From a storytelling standpoint, there are few games that have affected me as much as this did. The themes explored are heavy but the game has a nice balance of optimism and dread. Music is used perfectly to elevate the emotional impact of the game. Where it falls short however is its gameplay. It's basic, but slightly sluggish controls and frame drops make it a bit of a mixed bag from a gameplay perspective.

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

In regards to the shooting mechanics, there's a solid core with excellent flow. You unlock traversal options that make moving around fast-paced and hectic while shooting down enemies. There are enough guns to unlock that keep the fighting interesting while maintaining their personality. Literally, the guns are characters in the story. Where High On Life shines is the writing. Every character and scene is hilarious while also telling a compelling story. Fans of Justin Roiland's comedy will love High On Life.

Spinch is a uniquely vibrant game with a fast paced first half that turns into a bit of a slog the longer it goes. Unfortunately, the developers decided to skimp on the checkpoints as a cheap trick to make the second half harder. If they released a patch that let you save wherever you wanted, it would raise my score significantly. That said, you are simply not going to find a game that looks like this anywhere else. Just from an aesthetic standpoint, Spinch is worth the price of admission. As it is, I recommend that you play Spinch, but I can't recommend that you finish it.

Since I played Among Ashes last year, I've wanted something on that level of horror and A.I.LA pretty much fills the gap though not 100%. It has a strong start and end with some hit or miss moments in the middle (looking at you Ghost Ship), but its overall a solid experience with entertaining puzzles and scares.

REKT! High Octane Stunts is a simplistic but enjoyable experience that offers up a nostalgic homage to retro games gone by. The fun neon colours and upbeat sounds immerse you in the gameplay, and you'll find yourself really invested in the action. Whilst certainly not perfect, this is a charming game that is ideal for killing a bit of time. This won't be your new favourite game, but it would certainly make a great addition to any gamer's collection.

Akane has potential to be an indie great, but it feels as though it needs much tighter art direction, a lot of polish and a break from the monotony of the gameplay loop. The pixel art is great and the control are very convincing, but it can't escape the feeling that a little more was required to make it feel like a finished product. The fact that it has only one level and (even more bafflingly) only one boss puts a real limit on what the game is capable of becoming. The premise is pretty awesome, but awesome in a way that a 16 year old would enjoy it most.

Pro Cycling Manager 2023 is only meant for the most dedicated of cycling simulation fans, but the game itself is well-made, with no major issues. However, it can often feel like it was just last year's title from the same franchise, but with some necessary updates and a fresh coat of paint. As such, not all players will be willing to pay full price for some tweaks and a fresh new roster.

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

Out of Line is doubtless a polished experience, and an enjoyable one. It’s fun to get lost in the beautiful visuals, and the puzzles strike the right balance between challenging and unfair. Still, the vague story may prove frustrating for some, and the other characters do feel a little under-utilised. Nevertheless, it’s a game that will likely keep you entertained for its modest run time.

Disappointment. That is the singular word this game leaves me with. Somewhere, buried under a pile of glitches and bugs, is a competent, beautiful game, but I am just not patient enough to wade through all of it to find that game. Normally I'd consider a glitch or two as just an annoyance that I can look past, but I legitimately didn't want to finish this game because of some of the glitches. Supposedly there's a patch coming that may or may not address this, and if it shows up, maybe this is worth checking out. As stated, this game without the glitches would easily gain another two points on its score. If you're patient and don't mind constantly resetting the game, there's something enjoyable deep, DEEP inside, but I am not the person to dig it out.

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

Maneater is an original concept that is brave enough to weigh an entertaining premise and pro-environmental message in equal measure. An over-reliance on repetitive item collecting mires a surprisingly Hemingway-esque tale that left me more than satisfied once the credits rolled. Tripwire Interactive managed to capture the thrill of playing one of the Ocean's apex predators in a game that shouldn't be missed. We don't often see games that offer the kind of unbridled fun that Maneater does.

Rune Factory 5 certainly has its flaws. But don't we all? At the end of the day, the FPS drops and asset pop-ins were easy enough to ignore, and don't prevent the charm of Rune Factory 5 from shining through. It is still a very solid title on the Switch, and one that I would recommend to any lover of the farming sim genre.

Nanotale - Typing Chronicles raises the bar for typing games across the board. This is a title that proves teaching tools can make entertaining games as well. The version of the game I played will need some patches before release, but after the bug fixes, I have no qualms recommending it to anyone looking to brush up on their keyboard skills.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has its heart in the right place. It looks, feels, and sounds like Ghostbusters, and with some friends, you can relive the days of playing pretend Ghostbusters. However, it doesn't do much with its gameplay formula beyond the bare minimum. It's great in short bursts, but wears thin after several matches.

You could say that Demon Turf is one Hell of a time. So much variety in worlds and challenges. Heavy emphasis on speed, flexibility, and experimentation. With all the freedom afforded to the player, Demon Turf manages to be a generally great platformer-adventure with just enough on the side to keep things eventful and fresh. If not for some bloated level design, and with heavier polish on outside elements such as combat, this would be a bonafide classic. Even now, it's a phenomenal option for platformer fanatics new and old.

Star Ocean: The Divine Force is the breath of fresh air Star Ocean fans have been waiting for. The storytelling is satisfying and fun, the gameplay is innovative and exciting, and the visuals are colorful and fantastical! Even further, The Divine Force offers a beautiful soundtrack and a handful of challenging battles that ultimately provide a very rewarding experience! Although there are some imperfections, The Divine Force is a magnificent installment in the Star Ocean series!

Killing Floor 3 is a worthy sequel that upgrades everything they did well for the better. It may have a few audio bugs, lackluster story missions and some drops in frame rate when playing online with a full lobby but its addictive gameplay loop, fun arsenal of weapons and gadgets and the high replayability courtesy of the revamped perk system will keep Killing Floor 3 trucking along. Bring on the Halloween update!

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

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

Cartel Tycoon provides a complex business simulator with many moving parts. It is a challenge to learn, but the game provides everything you need to know in an easily digestible way. There are enough obstacles that you can constantly challenge yourself and be entertained by your success in the narcotics trade. Unfortunately, some mechanics are too complex for their own good and the game isn’t always clear on what some things can do. It’s a good survival simulator, but dragged down by its own preventable flaws.

The Chant offers the player a trip into horrors not in the usual settings but at a yoga retreat. An insane cult and neon cosmic terrors separate The Chant from other survival horror games for its unique tone. However, faults in the visual and gameplay polish hold The Chant back from reaching the point of an instant horror classic. Instead, it is a sure-to-be cult classic worth the short journey.

Steelrising is a masterclass on creating mechanics and controls that work in perfect harmony. It reinvigorates a genre that's quickly becoming over-populated, and stands out as an example of extraordinary game design. Steelrising will go down as one of the best releases of 2022.

Kill It With Fire is an enjoyable indie game with a fun premise and plenty of destructive toys to deal with the spider threat. However, the game is short and whilst it never overstays its welcome, it can easily be completed in an afternoon and doesn’t have much in the way of content beyond that, aside from some achievement hunting and time killing.

It's safe to say that I think Hoa is an absolutely outstanding game. My childhood self would be shrieking with glee at this game as it is everything you could possibly wish for out of a nature based puzzle platformer. With adorable creatures to befriend and a story to learn, Hoa definitely has it all. Therefore I cannot recommend this game enough.

Deliver Us Mars is breathtaking in terms of presentation and the underrated but extremely talented cast helps to bring the characters to life. While some of the puzzle mechanics can become repetitive, the detailed and layered story keeps you pressing forward. The sound design also plays a key part in the thick atmosphere delivered by KoekN Interactive, and wearing a headset will fully immerse you in the universe of Deliver Us Mars. A charming and unique game with a compact and deep narrative.

Redout: Space Assault filled the void that I was missing when it came to 3D space shooters. It's simple enough to scratch the itch, but not so small that I plowed through it in one sitting. I wish there had been more responsibility over my ship when it came to ammo or fuel supply, but considering the title originated on Apple Arcade, the lack of this mechanic is hardly surprising. The story beats were predictable but well-written, and I will always be happy with a spaceship skin that reminds me of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

There honestly is a lot to like about Residual, from its decent story to its wonderful pixel-art graphics. Unfortunately, it’s let down by some shallow and unfocused gameplay. With a solid and dedicated developer behind it, though, future patches and tweaks might serve to solve some of those issues, so it’s still worth keeping an eye on.

Gang Beasts will always be a game I enjoy to play, but the release on Nintendo Switch was definitely disappointing. Although I loved it prior to this, I can't help but feel put off from picking it up for a while. I wish there had been something new and exciting for this brilliant release, but I guess we just have to keep waiting.

Whether or not you're a horse lover, The Sims 4 Horse Ranch is an Expansion Pack worth checking out. Horses lived up to expectations, being beautifully modelled and animated, not being overwhelmingly challenging to manage, and providing plenty of fun new gameplay. The mini goats and sheep add a little extra fun and cuteness as well. The world of Chestnut Ridge is perfect for the new gameplay in Horse Ranch and is one of the most scenic and tranquil worlds in The Sims 4. There was some great new stuff added in Create-A-Sim and Build Mode as well, although I feel some extra stuff could have been included. All-in-all, The Sims 4 Horse Ranch will give you a smooth ride in a classically rustic and tranquil setting.

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

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 want a good narrative game that gives you great control and influence over the story and the characters, then you should definitely consider Where the Heart Leads. Because it contains so many different choices and outcomes, it's one of those games that you'll want to replay, so you can find out what may happen if you make different choices. The cast of characters are likable and intriguing, and their realistic flaws and scenarios draw you into their lives. This game will surely take you on a journey of reflection and exploration on how lives can be affected by seemingly the smallest of choices.

Overall, The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny is a good game. It wont blow your mind, but it will provide you with a lot of fun. Its charming pixel art is some of the best among any 8-bit hand held console. SNK made a super competent fighter that deserves to be played. Unfortunately a lot of people outside SNK fans don't know about this game. Luckily the release on Switch allows those who may have never heard of it to easily pick it up and play it.

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

All in all, TRS is a fun, in-depth simulator which can be massively improved in terms of story mode and playable scenarios. The developers have confirmed post-launch support and I expect the game to grow in size through DLCs and User Mods.

There is no denying that Tunche is one of the best Indie titles to be released this year. With a gorgeous art style, great character designs, a rock solid gameplay loop and some sweet action it is a joy to play and easy to learn. However it might prove a little too repetitive for some.

Impaler provides solid shooting gameplay but with very little lastability. There is only one level, a small list of enemies and weapons, and only takes a few hours to collect everything. What it does do well, though, is refinement. It's boiled FPS elements down to a very satisfying core and discarded anything unnecessary. For me to consider it a full game, it needs more levels, more collectibles, more enemies, and more weapons. But for only three dollars, it's kind of hard to complain about it.

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

The updates for Session: Skate Sim have contributed to the overall immersion and added touches of realism to the experience. While there are still performance issues in places, and I am still having to wear the same beanie/hairstyle, the updates and DLC maps successfully keep the game interesting. By adding new spots and slowly but surely implementing new gameplay elements, Session keeps you coming back for one more try, and to see how you can skate a spot differently. One slight inconvenience when using the board breaking option however, is the lack of skate shops in the DLC maps, meaning you will have to frequently return to other locations or use a blank deck. But overall, Session: Skate Sim remains engaging and is still a fantastic virtual skateboarding sandbox.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has a very common problem, the gameplay is amazing, but everything that isn't the gameplay isn't as good. There's a clear desire to mix things up, but Double Dragon Gaiden's attempts to innovate come off as half baked. Regardless, the arcade action is incredibly solid, and it's a welcome return to form for the Double Dragon IP. May the Lee Brothers defend New York City forevermore!

Crystal Dynamics had an ambitious idea with Marvel's Avengers. It attempts to seduce players into endless sessions of heroic carnage in a bloodthirsty hunt for increasingly satisfying gear. In reality, however, the loot drops are brutally bare, leaving the repetitious core without a shoulder to lean on. Somehow Marvel's Avengers finds itself packed with content but also feeling incomplete. Upcoming DLC characters may revive its fleeting heartbeat, but until then, the experience was a bit too depressing for me to enjoy.

Shadow Man Remastered is a great improvement to the game. Nightdive Studios crammed in a bunch of cut content from the original. This includes three huge new levels, enemies, some voice dialog and more. The soundtrack is remastered for better sound quality, and all textures were redone in higher definition. You can also play using the original low-res textures if you want. Nightdive Studios is listening to the community as it fix things for the first major update, including a few things that weren't ready for launch day, like the Seraph Queen boss. Overall, this is a great remaster for a cheap price.

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.

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.

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

Despite its strengths, Neptunia ReVerse should have been so much more. The best parts of the original continue to hold up, with a hilarious script and engaging combat. Yet, this is a remake to a fault. The game looks basic for a PS5 game while the narrative ignores the larger cast. The new features like fishing are welcomed, but aren't implemented well enough. By adding very little and doing nothing to take advantage of the new hardware, Neptune's latest ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.

They call it "Bright," but it's more of a "Sufficiently Visible" memory. The crowning achievement of Bright Memory: Infinite is that it even exists. A one-person studio working with creating the work from top to bottom, with only minimal help from outside sources. While flaws certainly show themselves at an alarming rate, the core idea is satisfying fun. While more for those already engrossed with the everlasting FPS phenomenon, it's commendable just for the attempt.

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.

While offering little to sink your teeth into, Kirby's Dream Buffet is some of the sweetest chaotic fun you can get for only $14.99 USD. I would recommend picking it up if you and some friends are hungry to get a taste of something bubbly and cute. While it is still fun on your own, there's only so much you can get out of the limiting offerings. I personally had a blast and will definitely open it up every once and a while. Especially whenever I feel bored and hungry at the same time. If you just want something to play with friends, you can't go wrong here!

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 idea of fighting on a futuristic motorcycle seemed fun in the beginning, but there just wasn't much else going on with the game to keep you hooked to it for long. The story seems forced and the characters seem like random NPCs who you don't care about. The gameplay elements like the crew are not fully utilized and it feels like they just left it in between to focus on other things. If all of this is taken care of, I wouldn't mind trying Disintegration 2, if it ever comes out.

Broken Pieces has potential as a psychological thriller. Unfortunately, it takes mechanics from the survival horror genre and tries to weave them in. The result is a game that’s fun to play at the beginning, but loses its momentum with a lackluster story. The game isn’t sure what kind of genre it wants to belong to, which hurts the game severely. While some fans may enjoy the gameplay experience, the psychological thriller is missing its story. Without it, it’s just a mediocre experience that doesn’t know what it wants to be.

Although No Longer Home offers an emotionally reflective narrative that will resonate with it's players, I personally feel there were areas which could have been explored further. The game is passionately written with relatable characters, yet the ending felt abrupt and as though I was left waiting for more. Overall though, the laid-back gameplay and simple controls make for a chilled couple of hours, and is a strong first game with clever ideas from developers Humble Grove.

Atari Mania wants to be a love letter to the golden age of Atari. It wants to be a fresh spin on old games. The end result is the equivalent of trying to play an Atari 2600 on a modern TV. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The repetitive microgames and technical issues mar what should be a fun anniversary gift to a legendary company. This anniversary gift is a bit underwhelming.

As a whole, I found DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power extremely enjoyable. I’d argue it to be fun for anyone who picks it up as it’s definitely something I haven’t got around to putting down yet. If you’re looking for something bursting with personality and something to enjoy for hours, this is definitely a game for you.

The Precinct sets out to do what it has promised in the trailers and a bit more. It's a chaotically good time and one worthy of picking up in-between some of the larger AAA titles. It doesn't succeed in everything but more than enough to warrant a large following.

Park Beyond is one of the best theme park simulators I have played. It does miss some features I would have liked to see, such as theme park minigames and a more on-ground experience, but what it does is done well. The coaster-building systems are great, and the business management systems have a lot of depth. The price is a little steep, but I definitely recommend getting the game whenever it is on sale. It might even be a great game on the Steam Deck if compatible.

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.

All in all I think the game is a fun experience and full of action. The amount of heists leaves some to be desired but hopefully more will be added as updates come along. The launch weekend was pretty rough with some bad server issues but are gone as of now. The competitive price as well as fantastic gameplay, customization and graphics make this a worthwhile title for those into shooter like games. The several approaches of each heist really make for a pleasant experience as well. It helps to keep from being linear and boring as many different outcomes can occur.

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

I feel bad that I can't give this game a better score or review, but I can only do so based on my own experience, which unfortunately wasn't very good. It could just be that my game wasn't working properly, but it felt buggy and at times frustrating to play. It's a shame I wasn't able to reach the end, or had the patience to work through everything it had to offer. I don't know if it's just me and if anyone else has shared the same experience, but it would be much better if there was clearer direction, more hints for when you're stuck, and smoother controls. However, it should be noted that other reviewers seem to be having a better time and luck with this game, so it's probably something that's gone wrong for me or something that I'm doing wrong.

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

When you break it down, the arguments against playing Asha in Monster World are plentiful and loud. While the final product may be a bit better than the sum of its parts, it's still a middling platformer that seems devoid of the care that the rest of the remakes in the series have been infused with. In the end, it's an average title that you'll enjoy if you're already a fan, and won't be missing if you're not.

Vampire The Masquerade: Swansong offers a captivating story with some truly rewarding moments when you figure out the more difficult and obtuse puzzles. The story and lore holds the game together, as without it the game could be quite boring. It's a visually strong game with some flair to the cinematography. It's certainly not for everyone, as the game has no combat and is driven almost entirely by reading and dialogue. However it's sure to be enjoyed by fans of investigative storytelling.

Someday You'll Return is an immersive game with stunning visuals, excellent storytelling and rich gameplay. And what I like most: the developers didn't try to reinvent the wheel. But instead took all the best parts from the genre and actually created something new. I’d go so far as to call it one of the best horror games from the last year.

The Magnificent Trufflepigs is a short and sweet experience. The game successfully fleshes out an entire character and their development within the narrative and allows for players to find themselves in the story. While graphics, sound design, and excellent voice performances were polished, the gameplay and storytelling have more potential to hold player's interests.

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

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

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.

Stronghold Warlords takes the winning formula of the series and returns to the original's near-perfect form while improving on almost all aspects of the game. The newly added warlords mechanic didn't strike my fancy in the way I suppose the developers would have wanted, but that's not because it's a bad addition, just that it needs some tweaking to make it a more integral part of the game.

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

Torchlight 3 was bland from the get-go and never picked up in my near 20 hours with the game. It fails to reach the heights of its predecessor in basically every way. Its origins as a free-to-play game shine through and it conveys an overall cheap feeling to the game. Certain aspects like class builds, area design, and combat have been dumbed down in this game. If you're looking for an average ARPG to play with your friends then it may be for you, but with the $40 price tag on its official launch out of Steam Early Access, it will be hard to recommend.

Humanity is a very complex thing to define. Everyone has their own take on what it means to be human, but my personal take is that it involves living as your own individual being, striving to be your true, best self, not merely wanting to be a parasite or a carbon copy of someone else. Under this definition that I've pulled out of my ass, CRYMACHINA isn't very human, or very good. I wanted to like CRYMACHINA, I really did, but like some busted DIY project, none of it's various parts come together to form a cohesive whole.

Space Invaders Forever is a fine package. That's unfortunately all there is to it. For fans of the series, for players who will play with others, for those that don't mind touch screens, it's a great choice. But if any of those things are a problem, everything gets real old, real fast. This is the bare bones version of that massive Space Invaders Invincible Collection, and it isn't enough to satisfy.

Falcon Age is a great example of a narrative game that can work on multiple levels. It works in virtual reality, and it works on a handheld. As a story of liberation, and a story of companionship. The Switch version allows players of all types to explore and enjoy this delightful tale of a girl and her bird.

Combining sharp visuals, smooth animations and tight, responsive controls, Within The Blade is all-round a pleasure to play. The pleasing variety of weapons and tactics invites players to experiment and perfect their skills and execute levels as quickly and stealthily as possible. While it might be a bit thin in terms of story, it has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a challenging stealth platformer and have an appetite for destroying the hordes of evil.

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

Intrepid Izzy isn't a bad game, but it's nowhere near as intrepid as the title suggests. It's a paint by numbers Metroidvania platformer that gets the job done and not much else. It's got colorful graphics and enjoyable gameplay, but it lacks originality. Blatantly copying other games only gets you so far.

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.

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

Its mechanics are muddled and confusing at best and frustrating at worst, but it remains a decent and charmingly presented adaptation of the farmyard fable that so strikingly warns of the dangers of corruption and totalitarianism.

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

Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia is a standard installment into the series. Despite having fun and creative gameplay, there are still a few glitches to be patched. There is an urge when playing to explore further and see things in closer detail. Still, the game is fun to play and easy for younger players to take part with combat and solving puzzles. The game is a positive step in the right direction for the franchise.

Maneater, for all its flaws, is still unbelievably fun. Just having a game that lets you munch your way through the water as a rugged, vicious shark is wonderful. That being said, the monotonous gameplay can sometimes grate (although less so on a handheld console), and the visual downgrade is noticeable, though not egregious. All in all, it is still great fun, even if the issues of the original still persist.

Remedy has successfully pulled it off again, creating another unique experience in an already established world. FBC: Firebreak offers addictive gameplay thanks to the chaotic corruptions and challenging enemies. It may not be adding too to the Remedy shared universe, but its possibly the beginning of something great.

After Us succeeds in delivering a unique and stylish platform experience. While the mechanics are simple, you are challenged to use them in different ways throughout the 12 hour(ish) experience, although sometimes depth perception may cause an aggravating amount of falls. Personally, the story was interesting but lacked the depth needed to feel the emotions which were conveyed on screen. This being said, After Us is a visually stunning game, containing a variety of interesting art designs being followed by the soothing, sometimes eerie soundtrack.

Zool Redimensioned is a great reinvention of a forgotten cult classic of the Amiga era. With fast paced gameplay and plenty of secrets to discover, it can give you a lot to do. However whilst the art style might be nostalgic, enemies and obstacles can be easily obscured and the levels can be hard to navigate at times.

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

Jet Kave Adventure is a fine platformer, but it’s rarely more than that. It looks very nice for the most part, and the sense of humour is rather endearing, but the gameplay is fairly basic and often misses the opportunity to take it a couple of extra steps to make it memorable and exciting. It has some genuinely fun moments, though, and may be worth a punt if you’re a big fan of classic platformers.

Dragon Star Varnir is surprisingly fun even though it is a victim of its own ambition. The game is overall satisfying and enjoyable, but starts to crumble a little under closer scrutiny. There is a lot to love here if you don't mind overlooking some of the flaws, especially if you are looking for a story-driven adventure.

Wheel World is a great time for people wanting a short, easy-going experience. It’s also addictive for a completionist. The small story is just fine, filled with quirky dialogue. The open world is the star, with a chill vibe clashing against the thrill of completing the races. Later races are unnecessarily frustrating but don’t stop this from being a definite recommend. Complete the Great Shift ASAP!

An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs is a very comfy game, welcoming any weary traveler with open arms. The highlights of this experience are its sweet love story and the funny little conversations with the airport dogs. The sprawling stages will delight any explorer, but the actual transit and questing could potentially be tedious for some players. Still, its fantastic writing and its ambiance of pure fun make it a worthy experience for restless gamers - especially the dog-lovers.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach is an excellent addition to the FNAF timeline, and also introduces a new approach to the title without feeling repetitive. New characters and terrors await each new player, and you don't need background knowledge to enjoy the game straight off the bat. Not only will you love this game, but you'll also for sure acquire some new nightmare fuel along the way.

Unusual Findings is visually pleasing. The not-so-hidden pop-culture references throughout were a delight to find, and the voice acting enabled me to engage with the story. There is plenty of content in this 8-bit pixel world, and if you play without a guide will find yourself starting over to see which combination of actions works best. This being said, it would've been nice to have a better hint system in place, and text was hard to read in certain environments, due to it being placed directly on the backgrounds.

This is a must play for any fan of retro FPS titles. Every inch of this game is dripping with action and gore, blowing monsters apart has never felt better. And with a heavy metal OST to top things off, Nightmare Reaper is a high watermark for the retro FPS genre. If the story was as good as the gameplay, this would have been nearly perfect, but if you're the sort of person that doesn't care about story, than Nightmare Reaper is a wonderful time.

All in all, WRC 9 is the best rally experience you can have on the Switch, and up there with the best racing games. With a generous career mode, countless rallies, and great driving, it’s pretty hard to fault its core. But every visual concession made to get it onto the Switch means that every race is much harder. Trees flickering and shadows dropping right out of nowhere make it hard to actually see what’s going on. And that’s pretty important when you’re travelling at speed.