Even when the beat is done, Radio Squid remains an entertaining and challenging distraction for those seeking such. A solid foundation, quirky visual design, and an interesting blend of coin collection and self-created bullet hell allows the title to hold some distinction from the Arcade-inspired crowd. What fun may be had will be determinant on how much tolerance a player has for stringent stipulations, some seemingly unintentional through an unforeseen lack of polish. If the beat doesn't grab you (and it certainly may not), the in-game strategizing will do more than enough to last at least one or two playthroughs.

On the whole, Intravenous is a finely crafted homage to early Splinter Cell titles. It’s definitely worth picking up for its solid stealth gameplay, but a few key aspects of its design really holds it back from being anything really fantastic.

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.

Destroy All Humans is a fun game, there’s no doubt about it. A slick coat of paint and a control reconfiguration helps make the game feel fresh, but the bones of a fifteen-year-old game are everywhere, especially in mission design. In this sense, Destroy All Humans feels like an aberration in terms of gameplay and content. Franchise fans will find an enjoyable chaotic stroll down memory lane, but it might be a hard sell for anyone who hasn’t played the original.

What Body of Evidence lacks in story, it makes up with fun references to beloved pop culture. The overall presentation stands out with a deliberately dull art style and fantastic music. The gameplay is simple but fits well. However, it does little to stand out from the crowd. As a game, it takes the perfect amount of your time; any less and it would've felt a bit pointless; any more and it would've outstayed its welcome.

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.

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes is the perfect game to curl up with this Halloween if you are looking for a scary game to play alone or with friends. However, there are too many stretches where you can put the controller down and forget it is a game at all. For anyone who enjoyed previous titles from Supermassive Games, House of Ashes is more of the same.

Ultimately, Spellbreak is clearly still going through its paces; think about the drastic changes we've seen in games like Fornite since its release in 2017. Thus, I do believe this title will age nicely and continue to develop and evolve as time passes. This does seem to be the case, especially as the game has also adopted Fortnite’s successful formula of being free-to-play, as well as containing an in-game cosmetic store. Nowadays, this a tried and tested format for Battle Royale titles, and it works well for Spellbreak, making it accessible and playful, as well as offering dedicated players something to spend their money on.

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.

Batora: Lost Haven's biggest strength is that it is full of passion. Some of it's ideas, particularly with the story, fizzle out and are lost in the dark. Others, like the inventive combat and fleshed out worlds, are a joy to see and are beacons of light. It isn't for everyone but if it's for you and you meet the game with the right expectations, there is no doubt that you will have a good time.

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

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.

Blood Bowl 3 is a wonderfully charming game that is even more fun to play. Even so, the game falls short with it's numerous bugs and missing features. Unless you're playing offline, the microtransactions and server issues are constantly apparent and getting in your way. If you're looking for a game solely for offline play, Blood Bowl 3 may be for you. Otherwise, you probably want to skip it. Hopefully, with a few updates, Blood Bowl 3 will be as great as it can be.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide transfers the fluid and dynamic horde-based co-op gun and blade combat from Fatshark's critically-acclaimed Vermintide series into the sci-fi/gothic setting of the 41st millennium. Unfortunately, said combat is the brightest diamond among this rough, as the technical issues, unremarkable story, and lazy design choices greatly weigh down on the experience more than its positives can uplift it.

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

The conclusive episode to Telltale's Expanse series didn't leave us wanting more. Instead, we were satisfied with the ending (or should we say endings). Of course, the short episode length instills the feeling of something missing, yet episode 5 manages to bring everything together and tie it down well. As a result, we can accept this as a respectable effort from Telltale as their game wasn't too bad in the end. Dull gameplay elements, not enough time with the crew, really short episodes, and the occasional illusion of choice is what prevents this game from being a Telltale classic. Nevertheless, for fans of the television series, this episodic game is definitely one you can enjoy.

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

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is a mixed bag of nostalgia. As a groundbreaking piece of hardware at the time of release, I’d highly recommend SNK fans to check this out. As games, time has taken its toll on most of them. Ranging from solid to nearly unplayable, these games hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Fighting fans or those who want to carry a fun golf title around will be satisfied with their purchase. Retro RPG players will find something to love here too. If you want that Metal Slug fix, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Overall, the selection is a strong start. With some key titles missing, a second go-around with included improvements will be a welcomed addition when it eventually releases.

Genesis Noir is a shooting star – an engrossing, mind-blowing marvel in the moment, but its glitter does fade away, and its story does not necessarily stir the soul. The interactive sections of the game gave slices of ingenuity in the storytelling of its world but ultimately lets down its fantastic visual presentation. Still, the ambitious and creative forces that banded together to create such a rich experience are worthy of admiration. If you enjoy artsy games with a whole lot of flair, the game is worth checking out for its style alone.

Super Meat Boy 3D successfully preserves the fast-paced, challenging gameplay fans expect, offering plenty of content for those who enjoy mastering difficult platforming. However, its shift to 3D reduces precision and introduces camera and control issues. While some will enjoy the added freedom, others may find it frustrating, making it a solid but imperfect evolution.

Mia and the Dragon Princess is an entertaining FMV game with branching storylines and great action sequences. Other than those strengths, nothing else stands out as the story isn’t developed enough for an impact. Railroading forces the story to go in certain directions, removing the choices that most players are making. While the story itself is decent, playing to unlock all the scenes peels away the exterior to show you the flaws.

Full Metal Sergeant gives you an interesting roguelike experience with a training simulator. You must train your soldiers to fight against enemies who get progressively stronger the deeper you go. The game is short, and sometimes not being able to retain your experienced veterans doesn’t make much sense. But there is a solid training simulation experience if you stick around, and it can provide some fun for a few hours.

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!

I used to have a motto of sorts for finding good restaurants. "Authentic doesn't mean good." You can't base the quality of something purely on how close it mirrors the thing it's representing. Trans-Siberian Railway Simulator is very authentic. Authentic stretches of kilometers filled with nothing but snow. Authentic silence. Authentic cold. It tries to spice things up with the absurdity of your Mafia missions, like being asked immediately to blow up a bridge. That shininess wears thin very quickly though, and the absurdity quickly turns to monotony. There's a decent game in here. If you like train sims, it's perfectly functional. If you like shooters... maybe look elsewhere. If you're looking for both, well, that's weird. But so is this game.

The Book Walker: Thief of Tales plays with the tantalising premise of being able to physical engulf in a fictional world, however I found it to slightly under deliver in its execution. While the story is well-written and there are some intriguing plot points along the way, the gameplay slightly impedes on the enjoyment of the novels. That being said, each of the world's have their own fleshed out environments, characters and lore, and Etienne's story kept me hooked until the final pages.

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

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.

I can't say that I'd recommend Naheulbeuk. For fans, it's great that this world is being released in English for the first time. But the overall execution is poorly affected due to technical issues. Beyond the bugs, the humor can be way too much, with the characters constantly cracking crude jokes throughout the experience. If you want something a little less polished than South Park, this might be a good fit. Otherwise, wait to see if it gets patched.

As it stands, Mario Golf: Super Rush is an overall disappointment, especially for those already fond of the series and prefer solo play. Nintendo has stated that free updates will come to the game post-launch, though I don't suspect anything less than substantial new game modes will suffice in making this worth full retail cost. With some lacking graphical polish, an underwhelming single-player mode, and not much else to do, only those truly obsessed with the sport of golf will find immediate gratification. It's more like Mario Golf: Super Rushed.

Ultimately, The Good Life is a good game with some flaws. There are some features that the game probably could have done without. Nevertheless, the story is very interesting, as well as the characters, and there are moments which are genuinely shocking or funny. While Naomi's character can be obnoxious at times, she also makes a good protagonist in a "fish-out-of-water" situation, complete with funny snarky moments. Aspects of the game make it quite addictive, such as profiting from taking photos and posting them on the computer, as well as completing the main story quests and side quests. The game does allow you to play at your leisure, so you can go off and do some other activities such as gardening or cooking or crafting. The ability to turn into a cat or dog is unique, beneficial, and easy to use. For a game made on a modest budget, The Good Life isn't bad at all.

GunTech 2 delivers plenty of arcade-style action at the cost of coming up with interesting missions to set them in. Blasting away enemies and upgrading your ship feels satisfying, especially as you unlock crazier weapons to deck out your ship with. If only the missions had as much creativity. GunTech 2 comes close to being good, but it falls short in some critical areas.

Aka's concept is one to remember. The idea of a red panda pondering and moving forward from his past is certainly unique. We peer into the little guy's history and learn about the last moments he spent with his loved ones. It’s a game that’s sure to pull at your heartstrings and put you at ease, though I can’t help thinking about how much better it could be.

As a whole, my time spend with Momolu and his welcoming friends was definitely enjoyable. I can see myself going back to this game in the near future if I need to take a step back from how busy and fast paced day to day life is. It's certainly not going to be every adult's cup of tea, but Momolu for sure has a friend in me.

Wizard of Legend 2 presents an enjoyable roguelike experience where you combine elemental spells to create powerful combos. The magic experience is enjoyable but it doesn't stand out from other roguelikes that have come before it. This makes Wizard of Legend 2 hard to recommend when another roguelike offers something more distinctive.

Cyberpunk 2077 has something special deep inside it, but its ambition falls short, leading to consistent issues that hinder the game's positives. Some areas hit where it should for an RPG, but the lack of meaningful choices make the main and optional quests feel hollow. Maybe with bug fixes and content updates, we will see the true potential of Night City.

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.

I don't know what it is with me and towers, but Tokoyo is the third game in a row with a tower in it that I've reviewed. Alright, fine, down to business. Should you buy Tokoyo? Maybe. What will decide it is how important story is to you and your tolerance level for pandering. From a gameplay perspective, Tokoyo is solid, even fun sometimes. There's some interesting ideas and I really liked the design. But, I'm not going to keep playing it now that the review is done. If you do decide to buy it, I suggest getting the Steam version. The Switch release is only available in certain countries, and the Steam one has a bunch of extra features.

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.

Passion is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have a spirited, ambitious attempt to create the next sweeping epic the likes people can latch onto and discuss for years to come. On the other, you have a relatively short game that does not afford the story time to develop to get to that emotional boiling point. While a pretty solid Point & Click adventure with intuitive puzzles and a neat I Spy side-hunt, The Sundew will always be marred by its own insistence with telling a five-hour story in two hours. I appreciate the attempt; it just didn't land as intended.

While lacking in graphical output and player customization, Nimbus Infinity gives mech enthusiasts a fun, quick ride through an interesting yet familiar story. The length of the game is a key factor for anyone short on gaming time who is looking for a few hours of entertainment. The 2D elements portrayed during storytelling appeal to fans of visual novels who want a more involved adventure while retaining the relaxed experience that visual novels provide.

While YesterMorrow succeeds in creating an interesting concept for gameplay, the implementation of time travel quickly becomes tedious, and without other interesting abilities, the platforming and puzzles quickly become boring. However, the story, visuals, and soundtrack help to make up for this, and will help drive you through to the game's conclusion.

Betrayal At Club Low does a great job at providing a new take in the point-and-click adventure genre. Being able to choose your own methods of resolving the situation is fun and gives the player a sense of control. Failure is rarely permanent, and you can always keep trying until you succeed. There isn’t much in terms of replay value unless you are someone who aims for 100% completion. It’s a nice game for 2-3 hours, but you are likely not revisiting the game for anything remarkable later.

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

Session: Skate Sim's port to Nintendo Switch was an ambitious project, which took some hits in the graphics department. While I won't be giving up my PlayStation Session for Switch, the game still holds up and retains the essence of the game. The try, try, try again gameplay remains, as does the accurate control scheme used to perform tricks, making this the ideal game for skaters whose primary console is the Nintendo Switch, or want to carry the skateboard sim in their pocket.

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.

JANITOR BLEEDS provides a great first-person horror experience where you balance puzzle-solving with hiding from a pursuer who relentlessly hunts you down. The simple graphics and well-timed audio enhance the horror experience, making you dread the pursuit. However, the lack of a story is a missed opportunity that could have immersed the player in the game. Slow loading times and a few gameplay quirks also prevent Janitor Bleeds from becoming the masterpiece it could be.

For what it is, SkateBIRD is a fun and interesting title unlike any other. While it may have some flaws, they don't run so deep that they break the game or make it entirely unenjoyable. For those looking for a casual skating experience with a fun soundtrack, this is an easy one to recommend.

UFC 5 officially marks the UFC franchise joining the ranks of every other sports game in 2023. Like a dog that is repeatedly fed the same meal everyday, this game's player base is forced to settle for a play experience that is virtually similar to UFC 4. Using a new graphical engine to release the same game from 3 years ago but with the number 5 on the cover this time feels a lot like putting a hat on a hat. This is a lateral movement for the series, which to be fair, is better than a step back.

It's a long path to the truth; good luck getting there. Though my score is somewhat low, those particularly fond of Point & Click will find more to digest here, if not a sufficient challenge. Trouble Hunter Chronicles: The Stolen Creed is a pretty packed adventure with a lot of dialogue and puzzle-based trials. If one can get past some rather apparent technical visual and auditory mishaps, it's a perfectly satisfactory mystery title geared towards retro veterans. But I really must stress: good luck.

Godstrike can be a rewarding puzzle-shooter experience, but its inconsistent difficulty hinders enjoyment, leading to frustrating early battles that marr the game's positives. There is little to no story to pull players through its more challenging moments, but the time/health system is a tough, unique puzzle that can elevate Godstrike from a repetitive slogfest, into an experience worth your many deaths.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising has severe repetition, killing its momentum. Characters are likable & grow, presentation is top notch, and its gameplay structure has a certain satisfaction. However, the main story is overshadowed by filler for minimal reward. Combat takes too long to become enjoyable & grinding is required to upgrade characters but doesn't impact actual game difficulty. This is a decent 15hr story turned into a 35hr completion slog for those who choose to do it. Proceed with caution.

Bladed Fury is finally here on PS4, and it’s a game of two halves. Whilst the gameplay and artistic design are stunning throughout; the game is sorely let down by a frustrating narrative, poor sound design and a distinct lack of polish. Whichever way you look at Bladed Fury, like a blade without a handle - you're left holding the pointy end.

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

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

Outlive has its pros and cons but was at the end a reasonably enjoyable horror experience. The story was lacklustre and in need of more development, and there were some minor problems with the gameplay, but it succeeded in being a bite size horror that gets your palms sweaty. Outlive walks the well trodden road of modern horror games. It's a formula that works, and it works pretty well here. Its struggle will be distinguishing itself from similar games with bigger names and teams like Outlast.

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

Nova Antarctica presents a difficult survival challenge but that's mostly because it's difficult to know what your objectives are. While surviving against the brutal weather is part of the fun, it's also challenging because you must restart with every failure. It's a game where you must dedicate lots of time to learn and the mystery isn't a big draw. You may be entertained at first but it could be tough to continue playing.

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

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.

Spellcaster University is a game of contradictions: chaotic yet structured, charming yet quickly tiresome. Its systems are deep, its personality undeniable—but its transition to Switch is clumsy at best. This version demands patience, sharp eyesight, and a high tolerance for fiddly menus. If you can meet those criteria, there’s a mildly entertaining time-waster hidden beneath the clutter.

Garden Story is a very charming game to look at but, unfortunately, is not very fun to play. It often feels too slow for an action game and doesn't reward the player enough for their time. I did enjoy how it portrays its themes of communities coming together and the story of a rising hero, as well as its music and art style. If there is ever another chapter to this garden story, I will be interested in seeing how the gameplay improves.

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.

Whether bitter or sweet, high school will always be memorable. The strengths of Fujiwara Bittersweet comes through the energy and expressiveness of its characters. They make the experience work, and unless you find them unsatisfactory, there is a lot to enjoy going through their stories, especially for free(!). However, from a structural standpoint, there's much to be desired in terms of variety, with a lot of things recycled over or stretched out needlessly. Buckled with some minor technical shenanigans, it's not an immediately recommendable visual novel. But above all, the wholesome vibes (and it being free) are more than enough to at least take a peek. And Ichigo.

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

A great example of a game that is slightly hampered by the fact that it's a game. The amount of charm to Retro Machina is undeniable—nostalgic, beautifully crafted visuals; a sense of ambition, and a dedication to classic sci-fi. Frustratingly, it also falls victim to a trap of sticking to one or two gameplay formulas that sound better on paper than otherwise. I predict the game may end up slightly divisive, with those more keen on the superb visuals and subtle storytelling being kinder than the alternative. Should you take the chance, take heed of your desire for excessive combat and puzzles. You'll certainly find it here.

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

Charge Kid is a bite-sized idea that could turn into something great with some additional work. At this point, it's great for the price if someone is looking for a challenging platformer, but for players on Switch or PC, you'd be better off picking up something fully-formed, like Celeste.

Ultra Age is the sort of game that could have benefited from more polish and a stronger narrative. The performance on Nintendo Switch is disappointing, but the largest problems with the title are with the narrative structure and presentation. If there is ever a future for this franchise, the focus needs to be on building the existing combat into a cohesive storyline, because right now, it just doesn't cut it.

You will die. A lot. iota is a game that heeds the call for the challenge enthusiast in many players, employing restrictions that call back to even retro-level difficulty. Whether this appeals to you will be the deciding factor in giving the game a chance, as much else is too bare to provide additional motivation. Difficulty for difficulty's sake, it's a challenge to the world. If not for the pleasant audio/visual presentation, this would be a fantastic game for the hardcore and completely passable to all else.

The World After gives us a captivating story concept for our present time. The potential for a great story made it all the more disappointing that the execution wasn’t what it should have been. A few poor design choices stop the game from matching the expectations of its intended genres. This game was an ambitious experiment, but I’m sad to say that it falls just short of meeting its goals.

Monster Sanctuary is a genuinely impressive Monster Collect-a-thon, offering far more customization and tactical variety than its competitors. All other aspects of the title fall spectacularly short, however. The story is abysmal, the environments have nothing interesting to discover, the Metroidvania elements are incredibly basic, and the level design lacks any notable features. If you’re here for the monster battling, you are likely to have a lot of fun with Monster Sanctuary.

Overall, Hello Neighbour 2 has too many problems to hit it’s full potential. The game looks great, and has some strong ideas, but ends up being neither ‘stealth’ or ‘horror’ as it bills itself. There’s enjoyment to be had, especially from the family-friendly angle and for those who like solving puzzles. However fans of the original and casual gamers will find it too short and unengaging to remember it much. Ultimately it feels like the game is stretched too thin. The lack of story and sparse open world leave it feeling directionless.

Dying Light Platinum Edition carries its plentiful DLC and flawed base game into an overly expensive package. The amount of content might justify the cost, but its problems and age make it hard to justify spending the money on a six-year-old game. Regardless, zombie fans will be delighted to check it out as they prepare for the sequel releasing later in the year, but you might want to wait for a sale.

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.

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

I had really high hopes for Poison Control, but it's definitely a weird experience for your opinion of a game to plummet as you play. The game mechanics are really fun and interesting, and in most dialogue cases, the writing is really entertaining. But the mishandling of assault put a really bad taste in my mouth, and on top of that, combat became really repetitive. The limited scope of enemy types and recycled weapons led to a less than stellar overall experience.

Gunboat God gives you an action-packed game that tests your reflexes and incentivizes you to practice your skills. With several enemy variations and level objectives, there's plenty to do as you master your use of the gunboat. Unfortunately there's nothing but gunboat combat and high scores that keeps you playing. It's great for anyone looking for a good action platformer but just wants the action.

If I had to describe Front Mission 1st, I would say that it truly does feel like a war, or at least what I imagine one to be like. I'm too much of a coward to join the army. Battles are intense and exciting, but when you're supposed to be relaxing, things are annoying and cumbersome, and you always feel left in the dark when it comes to the true intentions of your superiors. Front Mission 1st does a good job of setting up an interesting world, one that I hope the impending remakes of its sequels build upon.

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

If not the boy of your dreams, you'll always have mozzarella. Love Spell: Written In The Stars does well to provide the cute, inspiring, and romantic vibes they were going for, even as a debut work. What reduces the magical charm is the practical inadequacy in which the game runs, which suffers from glaring basic omissions and faulty wiring. With all considered, it's still a memorable experience of ups and downs, and whichever direction feels most prominent will heavily depend on how the characters grab you. Due diligence is necessary before purchasing, so be sure to ask yourself if you prefer cheese or no cheese.

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord feels chained to its retro inspirations. While very little could be considered objectively poor, there's a lack of care to innovate that leaves Refrain Chord feeling bogged down. Between the hollow feeling world, the likeable but generic cast of characters, the poor Switch performance and, in particular, the strained strategic combat that actually takes decision-making away from you, everything makes Refrain Chord feel stuck in the past. If you're itching for some classic fantasy or anime fun, this game will certainly scratch that itch. If you're looking for something more, though, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Bogos Binted has several games that are great for quick fun with friends. The fast pace and unpredictability give everyone an equal chance to win. However playing for extended periods of time drains you and it's hard to find a suitable online game without friends. If you have friends, this game is easy to recommend but without other copies, you can't experience the game's full potential.

Hand of Doom is a game that perfectly captures the essence of old school RPGs and dungeon crawlers. The visuals, audio, gameplay, and story reflect what it is like to play games back in the 90s. If you don't mind cheesy dialogue, pixelated visuals, and some silly FMVs, you will enjoy this game. For players who aren't used to the dated experience, the lack of appreciation could ruin your experience. It might be better to pass the game up if that is the case.

Cruise Ship Manager is a simulator that demands your full attention when managing a cruise line. Everything from the preparation to the journey must be accounted for and you can't take your eyes away. While it is great to have control over every aspect of your ship, it does get exhausting after a while. An inability to queue commands and having to monitor for problems tires you out. The game's visuals are decent but if you try to put indicators it can slow down your performance. It's a simulator that is best for those who are good at micromanagement and don't like using much automation. Other players might want to stay away if that's not the case.

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.

The title rings true, as this might be the coziest game I'll play all year. The lovable characters make for great friends, and the island's scenery is the perfect backdrop. The story of the Spirit Scouts shines through particularly well, despite how slowly it's told. Unfortunately, these high points are held back by confusing design choices. The gameplay isn't poor but gets a bit dull over time.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - The Dragon's Gambit is an alright DLC. It's easy to hop into and takes place in a unique period of Battletech lore. It also provides a challenge to MechWarrior veterans. But it is just more of the same game. There is very little that makes this DLC feel different from the base game, and I do not believe it is worth the current asking price.

It may say Wicked, but it's not always wicked. Devespresso Games' attempt in bringing fairy tales to life in their own way is an admirable, if not entirely original effort. With a solid array of puzzles and poppy visuals, there's enough to like throughout that will eagerly please those fond of Point & Click-likes of yesteryear. Though the choice to forego Early Access may come across in the game's technical details, with some rough patches performance-wise being noticeable. With other features feeling underwhelming and perhaps a lack of solid identity, this modern tale is best served for those fresh to the genre.

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

Bounty of One feels like a rushed and unfortunate clone of more successful reverse bullet-hell titles. Rather than expanding the gameplay with unique enemies and relics, Bounty of One restricts its players to one arena with just a handful of different enemy types. Not being able to shoot while moving turns the game into a stutter-fest at higher difficulties. There are a few things to like here, but I have a hard time recommending it.

Unfortunately, having a solid conclusion to this episode is not enough to make up for the extremely dull gameplay loop and lack of urgency present in the episode. You find yourself almost forgetting it is a Telltale title due to the illusion of choice that is everywhere. Not only do your actions feel pointless, but the plot derails and things get a bit odd in terms of plot-relevancy. Moreover, in a game where narrative is the main gameplay loop, it's hard to fully immerse yourself if the choices aren't impactful, no matter how good the atmosphere and ambience is. Hopefully, the final episode of the series can wrap it up on somewhat of a positive note.

Breathedge has a lot of potential, both in its gameplay and its writing, but ultimately it falls short in its current form. 'Subnautica…in SPACE!' feels like it should have been a slam-dunk, but frustrating gameplay loops, tired jokes and some questionable design decisions in the late game result in a distinctly average experience at best. Hopefully the team will be able to address some of the issues in future updates, but some of it may be beyond help.

Liberated has a unique art style, and does a great job of blending the classic detective noir genre with the tantalizing cyberpunk medium. Unfortunately, the gameplay falls completely flat with a lack of depth and continuity with intriguing mechanics.

Coloring Voxels is a soothing, cute, and fun little paint-by-numbers game. Whilst it isn't a gaming revolution it has everything that it needs to be charming and to help you to relax after a busy day. The gameplay may be too simple for some. And the harsh truth is that some diorama pieces can get monotonous given how many layers of the same colour you can end up needing to colour in.

The Devil In Me is one of Supermassive Games' most interesting title to date. It's an entry that expands on their classic horror formula while never straying far from the decisions that made these games so fun. Unfortunately the plethora of bugs made getting through this title a nightmare. While there is still fun to have in the story and gameplay, it's a title that's recommended to play through in a few months when these issues are fixed.

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

All in all In My Shadow is a really fun game with a very good, interesting premise that has not been polished. There are a lot of aspects of the game which have been left unfinished, and that most times overshadow its greatness. This could be fixed with some big updates or even a remake, but it will take time and time's a luxury. The game is not one that will be stuck with you forever, nor it will change your life with a rich story, but it is decent. Its gameplay is pretty good and fun, even challenging at times with a lot of interesting, changing characteristics. It feels like some other, more complete and worked out game could be created from In My Shadow; and it could be quite unforgettable, but the game is not there yet.