Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Heart of the Forest is a great visual novel when you put more emphasis on the novel aspect. Relatable characters, an excellent representation of marginalized communities, and a real-world setting make this a believable game that doesn't hang its entire worth on the supernatural elements. This game is absolutely worth your time.

Trine 5 is sure to be a nice surprise for newcomers and a delight for veterans of the franchise. The stunning world and atmosphere never disappoints and the franchise still has its charming humor nailed down. If you don't mind combat being a bit of a drag and If you are looking for a constant brain tease with solid platforming and a relaxing atmosphere, look no further than Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy.

UnderMine provides a very enjoyable, familiar experience for anyone who enjoys roguelite games, with slow progression and methodical unlocks that feels classically inspired. The combat is simple, but it is extremely well-executed. The difficulty curve has some serious jumps, but it's never so tough that a few extra runs can't balance the scales in the player's favor. While tedious at times, each run always feels productive, and it's not easy to put the controller down. Even after the credits roll, there is a ton left to do, from exploring the Othermine to conquering increasingly difficult bosses in the main campaign. No matter how many times I played, "just one more run" kept me delving over and over into UnderMine.

Batboy attempts to mimic the success of other retro-styled action platformers like Shovel Knight, The Messenger, and Shantae. Unfortunately, it is a flawed game that is marred by numerous game breaking technical bugs, wildly sporadic difficulty, and uneven mechanics. There are elements of a good game here, and some may be able to look past its problems. However, if you are looking for a polished and satisfying adventure, it is look elsewhere.

Killer Frequency is a cheesy homage to the 80s slasher genre. You will feel the tension rise with the stakes as it is down to you to solve puzzles and save lives. While there are a few instances of flawed solutions, problem solving is genuinely rewarding as each success results in a thwarted murder. Encompassing the 80's vibe through its story, stylised graphics and electronic audio design, Killer Frequency will leave you laughing with the canned laughter on your soundboard, then feeling guilty for it straight after.

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!

Although Rogues Heroes is another Zelda-esque dungeon crawler, it sets itself apart with its numerous class options, captivating environments, and addictive gameplay! The game has bugs and glitches, which can be annoying, especially in co-op mode. Nonetheless, it offers an entertaining adventure you won’t want to miss!

The King’s Dilemma: Chronicles is an engaging narrative game with one of the better branching narratives in gaming. The story is well written and enjoyable to engage with, whether you want to be good, evil or somewhere in-between. Whilst the politics part of the gameplay feels underutilised, the dilemmas and intrigue will keep gamers playing, especially with so much replayability. If you think the game looks interesting, then you’ll most likely have a great time with it, especially with the price being so low.

The biggest problem with trying to score a good game is figuring out what it deserves. Eastward has its issues, and as I've been saying, I don't think everyone would enjoy it as much as I have. However, I believe the best way to determine if a piece of art is good or not is based on how it engages you. I couldn't put Eastward down for three days straight. Nearly everyone I talked to about it commented on how they haven't seen me this excited about something in a long time. Maybe it was just in the right place at the right time, but I loved it! Give it a try! Maybe you'll love it as much as I do!

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

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a dream game for musical lovers. Its usage of songs is perfectly integrated into the story and will get stuck in your head. The replayability is great in more ways than one, as you can replay the song sequences with different outcomes depending on what you choose. On top of that, it's bolstered by an A-List cast stacked with talent and carries this captivating murder mystery. Hopefully this means more musical games will come, but for now, you can't beat Stray Gods.

Some may be overwhelmed by the scope of the puzzles and some others may be left wanting for more, but Call of the Sea still delivers an engaging story of love and transformation with a surprisingly compatible Lovecraftian zest.

BROK the InvestiGator is a wonderful mix of brain and brawn that combines two unlike genres into a fun game like no other. The voice acting and the art style were both executed well and I had a blast playing such an impressive game. Although the puzzles and plot holes can bring the overall experience down a bit, I'll happily grab my magnifying glass regardless and prepare for many more hours ahead with Brok and Graff.

The latest in a series of games trying to find the next winning iteration of the roguelike deckbuilding genre, Roguebook has all the character and charm it needs to avoid being just another Slay the Spire clone. Introducing fresh and interesting new mechanics it proves to be a good addition to the genre, but not quite an amazing one.

I'm pretty sure this is the third game in a row that I've covered that has a post-apocalyptic setting, and of them all, Miasma Chronicles' world is by far the most interesting. Seeing classic American iconography all twisted and wrong is something that always catches my eye, and Miasma Chronicles delivers on that front. A must-buy for fans of XCOM and tactics games in general.

Olija is an exceptional game with style and substance in heaps. While certain aspects of the combat aren’t necessary, they can make everything you do feel a lot cooler. The story itself is a quiet romance and a dramatic supernatural tale at the same time, even if the ending is a bit flat. The soundtrack is brilliantly weird, nimbly flicking between disparate genres while consistently enhancing every interaction. All these things come together to make a game that is playful, heartfelt, and satisfying. It is a generous game in more ways than one, and I can’t wait to play it again.

Inmost is a very short puzzle platformer type game and does an absolutely incredible job at story telling through the atmosphere, Players can spend a little time going through a story that while only lasts about 3-5 hours, packs an abstract emotional punch that is going to stick around for so much longer... even if it is simply to figure out just what they just played.

Overall, When the Past was Around is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, condensed down to only a couple of hours. With its great puzzle design and incredible visuals and music, it leaves you wanting to experience it all over again for the first time. This game is worth every minute you put into it.

Erica is a competent interactive movie game that would serve as a gripping B-rated thriller even without the additional interactivity. It strikes the correct balance of requiring sufficient user input to make you feel like you are in control while not stuffing the game with gimmicky interactions for the sake of it. Its short length allows for a tight story that does not overstay its welcome, although some may wish it continued for longer. While it probably will not be converting anyone who is not already a fan of these types of games, Erica is certainly in the running to be considered one of the best interactive movie games on the market.

Fights in Tight Spaces places itself in a unique position in the roguelike-deckbuilder genre. While the influence of games like Slay The Spire is apparent, the combat resolves in a very different way thanks to the introduction of a grid system and other turn-based tactics elements. The presentation is phenomenal and makes for an overall great game that is going to please fans of deckbuilders, tactic games and action movies buffs alike.

Piofiore: Fated Memories is an action-packed mafia otome with an intriguing storyline, handsome leads, and a mystery to solve. The art is beautiful, though it can become gruesome in the Bad Endings. The soundtrack is a delight and the voice acting is superb. The secret route, though short, is my favorite. Be mindful of content warnings as the game does not shy away from graphic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The misdeeds of the mafia are yours to have if you will accept their hand.

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

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral town is a fun time sink, but for a near full price game, sticks a little too close to its base game from more than 15 years ago. It has a great progression system that is still haunted by old traditions of ridiculously obtuse unlock conditions for certain features. If you have a reliable guide, you’re going to have a pretty good time, but the necessity of one really hampers the laid back, casual vibe of the game. If you’ve been a fan of the series for a while or are interested in the new features like gay marriage, then give it a try. Everyone else may want to wait for a price drop.

I apologize if this review sounded somewhat nitpicky. I'm only this strict because Battle Network is a series that is near and dear to me, one that I played a lot in my youth, and I want it to be the best that it could be, such that other people can come to love Battle Network as much as I do. If Capcom had taken the proper steps to modernize these games, then they could be masterpieces, but if you have the patience to deal with their quirks and archaic mechanics, then the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection will offer you 100+ hours of JRPG goodness, and it will not disappoint.

Assassin's Creed Mirage isn't just a throwback to the classic entries, but a celebration of what made this franchise stand out in the first place. The stealth gameplay is fully embraced as a lot of the classic moves are back in action. There’s still some minor quibbles with the map and the repetition of some of the collectibles. Still, if you’re a fan of any of the past games, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a must buy.

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.

Amnesia: The Bunker is a strong addition to the legendary franchise. The gameplay is at it's best, and the audio and visuals bring the claustrophobic setting to life. The adaptations to the formula make it stand out in the series, with well-tuned and executed abilities added to the player without undermining the scares. However story-wise the game falls short of the highs of it's predeccessors, but not by much. Whilst it has it's flaws, The Bunker shines as a potential new dawn for the series with it's creative changes.

Sucker for Love: First Date is a perfect experience for anyone unfamiliar with dating simulators who want something with a bit more substance. This title is amusing for anyone who plays it and doesn't focus on the dating element to the point where it's uncomfortable. It's got a good few hours of gameplay and despite it's lack of story it's still got several mechanics which will no doubt keep you coming back until you've seen every possible ending.

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

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a stellar mystery game full of loud and endearing characters that you'll come to either love or hate, and the type of absurd out-of-the-box mystery solving that only Spike Chunsoft (and Too Kyo Games) can create. However, the mysteries of Kanai Ward never quite reach the levels of the killing games or the nonary games, though the gameplay far surpasses its predecessors.

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.

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.

If you enjoy simple gameplay with mechanics that give you the freedom to get creative, there’s a lot to love here. If you like slow-burn storytelling that’s not afraid to be both uplifting and deeply poignant, there’s definitely a lot to love here. And if you find nostalgic references about the cruel, uncaring march of time weirdly comforting… well, you might want to talk to someone. But also—you’re going to love this game. Projected Dreams caught me off guard. For such a simple game, it moved me more than I expected. And I think if you give it even half a chance, it’ll quietly touch your heart, too.

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.

ITT-A good time. Bullet hell is not a hard genre to screw up, but even those versed in this type of gameplay will find some enjoyable qualities to indulge in. If only the focus on the personal aspect of the game's roots had more prominence throughout, which could've pushed this game's impact to rare heights. Nevertheless, the core aspects of ITTA are more than enough to give it the credit it deserves.

Party Animals is a chaotic but hilariously fun experience. Seamless and polished, you'll rarely find a flaw in the gameplay. The devs generously gave us multiple modes and litany of characters to pay as. Punch and kick your opponents as you brawl your way to victory. You're sure to have a ton of laughs whether it's as a single player or with a group of up to 8 friends.

Gaming is at its best when players are met with experiences unique to the medium. With intelligent writing and a thought-provoking handling of themes around death and regret, Before Your Eyes comes through as a concise and rich first-person experience, evoking something in anyone who plays it. Once you accept that its unique selling point is far more optional than originally intended, appreciating the love that undoubtedly went into this story becomes far easier. Put the webcam away, and you'll definitely cherish this short yet unforgettable tale, enough to even revisit in the years to come.

While its main draw may be boring for some, I really enjoyed my time with The Pathless. The graphics and movement are especially brilliant, and the exploration always felt rewarding, even at its repetitive moments. While the writing is nothing to write home about, the connection between the player and the eagle companion keeps the story grounded emotionally.

I didn't expect to like Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! before I played, or during my initial time with it. But the unique level design, likable main character, and excellent soundtrack turned me around. Delivering Abe through harrowing situations felt like an accomplishment, and the design restraints forced me to face each level with its own particular approach. Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! is definitely worth your time.

If you're looking for a more casual and story-driven experience, Heaven's Vault will scratch that itch and then some with it's nebulous, well-written narrative and memorable characters. This game fits well on the Nintendo Switch platform and looks great, too, so if you've wanted to slow things down and enjoy an epic story, then what are you waiting for?

I was blown away by Tchia. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to play this incredible game, which has obviously been lovingly put together by an excellent team. There were one or two teething issues when I played Tchia, otherwise it was a flawless experience. Once I got into the game (which didn't take long), I became addicted thanks to the amazing open world gameplay and the story you eagerly get absorbed in. If you like games that has a bit of everything in it, such as exploration, music, collectibles and loads more, then Tchia is a great game to invest in.

In a world where fighting games are associated with intricate combos and complex systems, Samurai Shodown thrives in its simplicity. With its focus on defense, a seemingly simple change makes it stand out in a way that makes it feel like a cut above other fighters on the market. Its biggest shortcomings lie in the lack of modes, some characters that feel too much alike and dead online. But with some brilliant gameplay mechanics and approachable combat, this showdown belongs in your fighting game rotation, especially if you can play with a couple of friends.

Strangeland is both a satisfying mystery and an atmospheric horror journey through a dark nightmare. Humor and tragedy collide to bring a literary experience for its players. Great puzzles, character writing, and multiple possible solutions give credit to its players while personalizing the path to one of the endings. Overall, Strangeland is a complete experience that masterfully balances grotesquerie and relatability.

Crimson Desert is one of the most expansive RPGs I have played. It is a bold open-world experience with rich lore, atmospheric immersion, and dynamic gameplay. Despite the vastness of the world that overshadows the whole story and narrative, it still grips you and keeps you engaged with pursuing new mysteries. It is an addictive game, especially due to its scale. I am still finding new things to this date, and every time I feel amazed. One of the great reasons that I recommend this game to every RPG enjoyer is the care from the Devs. The devs are still hard at work pushing out patches and working on further improvements and features requested by the players.

A lot of love and care was put into the development of Bonfire Peaks, and it shows. It’s an extremely tight puzzler with a classic ‘easy to learn, hard to master’ difficulty curve. The puzzles do get pretty darn hard, and the lack of a hint system won’t sit well with everyone, but it’s definitely worth a look if you have a hankering for well-thought-out puzzle games.

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.

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.

Sail Forth is a game that knows what it wants to do and does it incredibly well. Its world is charming, its mechanics are well thought out and most importantly its gameplay is fun. From battling pirates to delivering packages, Sail Forth can be as relaxing or intense as you want it to be thanks to the free sailing mode. There's not much else like it on the Switch and even on other platforms where you have more options, it's one of the best.

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.

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.

Remnant: From the Ashes is a brilliant game that will undoubtedly satisfy the masochistic urges of all those Souls-Like (really can't apologise enough) fanatics out there that need their next fix of brutal punishment in the form of a video game. The game is let down by a few minor faults and won't provide the same amount of gameplay that the majority of Souls games deliver to players, but the positives of this game far outweigh its negatives and the ability to replay it and take it on with friends negate the admittedly short standard campaign time.

Contraband Police looks like a simple document checking game at the outset. But if you dedicate some time to play it, you will find a decent story and varied gameplay. A good balance of activities prevents the game from feeling boring too quickly, and the story is surprisingly deep. You actually feel like you are a border patrol officer with large responsibilities, managing more than just your welfare. While the game gets harder as time goes on, there’s always something to do that keeps you on your toes.

Overall, Sniper Elite 5 hits its mark. It doesn't reinvent the wheel for this niche genre, nor does it have to. All that Sniper Elite 5 had to do was recapture the formula of Sniper Elite 4 along with some refinements and that is precisely what it does. Sure, the AI could be better and the repetition does slow things down somewhat. However, who really cares about any of that when you can blow off a Nazi's testicles in a glorious high definition x-ray kill-cam? If nothing else, playing Sniper Elite 5 for review only proved to me that it is impossible to get bored of watching digital Nazis die in slow motion.

When it comes to iconic video game franchises, Space Invaders is potentially the most influential on modern culture. With the Invincible Collection, players of all ages and Invaders experience can enjoy 40 years of arcade entertainment, providing more fun for years to come.

SEASON: A Letter to the Future is a beautiful game. If you enjoy an action-free adventure and intricate stories, then you'll thoroughly enjoy exploring the colourful world on offer. The innovative use of the DualSense controller creates a fun sense of immersion as you pedal through the landscapes. Although the interactions with other characters are few and far between, they all come with their own personalities and backstories, which I enjoyed more than the main storyline. Overall, SEASON: A Letter to the Future is a relaxing narrative experience with wonderful art and sound design.

Unto the End is an amazing game. It does miss a few marks when communicating information to the player, and some integrated systems can come off as more tedious than fun. Nonetheless its rich combat, gorgeous visuals, and well-implemented sound effects nail all of the most important aspects. In the end, an individual's experience with the game will most likely come to their view on its extreme difficulty.

As the fourth game in a series, We Were Here Forever is a title that knows what it’s about. The gameplay isn’t particularly flashy, and the story doesn’t feature a series of dramatic set pieces to get your adrenaline up. Instead, the developers have stuck to what they know: building unique and interesting puzzles that demand a kind of teamwork very rarely seen in other games. The game improves on its predecessors in every way, without losing the magic that made the series unique in the first place. If you’re not interested in puzzle solving, then this game is going to be an extremely dull experience; alternatively, if you are, then I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Project Songbird delivers a thoughtful and emotionally driven horror experience that prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling over traditional gameplay complexity. Its focus on personal themes and artistic struggle gives it a unique identity within the genre. Despite minor technical issues and simple mechanics, the game succeeds in offering a memorable journey. It is a strong recommendation for players who enjoy narrative-focused indie games and psychological horror with a slower pace.

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

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

ScourgeBringer is a beautiful game with intuitive combat and bucketloads of style. The difficulty curve is sharp, but if you can power through it you’ll find yourself ensconced in a tough but rewarding roguelike with punchy gameplay and a beautiful look to it.

Airborne Kingdom is a work of art and the developers have absolutely nailed the concept to perfection. It brings something completely new to the tycoon games genre with a rich and detailed story to accompany it. The game is surprisingly well polished and I had a gala of time playing and reviewing it. There were hardly any negatives to the game and the only area of concern was the less responsive camera system. But that is nothing a few patches can't fix! I am sure I will be playing this title for a long time and this will surely turn into an addiction!

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.

Deliver Us The Moon is an incredible experience which I would recommend to anyone in its current form. Its story is short and sweet, delivering all the punches it needs to while rarely over-indulging in itself and wasting its players' time. While it suffers from a few minor drawbacks, they don't come anywhere close to bringing this rocket ship back down to Earth.

Brotato is a twin-stick shooter roguelite game where the player controls a potato character surviving on an alien planet. With simple but enjoyable gameplay, the focus is on movement, dodging bullets, and choosing the right power-ups. The game offers various characters, power-up combinations, and enemy types to unlock, providing a challenging and fun experience. Visually pleasing with clear graphics and adequate sound, Brotato delivers a satisfying and balanced gameplay loop.

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.

Skygard Arena is thoughtful, punishing, and rewarding once the systems click. Its status-driven tactics and persona/relic builds offer genuine depth, especially for players coming from tactics or MOBA backgrounds. For newcomers, early campaign spikes and limited sustain options make the first hours rougher than they need to be. With improved onboarding and a touch more access to healing/cleansing in story missions, Skygard Arena could be an easy recommendation across the board.

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.

It's not the same in a large variety of ways, but it doesn't have to be. Axiom Verge 2 manages to cement itself as both a worthy sequel and a standalone title, embodying the love of the metroidvania genre almost without rival. Those keen on a more open, explorative design will find substantial worth here, though the story and combat may not entirely satisfy. While the appreciation I have for the original game still has me favor it ever-so-slightly, applause should be designated to the solo developer that managed to make two splendid experiences that complement each other as much as differentiate.

Weird West’s combination of the Wild West mythos with dark fantasy elements brings together an enjoyable RPG experience. Being able to forge your own path through the world with your actions and combat is a fun and enjoyable experience. While there are some noticeable flaws, Weird West does a great job of giving you the tools you make to create your own legend in the West.

In its best moments, Noita is a visual treat of interesting physics mechanics, status effects, and weapons that encourage experimentation, explosions, and just a damn good time. It offers hours of amusement and surprises wrapped inside a fairly traditional roguelite offering. What it lacks in actual progression systems, it makes up for with a bewildering amount of exploration and a high skill ceiling for those willing to master it. That difficulty is also its biggest shortcoming, as the ease with which players can die — often unfairly — means a lot of repeating familiar areas and weapons, and the user interface and RNG often get in the way of the better parts of the experience. Noita isn’t a game to sink 50 hours into, but it’s a blast to drop in and experience for its systems, and it 100% lives up the promise that “every pixel is simulated” — often to deadly and hilarious effect.

All in all, TENS! is a fun little puzzler. It’s a little light on story, but there’s a degree of structure and progression in its Adventure Mode, and the gameplay provides just enough variation on its central ideas to keep you on your toes. It takes a single puzzle concept and just trims all the fat from that one idea, and honestly, the result is very well-executed. Play it fast, play it slow, play it carefully or throw your dice around the board with wild abandon – just make sure you get those tens.

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

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

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

Although Land of the Vikings provides a relatively fresh setting in the city-building simulation genre, the lack of content after you pass through the first winter might prove to be unsettling, as with the frustrating Tree of Life system where some basic mechanics are locked behind, particularly the Auto Assign mechanic. Still, if you're looking to relax and throw down some hours into a city/village-building simulation game, Land of the Vikings is adequate to fulfill your spare time.

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

Revenge of the Savage Planet is a beautiful, bizarre, and bitingly satirical romp through corporate space colonization gone horribly wrong. Its gameplay loop is fun and rewarding, especially with a friend, and its world design is undeniably striking. But its relentless satire sometimes trips over itself, burying useful info under waves of chaotic, screechy FMV nonsense or worse, a screen blocking contract. If you can tolerate a bit of style-over-substance and like your sci-fi with a side of snark, this one’s worth jumping into—just don’t expect to always know what’s going on, and definitely don’t trust your boss.

Room to Grow is a game with a simple concept but an astonishing amount of depth. With over 100 levels, many of which really are wonderfully challenging, and a well-rounded collection of anti-frustration features, this is a puzzle game you can keep coming back to whenever you need to lose yourself in the moment for a little while.

Broken Lines is a solid squad tactics game with an intriguing narrative and fair, yet punishing permanent consequences for your actions. While the soundscape is unimpressive and the animation doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny, the varied, colorful locations add an enjoyable visual flair to the experience. The Dead and the Drunk is an engaging spin-off that goes well beyond being a throwaway mode, and offers an additional challenge for veterans. The fully customizable difficulty settings allow players of all skill levels and preferences to find a way to play that’s a perfect fit for them.

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.

Pumpkin Jack succeeds in capturing the essence of older action-platformers while adding its own new innovations in a way that keeps the overall experience fresh. With excellent cartoon visual style and a well-put-together soundtrack, my biggest gripe with the game is that it is not a few hours longer.

Before I Forget is not just a thoughtful narrative experience, but an educational one as well. As video games are an ever-evolving medium, their capacity for building empathy and understanding shines bright in titles like this one. Simple and straightforward, the title effectively communicates the harrowing and beautiful moments of real life.

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

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.

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.

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.

Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption is the perfect continuation of a genre. The same developers who helped bring classic adventure titles to life are the ones who brought this title to life, with the help of some Kickstarter backers. It's a nearly perfect game for those who played adventure titles in the past or players who enjoy exploring dense, witty, and mysterious worlds (with a splash of fantasy along the way).

Despite wishing there was more to do in En Garde!, I understand how a short title can be frustrating. Hopefully, with time, more will be added to this title to make it worth the twenty-dollar price tag. Thanks to En Garde!, I was able to play this wonderful story, no matter how short it was! It has a story worth telling. Maybe we’ll see more of our new favorite swash-buckling protagonist, maybe not; but I for one hope so!

Necrobarista: Final Pour has as much humor to give as it does heart. Witty dialogue and meaningful character interactions combine with unique cinematography and 3D visuals to create a memorable visual novel experience. Additional content like side stories and Studio Mode are welcome in this updated version, but text issues and performance bugs are still present. There is little-to-no gameplay, but if it's a witty emotional story you're craving, this tale of coffee and the afterlife will satisfy your thirst.

Arcadia Fallen is one of those games you fully invest your time into, and then feel sad when it's over. With the amount of outcomes and potential endings this game has I definitely see myself picking it up time and time again. If you are searching for a new take on a classic style of game, then this might be the very thing you are looking for.

Mortal Shell is a reimagining of what a Souls-like game can be. Although it's not a near-perfect game, it pushed the boundaries of what a smaller studio can do. Through all of its hiccups, this dark RPG brings unique mechanics and heavy combat to a different level, but leaves behind some important features that would've improved the experience altogether.

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

Midnight Fight Express stands out as a worthwhile brawler. The exciting gameplay is well supplemented by an intricate story, which sometimes interrupts a well-paced level. While some enemy types and certain levels may be aggravating they do not overstay their welcome. The nearly infinite replay value may have you coming back hours after you replay the story to crush your high scores and unlock some sweet new costumes.

After the Fall performs well in the gameplay department. The guns feel great, enemies are terrifying and diverse, and the 80s Apocalyptic setting of a frozen Los Angeles feels amazing to play around in. Vertigo Games has innovated on their already successful mechanics from Arizona Sunshine, taking a page from Left 4 Dead, while raising all aspects of production quality. Grinding in After the Fall is fun and worthwhile, and the multiplayer aspect works well in VR.

Strayed Lights is a visually stunning game, displaying a highly polished aesthetic paired with a serene soundtrack. The interpretive story, while only a few hours long, resonated with me; exploring the darkness, defeating demons, growing stronger and wiser with each win. However, the narrative wouldn't work as well if it wasn't for the compact combat, which is the shining light of the game. Responsive, fluid, and tightly packed together, the face-on parry system pushes you forward through the dark.

Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is clearly the definitive version of the classic title. This remaster adds many much needed quality-of-life fixes to the 2003 game, from the updated UI to the remastered graphics. This time around it is much more approachable, enjoyable, and the focus on relationships makes the experience stand out among the sea of farming games. However, these improvements can only do so much because the remaster fails to address the underlying problems of the original game. The long, slow days eventually blur together as the lack of strong side activities and festivals hamper the end result.

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.