Giancarlo Saldana
Number of publications: 170
Giancarlo grew up playing video games and finally started writing about them on a blog after college. He soon began to write for small gaming websites as a hobby and then as a freelance writer for sites like 1UP, GamesRadar, MacLife, and TechRadar. Giancarlo also was an editor for Blast Magazine, an online gaming magazine based in Boston where he covered various video game topics from the city's indie scene to E3 and PAX. Now he writes reviews and occasional previews for Gamepressure covering a broad range of genres from puzzle games to JRPGs to open-world adventures. His favorite series include Pokémon, Assassin's Creed, and The Legend of Zelda, but he also has a soft spot for fighting and music games like Super Smash Bros and Rock Band. When not playing Overwatch after a long day at work, he enjoys spending time working out, meal prepping, and discovering new international films and TV shows.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review: A strong return with uneven new ideas
A richly atmospheric return to the Metroid Prime formula delivers memorable worlds and classic exploration—even if some design choices keep it from reaching the series’ highest heights.
Kirby Air Riders review: Simple controls, surprising depth
Kirby Air Riders proves that even the simplest racers can offer big thrills, deep customization, and plenty of party-friendly chaos.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment review: Musou mayhem meets Zelda magic
A fast-paced musou spin on Zelda’s rich lore, Age of Imprisonment expands Tears of the Kingdom’s world while delivering the series’ most polished Hyrule Warriors entry yet.
Pokémon Legends Z-A review: Evolution without exploration
Pokémon Legends: Z-A trades the open-world wonder of Legends: Arceus for a more battle-focused adventure set entirely in Lumiose City, delivering fresh ideas that shine in combat but stumble in exploration.
Little Nightmares 3 review: Familiar fears, fewer surprises
Little Nightmares III is a darkly beautiful follow-up that captures the series’ eerie charm but plays it too safe, offering an experience that feels more familiar than frightening.
Ghost of Yotei review: Majesty among vengeance
Ghost of Yotei builds on its predecessor with a fresh heroine, refined combat, and a breathtaking portrayal of Ezo, making its familiar tale of revenge feel both epic and unforgettable.
Hell is Us review: A Demanding mystery with uneven gameplay
A haunting detective-style adventure, Hell is Us rewards curiosity and puzzle-solving but stumbles with clunky, frustrating combat.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: Faithful to a fault
For better or worse, Metal Gear Solid Delta shines as a preservation of a classic but rarely feels like a bold reimagining.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 review: More of the same
Though not without its faults, Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a visually stunning and faithful follow-up that builds on the original with more characters, polished storytelling, and just enough style to keep Demon Slayer fans hooked.
Donkey Kong Bananza review: Big, bold, and smashingly good
Nintendo’s brought Donkey Kong back to the spotlight in the best way possible—by staying true to what made the series great while boldly breaking new ground.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers review: Stylish, brutal, and just familiar enough
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers delivers a brutal and beautiful journey through a cursed, war-torn world—one that blends fast-paced combat, dark folklore, and familiar Soulslike rhythms.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: Rebuilt but still rad
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 brings back the grind with slick upgrades and nostalgic charm, but some changes—especially to Pro Skater 4—might throw longtime fans off balance.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: A beautiful, bizarre delivery from Kojima
Equal parts post-apocalyptic road trip and existential art piece, Death Stranding 2 is the rare sequel that dares to be even stranger—and better.
Mario Kart World review: Hitting the road in style
Mario Kart World strengthens the series with an interconnected open-world twist that brings fresh energy to its beloved formula. Packed with new tracks and modes, it’s another Mario Kart you’ll want to own.
The Alters review: Every Jan has his story
The Alters blends resource management with emotional storytelling to deliver a suspenseful journey through isolation and self-discovery.
I couldn't tear myself away from this world. Mio: Memories in Orbit is a Metroidvania with a soul
Mio: Memories in Orbit is a visually captivating Metroidvania that sprinkles atmospheric exploration and a haunting sci-fi setting into a familiar formula.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon review: In the shadow of Oblivion
Blending dark Arthurian lore with classic action RPG mechanics, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a weirdly ambitious adventure that stumbles as much as it surprises.
From rhythm games to classic RPGs, here are our top picks from PAX East 2025
PAX East 2025 has wrapped up, bringing together over 100,000 gamers and creators for four unforgettable days of gaming action.
The Precinct review: Arrested development
While its first few hours show real promise, The Precinct quickly bogs down in repetition, lackluster storytelling, and frustrating design choices that make law enforcement feel more like a chore than a calling.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree Review: Short of a screaming success
Combining elements of different genres, Mandragora is a moody platformer that does its best to draw you in but some missteps keep it from achieving greatness.