DARQ: The Complete Edition is the perfect way to play this 2019 hit. With upgraded load times, an improved frame rate and the two packaged DLC levels, if you haven’t yet tried this melancholic puzzler, now is the time. Where the game falters in narrative building and sound design, it makes up for in snappy, addictive gameplay and an art style to both adore and be disturbed by.

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.

Afterdream tells a poignant story which explores the dark aspects of grief. Feelings of blame, depression and loss of identity in the face of deep personal loss are emphasised using various visual effects. Afterdream is a psychological horror which may not strike fear into your heart, but will leaving you thinking about life, death and the in-between. The story is a little on the short side and left me with a longing for another hour or so. However, Afterdream is well written, and the gameplay is simple enough to allow you to soak in the melancholic atmosphere and ponder the narrative at your own pace.

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.

Reptilian Rising is a charming, focused tactical game that fully commits to its identity and earns genuine goodwill through personality alone. Technical rough edges, including UI elements blocking the grid and the occasional menu-locking bug, add friction that a $29.99 game at launch shouldn't carry. At 10 to 12 hours for a single campaign run, a one-and-done player won't stretch Reptilian Rising all that far. Those willing to run it twice on hard, experimenting with a different hero lineup, will find considerably more value. It won't be for everyone, but for the right kind of player, it is hard to put down.

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

In Gas Station Simulator, you get to refurbish your own dessert pit stop in the middle of no where. While there may be minor bugs, weird physics, and repetitive game play, Gas Station Simulator still delights with all of its charms. With its variety of tasks, fast pacing, challenging progression, and overall enjoyable atmosphere, Gas Station Simulator is a must-play for lovers of this style of game.

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.

There’s no point in finding answers to the question in the title; think of it just as a new beginning of a captivating story. I enjoyed meeting Tyler and Alyson - you don’t meet such vivid characters everyday, but was disappointed by the central intrigue of the game. However, the game merits the attention for setting a new trademark for transgender representation in the video games industry and hopefully it will gain momentum in the future. Tyler and Alyson's journey will not leave you indifferent, and regardless of some issues with the storytelling itself, DONTNOD did a good job and I cannot wait to see other episodes. Life is Strange fans have to get over the past, since the studio’s previous work is nothing compared to Tell Me Why. And it’s totally okay.

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.

The Pegasus Expedition in review has a strong story that makes you reflect on your actions. This combined with great visuals and sound design makes for a solid start for the game. However it's gameplay, whilst satisfactory, has yet to seriously impress. It works on the broad level, but less so in the small scale. This being said, with more player involvement in combat and a better tutorial it could become a great 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.

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!

Monster Hunter Rise is a brilliant addition to the Monster Hunter lineup. It delivers incredible combat with newly added monsters and highly-desired mobility. However, it does suffer from messy systems, a mediocre story and can become quite grindy. Despite these flaws though, I have had countless hours of fun and will continue to do so. The co-op aspect just adds even more enjoyment to an already enjoyable game. I just wish the system UI had been redone for PC.

Great Conqueror: Rome isn't for players looking to imitate Fire Emblem or Age of Empires. It's an informative presentation of the military events involving the Roman Empire and presents this through a technically satisfactory gameplay system. The controls can be problematic, and that did ultimately take away from my enjoyment with the game. But if you're looking for a smaller title that will let you take your time and really strategize how best to overtake your enemies, Great Conqueror: Rome is a solid option for you.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the perfect experience for you and your friends if you're looking for a more grounded version of Dead by Daylight. Taking strides into the horror genre since their last major title, Friday the Thirteenth, Gun Interactive brings the fun back in chasing your friends with deadly weapons. Beware that there are several technical issues with the game, along with a limited player base which makes finding games difficult. Otherwise, it's a great representation to the popular Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise!

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.

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.

While Project Dark isn't for everyone, those who find enjoyment in visual novels can appreciate the story and settings experienced in this game. Players who look for more narrative-driven games and focus less on visual aspects will enjoy the scenarios that Red Meat has developed using this audio-based gameplay mechanic. Though I feel the game could have taken a different route to provide a more engaging story, the current state of it lends to a relaxing play session that gets gamers out of their comfort zone.

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.

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.

All in all, Flowing Lights is a pretty novel mash-up of a vertical shoot-em-up and a precision puzzler. It has a ton of style, but the Switch port is let down by some imperfect controls and performance issues. It’s worth a look if you’re into shmups or slightly more fast-paced puzzle games, but you’re probably better off checking it out on PC rather than Switch.

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.

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!

Some witty comedy and decent design definitely make it worth playing but when it comes down to the pure Souls-like gameplay, The Last Hero of Nostalgaia doesn't stand above average. All of the Souls-like stuff is there: weapon variety, stat leveling, losing your currency upon death, resetting enemy positions when resting. But when it comes to the core gameplay, it feels off. Animations feel slow and sluggish.

DeLight: The Journey Home has an important story to tell, about war and trauma and difficult choices. While the first two episodes didn’t quite hit the bullseye, I’m nevertheless curious to see whether the remaining instalments will be able to carry it through. It needs some revamping of the choice mechanics and the effects they actually have on the world and the people you meet, but I hope they manage it, because it really feels like a story worth telling.

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.

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.

Overall, Monster Camp is a great dating sim to play with friends. It doesn't do a lot to separate itself for the previous game and those who aren't fans of the humour will have a hard time enjoying it. That being said, it's a solid game that's made better by its style, writing and great characters. Those looking for something a bit different in the genre, take a chance with Monster Camp.

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

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.

Gothic Murder: Adventure That Changes Destiny is a great little visual novel with an intriguing story, good gameplay elements, a great style, and a soundtrack for each moment. I would definitely recommend this to anybody who enjoys playing visual novels, or players looking for their next mystery.

Outer Terror is a fantastic homage to pulp horror with some strong points in review. The gameplay is largely enjoyable and there some great quality levels and synergy between the game, missions, and side quests. However with a little more to do on each level the game could be great, but at the moment, it often feels like you’re just running back and forth.

Carrion sticks to its guns and nails the landing when it comes to its simple premise as a reverse horror game. It falls short on its lack of intuitive direction and inconsistencies with its puzzles. At times it can be tedious, but overall it is fun. If you need a smaller experience that has a unique perspective to the genre for an interesting experience then look no further to Phobia Game Studio's latest release.

Suffer The Night delivers a thrilling horror experience within the first few moments, keeping you on your toes throughout. It delivers two different horror experiences and never leaves you wondering what lies ahead. It’s not perfect, and the flaws are noticeable enough to impact gameplay. But the strengths outweigh the weaknesses and you will have a few good scares while playing the game.

Chasing Static overall is a really well made game with a lot of potential. It doesn't quite reach the heights it could have due to the short length. However the developers have shown they know how to make the most out of the retro style so that it enhances the game. This combines well with the premise and creates a captivating game despite the limitations. It's definetly worth playing if you are intrigued, even if it's only going to last an evening.

Intelligent Systems have come close to perfecting the look and tone of Paper Mario with The Origami King, but at the cost of landing on a gameplay identity that encapsulates the series' legacy while providing fun innovations to the formula. As such, this game falls below the plethora of first-party Switch games that have taken their series to new heights, but that doesn't mean it's a soggy, crumbled piece of paper either. Paper Mario: The Origami King is a hilarious, dazzling joy ride, that frustratingly doesn't solve all of the issues from recent entries.

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.

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.

Behind the Secret of Rainy Woods gave me a great reason to jump back into The Good Life, a game that while challenging and sometimes frustrating, was also very enjoyable, not to mention memorable. I had a lot of fun getting back into this game and doing the new quests. While they don't provide any new gameplay aside from extra quests, it at least gives you something extra to do. If you liked The Good Life, then you should think about checking out the DLC.

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!

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.

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.

Hearts Of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny is a solid DLC. Adding a great slice of new content that more than just adds in a couple new focus trees and a crowbarred in mechanic like the previous one. The new focus trees are by and large great even if some feel a tad under cooked. However the arms trade system isn't as powerful as it should be. But the other additions almost make up for that.

It may not be a main SUDA51 title but the collaboration with SWERT doesn't feel as different other than 2.5D perspective, which thankfully works well. The gameplay may need some polishing with input delays but it has that roguelike itch that this addict can't resist. Its a nice starter to keep SUDA51 fans going till Romeo is a Dead Man releases. Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna see what else is in store for me during my stay at Hotel Barcelona.

Deck of Haunts provides a solid deckbuilding roguelite experience combined with horror you inflict. It's fun to come up with ways to prevent intruders from reaching the heart of your haunted house. There are some balance issues and that does make the experience feel repetitive quickly. But for a solid roguelite deckbuilder, Deck of Haunts delivers a successful twist on a familiar formula.

The House Of The Dead Remake is a lot of fun, especially if you can get a two player co-op/competition going. Even if you can only play the single player mode, you get to experience the classic arcade shooter with achievements, new weapons, various difficulties and a new mode to keep things fresh. Unfortunately, the controls leave a lot to be desired, while getting all the unlockables and achievements in the game will test the patience of even the most hardcore fans. It has its moments, but the flaws stand out just as much as the strengths.

OMNO is a relaxing experience for anyone looking to escape for a little while. There's enough to keep players involved without feeling overwhelmed, and there's enough charm to its design to keep it from being repetitive. As a whole, it's a good game to pass the time, but not something you'd come back to time and time again.

Sometimes you need to imagine yourself as what you fear most to know true bliss. Webbed manages to create a fulfilling experience through one basic prospect: swinging around as a spider and going really fast. Barreling through forested areas is its forté, with an enamoring excitability that few games can replicate without outright copying the formula. Though it cannot remain stable throughout—the physics-based puzzles and activities outside of this freeing feeling aren't nearly as enjoyable, and some may travel aimlessly until they stumble upon progression accidentally. Nevertheless, it's an overall memorable homage to a prospect both weird and terrifying, which is generally what makes it worth it.

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.

There are elements to Curse of the Sea Rats that really shine. It is exciting to progress through the world in Metroidvania-style watching the animations, cooky boss fights, and listening to the music. When it comes to gameplay such as combat and platforming however, the shine wears off. Pervasive loading screens on the Switch, neutered boss fights, and finicky platforming can make it too difficult to enjoy. The world is worthy to be explored, but with better gameplay.

Hearts Of Iron IV: By Blood Alone is a decent expansion. With new trees for nations that sorely needed them and new features, it brings a healthy amount of content to the game. However, I feel that the new peace conference system is still a little messy. And some focus trees aren't as clear as they should be.

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

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.

Long-time Pokemon fans that don't mind the repetitive nature of these games will have a lot to look forward to here. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is by no means a bad Pokemon game. It's competently developed, but some of the decisions made prevent this entry in the franchise from standing out. The lack of changes from the original titles further bogs down this otherwise solid addition.

Long-time Pokemon fans that don't mind the repetitive nature of these games will have a lot to look forward to here. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is by no means a bad Pokemon game. It's competently developed, but some of the decisions made prevent this entry in the franchise from standing out. The lack of changes from the original titles further bogs down this otherwise solid addition.

Buildings Have Feelings Too! is a unique concept for a management sim game, but unfortunately falls rather flat when it comes to delivery. Whilst the initial tutorial stage is very helpful, it feels like we never progress past the tutorial stage because the whole game is just too linear. The amount of back and forth to fulfil quest requirements is pretty exhausting, and so unfortunately the gameplay just doesn't live up to the fun you'd want a game to deliver. All in all, it's an okay game, but it quickly devolves into boredom.

Mad Adventures is a fun multiplayer platformer. Featuring bright visuals, a toe-tapping soundtrack, and some fun mini-games there is bound to be something fans of the genera are likely to enjoy. Sadly I do feel that in its current state the game lacks variety. And that some aspects of the game need better explaining or rebalancing to make them more worthwhile.

Swordsman VR is a pretty game that offers a slightly different approach to sword fighting in VR. Among the current popular titles, Blade and Sorcery, Hellsplit Arena, Tales of Glory all fail to meet the physical challenge that Swordsman VR brings to the table. Its substantial progression system will keep many gamers engaged until completion. With the addition of personal modifiers and promise of new content and community events in the future, Swordsman VR makes a great addition to a VR library.

Cuddly Forest Friends is a delightfully cozy experience with many adorable moments to be had. The animals are quite charming, the minigames are pretty enjoyable, and combined with the darling cutscenes all make for a snug time. Although, because of the high pricing, lack of difficulty, and repetitive gameplay, I can't recommend it to anyone but younger audiences or casual players.

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

The 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.

Astria Ascending has all the building blocks of what makes great RPGs, but all these separate parts haven't fit perfectly together in the final product. The story and characters have a lot potential but are let down by encumbered pacing and awkward writing. Still, it's a beautiful RPG for those who crave challenging/engaging turn-based combat and eye-catching visuals.

MindSeize will certainly scratch the itch if you’re in the market for a decent Metroidvania game with a focus on challenging combat and enjoyable exploration. While somewhat marred by a clichéd and clumsily-executed story and some occasionally-frustrating gameplay moments, it’s nonetheless a solid offering with beautiful visuals that will appeal to fans of the classics.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors And Ghoul Patrol is a fine combo package of a cult classic of yesteryear. A credible and well spirited effort has brought these two titles to modern systems near perfectly. Any issue that I have are due to the problems inherent in either title; Ghoul Patrol is not as good as Zombies and both suffer from hard to navigate level design at times.

There's nothing wrong with Potion Craft. It's fun, it's chill, but it leaves me feeling like it's missing something. It feels less like a full game and more like a mechanic in search of a game. I can imagine a different game that incorporates Potion Craft as a part of it, maybe something like The Witcher with this game as an optional way to craft and sell potions. But without a story and with such monotonous graphics and music, it's hard to think of this as much more than a short diversion. If you're okay with that, there's definitely fun to be had. But if you're looking for more, well, this might be the wrong brew for you.

The game allows a casual experience for the novice but its true potential will only be unlocked when you crank up the difficulty and spend some time getting to know your army and what it can do. Do that, and you'll spend many hours beating back the German war machine with superior tactics to a very satisfying end.

Homebody is a solid enough experience that works better for puzzle fans than horror fans. The time loop aspect of the game degrades the limited scares to little more than an inconvenience, leaving a dynamic puzzle game that tests your mind and provides the satisfying reward of solving them. This game is a character study at heart, and provides a unique look inside the mind of an introvert racked with anxiety in an interesting way, though doesn't capitalize on all the potential that came with it.

Despite some issues, Spellcaster University is a fun, casual and unique experience that is worth trying for fans of its many genres. However, I could not help but feel that the small studio spread itself thin by mashing together different mechanics. As Sneaky Yak Studio will continue the active development of Spellcaster University for the foreseeable future, they will hopefully solve some of the issues that bring down an otherwise good debut game.

A fancy title must always be attached to a fancy game. Evan's Remains has a certain quality of intrigue to it that is evident from first glance. Gorgeous pixel detail, an isolated environment, and a keen focus on human psychology and heart. Suffering from some issues with landing the endpoint and gameplay prowess, it will inevitably be a selective title for many, notably those with the mindset that story always goes before gameplay. But for those looking for a thought-provoking, immersive game that costs less than a standard theater ticket, the search for Evan is definitely filling in those aspects.

NEO: The World Ends with You hits the highest of highs, but has its fair share of lows. At its best, it's a worthy follow-up to one of the 2000's most beloved RPGs. With style to spare, engaging gameplay, huge replayability and a strong plot, there's plenty to love with Rindo's trip to the Reaper's Game. Yet, we can't ignore the sheer tedium the game constantly displays, especially towards its back half. Repetitive missions, damage sponge enemies that are often stronger than bosses and an obnoxious time travel mechanic all bog down what could have been one of the best games of the year. If you're a longtime fan of the original, playing this is a no brainer. If this is your first time in Shibuya, you're better off catching up and keeping your expectations tempered.

The Shadow Government Simulator is a nice game with good potential and an interesting idea behind it. It's very immediate and quite fun from the beginning. However, it fails at giving depth to the gameplay which makes it simple and repetitive, thus likely to bore many players after a few hours. All in all, it's definitely worth a try if you're into scheming, conspirations, and conquering the world with subterfuge.

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

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.

The benefits of putting all in one is that nothing is left out. An obvious assessment to many, but it creates an unforeseen consequence of having the clearly better portions be a reward for braving a lesser product. If Märchen Forest were simply Episode 3 with an additional introduction period, this would be a more consistently good game. Though to some extent my own expectations with it, given my experience with the previous iteration, also likely affected the outcome. As it stands, it's 13-15 hours of a good game just after 7-10 hours of a mediocre game. If you can wait, there's definitely some fun to be had. Just take your time; no rush.

Do it for your mother. Moon Raider has the style and aesthetic of a memorable sci-fi action-adventure. Where it falters is in the department of innovation and experimentation, proving a little too complex for a developer historically known for mobile titles. Nevertheless, there is enough knowledge and polish to make for an entertaining journey to the moon and back, and if playing as a martian treasure hunter with a giant gun sounds appealing, there's little reason not to give this a... shot. Just watch for secret walls.

Ultimately, I feel the biggest issue with Fashion Police Squad, aside from the premise, is the playability. While it's pleasing to look at and listen to, the aesthetics don't altogether save it. If you're especially familiar with first-person shooters, and looking for something a little different, this has potential to be a very fun purchase; especially if it's on sale.

Gimmick! Special Edition is a re-release of the 1992 platform on modern systems but very much the same game as the one released in 1992. This re-release of the game brings some addition aspects which make the game more accessible while maintaining the original game's integrity. This means the game carries its best and worst aspects from its gameplay and level design to the arcade difficulty.

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.

Endless Memories is a great first attempt at a Metroidvania and has plenty of reasons to entice fans of the genre to try it out. While the game drags at certain points and ultimately outstays its welcome. Great combat, beautiful visuals, and an amazing soundtrack made it a worthwhile experience.

If the arcade scene is your niche, you've found a surefire winner. Jetboard Joust will likely not find a large audience due to its arcade inspirations, which is evidenced by its mechanics and structure choices. Nevertheless, those looking for a brutal game to harness their skills, there's certainly a lot to like here. Colorful explosions, juicy crunch, and fluid animations will ensure that you'll pay attention for a good while. How much longer will depend entirely on your taste for its overall control and adherence to the retro mantra.

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.

While Lunacy: Saint Rhodes succeeds at crafting a horror game full of interesting ideas and cool locations, it's a game that comes off as dull. It's unpolished in many areas and attempting to play it comes off as incredibly frustrating. With more time, it's possible that these issues could be remedied but as for now, only hardcore horror fanatics will be able to find enjoyment in this.

Overall, the game will probably satisfy anyone who is already a fan of the genre, but it doesn't do anything to win new fans. I found myself occupied for hours with the game, but I was never certain whether it was because I was truly engaged or just because even the simplest jobs were considerable time commitments. It has a certain zen quality to it, but there are too many little annoyances and shortcomings to really enjoy myself.

Forgone is definitely a good game, with every inch of the combat feeling just as good as it looks. I just feel like this game could have done a lot more with what it had. There is a tight, Souls-like loop, great locomotion, and satisfying combat. But the forgettable narrative and somewhat generic aesthetic made me not too interested in what was going on outside of the core gameplay loop. That's definitely okay, but stops this game from being much more than a competent Souls-like experience.

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.

The Forest Quartet is a musical narrative game which bends its puzzles with its great atmosphere. The game is a visual and atmospheric treat, while it may lack in terms of its gameplay with its simple puzzles. The game, on the whole, themes itself really well across the various stages to have a breezy and fun experience through its short run time.

It seems absurd to complain about a lack of content in a game that has an endless amount of player-created levels. But for Meet Your Maker, it fits very well. This could be an amazing game, but the limited set of tools available at launch restricts the amount of fun that can be had by both raiders and builders. I'm sure it will be awesome in a year from now, however. With more content and tools, only then will Meet Your Maker truly shine.

Shelter 3 delivers the wildlife walking simulator experience, with a dash of danger on the side. The lush forests with hidden hazards promise a narrative that's teeming with life and death. Despite its strong premise and beautiful art direction, the slow pace of the game and the middling character of the animals in the journey weigh the piece down.

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.

Hogwarts Legacy is littered with small niggles which, when stacked together, make the game feel like it was released over a decade ago. While the castle is a large enough area to explore, the monotony of repeating quests and tasks makes the game feel last-generation and boring over time. Hogwarts Legacy could already use some DLC's in order to expand the size of the world, add more complex spells, and introduce a wider array of enemies. If you are a power-nerd looking for a new and complete RPG, you will have to wait for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, coming in April 2023. While most critics agree that Hogwarts Legacy is near perfect, due to the incomplete feeling of the game and lack of a solid story arc, it feels more Muggle than magic.

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.

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.

The Fridge is Red is an ambitious take on the surreal horror genre, with a mix of good and bad elements. It effectively conveys a sense of madness and nightmares with a simple but good story. The game looks and sounds wonderful even with the blocky retro elements. Ultimately The Fridge is Red falls short of great because of the gameplay. It has some good moments, but there is too much running in circles, especially for such a short game. All that said, if you like this kind of horror, it is still worth checking out.

Button City at its core is a cute, charming story about the trials of life (and how cool arcades are). With a memorable roster of identifiable characters and a unique style of presentation, it's easy to buy into its initial hype. Digging deeper in, various aspects aren't quite as polished as the surface allows witness to, especially those looking for a more varied gaming experience. Those willing to bear the brunt of passing time leisurely won't mind, though players craving a little more may be left disappointed.

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.

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

Lost Awakening is a point-and-click adventure game which asks the question...what would it be like to play a dream or a drug trip? And it completely commits to this idea for good and bad. The trippy visuals, along with the deadpan humour, carry the short game through once it hooks you. It is a short, simple and memorable experience. However, this recommendation is keeping in the fact said is an acquired taste and is not for everyone.