Sports: Renovations isn’t a bad game—but it’s definitely one you play with Netflix on. Instructions are vague, the story is easy to skip, and even finishing your main goal early earns no acknowledgment. There’s solid voice acting and some charm in the radio broadcasts, but most players will miss it while zoning out or playing their own music. There's no reward for creativity, and your effort rarely matters. I’m not sure who the target audience is—sports fans or dad game fans—but merging the two doesn’t quite land. Still, if you just want something low-pressure to unwind with (and you dodge the glitches), it’s a decent time-waster.

Even though the developers followed the general outline of a proven formula, the overall experience is genuinely enjoyable and becomes a fun challenge once you get past the first run. That said, the game can’t really be compared to more popular titles. Pairs & Perils is great if you’re looking to kill some time or if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep their hands busy while talking or listening to something—but it’s not the kind of game you’ll likely spend hours on just for the sake of it.

Star Overdrive is a thrill of a game that was a joy to play almost from start to finish. Yes, there are issues here and there with the grinding and some questionable control decisions. But over looking that we are treated to a fun adventure title with a unique twist on the genera. I do wish the world (and our lead) had a little more personality. But if you're looking for a game in the tradition of the most recent Zelda titles this might be for you.

Wednesdays doesn't try to wow you with flashy gameplay or plot twists. It's a quiet, honest and emotional experience of facing the past and learning to heal. It's the kind of game you play when you want something more personal - something that says something and makes you feel something. If you like narrative games, or crave a story that goes beyond surface drama, Wednesdays is definitely worth playing. It won't appeal to everyone - especially if you need fast-paced action or super-complex gameplay - but if you're open to something slower and more meaningful, it's a little gem that deserves your attention. You won't soon forget it.

Game Over - A Musical RPG?? blends RPG mechanics with rhythm-based musical duels, reminiscent of Guitar Hero. Its pixelated art style, humor, and morality-driven choices make for a unique experience. While its music-driven battles, soundtrack and gameplay shine, minor bugs and the potential for overwhelming audio may affect long play sessions.

Finding Frankie is an interesting horror experience that aims to combine scares with parkour thrills. It pretty much succeeds in most areas but lacks the danger of their created threats for the enjoyment in the obstacle courses. Luckily, the both the story and overall aesthetic keeps you playing to see how quickly you can get through the game. For anyone looking for a new horror experience, take Finding Frankie for a spin... but remember, don't try to cheat; Frankie doesn't like that.

I'm very glad I got to play Blue Wednesday. It makes me want to play the piano again! Seriously, I enjoyed listening to the excellent soundtrack, playing through the well-told story, learning about all the interesting characters, and playing on the keys and all the other mini-games. To be honest, I'm having a bit of hard time finding anything bad to say about this game! If you like narrative games and also musical rhythm games, you should really give Blue Wednesday a go.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land combines exploration, crafting, and combat to deliver a fantastic experience. Journeying through the world of Aladiss is a remarkable experience backed by a decent story and good characters. There is a steeper learning curve than expected and the visual flaws are hard to ignore. But despite its flaws, Atelier Yumia delivers a solid exploration experience that's tough to beat.

SUPER Dungeon Muncher is a sold indie-arcade flavoured action game. With great visuals and solid gameplay it is great value for money and then some. It is an easy title to pick up and play, with a wide variety of control schemes to use. Each feeling well designed in their own right. However I feel that how the levels are generated can make some runs harder than they need to be. And that it could prove too repetitive for some gamers.

The Darkest Files is a courtroom game where you take on the role of a prosecutor seeking justice for Nazi-era crimes. Its well-designed mechanics include interactive interrogations, strategic case-building, and multiple difficulty settings. Though occasional bugs and lip-sync issues slightly detract from the experience, the stunning cel-shaded visuals, immersive storytelling, and well-crafted gameplay make it a must-play.

There is a lot that could be said about Hearts Of Iron IV: Graveyard Of Empires. But in the end it all boils down to one key problem; it just isn't fun. Far too much time is spent doing nothing and waiting for things to tick along. And when things do happen you either have to rush to get them to work. Or they simply don't. And you are left feeling you've wasted your time. I know that HOIV is often called a "map painter". But this is that at its worst, as most time it feels like waiting for paint to dry rather than painting.

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.

If you'd like to play a horror exploration game about the love-hate relationship between two boys and have an afternoon to kill, this is the perfect game. The game has an interesting twist that makes repeat playthroughs more fun. If you're still in the mood for some toxic yaoi, more content is on the way! An upcoming story expansion, Twilight Railway, is on track for later this year. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be putting myself into cryostasis to await Twilight Railway.

FAR: Lone Sail could have been great. The game nails the emotional attachment to your vessel, creating a neat gameplay loop, combined with lovely art design and a beautiful soundtrack. However, the constant need to stop, combined with simple puzzles and conveying a dying world we can’t interact with created a dissonance which meant that attachment doesn’t extend to the world itself. It was enjoyable but not overly memorable.

Businesses & Hobbies does an excellent job of merging businesses with hobbies in The Sims 4. Your Sims can now easily turn their best skills and favorite pastimes into profit-making businesses and share what they love to do and what they're good at with others. Nordhaven serves as a good backdrop for the theme of this pack, although I can't help thinking it could be better. I was impressed with many of the new features introduced in Businesses & Hobbies, such as being able to organize classes. At the end of the day, if you want to run a business in The Sims 4, either at home or on a separate property, Businesses & Hobbies is what you want, and it will not let you down.

WWE 2K25 is far from a perfect game. 2K and Visual Concepts continue to get more ambitious with each passing year. And while that's certainly commendable, WWE 2K25 is a great showcase for the flaws in that mindset. The core of the game they're building on needs serious work, and several modes need a lot more TLC than a few updates a year. However, there is plenty of fun to be had here, and players can definitely make the game last until next March.

Door Kickers 2 brings a tactical experience like no other game and challenges you to consider many factors. Keeping everyone alive while you achieve your objectives is no easy feat but it is rewarding. The difficulty is high though and trial-and-error can be tiring since you often repeat the same tactical exercises. But if you stick with the game and enjoy the challenge, it's a tactical experience like nothing you've ever experienced.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does a great job exploiting an unexplored territory. If you’re one of those people who just love a good chisme for the sake of their unhinged occurrences and unexpected twists, this is the game for you. If you’re looking for a more linear, logical and realistic storyline… look elsewhere. This game is for all the telenovela lovers who watch them simply to have a good laugh.

Overall, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is an exceptional sequel for an already great experience. The new additions to weapons and armour are great, using magic is fun, and who doesn't love a grappling hook. Its story may repeat plot points from the original but it's never an issue. It still provides a good amount of lore to sink your teeth into alongside new and old characters. I look forward to future updates providing more content for an already great game.

When I first started playing Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. However, I did, and I'm pleased I got to play this title. The fact that it's a Collector's Edition is a bonus. The extra chapter was especially good at expanding the existing story, which alone was quite intriguing. My favorite part though has to be the puzzle solving itself, whether it's searching a scene or working out a tricky puzzle. If you like detective games and enjoy puzzle games as well, especially hidden objects, then you'll like Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth. I especially recommend the Collector's Edition with the bonus chapter to get the full immersive story.

The combat is thrilling, the side content is endless, and the naval battles? Absolutely addictive. I can (and have) lost hours to every fetch quest and minigame Honolulu has to offer, only to turn around and demolish enemy ships in a storm of cannon fire. The sheer variety of activities means I'm never left looking for something fun to do. The characters are fantastic, the story—while as ridiculous as ever—is a blast, and the signature Yakuza madness is cranked up to eleven. Focusing an entire game on Majima is a bit like having just cake for dinner... but honestly? It’s the best damn cake I’ve ever had.

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.

The first part of a duology that promises to be unforgettable, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1 lays the foundations for an even more intriguing sequel, Tape 2. By the end of this first part, you'll be left with just one question: what really happened that summer? What really happened that summer in 1995? And above all, what happens next?

Slender Threads does a fantastic job of mixing gameplay with an immersive setting. You go around town solving puzzles with a good hint system in case you get lost. The game's story does stumble towards the end and there's little replay value. This game's psychological horror isn't scary either. But if you want a good point-and-click game that sucks you in while it lasts, this is the game to get.

Overall, The Executive has a lot working in its favor. Cinephiles will appreciate the impressive attention to detail and the meticulous recreation of the movie business. That said, a few frustrating design choices hold it back from greatness. Minor bugs need patching, the premium production options desperately need better explanations, and an endless mode would do wonders to extend its replayability. If you're willing to embrace trial and error, have a passion for cinema, and can happily lose yourself in spreadsheets for hours, this game might just be your blockbuster hit.

Moons Of Darsalon can be a fantastic game at times. Offering a fresh spin on a subgenera that often times feels stale and unenjoyable. However there are times that it can fall prey to the same troubles that other similar games have. With the AI being brain dead to the point that it makes the game unplayable. And the challenges on some levels feeling a step too far too soon. And the decision to include AI-Art when they already had decent artwork made will never stop feeling odd to me.

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.

Robobeat provides impeccable FPS gameplay within a context that's particularly exciting for musicians. Aiming, shooting, dodging, everything flows so seamlessly when being done to a beat. The rogue-lite makes it punishing but also so hard to put down.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins revitalizes the Musou franchise with a fresh story centered on an amnesiac Protagonist, innovative gameplay mechanics like Bravery and Squad Tactics, and breathtaking visuals. Combining classic 1 vs. 1000 battles with new systems and perspectives, it offers an engaging experience for both fans and newcomers. Omega Force and Koei Tecmo has delivered a promising and polished entry that redefines the series' potential.

Hearts of Iron IV: Götterdämmerung is a damned solid expansion pack. Bringing in a whole collection of new features and some much needed refreshes for nations that have long been needing them. Of the basis of the new focus trees alone I'd say this was a worth while buy. The new gameplay features are neat, but I don't think they feel as essential or interesting as they should be.

Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is a genuinely fun roguelike deckbuilder that encourages strategic thinking with its combat. You must carefully plan how you play your cards and what cards you add to your deck. Four characters provides variety but flaws keep the game from truly shining. If you want a roguelike deckbuilder that can take hours of your time, you can't go wrong with this game.

Overall, Project Tower is an alright distraction for a few hours but definitely needs some more TLC. Entertaining bosses and an interesting morphing ability can be fun but not enough to avoid the game's issues. I think the story could get interesting but there needs to be more attention to it, even if it's just in lore collectibles. I hope if we do get a continuation, they'll learn from what didn't work and create a better game.

Whether you're a long-time fan revisiting Nosgoth or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, the new versions of these two classics offer a fascinating experience that honors the legacy of the originals while incorporating modern enhancements. With their captivating storytelling and polished gameplay, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a shining example of how classic games can be modernized for a new generation.

On Your Tail brings you a charming Italian vacation experience you won't forget. The ambience is perfect, the townspeople charming, and the mysteries are fun to solve. Unfortunately this game does have some rough edges which are too hard to ignore, along with potential gamebreaking bugs. Don't let the flaws turn you away, this is still fun to play. Give Borgo Marina a chance and you will see that everything comes together to form a cozy game masterpiece.

Rat Cliff Games has knocked Among Ashes out of the park with their unique premise and cleverly placed scares. The switch between both games is fantastic and would love to see other games take a similar approach. Among Ashes may have a few loose pieces to its structure but luckily it never fell too deep in the pit of bugs. For anyone wanting a new horror experience, look no further than Among Ashes.... Did I mention it's set around the Christmas season?

Overall, Lost But Found is a fun, addictive, and challenging game, ideal if you want to play something for a short quick playthrough. It adds a spin to the hidden objects game genre while also forcing you to adapt with being organized. Certainly in the harder difficulty modes, things can quickly turn manic! Some might find this game a tad basic, but it's what it sets out to be, which is essentially a straight-up airport lost & found officer job simulator. With a healthy $5 price tag, you couldn't really ask for more, and with Lost But Found, you can't go wrong.

On the whole, this is an excellent game. It's good when there's a game you've had interest in for a while and then when you finally get to play it, it's not a disappointment. Mythwrecked is one of those games you should think about playing if you want something a little easier going, whisking you away to another world entirely. Although the main character was technically shipwrecked, it felt more like a holiday than a chore trying to find a way off the island. I also really enjoyed getting to know Alex and all the gods on the island, learning about their backstories. It's one of those situations that makes you reflect on yourself, and I like it when a video game does this. Mythwrecked gets a big thumbs-up from me.

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.

Silent Hill 2 is everything we hoped for so many years. It takes the beautifully imperfect aspects of the original game and adapts them wonderfully in a new, amazing, and also beautifully imperfect remake. Living James' horrifying journey with modernized graphics and gameplay made me feel like a kid again. And even if I once thought otherwise, I'm now certain that no other developer studio could have done it better. Thank you, Bloober Team.

James Pond: Codename Robocod is an odd beast. Whilst it is technically a rerelease it isn’t the game that many players will remember. And the game that we do end up getting here is fun enough; the core mechanics are solid and provide and decent challenge which is close enough to the original that this feels like a sequel of sorts. However the level design is slightly lacking. And the presentation of the game is rather poor, with bad sound design and poorly implemented sprites. People with nostalgia for the original may get a kick out of this. But it may be a harder sell for newer gamers.

On the whole, I'm very impressed with the re-releases of MySims and MySims Kingdom. They came rather unexpectedly, but they were a welcome surprise. It's great to play both these games again, and with the promised improvements to the graphics and performance. These two key focuses made this re-release superior to the original Wii releases. The controls on the Switch can be a bit awkward at times, but nothing that I found especially annoying or distracting. There's also the odd hiccup regarding sound playing correctly, but I seem to remember the Wii versions having this issue as well. It's nothing that a patch or two can't fix, or if not, it won't me from enjoying these remasters of two of my childhood games. Now if we get MySims Agents re-released for Nintendo Switch as well, I'll be over the moon.

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.

While Sengoku Dynasty offers a promising experience with a compelling theme and enjoyable core mechanics, it remains a work in progress. It excels in providing a single-player, feudal Japan sandbox but stumbles with unfinished features, lackluster immersion, and optimization issues. Despite its flaws, it has potential, especially if future updates address its shortcomings.

This game ticks a lot of my favorite boxes: subverting fantasy trope, being a less than noble protagonist, good strategy gameplay that isn't insanely complicated, and, of course being able to pick it up for short bursts while still being engaging enough for long play sessions. I found myself constantly wanting to do "just one more week." With a handy quick save feature, I was redoing days over and over to get them perfect. And when I managed to get both halves of the inn filled to capacity at once? Absolute bliss! The characters are fun and the story interesting. If you're looking for a good time, grab a room and settle in.

When it comes down to it, The Sims 4 Life & Death Expansion Pack is one you should seriously consider adding to your collection. Ravenwood is an excellent world to play in, the new Soul's Journey and Bucket List gameplay is ideal if you're into goal-oriented gameplay, features such as Wills and Funerals makes the process of death feel more meaningful, the Reaper career feels like a surreal dream come true, and the Tarot Cards are probably one of the best collectibles in the game. Don't be put off by the initial grim impressions that this pack gives. It's inspiring, encouraging you to get more out of your Sim's lives.

Creatures of War has a nice premise and it is a fun action game. Fighting dinosaurs while exploring a 2D environment is enjoyable. Unfortunately, the lack of survival horror makes this game less intense then advertised. There are still bugs in the game and the voice acting isn't great. While enjoyable in the beginning, the appeal quickly wears off and the game isn't very fun.

The game is in its infancy, so there's still a lot of room for growth. Even with that said, I found the game incredibly enjoyable. Gameplay is fast, easy to get into, and there's a lot of options for customizing your racer and kart. I see so much potential for this as it goes forward. It's the perfect kart game for when you have ten minute break and want to get in your dailies. Though, good luck stopping at just one race.

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is a good Taiwanese horror game with multiple storylines and great horror. You are on your toes escaping from pursuers and solving puzzles at the same time. The game's ambition sometimes gets in its own way as the storylines don't feel fully developed. If you want a good horror game that creates a great atmosphere, you can't go wrong with The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication.

Massacre at the Mirage focuses on its strengths and delivers a fantastic if predictable horror experience. By throwing jump scares in with everyday situations, the horror is amplified and remains with you even after the game ends. Lighting could be better and the voice acting isn't always spot on, but this is one horror experience you don't want to miss.

Pneumata had great potential as a horror game and tried to fill in the blanks. Unfortunately, while they nail the horror atmosphere, everything else falls short. It's either the standard survival horror or the gameplay interferes with the enjoyment. This could be a great horror experience, but the fear doesn't come from the atmosphere. It's the gameplay flaws that truly scare you.

The Lake House was a pretty big letdown overall. It simply did not succeed at anything it set out to do. It was not a thrilling or scary journey through a labyrinth. It wasn't a thrilling expansion of the world of the Remedy Connected Universe. Nor was it an effective teaser for Control 2. Instead, it was a largely boring side chapter that you can easily skim over.

I had a really good time playing Wilmot Works It Out. As someone who likes doing puzzles, I admired this new take on puzzle solving. I also liked the little touches that made the game feel even more significant, like chatting with Sam the post deliverer, as well as unlocking new rooms and decorating them. It's easy to get addicted to a game like this. I would love to see more of Wilmot Works It Out, maybe with future DLC or seasonal additions such as Christmas? This is definitely a game to get if you want to play something easy-going and chilled out, yet with opportunities to challenge yourself.

To be honest, I wasn't really sure what I was going to get with Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town. However, at the conclusion of my playthrough and this review, I can truthfully say that I had a wonderful time playing this game. All the boxes were ticked: story, characters, setting, gameplay, play time, beautiful scenery, soundtrack, and sound effects. There are a few minor gripes, such as the day and night cycle affecting how much time you have each day to get stuff done, but to be honest, this just added to the challenge of the game and made me plan my in-game day, rather than be a huge pain to deal with. When all is said and done, this was a very well put-together game. I look forward to seeing more adventures with Shin chan and co!

Diplomacy is Not an Option delivers on the ambitious promise of a streamlined RTS city builder that forgoes on the minutia of the more grindy aspects of the city building aspect, while retaining the surface gameplay of planning your city's layout, and letting you focus more heavily on the strategy side, which you'll have to to keep up with the actually really challenging waves of attacks you'll have to defend against. It also remains silly and entertaining despite being so hard and punishing when making mistakes.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a decent expansion to enhance the existing Diablo IV's systems. It is lacking elements of excellence, but it mostly gets the job done. If you were a fan of the base game, there's definitely stuff that's going to make this game more appealing to play in the long run.

Parcel Corps is an intriguing concept of a game and has all the fundamentals it needs to be good fun. While I enjoyed the elements of gameplay, narrative and art style separately, I personally felt as though they didn't come together as planned. Gameplay was interrupted by the story, and the joy of barspins out of wallrides is soon lost to repetitive missions and accidentally opening your mobile before confidently launching yourself into the side of a lorry. That being said, are in the mood for some simple and fun gameplay, Parcel Corps may be the perfect package.

The first difficult decision players must make is whether or not to purchase Until Dawn Remaster. I'd argue that those that never experienced the original should certainly pick up this game. This is a remaster that successfully breathes new life into the 2015 original. Apart from some shaky frames, Until Dawn Remaster excels in just about everything it set out to do, and I believe justifies its existence. I'd also argue that those that have already experienced this adventure will be able to find new enjoyment here, albeit at a lower price point.

The Outlast Trials is by far the best co-op horror experience on console right now. The intensity and the well-crafted design of each trial make you want to dive back in every single time you manage to escape alive. And being able to get jumpscared and disturbed with up to three friends just makes it much better. A must-play for any survival horror enthusiast!

It's been a while since a game captured me like this, not only engaging me, but making me want more. I'm sad that New Game + doesn't do any more than skip tutorials, because despite how substantial the game was, I wanted more. The characters. The intriguing and irreverent lore. The feeling of accomplishment when you nail a run. It certainly has some rough spots here and there, but they are vastly outnumbered by the game's virtues. It's humorous, it's fun to play, it actually made me enjoy a Metroid-vania! I think it's definitely worth a look.

Despite its currently buggy state, Funko Fusion is a fun filled pop culture love letter, with a multitude of references to the movies that feature and some more surprise cameos along the way. Gameplay is simple yet effective, making it a perfect way to switch off for a couple of hours while scratching the collectathon itch. That being said, due to bugs causing me to have to reload levels and some navigational issues, I feel as though I have barely seen the best of what Funko Fusion has to offer. There are more secrets to find and areas to explore, and hopefully with some updates it will be a much smoother experience.

Frostpunk 2 introduces expanded social dynamics, larger city management, and deeper decision-making with factions and laws. It shifts from basic survival to improving quality of life, offering potential for world-building and colonization. The game maintains emotional depth, with difficult laws provoking strong reactions. While streamlined mechanics reduce some of the original's immersion and complexity, Frostpunk 2 is definitely worth trying out for its new experience and larger population scale.

If you like PowerWash Simulator, you’re going to love this DLC and if you love Alice in Wonderland, you’re going to love this DLC. If you find that you are empty on content right now, this DLC would not be a bad purchase for the price since it includes five full-fledged maps for you to complete. PowerWash Simulator is no stranger to giving out extra content both free and paid for if you’d like to continue to support FuturLab. If you’d like to explore more reviews on the other DLCs we have covered, visit our Warhammer DLC Review and Back to the Future DLC Review.

Not For Broadcast: The Timeloop is a very strong standalone journey through modern sci-fi pop culture tropes. Fans of the main game will certainly enjoy the deeper dive into the absurd humor and creativity of the game. However, it has an even weaker focus on gameplay, which may rub some players the long way. Not everyone wants to watch a movie when they're trying to play a game.

Caravan SandWitch is a pretty good game. It does have a few flaws and technical hitches here and there, but nothing that ruined the experience for me. The story, characters and setting are more-or-less solid, sucking me into a whole new futuristic world and their lives. I myself felt as if I had lived in Cigalo! The gameplay is good too, especially the driving around, exploring, and fetch quests. I liked that they chose not to include any enemy encounters in any form. The only threats are the TARAASK storm and Witch, which only adds to the intrigue and makes the game more gripping. If you like narrative-driven open-world games with no combat, give Caravan SandWitch a go.

Although I found enjoyment in The Casting of Frank Stone, the title's main problem is that it jumps from two different stories both trying to set something up. Both the stories are building towards something greater, but sadly, the payoff comes very late and hinders the overall vision. It's still worth checking out, but with expectations in check.

Terminus: Zombie Survivors is a fun yet challenging rogue-like that balances zombie combat with survival. It's fun to consider your next actions and make sure you have enough to eat and drink. The game is tough to learn and you don't have much information to work off. Gameplay is also slower compared to other roguelikes. But if you have the patience to learn and sit through a few games, there's a hidden gem to uncover that's a lot of fun.

Not For Broadcast is a great experience of a game. While some may be bored by the lack of action and the fact that you're mostly watching TV, the engaging story and characters are more than enough to boost the game into being a true hidden gem in the large sea of indie games.

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.

I had a great time with Cocoon. The world was interesting, showcasing beautiful art design with their environmental storytelling. The journey was engaging throughout, focusing on exploration and orb centric puzzles. Figuring out these conundrums was enjoyable, ramping up the difficulty to be very challenging but satisfying to complete. The game's story culminated in seeing off monstrous foes in simple but entertaining combat. A really good experience all round.

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'.

Roots of Pacha is probably one of the best farming life simulation games I've played in a while. I didn't honestly think I'd get this invested in this game, but it's hard to resist. There's so much to not only do, but discover. It's quite relaxing spending each day working with the clan on new ideas, plus other side activities such as exploring, fishing, gathering, and growing and harvesting crops. So far, I've put a lot of happy hours into Roots of Pacha, and I know for a fact I've barely scratched the surface of everything this game has to offer. I can't wait to see what else I'll experience in this game.

Yars Rising is a game of missed potential. An interesting idea and a unique spin on remakes ultimately undermined by poor execution. Everything on offer here is done much better in many other games. And the few highlights the game features have nothing to do with actually playing it. Look up the character designs online and listen to the soundtrack on YouTube, and you'll have experienced the best Yars Rising has to offer.

When I first started Farewell North, I had in my mind a score of 7-8. Now, after finishing the game, I can confidently give it a solid 9 out of 10. It's just such a beautiful game on so many levels; its storytelling, gameplay, graphics, and soundtrack. To be honest, I'm having a hard time finding anything bad to say about it. This is a game not to be overlooked, as you'll be pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer, and what you'll take away from it.

Minds Beneath Us sets a new bar for the world of choice-driven narratives. Whether it is the story, the art, or even the gameplay, Bearbone Studio excels in their creation of a game that is both compelling and fun; Seperating itself from its competition. It's unique yet familiar and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I implore those who are searching for a taste of a good story or even for a player who wishes to experience a more cinematic style of gameplay to try this game out. Minds Beneath Us may be an eye opener to both narrative fans and gamers alike.

White Day dares to be actually terrifying, something that many modern horror games fail to accomplish. And even if the story ultimately fails to be as interesting as it initially appears to be, the simplicity of White Day's gameplay elements and mechanics make you remember times when horror games used to haunt you with nightmares.

Sam & Max The Devil's Playhouse is an almost perfect last adventure for the comedic duo that combines a thrilling narrative with hilarious and smart dialogue. The puzzles feel more accessible, the new cast are entertaining, and the psychic abilities are fun to play with. Though there's definitely some absence in different forms of gameplay, it doesn't take away too much for The Devil's Playhouse to become boring. Overall, my journey through this trilogy is something I'll never forget and will cherish the memories I made with Sam & Max. Now that Skunkape Games are done with the remasters, I think its time for the duo to make a comeback.

Overall, I found myself enjoying the concept of Magical Delicacy more than the actual gameplay. I had fun, but it was a little frustrating to run into the aforementioned issues. In my opinion, the cooking aspect was more restrictive than anticipated. I adored the artistry of it all, but the mechanics were much more strategic - pushing the coziness to the back burner. I would highly recommend to those that can thoroughly enjoy a management game.

I was a little worried I wouldn't enjoy Discovery as much as Myths & Magic, but I was wrong. I adored it. Each of the three different levels were engaging, enjoyable and creative, feeling distinguishable from each other while still being the same gameplay. It was honestly great to enjoy more Hidden Through Time levels. I want even more now! I hope they do make more of these games, and I'd love to see what else they come up with regarding themes.

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.

Continuing in its triumph of comedic storytelling, Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space succeeds in almost every way. The writing is still on point with the majority of characters and the tales that Beyond Time and Space tell are quite enjoyable. However, most of the new additions to the cast don't hit the mark compared to the returning cast members. Other than that we still have head scratching puzzles, fun minigames, and the game looks and sounds brilliant thanks to the enhanced features.

There are a lot of series out there that don't change much with each installment, like Madden, Pokemon, and Call of Duty. You should already know what you're getting into, it's guaranteed to please you if you already like it but will do little to convince you if you've already tried it and didn't like it. Earth Defense Force 6 fits into this role, comforting and familiar, like a nice family dinner, or that TV show you've watched a hundred times and always come back for more. I've heard it described as a perfect game to play with a podcast or a YouTube video in the background, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Bleak Faith: Forsaken is a great addition to the genre and the fact that three developers created all this is quite impressive. The exploration alone is honestly enough to start an adventure in the Omnistructure, with the rest of the game being a lovely distraction. Enjoy the thrilling boss fights and impressive arsenal of weapons to use against numerous enemies. It's story may be too vague and uninteresting and some technical issues may get annoying, but Bleak Faith is worth the anguish to see the potential of what Souls-like can truly become.

I was honestly surprised by The Sims 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack. I was admittedly sceptical about whether it was worth making a whole Expansion out of the concept of romance, but I'm very glad I was proven wrong. Lovestruck has continued the line of well put-together Expansion Packs in The Sims 4, and every box for a Sims 4 Expansion Pack has been ticked: CAS content, objects, world, and new gameplay. I highly recommend that you get Lovestruck, as I think you will be pleasantly surprised at everything it has to offer.

Exo One, be it on the PC, Xbox, or now PS4/5, is a must for gamers that appreciate a quiet, meditative experience with finely crafted audio and graphics, as long as you can forego of a detailed story, since you won't find any here. The game is essentially the same awesome experience I had in 2021, with the amazing addition of the DualSense capabilities for immersion. Based on that alone, this entry would have received a higher score than my original 9, but the occasional stutter right when you hit the highest velocities or impacts forces me to dock some points off.

Something old, something new. Although small frustrations abound – time challenges beget repetition and fast traversal is curtailed with precision jumping – movement is exhilarating within a gorgeous looking game. Remnants are familiar but enjoyable to scale and topple. The mysteries of the Ultravoid are there to be explained if you wish to find it, albeit you’ll need to know where you’re going. Seeing civilisations mashed together, the story shows how determination can overcome anything. And Solar Ash is worth the trip to see how it ends.

Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a superb first impression from Metamorphosis Games. It doesn't revolutionize the 2D Metroidvania genre, but it creates an interesting world and offers action-packed gameplay with good challenge. However, there are a few issues with combat that need tweaking, and the presentation falls short in certain aspects when it comes to getting players invested. As well as a shop system that can be entirely ignored relatively easily.

Took me a while to finally play it but Sam & Max Save The World is the gold standard of comedic storytelling. With engaging gameplay, wacky puzzle design, and highly memorable characters. This game itches my brain in all the right spots, delivering a mostly joyful experience. Apart from some frustrations with certain puzzles, the adventures of Sam & Max are something no gamer should miss.

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.

I've waited for what seems like ages for The Star Named EOS to be released, and was it worth the wait? I think so. It might not be the longest game, but this isn't a bad thing. The story will keep you going, and the puzzles will sharpen your brain, all set in a dreamlike environment. For almost $15, I feel that this game was worth the price. For a short narrative puzzle game, there's plenty to be getting on with, and plenty to take away. If puzzle games with a story are your thing, The Star Named EOS should be added to your collection.

V Rising successfully blends vampire tropes with survival crafting elements and action combat to create an immersive and oddly relaxing experience. Dodging the inconvenience of the sun as you expand your castle places you in the mindset of a young vampire, the atmospheric soundtrack adding to the soothing sense of solitude as you're harvesting resources. While there's a lack of narrative hooks, there is plenty of exploring, crafting and hunting to occupy your nights, and the choice is yours as to whether you traverse the expansive open world as part of a clan or enjoy spooky decorating in peace.

Red Hook Studios have done it again and provided another great experience in a dark and punishing world. Darkest Dungeon II feel new but familiar, providing a fantastic remixed gameplay loop alongside updated visuals. It may provide a different experience from its highly rated predecessor, but it stands on its own as an alternative way of playing a Darkest Dungeon title. I only wish that they'd ventured towards newer content than playing it safe by keeping mostly familiar faces. Hopefully Red Hook have more in store for this Darkest Dungeon adventure.

It's Grim Up North is a charming point and click adventure game with lots of character and humor to enjoy. Whether you're familiar with Yorkshire or not, it's great fun getting to know the quirky inhabitants of Terry's village. The puzzles are mostly very satisfying, but can be a little frustrating in a few instances. And whilst Chapter 1 played quite quickly, the plan for updated content should offer lots more for point and click adventure fans.

A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars DLC offers a new selection of cosy puzzles, complete with the pastel aesthetic and soothing soundtrack. The inclusion of more interactive aspects to different objects adds an element of delight to exploring each level, which is essential for finding the multiple solutions. Despite some slight difficulty spikes and a selfish hint system, A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars DLC is ideal for those looking to dive back in with a five minute brain teaser or an afternoon under the blanket.

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.

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.

The Rising Tide is, objectively speaking, the best piece of DLC content a single-player Final Fantasy game has ever received. It adds a few more hours to an epic experience that already felt complete and expands it slightly but beautifully, being carefully and naturally integrated into the main game. Another must-have for the enjoyers of the most genre-defying entry of the franchise.

After playing levels and levels of Fit My Cat, I realized one thing. It's like Tetris where you have to put the cats into an area and make them fit. Well, I guess you can also say it's like a jigsaw too. But, not only is it a puzzle game, but it's an adorable, simple and cutesy puzzle game! Going into it, I realized that the controls are a bit weird. I had to figure it out on my own, even the picture for the controls didn't help me as much. Throughout the game, I noticed that they are a bit stiff and wonky. The cats themselves, too, are a bit hard to maneuver, especially if you don't place them down correctly. But, it's hard to stay mad at it for too long because of its cute graphics, adorable ambiance and its simpleness to the game.

Once again The Chinese Room have delivered another intriguing story set in the realm of horror. They've stepped up everything from their gorgeous art design to the intense moments in the dark. Disregarding some awkward times swimming, the chase and stealth sections are intense and generally a good time. The monster designs are some of the best I've seen in a while making Still Wakes The Deep a must play for all fans of horror.