"Night Springs" is a great expansion to Alan Wake II that gives players a few hours of entertaining content with the kind of writing and style that Remedy excels at. It shows off the creativity of the studio, and how committed they are to doing things no other studio is doing. Some people may be disappointed that it doesn't explain the main game's confusing story, though.

Although Autopsy Simulator starts off incredibly strong, offering solid investigatory narration and gameplay, part of the magic gets lost in the game's attempt to forcefully weave in a bland and uninspiring horror perspective that ultimately doesn't amount to much. Still, engaging voice work and excellent gameplay makeup for some of these short comings.

Corn Kidz 64 is a charming tribute to early 2000s N64 gaming and Saturday Morning Cartoons of that era. With a sold and easy to learn core gameplay loop, memorable characters, and a fun writing there is a lot to enjoy here. With everything looking and feeling like a lost N64 game in the best way possible. However the game is rather short and feels more like a proof of concept than a fully realised title.

V Rising is an incredibly solid RPG that is set within a gothic world where we must battle through against mankind and the sunlight through the lenses of a vampire, trying to restore the glory that once was theirs. The combat and environment within V Rising are highly addicting and satisfying that roaming around the map will always yield positive results. V Rising has almost everything that I want within an RPG game, and those who seek a game to spend their summer this year might want to take a look at V Rising.

Echoes of the Fallen is short but sweet, offering a final exciting dungeon with an increased, satisfying difficulty spike. For everyone who absolutely loved the regular combats of Final Fantasy XVI, this DLC is a must-have and just a little taste of what to expect from the next piece of additional content.

Going Rogue is an incredible experience for those willing to invest in it. Playing the game well requires taking the time to digest the lengthy rules, understand the token economy and getting used to group GMing. However, your efforts are more than rewarded as you are guided through a meaningful collaborative storytelling and get to vicariously fight tyranny in a very cathartic way!

Pine Hearts is a good choice if you want to play a cozy game that incorporates a little adventure, exploring, and storytelling. The storytelling side is surprisingly heart-tugging and told very well. Adventuring isn't too frustrating or difficult; there's enough to be action-packed while at the same time relaxing and easy-going. Exploring the Pine Hearts Caravan Park is also good fun, thanks to how beautifully crafted the world is and how alive it feels. The cutesy graphics and perfectly complementing music complete this charming cozy game.

Animal Well takes the Metroidvania model and provides a challenging and satisfying experience while also cutting off all the excess fat. There's basically no story, no upgrades, no flashing fighing mechanics. It proves that you can create a fantastic game with smart puzzle and level design alone, and by giving the player the freedom to figure things out.

Total War: Warhammer III: Thrones of Decay is a meaty update that easily eclipses its predecessor at launch. With a host of new units and features for each of the updated factions it makes each of them feel decently feature complete. And whilst I still feel that the Maggot Host faction is the lesser of the updated factions there is still a lot to enjoy regardless of which of the packs you decide to buy.

Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets does a great job at keeping you on your toes and providing the horror. Unfortunately, that horror quickly turns to frustration as it becomes harder to navigate. There are some real challenges ahead but it's not easy to keep going, and the game doesn't get better after the first hour or so.

POOLS for a lack of a better term could be called a cozy horror game. Instead of being creepy-cute like other darker games within that category, this game is creepy-cool. Each level flows into a floaty, dream-like experience. The "horror" lies in how the player perceives the environment in spite of the beautiful and sleek visuals. POOLS is a reserve of an almost constant air of unease. Instead of the classic horror elements, POOLS is a nervy, slow-burn that dives deep into your own personal anxieties.

Harvest Hunt pits you against a frustratingly unbalanced monster in a small village, and asks you to repeat this cycle over and over with very little changes in gameplay. Perhaps with some updates, Harvest Hunt can yield entertaining sessions. But for now, only certain players that love a formidable challenge will find something of value in Harvest Hunt's punishing gameplay. The story is surely one point, but for most, it is the only, and not enough.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a beautiful game that navigates the difficult journey of grief. Abubaker Salim delivers a great story and performance that resonates with anyone going through that process. It’s backed up with stunning visuals and a score that supports this strong story. While this game doesn’t reinvent the Metroidvania, fans of the genre will still be impressed. Hopefully, they’ll fix the bug of having Zau frozen after exiting the menu. Despite that, Tales of Kenzera is an impressive debut from Surgent Studios.

If I was to review Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin on its story and production value then it would be an easy nine out of ten at least. The writing and voice acting is superb and the in game models are near perfect recreations of the table top models. Sadly the gameplay itself is sorely lacking, with an awkward juxtaposition between traditional RTS missions and more MOBA styled fast paced gameplay.

If you're looking for a simple puzzle game with some narrative on the side, Doctor Cat is something to consider giving a go. I have to admit, there are a few flaws and it does sometimes miss the mark in what it sets out to do, but I like the approach that's been taken with this game, making it something more than just a game with a few puzzles. Although there are things I would personally have done differently, the game does at least provide an interesting challenge, and at the end, you get to replay the puzzles in a more difficult mode.

Viewfinder is an enjoyable time. The story is unobtrusive and is there if you want to find it. The hub areas and levels are gorgeous to look at. The game generally has a good learning curve, bringing in new elements to stay fresh. The levels aren’t long, providing a playthrough which doesn’t overstay its welcome. There is one world which restricts your creativity which I didn’t care for, but there is plenty here to enjoy. This is apparent within specific photographs, but the use of perspective and your own ingenuity always amazed me when creating pathways within an environment. Good music and voice acting complete an enjoyable experience for anyone interested in puzzle games. One not to be missed.

Stellar Blade is nowhere near perfect, however, some of its imperfections help us, the players, to understand and admire the game's strengths while also acknowledging its drawbacks. The combat is awesome, albeit there is a slight discomfort with how the Dodge mechanic works. Another strong point of Stellar Blade is how it incorporates the musical tracks throughout the game, thus giving us a sneak peek of what the developers are capable of when it comes to producing brilliant soundtrack design in their video games. Overall, Stellar Blade is not a game for everyone, however, it largely manages to capture the hearts of souls-like players and newcomers to begin their journey in this genre by mowing down the enemies with grace through the lenses of Eve.

I'm pleased to say that Finding America: The West Collector's Edition exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be all hidden objects puzzles, but there were others thrown in for extra measure, and even the numerous hidden objects puzzles had variety. The game was surprisingly addictive, but also pleasant to play and relaxing. It's definitely one of those games you want to play if you want to chill out with some not-too-challenging puzzles, even for a few minutes. Even the odd blip I encountered didn't deter me from giving this puzzle game a good thumbs-up.

House Flipper 2 is a great installment in the ever-expanding genre of games all about doing chores we play games to avoid doing. It serves as a great creative outlet for people who love interior design, and to help people discover their love of it. However, it's not for everyone. And I can easily see some people getting bored with the admittedly repetitive experience rather quickly.

Little Alchemy 2 is worth playing because it adds to your gaming experience and science knowledge. Although lack of progress after exhausting all the elements makes the game a bit unfair, you'll never go wrong by trying it. Little Alchemy is compatible with PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, so you can even play it in the comfort of your couch. Salute to Recloak Games.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is without a single doubt the most ambitious FF game to date and drives the story to a much better-crafted concept than its predecessor. It is massive, it expands and upgrades several aspects that previous games of the series have failed to construct. Even with its few but notorious flaws, it marks a benchmark on modern FF games and gives Square Enix the crucial responsibility to make the conclusion of this trilogy as memorable as we all expect it to be.

The Kindeman Remedy is a mixed bag of good ideas in a not so well executed procedure. With its tiresome repetitive gameplay, lack of challenge, and odd story decisions. It feels like a first attempt at a great game that delves into dark and twisted themes. But sadly gets confused on what it wants to be with its gameplay. I hope the developers are able to lean from what they got right and create a better twisted tale down the line.

Rock Climbing? is a fun indie platformer with a rock solid yet also rock hard core gameplay loop. There is no denying that this game isn't for everyone. And there are a few quirks of the gameplay that do undermine it somewhat. But for a quick game to play on and off or to even stream it is great fun for the entry price.

After waiting for the chance to play it on PlayStation 5, The Last Case of Benedict Fox doesn't give me everything I wanted, but gives enough for a decent trip into the world of Lovecraft. Though its story and parts of the combat do let the game down, the art style, puzzle solving and the exploration that Metroidvania's provide really did save it from me putting it down and never playing again.

All in all, as far as hidden objects games go, Sophia the Traveler is pretty decent. It does have a few minor flaws, but you'll soon be warped into the beautifully hand-crafted scenes of Venice, surrounded by amazing sights and sounds as you search hard for people and objects. The large and highly-detailed scenes might seem overwhelming, but these are the ones that will hook you into the game and keep you absorbed until you find every object. Plus, the game does offer a lifeline if you do get truly stuck, however, it is a lot more satisfying when you find something by yourself after spending ages trawling the sprawling scenes.

Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator successfully delivers on the title's promise, removing the gruelling labours of a gardener and replacing them with rewarding gameplay mechanics. The controls are simple and repetitive, but never becomes stale as plentiful tasks will keep you on your toes. Plant growth feels responsive to your actions as you nurture nature, the resulting flowers bright and vibrant, as are the decorations you can place around the garden. Aside from the plant limit preventing a full scale botanical gardens and the slightly wearing inventory sorting, Garden Life is a peaceful and pleasant experience which allows you to play at your own pace, enhancing the cozy vibes.

Botany Manor is an excellent game and I am very glad I chose to play this title, especially as I've been waiting for its release for a while, hoping it wouldn't disappoint, and it most certainly didn't. The manor and gardens were beautifully designed, the puzzles were fun to solve and well thought-out, Arabella's character was well developed, and the game on a whole was very charming and relaxing. Even though it only took me 4-5 hours to complete this game, it felt long enough and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't have anything negative to say about it, except one fleeting glitch that thankfully sorted itself out, but otherwise I had a wonderful time playing this.

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.

It’s tricky trying to recapture the magic of a specific world but Night School Studio have pulled it off. It’s excellently written, I enjoyed the dynamic between Riley & Jacob with the subplot of trying to chart your course through life the beating heart to a familiar but still exciting paranormal adventure. It’s an enjoyable world to explore but I would have preferred more to do and it has very long loading times. However, it looks great, it sounds great and when you start to tune your radio, the sparks will fly. Fans of the original won't want to miss this one.

Crush the Industry is a great starter Roguelike for people looking to try out the genre, or have failed to properly enjoy one before. The addition of deck-building and RPG mechanics allow for more customization and a heightened focus on skill and strategy. However, there are still luck-based occurrences that can get annoying, and people who despise repetition won't get much off of the experience.

Farming Simulator Kids may be tailored towards younger audiences, but it shouldn't deter older players who want to play something safe, simple, and cozy. It might turn off some harder core players who prefer difficult campaigns and more goal-oriented gameplay, but others may prefer the slower carefree pace that Farming Simulator Kids offers. This is an ideal game for younger players who want to dabble in farming games, learning about farming in the process. The cheerful art style is also appealing, giving a children's picture book look. This game may not be like the other Farming Simulator games, but it shouldn't be overlooked.

Shines Over: The Damned is not the atmospheric and uneasy horror title I hoped it would be. It's not much of anything actually, offering no scares, no story, an eerie soundtrack that leaves as quickly as it starts, and some rough visual design. Despite it's brisk pace, I can confidently say your time is better spent elsewhere playing any other horror video game.

If you're looking for a solid Action-RPG this game ticks most of the boxes. It's not going to be for everybody, as I said the way the quests are so open-ended can be a major turn off for some gamers. But, it does feel extremely satisfying when you discover a unique way to achieve something. The combat is the real selling point. I've honestly spent more time fighting monsters than I have progressing through the story and I'm still only experiencing a small part of the total combat experience. If a game with a few quirks but a solid base sounds good to you, then this one is definitely worth a try.

Rail Route is a charming game that satisfies the simple desire to design a railway network, with all its quirks and challenges. Its minimalist vibe lets the game boil down to this one, simple concept. If you enjoy building a network, automating it, and watching it come to life based on your strategic insights and guesstimates, you'll have a blast. And with near-endless maps, this game offers a lot of molds for you to live your wildest network designer dreams.

Hearts Of Iron IV: Trial Of Allegiance is a perfectly adequate piece of DLC. Whilst it does add some decent content, what we get feels rather inconsistent. With some focus trees being full of variety and flavour. And others feel a little 'mid' at best and lacking at worst. With the overall thrust of most trees ultimately being nearly identical. Ultimately, unless you are playing as one of these nations, you'll never really notice the changes.

Alone in the dark is not as fluid or refined as some other remakes in the genre. It has some technical limitations. What Alone in the Dark does do better than its peer is deliver on an engrossing narrative, and an excellent voice cast with Derceto as the main character. Those looking for an action horror or survival horror video game might be turned off by some of its uninspired action gameplay, but those that stick around will be treated with a fantastic psychological experience.

The Warhammer DLC is pretty neat, but it isn’t exactly as amazing as some of the other ones FuturLabs is currently selling. If you are an avid follower and player of Warhammer, you may enjoy some of the Easter eggs and understand a bit more of the nuance behind the messages. Unfortunately, it feels just a bit too expensive for five new vehicles/machines to clean without any wide areas. Despite having this large, open area that you don’t have to clean, you don’t get to see any of the previous vehicles despite there clearly being space for them. It would have felt more satisfying and conclusive if you saw your journey up to the Thunderhawk. The Warhammer DLC just doesn’t compare to the free content and other DLCs already in PowerWash.

Anuchard, a 2D retro-inspired RPG, immerses players in a high-resolution world filled with charm and whimsy. The game's pixel art aesthetic beautifully merges nostalgia with modern visuals, creating a unique immersive experience. Featuring an engaging story, clever dialogue, and perfect blend of old-school charm and modern gameplay mechanics, Anuchard offers a captivating single player journey.

To summarize, if you play The Sims 4 and are looking for a creative new activity to do in the game, or you want a new money-making venture, then Crystal Creations Stuff may well be something you should consider looking at getting. There are a few downsides, such as Gemology apparently not being "fun", and it does take time to make jewelry, cut gems, and grow those gorgeous crystal trees, but I think the pros outweigh the cons. For jewelry-making being introduced in The Sims 4 with this pack, I'm impressed at the level of detail that went into it, and to be honest I don't think it could have been done much better.

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.

If you liked the base game for Escape Simulator, there's no reason not to get this. It carries over all the good and adds in even more fun. Each room is unique and asks you to alter your way of thinking. The solutions are satisfying and the rooms are so gorgeous. There's a clear (but legally distinct!) influence from Harry Potter, one that enhances the setting and makes the puzzles that much more fun.

Even if it's destined to suffer the same incomprehension as many of its predecessors do, Silent Hill: The Short Message is a fairly decent return of one of the most important franchises of the survival horror genre. While it lacks several spine-chilling elements from previous entries that used to make Silent Hill the most horrifying game series out there, it presents many sensitive themes for today's standards. Its teenage story has a daring approach and sets the bar for what we should expect from the psychological factor of the series in the near future.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator ticks many boxes for those who enjoy driving simulation games, as this title provides the players with responsive driving mechanics and gives options for those who enjoy manual or automatic transmissions. However, the lackluster AI drivers that can hinder our enjoyment and breaks the immersion almost destroy my experience while playing the game. However, once the developers acknowledge and address this issue, then Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is a solid game for you to kick back and enjoy your down time after work or college.

While the original Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons had a charming artstyle, the graphical update is a vast improvement, the attention to detail adding depth to the already mysterious world. The narrative and innovative control system remain in place, making this the perfect on-boarding for new and returning players. The addition of local co-op allows you to team up and play the game together, although I strongly recommend playing the game single player in order to achieve the full impact of the experience. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake sticks close to its roots and remains the pinnacle of game mechanics being used to convey a story.

Potions: A Curious Tale does a great job immersing you in the journey to become a potion master. Experimenting with the different combinations and discovering possibilities is fun, letting you spend hours trying to find everything. Luna's journey is enjoyable to follow, even if it is easy for her to achieve her goals. It may not be easy to find side quests and failures are frustrating to encounter. But the game's charm easily outshines its flaws, giving you an enjoyable experience where you are an active participant in becoming a potion master.

This highly immersive game surpasses most horror titles with its uniquely designed environments and chilling narrative. Powered by Unreal Engine, the game boasts stunning character models and environments that draw players deeper into its hellish world. With a strong emphasis on group participation and replayability, each playthrough offers new challenges making it great game for horror enthusiasts and cooperative gaming fans.

Inkulinati is a terrific addition to the strategy genre. The art style and humor may draw you in, but the vast array of abilities and beasts at your command will keep you strategizing for hours. With an ever-changing Journey mode and an aggressive pace to battle, Inkulnati is a blast battle to battle, beast to beast, ink to ink.

Overall, WWE 2K24 is a step-up from the previous year, taking everything that made WWE 2K23 great and further adding to it. However, there is still much to be desired as it feels as though they could have pushed the boundaries of creativity even further and took a few risks. Ultimately, playing it safe worked out in their favor because the game is polished for the most part and simply improves on last year's already good title.

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.

The Lost Legends of Redwall: The Scout Anthology is a great attempt at bringing a children's series to life. However, it is brought down by several factors that make gameplay a difficult experience. It's hard to tell where you are, scent-based gameplay blends together, and graphical faults can inconvenience you. But for fans of the series, you can easily overlook those flaws and have a decent time.

The Lost Legends of Redwall: Feasts & Friends is a simple game to learn and jump into. It's a great way to continue the Redwall adventure without investing time into reading the books. However, you will invest time in the game mechanics, learning through trial-by-fire as you cook new dishes. It feels like the process could be much easier than it is, but it works for a simple cooking game.

Escape Simulator is fun. It's just challenging enough to make the puzzles satisfying, without being so obtuse you're certain the creators are just trying to show off their wasted university degrees. With free DLC and player created options, there's a ton of replay value. It feels good to poke at multiple puzzles at once, just for one to unlock the key to one of the others and so on. I lost hours on this game, bingeing it for 7 hours straight in one session! It's fun to pick up, hard to put down.

Penny's Big Breakaway is a masterful 3D platformer. The team at Evening Star manages to make the transition from 2D to 3D platforming mostly flawlessly, far different from the blue hedgehog that started their game development journey. Evening Star has proven that they're the studio that should handle 2D Sonic, and with Penny's Big Breakaway, they've proven that they could handle 3D Sonic as well. They can do it, but they want to continue pursuing their own independent IP, which is just as good. Penny's Big Breakaway is something that no platformer fan should miss.

Overall, Solium Infernum is a great option for groups of friends who enjoy strategy and/or board games. The satisfaction of success is immense. The artwork is fantastic but more unique army character models would be nice. The gameplay is enjoyable with options for different approaches. The lack of actions per turn is a bit disappointing, especially when play asynchronously.

The remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong breathes new life into the classic title, enriching what was achieved nearly 20 years ago. This format aligns seamlessly with the franchise's essence, where platforms and puzzles merge effortlessly to create an environment where Mario truly belongs. The enhancements in this new version serve as a welcoming invitation for newcomers and a compelling reason for veterans to revisit the world they once cherished. With gameplay and visuals elevated to new heights, it's evident that the experience has been refined for modern audiences. Of course, while some mechanics may show signs of age, they underscore the notion that a renewed, unreleased installment would seamlessly complement Nintendo's renowned catalog.

Slave Zero X is great at throwing you into combat that tests your ability to extend combos. You fight a variety of enemies that provide unique challenges and the combat is fun to learn. However, the story is confusing at the beginning and the tutorial isn't implemented well, making it easy to miss out on your full arsenal. Spending time learning how to fight is a key part of the game and failure is expected. It's a long grind but if you love the precise nature of combat and chaining combos, you will enjoy Slave Zero X.

Arms Trade Tycoon: Tanks is a great way to learn about the development of this throughout World War I. With a solid look into one of the most underrated aspects of warfare, you'll be tasked with developing your nation's battle tanks. Will you lead your nation to victory, or get ground to dust by your competitors?

Dead Man's Diary has the building blocks of a good game but sadly chooses to be too simplistic. It may provide wonderful visuals of a world abandoned but lacks in almost everything else. The Narrative needs more focus within the game's desire to be an adventure game with survival mechanics. And most importantly, a main character that doesn't make me want feed them to the mutants every chance I get.

For their first outing as a studio, Ironwood Studios has provided a beautifully styled roadlike that captures the thrill of driving in a supernatural setting. With a fantastic cast to support the journey, an addictive gameplay loop, wonderful sights to behold, and creative obstacles to encounter. Pacific Drive has the potential for Indie of the Year.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a love letter to a pair of games that absolutely did not deserve it. It is also a difficult game to rate, considering its laser-focused vision. This is one of those schlock cases, where things that would normally be considered bad are instead good for being bad. That certainly works for the presentation, but I'm less sure when it comes to gameplay. Are things like the darkness and easy bosses legitimate flaws, or are they supposed to be bad because they were bad in the CD-i games? I'll certainly commend how faithful it is, masterfully recreating such a unique artstyle, and anyone who ever laughed at the myriad Youtube Poops those games spawned would get a kick out of this.

A Little to the Left is a clever and creative puzzle game which looks at the everyday in a unique way. Although to begin with solutions feel random, once you come to terms with the game's logic things soon slide into place. Easy controls and a relaxed approach to level progression make A Little to the Left perfect for a cosy blanket day, an atmosphere which is enhanced with the gentle audio and charming illustrations.

I will reiterate that the game has a "debt" to settle until the deferred melee combat is dispatched, if ever. Naval combat is great and customization is compelling. But considering the element of being an outlaw of the sea, without the drama and adventure that matches the bravado and flamboyance of the clothes my pirate is wearing, the Swash just ain't gonna Buckle. Skull and Bones is plainly a 'pirate ship game' more than it is about pirates, for now. Fair Winds and Following Seas until that changes.

You might think The M/S Cornelia II Incident is just another point-and-click mystery adventure game, but it feels a bit more than that, thanks to some additional gameplay features. The mystery surrounding the game leaves you not only wanting to play out the whole demo, but eager to see where the full game will go. The pixel graphics do well to add to the game's atmosphere. There is some room for improvement, such as the controls being displayed before the game starts, as well as making the inventory more obvious, but these can be addressed in the final game. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product of The M/S Cornelia II Incident.

Murder is Game Over: Deal Killer is not a bad game by any stretch. The biggest issue is its length. The core of the mystery provides little challenge or excitement, especially compared to bigger series like Ace Attorney or Danganronpa. Though, had it been longer, it would need a more diverse gameplay loop and more complex mystery to justify it. However, for only $5, you get a fun little mystery game filled with good moments and solid characters.

Adventure Quest 8 Bit Dungeons and DoomKnights needs a lot more baking in the oven before it could reach its maximum potential. As an idea, its great to bring back the use of retro gameplay mechanics, and design. However in this title, we see not only what happens when its done with little regard for playability, but also a sad lack of story loop. Instead it packs itself with mini games, nostalgic memorabilia, and a hype train speeding towards its final destination to mediocrity.

While not suitable for those sensitive to flashing lights and jump scares, Alan Wake 2 is a unique must-play for fans of weird horror and creative flair. The additions and improvements to gameplay are a welcome change, with less focus on the action and more attention paid to narrative. That being said, Alan Wake 2 still excels in all departments, and the slightly frustrating sections can be forgiven when receiving the rewards of more story. I have avoided describing the convoluted story in too much detail - due to the high cinematic standard, Alan Wake 2 is best experienced first-hand.

Town Adventures allowed me to have my first experience with a walking simulator game. While I do feel a tad underwhelmed, it might have been because I was expecting a lot more and I'm not familiar with these types of games. Saying this, Town Adventures does what it sets out to do: being an easy-going, charming walking simulator with hidden objects thrown in to give it that little something extra. If you like walking simulators, hidden objects games or both, then Town Adventures ticks these boxes.

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.

Song of Nunu takes players on an exciting and magical adventure through Frelijord. Its heartfelt story and genuine characters are bolstered by an vibrant world and an effective soundtrack that heard in every inch of Frelijord. Combat and traversal never goes beyond a very rudimentary approach however. That being said, although simplistic in certain areas and tedious in others, Song of Nunu's music never stops.

Overall, Project Downfall succesffuly presents a challenging first person alternative to Hotline Miami, showcasing fun updated gameplay that many old-school shooters paved the way for. The story having a branch narrative with multiple endings is great and I'm definitely going back to see all them but the lack of an interesting plot does stop it from being perfect. Some irritations with AI, lighting, and some gameplay mechanics hold it back, but there's enough here to keep you playing and smashing heads in the name of John Wickian Justice.

Grime isn't necessarily a great game, but it's definitely a memorable game. I can think of a few other games that play like it, but I can't think of any other games that really look like it. The disgusting body horror world was my favorite aspect of the game, which is good, because creating a memorable world is important for a Metroidvania. There's definitely some wrinkles to this Switch port, but Grime remains a satisfying time, sure to appeal to fans of both Soulslikes and Metroidvanias.

I'm glad I decided to check out Where the Music Dies, and I very much doubt this will be the only time I play through it. I'm sure I'll want to experience this story again to see what other options there are, where the story could take me next time, how it would be different. Where the Music Dies may only require your attention for no more than 2 hours, but it's by no means an unmemorable one. It is dark and deep, but it will stay with you. In summary, the story is well written, the dialogue feels natural and fluid, you have freedom with the choices, and the art style and music brings the entire story to life. As this is free and doesn't take long to get through, there's no reason why you shouldn't check Where the Music Dies out.

The game leaves a lot to be desired. At first glace, the combat seems interesting but ultimately falls flat due to the repetitive nature of the missions and combat encounters. The dialogue and cutscenes are excellently produced, however, the same cannot be said about the boss fights and ending of the game. Not being able to play the game offline even when solo feels like a slap in the face but it can be forgiven. Ultimately, the game can be enjoyed by some DC fans looking for some quick, chaotic fun, yet a lot of die-hard comic book fans will be quick to criticize certain aspects of comic accuracy and character development. The hefty price tag is definitely unjustified and doesn't feel fully worth it.

While the only purpose of Lacey's Wardrobe is to disturb the player at all times, it is a good analog horror experience that matches the original YouTube creepypasta of the same name. And even if it remains fairly short and quick, it has been expanded and made six times longer than the "original game". Hopefully, the existence of this fan-made game also means the future inclusion of the next seemingly innocent adventures of Lacey!

Vampire Survivors is a very content-rich game for its genre, with tons of unlockable characters, stages, items, and more. It can be a fun time if you just want around 10-30 minutes of casual gameplay. The game mostly plays itself with the player's only real input being moving around and selecting items and upgrades, so it might not appeal much to somebody looking for more in-depth gameplay. If you're looking to get into the horde-survival genre that's been getting popular lately, this game is a good place to start.

Turnip Boy's second adventure is every bit as cutesy and charming as the first, with just enough existential dread to keep you on your toes, wondering what Turnip Boy will do next, perhaps it could be "Turnip Boy Runs a Crypto Scam". It's funny that despite all of the crimes Turnip Boy commits, the real crime was the state this port released in. It's still perfectly playable, and I saw no major glitches, but the performance is so awful that my recommendation is to either wait for it to get patched or play it on something else.

If you are a fan of the newer Xcom series, I highly recommend this game. If you are a fan of Cold War spy thrillers, I highly recommend this game. The mystery of the conspiracy is fantastic and makes me want to uncover everything. The gameplay is brutal, but fair and unlike Xcom you won't miss a with a shotgun at point blank range and a 99% change to hit. This game fulfilled many niches and I hope others will agree.

The Universim is a beautiful real time strategy game mixing city building with divine intervention. As a brand new take on the empire building gameplay of your stereotypical 4x gameplay, you'll focus less on military, and more on evolution and adaptability. Fight not only other civilizations, but also the environment itself; all the while trying to maintain a clean planet free of disease and pollution. As a stand alone title, The Universim has a lot to offer; and undoubtedly more to be expected from this beautiful bombshell of a game!

Graven is a difficult game that combines resource management with RPG-style adventure combat. You will fight hordes of undead enemies that force you to be creative and push your resources. It's a punishing game where lowering the difficulty might be a good idea, given how easy it is to get hurt or become lost. But if you fight past the frustration and get knocked around enough times, you can find a decent adventure that you are proud of completing.

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic on the whole is an impressive game, not just as a hidden objects game, but a great game in general. There are a few issues, but these are rather minor. All in all, I had a lot of fun playing this. I loved going through the four eras, and challenged myself to find every object. The clues made it more fun to work out where everything was. If you like being creative, the Architect mode won't disappoint, as it's staggeringly detailed but not overcomplicated. Whether you're familiar with hidden objects games or new to them, Hidden Through Time 2 is a good choice.

Computer Repair Shop has a lot of potential for a simulation game, especially because you can choose how you run your business. However, it's held back by several gameplay aspects and lifeless audio that quickly drain the fun from it. You might have a good few hours fixing up computers and sending them back to customers, but your interest can easily dwindle. If there were better improvements, this game could be great, but it's not there yet.

Overall, War Hospital is a unique and gritty game that depicts the terror that was once happened during World War I. This new approach makes the game's many mechanics stand out, though there are several bugs that are very frustrating when you encounter them. Still, War Hospital ticks many boxes that are enjoyable for both Strategy genre lovers and for those who seek to try their hands at managing something, where every choice determines who lives and who dies.

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.

If there's any simulator out there that is very simple but still engaging enough to keep you doing the same task for hours without waiting for any particular reward (other than personal satisfaction), that is definitely PowerWash Simulator. The co-op is also a great way to spend a chill time with your friends and clean together in a relaxing and satisfying manner that clearly real life cannot offer!

20 Minutes Till Dawn is a fun and exciting horde survival game that offers a good variety of weapons and abilities to fight off massive swarms of enemies with. The varied upgrade system allows for a multitude of different builds to use in each run. While the game has relatively low content in terms of enemies to fight and environments to fight in, the game still has a good amount of content overall for its price.

The Super Mario RPG remake goes beyond nostalgia and captivates the player from the first playthrough. Overflowing with humor yet masterful in every aspect, the game reaffirms its status as a cult classic among the best SNES JRPGs, showcasing the genuine Mario spirit beyond platforming. Its triumph is not solely in updating the original's visuals and gameplay but in unequivocally bringing these features to Nintendo Switch players. Nintendo not just remade the game for aesthetics; it made it accessible to everyone: new Mario fans, long-time players, and even those wary about the "RPG" label could find an exciting gaming piece this time.

Blood West is a perfectly standard take on the western horror genre, offering new monsters, takes on firearms, and the aspect of being part of the undead. Will you be able to free the land from the evil curses brought on by the settlers? or will you become just another vengeful spirit roaming these hardened lands, a ghost of the past. Either way its up to you to decide with your knife, bow, and plenty of fire power to settle the wild west!

While the existence of Warzone by itself shouldn't represent a threat to the franchise, Modern Warfare III is the ultimate proof of how Call of Duty's free battle royale mode is harming the main entries by turning them into Warzone spin-offs and diverting the series from what they have been re-constructing since 2019. Sadly, the enjoyable multiplayer mode doesn't compensate for the open-world mess the campaign and zombies mode represent for this wasted and mistreated sequel.

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of those unicorn games you encounter very rarely. It's well made, rich in content, and welcoming to gamers of all levels. Even if you've never heard of Baldur's Gate or dabbled in Dungeons and Dragons, there's at least one part of the game that will intrigue you. The narrative is expertly structured, combat is innovative and promotes ingenuity, and you can seamlessly enjoy your adventure alone or with friends. A game with this much freedom and content is going to entertain you for hours (literally I've played 50 hours of this game and I'm just scratching the surface). As I said before this game earned its Game of the Year award and Larian Studios should give themselves a big round of applause.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a visually breathtaking game with the DNA of standard Ubisoft games. The open-world activities get repetitive at times, the villain is uninteresting, and you need to continue to upgrading for gear that stops the momentum of the game. But, to experience this beautiful world outweighs the gameplay that can get tiring. You'll be left in awe of Pandora and be delighted to sink your teeth into this world.

With further updates that introduce more maps and equipment, The Finals has the potential to be a juggernaut in the FPS scene, influencing other companies to follow. Because of maps you can almost completely destroy, builds that introduce new ways of strategizing, and an engaging gameplay loop, The Finals absolutely soars.

All-in-all, The Sims 4 For Rent Expansion Pack has a lot to offer to the series. The new Residential Rental Lots and being a Property Owner are definitely my favorite parts of this pack. The new world Tomarang is a welcome addition as well, and I like the selection of clothes and objects added with this pack. The new aspirations are a great way to experience the new world and gameplay. There may be one or two minor issues, but it's nothing a future patch can't fix. One of the things that made me really pleased with For Rent was it was better than I was expecting. I was worried I'd be disappointed or not enjoy it, but I'm glad that wasn't the case.

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!

Undying is an emotional survival game that tugs at your heartstrings while you play. You must take care of your young son while you make your way through the zombie apocalypse. It’s not the easiest survival game and your efforts will require multiple tries. But if you are willing to learn, the game offers a post-apocalypse narrative that is rarely touched upon.

Pseudoregalia is probably one of the best indie platformers to be released this year. With fantastic controls and a great collection of challenges there is so much that will get you hooked and keep you coming back for more. However the lack of a map can make it easy to get lost and end up going places you don't intend to. However the core gameplay loop and unlockable powers can make the experience far smoother over all.

Loddlenaut excels at its main gameplay loop. I excitedly spent a full three and a half hours exploring ocean zones, gathering trash and materials, and building up my home cove. As for the titular loddles, I had little cause to care for them. Raising them, feeding them, and giving them a home were accessory parts of your quest. Ultimately, I wish the loddles could have played a more significant role in your mission to clean the ocean.

Fear & Hunger is a great survival horror RPG. It is disturbing, filled with twisted lore that makes one want to plunge further into its depths to learn more. The game allows you to make many choices, no matter how heinous, to survive or gain power to achieve your goals. The atmosphere is dark and horrifying, with gameplay that complements it to make you feel like you are exploring a dangerous place with very little safety to rest. I've tried it on my computer and Steam deck with little to no issues.

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.