Giancarlo Saldana
Number of publications: 157
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.
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.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review: A beautiful tour de force
Sandfall Interactive’s debut game is a masterclass in presentation, storytelling, and gameplay. It’s a game you need to play to experience.
Tempest Rising Review: A commanding presence
Inspired by old-school RTS games, Tempest Rising has its own unique style that manages to shine through all the nostalgia and comparisons to classics of the genre.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Review: A world worth revisiting
Back in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X was a huge RPG that strayed away from the usual formula of the series. This Definitive Edition cleans up some of its shortcomings and lets a new generation of players experience it for the first time.
Atomfall Review: A union jack of all trades
You wake up in a bunker following a nuclear disaster and now need to explore a strange new world. Sound familiar? Atomfall is not the game you think, but don’t let that stop you from exploring its unique intricacies.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii review: Silliness sets sail
A spin-off to the more serious Like a Dragon titles, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gives us an action-packed game full of novelty, pirates, and a level of silliness that is fitting for a guy like Goro Majima. And it works.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review: Swinging high
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is back for a third time on a new console and proves that the right blend of puzzles and level design can make a game stand the test of time even 15 years after its initial release.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership Review: Sailing and Waiting
The iconic plumbers are back for their latest adventure since 2015, and their first one is on consoles. What could be their biggest adventure yet is also one that tends to drag more than it should.
Red Dead Redemption Review: The Definitive and Hopefully Last Version
Various ports after its original release, Red Dead Redemption is still very much alive. This PC port shows us one of the best versions of the game to date.
Life is Strange Double Exposure Review: Undeveloped Film
Max Caulfield is back after meeting her in the first Life is Strange. Her return is not what you would expect it to be considering her new game’s story is not as compelling as the first.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Review: Party Favored
The third Mario Party game on Switch, Jamboree wants to be the next one you pick up. With a plethora of content and some robust features, getting it is a no-brainer.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Review: Zenkai Power
Dragon Ball has been around for years as have games that have tried to recreate the excitement the series is known for. Sparking Zero is the latest arena fighter that gets it right.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Review: Resounding Success
In her first main series starring role, Princess Zelda has a lot to live up to, but Echoes of Wisdom is the kind of Zelda game you’d expect in style, substance, and quality.
Visions of Mana Review: A Sacrifice for Nostalgia
17 years after the release of the last Mana series game, Visions of Mana hopes to breathe new life into the series. Does it have what it takes to restore the balance of story and combat?