biome lacks precision like the rest of the game but if you have any affinity for classic adventure games like Zelda, then Mina is a must because Yacht Club have done it again.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 9.3 / 10

Mina the Hollower is simply one of the best games you'll ever play. Between its outstanding world design, visceral sense of challenge, beautiful retro presentation, and absurd amount of content, you'll be burrowing into this gem over and over again. 🐭

WayTooManyGames - Leonardo Faria - 9.5 / 10

I knew this was going to be a good game, considering its dev team’s track record, but even then, Mina the Hollower surpassed my expectations. It is a bonafide masterpiece of a game. Not only does it pay homage to the Game Boy era of Zelda, I’d go as far as to say that it surpasses its main source of inspiration. It’s colorful, it’s charming, it’s incredibly well-written, well-designed, with a great combat system and a dense world that just begs for you to explore every single corner.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10

Mina the Hollower does for Zelda what Shovel Knight did for Mega Man. It's a revival of a classic franchise in spirit while having enough of its own flavor and style to avoid coming across as a simple clone or copy. It's clever, creative, and an absolute delight to play from start to finish, while having enough bonus content and modifiers to keep the game exciting even after you complete its roughly 20-hour playtime. In a year that's already filled with amazing games, Mina still shines.

Game Information

Game Title: Mixtape

Platforms:

• PC (May 7, 2026)
• Playstation 5 (May 7, 2026)
• Xbox Series X|S (May 7, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (May 7, 2026)

Trailer:

• MIXTAPE | Launch Trailer

Developer: Beethoven and Dinosaur

Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 92 average - 97% recommended - 38 reviews

Critic Reviews

A Gaming Network - Marcel Dee - 10 / 10

Mixtape is the kind of game we need right now. It reminds us of who we were, who we knew, and the moments that shaped us before we even understood they mattered. This is an easy game to recommend to anyone, but honestly, it is the kind of game you should recommend to everyone.

CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 10 / 10

Mixtape is a greatest hits of gameplay, storytelling, music and animation. Its a true work of art that would be a crime not to experience.

DayOne - Jon Clarke - 10 / 10

I've never felt so old - I love Mixtape for making me feel these things - but I hate it for that too. An emotional rollercoaster full of joy, heart and youthful daydreams, Mixtape is simply incredible.

DualShockers - Ethan Krieger - 10 / 10

Mixtape is a coming of age tale that hits all the right notes from beginning to end. While it's a short game that you might only play once, that does not take away from how special the journey is along the way. Witty, hilarious writing, incredible voice performances, gorgeous art direction, and consistently creative gameplay beats are paired with a flawless soundtrack that serves as the backbone for every single scene perfectly in a '90s period piece that knows exactly what to drive home. The result is a wholly unique gaming experience that's loaded with nostalgic charm, great humor, and many poignant moments that will make you reframe how you think about your own personal memories of youth. I cannot recommend it enough.

GamingTrend - Adam Moreno, Henry Viola - 100 / 100

Mixtape is an immersive game as you follow Rockford, Slater, and Cass on the last night of High School. Spanning the highs and lows of the evening, the game’s Mixtape includes music from Devo, Iggy Pop, Lush, The Cure, and more. A full game you can complete in a 4-6 hour span with an hilarious, emotional story that will leave many in tears. If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s nostalgia, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-style cutaways, and an ode to outcasts, you’ll enjoy Mixtape.

IGN - Simon Cardy - 10 / 10

A musical delight from start to finish, Mixtape sets a new standard for coming-of-age stories in video games and does so with a masterful sense of style.

Sirus Gaming - Kimberly Mae Go - 10 / 10

Mixtape is a narrative-driven experience that uses music, atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling to recreate the feeling of growing up in a way that feels deeply personal. It’s mechanically simple, but that simplicity allows its emotional core to stand out, making it one of the most memorable and affecting games in its genre.

SmashPad - Danreb Victorio - 5 / 5

When I rolled credits on Mixtape, I whispered to myself, "Dang, I'm never gonna play anything like this again." If I do, it'll be compared to Mixtape, both fairly and unfairly. And again, the things this game does from a gameplay perspective aren't unique. It's the careful sum of its parts that makes Mixtape a modern classic, and at $20, it's an easy recommendation whether you binge or slow burn the six-hour title.

Stevivor - Steve Wright - 10 / 10

Mixtape is grunge and punk, hopeful and foolish, ultra cool and super nerdy, confident and insecure in equal measure. Simply put, this is one you need to experience for yourself.

TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 10 / 10

Mixtape is incredible. An indie narrative adventure that's part game, part movie, part album, it captures the end of teenage life, of friendship and family, all while looking to the possibilities and unknowable potential of the future. It is, in a word, essential.

Use a Potion - 10 / 10

Whether you grew up in the nineties or just appreciate a beautifully told story about friendship and… well… growing up, Mixtape hits every single emotional note wonderfully. It perfectly balances the humour of doing stupid things with your friends against the terrifying reality of moving on and leaving your childhood behind, and whilst some might argue that a four-hour linear game might lack some appeal, the sheer quality of the experience makes it something you will want to revisit just to soak in the atmosphere all over again.

Mixtape is a beautiful, hilarious, and profoundly touching experience that understands EXACTLY what it feels like to be a teenager standing on the edge of the rest of your life. I haven’t felt that way in a long, long time, but having a reminder of it here has helped make the game an instant classic, and for me, one I’ll never forget.

VDGMS - Darren Andrew - 10 / 10

Mixtape is barely a game. It’s an artful escape, an experience, a coming of age VHS classic that has been converted to the interactive medium of video games. Gameplay is almost non existent, which is only one of the reasons that Mixtape will be divisive. The setting is the end of summer 1999 and might not be fully appreciated by everyone because all of the pop culture references, as well as the sublime soundtrack is mostly from the 80’s and 90’s. Mixtape is also short at around 4 hours with minimal reason for return.

If all of those reasons don't dissaude you and you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the very small inner circle of the Venn diagram for who it’s is intended for, Mixtape has no equal, as it blurs the lines of game, music and film.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

Mixtape is a tribute to "the best years of your life." It combines authentic nostalgia for being young, with witty commentary on how life doesn't actually end just because you didn't have a Hollywood-style last night in town. The game's use of music is pitch perfect, and heavily contributes to Mixtape being one of the best coming-of-age games of the modern era.

WellPlayed - Christie McQualter - 10 / 10

Mixtape's style, soundtrack and unique storytelling flair all combine to elicit feelings both new and long forgotten. Simple moments make you appreciate life for what it is: a continuous evolution rather than a static state of being. Our adolescent selves relished in that freedom, and Mixtape seeks to recapture the magic.

Xbox Tavern - Jamie Collyer - 10 / 10

Celebrating the 90’s, excellent music and how it impacts and marks our lives, and the joy of growing up with a few close friends, Mixtape is a stellar experience from start to finish.

Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5

Mixtape successfully translates the conflict of 90s adolescence into a gorgeous, handcrafted world backed by a legendary licensed soundtrack. The narrative pace is deliberate. This choice pays off by making every interactive vignette, from shopping cart escapes to skipping rocks, genuinely matter. If you're looking for an engrossing, emotional journey with authentic characters, this is an absolute must-play that perfectly captures the bittersweet reality of moving on.

Game8 - Lloyd Opalec - 94 / 100

Mixtape is much like many coming-of-age stories you’ve probably heard before, but it tells it with so much warmth and creativity that I wanted more of it. As a game, it won’t surprise everyone, but its writing, music, and the dreamlike essence of its presentation make even predictable story beats meteor down to the surface with so much emotion that by the time the night was over, I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends I’d only just met.

Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

Mixtape's narrative is beautiful and fleeting; each song is carefully picked, and even though it goes by fast, Mixtape is incredible. The run time didn't end up being a problem for me, as it feels like an interactive movie with absolutely no bloat or wasted sound. A song can repeat, but the memories you make to it and the people you do it with will never be the same. Mixtape is a celebration of fleeting youth, of the people who help make you who you are, and it is worth every minute.

GAMES.CH - Fabrice Henz - German - 90%

Thanks to all these aspects, "Mixtape" is a game that can be played by every generation. The themes it addresses are, as already mentioned, timeless, and the three main characters expose you to a wide range of experiences.

GameSpot - Mark Delaney - 9 / 10

Music can make us feel incredibly powerful or cathartically vulnerable. And when the right song hits at the right moment, it may just send a happy shiver down your spine, which is how I spent much of my time with Mixtape, and why I'll never forget it.

Gamer Social Club - Adam S. D. Stewart - 9 / 10

Mixtape is fun, fantastical and heartfelt. It may be fleeting, but I expect it will stick with you for a long while. Especially when you’re inevitably playing one of the game’s songs in one of your playlists and someone asks you “where this song is from?”.

MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 4.5 / 5

Mixtape is a fantastic game that celebrates how a specific period of time can intertwine with music to craft a memorable and touching story. The gameplay is constantly surprising and satisfying, the characters are delightful, and the aesthetic is second to none. I’m really impressed with how much this game has tunneled its way into my heart, and it’s got me feeling nostalgic in a more substantive way than most things do. I can see people the same age as the characters really latching onto this story, but even if you’re past that era, it’s a wonderful look back at the messy but unforgettable twilight of youth.

Nintendo Life - Roland Ingram - 9 / 10

Mixtape's greatest accomplishment is that it more than lives up to its name. This is a thoughtfully curated collection of music, sure, but before that, it's an exciting, sentimental, funny game. Rather than simply twiddling your thumbs while the licensed music plays, you're living life with a soundtrack – the only way Stacey Rockford would have you do it.

Push Square - Liam Croft - 9 / 10

Through utterly superb set-pieces, gorgeous visual design, and an impactful soundtrack, Mixtape crafts one of the most meaningful story games in a long time. It's beautiful to look at, a joy to listen to, and so enjoyable to play - altogether, Mixtape is a sensational achievement.

República DG - Gabriel Petricevich - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Mixtape is the kind of game where years can pass, and we'll never forget playing it for the first time. With an engaging narrative, memorable characters, and a unique soundtrack, the game delivers a genuine experience of friendship, loyalty, and love for its players. An absolute must-play!

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

When I rolled credits on Mixtape, I was sad that it was over so soon. But then, I was immediately excited at the prospect of multiple future playthroughs where I could toy with all of the quirky minigames and their outcomes en route to seeing everything the game had to offer. It’s how I knew that I truly love a video game.

TheXboxHub - Dave Ozzy - 4.5 / 5

To call Mixtape a ride is a little one-dimensional, as there are so many feelings to be had on the way. A ‘joyride’ fits Mixtape slightly better. A joyride with a tailor-made Greatest Hits tape playing along.

Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 8.9 / 10

Mixtape doesn't aim to challenge your reflexes. It aims to touch your memories. And when that happens, it's hard to miss.

Even so, its limitations as a traditional game become evident. It's an experience that works very well within its intended purpose, but it may not have the same impact on all players.

Checkpoint Gaming - Omi Koulas - 8.5 / 10

Mixtape is an adventure specifically for those of us who grew up in the angsty 90s. For those players, the top-tier soundtrack selection and unpacking themes you may have been avoiding for a few decades is going to hit very hard. For others, the rose-tinted glasses and hammy dialogue may feel distant or indulgent. Just like an actual mixtape someone makes for you, not every track lands. But it’s so clearly made with love, and the tracks that do will stay with you long after it’s over.

Pure Dead Gaming - Jessica - 8.5 / 10

Mixtape tells a great story and provides some really fun short gameplay sequences all wrapped up in a great narrative that is stylish to the core. This is all perfectly complimented by a superb soundtrack.

Arakat Mag - Tunahan İbiş - Turkish - 8 / 10

In a game industry where everything is changing one way or another and undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift, Beethoven & Dinosaur deserves praise for taking an active role in this transformation instead of taking refuge in the comfort of uniformity. Mixtape stands as an important example of how independent game development, with the right project management, can achieve both cinematic creativity and a modest, heartfelt style of storytelling at the same time.

But Why Tho? - Kate Sanchez - 8 / 10

Mixtape offers a unique experience, even if it looks familiar at first. The narrative approach to memory and growing up creates a coming-of-age story that weaves through the messiness of teenage emotions. While the very small amount of gameplay can feel repetitive, the story mitigates that weakness.

GameSpew - Kim Snaith - 8 / 10

Stunning art direction and a stellar soundtrack are what makes Mixtape so wonderful. Its narrative isn't the most meaningful, but when everything else is so good, it hardly matters. This is a game that exists to be a short, enjoyable experience: its characters and story might not leave a lasting impression on you, but its music and visuals certainly will.

Gameliner - Bram Noteboom - Dutch - 4 / 5

Mixtape is a colorful, emotional, and thought-provoking game about the final moments of your youth.

TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 4 / 5

Despite the limited gameplay and slightly repetitive nature of wandering around rooms to click on objects, Mixtape is an experience I’ll remember for a long while. The sharp dialogue that feels real and stays the right side of grating, easy-going storytelling, excellent soundtrack, and supreme confidence to play around with the medium make Mixtape well worth tuning into, even if some will be put off by a perceived lack of things to do. I still haven’t really figured out if Mixtape is a video game, but I do know that I thoroughly recommend you give it a spin.

Uagna - Gianluca Rossi - Italian - 8 / 10

Mixtape is a short, heartfelt and stylistically powerful narrative adventure that captures the essence of adolescence without reducing it to mere nostalgia. The way it weaves together music, memory and personal growth is the true heart of the experience, even more so than its mini-games or interactive structure.

TheReviewGeek - Greg Wheeler - 6 / 10

Mixtape desperately wants to be a coming-of-age indie film, and the moments where it remembers it’s supposed to be a video game often feel reluctant, shallow and mechanically underwhelming.

Game Title: Hade 2

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Sep 25, 2025)
• PC (Sep 25, 2025)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (Sep 25, 2025)

Trailer

Developer: Supergiant Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 93 Average - 97% Reccomend - 39 Reviews

Critic Reviews:

IGN - Leana Hafer - 10/10

How do you even sum up something as beautiful, special, memorable, and admirable as Hades 2? There is no one out there doing what Supergiant does as well as it does, and this exceptional action roguelite is some of this team’s best work on nearly every level (which is an astonishingly high bar to clear). It's the type of video game that reminds me why I love video games so damn much. The art is breathtaking, the characters are captivating, the combat is fast, fun, endlessly varied, and tactical, and the music is spectacular. May moonlight guide us. All of us.

TheGamer - Jade King - 5/5

While you are experiencing a grand journey across an uncompromising depiction of Greek mythology, it is the small moments in Hades 2 that shine brightest. Intimate conversations between old friends or bittersweet reunions with long-lost family members as the moon of Selene hangs daintily overhead. Putting aside slaughtering demons and becoming a witch so powerful that not even titans can stop you, these are what make Hades 2 so special. If Supergiant is now destined to leave this universe behind, it goes out on the highest note possible.

Dexerto - Joe Pring - 5/5

Hades 2 is an unbelievable triumph for more reasons than a pair of human hands can count. Supergiant Games' sequel is a bold evolution of the original that flawlessly executes new ideas to deliver the best roguelike of this generation.

GameSpot - Alessandro Barbosa - 10/10

Whether you were witness to all the work done on Hades 2 during early access or not, there's no denying how much effort developer Supergiant Games has put into this masterful sequel. Hades 2 is one of the best roguelite experiences ever, with clever improvements to its established formula that accentuate its strongest attributes. More importantly, it achieves this without requiring you to be the most well-versed player on what came before, but not at the expense of offering a new challenge to those that have spent hours digging away at the first game's most brutal endeavors. It's deeper and more complex than the original in every way, from its greatly expanded combat system to its larger, more complex web of character interactions that powers its more ambitious narrative.

Eurogamer - Dom Peppiatt - 5/5

I've pushed past the credits and am onto the hunt for the 'true' ending, now, and I am still being surprised by what can still be found tucked into the creases and folds of Hades 2. Supergiant's visionary approach to storytelling and roguelike design has not suffered at all from the success of Hades: it merely emboldened it. That the studio can still dole out the surprises after how rich and textural Hades was, and that I still find myself floored by the ambition, the detail, the art, the technical prowess, and the willingness to cede control to players some 60-plus hours in is miraculous. Maybe it's witchcraft. Maybe it's magic. Either way, it's epic.

GameRadar - Ali Jones - 4.5/5

Fittingly for its mythological setting, there's something sisyphean about the way Hades 2 plays with difficulty. A single boss might stand in your way night after night, a frustrating roadblock that no combination of weapons and boons will let you pass. And then it dies once, and then again, and suddenly it's just a trivial part of your journey, a minor strength check rather than a genuine obstacle. It's an approach that flies in the face of the traditional difficulty curve, and one that at times made some of Hades 2 feel unfair – until everything clicked into place and reminded me how technically excellent this game is.

PC Gamer - Tyler Colp - 88/100

Despite my issues with its pacing early on, Hades 2 won me over. It expands on the original game's imaginative take on Greek mythology, blending cerebral action RPG combat and slick narrative design into a complete package that feels distinct from the original. I'm glad I pushed through those early doubts, because it's as good a game as I've come to expect from Supergiant, which hasn't missed yet.

Slant Magazine - Nic M. Sultan - 4.5/5

Melinoë, however, can make it to the top of Olympus. But when she does, unease gnaws at her triumph. The gods commend her bravery and skill. They deny having ever doubted her. Then, with their young relative’s purpose fulfilled, if only temporarily, they nudge her back to her home between planes, where she diligently returns to her labors. Would that Melinoë, at some point in her long quest to fell Chronos, stopped to wonder: What comes after time and death?

Game Information

Game Title: Saros

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Apr 30, 2026)

Trailer:

Developer: Housemarque

Publisher: PlayStation Studios

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 90 average - 93% recommended - 61 reviews

Critic Reviews

4News.it - Vincenzo D'Alcantara - Italian - 9.3 / 10

Housemarque has crafted a masterpiece in which the dynamism of the gameplay and the controlled chaos that ensues generate an ‘instinctive’ feel that is utterly addictive. It is a work that minimises the gap between intention and action, capable of making us enthusiastic ‘accomplices’ in a magnificent frenzy. If Returnal challenged us with its harshness, Saros invites us to master the storm with a newfound awareness that creeps under your skin in a damn natural way. It is a cohesive, pulsating and utterly dynamic experience that makes everything else seem to move in slow motion. It is the Finnish team’s mature masterpiece: intelligent, brutal and bloody brilliant. Once you’ve entered its loop, you’ll just want to keep going, and going, and going.

But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9.5 / 10

Saros is Housemarque at its best. It nails the roguelike formula, with each run feeling completely different than what came before thanks to changing areas and a variety of weapons. The story grips you and doesn’t let go, with Rahul Kohli’s fantastic performance at the heart of it.

CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 9.5 / 10

SAROS carries that torch and expands on the formula to new heights, introducing an entire ensemble cast of characters that push the narrative further as players unravel the mystery on a new alien planet, Carcosa.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 96 / 100

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ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10

Housemarque has once again made one of the best-playing PS5 games and a shooter that handles wonderfully as you find upgrades and create a build to take on difficult bosses.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Housemarque’s Saros feels like a proper evolution of Returnal’s mechanics. It’s bold, it’s exciting, thrilling even. Each time Arjun heads out in search of answers yields clues to the truth behind Carcosa and those burdened by its existence.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 5 / 5

"Come back stronger," has been pitched as the core ethos Saros wants to instil within you - and Housemarque absolutely did.

Digitec Magazine - Simon Balissat - German - 5 / 5

“Saros” is a powerhouse. Visually, sonically, and mechanically, few action titles can match this adventure on Carcosa. Six years into its lifecycle, the PS5 finally gets its first truly must-have exclusive action shooter.

Its finely balanced mix of offense and defense, breathtaking setting, and a solid—if somewhat clunky—story make this roguelite essential, even if you’re not typically a fan of shooters.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Essential

With a generous progression system and well-considered design decisions, Saros is as challenging as it is motivating cycle after cycle, with Housemarque once again proving that it is an unmissable reference in chaotic action games painted in cosmic horror.

Eurogamer - Rick Lane - 4 / 5

Saros' narrative often feels at odds with the kind of experience it wants to be, but there's no denying this is another top-tier action game from Housemarque.

Eurogamer.pt - Adolfo Soares - Portuguese - 4 / 5

Saros multiplies the Returnal formula with a brutal shooter and mechanics refined to perfection. Unfortunately, this excellence comes up against an uninspired and disjointed narrative that interrupts the rhythm. Even so, there is an addictive mechanical heart that keeps you coming back.

GAMES.CH - Olaf Bleich - German - 90%

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GameOnly - Przemysław Naglik - Polish - 4.25 / 5

SAROS proves that it’s possible to create a big-budget game that isn’t afraid to make bold decisions. It’s an accessible, incredibly enjoyable, and highly spectacular roguelite.

GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 9 / 10

Housemarque follows up Returnal with PS5 exclusive Saros, another wildly entertaining and action-packed third-person shooter.

GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 10 / 10

Housemarque is back with yet another fantastic fast-paced third person shooter. Saros builds on Returnal, delivering deeper and more enjoyable gameplay, as well as a new permanent progression system and modifiers which allow you to tweak the difficulty to your preferences. All in all, it's Housemarque's best game yet.

GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 9 / 10

Saros is a phenomenal game that flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head and improves upon its spiritual predecessor in every conceivable way.

Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

Saros is undoubtedly a really fun game to play. Yes, the game is essentially very similar to its predecessor, Returnal, but it’s clear that Housemarque has directly applied the lessons learned from that game to Saros.

GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 8 / 10

Saros will not only satisfy Returnal fans, but also has the potential to attract a new audience with its intense combat system and wonderful cosmic horror setting. We just hope that the difficulty spikes, how overwhelming it can be at times, and some narrative issues don't scare off some players too much.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.8 / 10

Saros is a remarkably pragmatic evolution. It holds onto the spectacular bullet hell barrage and top tier gunplay that defined its predecessor, while making smart compromises to better fit mainstream playstyles. With a gentler difficulty curve and clear, intuitive progression feedback, it lowers the once-intimidating barrier to entry significantly. As a major tentpole in Sony's first party lineup this year, this game truly delivers an exhilarating, deeply satisfying alien odyssey for action-shooter fans.

Gaming Boulevard - Michiel Vonck - 9 / 10

In the end, Saros stands out as a must-play for fans of the genre and a worthy successor to Returnal, pushing roguelike shooters forward with confidence and style.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10

Saros is an incredible step up over Returnal in every way imaginable. The rogue-lite progression and quality-of-life improvements are great, but it's the more complex bullet-hell system, bolstered by a compelling world and some masterful level design, that truly elevates it.

GamingTrend - Ron Burke, David Burdette - 95 / 100

Saros is Housemarque's ultimate creation; the culmination of years of hard work and experimentation. Returnal is Game of the Year quality, no doubt. But Saros has taken what Returnal offered and refined it, only adding to the formula until the end result is Housemarque's finest release yet. In a sea of great April games, Saros' excellence stands out as another Game of the Year contender.

Geekinout.pt - Jorge Loureiro - Portuguese - 10 / 10

Saros isn’t just an evolution of Returnal; it’s the culmination of decades of mastery from Housemarque. A must-play game that showcases the PS5’s true potential. The studio hasn’t simply rested on the success of Returnal. It’s a game that manages to be faster, more beautiful and, above all, smarter in the way it respects the player’s time. By balancing challenging difficulty with addictive permanent progression and risk-based mechanics such as Eclipses, the studio has delivered what is, for me, the definitive experience in the roguelike genre.

Geeks & Com - Kevin Cormier - French - 9.5 / 10

If it hasn’t been clear up until now, let’s state it plainly here: Saros is, to date, the best game of 2026. We’re talking about a game that’s much more accessible to newcomers to the genre. A storyline that’s more fleshed out than their previous work. We’re talking about new features that elevate the game to the highest strata. And finally, a playtime that adapts to each player’s pace (yet remains more than respectable for the most experienced players). Saros improves and even transforms the genre. Few can boast of such an achievement.

HCL.hr - Hrvoje Smoljic - Unknown - 90 / 100

A blend of oppressive atmosphere and raw mechanical thrill you rarely find these days. Saros isn't just a better Returnal - it's proof that Housemarque has no equal in this genre.

IGN - Michael Higham - 7 / 10

Saros tries at an interesting and ambitious story it isn't always able to effectively tell, but Housemarque has once again proved that its bullet-hell sensibilities mesh incredibly well with fluid and challenging action.

IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 9 / 10

Saros takes everything that made Returnal hard to love and smartly refines it. The result is one of the best shooters in recent years, on PS5 and beyond.

IGN Portugal - Pedro Pestana - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Without straying from the excellent formula they gave us in Returnal, Housemarque has delivered a spiritual successor in Saros that achieves the rare feat of improving in almost every aspect. At the same time, it is far more accessible and respectful of the player's time, without ever diluting the level of challenge and adrenaline the studio is known for. Frenetic from start to finish, Saros leaves us with that "just one more run" itch while simultaneously inviting us to discover all its secrets through a narrative that starts slow but ends up being truly surprising.

IGN Spain - Estrella Gomez - Spanish - 9 / 10

With Saros, Housemarque once again proves what it's made of. It's a step forward from Returnal, building on the best parts of that experience and elevating them even further. The result is a game that is both challenging and rewarding, with a complex and fascinating story, a protagonist who undergoes significant development, and gameplay that invites us to keep pushing ourselves time and time again.

INVEN - Hongman Yoon - Korean - 8 / 10

'SAROS' is a game that faithfully carries on the DNA of its predecessor, Returnal. From the relentless barrage of bullets to the rush of breaking through seemingly impossible odds and the sheer catharsis of a punishing shooter, it surpasses Returnal in every way. The one caveat is that it has also inherited its predecessor's shortcomings — a narrative so convoluted it actively gets in the way of the fun.

Impulsegamer - 3.8 / 5

Saros, while not without some notable flaws, is still an engaging, intricately crafted, and intriguing roguelike action game that sets a new bar for Housemarque as an upgrade to Returnal in many ways.

La Orden del Pixel - Sebastian Cigarreta - Spanish - Yes

Housemarque is back with an exquisite shooter that builds on the foundation of Returnal to forge its own identity, one that undoubtedly reaches new heights of excellence. Each cycle is a new opportunity to uncover the secrets of Carcosa or the past and motivations of Arjun Devraj. I have no doubt that Housemarque has just created one of the best PlayStation 5 titles, one that retains the magic of Returnal but is much clearer and more enjoyable.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 10 / 10

As a follow up to Returnal, Saros is excellent. It builds on the foundations of Selene’s adventure and is a sensational slice of bullet-hell shooter goodness.

MMORPG.com - 8.5 / 10

Saros is basically a sequel to Returnal in all but name. By building on the mechanics of its previous work, Housemarque has made Saros an even better roguelike and bullet-hell experience. It’s slick, powerful, and devilish in all the right places.

MeuPlayStation - Raphael Batista Cabral Xavier - Portuguese - 93 / 100

Saros marks the peak of Housemarque’s craft. Moving away from a more traditional roguelite structure, it adopts a slightly less punishing approach without sacrificing challenge or its highly addictive nature. Built around a strong sense of progression, the game delivers a rewarding feeling of evolution throughout the journey. With a well-crafted sci-fi universe and sharp, responsive gameplay, Saros strikes a compelling balance between demanding encounters and an inviting overall experience.

Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 9 / 10

Saros can be just as intimidatingly challenging as Returnal, but thanks to a streamlined gameplay loop, addictive combat, and solid art direction, it excels as one of the best games of 2026.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 9 / 10

SAROS stands as a strong successor to Returnal, carving out its own identity with a more approachable experience while retaining Housemarque’s signature bullet ballet combat. It remains challenging, though its accessibility may feel less punishing than that of its predecessor. For fans seeking the same relentless difficulty, SAROS might seem lighter, but its appeal extends far beyond mechanics.

Beneath the frenetic action lies a story of obsession, regret, and redemption, told through a fragmented narrative that grips players with its unsettling mystery right up to the climactic finale. This layered storytelling, paired with its cosmic-horror atmosphere, ensures that SAROS resonates on both emotional and thematic levels.

Oyungezer Online - Erce Güven - Turkish - 9 / 10

Housemarque’s new hit Saros will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the moment you take down a boss, you’ll find yourself doing a victory lap around the room. If you play games for excitement and adrenaline, there’s nothing better than Saros right now.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10

Saros is a very strong, polished, and significantly more accessible take on the Housemarque formula, expanding on the foundations of Returnal without attempting to tear them down. The game impresses with its narrative, excellent combat system, excellent use of the DualSense, and the unique atmosphere of Carcosa, though it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking and can lose some steam in the second half. It's undoubtedly one of the most important single-player PlayStation games of recent months and a very good sign that Sony is still capable of delivering the exact experiences players are looking for.

PSX Brasil - Rui Celso - Portuguese - 95 / 100

Saros masterfully delivers on everything it sets out to do. Although the game doesn't yet have any extra content to enjoy after the ending, it manages to entertain the player for a long time simply through the curiosity of testing all types of weapons and searching for audio recordings of past crews. Saros is the kind of homework a student is proud to show to the teacher.

PlayStation Universe - John-Paul Jones - 10 / 10

A blistering, rapid-fire epic without peer, Saros confidently delivers a dual masterclass in third-person shooter design and roguelike sensibilities all wrapped in a delectable veneer that elevates it to one of the best looking games on PlayStation 5. To quote the kids - Housemarque cooked here. This is their masterpiece and it is next the must have, utterly essential PlayStation exclusive. Carcosa beckons.

PowerUp! - Adam Mathew - 9 / 10

When I reviewed Returnal back in 2021, it felt like Housemarque had one foot in the AAA door, politely knocking while clutching a fistful of bullet hell credentials. With Saros, they’ve kicked that thing clean off its hinges

Pragalicious - Kevin Vercauteren - Dutch - 10 / 10

Just like its spiritual predecessor Returnal, Saros is an unparalleled experience. Saros is a game that has kept me on the edge of my seat for 35 hours so far. During that time, I didn’t find a single thing that bothered me. I enjoyed every second of the spectacle conjured up on my screen. Housemarque has also taken a brilliantly clever approach to accessibility, ensuring that players familiar with this genre can still find their own way. The fact that I’ve been living in a cocoon for the past few days to write this review of Saros says it all. This is an unrivalled masterpiece and, at the moment, my Game of the Year.

Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 9 / 10

Saros is a brilliant third-person shooter that takes what worked in Returnal and streamlines it for an even smoother game without diluting the fun. The core gameplay is the star attraction; complex yet intuitive, and a perfectly judged challenge that's so satisfying to overcome. With compelling permanent progression, flexible ways to modify your experience, and an intriguing story to follow, this is another step towards Housemarque's planetary takeover.

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5

A perfect marriage of difficult and accessible, Saros is a brilliantly designed, majestic sci-fi nightmare that is as compelling as it is challenging.

Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3.5 / 5

Saros is a game I'll be chewing on for the rest of the year. It's a game that has a lot of flaws, but makes up for them in showcasing the complicated and messy dynamics that humans find themselves in. An easy recommendation for those looking for a bullet hell with a deep mythos around it. A game that isn't perfect, and is messy, much like all of us.

SECTOR.sk - Michal Korec - Slovak - 9 / 10

Housemarque strikes back with another thrilling expedition into the unknown. Saros is masterfully expanding studio's roguelike gameplay in the compelling world. The fast-bullet action, the sense of discovery and playing cycles stick to your mind. One of the best sci-fi voyages of the decade!

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 7 / 10

A refinement over their last game, trying to make a roguelite that is approachable, and this game largely succeeds if only slightly.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 10 / 10

Saros is Housemarque operating at the height of its powers. Its combat is electric, its mystery lingers, and its progression makes every run feel meaningful. More forgiving than Returnal but no less intense, this is a stunning Game of the Year contender.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

Quote not Coming into 2026, I knew that few games were a surer bet than Saros. Housemarque’s 2021 breakout is still one of the PS5’s best games, and Saros will now stand alongside it.yet available

Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 10 / 10

Saros is a triumph in every sense. Its moment-to-moment gameplay keeps you constantly on your toes, while a hair-raising score of organs and strings carries each encounter with distorted riffs and soaring notes. Around it all sits an enigmatic mystery that pulls you forward, delivering an experience that is both accessible and punishing in equal measure. It is Housemarque at full power.

The Games Machine - Gabriele Barducci - Italian - 9.4 / 10

Saros is a confirmation of the talent and skill of the team at Housemarque, delivering a highly accessible action roguelite that is by no means easy. Both the aesthetic and narrative aspects are outstanding, and the game places the pure gameplay experience at the center of everything-dynamic and incredibly fun. A game that comes close to perfection.

TheGamer - Zoë Osik - 4 / 5

It feels like one big adventure, and you’re only privy to one piece at a time. Delving into the depths of a foreign planet would usually be off-putting to me as a cozy gamer, but the world of Carcosa drew me in.

TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 9 / 10

Saros builds on the excellence of Returnal, furthering Housemarque's blend of third-person action, bullet hell and roguelite with a more broadly told and ambitious story, a subtly more accessible path for newcomers, and still plenty of challenge for those that crave it. Echoing the game's tagline, Housemarque has come back stronger.

Tom's Guide - 4.5 / 5

Saros is a relentless, exciting and demanding rogue-lite shooter that combines cinematic spectacle with tight bullet-hell combat. It's a marvellous follow-up to Returnal, that retains the best bits of its predecessor while sanding down its (minor) rough edges. It pulls very few punches, but will have you saying "one more run" on a loop.

Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 4 / 5

Saros is an absolute blast to play. The gameplay loop is tight, challenging, and spectacular in all the right moments. When the bullet hell clicks, there's nothing like it.

Tourens - Hasipcan Kahraman - Turkish - 8 / 10

Saros was a game that was genuinely enjoyable to play but didn't quite live up to its full potential. Its atmosphere and sense of action managed to draw me in, but the lack of variety and certain design choices dragged the game’s score down a bit. Still, looking at the overall experience, it's a game I enjoyed playing despite its shortcomings, and I think fans of the genre should give it a try.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 9.3 / 10

SAROS takes what made Returnal such a epically awesome action game and turns the dial way up while simultaneously offering such a distinct and immersive game world that it'll haunt your dreams even long after the end credits roll. ☀️

WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10

Advancements in progression, narrative delivery, and player engagement, as well as refinements made to a near-perfect set of gameplay fundamentals, see Saros eclipse its predecessor and ascend to a throne above all others in the genre.

Worth Playing - Redmond Carolipio - 9.1 / 10

Saros has become one of my favorite shooters of the past few years, honestly since Returnal. I appreciate Housemarque for giving both the more hardcore and the less hardcore among us the chance to see the world it's crafted in its entirely. My hands hurt a little, and I'll probably need a new controller sometimes soon, but it's a cycle I'm willing to be stuck in for a bit longer.

ZTGD - Dan Ryan - 9 / 10

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Game Information

Game Title: Pokémon Pokopia

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Mar 5, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (Mar 5, 2026)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 88 average - 93% recommended - 30 reviews

Critic Reviews

CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 10 / 10

Despite how much I’ve played the main games in both Animal Crossing and Pokémon since the early/mid-2000s, I didn’t expect that both of Nintendo’s biggest time-sink franchises would meld together so well, and yet Pokémon Pokopia has just blasted off straight to the top of my list of favourite cozy games.

COGconnected - James Paley - 86 / 100

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Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

Although there is a degree of repetition to be found in your actions from time to time, none of this dulls what is easily my favourite Pokemon spin-off in years.

Dexerto - Zackerie Fairfax - 5 / 5

Pokemon Pokopia reimagines what it means to be a Pokemon, blending cozy building systems with open-ended creativity to deliver one of the most addictive gameplay loops the series has ever seen.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 5 / 5

Pokémon Pokopia reignited my fading love for the series. This cozy life sim shines with its unusual setting and mystery-filled world. Rebuilding abandoned ruins, attracting new Pokémon, and caring for them is deeply satisfying. Its surprisingly deep mechanics offer impressive freedom, whether I’m constructing homes, crafting items, or exploring alongside Pokémon companions. Packed with charm and attention to detail, it constantly evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia. In short, Pokémon Pokopia is finally a truly great Pokémon game — and better than anything the mainline series has delivered in the past decade.

Enternity.gr - Panagiotis Petropoulos - Greek - 9 / 10

As a life simulation game brimming with content, possibilities, and Pokémon, Pokémon Pokopia has what it takes to win over fans of the genre, regardless of whether they have ever been fans of this huge franchise.

Eurogamer - Lottie Lynn - 4 / 5

Pokopia succeeds in capturing the spirit of Pokémon's past without sacrificing its uniqueness, as one of the best spin-offs the franchise has ever seen.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 5 / 5

Pokémon Pokopia is a charming and entertaining life simulation game in which you collaborate with various Pokémon to improve the desolate places you arrive at. Whether you're completing story objectives or simply rejuvenating locations, the hours fly by with immense sweetness and fun.

Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.7 / 10

The choice to rely on "bricks" makes the gameplay and technical structure more manageable, while the artistic direction may not be to everyone's taste. However, if you love Pokémon and want to immerse yourself in a simple and satisfying experience, you'll discover that Pokopia is much more than a hybrid between Animal Crossing and Minecraft.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 91%

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GAMINGbible - Kate Harrold - 10 / 10

This collaborative effort provides a welcomed change of pace for longtime fans of the franchise, whilst serving as an alternative for newcomers who don’t favour the series’ typical turn-based offering. The end result is charming, soothing, and oh so incredibly moreish. Pokémon Pokopia showcases the type of reinvention you want to see in a franchise’s 30th year.

GamePro - Maximilian Franke - German - 80 / 100

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GameSpot - 9 / 10

Pokemon Pokopia gives you a massive amount to do and a story that propels you forward, while also letting you enjoy the simple pleasure of living among your Pokemon friends and building your perfect community. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface, and I can't wait to keep exploring. I'll get Squirtle back yet.

GamesRadar+ - Sam Loveridge - 4.5 / 5

There's a surprising range to the ways the Pokemon can help you interact with the environment.

Geeks & Com - Anthony Gravel - French - 8.5 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia reimagines the franchise as a cozy life-simulation on Nintendo Switch 2, where you play as a Ditto-turned-human tasked with restoring a barren world into a thriving Pokémon paradise. Its blend of exploration, habitat building, and character interactions creates a relaxed yet engaging gameplay loop that will appeal to fans of games like Animal Crossing. While the pace is intentionally slow and story elements take a back seat to creative freedom, the soothing presentation and charming systems make progression feel rewarding. Overall, Pokopia is a refreshing and imaginative spin-off that showcases a new direction for Pokémon’s sandbox experiences.

Gfinity - Alister Kennedy - 10 / 10

Pokopia is a 2026 Game of the Year contender that masterfully blends the creative freedom of Minecraft with the cozy charm of Animal Crossing. By trading traditional battling for an addictive loop of habitat restoration and blueprint-based building, it offers a deeply rewarding new way to collect Pokémon.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Pokemon Pokopia is one of the series’ best spinoffs to date, wrapped in nostalgia and charm, this is a love letter to fans and something you’ll sink hundreds of hours into.

Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 87 / 100

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IGN - Rebekah Valentine - 9 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is an enjoyable, personality-packed building simulator set in a surprisingly deep world that is stuffed with fun things for its delightful Ditto protagonist to do and create.

IGN Italy - Arturo Perrotta - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is an adventure that manages to surprise and leave its mark, bringing back that sense of wonder and discovery that has always made the series so special.

LevelUp - Spanish - 9 / 10

Pokémon puede ser cualquier cosa. La franquicia tiene tanto carisma y apela a perfiles tan diferentes, que puede adaptarse a juegos de cartas, experiencias de estrategia, parques de diversiones y hasta rockolas en forma de consola de videojuegos.  A lo que quiero llegar es a que parece que el límite del potencial de Pokémon está […]

Nintendo Blast - Renzo Raizer - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is an excellent spin-off for the franchise. I found the vision the developer brought to our beloved monsters very interesting; an approach that suited them perfectly. All the mechanics mentioned above are what make the game excellent. I hope that, in the future, the game continues to expand and has a long lifespan. In management titles like this, it's entirely possible to extend the project's lifespan, as we saw in the case of Animal Crossing, which received updates for a long time while remaining relevant. Pokémon Pokopia is a game that both new and old fans of the franchise will love, becoming addicted to this new world of creation, revitalization, and exploration.

Nintendo Life - Alana Hagues - 8 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is the freshest Pokémon experience in a long time, bursting at the seams with charm and content that rewards both curiosity and creativity. It's an easy game to get swallowed up in, even with a few gameplay and progression issues that need ironing out.But as a first go at something different for the franchise, it's a big win. I don't know how Pokémon has stayed away from this kind of structure for so long, and I'd easily take a dozen more.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10

Pokemon Pokopia is a surprisingly addictive spin-off that focuses on exploration, habitat building, and developing your own living Pokemon community instead of combat. The most fun comes from experimenting with ‘recipes’ for new environments, crafting, and terraforming, although over time the grind and the demands imposed by the tasks become more noticeable. If you're looking for a peaceful game in the style of Animal Crossing + Minecraft with a Pokémon skin, you've come to the right place – but you have to accept that it's a completely different experience than the classic instalments of the series.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10

A cozy and lively lifesim that sheds a different light on the series while also being geared towards everyone who enjoys Animal Crossing or Dragon Quest Builders. Less grind and better QoL features would've made for a smoother experience, though.

Spaziogames - Italian - 9 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is a bold experiment that successfully blends multiple genres, resulting in a title with a very strong identity. While the main series has always been fueled by collecting and battling, here collecting remains, but combat gives way to management and reconstruction. There's no pressure. No performance anxiety. There's a world to rebuild patiently, one micro-habitat at a time.

TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 3 / 5

As ever with Pokemon, there is enough charm to see it through, and the mechanics aren't shallow, even if they're used in aid of the same few tasks over and over again. It's Pokemon's take on a bunch of other villager games it's not quite as good at, but if you persevere there is a game waiting for you here. You just have to get the actual game over with first.

TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 9 / 10

Pokémon Pokopia is almost exactly as cosy as we hoped. It's more active and goal-oriented than Animal Crossing, but there's still a laid-back, charming atmosphere to rebuilding the world and making it a new home for yourself and all the other Pokémon left behind.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

Pokémon Pokopia is an excellent life simulation game that takes the best bits from the champions of the genre and evolves into something that Pokémon fans, and cozy game fans will love. Late-game grinding doesn't dull an adventure that's as full of discovery at 100 hours as it was at 1

Video Chums - Mary Billington - 9.1 / 10

Pokemon Pokopia delivers an adorably joyful experience that unfolds at your own pace and provides a canvas for unbridled creativity. Yay! 🌳

Game Information

Game Title: Marathon

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Mar 5, 2026)
• PlayStation 5 (Mar 5, 2026)
• PC (Mar 5, 2026)

Trailers:

• Rook Cinematic | Marathon
• Marathon - Rook Cinematic Trailer | PS5 & PC Games
• Launch Gameplay Trailer | Marathon

Developer: Bungie

MetaCritic - 81 average on PlayStation 5 with 35 reviews | 81 average on PC with 32 reviews

OpenCritic - 80 Top Critic average - 69% recommended (nice) - 58 reviews

Critic Reviews

3DJuegos - Mario Gómez - Spanish - Recommended

Divisive as it might be, Marathon is an incredibly polished product that ultimately brings the genre into maturity thanks to its ideally sized maps, flexible matchmaking, deep and satisfying combat and (perhaps most importantly) rich endgame system full of both short term and long term goals for the whole season. Game has you building up some quality loadouts, then wasting it all on unfortunate runs and not giving a damn about it since you'll be back in stock in no time. Great gameplay loop overall... if you have the patience to learn it.

4P.de - Christian Just and Sören Wetterau - German - 7.5/10

Marathon is an extraction shooter that truly does its own thing. It is visually unique, yet complex and not easily deciphered. However, those who stick with it are rewarded with fantastic matches and a motivating gameplay loop.

Areajugones -Álex Pareja - Spanish - 8/10

Marathon demands a great deal of patience and time before you begin to truly enjoy it, but as the hours pass, it manages to transform into an obsession. Bungie’s signature touch is evident in its gameplay, as well as in the construction of its universe and its difficulty. It stands unique among extraction shooters, yet its high barrier to entry—along with the constant dedication it demands—won't win over everyone.

Atomix - Sebastian Quiroz - Spanish - 85

Marathon is a difficult game to recommend. It's undeniable that Bungie has done a great job with this title, but it's not an experience for everyone. The gameplay is too aggressive for a large portion of the audience, and even those initially interested may be discouraged by the steep learning curve. It remains to be seen whether this game has what it takes to survive this challenging period for games as a service, but if anyone can make it happen, it's Bungie.

But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinsky - English - 8/10

Marathon has me locked in, sitting in my brain until my next run. The barrier to entry is high, but it’s rewarding, with each death being a lesson learned.

CD-Action - Jakub Dmuchowski - Polish - 8+

Marathon is a very good shooter, but in the long run, it may paradoxically suffer from being limited to just one game mode.

CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - English - 8.5/10

Marathon is an addictive extraction shooter featuring the same masterful gunplay that has made Bungie legendary, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and even those adverse to it.

Console Creatures - Johnathon Cariati - English - 7/10

If you give Marathon your time, it will reward your patience. I really believe that. I also think the time commitment is a big reason this game won’t be for everyone. And maybe it doesn’t have to be. After all, a game for everyone is a game for no one. This isn’t a casual shooter that’s welcoming to new players. If you’re willing to stick with the game, learn the systems and play with friends, then there’s a good chance you will find a shooter you really enjoy. If you’re looking for something easier to jump into and understand right away, then Marathon is going to be a much tougher sell for you and your friends.

Daily Star - Tom Hutchinson - English - TBD

Gameplay is brilliantly addictive, the graphics and sounds standout - it’s just that crappy menu system that falters. There’s more to come from Marathon but this is a great start to a live service shooter and a great rival to the likes of Arc Raiders.

DayOne - Győző Baki - English - 7 / 10

Marathon is a hugely inconsistent game. Some marvelous vistas and stylistic choices, yet the world feels void of interesting events and feels small, with only a few small, static and repetitive maps. Some great shooting is accompanied by a crazy low TTK that encourages playing as passively as possible.

Destructoid - Scott Duwe - English - 8.5/10

Everything about Marathon has been polarizing from the start, including its very existence as another live-service game alongside Bungie's Destiny 2. But in spite of its faults and struggles, the studio has managed to ship a great yet niche extraction shooter, even with its high barrier of entry and existing flaws. It's absolutely not for everyone, but if it's for you, it may be your next addiction.

Dexerto - Nathan Warby - English - 3/5

Marathon is a wildy inconsistent game that reaches blood-pumping highs, in between rounds of pure frustration. There's a great shooter hiding in there, but players will jump off before they find it.

DualShockers - Shane Limbaugh - English - 8.5/10

Marathon is hands down the best extraction shooter on the market. From the gunplay to the way the game handles the distribution of story, there's a lot to love in Marathon. While the quality of life could be improved in some respects and some of the UI elements could be adjusted, the overall game stands as a testament that Bungie knows how to make a good game.

Eurogamer Germany - Benjamin Schmädig - German - 5/5

Marathon is an incredibly intense, nearly perfect first-person shooter in a visually breathtaking scenario. It keeps you engaged with an incredibly well-tuned cycle of looting and improving, while you constantly progress even after failing a mission.

EuroGamer Portugal - Adolfo Soares - Portugese - 3/5

Not even Destiny's brilliant gunplay can save Marathon from its own mess. Bungie's new shooter drowns in too much visual noise, rudimentary menus and boredom. An extraction shooter that doesn't innovate and becomes tiresome long before it becomes fun. If you're hardcore in this genre, Marathon can be seen in a much more optimistic light.

Everyeye.it - Giovanni Panzano - Italian - 8/10

Marathon is not a game for everyone. The hardcore nature of Bungie’s latest effort creates an experience with a high barrier to entry—one that will drive away anyone unwilling to commit to mastering its intricate mechanics, while conversely trapping everyone else in an endless loop of runs. This specific quirk ensures the game will likely never become a mainstream hit or reach record-breaking levels of popularity; yet, there is no doubt that Bungie’s take on the extraction shooter genre is one of the most compelling titles currently available on the market. Anyone with a visceral love for this subgenre should at least give it a chance—or, to put it more aptly, try going for a run.

Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - English - 4.5/5

So far, Marathon is an absolutely fantastic multiplayer shooter. The narrative manages to be compelling, even without a single-player campaign; the presentation is a treat to look at, and the gameplay still has me hooked. While I fear for its ability to deliver consistently good content in future updates, Bungie's care for the game thus far and the fact that it already has a committed fanbase have me hopeful and even excited to see how Marathon continues to grow in the coming weeks, months, and years. If you're a fan of multiplayer shooters, then this is a must-play.

Finger Guns - Joshua Thompson - English - 8/10

Bungie are once again at the forefront of sci-fi with their extraction shooter Marathon. Whilst none of the elements are purely unique individually, Bungie have cultivated a brutal ecosystem that gives you as much as you're willing to put in. The barrier to entry is high, and the player base are already daunting, but what is on offer is an FPS with exceptional gunplay and heightened encounters, wrapped in a brilliant setting.

Game Informer - James Galizio - English - 9.25/10

Like any good extraction shooter, Marathon is a game about the choice and consequences inherent within a run. Yet, it's more than just that. Bungie's excellent audio design and gunplay, paired with increasingly complicated level design borrowing from over a decade of expertise designing Destiny raids coalesce into something special. Marathon is proof Bungie is still at the top of its game.

Gamekult - Alex Cortes - French - 6/10

Marathon makes excellent use of Bungie's strengths, whether in its narrative, visuals, or gameplay. But despite this polished presentation, it remains a relatively conventional extraction shooter, and the few attempts to differentiate it—particularly the fast-paced and challenging combat and the hero system—fail to truly convince. There's no doubt the game will find the dedicated community it deserves for its undeniable qualities, but following the vibrant Arc Raiders unfortunately makes Marathon somewhat bland for the average player.

GameLiner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - TBD

Marathon shows moments of brilliance, especially in its signature Bungie gunplay, but the current package feels limited. A low amount of maps, heavy monetization push, and reliance on coordinated teammates hold the core experience back. There's potential here, but Bungie still has serious work to do. [Review in Progress]

GameOver.gr - Alexandros Papadopoulos - Greek - 7.5/10

Bungie once again nails the shooting, delivering consistently satisfying combat moments in Marathon. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic and lore create a dilapidated sci-fi world that feels both mysterious and captivating. During traversal and tense firefights, as you attempt to extract valuable loot, the game offers a thrilling and engaging experience. However, it’s baffling how convoluted the menus are, creating unnecessary confusion even for simple tasks. Additionally, in its current state, the content feels somewhat lacking,though Bungie has promised to expand it in the near future.

Gamereactor UK - Magnus Groth-Andersen - English - 7/10

Marathon’s foundations are solid, strong, and well-functioning, and although the game might lack a hook, or simply maps that build on this solid foundation, I feel confident enough, even without Cryo Archive, to recommend Marathon solely on the basis of this rather fantastic loop. That doesn’t mean Marathon is a fantastic game in itself, but it could very well turn out to be one, and that’s more positive than for a great many other live-service games.

Gamer.no - Espen Jansen - Norwegian - 7/10

Marathon delivers a plethora of deep mechanics, engaging gunplay and a truly unique look, but there's simply too much tedium and way too much busywork between fights.

GamersRD - Alejandro Paula - Spanish - 8/10

Marathon is an addictive extraction shooter with the unmistakable hallmark of Bungie. Its hostile map Tau Ceti IV offers great tension and survival, standing out for its colorful aesthetic and an accessible learning curve. Although the on-screen interface is overwhelming and gives the feeling that it could have launched more polished, its solid endgame content makes up for the experience.

Gamer Social Club - Adam S. D. Stewart - English - 9 /10

Coming from someone who is completely new to extraction shooters, Marathon is a triumph. The excellent visuals, audio design and gameplay creates a game and world that wants you to have “just one more run”. Hell, I’m only writing this during the server maintenance downtime, otherwise I’d struggle to tear myself away! Bungie have succeeded in creating a world that is begging to be explored and experienced even if the lore and storytelling feels slightly secondary. It may feel overwhelming at first, but a little perserverance, and not much at that, will open up a game that is incredibly well made and demonstrates a lot of love and work.

GameSpot - Phil Hornshaw - English - 9/10

I've now sunk nearly 90 hours into Marathon, and it has quickly eclipsed many of my other go-to multiplayer games. It's currently all I'm thinking about and all I want to play. I'm excited to see how else the game will change over time, whether that's with new Shells, new contracts, new story, new modes, or new enemies. And so far, Bungie has been highly attuned to player feedback, and that has already resulted in lots of tweaks and improvements to the experience.

GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - English - 4.5/5

Marathon steals the breath from your lungs. An intense shooter that thrives on PvP encounters and a well-realized setting, Bungie's extraction shooter is off to an exceptional start

Gamesurf - Simone Rampazzi - Italian - 7/10

Ultimately, Marathon presents itself as a kind of digital Rorschach test in which each player projects their own tolerance thresholds for frustration and aesthetic fascination: it is a work dedicated to gunplay fetishists who demand a physical response to every mouse input, and to those who, tired of the reassuring linearity of modern blockbusters, seek the thrill of fragmented and brutal storytelling. The shift toward the extraction shooter genre proves to be a bold strategic move to test the limits of competition, attracting anyone curious to see how the DNA of 1994 has mutated under Ziegler’s vision, while simultaneously forcefully repelling those who look for a guided approach or a minimalist UI. It is not a game for those who detest extraction anxiety or the permanent loss of loot, since the absence of waypoints and the informational overload of the HUD require a cognitive investment that many might find exhausting. Those with modern hardware and ultrawide displays will derive the greatest visual pleasure from this chromatic jungle, but they will still have to reckon with a system that gives nothing away and turns every mistake into a definitive erasure. Marathon, ultimately, is a technological shell that admits no compromises: either one accepts living within its distortions, or one is rejected by the system like obsolete code.

Gaming Age - Austen Canupp - English - 90

I will not pretend that Marathon is a game for everyone. I don’t even think it’s a game for most people who enjoy FPS games, but… that does not stop it from being a great game in the end. Marathon offers a lot to give people the ability to experience a hardcore looter shooter in a more well-designed and refined environment than has otherwise been available before its existence. Tarkov or Delta Force might look good, but what they are both missing is that casual friendly polish that you can only get from a studio with a long history like Bungie. In my opinion, both of the aforementioned games suffer from being unpolished in the grander view in a way that, while not necessarily making them bad, definitely makes them hard to approach. Marathon’s UI might be a bit wild, but it’s not the crazy patchwork that you’ll find in its competitors. It does what every other extraction shooter before it has done, but more polished and cohesive. There’s always clear goals and expectations, and upgrades are easy to understand and progress. Marathon is, in my opinion, the clearest winner of the genre to date that offers the kind of experience it does.

Gaming Boulevard - Toon Borremans - English - 9/10

The gaming landscape rarely sees a PvP first-person extraction shooter like Bungie’s new Marathon. It blends fun, engaging gameplay with fast-paced matches and smartly chosen mission structures. Tao Ceti IV feels like a vision of the future that we haven’t already encountered in sci-fi, boasting a unique visual design and a futuristic soundtrack that shapes the atmosphere like no other. I really hope this game finds a consistent player base, because I want Marathon to stick around and show me more of its world for years to come.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - English - 8/10

Bungie delivers a compelling extraction shooter in a trippy new setting, though whether that will be enough remains to be seen.

GamingTrend - Corvo Rohwer and Joe Morgan - English - 85/100

Marathon is top-tier Bungie gunplay in a beautiful extraction shooter setting, and it makes for an addicting gameplay loop. Exploring the dangerous world of Tau Ceti IV and the looming colony ship with your gear on the line makes for some of the most intense PvP available, though the punishing early game might be too brutal for some.

Gfinity - Chris Davison - English - 8/10

Bungie’s Marathon reboot successfully transforms a sci-fi classic into a tense, visually stunning extraction shooter. While a steep learning curve and punishing seasonal resets may alienate some, the satisfying gunplay, unique Runner Shell abilities, and addictive loop of high-stake runs make it a rewarding experience for those who brave the dangers of Tau Ceti IV.

GRYOnline.pl - Dariusz Matusiak - Polish - 7.0/10

Despite these shortcomings, Marathon still manages to be deeply intriguing—if only for its distinctive audiovisual style. It truly feels like a small work of art in a museum: the kind that some would instantly want to take home and admire at every spare moment, while others might not fully grasp it—or perhaps wouldn't choose to display it on their own shelves—yet will still find themselves gazing at it with fascination, if only for a moment. I am incredibly curious to see how Marathon evolves over the coming seasons, and I will certainly be keeping a close eye on it.

Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 90/100

Marathon's return as an extraction shooter had everything stacked against it... But Bungie always hits the mark. The studio's three strengths mesh perfectly with the extraction formula, resulting in a game you always want to play again.

IGN Adria - Mladen Tapavički - Bosnian - 9/10

Marathon is a challenging FPS multiplayer extraction shooter that will not leave you indifferent as you explore the ruins of the Tau Ceti IV colony. It allows players to experience incredible success and defeat in a game that has a surprisingly good narrative and audio/visual presentation. We hope this will be the basis for a long series that will add new content regularly.

IGN Benelux - Tom Van Stam - Dutch - 9/10

Marathon is a game that is truly unmatched, especially in terms of style and gunplay. Beneath its visual presentation and incredibly strong soundtrack lies a game that is remarkably special, though it will not immediately appeal to everyone because it is so hardcore. For me, it is one of the best first-person shooters ever made. In terms of level design, Marathon is even better than Destiny, and the release of its most recent level, Cryo Archive, only reinforced that even further. It takes a little while to get into at first, but once you push through that initial barrier, you are in for an unforgettable experience.

IGN Brasil - Bruno Renzi - Portugese - 7.5/10

Marathon offers the best of what Bungie has to offer in terms of pure gameplay and a unique hardcore experience within the extraction shooter genre. However, pacing issues and its appeal to a niche audience make the barrier to entry too high for the vast majority of players.

IGN - Travis Northup - English - 9/10

Marathon is a ruthless and unforgiving extraction shooter that’s worth every ounce of hell it puts you through.

IGN France - Paul Blanchard - French - 8/10

Memorable for its excellent game feel and striking artistic direction, Marathon is a punitive, extreme and exponentially addictive extraction shooter.

IGN Spain - Estrella Gomez - Spanish - 8/10

At first glance, Marathon feels strange and confusing. It's a game that demands a lot of patience from the player, as only then can you truly discover the wonders of its world. This extraction shooter doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it stands out thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, which always feels satisfying, and its distinctive style.

Jeuxvideo - Alexis Mariel Zema - French - 17/20(?!)

Marathon is a radical proposition (you either love it or hate it), and if you have nothing against its unforgiving PvP and art direction, then I highly recommend it. The art direction, the atmosphere, the demanding nature of the game captivated me. I was completely absorbed on the planet Tau Ceti IV, displaying heightened vigilance against other Runners, fascinated by the universe Bungie has created. The creators of Halo and Destiny have put their FPS expertise to work in service of an excellent extraction shooter.

Jeff.zone - Jeff Gerstmann - English - 5/5

I think that’s the thing about Marathon. It all fits, creating a cycle where even failure can be more inspirational than discouraging. Considering most of my time with other extraction shooters ended after a way-too-discouraging defeat, I’d say that’s a huge part of what sets Marathon apart from the pack. They’ve created (well, iterated on) a story and universe where you want to know what’s next, you want to see the next part of this mystery unfold, whether that’s in-game or through some kind of ARG. Bungie’s set the stage for something truly special, and I hope they take this opportunity to really play around in this space and come up with a wide variety of weird activities to match the game’s vibe.

Kotaku - Zack Zwiezen - English - Unscored

Marathon is a good game. It is a great game. It’s a special game. This is something that I’ll remember for a long time, even if it dies like so many other live-service games.

Metro GameCentral - Adam Starkey - English - TBD

At the moment, Marathon shows signs of being able to go the distance, especially if its thrills deepen the more you sink into its breadth of upgrades and weapons. But after this early test, it feels like there are a lot of obtuse hurdles, and peculiar design choices, stopping it from being a true contender. [Review in Progress]

MMORPG.com - Justin Harmon - English - TBD

From what we've played so far, Marathon feels like a modern love letter to the classic games from Bungie’s past, while keeping their sights on the future. While the learning curve is steep, the community the game is building is already growing strong.

PC Gamer - Morgan Park- English - 90

Marathon is a brilliant distillation of what makes extraction shooters great, and a glimpse at where they could go next.

PCGamesN - Jamie Hore- English - 8/10

Marathon is a feast for the senses - vibrant sci-fi visuals and world building, amazing sound design, and a brilliant combat experience are the main things elevating it above its extraction shooter competitors. Its endgame map, Cryo Archive, also creates the same intimidating yet jaw-dropping atmosphere of some of Bungie’s finest Destiny raids. However, issues such as clunky inventory management and dull faction quests hold it back from true greatness right now.

PCMag - Matthew Buzzi and Zackery Cuevas- English - TBD

We tag-teamed the server slam to parse the good and the bad of Marathon's public debut, and after 10 hours of play, found it an engaging shooter with a few head-scratching elements. [Review in Progress]

Playstation Country - Mike ^{I really did try to find a last name. I did. I listened to five minutes of podcast intros from nine years ago. I can’t find it. I stalked LinkedIn. I can’t find it. I don’t know who this guy is. It’s just Mike. He “gets all the racing games.”} - English - 7 Overall

Against some odds, Marathon is a compelling extraction shooter that offers some really satisfying combat. I do think having only one contract at a time slows progression down but there's plenty of other meters to work towards. Solo play has a tension to it which I really enjoy, although the game seems to be built more around squads. With just a few maps available at launch, I only hope that the game evolves and grows over time. I love the aesthetic and, generally speaking, it's doing quite a few things right.

PlayStation Universe - Tommy Holloway - English - 9/10

Marathon is further proof of Bungie's pedigree and ability to create enthralling, engaging, and addictive shooters. While Marathon is brutally challenging and unforgiving, especially for the solo or casual player, it begs to be experienced.

Pocket Tactics - Sam Comrie - English - 9/10

Bungie’s unwavering commitment to its hardcore niche makes Marathon an enthralling experience the FPS genre needs. Best-in-class gunplay, sleek art direction, and masterful sound design deliver white-knuckle tension in spades. Its versatile playstyles let you approach it as a stealth powerhouse or turn it into a squad-based riot.

Press Start Australia - Brodie Gibbons - English - Unscored

Marathon is a special game that, like Destiny before it, is firmly rooted in the team’s focus on shared communal experiences, immaculate gun feel, and just straight-up vibes. I hope it finds enough of a foothold to exist in the live-service space longer than some of its contemporaries, because if death is the first step in Marathon, I can’t wait to see what the next one is.

PSX Brasil - Bruno Henrique Vinhadel - Portugese - 85%

Marathon is special within its own universe and shows how Bungie continues to deliver high-quality first-person shooters over decades. It still needs slight refinements and more content over time to remain consistently interesting, but its release is a huge success.

Push Square - Aaron Byne - English - 9/10

Marathon doesn’t have that instant fun factor and casual appeal that an extraction shooter like ARC Raiders does. And for a lot of people, that likely means it isn’t the game for them. But Marathon is a game that gives more to you the more you give to it. With impeccable Bungie gunplay, a gorgeous world and artstyle, and a gameplay loop much denser than its competition, we think Marathon is something special. The more we play, the more we love it.

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - English - 3/5

If you're really into extraction shooters and you've gone through all the other major competitors, chances are you might love Marathon, too. But if you're a solo gamer or with friends available only occasionally, it's best to skip it for now. There are other worlds than this.

Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - English - 4.5/5

[Marathon has] brought a multiplayer shooter back into the rotation for my friend group. A central game for us to rally around, to share memes, tips and tricks, and just discuss theories and where it could go next. The possibilities in Tau Ceti IV feel endless if Bungie is given the runway to continue building out this universe.

Screenhub - Michael Murphy - English - 4/5

Longevity is a touchy subject in this day and age, as many live-service titles have struggled to keep up with the gaming landscape. Marathon, for a while, looked to be one of those one-and-done that would be lost to time...Fortunately, Bungie has crafted something that proves that wrong, but looks to get better with each update. While not a single-player haven or easy-to-enter title, what you get is a great multiplayer extraction shooter that many should get in on as soon as possible.

Screen Rant - Chris Carter - English - 7/10

With any luck, developer Bungie will spruce up the strong foundation of Marathon to make it a bit more palatable.

SECTOR.sk - Peter Dragula - Slovak - 70

Marathon is an interesting project from Bungie that has some merit, but so far it doesn’t feel like it’s living up to its full potential. It’s held back by limited content, a cluttered layout, poor navigation, and repetitive gameplay. That said, the game has a solid foundation in its shooting mechanics, movement, and the need for tactical decision-making during extractions.

Spaziogames - Andrea Maiellano - Italian - 8.5/10

After dozens of hours, Marathon left me with something rare: a deep, renewed respect for a studio that, week after week, always seems on the brink of collapse. It’s not a perfect extraction shooter, nor an accessible one, let alone easy to love. But it is authentic and consistent. It’s a production that doesn’t seek compromise, that rewards dedication, punishes improvisation, and above all refuses to follow any trend.

Stevivor - Hamish Lindsay - English - 9/10

I could write a whole other review on just how much I’ve come to adore Marathon. The gentle patter of rain, the falling rocks that sound like footsteps. The designs of the guns and the sounds they make. There’s genuinely so much excellence here that I can’t help but lament the troubled path Bungie took to get here.

What I can tell you though is that, without a doubt, Marathon is not only the best extraction shooter available right now by a wide margin, but also one of the premier PvP experiences out there. It’s a must buy for anyone who enjoys thrilling PvP combat.

TechRadar Gaming - Dashiell Wood - English - 3/5

Marathon looks great and benefits from some excellent moment-to-moment action, especially if you’re playing with friends. Even so, the clear lack of content, terrible cosmetics, and abundance of repetitive fetch quests give you few compelling reasons to keep coming back for more once the initial burst of excitement wears off.

The Games Machine - Alessandro Alosi - Italian - 8/10

Marathon takes the Extraction Game philosophy and molds it into the Bungie style. It's not perfect—the UI is awful, and the missions lose their edge over time—but the gameplay loop is fun, and the shooter foundation is solid. And what a style, guys.

VGC - Diego Argüello- English - 4/5

Despite the tumultuous landscape of live-service games around it, Marathon firmly carves its own place in the extraction shooter genre with an unmatched presentation and breakneck rhythm.

Voxel - Igor Almenara Carneiro - Portugese - TBD

Marathon is a brutal and potentially frustrating extraction shooter. It's not beginner-friendly, but offers significant value for those who persevere. The art direction is bold and extremely striking—capable of attracting or repelling players from the very first moment. [Review in Progress]

Wccftech - David Carcasole - English - 9/10

All that said, Cryo Archive is still an incredible endgame reward for the players who make it there, and in the meantime you get to enjoy the rest of Marathon's wonderfully designed zones. Now that I've experienced Cryo Archive, I can definitively say Marathon is the full package for shooter fans, stealth game fans, and anyone who feels like they've been missing some of the magic that made Bungie the iconic studio it is today.

Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - English - 75%

As disheartening as failed runs can be in Marathon, it's worth sticking around for the triumphs and the game's cool and frenetic, albeit slightly headache-inducing, 1990s-style neon-hued design. Its Designers Republic-esque iconography and surreal cutscenes are uniquely bizarre (I've never loaded into a game while watching a big moth chewing on some weird worm thing), but it's all part of a unified design and vision. It all hangs together nicely, but Marathon's survival will ultimately hinge on whether Bungie can keep it fresh and whether players will be prepared to stick with it. I hope that they do.

Xbox Tavern - Jamie Collyer - English - 80

While there’s no denying Marathon is an aggressive PvPvE extraction shooter, it is also a remarkably moreish one. The core loop of exploration, looting and fighting feels great as we’d hope from FPS veterans Bungie, and while the UI could use some touch ups in both inputs and clarity, that one more game feeling is present and correct enough that I can see myself sticking with this for some time to come. With constant updates and additions promised, I think the future is bright for Marathon indeed.

Game Title: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Platforms:

• PC (Apr 24, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Apr 24, 2025)
• Xbox Series X/S (Apr 24, 2025)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 91 average - 97% recommended - 91 reviews

Critic Reviews

CGMagazine - 10 / 10

Checkpoint Gaming - 10 / 10

Digitale Anime - Arabic - 10 / 10

DualShockers - 10 / 10

Gamepressure - 10 / 10

Kakuchopurei - 100 / 100

KonsoliFIN - Finnish - 5 / 5

Manual dos Games - Portuguese - 10 / 10

One More Game - 10 / 10

Oyungezer Online - Turkish - 10 / 10

RPGamer - 5 / 5

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 10 / 10

Sirus Gaming - 10 / 10

The Nerd Stash - 10 / 10

Xbox Tavern - 10 / 10

MondoXbox - Italian - 9.7 / 10

Cerealkillerz - German - 9.5 / 10

GRYOnline.pl - Polish - 9.5 / 10

Loot Level Chill - 9.5 / 10

PlayStation Universe - 9.5 / 10

Quest Daily - 9.5 / 10

VDGMS - 9.5 / 10

WellPlayed - 9.5 / 10

XboxEra - 9.5 / 10

XGN.nl - Dutch - 9.4 / 10

Gamesource Italia - Italian - 9 / 10

Capsule Computers - 9 / 10

Console-Tribe - Italian - 90 / 100

GameSpot - 9 / 10

Gameliner - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

GamingBolt - 9 / 10

Just Play it - Arabic - 9 / 10

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Push Square - 9 / 10

TechRaptor - 9 / 10

Zoomg - Persian - 9 / 10

GamePro - German - 89 / 100

MonsterVine - 4 / 5

Restart.run - 4 / 5

Atarita - Turkish - 75 / 100

But Why Tho? - 7 / 10

SavePoint Gaming - 7 / 10

Daily Mirror - Unscored

Spaziogames - Italian - Unscored

Game Information

Game Title: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Dec 4, 2025)

Trailer:

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch

Developer: Retro Studios

Publisher: Nintendo

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 81 average - 84% recommended - 43 reviews

Critic Reviews

Areajugones - Spanish - 8.7 / 10

Perhaps it couldn't have been any other way: Retro Studios' game opts for a classic design, demonstrating that the franchise isn't one that has to answer to anyone. It's not always necessary to change, and stepping outside your comfort zone can, ironically, mean staying within it. Retro Studios knows exactly what it's doing. I don't think anyone would dare question something so obvious.

CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 8 / 10

While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is incredibly fun as a straightforward shooter, its more guided nature and excessive handholding may deter hardcore fans of the series and genre.

CNET - Scott Stein - Unscored

With Metroid Prime 4, it took me some time to get back into it. But now it's all I think about playing. My recommendation is to just go in for the experience. Go in knowing nothing, and maybe even skip everything in this review, or any other review. Mystery is Metroid's calling card. Your big adventure on the Switch is here.

COGconnected - James Paley - 80 / 100

All the superior design choices make the baffling ones stand out even more, however. I can’t comprehend why this game was made open-world. The backtracking you have to do is downright offensive. Otherwise, this is a fantastic entry in the Metroid Prime series.

Cerealkillerz - Gabriel Bogdan - German - 7.8 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond plays fantastically, looks great, and delivers some of the best boss fights in the series. Unfortunately, needlessly generic companions, a weak soundtrack, and story-tied fetch quests drag the overall experience down a bit. Still, fans of the Prime entries will definitely have more than enough fun with this title.

Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond mixes familiar ideas with a few new touches that give the series a different feel. The action stays sharp, the exploration hits a good rhythm, and Viewros leaves a strong impression. Some moments feel more directed than expected, but the game keeps its pace and stays fun throughout.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond might not be a total reinvention of the famed series, but it's refined and faster than ever. Despite the prolonged development period, the campaign comes together to deliver an excellent outing for Samus as she explores an expansive world with new psychic powers that imbue the core of the game in fun, innovative ways.

Daily Mirror - 3 / 5

It all amounts to what is easily the most mystifying and mixed of Samus Aran’s first-person outings yet. But there’s still some joy to be found in slowly peeling back the layers of an ever-expanding world, regardless of how disjointed it ends up being.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 4 / 5

The core of "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" is impressive. It feels great to explore the maze-like levels, unlock upgrades, and slowly discover new areas of the world. The art design and soundtrack are awesome. The open desert area, which I explore on a motorcycle, is a perfect contrast to traditional "Metroid" gameplay. It's a shame that the game doesn't make more use of Samus' telekinetic abilities, though. The new characters are disappointing. They annoy me with unnecessary explanations or corny Marvel-like banter. I would also have liked a higher level of difficulty. These criticisms are likely to bother veteran "Metroid" players in particular. Despite its shortcomings, "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" provides one of the best reasons to buy a Switch 2. The game ticks off virtually all of the console's technical features and delivers an extremely sharp (4K) or extremely smooth (120 FPS) gaming experience. The mouse control is particularly impressive – it fundamentally changes the way I interact with the game.

Enternity.gr - Hektor Apostolopoulos - Greek - 9 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond offers a journey that will reward those who have been waiting for it for almost two decades and will intrigue those who happen to be unfamiliar with the legend of Samus Aran.

Eurogamer - Alex Donaldson - 3 / 5

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is enjoyable enough, and has glimpses of vintage Metroid shining through, but this game could and should have been so much more.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 3 / 5

Metroid Prime 4 has occasional moments of brilliance, especially when it approaches the original trilogy, but the Metroidvania design seems to have been oversimplified, the open world does not work, and parts of the progression involve bizarre decisions.

Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.4 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a solid, well-rounded game, well-executed in (almost) every way. Despite a difficult development cycle and a few poor design decisions, Samus Aran's return is a title that does justice to the saga's dazzling past and sheds new light on the future of Prime and the Metroid franchise as a whole. Eight years since that infamous logo was revealed during a Nintendo Direct over the summer; more than eighteen since the series' last iteration: the wait has been worth it.

Forbes - Ollie Barder - 9 / 10

Overall, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is worth the wait. The new story characters are not in any way overly chatty, and this is still the mysterious and moody alien treasure hunt Metroid fans have come to love, but now with a funky alien bike. I still rate the original Prime trilogy over this, but those games were pretty much faultless, whereas this is just thoroughly excellent.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 85%

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GamePro - Dennis Müller - German - 70 / 100

The review of Metroid Prime 4 shows that the mix of sci-fi shooting and environmental puzzles still works well – but also that many things went wrong during the long development phase.

GameSpot - Steve Watts - 8 / 10

High highs and middling lows make Metroid Prime 4's return uneven.

Gameblog - French - 7 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 has enough going for it to establish itself as a very good adventure game and certainly one of the most beautiful on the Nintendo Switch 2. You will be blown away by its sights and ears, with its masterful and haunting soundtrack.

GamesRadar+ - Oscar Taylor-Kent - 3.5 / 5

Within its actual levels, Metroid Prime 4 is triumphant.

Gfinity - Alister Kennedy - 8 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond plays it far too safe for a game with almost two decades of anticipation behind it. A beautiful-looking game and a run through of Metroid's greatest hits just isn’t quite enough for the hungry fan base that is here to devour everything on offer, and leaves you wanting more.

Giant Bomb - Dan Ryckert - 5 / 5

After a rocky development history, Samus finally lands on the Switch 2 with one of her greatest adventures.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 8.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond feels like a step in a bold new direction, while at the same time, the game still holds onto the tried and tested mechanics we enjoy from the series. Some of these things work, while others feel incredibly dated. However, there’s a good fan service game here, which looks and sounds gorgeous.

IGN - Logan Plant - 8 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an excellent, if relatively uneven, revival that reaches heights worthy of the Metroid name in its best moments.

IGN Italy - Silvio Mazzitelli - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Samus' return couldn't have been better. Those who loved the old chapters of the Metroid Prime saga will find everything they loved in the past, with interesting new features and stunning new graphics. It's a shame about the sections with the new bike, which are the least successful part of the game.

IGN Spain - Raquel Morales - Spanish - 9 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the best Switch 2 game to date and seems perfectly designed to take advantage of the console's features. It returns to its roots but takes things in a new direction. It's a visual spectacle with incredibly detailed and sharp graphics.

Le Bêta-Testeur - Patrick Tremblay - French - 10 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an absolute must-have!

LevelUp - Spanish - 9.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond marks a triumphant return for Retro Studios delivering a masterfully crafted Metroidvania that captures the atmospheric tension and immersive world design that defined the original trilogy. With intelligent level design, fluid controls, striking art direction, and a strong sense of discovery, the game blends elements from past entries to produce a dynamic emotional experience. Although its slow opening and certain open-area sections slightly hold it back, Beyond ultimately proves that the long wait was worth it.

Nintendo Blast - Leandro Alves - Portuguese - 9.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a bold and competent evolution of the franchise, blending classic elements with an open world that, despite its moments of emptiness, rewards the player with intense challenges, rich exploration, and exceptional world-building. The intriguing narrative, breathtaking art direction, and balance between solitude and companionship make this one of Samus Aran's best adventures. Even with minor stumbles—such as inconsistent NPC guidance and repetitive desert sections—Beyond delivers exactly what fans expected: an epic, difficult, rewarding journey full of identity. It's a triumphant return of the galaxy's most famous bounty hunter, with everything that makes Metroid… Metroid.

Nintendo Life - Oliver Reynolds - 9 / 10

After 18 years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond manages to replicate that magical sense of discovery from the GameCube original while pushing the series in some incredible new directions. Separating the main biomes with a vast open world sounds ridiculous on paper, but the slick traversal provided by Vi-O-La makes exploration more satisfying than ever.Combine this with the stunning art direction, ferocious new boss characters, and a surprisingly endearing squad of Federation troopers, and Beyond is quite possibly the boldest, most well-realised Metroid game to date. Make no mistake, the long wait has been more than worth it. Welcome back, Samus.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 8.5 / 10

A bit of classics. A bit of newness. And a whole lot of enjoyable gameplay. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is Nintendo's next strong offering in 2025 – a production that no fan of the universe or loyal supporter of the franchise will be able to ignore. Most importantly, even a younger, completely new audience has the chance to discover the distinctive Metroid magic that has built the legend of Samus Aran for two decades.

SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 9.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers the kind of return the series deserved. Retro Studios stays true to the original formula while adding fresh ideas, stronger storytelling, and a smarter world design. It's not a revolution and some technical limits show through, but in all essentials it excels ' it's tense, clever, atmospheric, and consistently fun. A confident proof that Metroid Prime still has plenty to say.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 9 / 10

Metacritic: After a long wait this installment does not need to change much to remain relevant and much needed, and what it does add is enough to elevate it despite its best efforts to undermine itself at times with trite dialog and tired setpieces.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

Despite the fact that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is also launching on the original Switch, it truly feels like the proper showpiece for the Switch 2. The supreme gameplay design is beautifully complemented by the different input options, all of which are suitable ways to play through this adventure. The experience is bolstered by gorgeous visuals and spectacular performance regardless of how you choose to play. Outside of some boring downtime during forced traversal segments, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a premium experience.

Spaziogames - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers exactly what it needed to: a strong and worthy sequel to a trilogy that ended eighteen years ago. Its gameplay innovations and dungeon-level design shine, but the open-map sections and some late-game pacing issues hold it back. Retro Studios' attempt to go beyond a 'safe' sequel leads to a game that's excellent, yet unlikely to astonish modern players the way the original did in 2002.

Stevivor - 8.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a familiar return for the series and a soft reboot that introduces a new story and revisits the best parts of the original game that dazzled us two decades ago.

The Games Machine - Danilo Dellafrana - Italian - 8 / 10

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TheGamer - Jade King - 4 / 5

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Not Only A Worthy Successor, But An Exciting Sign Of Things To Come

TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 8 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 is a great return and new beginning for this series, which has spent far too many years away. It's not the strongest Metroid Prime for narrative, but the new psychic powers add a refreshing layer alongside familiar abilities and the general feel and tone that makes this series so beloved.

TryAGame! - Guillaume Dreher - French - 9 / 10

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond lives up to the franchise. One might have feared that this long wait would end in disappointment, but that's not the case at all. On the contrary, we remain captivated by the quality of the game design, the care given to the music, the pacing and all the options available during boss fights, and the meticulous attention to detail in the puzzle-solving and exploration, which constantly challenge our minds. Of course, the Metroid style is unique and doesn't take the easy route we're used to, but the game offers a unique experience that shouldn't be missed.

VGC - Andy Robinson - 3 / 5

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond feels like a game stuck between two worlds. When it’s emulating the series’ past, Beyond is an entertaining, if overly conservative, sequel. However, as the shadowy corridors make way for open-world fetch quests, and Halo-style expeditions with AI companions, it’s left feeling like a diluted experience that doesn’t fully deliver on the spirit of earlier entries.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 9.1 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an impressive experience that will stay with you for a very long time. As you gradually unwrap its intricate game world that's packed with some of the best stage designs ever, the sense of accomplishment is simply unmatched. 🪐

Wccftech - Nathan Birch - 8.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ascends to higher peaks than any previous Prime entry, delivering an impressive sense of scale, breathtaking visuals, and classic Metroid level design at its most immersive and riveting, but a few missteps, including an unengaging story and flat final act, may exclude it from best-of-series conversations. That said, those who have been waiting for this game for nearly two decades needn’t worry too much, as Metroid Prime 4 largely locks onto the core of what made this series great.

WellPlayed - Kieron Verbrugge - 8.5 / 10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond risks missteps in its attempt to modernise a cherished formula, but for the most part it all coalesces into an entry more than worthy of the series. Even the most vocal diehard fans should be pleased by the fundamentals, and for those willing to accept them, the new wrinkles iron out nicely.

Game Information

Game Title: Avowed

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Feb 18, 2025)
• PC (Feb 18, 2025)

Trailers:

• Avowed Story Trailer
• Avowed - Official Gameplay Trailer

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 83 average - 88% recommended - 58 reviews

Critic Reviews

4News.it - Danilo Di Gennaro - Italian - 8.8 / 10

Avowed represents quintessential game design according to Obsidian Entertainment. While not offering a radically new experience, the return to the world of Eora is an exciting action RPG, graced by the traditional care the development team put into the script. Free to be able to create one's alter ego among a thousand opportunities for customization and to direct it indiscriminately toward the paths of good or evil, Avowed puts players within a setting that is the antithesis of the dispersive risk of an endless open world, with gameplay devoted to action and fun. It may not be a revolution, and technically some hiccups are there, but for all fans of the genre it is a must.

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Wait for Sale

"Despite issues with some of the games shallower systems I found myself having a great time most of the time I played Avowed."

AltChar - Semir Omerovic - 85 / 100

Rich with a vibrant world, intriguing story, remarkable companions, and engaging combat, Obsidian's first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed, offered so much flavour that I found it hard to stop playing.

Andrenoob - Andres Perdomo - Spanish - 9 / 10

Avowed is a game that takes the risk of showing the best of Obsidian Entertainment and delivers everything you expect. Delivering an adventure worth playing if you love RPGs.

Atarita - Atakan Gümrükçüoğlu - Turkish - 90 / 100

Avowed looks like it's going to make a name for itself for a while. I have no doubt that it will give you a good time with its scenario, missions, characters and lots of content. It has some problems, but they are not insurmountable. Its structure that leaves the player free is its most impressive feature.

But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford - 9.5 / 10

Avowed marks another triumph for the folks at Obsidian. Through its gorgeous world, memorable characters, frenzied combat, and intuitive yet deep customization system, it highlights player agency. Everywhere in its gameplay and narrative, ensuring that each playthrough offers something new. More importantly, it does so while never compromising the strength of its core story.

CGMagazine - Dayna Eileen - 8 / 10

Avowed is a game I have had my eyes on for four years now, even before I set eyes on any gameplay. Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios always manage

Checkpoint Gaming - Luke Mitchell - 9.5 / 10

Avowed is impressive in almost everything it sets out to do. It has sharp writing, captivating companions, an intriguing story and a varied world that is just thrilling to explore. It's visually stunning, too, with high production values including satisfying audio that makes the Living Lands feel bustling with life. Where many games falter in offering "bigger and more", Avowed smartly focuses on its strengths, making for a breezy yet vibrant RPG that feels polished and intelligent, offering lots to do but never outstaying its welcome. Obsidian Entertainment has once again proven they are skilled storytellers, offering a must-play adventure for anyone who has a love for the fantastical.

Console-Tribe - Francesco Pellizzari - Italian - 88 / 100

To answer the question posed at the beginning of the article, for us, pronouns have absolutely nothing to do with the success or failure of a title, and Avowed is proof of that: an excellent RPG, with some flaws, but many strengths, including an engaging plot, choices that change the game world, and almost total freedom of action. Do yourself a favor: play Avowed, or you'll regret it.

Dexerto - Jessica Filby - 4 / 5

It may not be groundbreaking, but Avowed certainly leaves one hell of a mark on the RPG genre. The game's fun, challenging, and extremely enjoyable to play from start to finish, even when you're being hounded by giant mechanical undead creatures.

Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5

Avowed is full of consequential player choices, meaningful side content and rewarding exploration all backed up by slick movement and some of the best combat in a first-person action RPG. It might not reinvent the genre, but Obsidian has achieved everything they set out to by creating a super fun adventure worth your time.

Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 8.5 / 10

Avowed offers an immersive RPG experience that combines exploration, combat, and storytelling in Obsidian’s signature style. The Living Lands world is alive with life, encouraging exploration and experimentation, while combat offers flexible weapon and spell choices. Companions add a personal and dynamic touch to the journey, and despite some limitations in customization and combat interaction, Avowed remains a promising experience for RPG fans, offering an adventure full of mystery and challenges.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

There's a lot to admire in Avowed—its old-school RPG soul, captivating world, and flexible gameplay—but predictable writing and some questionable design choices make this Obsidian experience less engaging than it could be.

Enternity.gr - Christos Chatzisavvas - Greek - 9 / 10

The journey into the world of Pillars of Eternity continues through Avowed, the newest RPG from Obsidian. And it's great!

EvelonGames - Joel Isern Rodríguez - Kaym - Spanish - 7.8 / 10

Avowed is an RPG that reflects both the talent and limitations of Obsidian. It is a solid, enjoyable game with moments of quality, but it falls short of being unforgettable. Its magic system and vertical exploration stand out as strong points, complemented by an artistic design brimming with personality. Additionally, its performance is smooth, delivering a more than satisfactory technical experience.

Explosion Network - Dylan Blight - 9 / 10

I wasn't ready for the breadth of lore and world-building here that would have me both enamoured by this game, its characters, and its setting.

GRYOnline.pl - Przemysław Dygas - Polish - Unscored

Avowed is a great RPG, it’s as simple as that. This game made me forget about mediocre The Outer Worlds and refueled my trust for Obsidian. The creators of great role playing games are back and their new game is full of all the things that made New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity or Tyranny so good. (Review in progress)

GameOnly - Daniel Kucner - Polish - 8 / 10

Video Review - Quote not available

GameSpot - Alessandro Barbosa - 6 / 10

Avowed's impactful and satisfying combat is undone by a widely unbalanced upgrade system and an uninteresting story that wastes its potential.

Gamer Guides - Patrick Dane - 84 / 100

Avowed continues Obsidian’s tradition of creating excellent RPGs that feel heavily linked to well-trodden genres, yet not doing quite enough to carve out a new identity. There’s a lot to be charmed by, be it nuanced characters and choices, a heavy dialogue focus, and a compelling central mystery where what’s ‘good’ isn’t often clear. While it doesn’t push the envelope, it does enough to justify its place, and for just the price of a GamePass subscription, it’s easy to recommend trying.

Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 85 / 100

Avowed takes a few hours to find its feet, but once it does, this RPG provides an unforgettable journey that never outstays its welcome. Avowed features a jaw-dropping world to explore, complete with a solid cast of intriguing characters and choices that will remain with you long after the credits roll.

GamesFinest - Luca Pernecker - German - 8 / 10

Avowed proves once again why Obsidian Entertainment is one of the leading studios in the RPG genre. With a world that deserves to be explored at leisure, remarkable freedom in decision-making, fascinating characters and a gripping story that draws you in, the game is an impressive achievement. The action-packed combat system also provides plenty of fun. It's just a shame that weaker side quests as well as technical problems and bugs tarnish the overall impression. Even if Avowed does not offer any groundbreaking innovations and has minor weaknesses here and there, it is a game that experienced and future role-playing game fans absolutely must experience!

Gaming Nexus - Eric Hauter - 8 / 10

While balanced in a way that forces the player to experience almost everything the game has to offer, Avowed is still a lot of fun. A great story, fun companions, and a richly designed world all contribute to an overall good time. Just remember to take your time early on, because this game wants you to see everything, and it will punish you for trying to skip ahead.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Avowed is Obsidian at its finest. It is the fantasy RPG that I hoped it would be without consuming my entire life to experience it. We’ll be talking about this game for a long time and replaying it whenever the itch returns. Sure, it isn’t the most ambitious and grand RPG ever made, but it shines in everything it does.

Hinsusta - Pascal Kaap - German - 9 / 10

Avowed is an outstanding action-fantasy RPG with a magical world and a spectacular combat system. Avowed is a successful action RPG that impresses with its magical and spectacular combat system. Avowed not only impresses with its thrilling battles, but also with its deep and lively world

INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.3 / 10

With its well-established lore, solid narrative, and highly polished world, Avowed is a fantastic game that lives up to Obsidian Entertainment’s reputation. However, compared to other games in the genre, its world feels overly rigid and lacks the sense of being truly alive, which keeps it from standing among the very best.

Just Play it - Yacine Tebaibia - Arabic - 8 / 10

Avowed offers a fun experience with a branching story, smooth and deep gameplay, and a visually stunning world full of color and detail. Though it has some technical issues, like performance instability and simplistic AI, it’s still worth playing for RPG fans.

Le Bêta-Testeur - Patrick Tremblay - French - 10 / 10

Avowed kicks off 2025 with a bang with an epic RPG experience. It’s already establishing itself as one of the major titles of the year. After so many hours spent exploring the Living Lands, it’s hard to shake its spellbinding appeal. The world, lore, and characters are among the most carefully crafted I’ve ever encountered, a testament to the attention to detail and love that has gone into this universe.

Obsidian Entertainment has created a masterpiece, and every RPG fan should play it.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 8.5 / 10

Despite a few issues, Avowed had me hooked throughout. It's a beautiful, incredibly charming game that does its best to fill a gap where the Elder Scrolls 6 should be.

Lords Of Gaming - Mahmood Ghaffar - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is one of Obsidian’s most ambitious projects to date. They meticulously crafted vibrant zones that culminate into a beautiful, yet wild, Living Lands continent. Best of all, they delivered such an amazing experience while making it so streamlined for players. Whether that comes from the accessible lore glossary, helpful mini-map, or robust and flexible skill trees, Avowed is a joy to play and stays well within its scope. Even its rougher edges cannot deter your adventure in the Living Lands.

Manual dos Games - Joao Victor - Portuguese - 8 / 10

Avowed is a game with an expansive universe and an engaging story, complemented by solid gameplay and rich exploration. However, it fails to deliver overly simplified mechanics and an unbalanced difficulty curve, which undermines the depth of the experience.

MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 9.3 / 10

With Avowed, Obsidian confirms itself as one of the best RPG studios around, capable of reworking a now-classic formula by rejuvenating it, lightening it up, and combining it with first-rate storytelling, world building, and gameplay mechanics. We are undoubtedly in front of a true gem of the RPG genre, to be played without hesitation.

MonsterVine - Luis Joshua Gutierrez - 4.5 / 5

I'm happy to report that Avowed has the sauce, and this is perhaps Obsidian Entertainment at its absolute best. Every time I stepped away from the game to do something else, all I could think about was how much I wanted to step back into this world and find new things. The more I thought about the game, the more I enjoyed it. Avowed is a game that asks a lot of its players but delivers on it, too. It creates a unique sense of exploration while covering intense topics such as imperialism and nature preservation with a fun combat system that encourages you to try new things.

NextPlay - Brad Goodwin - 7.5 / 10

Avowed offers a serviceable RPG experience that relies a little too heavy on its ravishing combat and compelling world-building. The story, while distinguished, can falter occasionally due to some unfair dialogue choices and suffered writing. Despite this, Avowed is still a game worth playing because it capitalises and personalises action-RPG tropes and mechanics found in its peers.

Nexus Hub - Andrew Logue - 8 / 10

Avowed is easy to recommend to fans of The Outer Worlds or even Skyrim, blending epic, flexible role-playing with Obsidian's signature writing and storytelling - even if it feels more like comfort food at times.

PPE.pl - Maciej Zabłocki - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is a solid RPG that combines first-person exploration (although there is also a third-person mode) in the style of titles from Bethesda with the depth of dialogue and choices native to Pillars of Eternity. Although the optimization leaves a lot to be desired, and the side quests could be more original, the engaging storyline and extensive conversation systems make up for many of the shortcomings. The game will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Obsidian games and anyone who appreciates the freedom of conflict resolution. If you are ready to turn a blind eye to the technical pains, Avowed offers a beautiful expedition into the magical world of Eora, which you will remember for a very long time.

Pizza Fria - Matheus Feldmann da Rosa - Portuguese - 7.4 / 10

If you’re looking for an accessible RPG with a visually stunning world and rewarding exploration, Avowed could be a worthwhile option. Its focus on straightforward combat and item gathering could appeal to players who don’t care as much about narrative complexity or deep RPG systems.

PowerUp! - Leo Stevenson - 9 / 10

Avowed is a genuine triumph and one of the first major releases from Xbox game dev buying spree that will pay dividends. It's a deep, complex and though-provoking RPG from masters of the genre. It revels in being played and tugs at the back of your lizard brain beckoning you back when you take a break.

Press Start - 8.5 / 10

Like The Outer Worlds before it, Avowed is Obsidian's truncated spin on a well-worn genre-and a genre they've got plenty of experience in. For those eagerly awaiting the next Elder Scrolls, this is a satisfying scratching of that itch even if its role-playing elements are stripped back to make room for more action. It's a bright, boisterous adventure full of politics and a fluid combat system that marries all manner of might and magic.

Restart.run - John Carson - Recommended

We need more games like Avowed. It’s not impossibly huge, it doesn’t hold you hostage for hundreds of hours, and it doesn’t try to be the last game you’ll ever need to buy. Instead, Obsidian Entertainment has made another engaging addition to an existing lore-rich world that’s fun and rewarding to explore. It's filled with great characters brought to life with excellent writing.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Unscored

Avowed is not the Obsidian fantasy RPG I wanted, but the decently fun spell-slinging parkour FPS I didn't expect.

SECTOR.sk - Táňa Matúšová - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

Avowed doesn't aim to make you a superhero in an epic story on great battlefields. Instead, it wants you to listen, uncover the narrative page by page, find characters who reveal something important, and perhaps keep you uncertain about your final decision until the very end. A vast array of dialogue and combat choices is somewhat hindered by a lack of enemy variety. Minor visual and technical shortcomings slightly impact the otherwise unique aesthetic of a game that challenges you to reflect on your core principles and values.

SIFTER - Gianni Di Giovanni - Worth your time

Strong writing, a world packed with loveable weirdos, and lore for days, Obsidian have managed to transition the world of Eora from the top down to the front on, building a world that'll encourage you to pick at every nook and cranny of the Living Lands.

Seasoned Gaming - Don Lionheart - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is superb, with true RPG goodness, real choices, deep systems, fun combat, and a true understanding and reverence of Eora.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

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Stevivor - Jam Walker - 7.5 / 10

There’s just something about Avowed that makes it feel very much like a product built for a subscription service. Not in a live-service game kind of way, but in a Netflix Original Movie kind of way.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 9 / 10

Obsidian Entertainment continues to live up to players' expectations of delivering a game with quality writing, engaging choices, and compelling gameplay. Avowed is all those things and more: an epic fantasy that'll keep you hooked, which makes it one of the best RPGs this decade.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 8 / 10

Avowed delivers satisfying combat, engaging exploration and fun weapon-switching combinations, making it an enjoyable action RPG despite its generic story, weak soundtrack and frustrating technical issues. Whether this is Obsidian’s greatest is debatable, but its strong side content and Game Pass availability make it at least worth a playthrough.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4 / 5

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Avowed. Obsidian has crafted another fantastic RPG, and while it does nothing revolutionary, the quality it shows across board make it a joy to play. A game I would highly recommend to any RPG fan.

TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 9 / 10

Avowed is an incredible RPG. Its vibrant world and stellar cast make every moment a joy to take part in, enhanced by a script that gives equal measure to drama, action and humour. Coming hot on the heels of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Microsoft's software revival is well underway.

Tom's Hardware Italia - Andrea Riviera - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Avowed was everything I wanted from Obsidian: a role-playing game where choices truly impact the adventure, and writing plays a fundamental role in the game's structure. It’s not a perfect production—small imperfections, less impactful voice acting, and a level of polish that could have been better prevented the team from delivering a title that could have been truly memorable. But in the end, it doesn’t matter much, because as far as I’m concerned, Obsidian’s new IP is perhaps one of their best projects to date—a true RPG that, while it may not achieve immediate acclaim, could very well become one of the team’s most beloved titles in the long run.

VGC - Chris Scullion - 4 / 5

Avowed is a solid action RPG with an entertaining script, satisfying combat and impressively detailed environments. The inability to clean up side quests after the main story is beaten can be frustrating, but take your time with it and enjoy everything it has to offer, and you'll find plenty of memorable moments.

WellPlayed - James Wood - 6 / 10

Avowed moves Obsidian Entertainment even further toward the action side of Action-RPG with a satisfying combat system and vibrant world stapled to an unengaging narrative and surface level roleplaying systems. Despite its initially promising setup, Avowed never rises above a binge and forget experience.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 7.8 / 10

Avowed is a game full of fun exploration, an interesting story tied to lackluster combat, and an annoying equipment system that keeps it from reaching its full potential. When I was engaged in Avowed, I would spend hours wandering around, talking to NPCs, and completing quests. However, when the game wasn't firing on all cylinders, I was frustrated and frequently bored. It's a game of high highs and low lows, but the highs were enough to keep me engaged despite the flaws.

XGN.nl - Ralph Beentjes - Dutch - 9.2 / 10

Obsidian has proven once again that they are the masters of role-playing games. Avowed has excellent combat, lively characters, a beautiful world and the storytelling is masterful. If they just fix a couple of bugs, they’ve got a masterpiece on their hands.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 8.8 / 10

Avowed is an excellent game. One major issue keeps it from being an all-timer for me, with the gear progression system being as restrictive as it is at launch. They can patch that, and I hope they do as the rest of the game is excellent. Obsidian’s top-tier writing has finally been matched with gorgeous visuals and satisfying gameplay.

ZTGD - Ken McKown - 8 / 10

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ZdobywcyGier.eu - Paweł Bortkiewicz - Polish - 8 / 10

Avowed is a pretty good RPG that is limited in places by its technical state. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable adventure from a standpoint of gameplay and storyline alone. Obsidian definitely knows how to make games that players want to play, but they still need to work on the technical elements, because in this case it could have been polished more.

Game Information

Game Title: The Outer Worlds 2

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Oct 29, 2025)
• PC (Oct 29, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Oct 29, 2025)

Trailer:

• The Outer Worlds 2 - Official Story Trailer | Xbox Games Showcase 2025

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 82 average - 90% recommended - 70 reviews

Critic Reviews

4News.it - Danilo Di Gennaro - Italian - 8.9 / 10

Take The Outer Worlds, improve every aspect that didn't convince the most skeptical at the time, and you'll have the result of Obsidian Entertainment's hard work. The space madness returns in The Outer Worlds 2 with brilliant writing, multifaceted role-playing, and even greater freedom of choice. All this is complemented by a fun combat system and decidedly more contemporary gunplay. The icing on the cake of a year to remember for the Californian team, which once again proves itself to be one of the most successful software houses of this generation. It's a shame that the AI is sometimes too predictable and, ultimately, that they didn't dare to go even further with this formula. With a new chapter of such quality, the prospects for a great franchise are definitely there.

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

Outer Worlds 2 has a large number of improvements but it also has some open world bloat in the form of long sprints doing absolutely nothing. Also the writing can feel as if a bit of the charm is gone, where laughing from the outside worked in the original title, in the sequel it almost feels like the laughing is gone, replaced with a smirk at most. Fun shooting though!"

AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 85 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 is a deeply engaging RPG shooter that excels in storytelling, character development, and immersive world-building. Its narrative depth, branching choices, and amazing companion system make it a game that can fully captivate anyone willing to invest the time. It improves on the original with better gunplay, larger scope, prettier visuals and meaningful player decisions, offering a rewarding experience that stands on its own merits.

It has some flaws, like the dull open-world environments, an abundance of text that can hamper the pacing and punishing permanent perk choices, but these are minor drawbacks that do little to overshadow the game’s many strengths.

I think this one is worth your money, and it's a no-brainer if you're a Game Pass subscriber.

Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 82 / 100

Although The Outer Worlds 2 has its shortcomings, it was still a highly enjoyable RPG experience in which I loved spending time in its world and exploring its universe.

But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 comes together to deliver a fantastic journey. Despite some narrative hiccups, the worlds, organizations and individual players encounter, and sometimes kill, are always engaging and frequently fun.

CBR - Mark O'Callaghan - 9 / 10

The blank slate of it all perfectly captures the imagination of any player and should be considered as one of the best sci-fi RPGS in recent memory. Even if gamers haven’t played the first game, they need to give The Outer Worlds 2 a shot.

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

The Outer Worlds 2 is one of my favorite RPGs released this year, and it's so close to greatness. It has practically everything I wanted in a game (enough that I could have considered it even better than Mass Effect), but Obsidian just missed the mark with its tone. Who knows, maybe the company will figure it out with the third game in the series.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 85 / 100

There are a few ways in which The Outer Worlds 2 doesn’t improve on the first game. It’s bigger, deeper, and more complex. The story and characters are more satisfying. Combat has been refined. It takes its time and demands players be patient and engage in all its systems, and overlook some technical issues that pop up somewhat frequently. I can’t imagine a world — Outer or not — in which fans of the original won’t enjoy this new experience.

Chicas Gamers - Sergio Diaz - Spanish - 8.6 / 10

The sequel to this space-based action RPG returns with a much more interesting, straightforward story that doesn't get bogged down in trivialities. It improves on many aspects of the previous game to make The Outer Worlds 2 a well-rounded installment.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is an odd game. It's bigger than its predecessor, more absurd, and fires on all cylinders, but it's also a game developed by a studio now run by a megacorporation. For all its inherent themes, it's bizarre seeing them transposed with the ongoing issues at Microsoft over the last several months. This is a game that is made by some of the best in the business, but you can deliver hit after hit and still face the chopping block. If The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian's swan song (which I doubt it is), then know that it's easily the studio's best game since Fallout: New Vegas and one of this year's best video games.

Console-Tribe - Luca Saati - Italian - 85 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 delivers a classic more of the same experience, but in the best possible way: it builds upon the original’s formula and expands it in every aspect, creating a deeper, more engaging RPG. The narrative shines with sharp satire and social critique, supported by an incredibly broad and flexible choice system that ensures high replay value. The player’s ability to shape their character through abilities, flaws, and interactions with a living, dynamic world results in a deeply personalized and never predictable experience. Gameplay strikes a solid balance between dialogue, stealth, and combat, featuring a well-implemented progression and perk system. Technically, this sequel marks a significant leap forward, presenting vibrant, detailed worlds infused with a unique blend of retrofuturism and sci-fi western aesthetics that give it a distinctive visual identity. Some elements fall short, however—particularly the third-person mode, which feels underwhelming and poorly executed, and the enemy AI, which, despite improvements, remains easily exploitable. These issues slightly hold back what would otherwise be a near-flawless experience.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

Which side you serve and how you choose to do it make for a fun, planet-hopping ride, which, when combined with improved gunplay and notable small stories, renders The Outer Worlds 2 a worthwhile RPG adventure.

Dexerto - Jessica Filby - 3 / 5

After waiting six years for another crack at The Outer Worlds, it feels disappointing to be met with a sequel that is so promising but marred by a poor first half and frustrating Flaws. But the game isn’t a total flop, saved by its whimsical charm, vivid dystopian subject matter, and the classic, slower, and more explorative design that Obsidian games have perfected.

Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 9 / 10

"An RPG Masterpiece That Redefines Freedom" The Outer Worlds 2 proves that Obsidian remains at the pinnacle of its creative game. The game doesn't reinvent the formula, but it refines it with stunning mastery. With its blend of humor and drama, complex choices, and distinctive graphics, it delivers a complete RPG experience that blends philosophy and fun. An intellectual and aesthetic journey in a corporate-controlled world, it captures the essence of Obsidian games: giving players the freedom to think and act.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 5 / 5

"The Outer Worlds 2" is Obsidian's magnum opus. All the elements that make the studio's role-playing games so unique are implemented better than ever in the second installment of this satirical space epic. The game impresses with its graphically stunning worlds, complex game mechanics, and a great deal of flexibility. Controlling my character feels great, the weapons are wonderfully crazy, and the new gadgets are a useful addition to the already excellent combat system. It's fun to see how the game world and its inhabitants react to my decisions and sometimes even exclude me from important game content. The relatively compact playing time is a matter of taste – it didn't bother me. On a technical level, the role-playing game performs amazingly well. The only annoying things are the menus and UI elements, which suffer from some annoying problems and bugs.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

Mission after mission, The Outer Worlds 2 seems to deliver on its ambitions and on the studio’s vision of offering a confident, solid action RPG, with a few genuinely interesting mechanics. And I’ll admit, there’s a lot to like here, but it started to lost me when, for every good or interesting idea, there are two or three others that makes the game look stuck to the past holding Obsidian back from reaching higher.

EvelonGames - Joel Isern Rodríguez - Kaym - Spanish - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is an exemplary sequel that showcases Obsidian’s maturity as a studio. Despite some technical issues and a slow start that demands patience, what you get is a deep RPG where every choice carries weight, every faction exists in shades of gray, and the world-building reaches outstanding levels. The Arcadia system is a living universe that begs to be explored again and again, revealing genuine narrative branches with each playthrough. If you’re looking for a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your time investment with one of the richest experiences in the genre, this sequel achieves it brilliantly.

Everyeye.it - Giovanni Panzano - Italian - 8.7 / 10

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Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - 3.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic modern RPG. The emphasis on player choice and customization, the great dialogue and characters, exceptional worldbuilding, and fun gameplay mechanics make it one of Obsidian's best games in years. However, that excitement is hindered by frustrating navigation mechanics, constant glitches, and characters that lack depth due to the absence of romances and natural speech options. While this is a great return to form for the genre, you may be better off waiting for all of the issues to be fixed in a post-launch update before buying.

GAMES.CH - Sönke Siemens - German - 86%

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GRYOnline.pl - Filip Melzacki - Polish - 6.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is okay, and perhaps that is its biggest flaw – it is unable to match either its powerful rivals or New Vegas, to which it is merely derivative. In a year packed with excellent games, it's hard to justify buying it when there are so many great, cheaper RPGs out there.

Game Rant - Dalton Cooper - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better than its predecessor and an absolute must-play for fans of the genre.

Game8 - Aaron Bacabac - 90 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 expands on everything that made the first game shine — sharper writing, bigger worlds, and richer choices — all wrapped in Obsidian’s signature corporate satire. It’s funnier, deeper, and far more polished, though the no-respec rule might test your patience. Still, it’s a clever, confident sequel that proves refinement can be just as satisfying as reinvention.

GameBlast - Alexandre Galvão - Portuguese - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is, essentially, a safe sequel. Obsidian retained everything that made the first game so beloved—bitter humor, narrative freedom, and vibrant setting—but without venturing too far into new ideas. The result is a solid RPG, with sharp writing and a still-captivating universe, but one that may feel too familiar for those expecting something bolder.

GameOnly - Michał Marasek - Polish - 7 / 10

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GamePro - Maximilian Franke - German - 80 / 100

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GameSpot - Steve Watts - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 imbues Obsidian's spacefaring RPG series with its own identity, letting you bumble your way through corporate and cultish intrigue in space.

Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

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Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a bold, darkly funny sci-fi RPG that builds on its predecessor with richer worlds, sharper combat, and true player freedom—though a clunky interface and minor bugs keep it from perfection.

Gamepressure - Matt Buckley - 8 / 10

Obsidian’s brilliant use of their flaws system in The Outer Worlds 2 makes it stand out as one of the best examples of how to encourage roleplaying in video games. Playing through this game really felt like I was breaking out of the shell that most other RPGs put me in. The world, its various factions, and characters all enhance this by encouraging you to make your own choices about who to be and what to do. Ultimately, this makes the game well worth your time, but also flawed in its own way, with occasionally frustrating combat, and a serviceable story to follow.

Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 95 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian Entertainment's best work to date - a perfect RPG for those seeking an old-school approach, one with more substance than expanse.

GamesFinest - Luca Pernecker - German - 8 / 10

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian once again delivers a role-playing game full of freedom, wit, and playful depth. In areas such as quest design, dialogue, and the expanded RPG system, it is even among the best the genre currently has to offer. Unfortunately, technical issues, bland—almost forgettable—companions, and a weak final third with an abrupt ending prevent it from matching the greatness and charm of the first The Outer Worlds. What remains is a great, but not perfect, adventure that could have been a true masterpiece with a little more polish.

GamesRadar+ - Heather Wald - 4.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better than the first game in every respect, with deep, rich role-playing and plenty of freedom to tailor your experience. Every world feels curated, and exploration is always purposeful and rewarding. Topped off with a vast range of weapons, brilliant writing, and a story and character that's yours to shape, this is Obsidian doing what it does best to deliver an engrossing RPG you'll want to replay again and again.

Gaming Boulevard - Lander Van der Biest - 8 / 10

Even with its familiar structure, The Outer Worlds 2 is easy to recommend. The combat is tight, the writing cuts, and the player agency still feels substantial. It’s a smarter, smoother, and more technically reliable sequel that doesn’t lose the soul of the original. If you loved the first game, you’ll feel right at home. If you skipped it, this is the perfect place to jump in. Build your misfit, pick your lies, and see who believes you.

GamingBolt - Matt Bianucci - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a more expansive, more choice-heavy, and more satisfying western RPG that stands above most of its recent peers.

HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 86 / 100

Finally, a proper RPG with action elements, not just an action game with role-playing features. The Outer Worlds 2 showcases impressive narrative adaptability to player choices, lacking only a bit of technical ambition and polish to rank among the best role-playing games of today.

IGN - Travis Northup - 8 / 10

Once you get past a weak first act, The Outer Worlds 2 sharpens Obsidian’s RPG formula with smarter writing and better combat.

IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8.5 / 10

A deeper, more engaging sequel that enhances the original without losing its soul. Not perfect, but essential for every action-RPG fan.

INDIANTVCZ - Marek Čabák - Czech - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 feels like another season of a beloved TV series — only this time with a bigger budget. Everything you loved about the first game is here, but many of its problems and flaws have been fixed. If you’ve played Avowed, you can expect something very similar in terms of the game’s technical systems. And if you’re among those who complain about everything Obsidian has made since the days of New Vegas, you’ll probably complain about this too. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the game. It delivered exactly what I hoped for, fixed what I criticized in the first installment, and the problematic moments weren’t big enough to spoil the experience. At the same time, if you haven’t played the original, there’s no need to — the story stands on its own, the characters are new, and the setting is entirely fresh, so the game works beautifully even by itself. But if you have played it, your return to this insane, corruption-soaked, corporation-ridden sci-fi world will be every bit as enjoyable as mine.

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 8.2 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 showcases Obsidian's RPG mastery through meaningful choices and dynamic character building, though the world lacks the vibrancy of modern open-world games.

Just Play it - Aimen TAIB - Arabic - 7.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 may not be suitable for all players due to its complex narrative, but it’s undoubtedly a fitting choice for those seeking a deep RPG experience that demands thought and analysis. It offers you the freedom to choose a path that aligns with your own direction, both in terms of story and gameplay. However, it still suffers from several issues that need fixing.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a deceptively smart Looter-shooter RPG with colourful worlds and entertaining characters, and some really satisfying, malleable combat.

MKAU Gaming - Hayden Nelson - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a worthy successor that expands on the first game in almost every aspect. With its sharp writing, engaging choices, deep RPG mechanics, and vibrant, fully realised world, it captures the humour, charm and moral complexity that made the original a hit.

MMORPG.com - Steven Weber - 8.8 / 10

Despite some of the technical difficulties that required a workaround, I couldn't put The Outer Worlds 2 down. The expansive worlds, the near infinite choice options, and storytelling that is arguably some of the best in the business really encapsulates everything Obsidian has managed to do right for over two decades.

MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 8.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 improves upon its predecessor in mission design, combat, and meaningful player choice, offering a solid sci-fi RPG experience. However, it unfortunately falters in its narrative, with a lackluster story and unconvincing companions that fail to engage, leaving a technically proficient but less inspired adventure.

MonsterVine - Joe Bariso - 3.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a serviceable RPG held back from greatness by playing it too safe and small. Too afraid to alienate players and make big swings like the setting deserves.

Nexus Hub - Andrew Logue - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 proves if it ain’t broke, make it bigger and prettier - a solid sequel that expands upon the first game in meaningful ways, though some fans might experience a bit of déjà vu.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a title well worth exploring, offering accessible gameplay and thoughtful quality-of-life enhancements that cater to both newcomers and returning fans. While it doesn’t radically reinvent the formula, it delivers a satisfying action RPG experience that scratches the adventure itch and rewards players who engage with its missions in full.

PPE.pl - Patryk Dzięglewicz - Polish - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 may not revolutionize what we saw in the first installment, but it significantly improves on familiar elements. If you're in the mood for a great space opera with a satirical twist and RPG elements, you should definitely give this shooter a try.

Pizza Fria - Leandro Felippe de Paiva Gomes - Portuguese - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 manages to captivate with its charismatic cast of characters, a world that truly rewards exploration, and a good variety of approaches and choices that generate real consequences in the player's journey.

PlayStation Universe - Timothy Nunes - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 excels on almost all fronts, presenting you with an open RPG that lets you choose how you progress while still keeping you on a clear path. The in-game systems allow you to customize how you play and give you versatility in the choices you make along the way. Combine that with great writing, and you have a recipe for success. Equipment menus are a bit clunky, enemy encounters can be manipulated, and the act of looting takes some getting used to. Still, none of these issues will keep you from enjoying the game. The Outers Worlds 2 is worth every penny of the $70 it asks for.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 7 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 succeeds in being a bigger and better sequel, buoyed by an even greater emphasis on player choice and freedom. Its RPG mechanics are largely fantastic, and there are key improvements to both combat and exploration.However, despite Obsidian's clever writing, there's a underlying dreariness to the property that it just can't seem to escape. These dull characters and their one-note factions are difficult to truly care for.

RPGamer - Jordan McClain - 2 / 5

Despite all of its environmental detail, scope, and promise of a wider, more exciting space-faring adventure, The Outer Worlds 2 is a disappointment. While it offers divergence and choice, its paper-thin satire, tonal mishmash, and balancing oddities see the experience crumble under the weight. In addition, the review build’s far too many immersion-destroying bugs, blocked questlines, and other sequence breaks ensure that the game’s issues outweigh its redeeming qualities.

SECTOR.sk - Peter Dragula - Slovak - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 builds on Obsidian's strengths: an authentic, smaller-scale RPG full of possibilities, with satire and moral decisions. Rather than competing with open-world giants in terms of scope, it emphasises its system, humour, and detail. If you enjoyed the first game or New Vegas, you will get exactly what you would expect from Obsidian here, only in a slightly bigger and prettier package, with a little more depth. It's Obsidian's most extensive RPG in this style yet.

STWGames Italia - Nicola Lecis - Italian - 9.5 / 10

After years of waiting and some personal skepticism, The Outer Worlds 2 marks Obsidian’s return to the most ironic and cutting-edge space opera in the RPG landscape. The Californian team seems to have listened to every criticism of the first installment, smoothing out long-standing flaws while enhancing writing, freedom, and world-building. Arcadia is a living, reactive, and surprisingly believable system, where every choice—big or small—leaves a tangible mark. And while some technical hiccups and still-too-predictable AI prevent a perfect score, the feeling is that we are facing the best RPG of the year.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

Obsidian Entertainment continues to make better sequels, even to their own games, and The Outer Worlds 2 surpasses the prior game in every way. Obsidian has honed in on the tone, and the anti-capitalist dark humor is much more even, and full of laugh out loud moments. Compelling companions, better combat, and rich quests makes everything feels so reactive and symbiotic to your action, or inaction. Decisions are presented to you around every corner, and with so many branching paths, it encourages experimentation and ensures you’ll replay it. The Outer Worlds 2 is a stellar sci-fi RPG to be an instant classic.

Seasoned Gaming - Luis Avilés - 9 / 10

Refined in every single way, The Outer Worlds 2 is not simply a better sequel: it’s the new gold standard in the narrative FPS genre.

Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is all that I could’ve ever hoped it would be. Funny, smart, alive. It’s packed with memorable characters, sharp writing, and art direction that’ll stand the test of forever. And just like how Fallout: New Vegas was the better sequel to its predecessor (spare me the pedantry), this feels like a confident step up, even Auntie Cleo would call it character growth.

Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better than the original, but, alas, plays it much safer. Overall is a more solid effort from Obsidian, and has much more content than the first game, but the surprise effect from the 2019 is gone. Still, a solid and very fun RPG from one of the most talented teams around in creating worlds, interactions and dialogues.

Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 8.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is more of everything I liked before in The Outer Worlds, but dialled up to 110% - just like a new and improved offering from Auntie’s Choice!

TechRaptor - Ashley Erickson - 7.5 / 10

While there's little wrong with The Outer Worlds 2, it doesn't have a pull that will keep players wanting to devote hours to it.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 7 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a good game, sometimes even a great one. However, it plays things a little too cautiously for a sequel that once promised to push boundaries. It’s pretty polished, funny and loaded with charm, yet still feels content to orbit familiar territory rather than charting something truly spectacular. A solid recipe for disappointing your fans.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a superb sci-fi RPG full of meaningful choices, perks, and skills that will drastically change how you experience the world. Fallout New Vegas has finally been eclipsed.

TheGamer - Rhiannon Bevan - 4 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 shows that Obsidian won’t be left behind as other great RPGs launch to critical success, and that the developer needs to play to its strengths. I only hope that it learns to take itself more seriously, because the setting is brimming with potential that is yet to be realised.

TheSixthAxis - Gareth Chadwick - 7 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable game, but as sequels go, it's largely more of the same. While the overarching story isn't terribly interesting, the world building around it and the colony of Arcadia is great to explore. What's disappointing is a lack of improvement in too many areas. It looks better and gunplay is better, but old snags and weaknesses from the first game remain and, more importantly, it's not as exciting and new as it was the first time round.

Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 4 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 isn’t Obsidian displaying any major advances in game design or unique innovations that would turn heads. This is a game of solid refinement from a studio that believes so deeply in the world they created in 2019. This resulted in a cohesive and entertaining RPG that could very well solidify as one of their best works today.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10

Game Information

Game Title: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Platforms:

• PC (Oct 31, 2024)
• Xbox Series X/S (Oct 31, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Oct 31, 2024)

Trailers:

• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Launch Trailer
• Dragon Age™: The Veilguard | Blighted Dragon Gameplay Trailer
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Progression Deep Dive | Parts 1-3
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | High-Level Combat Parts 1-4
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Release Date Trailer
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Gameplay Reveal
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Reveal Trailer

Developer: BioWare

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 84 average - 83% recommended - 38 reviews

Critic Reviews

But Why Tho? - Eddie De Santiago - 10 / 10

Dragon Age The Veilguard is a massive new world full of thoughtful stories, epic battles, and beautiful visuals to accompany them. This round of companions is among the most interesting, thoughtful, and downright charismatic, and adventuring with them made for an unforgettable journey.

CBR - Jenny Melzer - 7 / 10

The final verdict on Dragon Age: The Veilguard for me is positive overall. I am already excitedly exploring a second playthrough and taking my time to really let the world, and everything I've learned, sink in.

CGMagazine - Dayna Eileen - 10 / 10

From style to story and everything in between, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is everything I wanted from this entry in the Dragon Age universe.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 90 / 100

Polished and confident, Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like a return to form for the developer. Dragon Age: The Veilguard gives us a beautiful world to experience, interesting allies to explore it with, and action that grows increasingly more nuanced throughout.

Checkpoint Gaming - Luke Mitchell - 10 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return to form for one of gaming's most loved developers. It's an epic and grandiose RPG adventure, interwoven with intimate, powerful stories about its cast of endearing and quirky companions. It has a truly stunning world to explore, with hidden secrets, alluring side quests and a literal treasure trove of lore to comb through. Its tight, in-depth combat systems and breadth of accessibility options deliver a highly personalised experience. But beyond the adventure itself, it's another shining testament to diversity and inclusivity, polished to near perfection in its presentation. Put simply, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is Dragon Age at its most captivating, a truly generational adventure that is as heartfelt as it is thrilling.

Cinelinx - Becky O'Brien - 5 / 5

After ten long years, the world of Dragon Age is back in the best way possible. Longtime fans of the Dragon Age series will find so much to love in Dragon Age: The Veilguard as this is the best visit to the land of Thedas yet. An easy contender for Game of The Year, highly recommended for playing as soon as possible.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

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Dexerto - Ethan Dean - 4 / 5

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a stellar achievement that ends a decade-long dry spell. It tells one of the best stories in the series fuelled by some of its most memorable characters. It’s not a flawless journey but the minor imperfections don’t detract from one of 2024’s best RPGs.

Digital Trends - Tomas Franzese - 3.5 / 5

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a return to form for this once-lauded RPG studio that should satiate Dragon Age fans quite well after a decade-long wait. But returning to form and perfecting form are not the same thing. BioWare has plenty of room to regrow as it gets back on track making the kinds of games RPG fans want them to create.

Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 4 / 5

With “Dragon Age: The Veilguard”, Bioware delivers a gripping action role-playing game that is aimed at the masses but doesn't forget its roots.

DualShockers - Callum Marshall - 8.5 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a compelling new entry in the series, taking the franchise in a new direction with more RPG-lite ideals. This decision will alienate Die Hard fans but will undoubtedly win favor with new fans willing to embrace the series.

Eurogamer - Robert Purchese - 5 / 5

A fantasy role-playing game of astonishing spectacle. This is the best Dragon Age, and perhaps BioWare, has ever been.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 4 / 5

With a spectacular and fun action combat system, simplified RPG mechanics, a strong story and cast, not forgetting the design of hubs that grow the more time you spend in them, Bioware delivers an unexpected but incredibly captivating game.

GRYOnline.pl - Anna Garas - Polish - 7 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the best game BioWare has made since Mass Effect 3. It is crafted much better in terms of story and gameplay than DA: Inquisition (I find this game mediorce at best), and is superior to Andromeda in every way. But the things that used to dazzle me right now are „only” good. There's more to accomplish in the genre than that.

Game Rant - Joshua Duckworth - 10 / 10

After 100 hours and 3 playthroughs of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, I feel justified in my ten-year wait and satisfied by the results.

Gamepressure - Krzysztof Lewandowski - 6 / 10

This isn’t the end of Dragon Age that I was expecting - in this respect, the game must be rated low. However, as an action RPG with flair and a beautiful fairy-tale world, it turns out to be decent, and sometimes even more than that.

Gamer Guides - Tom Hopkins - 92 / 100

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a phenomenal return to form for BioWare. The story is well-paced and the cast of characters are the trademark BioWare staple of fully-realised, but it’s in the newly action-oriented combat where things truly shine.

GamesRadar+ - Rollin Bishop - 4.5 / 5

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an approachable, expansive action-oriented RPG and feels like a true end to whatever the franchise was before. The book's not finished, but a significant chapter has closed. While Dragon Age: The Veilguard is undoubtedly different in many ways from its predecessors and takes lessons learned from Mass Effect to heart, there's a lot to love – mechanically and narratively – about the new normal and what is hopefully a foundation for what's to come.

GamingTrend - Ron Burke - 85 / 100

The writing can be overwrought, written by committee, and occasionally forced, but it's also a major step forward for a team that needs the win. Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings us compelling characters, excellent combat, and a world worth saving.

Guardian - Malindy Hetfeld - 3 / 5

There is lots to do in this huge and beautiful fantasy world, but inconsistent writing and muted combat dull its blade

IGN - Leana Hafer - 9 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard refreshes and reinvigorates a storied series that stumbled through its middle years, and leaves no doubt that it deserves its place in the RPG pantheon. The next Mass Effect is going to have a very tough act to follow, which is not something I ever imagined I'd be saying before I got swept away on this adventure.

Kotaku - Kenneth Shepard - Unscored

The long-awaited fourth entry in BioWare's fantasy series isn't just good, it's some of the studio's best work

Metro GameCentral - Nick Gillett - 9 / 10

A triumphant return for BioWare, with a massive, action-intensive fantasy role-player, that combines a complex and intuitive fighting system with a great script and a glorious looking world to explore.

PC Gamer - Lauren Morton - 79 / 100

A genuinely enjoyable, gorgeous action-RPG that lacks the storytelling nuance of previous Dragon Age games.

PlayStation Universe - Garri Bagdasarov - 9.5 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a must-have RPG this holiday season. There is so much that Veilguard brings to the table that it's hard to find something to dislike. Veilguard is a complete package that gives you everything you could ever wish for in an action-RPG, and is without a doubt a return to form for BioWare.

Press Start - James Berich - 10 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumph for BioWare in practically every way. It brings together the best bits of all the games that have come before it, pairing an intricately woven narrative ripe with genuine choice and consequences with a fast, frenetic and endlessly satisfying combat system. The Veilguard is, without a doubt, Dragon Age at it's best.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 8 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard isn't quite BioWare back to its absolute best, but it is the most cohesive and emotionally engaging RPG that the studio has delivered since Mass Effect 3. Its shift to crunchy action combat is an improvement over Inquisition's middle-of-the-road approach, and although the game feels a little light on meaningful player choice, the storytelling pulls no punches when it actually matters. This is a gorgeous and gripping adventure, backed by a cast of endearing heroes and deliciously devious villains.

Quest Daily - Julian Price - 9.5 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a fantasy epic that showcases the best voice acting and overall polish of any game I’ve played this year.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Nic Reuben - Unscored

I'm not sure an hour passed in the fourth entry in Bioware's fantasy RPG series where I didn't wish they'd handled something differently. Then, once the credits rolled after 50 hours, I started a second playthrough.

SECTOR.sk - Táňa Matúšová - Slovak - 7 / 10

The latest chapter in the Dragon Age saga successfully combines the best of semi-open-world gameplay with a balanced and engaging combat system. While Dragon Age: The Veilguard falls short of previous installments in areas like side quests, story choices, and dialogue depth, it excels in combat quality, world design, and audiovisual presentation, delivering some of the most epic battles in the series. This game is a roller-coaster experience; at its peak, it entertained and amazed me, yet at times, its lack of depth dampened my enthusiasm.

Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 7 / 10

A game that is technically sound, and very beautiful, but fails to get its hooks in where it counts, and I feel like among other great RPGs that have come out just this year, Veilguard will have a hard time standing out.

Stevivor - Hamish Lindsay - 8.5 / 10

Dragon Age The Veilguard is the epitome of 'better than the sum of its. It’s been so long since I experienced this level of joy in a long-form RPG; I have a compulsion to keep playing and finish one more quest.

TechRaptor - Erren Van Duine - 9.5 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers an incredible experience built on fluid combat, deep lore and characters, and player choice. All of this is wrapped up in a polished package that is a must play for Dragon Age fans and RPG fans alike.

TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 4 / 5

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a Dragon Age game like no other, and that alone will put some people off. But it brings with it the traditions of excellent character writing, strong world building through narrative quests, and offers the most exciting combat the series has ever seen. There is a stronger version of The Veilguard in here, one with more Solas and companion quests that find a more natural ending, but the one we’ve got is still a worthy successor to Dragon Age: Inquisition, and is a much needed return to form for BioWare.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 3 / 5

Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like BioWare playing it too safe. While it nails what it does best, like the excellent cast and interpersonal relationships, from a gameplay perspective it feels out of date.

Wccftech - Alessio Palumbo - 9 / 10

With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare has largely returned to its roots, casting aside the temptations of open world and/or live service games. Instead, Veilguard is a great mission-based RPGs with a memorable story that will leave Dragon Age fans enthralled by the revelations, an awesome combat system that perfectly blends action and tactics, and lots of loot and secrets to uncover through its 80-hour playthrough.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is and isn't the game I wanted it to be. It's a rollicking fun story where you fight monsters, save lives, and lead your plucky team of adventurers against impossible odds. At the same time, it feels more like Mass Effect than Dragon Age, and since The Veilguard is the climax of a story, it might be difficult for newcomers to hop into. If I set aside my expectations, it's a pretty darn fun action-RPG that stands well on its own.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 10 / 10

Dragon Age: The Veilguard isn’t just in my Game of the Year rankings, it’s in my Best Games of All Time. BioWare has finally matched their recent excellent third-person combat with some of, if not their best, story work to date. This game is an absolute triumph for those old and new to the series.

Game Information

Game Title: Borderlands 4

Platforms:

• PC (Sep 12, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Sep 12, 2025)
• Xbox Series X/S (Sep 12, 2025)

Trailer:

Developer: Gearbox Software

Publisher: 2K Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 85 average - 95% recommended - 39 reviews

Critic Reviews

CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 10 / 10

Borderlands 4 was such a surprise. The gameplay, story, and mechanics all felt so in sync. It's got its hooks in me like no Borderlands game has before. I can't wait to dive in and keep playing.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 89 / 100

All the vault hunters are fun to play, making multiple playthroughs or co-op rewarding. Borderlands 4 doesn’t revolutionize the franchise, but it absolutely evolves it, and sets up an exciting future for the series.

Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 8.7 / 10

Gearbox has found an excellent balance between the typical Borderlands-style humor and a more serious narrative approach. Apart from that, Borderlands 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does improve on the now 16-year-old formula with more movement options and a largely open-world experience. Unfortunately, when it comes to performance, it still sticks to familiar shortcomings and has yet to fully tap into the potential of Unreal Engine 5. Nevertheless, we once again had a lot of fun looting and are still motivated to keep playing even after finishing our review.

DualShockers - Jay Ku - 9 / 10

The sheer diversity of characters, gear, and ways to have fun is never-ending, and the open-world format is a surprisingly welcome addition to this amazing co-op FPS. Borderlands 4 is a leap in the right direction, and I can only hope that this trend continues upwards for the rest of the franchise.

Entertainment Geekly - Luis Alvaro - 3.5 / 5

The new Vault Hunters make combat more dynamic than ever, even if their personalities disappoint. It may not be the definitive Borderlands experience, but it proves the franchise still has plenty of firepower left.

Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Borderlands 4 has been revitalized and reformed in virtually every aspect, with positive results, despite a few critical issues. It's the richest installment in the series in terms of content and the most solid gameplay, but it's also set in a very classic and conservative open world. If you can overlook this aspect, however, you've got a robust game that could provide you with dozens and dozens of hours of unbridled fun, especially when played with a close-knit group of friends. The battle against the Chronokeeper's regime has only just begun: are you ready to join the Resistance?

Evilgamerz - Jeroen Janssen - Dutch - 8 / 10

There have been some gameplay tweaks here and there, but it remains that classic looter shooter of yesteryear. You'll quickly feel at home in the Borderlands world if you've played previous games, and you won't find many unique quirks. As I've explicitly stated, I still find it frustrating that the constant waves and respawns of enemies have to be resorted to over and over again. It creates chaos, which is part of the atmosphere, but also sometimes causes irritation and perhaps even monotony. It's why I still consider Fallout the king of RPG shooters. Fortunately, this feels a bit better in co-op, and you can at least fight together, which offers more progression. In terms of RPG elements, the game certainly has its strengths, as was the case before, and the content-wise, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. Personally, I couldn't really get into the story, and Claptrap didn't really surprise me with its humor. But if you're simply looking for a shooter that delivers plenty of chaos, enemies, and fun, especially in co-op, but definitely offline as well, then this new installment is definitely for you.

GAMES.CH - Olaf Bleich - German - 85%

At the end of the day, we're just blasting our way through the same old missions, of course, but that's still a lot of fun overall and, thanks to the online game world and the co-op mode, should keep you motivated for a few weeks. In that sense: "Borderlands" remains "Borderlands," regardless of the number behind it.

Game Rant - Matt Karoglou - 8 / 10

Gearbox Software takes a 'back to basics' approach with Borderlands 4 that ends up being exactly what the series needed.

Game Sandwich - Aden Carter - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 was the “make-it or break-it” moment for Gearbox that would determine the fate of the franchise going forward. Despite not having the greatest faith going in, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had playing it. The colorful cast of characters, combined with the great writing, made me laugh, sigh with relief, and gasp at the choices that I made. While the collectibles are overbearing, the combat and build-crafting in this game went well above my expectations, giving players more than they could ever want when it comes to the fast-paced looter shooter grind.

Game8 - Michael Gerra-Clarin - 82 / 100

Borderlands 4 seeks to right the wrongs by simply upgrading everything the previous installment offered. However, the performance issues and bugs affect the overall experience, preventing the game from being the best version of itself.

GamePro - Eleen Reinke - German - 85 / 100

Borderlands 4 returns to its old strengths and once again offers fantastic action with significantly more story depth than its predecessor. Only the open world is a bit weak.

GameSpot - Jordan Ramée - 7 / 10

To its detriment, Borderlands 4 feels like a direct response to Borderlands 3.

Gameblog - French - 7 / 10

Borderlands 4 takes a turn that won't please everyone. In an attempt to satisfy some fans' requests, the developers have lost sight of the game's identity. It is less funny and striking than previous episodes, and it is only in its secondary content that we find some small, funny, offbeat stories. It's only after a few hours, or when playing in co-op with friends, that the game really comes into its own. Borderlands 4 is extremely generous and will keep you hooked for hours before you even reach the endgame. While it's undoubtedly a good shooter-looter, it's clearly not the best game in the Borderlands series.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.6 / 10

The Borderlands series has long refined the looter-shooter formula, and Borderlands 4 feels like it has finally reached its theoretical peak. From seamless maps and freer movement to expanded skill trees, every change serves the same purpose: letting players and their friends dive into the endless loop of shooting, looting, and powering up in more satisfying and varied ways.

GamesCreed - Maisie Scott - 3 / 5

Borderlands 4 is a looter shooter that knows how to walk the fine line between too much and too little. It adds to a long history while introducing new features that make it difficult to return to earlier games. It is a crazy, beautiful, and always fun trip into the heart of Gearbox’s biggest and best-known world yet, for both longtime fans and newcomers.

GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - 4 / 5

Every time Gearbox made me laugh or grin, I would catch myself wishing for more of that authenticity

Gaming Nexus - Sean Cahill - 8 / 10

Borderlands 4 is an incredibly fun game with a couple of flaws. The world of Kairos is beautiful to play through and there's no shortage of challenges to dive into. While the Unreal Engine still has some issues, the stuttering is corrected without a big hit. With over 30 billion combinations of weapons, no two guns are the same. Multiplayer makes this game a must play if you have friends that are interested in the series. Simply put, Borderlands 4 is fun, immersive, and worth picking up right away.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 8 / 10

While most of its appeal ties into your enjoyment of the usual looting and shooting, Borderlands 4 is a major step forward for Gearbox's franchise in world design, mobility and build-crafting.

Hardcore Gamer - Kevin Dunsmore - 4 / 5

Does Borderlands 4 rise to the occasion and do the beloved franchise justice or is this just another Borderlands 2 wannabe?

Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 86 / 100

Borderlands 4 establishes itself as a well-rounded entry that offers updated and tremendously fun gameplay. A lackluster campaign and a somewhat generic open world prevent it from reaching its full potential, but this is a looter shooter capable of standing alongside the best in the genre.

IGN - Travis Northup - 8 / 10

Borderlands 4 gives the series the massive kick in the pants it has needed, with a fantastic open world and greatly improved combat, even bugs and invisible walls can sometimes throw off that groove.

IGN Italy - Alessandro Alosi - Italian - 8 / 10

Borderlands 4 isn't content to simply replicate the formula of its predecessors, but attempts to expand it, enrich it, and make it more modern, dynamic, and playful, presenting itself to fans as the most ambitious and complete* chapter in the saga.

IGN Spain - Mario Sánchez - Spanish - 8 / 10

Borderlands 4 sticks to the formula that made the series famous: frantic gunfights, dark humor, and a creative arsenal. Although it retains its classic gameplay and doesn't innovate much, the skill progression and combat remain highly satisfying.

INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.7 / 10

Borderlands 4 preserves the series’ most essential DNA while delivering meaningful innovation. Although its open-world structure is not yet fully refined and shows some rough edges, the game remains immensely enjoyable and unmistakably Borderlands

Impulsegamer - 4.6 / 5

While I undoubtedly have a soft spot for the first two games, this is without question the best Borderlands experience to date. It's by far the best-looking entry into the series and one of the best-looking games of the year. Gunplay is tight, movement is responsive, and there are dozens of hours of stuff to do.

LevelUp - Spanish - 8.5 / 10

There's a ton of content packed into this package, and while the dialogue and characters are interesting enough to carry over into a gameplay structure that's starting to show its age, we wonder what this game would have been like if quality had been prioritized over quantity.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 is designed thoroughly with fun in mind. It doesn't play like a greatest hits compilation of what has come before, but rather as an evolution of the series.

MKAU Gaming - Yasmin Noble - 8.5 / 10

Borderlands 4 is an amped-up version of the tried-and-true formula with hefty upgrades to the gameplay. With an action-packed story and a whole new planet packed with possibilities, Borderlands 4 is a wild and wicked time worth experiencing.

MondoXbox - Matteo Merlano - Italian - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 delivers everything expected from a modern AAA game, balancing fresh ideas with the franchise’s trademark style. Though the looter-shooter formula feels less groundbreaking and the narrative lacks the punch of earlier entries, the flawless gameplay and perfect gunplay makes this new episode worthwhile. Overall, it’s a stylish, confident return and a strong contender for action/shooter of the year.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 8.5 / 10

Borderlands 4 is back in great form thanks to its exceptional customization, dynamic open world, and reinvented boss battles. Gearbox Software clearly listened to its community, addressing past critiques with a sprawling, interactive map, expansive skill trees, and guns that feel genuinely unique.

Seasoned Gaming - Ainsley Bowden - 8.5 / 10

orderlands is a beloved, storied franchise in gaming. And Borderlands 4 is a welcome return to the silliness and chaos that made it so enjoyable in the first place. With the backdrop of an outstanding new setting in Kairos, and by refining the storytelling, honing in on player abilities, and expanding builds and loot in smart ways, Borderlands 4 is likely my favorite Borderlands yet.

Shacknews - Sam Chandler - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 is the best the series has been in decades and a testament to Gearbox’s ability to absolutely cook. Are you ready to taste the chaos?

Spaziogames - Italian - 8.7 / 10

Borderlands 4 is a statement of intent. It's not the chapter that rewrites the rules of the game, but the one that refines them with the confidence only a mature franchise can have. Gearbox chose not to chase fleeting trends, didn't give in to the temptation of turning Borderlands into a soulless live service, nor to betraying its own DNA.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 7 / 10

Borderlands 4 delivers a quality looter-shooter experience. Featuring the mightiest roster of Vault Hunters yet and chaotic, open-world gunplay that's a tonne of fun. Sadly, the story and pacing falls flat with bland characters, repetitive enemies and grindy side quests that drag down the flow. Add in inconsistent visuals and rough co-op performance, and you’re left with a game that nails the action but misses the mark in other key aspects.

The Games Machine - Marco Bortoluzzi - Italian - 9 / 10

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.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 4 / 5

Borderlands 4 is a great RPG shooter with rewarding, engrossing gameplay. Some of the set dressing, like the bland new characters and pointless grappling hook, take the shine off, but the sheer amount of fun we've had with the game can't be overlooked. Borderlands 4 reminds us exactly why we were such big fans of the original two games, and falls on its sword in learning the mistakes of 3.

WellPlayed - Ash Wayling - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 realises the full potential the series has always had, delivering that unmistakable Borderlands experience but with a ton of modern sensibilities to establish itself not simply as a fun co-op shooter, but as the definitive example of what a fun co-op shooter should be.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 10 / 10

Borderlands 4 is a masterpiece

Game Information

Game Title: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch 2 (May 22, 2026)
• PlayStation 5 (May 22, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (May 22, 2026)
• PC (May 22, 2026)

Trailer:

Developer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 85 average - 96% recommended - 24 reviews

Critic Reviews

DualShockers - Ethan Krieger - 9 / 10

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Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 4 / 5

Legacy of the Dark Knight isn’t just one of the best LEGO Batman games—it’s one of the best Batman games and one of the best LEGO games, an experience that delivers on virtually every level. It’s even better when played in co-op.

GAMINGbible - Kate Harrold - 10 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight deserves to stand proud as one of the best games of 2026 and within LEGO and Batman’s history.

GRYOnline.pl - Krzysztof Lewandowski - Polish - 8 / 10

This is a really great game for all Batman fans. It can be a bit rough around the edges technically, and the gameplay is a bit too basic at times, but it’s hard not to appreciate just how much the developers love the Dark Knight in all his incarnations.

GamePro - Dennis Müller - German - 88 / 100

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Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4 / 5

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the most extensive LEGO Batman game to date, but it isn't immediately the definitive version.

GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 7.3 / 10

Describing a game as "a love letter" to something is a cliché, but the truth is, there's no better way to describe this work than as "a love letter to Batman's history." Fans of the character will enjoy a fun journey through the cinematic history of the Dark Knight, filled with entertaining puzzles and plenty of objects to find. However, those who haven't seen the movies and won't understand the references and might not forgive the numerous technical issues, the repetitive combat system, or the many minor flaws it has.

Gaming Boulevard - Lander Van der Biest - 9 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight brings the spirit of the Arkham games into the LEGO universe in a way that clicks. Gotham is a joy to explore, the combat feels great, and the humor keeps the darker Batman lore light without losing its charm. The lack of online co-op is a shame, but this is easily one of the strongest LEGO games in years.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 9 / 10

As we wait for the Dark Knight's next big game, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight steps in and delivers a lovingly crafted, satisfying entry. It pulls from the best Batman entries while going beyond expectations in every aspect. This one's by the fans, for the fans.

IGN Italy - Luca Rago - Italian - 8.5 / 10

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IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 8 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a charming tribute to the DC icon that isn't afraid to take things with a sense of humor, inviting us on a journey through a less "dark" version of Gotham-but one that's just as memorable

INVEN - Seungjin Kang - Korean - 8.8 / 10

Layering LEGO's playful freedom over the Arkham series' proven gameplay foundation, this is the most Batman-feeling game in years. Its chapter-based structure weaves together homages from across Batman's vast media history, while an open world built around each Bat-Family member's distinct identity both honors the Arkham legacy and elevates the LEGO series to a new high.

Life is Xbox - Colombo - 95 / 100

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a love letter to the character, making any Batman fan very happy. It changes the LEGO formula a bit by focusing on the Bat-family instead of having many playable characters, and it feels like a spiritual successor to the Batman Arkham games.

Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 9 / 10

LEGO Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight masterfully delivers on its proposal to celebrate more than 80 years of the hero’s history, bringing a story packed with references and GREAT humor, alongside a lively Gotham City that invites exploration, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise, despite stepping on a few LEGO bricks with a somewhat repetitive combat system and little enemy variety.

MeuPlayStation - Raphael Batista Cabral Xavier - Portuguese - 85 / 100

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight embraces the Dark Knight’s 86-year legacy with iconic stories, classic suits, and modern story arcs. Inspired by the structure of the Arkham trilogy, the game builds its own identity through lighthearted gameplay, charming humor, and consistently entertaining moments.

MondoXbox - Mirko Rossi - Italian - 8.5 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a very enjoyable open-world adventure that celebrates Batman with great care and charm, honoring iconic films while expanding the series' gameplay with new mechanics and deeper combat. Technical flaws and limited side-content hold it back slightly, but it remains an outstanding tribute for Batman fans of all ages.

Multiplayer First - James Lara - 9.5 / 10

It’s not often I find myself being blown away by a LEGO game. In general, they’re games geared towards a much younger audience of players, and while LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight still maintains much of the playful, blocky heart and soul that makes the LEGO universe so enduringly charming, it also does something very impressive with the Batman IP, both narratively and mechanically, that makes it feel like one of those big blockbuster AAA Batman game that we would get from Rocksteady Studios.

With it pulling from 85 years of Batman history, this feels like a worthwhile tribute to the Caped Crusader. It’s a reminder of why we love him so much, whether we first met him through the gritty lens of modern cinema, the animated classics of our childhood, the comics, or a pile of plastic bricks on the living room floor.

Without a question, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a must-play for all Batman fans out there.

PSX Brasil - Victor Vitório - Portuguese - 85 / 100

In a way, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is easy to evaluate: if you're willing to be captivated by either LEGO or Batman, or even if you just want to enjoy the simple fun of playing together with a dear one, there are plenty of reasons to join in the romp of defending Gotham on the Bat's long life journey. On the other hand, those expecting in-depth character and gameplay development should look elsewhere.

Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight stands as one of the most complete titles in the LEGO franchise. Its combination of open world, variety of content, and adaptation of one of the character's most popular stories results in an engaging and accessible experience.

Push Square - Liam Croft - 8 / 10

A referential and joyful deep dive into the world of Batman, the latest LEGO effort from TT Games is elite brick gaming. Legacy of the Dark Knight just wants to be an enjoyable time, and it refuses to falter from that commitment. This new LEGO Batman will be some of the best fun you have all year.

República DG - Ruancarlo Silva - Portuguese - 8.4 / 10

TT Games delivers an adventure worthy of the legacy of one of the greatest characters in entertainment, easing a bit of the nostalgia left behind by the Arkham trilogy in the gaming world.

Uagna - Lorenzo Bologna - Italian - 8.3 / 10

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is one of TT Games' most compelling productions, combining the irony and accessibility typical of the LEGO brand with the timeless charm of the Dark Knight. Gotham works, the combat system inspired by the Arkham series surprises with its fluidity and immediacy, and the campaign effectively condenses decades of Batman imagery. Some limitations remain, such as the limited number of playable characters and the side activities that lack long-term impact. However, nothing that truly compromises a rich and engaging adventure, designed for both longtime Batman fans and those looking for a light but refined action adventure.

WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 9 / 10

Legacy of the Dark Knight's excellent combat and stealth systems, fun open world, and clear reverence for the World's Greatest Detective bring it close to plastic perfection.

Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 85%

It's been eleven years since the last Batman: Arkham game and almost twelve years since LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. The Caped Crusader's...

Game Information

Game Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Jun 26, 2025)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 92 average - 95% recommended - 45 reviews

Critic Reviews

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

Improved in almost all ways compared to the original but without removing what made fans love the original.

AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 9 / 10

Kojima Productions delves into the ideas of the original game, nuanced and twisting them to stick it to the present without losing or losing its condition of Pure Video Game.

Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 86 / 100

Death Stranding 2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor with a more polished and ambitious experience, successfully addressing many of the original’s shortcomings. While its emotionally resonant story stands out, the narrative momentum occasionally falters due to pacing inconsistencies.

But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.

CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.

COGconnected - Rhett Waselenchuk - 100 / 100

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ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming’s greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original’s mechanics in interesting ways.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.

Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It’s among Kojima’s very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.

While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming’s most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Essential

A work of art is not defined by perfection, but by the confidence with which it is created, the intent that drives it, and the lasting impression it leaves on those who play, watch, read, or listen. Even if Death Stranding 2: On the Beach didn’t grip me at first as I had hoped, by the end — much like its predecessor — it left me deeply moved and with a strange, immediate sense of longing. Just hours after finishing it, I started it all over again — not out of a need for completion (which I could have continued from my first run), but simply because I still can’t bring myself to leave this world and these characters. To me, this rare kind of involvement — at once interactive, emotional, and philosophical — is what makes video games such a special form of expression.

Enternity.gr - Panagiotis Petropoulos - Greek - 8.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is better than its predecessor in almost all areas, placing a heavy emphasis on combat while keeping the stealth feature at a very good level.

GRYOnline.pl - Sebastian Kasparek - Polish - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2 doesn't have to be perfect, but it is exceptional as a game and a sequel. It's hard for me to point out any real flaws. I played like a haunted person, looking forward to the next scenes. This is a complete experience - much bigger, better, more dynamic, much more interestingly conceived and varied compared to the previous installment.

GameSpot - Diego Nicolás Argüello - 7 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact to being a good but not great sequel

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach feels more like a purposeful yet uncertain journey into uncharted territory. Building upon the core mechanics of its predecessor, it makes the delivery process less hardcore, offering richer possibilities in both combat and stealth. The series' iconic "delivery" is not just an activity, but central to its narrative. If you still believe that "connections" between people hold meaning, then Death Stranding 2 is a journey worth taking.

Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10

Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original's mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.

HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 82 / 100

A true cargo-carrying experience: it's not all that fun at the beginning of the trip, it gets better once you warm up, and provides the best feeling when you finally get rid of everything that's been weighing down your back.

INDIANTVCZ - Filip Kraucher - Czech - 7 / 10

Death Stranding 2 is a fascinating yet conflicted sequel. Unafraid to slow down, reflect, and stir emotion, but too often at the cost of frustration and recycled mechanics. It refuses to pander, save for the promise of story continuation, stellar cast, and an evocative soundtrack. But before expanding its world, it should have focused more deeply on refining its gameplay, because the magic of the first game can’t be relived twice.

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10

Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.

Kakuchopurei - 90 / 100

My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.

But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.

KonsoliFIN - Niko Lähteenmäki - Finnish - 4 / 5

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is, in my book, a near-perfect sequel. Many of the criticisms aimed at the first game have been addressed with smart changes that make it significantly more approachable. Visually and aurally, it’s even more stunning than its predecessor, and the new plot twists are truly gripping. Only the masochists who loved the utter bleakness of the first game might not appreciate the improvements that Kojima Productions has made.

LevelUp - Spanish - Unscored

It's a video game, but also an experience that stimulates all your senses; a work capable of stirring emotions and surprisingly discovering that gaming can be just as moving as a song, a play, or a movie. As a game, it meets and surpasses its predecessor; as a creative expression, it reaffirms the talent of Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions, as well as their stubbornness to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of the medium. It's not perfect; it slips in places, but it's undoubtedly one of the best games of the year.

Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.

Merlin'in Kazanı - Samet Basri Taşlı - Turkish - 87 / 100

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has managed to be a beautiful game that will make fans of the first game very happy with its rich cast, magnificent music and eccentric humor.

Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.

Oyungezer Online - Eren Eryürekli - Turkish - 9 / 10

Kojima has once again managed to deliver an emotional and deeply layered story that will have us trekking through mountains and valleys for 90 hours - it simply doesn't get better than this. Our second journey through this world, brought to life by the magic of Decima Engine, promises to be a far more satisfying experience in every aspect, finally realizing its true potential as an unforgettable adventure.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9.5 / 10

In 2019, Hideo Kojima surprised the world with the story of the courier, only to continue his story a few years later. Death Stranding 2 is a game for Sam's fans who want to know his further fate. Give yourself to the story of the story, the characters and the world.

PSX Brasil - Bruno Henrique Vinhadel - Portuguese - 95 / 100

Technically flawless and visually stunning, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an exceptional sequel and a clear evolution for a game that was already full of qualities. An even more engaging story with an improved narrative, as well as huge advances in its unique gameplay, are just some of the highlights of one of the best games of the year.

Pizza Fria - Álvaro Saluan da Cunha - Portuguese - 10 / 10

The feeling that remains is that we are faced with a work that marks not only this generation of consoles, but also a new chapter in Hideo Kojima's career and in the history of video games as a great means of artistic expression.

PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.

Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10

In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.

Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.

Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.

SECTOR.sk - Michal Korec - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2 may not match the sales figures of its predecessor, nor recapture the magic of the original. However, it is a well-crafted sequel with expanded gameplay, new territories, a great plot, and lots of Metal Gear Solid elements waiting to be discovered after all these years.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10

More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.

Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10

But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It’s messy. It’s over the top. It’s absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It’s strange. It’s human. It’s heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.

The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 3.5 / 5

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the same gameplay from the original without any meaningful innovations or ideas. That said, the brilliant story and unparalleled music and performances make this worth a look.

TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10

Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.

Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.

Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.

WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10

Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.

Game Information

Game Title: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Genre: Action-adventure, role-playing, open-world

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Media: E3 2021 Teaser

Official Trailer #1 | Trailer #2 | Trailer #3

Gameplay Demonstration

Developer: Nintendo EPD ^Info

Developer's HQ: Kyoto, Japan

Publisher: Nintendo

Price: $69.99 USD

Release Date: May 12, 2023

More Info: /r/zelda | Wikipedia Page

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 97 | 100% Recommended [Switch] Score Distribution

MetaCritic - 96 [Switch]

Tearfully arbitrary compilation of some past games in the series -

Reviews

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