Enshrouded may only be entering early access, but there is already so much to see and do in the wonderful world of Embervale. Keen Games did not cut any corners when creating this excellent sandbox. Players will surely enjoy it as it evolves during the early access period. [Early Access Review]

There is still a lot that Blacksmith Legends is hoping to add in the future, and there is no way to tell how that content will shape up. However, what is being included in its early access launch is impressive, and gives a lot of confidence to those behind it. Even in early access, the game is worth checking out for fans of management sims, and it seems as though it will only get better going forward.

Steel Hunters nails its PvP fights so well that its lackluster looting and PvE encounters are all the more disappointing, especially as they take up most of each match’s time. There is still some fun to be found here, especially if you can bring a friend along to strategize with, but eschewing stakes in exchange for simplicity leaves little reason to come back after a few play sessions. Why keep trudging through boring piles of loot and boring fights to find kernels of fun when the rewards that don’t offer much in return? [Early Access Review]

Inkbound has a ton of potential as an early access game with a solid gameplay loop and beautiful animation. It will need a strong player base if the online focus is going to pay off, but what I have seen makes me really excited for players to see the wonderful world Shiny Shoe has created. [Early Access Review]

With Stormgate launching in early access, there is always the chance that it will improve with sufficient development time. As it stands at release, however, it is difficult to see why an RTS player would pick Stormgate over more established competition. Its simplistic mechanics make matches grow boring quickly. Its story and world are so poorly developed that they are not even worth mentioning. With its heavily in-progress state, it seems better to wait and see if it improves before investing time in checking it out. [Early Access Review]

Plasma still has a ways to go in terms of core game content, but given that it is releasing in early access that will be coming down the road. For now, the main focus is on developing the systems that allow players to be creative and they have truly nailed that from the start. I can’t wait to see what wild creations the community comes up with. [Early Access Review]

But the game is early access, of course, and is sold at a very reasonable price for what is currently in the game. The developers have an impressively comprehensive roadmap of what they intend to add to the game over time, and if those plans are all fulfilled, Going Medieval has the potential to become an incredibly detailed and nuanced colony sim that one could easily sink dozens of hours into happily. As it stands now, it is a lot of fun and definitely worth checking out for any fans of the genre or fans who want a good introduction to the colony sim genre. Either way, Going Medieval is a game to keep an eye on. [Early Access Review]

If you enjoyed the previous game, you’ll love Grounded 2, it’s a big leap ahead for the series. [Early Access Score = 85]

The weapons already in the game are solid, although not all of their systems work as well as they could. But thanks to early access, there is potential for the future. Possible updates that can expand what is already there and improve some of the game’s weaker aspects. Hopefully, it can leverage its position and early strengths to ascend to a special place within the genre. [Early Access Review]

Aloft is an ambitious undertaking of a game. There is a lot here with one to eight-person co-op, an island editor (which I could not use in the current build), a vast world, and a really engrossing building system with over 600 parts to play with. However, with technical issues, a repetitive game loop, and too much empty space, early access feels like missing essential elements that help create longevity. That said, if the team can smooth out the jagged edges, Aloft can reach its potential. [Early Access Review]

Nightingale is starting off in an okay place as an early-access title. With time and some polish, Nightingale could capitalize on its unique setting and strong core mechanics to stand out from its peers. In its current state, however, Nightingale is a tough sell. For players who love its aesthetic or the genre overall, Nightingale likely has enough on offer that is worth exploring. For others, though, it is likely better to wait for the developer’s planned updates and improvements to be released. [Early Access Review]

Sure, it’s not perfect yet. But with its gorgeous landscapes, detailed systems, and a roadmap full of potential, Manor Lords has all the makings of a future classic. [Early Access Score = 70]

The most disappointing part of La Quimera is how it struggles to bring its good ideas together, leaving them buried in lesser ideas and poor execution. In the end, those interesting ideas are buried in a lack of content and poor execution that makes it all unfun to engage with on any level. [Early Access Score = 30]

Sherwood Extreme will satisfy a very particular type of player. It offers an experience all about skillful play executed as quickly as possible. There are a handful of aspects that are not fully fleshed out or developed, but fleshing out and improving those aspects are exactly what early access is for. Hopefully, Sherwood Extreme will use the program well and be able to build a community of players who love what the title has to offer. [Early Access Score = 70]

Book of Travels is in a very solid place as a newly launched Early Access title. It offers a unique experience that should satisfy players looking for a more meditative or unique online experience. However, the game still has quite a ways to go in the form of content, especially if it wants to keep players around for a more extended period. Thankfully, there are many avenues the developers can explore to this end, especially once they start receiving feedback from players throughout the Early Access process. [Early Access Review]

When all is said and done, I have enjoyed the many microdecisions and challenging battles Oaken has tested me with. I think its small, but complex battlefields offer a lot of rewarding challenges for those who are prepared for a long and unforgiving journey. [Early Access review]

Path of Exile 2‘s difficulty, combat, art, and map designs are something that keep pulling you in. No matter how many times you die, or how many times you have to adjust your build, you just keep coming right back. This is a game that is firing on absolutely all cylinders and shows no signs of slowing down. [Early Access Score = 95]

While Black Skylands delivers an appealing aesthetic and some solid core gameplay, it quickly mires itself down in long, repetitive trips to gather resources and largely unchanging gameplay. While its slow, unchanging gameplay didn’t hold my attention very well, I can see how someone could find a relaxing challenge that they can just take their time with here. [Early Access Score = 70]

Cross Blitz delivers a fun and unique card game experience. While there are a few struggles with the difficulty curve, the overall presentation and gameplay are fun and varied, offering lots of replayability. [Early Access Score = 70]

Pioneers of Pagonia may only be in early access, but it is already showing signs of a truly impressive city-builder. The depth of mechanics and thrill of exploration help make it stand out in a genre full of imitators, and if the gameplay balance can be kept while making further additions, it will quickly become a game to remember. [Early Access Review]

Battle Bands is a truly interesting deckbuilder that accomplishes everything it sets out to do. There is an excellent variety, and the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. For an Early Access game, Battle Bands already feels completely playable and enjoyable right from the start. I’m extremely excited to see what gets added in the future and can’t wait to gather some friends to put a truly legendary band together. [Early Access Review]

Overall, Starship Troopers: Extermination has the potential to be an exceptional fusion of tower defense and FPS genres. Despite falling short in accessibility for new players, clunky controls, and the dangers of repetitive gameplay, Starship Troopers: Extermination provides the kind of immersive experience fans of the franchise can expect. It propels you into the shoes of a bug-killing specialist, allowing you to customize your loadout and abilities to become the ultimate force of nature. With additional improvements to address its shortcomings and introduce more diverse content, Starship Troopers: Extermination has the potential to deliver an even more exceptional and engaging experience for Starship Troopers enthusiasts and fans of the genre. [Early Access Review]

The Pioneers: Surviving Desolation has a really neat premise and a steep challenge curve, but a lack of mechanics and a plethora of bugs this early on make it one to hold off on picking up just yet. That said, fans of challenging survival simulators should keep an eye out to see if Supercube can effectively use early access to polish a very intriguing game. [Early Access Review]

I was immediately intrigued by Plan B: Terraform before I had even launched the game, and yet I was still pleasantly surprised at how relaxing an experience it was. Even at this early stage, it feels like a polished game that anyone can enjoy. It would be nice to see some different modes and challenges added in the future, but even now it is well worth taking the time to check out. [Early Access Review]

There is still plenty for 22 Racing Series to do to be a complete racing game, but the basic structure is there to make it a truly revolutionary racing game. The community’s ability to create custom tracks combined with an amazing physics system that incorporates legitimately intriguing strategy options has me excited to see what 22 Racing Series can become once it leaves early access. While it’s not a complete game yet, 22 Racing Series is absolutely a game to keep your eye on if you’re a fan of challenging racing games. [Early Access Review]

What surprised me more than anything was how polished Deflector feels. Even though it’s clear there is a lot more coming down the pike, what launches in Early Access doesn’t feel disjointed or unplayable at all. I have plenty of questions about what is going to come next, including the hope for some clarity on what the overall objective is. Still, even without that, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Deflector so far. While there is plenty of room to grow, Arrowfirst has a potential superstar hit on their hands. The only question now is how far they are able to go with the potential that has been laid out. [Early Access Review]

Early Access releases can vary wildly in quality and worth of investment, especially with the uncertainty of the game’s future updates and content releases. My Time at Sandrock feels different, though, and when you play it, it doesn’t feel like a game in Early Access. With the studio’s previous success with My Time at Portia, it also seems that this sequel is destined to reach a solid place by the time it hits 1.0. [Early Access Review]

Even in light of the issues that Superfuse may have, it is a fascinating game with care put into its presentation. The environments and animations are engaging and atmospheric, and its story is original and intriguing. The concepts and settings are fully realized and fleshed out, but anyone averse to repetitive exploration may want to skip it. Despite this, Superfuse is still a title that I would highly recommend. [Early Access Score = 80]

Tokyo Xtreme Racer is a modern arcade racer, for better or worse. Even with its unique depiction of races with its SP system, and Tokyo highway setting, the monotony quickly sinks in. Regardless, there is the promise of a fun racing game that is reminiscent of PS2-era grunge racing games. That potential can be reached with refinement and by valuing the player’s time. [Early Access Review]

No Rest for the Wicked is off to a promising start. With great combat, a gorgeous world, and an intriguing story, there’s much to dive into, even in its Early Access form. Ironing out the performance issues and having a good flow of content will be critical to the game’s long-term survival. I’m excited for the adventure to come with future updates. [Early Access Review]

Ultimately, I can see what DEADCAM is trying to accomplish with this early access. It lays out a great horror foundation through its setting and presentation, but playing the game falls short of the bar this groundwork initially creates. However, if you are a die-hard horror fan looking for something new, the low price point and potential for improvements and more stories as the game continues its development may be worth it to you. [Early Access Review]

In 007 First Light, IO Interactive has taken their signature Creative approach to level design, their talent for making the best suits in games, and imbued it with a James Bond DNA to craft something cinematic and fresh. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

The Modern Warfare 2 campaign is middling. Some missions are more fun than others, and the pacing is a bit off in certain spots. Despite this, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, and seeing Task Force 141 again is always a treat. [Campaign Review Score = 65]