Noisy Pixel

• PC
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

Skate Story is a visually striking and emotionally resonant skateboarding adventure set in a surreal demon realm. Blending expressive gameplay with philosophical storytelling, it challenges players to master a unique trick system while navigating a poetic narrative. Though its structure and controls demand patience, Skate Story rewards persistence with unforgettable style and substance.

• PS5
• 10 / 10
• États-Unis

For me, Octopath Traveler 0 is much, much more than a masterful turn-based RPG. As someone who loathes free-to-play gacha games, this title is a genuine dream come true in such a pristine form that I never dared dream of. This prequel would have had no impact on me in its original form, so I’m indescribably thankful for this effort to make it an offline experience not alien to the rest of its family. Octopath Traveler 0 is indisputably the blueprint for how every single story-based gacha should be treated. Regardless of its genre transformation, Octopath Traveler 0 is hands-down one of the best RPGs ever made. Its storytelling, characterizations, soundtrack, and densely interconnected gameplay loop are masterclass, even if it takes more than a little while for everything to click. Honestly, Square’s HD-2D output has been exceptional, and I’m eager to see where these efforts continue to grow.

• PC
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is a vibrant, chaotic beat ’em up that delivers on its promise of fun, fast-paced co-op action. With a solid character roster, rewarding progression, and energetic combat mechanics, Tribute Games shows a strong grasp of what makes the genre click. While a few mechanical quirks and missed opportunities hold it back slightly, the game remains a go-to pick for local and online multiplayer fans looking for accessible yet layered gameplay.

• PC
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

Lumines Arise modernizes the classic rhythm-puzzle formula with striking visuals, a reactive soundtrack, and polished gameplay that captures the spirit of its PSP roots. The game's core mechanics remain simple yet addictive, while its audiovisual design deepens the emotional impact of each stage. A few design decisions limit passive enjoyment, and the difficulty curve can occasionally spike, but Lumines Arise still offers one of the most engaging puzzle experiences in recent memory.

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Adventure of Samsara is a challenging 2D metroidvania from Ilex Games that reimagines Atari’s classic Adventure with a modern twist. Set in a mystic pixel-art multiverse, the game features demanding combat, strategic platforming, and a subtly philosophical story. While it succeeds in creating a distinctive atmosphere and tight gameplay loop, it’s held back by uneven level design and minor mechanical frustrations. A niche but rewarding experience for fans of old-school difficulty and stylized worldbuilding.

• PS5
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.: World Stage is the most complete and accessible version of SEGA's classic 3D fighter, bringing long-requested single-player content, improved visuals, and robust online features to modern platforms. While some decisions around monetization and platform exclusivity may frustrate longtime fans, the core gameplay remains as sharp and rewarding as ever.

• PS5
• 9.5 / 10
• États-Unis

The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake revitalizes two foundational JRPGs with stunning visuals, meaningful narrative expansions, and smart quality-of-life improvements. While some purists may take issue with modern conveniences and simplified dungeon layouts, the remakes deliver a near-definitive experience that bridges nostalgia with accessibility. With a stronger emotional core and improved gameplay balance, this collection elevates the Erdrick Trilogy into essential territory for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

• PC
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

Tormented Souls 2 delivers a confidently crafted survival horror experience that leans into its classic inspirations while pushing the genre in creative directions. With stronger world design, improved pacing, and some of the most atmospheric puzzle sections in recent indie horror, it’s a must-play for fans of old-school tension and challenge. While the game occasionally frustrates with trial-and-error mechanics and limited interactivity, it still stands out as a passionate and memorable sequel.

• PC
• 6.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Double Dragon Revive attempts to modernize a legendary beat’em up franchise with a story-driven approach and expanded mechanics, but stumbles due to its inconsistent execution. The game features flashy illustrations and an enjoyable combat loop, yet suffers from imbalanced systems and technical roughness that undermine the experience. While fans may appreciate the nostalgic elements and replayable content, the lack of polish makes it hard to recommend over more refined alternatives.

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Full Metal Schoolgirl is a chaotic third-person shooter that mixes anime aesthetics with a rogue-lite gameplay loop reminiscent of Earth Defense Force’s wild energy. While its janky design and questionable progression systems hold it back, the game delivers surprising depth through satisfying combat, quirky humor, and an addictive upgrade loop. It’s a niche but memorable experience for those willing to embrace its eccentricities and grind-heavy structure.

• PS5
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Once Upon A Katamari marks a triumphant return for the quirky series, blending nostalgic gameplay with thoughtful modern updates. It embraces the chaotic charm that made Katamari Damacy a cult classic while introducing smoother controls, era-hopping levels, and new collectibles that keep the experience fresh. While not every new feature hits the mark, this long-awaited sequel mostly sticks the cosmic landing.

• PC
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

Plants vs Zombies: Replanted offers a faithful yet cautious return to PopCap's iconic tower defense formula. While the core gameplay remains charming and the co-op features add fresh appeal, the overall package feels underwhelming for returning fans. Enhanced visuals and accessibility are welcome, but new modes and questionable art choices muddy the experience.

• XSX/S
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

After finishing Ninja Gaiden 4, I kept thinking about how rare it is for a sequel to respect its roots while still trying something new. The story might stumble, and a few fights feel half-baked, but when the action hits, it’s everything I’ve ever loved about this series. Yakumo might not carry the same weight as Ryu Hayabusa yet, but he’s earned his place, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where his story goes. The game provides you with action skills you didn’t know you had, and even after the credits, you’ll want to keep perfecting your approach and chasing that perfect run. It’s classic action reimagined for this era, and it reminded me how much I missed the simple fun of moving from point A to point B with nothing but skill and style. It’s punk rock, challenging, and endlessly satisfying, the way Ninja Gaiden should be.

• PC
• 9.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Ball X Pit is, in several ways, an idealization of the indie gaming experience. An exceptionally addictive, gratifying, and replayable smash-hit for a mere fraction of the price of larger-scale AAA releases on the market is no meager feat to achieve. Plus, its intuitive pick-up-and-play nature, alongside impressive variety for builds, puts it at the top of the crop with other implementations of this genre. Slight annoyances with mid-run progression aside, I can’t deny that Ball X Pit, in terms of just raw gameplay, is the most satisfied I’ve been this year, and I’ll likely keep coming back for quite some time.

• PC
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

Absolum fuses the frenetic energy of beat 'em ups with deep roguelite systems to deliver a stylish and addictive experience. While its narrative struggles to match the grandeur of its worldbuilding, the moment-to-moment gameplay and audiovisual design shine. Dotemu’s bold take on the genre blend pays off in gameplay variety and mechanical depth, even if its progression balance and storytelling lack polish.

• PC
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

Bye Sweet Carole is a visually captivating horror puzzle adventure that channels the charm of 90s animation with a twisted fairy tale atmosphere. Set in the mysterious Bunny Hall, players follow Lana Benton through a surreal narrative filled with clever puzzles, eerie enemies, and creative transformations. While the game dazzles with its presentation and imagination, its lack of narrative clarity and occasional gameplay frustrations hold it back from greatness.

• PS5
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Dreams of Another is a surreal, narrative-driven adventure from Q-Games that transforms traditional shooter mechanics into tools of creation rather than destruction. Drawing inspiration from the experimental PlayStation 3 era, it offers a meditative journey through metaphysical dreamscapes where shooting reveals memories, solves puzzles, and unravels existential mysteries. While its abstract structure and lack of conventional action may alienate some players, those seeking a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant experience will find much to admire in its layered storytelling and haunting visual design.

• PS5
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Yooka-Replaylee is the type of effort I’d like to see more of in this medium; an ambitious revisit to a project that wasn’t wholeheartedly acclaimed. This type of endeavor necessitates courageous introspection, admitting that there’s room for substantial improvement without compromising your innate vision. And Yooka-Replaylee is that and more. Besides being a glow-up, it shines with variety, challenge, and sincere accomplishment across each significant stride. Not every choice lands, but Yooka-Replaylee is a commendable labor of love that stands apart from its inspirations, and it deserves a spot among the greats of modern 3D platforming.