Backbone seduces you into its world with its incredible style and characters. I was shocked by the game's first major twist and didn't want to stop playing. The writing is a highlight, and the music is dazzling. I was a bit let down to discover that my choices had little impact on the game's narrative, and the conclusion left me with more questions than answers. I don't know if a sequel is on the horizon, but Backbone is an overall interesting game worth checking out.

Many smaller games outside the triple-A realm, want to achieve the hidden gem status, but a hidden gem is exactly how I would describe Sword of the Vagrant. Its radiant quality shines through for such an encapsulating fulfilling experience. It doesn’t rewrite the genre, but it certainly punches well above its weight and should be high on the list for anyone wanting to experience a great little gorgeous adventure.

DariusBurst Another Chronicle EX+ is a decent game that heavily leans into the arcade genre. It fully commits to the theme, sometimes at the expense of player enjoyment, although you can’t deny the immersion. Gameplay is quite repetitive, and overly challenging, meaning there’s a skill barrier to enjoyment. The high production value definitely wins the game some points, and the audio and graphics are both very impressive throughout. Whilst I have no doubt that fans of arcade games will enjoy this, the difficulty and unvaried nature of the game makes it relatively inaccessible to gamers outside the genre.

The multiplayer action of Chivalry 2 has depth, replayability and, most importantly, it's fun. Torn Banner Studios have built upon the success of the original to create a game that could have a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. However, there is a distinct lack of variety in other modes and many key features are missing in regards to quality of life and accessibility. Modern multiplayer games are an everchanging experience, regular support and updates is a promise that the developers need to keep. Perhaps in a few months, the game will be in a better state with the inclusion of new modes, added customization and a greater parity between platforms.

Overall, The Red Lantern was a fascinating and unique experience. It feels like a modern version of The Oregon Trail but instead of traveling across a map and dying of dysentery, you ride behind a dog sled and die in a much colder climate. Creating a team of dogs and then sticking with them for every run until credits rolled was both rewarding and allowed me to connect emotionally. The Red Lantern does not provide the most complex inventory management but will almost always have you considering when to use which item. The loop of the game did begin to become predictable near the end, but The Red Lantern always brought me back for one more chance to find the path home.

EA Sports FC 24 gets the job done. It delivers a familiar 'FIFA' style game with its own few touches here and there. Fans who have grown accustomed to this formula will be satisfied as it stays true to what makes these games special. Ultimately, EA FC 24's most popular game mode 'Ultimate Team' is what truly makes or breaks a game. So far with Evolutions, it seems promising. However, it is not until EA begin to release content throughout the year that we will be able to reach a proper verdict regarding this game mode's full effectiveness. With Pro Clubs, Career Mode, and even Kick-Off seeming solid, it's safe to say this is a football game that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy playing. (Except for when you rage playing UT Champions of course).

Tour de France 2023 is polished enough to stand out in the sports simulation category, and it comes with some much-needed improvements over last year. However, the game is a bit too pricey for the changes alone, and it feels almost like its predecessor. Overall, it's a fun experience, but you'll be disappointed if you're looking for some major overhauls.

Bounty Star does a decent job of mixing mech combat with base management. You slowly build stronger mechs while earning money and starting a farm. Objectives can be unclear and farming doesn't feel as integrated as advertised. It's a decent game with good fundamentals but the farming aspect may disappoint you.

For all of its faults, Monster Harvest is still a unique experience that has the potential for a large payoff, if the team can rectify some of the problems. The premise is amazing, the execution is pretty great, and there are just a few more things to iron out before this title achieves legendary status. At this time, it's not a perfect game, but I can't stop playing it.

With my disappointment in Half-Genie Hero in the foreground, it's a bit easier to enjoy Shantae and the Seven Sirens's good points in relation to its abundantly minor issues. Controls are fantastic, the pacing is solid, and it harkens back (somewhat) to what made Pirate's Curse so beloved. Some may decry its simple difficulty, but for me, so long as the journey is immersive, other aspects can be excused. Neither a perfect game or a perfect Shantae game, Seven Sirens has enough magic to make it a welcome addition to a franchise with a bountiful future ahead of it.

Biomass is a hard game to pin down for me. There were parts of it I thought were executed perfectly. But there were other times when I could see that the game still needs some work. The RPG leveling system, for example, gives a nice feeling of growth throughout the game. But the stats are never explained, and it took me a while to figure out what each one did. The world is huge, and fun to explore, but I often found myself wandering into places I’d already been. A map would have made the game much better. There is an NPC who offers you one, but the price he asks deterred me from using it. The boss battles are excellent, but the difficulty means you’ll die a lot. That wouldn’t be an issue were it not for the tedious journey from the save point back to the fight. This is a game with strong potential, but the lack of clarity drags it down.

Tinytopia is the sort of game that I'd have my children play if they were interested in architecture or UFOs. They'd have a great time, but it's not something that will hold my attention beyond the time spent together. The absurdities are the game's strength, but it's ultimately held back by dull scenarios and poorly handled interface mechanics. You'll have a super cute time playing, but I can't promise it will last very long.

There’s something to be said of Sable’s casual, meditative charm and truly enchanting presentation. Unfortunately, however, it can occasionally feel empty and remains fraught with technical errors and performance issues. Hopefully, there'll be a bug-fixing patch on the horizon. Otherwise, Sable's fresh, intriguing world and solid mechanics could be overshadowed by its assortment of glitches.

Weyrdlets ties productivity and casual gameplay together by letting you raise a pet on your desktop. It's nice seeing your pet come with you even as you work or play on your computer. It does take a long time to get set up and enjoy the cute activities that are advertised. But if you want something soothing that doesn't take up much time, Weyrdlets is a good fit for your schedule.

Overall, Call of the Elder Gods is a good time for any fans of cosmic Lovecraftian tales and Puzzle solving. The characters are entertaining and the environments you visit are pretty. Yes, outside of the puzzles the gameplay turns into a walking sim, but it doesn't hurt the game too much for it to be an enjoyable experience.

It’s like watching a VHS version of a Blu-ray. The film is incredibly good, it just looks rough. And I really want to emphasise, this game is still very good, and I had such a good time playing it. But the trite phrase ‘you should play this elsewhere if you can’ definitely applies here. While I don’t mind visuals being under par, that’s a personal preference. I’m sure there are people who would find it hard play this game because of how rough it looks at points.

The Last Faith does not pretend to overcome its prior inspirations but impeccably attains a satisfying length and experience. It carefully adopts classic sensations, covering players in some of the genre's finest moments. Thus, in a gaming landscape inundated with overly ambitious Metroidvanias featuring ambitious maps, this game's convincing approach makes it an exciting challenge to complete at least once and a fair experience with increased difficulty for those who seek tougher battles after the initial completion.

Thymesia is a game plagued by its own potential and how high it could have soared. Even then, what we have left is a respectable Souls-like that, while not too difficult, provides an innovative spin on combat that captures a few flickers from games like Bloodborne and Sekiro. If you can tolerate the lack of enemy variety and samey level design, Thymesia may make you a little lovesick.

Should you be looking for a "Best of" collection of Mario Party goodness, Superstars should be your go-to. Though its flaws are pretty apparent, those keen on rose-tinted perceptions will find a lot to like with the newest iteration. Even those simply in need of some fun with a group of friends will have a good time with what's on offer, so long as it's local multiplayer and not online. It's a nice callback to the brighter days of the franchise, complete with a lot of trinkets from the past. May not be kind to solo players, however.

Feed the Deep's compelling gameplay loop lured me into the deep end numerous times, causing me to sink hours into the repetitive cave diving. Controls are responsive and fluid, becoming lumbersome in the right places to effectively create tension and build on the claustrophobic feeling. Game design is compact and the mechanics are user friendly while also forcing you to think strategically. Despite the pleasant aesthetic and mysterious atmosphere, the smaller hostile creatures felt slightly underwhelming, albeit this is heavily countered by the many eyes and tentacles of 'The Deep'.

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is the best way to experience your adventure on Halcyon. For new players who haven’t touched the game, there’s a good time to be had. A solid storyline, fun combat, and freely building your character's proficiencies. For veterans, the only real draws are increased character customisation and a better looking Halcyon. Even then, it's unlikely that there would be much to do after completing the game. It’s not the strong draw to bring you back that it could have been.

Overall, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle improves on almost everything from the original game. The story may be lacking with uninteresting characters but the gameplay manages to help push through that fault. The Frost Grip is the golden goose of the game, having the most fun freezing enemies whilst collecting fun bits of lore and alien toys. Add in the fantastic atmosphere that fits with the type of horror, Invader Studios wants to portray.

Fort Solis understands what it takes to create a Hollywood style sci-fi movie. A well-written, gripping story, performed by a cast of talented actors who battle their way through thick atmospheres and tense conversations. However, the dedication to delivering a cinematic experience seems to have left little room for gameplay. Mars is visually stellar, immersive and begging to be explored, yet the slow movement of characters can become quite frustrating at times, making it difficult to want to play Fort Solis in one sitting. In spite of the pacing issue, the rest of the experience is enjoyable, capturing the essence of isolation and existential dread which comes with a deserted space station.

While it is its own vibrant and enjoyable game, Spray Paint Simulator feels extremely similar to Powerwash Simulator. The levels and equipment are fairly basic, and I feel as though there was missed potential for more creative and novel ideas linked to the spray painting theme. However despite its flaws, Spray Paint Simulator is still a solid addition to the simulator genre. The mindless and satisfying gameplay is ideal for switching off and zoning out, perfect for those moments when you're looking for a game which doesn't need you to pay to attention to cutscenes or puzzle solving.

Atomic Heart offers great graphics and enjoyable combat. While the weapon variety is moderate and the story predictable with some cheesy dialogue, the game excels in providing enjoyable character upgrades. Though it may not fully live up to the initial hype, it remains a decent choice for players craving an immersive dystopian game with an incredible soundtrack.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes stands strong as a dynamic take on the world of Three Houses however the repetitive gameplay and padded stories leave a challenge to even complete the game without using broken characters. The visuals can be very pleasing but the environments always feel the exact same. This also goes for the character interactions, which are dry as they will often repeat dialogue or say things unrelated to the story. Overall a fun interesting time is still to be had but only in short bursts. Fans of Three Houses will love this game but others will be left confused and bored.

Wavetale provides a cozy, enjoyable ride of exploration and puzzle solving. The story is one big side quest, but its subtext is well written - global warming, industrialism and the hubris of humanity. Gameplay is fluid and enjoyable with an excellent soundtrack and decent voice acting. Screen tearing and audio glitches distract but ultimately do not deter me from recommending this as a decent weekend getaway.

The Ramsey is packed full of bright colors, charming characters, and fun gameplay. It's a great modern 2D mascot platformer with an adorable main character destined to sell merchandise. And while it's certainly a fun time, it is held back by a shorter runtime and a general lack of challenge until the ending stages. And with a bare bones story, some people could find themselves mentally checked out a few hours in.

While it may not be served with intuitive cooking controls, Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator delivers an engaging and unique game. Cooking dishes is a challenge to begin with but with some practice you can make them perfect, Having total control over your restaurant ensures there are plenty of ways to pass the hours as you customise the interior design and plating layouts, and the ability to lower the difficulty down to a simmer means you are able to enjoy a leisurely cooking sim, or keep the heat on high for a more realistic restaurant experience.

Smurfs Kart is a well-made kart racer, but its best parts are all too often taken directly from the games it wants to emulate. Though visually striking, a lack of customization options and a small roster of circuits lead to a sometimes underwhelming, but ultimately fun Kart Racing game.

My Universe: My Baby Dragon succeeds in being a game for what its intentions are. It's sweet and simple, as well as fun, although it can sometimes feel a little repetitive. The baby dragons are very cute and its easy to get fond of them, as well as sad saying goodbye to them. The fact that I wanted to start all over again with raising another baby dragon after the last one departed is a good sign that this is a game I want to keep replaying.

Ultimately, They Always Run has a lot going on for it. Its combat mechanics are delightfully complex enough to provide satisfying gameplay, and its gorgeous aesthetics make every second screenshot-worthy. However, the numerous bugs, uninspired platforming and lacklustre story make for a frustrating experience. The combat and art may make these worth it, but a couple of major patches would make the game much more enjoyable.

Hillbilly Doomsday is a fine indie shooter with a solid gameplay loop, imaginative baddies, and an enjoyable soundtrack. Fans of the genre will find a lot to enjoy from this one. However it is rather rough around the edges, with frequent slow down in some areas and the platforming sequences feeling a tad imprecise at times.

Sometimes it's hard to gauge just how much a developer personalizes their game with a soul in mind. Yet here, it's evident in the first few minutes. Raptor Boyfriend supplies a sufficient amount of humor and relatability to a story only somewhat within the mortal realm. No matter your choice, the presentation of the characters is only skin-deep; they all contain the deepness that any human can provide. Neglecting the considerable amount of nicks that bring it down as a replayable experience, this story has all the '90s flair to transport anyone to simpler times.

The Necromancer’s Tale provides a different CRPG experience that focuses on the detective aspects. It’s a good twist on the genre but it may not be for everyone. Other than the gameplay, nothing stands out but it’s great if you want a different experience.

Cauldron is a fun RPG that deftly weaves mini-games into the standard formula. It's easy to learn and the story has lots of snark that keeps you entertained. You may have to look over information like defense types since they aren't explained well. Burnout is also another risk since there is little gameplay variation. But if you want a game that successfully elevates mini-games in an RPG, Cauldron is hard to beat.

Yuppie Psycho is a shining example of the brilliance in indie horror. In a time where every big indie horror property seems progressively more marketed to children, the unapologetic R rating is a refreshing change of pace. An interesting story, likable characters, and the lack of a reliance on a gameplay gimmick or main marketable antagonist make it clear that the developers truly cared and believed about the game they were making, and it shows. That being said, the game too closely homages horror games of old to the detriment of the experience.

Burn me Twice is a fun little game that offers many enjoyable aspects, and for a game that is free to play, you get a lot. The story is interesting, the gameplay is easy to get to grips with, and the graphics and audio contribute to the mysterious atmosphere. There was also a nice nod to Christopher Marlowe’s play, Doctor Faustus (in which a man makes a deal with the devil) in the name of the revered physician, Doctor Fausto, which I also rather enjoyed. This enchanting mystery is great fun, and is the perfect casual game for any mystery fan.

Overall, this episode carries the same feel as the previous installments yet just falls short in some aspects. Episode 1 was a strong start that pulled us in, and while Episode 2 was still interesting enough for us to continue, Episode 3 feels rushed and lazy in some parts. The gameplay is unimaginative and feels like a chore. On top of that, the short episode length really makes players feel like they're not getting enough game for their buck. That being said, the main story itself is extremely interesting, with well-written dialogue that proves to be both charming and dramatic.

Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader is an excellent title for those looking to dabble their strategic toes into an ocean of lore. Mixing different factions from the franchise with a deep character customization menu creates a fulfilling and immersive experience. It may be difficult to get into at first, but with enough time and reading you'll be commanding the battlefield like a champion of the God Emperor himself!

If you've got a group of people that you want to play with, or if you want to replay the original game, then you should check out the new update. But I came out of this review with more critiques than I realized while playing. Turns out, some of my favorite parts were just playing the game with my kids, but the game itself. In the end, the game is flawed, but it's trying, and that's all we can really ask for.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit is a perfectly fine Five Nights at Freddy's game. Fans of the franchise will love it. Others will ignore it like they have every other game. The game itself has plenty of greatness within, mostly in the design of the sounds and the characters, but it really falters at the end with little increase in the scares and no worthwhile resolution.

Hindsight 20/20 is a repeatable slice of choice-based gameplay that enticed me to play its short story multiple times to see just how much I could alter the outcome. Unfortunately, this approach means the same combat scenarios and puzzles must be repeated in every run, with no variations. This soon became a major bore, even though the fighting flowed so well at the beginning. A lacklustre cast of characters and uninspiring plot add to the action-adventure's problems.

Tacoma is a really good story wrapped up in a simple walking simulator. Engaging with the AR segments and exploring the station was enjoyable; the information presented was mostly interesting, while the voice acting was excellent. In terms of actual gameplay, it's sadly lacking and the investigation feature is its' saving grace. There are some minigames thrown in, but very little else. Coupled with (this reviewer) several game crashes, this definitely dampened the experience. I would say it is worth making the trip once. Make sure to play this in one sitting.

AK-Xolotl is a silly concept which achieves its goal of replayability and cuteness while being accessible to those new to the roguelite genre. A solid original soundtrack backs up the repetitive yet effective gameplay, with a bloody and sweet visual style. Although it may look like a simple 2D shooter, AK-Xolotl crams alottle of mechanics into its multi-terrain dungeon sprawling gameplay.

An inspired idea with a fun to control character dragged down by level design and enemy issues. While not reaching the heights of the Blue Blur's best, it's an very fun attempt that is very enticing to replay.

Just like farming itself, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin can feel like a laborious game of highs and lows, but the rewards are there for those willing to put in the time and work. It’s unique blending of different gameplay styles results in a memorable balance between thoughtful farming and mindless action, but I wish some more effort was made to have the two meet in the middle. With that said, Sakuna delighted with its entertaining characters, stylistic flair, and ambition to experiment with creative ideas.

Creo God Simulator does a good job at providing a city builder simulation experience with godly powers. You do feel like you have control over the lives of your citizens. However, the prayer system isn't as powerful as advertised and it doesn't do enough to differentiate the game. This is a decent city sim builder with an extra touch, but doesn't go above that.

DREAMO is a title that is probably bigger than it should be. The storyline issues and audio mishaps are problematic and do cause the entire package to suffer, but thankfully that package is built on some really solid puzzle mechanics. Moving around cogs didn't get old, and different layers of difficulty were introduced at a steady pace. Try out the demo before you commit to a purchase, and don't get stuck in the gears.

Castle Kong is an excellent game choice for Donkey Kong fans who want to look at something new. The controls and overall gameplay mechanics don't change from what you know, but it's a fresh coat of paint on a 40-year-old title with full portability on the Nintendo Switch. If you're into chasing down high scores and are confident in your abilities, this should be on your radar.

Critter Cafe is a soothing and relaxing game in the best of times, filled with cute critters. There's no rush to complete the game and you can take as much time as you want. It does feel like some parts of the game are more complex than necessary. But if you are in need of a cozy critter game, it's hard to beat Critter Cafe.

Dinosaur Fossil Hunter makes you feel like a paleontologist who wants to succeed in their dream career, immersing you in a relatable story that resembles real-life career struggles. The paleontology work is as accurate as possible, and the graphics really make you feel the gravity of a discovery or completed exhibit. While the charm can quickly wear off with repetitive activities that only avid paleontologists could continue to enjoy, it is a solid simulation experience that shows you a day in the life of a paleontologist.

I knew nothing about Ninja JaJaMaru going in, but I came out pleasantly surprised. It's a simple and solidly built 8-bit throwback with a lot of content for retro fanatics to sink their teeth into. It might be a bit too simple for some people's tastes, but if you want dumb fun ninja action, than this is a strong recommendation. If JaJamaru ever makes another return, I will be interested to see it, whatever form that might take.

While it may be a little on the short side, Arietta of Spirits is an enjoyable experience. Overall, there's not much to fault here - an original story, beautiful visuals, fitting soundtrack and engaging gameplay. What it lacks in length and replayability, it makes up for with its charm and solid execution.

The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] obviously comes from a place of great passion and love for the games and era that inspires it. Its art style masterfully uses the CGA colour pallet and its animations are smooth and characterful. However the core gameplay whilst solid on its own is often defeated by its art style. Often obscuring key details and progression paths making it overly hard to see where you are supposed to be going or what is hidden in the dark. Plus the game's fonts whilst great to look at can be difficult to read and can rob the play of vital information and backstory the game needs.

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 is an imperfect heir to the first Drug Dealer Simulator game, with many problems held back this game's potential, however, with the addition of multiple things such as weapons, new Reputation system, a more complex and in-depth drug distributions, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 remains a solid Narcos management game that can provide entertainment to all kinds of players to breeze through this year's Summer season.

A positive outlook on life provides a positive experience. Izzy’s emotional journey is worth exploring to see what happened next. The use of the journal made the emotional twists land. The Land of Estoria is a pleasant albeit safe environment, possibly mirroring Izzy’s mental state. The gameplay is straightforward, pleasant to explore despite an occasional lagging camera. Could there have been better variety here? Sure, but story is the focus here, with a nice art style and enjoyable music & voice acting to accompany it.

Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition adds plenty of new levels and features, but the root problems remain: the cryptic and maze-like level design coupled with the repetitive game play lead to an acquired taste. While it's nice to have full compatibility with modern systems and online multiplayer for goofing off with friends, there's only so much the developers can do to restore a dated experience. While this is clearly a great purchase for fans of Rise of the Triad and people who like older shooters, I'm hesitant to recommend it.

Wee Tanks! is a fun and simple game from Studio Kit. It has three modes of play and a Map Editor. The gameplay is mainly based on shooting and dodging, with the ability to bounce bullets off walls and destroy the environment. All these mechanics increase the chaos, and it just makes the game fun without being overwhelming. But with its simple graphics and gameplay, the game manages to keep the chaos in control.

GYLT offers an emotional insight into the impact bullying can have on a child using thought provoking art to convey concepts of loneliness, anger and paranoia. This well crafted story links well with the simple gameplay mechanics, with an artstyle that fits the creepy atmosphere created through the soundtrack. All of this and an environment which urges you to explore in spite of the sparse selection of meaningful items to be found, GYLT is perfect for a horror fan looking for a more mellow game, and would work well as a first-time spooky experience.

Ultimately, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town feels like a missed opportunity in a pretty package. The crafting system is a good idea but the actual execution was a misstep, causing the entire experience to suffer as a result. Of course, one could play this game almost in passing, making small progress and just reveling in the world, happy with the slow but steady impact they make on those around them. But, you'd have to decide for yourself if that's the true point of a farming simulator, anyway.

City Limits is a puzzle-strategy game with low-stakes and high scores. It does only a few things, but it gets them right. The gameplay loop is there for anyone chasing high scores or a rewarding game to chill out to, and the aesthetic and soundscape is soothing. It takes a short time to experience the entire game, but you might want to stay a long time anyway.

Tanuki Sunset is a relaxing game about skateboarding down a hill as a racoon, and it makes that premise work reasonably well. You'll have fun customising your outfit and board, but probably won't be blown away by the obstacles and gameplay. It's worth playing, but you can play a mini-version free in your browser. Look it up!

Total War: Warhammer III Champions of Chaos is a totally decent DLC. Whilst it doesn't set the world on fire nor shake things up too much it is fun for what it is. Fans will find a cool new challenge to sink their teeth into. However, it is not a "Must Have" by any means. As what it expands upon is fairly minimal. And features a range of new units that I believe should have been in the base title.

Double Pug Switch will challenge those who love platforming action and want to test their reflexes and accuracy. With interesting level design and a fun soundtrack, you might find it hard to put down.

METAL SUITS: Counter-attack provides a fun fast-paced platforming experience that tests your reflexes. Running through levels with various suits and finding all the collectibles is enjoyable. It doesn't improve or change much of the platforming experience and will mostly appeal to people who want more platforming.

With a little extra attention, Before We Leave could probably turn into a much larger, more sophisticated game. The foundation is strong enough for that to happen with minimal effort, but I don't think that's what the developers had in mind, and truthfully, I don't have a problem with that.

Sanatorium - A Mental Asylum Simulator balances patient treatment with investigating a mystery. It does a good job of making you balance patient welfare with your own survival within the asylum. The gameplay aspects don't work well together and gameplay can be repetitive after some time. The game won't overstay its welcome and is worth a look if you want an easy simulator.

Blood Typers delivers a solid survival horror experience that uses typing. You improve your skills while experiencing the standard horror tropes. Typing cuts into the game's immersion and some concepts aren't properly explained. The game's unique offering works well despite its flaws, letting you have fun on your own or with friends.

World's End Club has a solid start thanks to its interesting premise and characters. However, while I thought the game had the potential to be great, it was eventually weighed down by its clunky platforming sections and overuse of twists during its final hours. I personally loved being an unofficial member of The Go-Getters Club and learning about their group dynamic. Nevertheless, it's a story worth checking out, as long as you can overlook the issues that arise while playing it.

I can highly recommend Not Another Weekend to anyone who A) enjoys retro-style Point and Click Adventures, B) has fond memories of the 1980s and C) wants to play something genuinely funny. It would be harder to recommend it to anyone who would answer ‘no’ to any of those questions.

I loved my time with the collection, getting to know Ryu and the world of Ninja Gaiden. Reviewing the games at face value is impossible knowing that the game is simply a port to modern consoles and whilst the varied ways to now play these three fantastic games should be celebrated, their age shows dramatically at times and the collection is a missed opportunity to revitalise the series, it appears as a cash-grab rather than a celebration of what made these games fantastic. Newcomers, I recommend playing these games, but if you have a PS3 lying around, I'd play these games on that and save yourself £30.

Unpacking is not a game for everyone, but the people it appeals to will fall in love with it. The game has its own unique charm, and players will find themselves breezing through the whole thing before they know it. However, that does mean the game is way shorter than it should be. With only 8 levels, they definitely could have made it to at least 13-15. The beautiful pixel art enhances the game's aesthetic, though certain items don't translate as well, leading to some confusion.

The Longest Road on Earth offers a series of micro-narratives that embrace and celebrate all that is mundane in life. Despite its straightforward mechanics and short runtime, it’s a heartfelt experience that deserves the attention of those who favour a sharper and more casual focus on emotional cohesion.

Alisa: Developer's Cut is an amazing homage to the roots of the Resident Evil franchise. Recreating the feeling to a near-perfect T. However, emulating a game from the '90s so closely means it comes with all the problems from games of the time. Big fans of the genre will definitely enjoy their time, but casual horror fans may struggle to get invested.

I loved playing Kinoko despite how short it is. I was introduced to a little world of calm beauty where each element complimented the other. It is easy to see that a lot of love and care has gone into this project, and I would love to see Kinoko as a fully-fledged game in the future.

Crash Team Rumble has the makings of a truly great, laid-back online game, however for the price players are paying, it is fair to expect more game modes and playable characters. With that said, new characters and a new arena are coming in Season 1, so the shortcomings may be resolved in the near future as more seasons come along. What we do have now is a whimsical, easy, and fun addition to the beloved Crash Bandicoot franchise.

Adventure Kitty Drill Buster Lights Out is a fun quick-fire indie game with a charming art style, story, and great core gameplay. The variety of challenges on offer here is great and honestly I have enjoyed the game from start to finish. Whilst it is on the short side it provides all the thrills and spills you'd want from a game like this. And whilst the visuals can be a tad iffy here and there they never bring the game down too far.

To forget or not to forget? That is the question. With a more personal venture to its name, Frostwood Interactive attempts to denote itself as a company that inspires people's emotional core. Forgotten Fields isn't the most riveting piece of gaming available—actually playing the game comes with its hurdles. Where its success lies is in the way it communicates and molds its characters, how it attempts to bring them to life and have them identifiable. From this, the game is a modest and simple triumph of earnest self-reflection. As it came to an end, I found myself wanting to try just a little harder in my own life.

Maiden of the Black Water is a game that I would recommend to any fan of the genre. While the awkward controls and deadpan voice acting may detract from the experience, the world building and design are second to none.

It's an inspired folk horror experience. Whilst it's a bit clunky in its mechanics surrounding combat, it’s still brimming with the surreal and the mythological and, above all, is presented with impeccable style and heart.

My time within this universe was enjoyable, eventually. It was gratifying to see that there was more of the game to experience beyond the initial limitations I had to work through, but the general lack of a tutorial and plodding pacing at the beginning almost turned me off for good. But if you get past that and into the meat of the title, you’ll sink your teeth into something truly satisfying.

More than a lot of games I’ve played, this one is not for everyone. It is very important to stress that if you are hoping for exciting, varied content, then this is absolutely not the title for you; you’ll end up bored within the first hour. However, if you’re interested in a little creativity and experimentation, or perhaps just have a genuine flair for city planning, then a lot of work has gone into making Urbek City Builder something really special. The constant shifting of the buildings never stopped being exciting for me in hours of play. The staggering variety of possible buildings and city structures promise near endless content if you’re the type of person who enjoys that laid-back, Sunday morning project atmosphere. If you are, then you’ll have a lot of fun with this game.

Twelve Minutes has great potential as a high concept thriller with its stellar technical design, critically acclaimed cast and initially organic gameplay, but ultimately its narrative direction and pacing leaves a lot to be desired.

DeadWire encourages creativity by creating connections between various objects to defeat enemies. There's always a solution and you can't lock yourself out of a level. The solution can be obscure and there's no actual reward for being fast. It's a good top-down shooter but doesn't push many boundaries.

Wanted: Dead is a game not for everyone. A lot of modern players will hate their time with this title, but if you have a fondness for that old-school challenge and love cutting people into Shish Kabob, you'll really like this game. However, even if you're in that camp, you should wait for a sale, as the game's not worth the $60 price tag with only five stages. Plus, other elements, like no additional melee weapons and poor performance at times, do drag the game down a bit.

Hellbreach: Vegas refines its PvE experience to be more exciting and thrilling the first time around. Slot machine randomness and better weapons makes each experience different. But there isn't enough variety to keep you entertained for long, even with friends. Customisation adds nothing significant and is the only goal you can work towards. Unless you play for short bursts, you might stop playing entirely.

After beating Little Witch Nobeta, my main thought was that I wanted more. More spells, more environments, more characters, more opportunities to customize Nobeta. It's always a good sign when a game leaves you wanting more. I feel like this could be the foundation for an awesome sequel if Pupaya Games sees fit to make one. There is definitely room for a sequel, especially with everything revealed in the lore entries. But as is, Nobeta is a cute and charming good time that is sure to delight.

With weak exploration which tends towards being more tedious, and even exhausting, combat which trips over itself to constantly interrupt the player, and an overall feeling of awkwardness in the presentation, getting through The Thaumaturge's low moments can be a real struggle. However, on the other side is a compelling and interesting political slow burn which weaves the role of magic and Thaumaturgy into real historical scheming, even if that means the more interesting aspects of the world take a backseat. This is alongside an engaging core combat loop and some excellent creature designs. If you can stomach the slow start and are willing to play into the game's more obtuse aspects, particularly the walls of emotive text, The Thaumaturge is sure to be another exciting CRPG for you.

Escape From The Red Planet is a tower defence game incorporating aspects of lite resource management and rail shooters. That sounds like many things, but Escape From The Red Planet manages to simplify this concept to its bone. This simplification helps the game flow well but also leads to aspects where the game is sometimes way too simplified. All this leads to a pleasant game which is short and fun.

Armored Head is a highly enjoyable romp of non-stop robo-violence that will make for a fun and memorable afternoon or two. It doesn't set the world on fire, but it knows exactly what it wants to be and achieves that goal perfectly.

KILLBUG is a simple FPS arcade game where the only goal is to get the highest score by killing bugs with one gun and one melee attack while moving fluidly with double jumps and wall running. The game offers no story or progression system, but the enemy variety keeps the gameplay interesting. Scoring is the only reason to keep playing, and the retro blocky graphics and pounding music are competent. Overall, the game offers around 2 to 3 hours of fun, with no other goals or variation.

All-in-all, Home Chef Hustle Stuff marks a triumphant return for Stuff Packs in The Sims 4. I used the words "slightly undercooked" in the title for a reason, and that's because I felt that there could have been a few extra CAS items and objects. There are also a few minor bugs I encountered. On the whole though, this is a good Stuff Pack. If you like cooking and want to profit from it without having to buy a restaurant, plus have the advantage of working from home, then Home Chef Hustle is the ideal Stuff Pack.

Floodland gives you a great survival challenge where you have limited resources to rebuild society. You are taught what to do from the beginning, and will slowly learn how to take care of your people. The difficulty can be punishing and some game concepts aren’t properly explained, forcing you to learn by experience. But if you stick with the learning process, you will find a nice survival gem that teaches you about the challenges of rebuilding civilization.

I believe that if anyone is looking for a challenging experience, then Death Howl is the game for them. I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, but it did leave me with a lot of respect for the game. It has a clear identity, strong art style, and a combat system that'll really click for players who enjoy the grind. Like most souls-likes, I can see myself coming back to Death Howl when I'm in need of a mountain to climb.

In the medley of action-adventure games, Kena: Bridge of Spirits stands out with its soundtrack, unbeatable graphics, and creative storyline. It’s a fantastic first impression of Ember Lab’s game-developing skills. A few kinks need fixing, but that shouldn’t deter you from playing the game!

This triple pack of Atelier games will offer any fans of the series exactly what they're looking for, though they aren't the best starting point for a newcomer. In the time since their original release, the games have only gotten older, and poor load times and occasional framerate issues are something they really shouldn't suffer from. Still, these are cosy, quiet, heartfelt, and imaginative games, and it is nice to see them back.

Spirit of the North 2 builds on the charm of the original with a larger world and more polished graphics. It's a soothing experience for those who enjoy light puzzles, environmental storytelling and walks through picturesque landscapes. However, inconsistent mechanics, a lack of direction and technical problems prevent it from being truly great. Play it if you like relaxing exploration games, minimalist storytelling, or you just want to be a pretty fox in a beautiful world. Skip it if you prefer tight gameplay, strong storytelling, or are easily frustrated by unclear mechanics and occasional bugs.