Aery – Dreamscape is an interesting game. But with five Aery games already out, has EpiXR Games already flown too close to the sun? Dreamscape’s storytelling is quirky, by looking into the dreams of those around us, we can understand each other more. With different levels and a unique hub world, it’s clear there’s passion. But considering that subtitles are sometimes missing, objects glitching, and markers not showing at all, maybe it’s best to give Dreamscape a miss.

Gravity Chase is not the most ambitious or creative racing game, but it offers a competent and fast futuristic racer. With a decent variety of tracks that are all easy to unlock, three game modes to pick from, and a satisfactory roster of ships and music to race with—there’s a handful of fun in this package.

RPGolf Legends leans too much into its influences to be really entertaining in itself. As a fan of Sports RPGs, RPGolf Legends demonstrates there is some wiggle room to experiment with the formula. I’d be doing a disservice to not congratulate the developers on the boss fights that succeed at demonstrating how RPG mechanics and golf mechanics can integrate well to make some unique and special gameplay moments. However, it must be said that outside of those boss fights, the game is largely satisfactory, but not exciting. It’s not the worst game I have played in recent memory, and it’s not a bad game to kill time on. Yet, for the ambition on display, I find it hard to get particularly enthusiastic about RPGolf Legends.

KungFu Kickball brings an unexpected amount of joy to the table. Between the simple controls, intuitive gameplay, cute art style, and banging tunes, KungFu Kickball could very well dominate your next house party. Despite the lack of diversity of the characters and stages, KungFu Kickball shakes up the arcade genre with something new and entertaining. Whether you are playing locally at home or playing online, the game has you covered, even for those playing across different platforms. If you are a fan of games such as Smash Bros. or Rocket League, I would highly recommend picking this one up and playing with both friends and family for an enjoyable night in.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is a game with the kind of visual presentation that must be revered and venerated by all, despite some weird fundamental gaps in its user-friendliness. Whilst there are absolutely some opportunities for additional polish, it’s ultimately a minor ding in what is otherwise an insanely impressive game. This is an example of the best of what indie games can bring to the table. It is beautiful, it is dumb, it is dorky, and it is constantly tripping over itself to show you its new cool ideas. The Legend of Wright deserves recognition and love for all the amazing stuff it’s bringing to the tabletop.

As a puzzle game, Kombinera understands the assignment with ease. Conceptually, it feels familiar, easy to pick up, and perfect for handheld play, but it holds its own on a console as well. Where it falters is in its desperation to be something it isn’t. The game’s story is over the top and if anything takes away from the soul of the game. Similarly, the repetitive music can make the game feel underdone, which is a weird statement considering how polished the puzzles are.

The Serpent Rogue is a game that has a lot going on, which unfortunately has led to most of the game’s features feeling rushed and not fully executed. Keeping it simple would have been a good mantra for The Serpent Rogue to live by, but it instead tries to implement too many things with not enough finesse. The game certainly has interesting researching and crafting elements, with some other unique ideas too. However, it falls short with clunky mechanics and a lack of polish.

Loot River is certainly a roguelike unafraid to explore new waters, but what it lacks is a refined loop. Constantly repeating the run, even in different dungeons, isn’t an easy concept to float. However, the game’s unique movement mechanics and visuals do a lot of work to sell the experience. If you’re looking for a roguelike that’s going to punish you, then check this one out, but try not to be too shocked when you realise there are no life jackets provided.

Though Raft may lack content once you’ve reached its closing moments, the lead-up to that point is a surprisingly delightful and novel experience. The basic gameplay loop of collecting and crafting keeps you busy, whilst a set of on-foot areas to explore keeps the gameplay ever-evolving and gleefully varied. An absolute solid co-operative choice, there’s an ocean of content to be found on this humble raft.

Gravitar: Recharged is an arcade staple made fresh for a new generation of fans, re-capturing the essence of what made the original game such a classic. The pixel graphics have been given a modern overhaul that make it look like it fits in the modern gamescape. It’s a pity the controls do not follow this trend, as they are frustrating and feel out of place when compared with their more contemporary counterparts. It will take patience and time to master this game, and while it may not pay off for some, the rewards can definitely be worth your efforts as the accruing score and bonuses make you soar through each planet flawlessly.

When Arcadegeddon does what it’s supposed to do, it’s a rollicking good time. Experimenting with the zany weapon types, getting my butt kicked in the Battle Modes, and interacting with the vibrant neon world is so inviting. However, all those bright and sparkling qualities didn’t matter when Arcadegeddon’s glitches became too obtrusive to ignore. It’s a shame, as the game has a lot of potential to be a fan favourite for those who love to squad up with their mates and have a laugh whilst being challenged. As it is though, I would wait a bit longer to sink my teeth into this co-op experience.

If you’re after a simulation game that’s a bit different than the usual genre mainstays, then chuck Arcade Paradise on the spin cycle. But be warned, despite packing in 35+ arcade games, it’s not going to give you as much depth as other simulators. The early game suffers from a repetitive game loop that is only rescued by the happy grind to unlock new games in the arcade area. A worthy way to spend some coins and kill some time, Arcade Paradise at the very least lives up to half of its name.

I can see LEGO Brawls’ appeal as a free-to-play mobile game, where its simple mechanics and repetitive game modes are more excusable. As a full-priced console game, standing up against feature-rich AAA titles and even free-to-play titles, LEGO Brawls just doesn’t stand out in the slightest. Although a less complex brawler aimed at a younger audience might make sense, in this case it’s TOO simplified, where every character behaves the same and the only strategy is to run at your foes and mash the attack button. Combine that with the lack of additional single-player content and glacial progression system, and it becomes difficult to recommend LEGO Brawls to anyone other than the most devoted LEGO aficionados.

It’s hard not to love the adorable Dusty’s capers in Justice Sucks. It’s a fun arcade game that isn’t afraid to tell a story as well. Each new area brings its own obstacles to face, but in the end, Dusty has all the tools to rise above the bad guys in this sentient robot action romp. Being so replayable works heavily in the game’s favour. It’s a great time for anyone keen to jump into a challenge-orientated arcade game packed full of chaos.

The voxel creations and freedom that Dual Universe offers are pretty impressive. It’s a concept with a lot of potential. However, the failed execution and many bugs leave this game dead on arrival with honestly no reason to play unless it ever receives a resurgence in players and a massive gameplay overhaul.

Ghost Song is an aesthetic descent into sadness that could’ve been much more, yet stumbles on the final lap. The game explores interesting characters while filling out the game world with melancholia, acting as a love letter to the Metroidvania and Souls genres. The soundtrack brings a resounding presence to the game that really cements that overall vibe for the player, enticing them in for more. There is enjoyment to be had here, but players might find that wonder and mystery replaced with frustration when coming up against bullet sponge enemies and a game narrative that never quite resolves in a satisfying way.

A fantastic mix of endless runner and racing game, which marries the aesthetics of WipEout with the challenge and difficulty of a hardcore roguelike.

Try as Mirror Forge might, it never reaches the ambition it establishes in the opening moments. Generic and stock-standard horror storytelling provides beats you’ve mostly seen before, leaving players going through the motions. Uninspired and funky-looking characters and monster designs rip away the mystique the game offers. There are some eerie environments, with pulsating fleshy walls amid harsh industrial complexes that feel incredibly Silent Hill. That should be praised as such. However, at the end of the day, Mirror Forge is an unfortunate case of missed potential and raising scope too high. Neither remarkable nor an offensive entry to the horror genre, you might as well let this one pass you by.

Red Tape offers a comedic look at a fallen angel’s trip through a corporate version of Hell. It’s filled with silly characters and outside-the-box solutions that will have you chuckling as you navigate the game. Unfortunately, the story is weak and it ends hastily, filling in the remaining questions once you’re done. Other than fetch quest puzzles, there is little variety in the gameplay. Any attempts at variation through jumping activities feel out of place. If you are looking for a psychological horror experience that gets you thinking, you’re better served looking elsewhere. But if you want a funny game that lasts about an hour, Red Tape will do the job well.

Though Mr. Saitou isn’t a long game, it does pack a lot of punch into its three-hour runtime. It takes the life of a miserable, depleted man and shows him the wonders that he could be experiencing if work wasn’t his main focus. It’s a narrative that seeks to find the light in the darkness of mundane existence when life becomes routine. Mr. Saitou will leave you with a feeling of hope that fun and adventure are around every corner, we’ve just got to look a little closer to find it.

Kabaret has ambition, but that ambition gets in its own way. It asks tough questions and never shies away from the realities of life. Different perspectives are properly explored which provides depth for each viewpoint. It deftly weaves Southeast Asian culture into the story and it immerses you in the culture. But the story becomes too complicated and loses its best messages towards the end. The lack of stakes for the mini-games also makes them less appealing. Preparing tea is unnecessarily hard and vague, becoming a frustrating activity instead of a relaxing one. It’s a good visual novel with stories that don’t shy away from difficult content, but one you’re unlikely to revisit often because it feels like a lot of work.

With thoughtful Australian representation, Innchanted is sure to be an incredible experience for all gamers. The puzzles, music, and themes are so enjoyable that it’s hard to put the controller down. There’s something new with every level, making the game increasingly engaging as you progress. Plus, up to four-player multiplayer lets your friends join in on the fun. Throw in a plethora of cute costumes that you can collect and a storyline so intriguing that it won’t leave you disappointed, and you’re left with a recipe for a good time.

Mile 0 just isn’t as strong as its predecessor. It somehow feels both like there were too many and not enough changes made to the formula. Maintaining the dialogue options made the story feel diluted and weak, but abandoning the setting of the open road loses a key part of the game’s identity. It’s a hard spot to be in. This isn’t to say that Mile 0 is a failure, just that it doesn’t manage to improve on the shortcomings of the original or capture what made it work in the first place. The music is still very good and the characters interesting, but letting the player control their actions removes any potential agency and kills what could have been a great story.

Murderous Muses is a bite-sized mystery with an entertaining gimmick and a lush background of lore. It’s a taste of what might be the next frontier for FMV; puzzle exploration. The overarching mystery is enough to keep players engaged for the 10-15 hours it takes to unlock everything, though the simplicity of its puzzles otherwise limits its replayability. The video performances are a bit hit-and-miss, but the camp vibe of the entire experience makes it all part of the show.

Moviehouse – The Film Studio Tycoon is an ambitious attempt at showing the ups and downs of the film industry. You gradually work your way up the ladder and producing great movies feels good. It’s a pity the game suffers from some issues that weren’t foreseen or accounted for. The charm of creating a good movie disappears when you realise you can make more money from buying out other studios. As your studio gets bigger and you hire more people, the user interface struggles to keep track of the relevant details. It’s a fun game at the start, though the long time it takes to produce movies can wear you down. For a simulator that passes some time, this will be great, but it does need some more refining to be a good management experience.

Minecraft Legends is a fresh spin on a classic game that isn’t afraid to boldly try something new. Come for the battles, but stay for the tender storyline that empowers the player with how their actions are affecting the game world as they take down the Piglin forces. This one feels like it’s for Minecraft fans in one way, but in another it’s all about battling and sadly this leads to player imagination jumping in the back seat. Regardless, it’s either a fresh spin that will be your jam, or you’ll be craving the freedom of the original.

Desta: The Memories Between provides a difficult narrative filled with grief and regret. However, through its meditative, albeit unintuitive gameplay, it provides a safe and reflective journey into Desta’s heart. An experience that may have the player remembering back on their own life and relationships. With this relatable and emotionally driven narrative, the game provides a safe space for the player to examine themselves and all it asks is to throw a ball. This all makes Desta: The Memories Between stand out as a great game and an incredible exploration of healing.

With a truly unique concept that’s different from any other horror game out there, Killer Frequency mixes just the right amount of campy thrills to keep its serial killer narrative moving along swiftly. As you’re saving civilians using clues around the radio station while cracking jokes and enjoying some retro-inspired tracks, it’s hard not to get invested in the story and setting, especially as it features such strong performances from its wacky cast. The pace can be slow at times, but the twists and turns kept me eager to speak with every new caller. You can trust me as a seasoned producer and presenter: this is one radio program worth tuning in for.