Minicology is more than just a survival game, it’s an invitation to explore, tinker, and unleash your creativity. With its charming visuals, in-depth crafting mechanics, and emphasis on automation, Minicology offers a unique and rewarding experience for gamers of all stripes. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or simply enjoy a relaxing and visually captivating adventure, Minicology is a must-play title that will keep you hooked for a couple of hours.

Smurfs Kart is a fun and family-focused affair. With colourful graphics and familiar stage design, this will impress every fan of the Smurfs. Moreover, the accessibility options are perfect for younger gamers. Sadly, though, it isn't tough enough for older players and the action becomes repetitive.

Deep Diving Adventures is a wonderfully relaxing and interesting diving simulator. Undertake many quests, upgrade your equipment, and avoid every predator. The inclusion of the DLC adds longevity and makes this great value for money.

1 Last Game’s Reclaim the Sea is still a charming and enjoyable—albeit brief—experience, blending pirates and strategy. There seems to be a promising future for the game and I hope the developers can deliver!

Montezuma's Revenge - The 40th Anniversary Edition is tough, frustrating, and often unfair, but I loved it regardless. I adore the old-school vibe, the interesting stage design, and the unforgiving gameplay.

Desktop Dungeons: Rewind, is an enjoyable game with a lot of puzzle-based gameplay and a variety of different modes. Unfortunately, the game has faults like the cheesy dialogue and the intrusive UI. However, the amazing character designs, amount of content, and great puzzle gameplay far outweigh the bad. Although the game can be frustratingly difficult, the game is still overall an entertaining experience. I recommend giving this game a chance if you are interested in trying out this unique hybrid of rouge-like and puzzle gameplay.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland has a wonderful 90s edge. Furthermore, the action is easy to understand. However, this simplicity will frustrate older gamers. Accordingly, this is a child-friendly title (when played cooperatively) that has a niche appeal.

JustAxe is an exciting 2D platformer with puzzles, interactive environments and unusual setting! Solve riddles, combine your moves, and set out to save your hometown and possibly all of humanity... And don't forget to take your axe with you!

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a tale of two halves. On the story front, it might be one of the weaker stories for the MMO. Wuk Lamat is an overbearing main character who is illogical at times. None of the other new characters stand out, and fan favorites from previous expansions don’t significantly impact the story. On the other hand, the dungeons and trials are some of the most fun I’ve had in the game. Both new classes are a blast, and the graphics update adds a nice touch to the game. Fans of the story might be disappointed, especially after Endwalker and Shadowbringers. This expansion delivers on all fronts for players looking to grind new content.

The game is also exclusive to PS5 of all things supposedly because it hopes to implement PSVR. Not for the actual game mind you, but just for a first person cutscene at the beginning. I’m not sure of the story behind this exclusivity, but this seems like an odd way to split your fanbase especially when the last game was available on practically everything.

If you grew up chasing high scores, hunting secrets, and replaying the same map to leave no secret behind, Pie in the Sky will feel like coming home, even if the visit is a little shorter than you’d like. The price might seem on the steeper side with regards to the short play time but I would spend my money on it to support the indie developer in hopes for a more refined nostalgic trip in the future.

Despite it not being my cup of tea, Squad 44 looks promising, especially with recent updates and continued support from the developers. If you’re a fan of online multiplayer tactical FPS and WWII history, Squad 44 is worth your time.

Immortal Life shows a lot of promise. It’s varying gameplay mechanics left me clambering for more, and the addictive management systems were very immersing. Though the graphics and narrative pacing are a cause of concern for me, these could be remedied in subsequent updates. If you are a fan of casual games, then this may be something worth picking up. However, I’d strongly recommend you wait until its official release date to get a full understanding of the games potential.

Reverie Knights Tactics is a fun but tough turn-based tactical RPG. You must control a small band of heroes as you fight relentless foes, manage your stats, and plan every move. It is tough and requires a methodical mindset.

God of Rock is an enjoyable rhythm-based combat experience. With vivid graphics and incredible audio, this is a treat for your eyes and ears. Moreover, the challenging gameplay will test your dexterity and concentration. However, a weak player base and a lack of depth hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Saint Kotar is a grim, sinisiter, and dank point-and-click title. With a strange and slow plot, and many twists and turns, it can be tough to swallow. However, with time and patience, you'll enjoy a horror game that is eerie and story-rich.

Demon Skin is a grim and gritty side-scrolling adventure title. With slick combat and tough encounters, this old-school experience has a modern edge. Though it is a bit of a slow burner, I recommend fighting through the pain.

Sophstar is a casual shmup that is addictive and fun. With 6 game modes and 6 difficulty settings, this will keep you busy. What's more, the never-ending bullet hell will test your patience and reactions.

If you’re looking for something more than just a simple, point-grabbing experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But hey, if you’re into ducks, dashes, and collecting points just for the sake of it, then, by all means, have at it.

The Kindeman Remedy is a sinister and chilling management title. Moreover, its grim gameplay and horrific torture scenes will haunt you. However, the repetitive action may put you off. Furthermore, cumbersome navigation controls were frustrating.

Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening is perfect if you love the anime series. Furthermore, it is quirky, niche, and full of witty one-liners. However, if you do not like the 80s cartoon, the action, story, and blend of retro cutscenes will not resonate.

Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a fun addition to a much-loved base game. Moreover, it adds story focus and vertical traversal for a new flavour. This was great, even though it makes it a little challenging for younger players.

If you’re a fan of Factorio and looking for a new challenge that emphasizes factory building and automation in a space setting, Final Factory delivers a solid and enjoyable experience. I would definitely recommend picking the game up as it is still extremely easy to lose yourself for hours upon hours as you make a mess of your space station and start again and learning new things every time.

Taxi Life - Delivery Driver is a nice addition to the base game. However, the simple mechanics and rudimentary gameplay may disappoint. I enjoyed the first instalment, but expected much more from the DLC.

Nine Lives to Defend was a surprisingly fun and addictive experience, I enjoyed it so much that even after I played for a good amount of hours to be able to write a detailed review, I went back to it enjoying it as much as I previously did. The delicate hand-drawn art style, wacky abilities, power- ups and interesting enemies was what made Nine Lives to Defend a fun cozy game, even if it did involve exterminating critters.

Deadlink is a relentless arena-based FPS with rogue-lite elements. You must jump, dive, and shoot your way to victory. However, death is guaranteed, and failure is all but assured. Yet, this matters not as you become stronger, faster, and wiser with each passing playthrough.

Overall, My time spent with Eugène on his journey was one that I found mostly enjoyable, even if I did find myself frustrated with a good portion of the adventure. I would spend countless minutes re-reading dialogue and documents in an attempt to find something that might have been missed and often would end up scratching my head at some of the solutions. While this might not be as strong as something like the Professor Layton series, I definitely would love to see something like this again from this team.

It is simple, light-hearted fun that would be great for those interested in board games and dungeons & dragons. I found myself playing into the evening a few times even though I typically do my gaming research during the day. I enjoy diving into an adventure packed with side quests to tackle. The wacky and wonderful characters I meet along the way stand out, and their stories are consistently well written. If you have family or friends that you think would enjoy this, then I can especially recommend it to you.

This is a wonderful game, with plenty of puzzles and beautiful background scenes and objects to marvel at while playing.

Petit Island is a wholesome family-friendly game that is wonderful to play. The slow action may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like to relax and explore, this should be on your radar. It is easy to play and children will need little guidance to enjoy the story.

A lot has changed in the roguelike genre since Shiren’s last adventure. Many of those evolutions in the genre make playing this game feel a little dated. I wish there were more to do in the hub world. I wish I could build my character in the dungeons rather than rely on items to survive. Despite not having those things, learning how the game works is still fun. For those looking for a challenging roguelike, Shiren The Wanderer offers a dungeon crawler that makes players think about how they move. While there is strategic depth, its clunky movement, unengaging combat, and generic fantasy plot keep this game from being a great roguelike.

Him and Her Collection is a minimalist puzzle title about separation and loss. You must rotate each world to create new paths and overcome obstacles. With 3 chapters and plenty of drip-fed mechanics, this will keep you busy.

Care Bears: To The Rescue is a safe, colourful, and fun family-friendly game. Moreover, the simple approach makes it the perfect game for inexperienced players. Though the action is rudimentary, young children will adore the colourful world and the lack of violence.

Music Drive: Chase the Beat is a short but sweet indie experience. The casual action can be confusing, but once you understand the core premise, you'll adore every pixelated moment.

Riftbound tries some new things within the lane defense genre and succeeds with most of them. As someone who isn’t a big fan of lane defense games, I enjoyed myself for the most of it. If you can look past the mediocre graphics and sound as well as stereotypical story, I can easily recommend this game to anyone who likes strategic lane defense games.

Spellcaster University is a niche magical experience. Can you build a university and work with every faction? Though the tutorial could have been better, trial and error and an excellent UI keep you on track.

Hitman: World of Assassination on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers an impressive stealth experience, bringing the complete trilogy to handheld and docked play without relying on cloud streaming. With strong performance, expansive replay value, and well-optimized controls, it's a solid port with only minor visual compromises. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this version offers a satisfying way to experience Agent 47’s globe-trotting missions on the go.

Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case is a fun but simple detective adventure title. With colourful characters and an interesting and faithful story, this is great for fans of Christie's work. However, it is far too easy and that holds it back.

Quintus And The Absent Truth is a strange first-person horror adventure title. With loss and companionship at its core, it is emotive and haunting. Explore each chapter and solve puzzles with the help of your mouse friend Quintus. However, you may want to steer clear of the supernatural forces at play.

Truck and Logistics Simulator is a fun simulation experience. However, its lack of depth holds it back. Accordingly, this won't grab you like its peers. Instead, online action is where it excels. As such, if you have a great group of friends, you'll have a fantastic time.

Alter Age is an odd old-school RPG. Though the story is interesting and fun, the age changing mechanic is a little strange. Moreover, the combat is easy and this will disappoint hardcore gamers.

Grit and Valor is an admirable effort for the underserved, if incredibly niche, console RTS market. Unit customization and teambuilding grabbed my attention more than the moment-to-moment action itself, though some diehards may chalk that up to traditional genre conventions. If you’re a fan of the roguelite formula and willing to dabble in alternate gameplay types, this is certainly worth a look.

LONESTAR had potential, but it burns out fast. Once the novelty fades, you’re left with a shallow loop, forgettable unlocks, and no real reason to keep playing. It’s not broken, just hollow — and not worth the effort.

An entertaining amuse-bouche, with a good sense of humour and some decent horror-themed gunplay. A nice little teaser for the main event.

Splash Cars is a hectic arcade title that'll keep you playing for hours. With solo and cooperative options, plenty of cars to unlock, and many levels to complete, this is a great value title.

One of the most approachable and enjoyable 2D fighters I’ve ever played, Phantom Breaker: Omnia has the potential to be great, but nullifies the effectiveness of its battle mechanics by trying to be too accessible, which ultimately restricts the best action to the multiplayer modes.

Kick’n Hell is a wildly simple game that focuses on gameplay only. The game has a finish rate of 2-5 hours, and the in-game leaderboards are already stacked with absurd speedrun times. Kick’n Hell doesn’t want you to succeed or be happy. The game won’t even let you kick Satan! Truly, there is no reward in this game. I feel comfortable saying that it can sit on the same shelf as Sexy Hiking, and players can expect the same kind of experience.

Overall, Ys X: Nordics balances the familiar and the new, delivering an enjoyable experience for fans despite a few missteps. The land-based combat and character interactions are a hit, while the naval exploration and combat could benefit from refinement. It’s a game that brings excitement for long-time Ys fans and offers a good starting point for newcomers, albeit with the caveat that it may not be the series’ best effort at sea.

Rooten is a slow-paced and sinister horror-adventure title. With creepy NPCs, a lack of guidance, and an ominous atmosphere, this game will make your skin crawl.

Crown Wars: The black prince offers a compelling blend of tactical depth and medieval atmosphere. With future updates addressing the concerns raised by players, it has the potential to ascend to the ranks of gaming greatness and become a must-play title for strategy enthusiasts everywhere.

The Gap is a brave and mostly effective stab at a deep, emotional story. The non-linear way the story is told is an effective use of the medium but its otherwise uninspired gameplay and short length do drag it down a touch.

For me, Not Tonight 2 is a great bouncer simulator with a sprinkle of political issues that adds a little spice to the stew. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then give it a go, but don’t dive in expecting challenging politics. It’s witty, satirical, charming and maybe just a little food for thought.

Unfortunately, this isn’t long enough. Around 5 hours will get you through the body of the game and that was disappointing. Yes, there are collectables to find, but these add little to the action. What was great, though, were the interesting puzzles and riddles. These slower elements added some difficulty while breaking up the never-ending fights.

While it may seem as though technical and design snags have trampled my former compliments towards Tainted Grail, that is far from the case. Even if the experience doesn’t measure up to its idolized peers in terms of pure content, presentation, or popularity, the game’s efforts in occupying a similar philosophy to all-time greats is an aspiration often avoided by smaller studios. Not only this, but the unique storytelling, tone, and writing of Tainted Grail invested me in ways that many RPG staples never have. Even if bugs bound me to a choppy, imperfect experience, I more often than not found myself lost in the world of Avalon and what it had to offer me. Above all else, rolling the credits left me excited to see what is next for Questline.

“The Dark Cave” successfully merges deck-building and roguelite elements with rhythmic movement mechanics, delivering a challenging and rewarding experience. While the game’s environments can become repetitive and some translations need improvement, its strategic depth, character variety, and engaging mechanics make it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. With ongoing updates and potential for future content, “The Dark Cave” promises to keep players entertained and strategizing for many runs to come.

Bore Blasters is an amazing 8bits ship exploring game. The game concept is simple to grasp. The gameplay is amazing and always attracts you to explore more. Although the game lacks a bit some feature and the environment's procedural generation might need a tweak or two. It still fit to be a game that offers something for players after a busy workday.

Fitness Boxing Feat. Hatsune Miku is held back by a few practical problems that come with using Switch controllers, but it has enough charm to keep you off the sofa. Oddly fun, and a treat for anyone into Vocaloids.

Sands of Aura is an interesting and challenging indie title that is dark and sombre. With unique weapon mechanics and plenty of monsters to tackle, there is plenty to keep you busy. However, it has a few minor issues and that causes problems.

The Ruined King is varied enough that it kept me entertained throughout the majority of my playthrough, but combat fatigue eventually left me feeling a little exhausted by the end of it. While the story is fairly simplistic, the charming characters, mixed with the sublime art style, made it a fun jaunt overall. If you are a fan of League of Legends and turn-based RPGs, then this is the game for you. Otherwise, I’d recommend waiting until this goes on sale before picking it up for yourself.

Snezhinka overall ends up being a truly mixed bag. It has a muddling story that tries to make things emotional and serious but fails to achieve this, but it also has some fantastic gameplay that keeps you invested enough to see out the short tale. Coupled with fantastic visual design, and truly superb sound design and score, there’s enough here for the player to sink their teeth into for a few hours. I’m just left wondering what truly could have been if everything had come together. See you on the battlefield!

Bloodhound is a classic FPS with an old-school appeal. Furthermore, it is gory, brutal, and unbelievably loud. I adored the soundtrack and the mindless action. However, a lack of replay value and the clunky controls may drive you mad.

If you’re looking for a brief, no-pressure game for kids or just want a quick trip down memory lane, Frips and Froops offer that. But beyond that, there’s not much else to sink your teeth into. So, while it’s not groundbreaking, it’s still a harmless, if brief, experience.

A pocket-sized piece of interactive fiction, Quantum Witch does a lot of interesting things with its writing, but its abrupt length and love of quips stop it fully hitting home.

DarkStar One holds up remarkably well in 2024, with entry-level - but fun - space sim combat, and an air of deepness around its systems. The voice acting, plot and general repetitive feel drag it down a bit but I enjoyed my time with it.

There really aren’t many negative aspects to this simple, short game. It’s fun to play as close to a simulated-style game, doing as you like. There is no wrong or right, just humorous fun, and creative play! So I think the only thing that the game has me feeling is the need for more! It’s clearly a simple and a great game, and reminds me of a few well-designed games that required doodling; Scribblenauts or Drawn to Life. Despite the simplicity of the graphics and lackluster colors or character design, I’m just hooked to the charm of the freedom on how you play, I just can’t wait for another book to open and a new epic journey to begin.

Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn is a bit of a strange DLC. The developer waits nearly 2 years to revive its game. However, they have done a great job with the additional content. You get great value for money even though there are some minor shortcomings.

Tales from Candleforth is a dark and testing puzzle experience. However, its story is too short, and the controls are unfortunately sluggish. Thankfully, though, the aesthetics are interesting and I loved each small arena. Accordingly, though this game divides my opinion, I recommend buying it.

If you grew up in the PS1 era, this game will feel like coming home. The grind, the repetition, the slightly janky presentation, they’re all part of the package, for better or worse. And while those elements may frustrate newcomers, for me it only amplified the nostalgia. It really does feel like a lost classic dusted off and somehow still works. At its asking price, you’ll want to consider how much patience you have for repetition and how much value you place on nostalgia. But for players like me, who remember sneaking in rally sessions on my dad’s PlayStation, Rally Arcade Classics is more an addicting warm feeling.

Autopsy Simulator is a grim experience. This simulation title lets you run wild in a morgue. Furthermore, there is an uncomfortable horror edge that keeps you on your toes. However, too much hand-holding and not enough freedom prevent it from truly excelling. If the upcoming "autopsy-only" mode allows more freedom, then this will excel.

Kingdom's Dungeon Rage is a wonderfully simple but often cruel platform experience. 180+ levels stand before you and freedom. Each of these stages differs slightly, and it is this eye for detail and mundane approach that makes and breaks this title. If you love to have your buttons pushed, you'll adore every moment. However, if you hate repetitive and harsh action, this will really annoy you.

Zenless Zone Zero feels like a fresh take on a genre that Hoyoverse has done already. Its setting feels unique, and its combo-centric combat allows players to experiment and express their playstyles through team compositions and combo theory. All while maintaining what makes a Hoyoverse game unique: its cast of fun characters and stellar combat. The learning curve for this game is steeper, and the roster is thin out of the gate. For those looking for an action game to stick with for a while, Zenless Zone Zero is worth checking out.

Lunacy: Saint Rhodes is a strange horror experience. This supernatural title is tense and will make your heart race. However the strange plot may not be everyone's cup of tea. I liked the setting and eerie creatures. Yet, the lack of clear guidance was frustrating.

Last Days of Lazarus is a bizarre but wonderful story that is captivating and creepy. However, the action is held back by bugs and a short story. What's more, the heavy reliance on religious images may be off-putting.

Phantom Squad, is a bold and uncompromising tactical shooter that rewards planning, precision, and communication above all else. If you’re someone who thrives on cooperative tension, enjoys coordinating breaches, and can laugh off repeated failures, you’ll find something special here. That said, if you’re looking for streamlined solo play or gradual difficulty, Phantom Squad may be too steep.

It’s nothing, but a beautiful and well-designed game.

If you’re a fan of arcade-style shooters, roguelikes, or simply enjoy blasting your way through waves of enemies in space, Interstellar Plunderer is a game worth checking out. It offers a polished gameplay experience with a charming retro aesthetic and a strong focus on loot-driven progression. However, be prepared for some repetition.

Blackberry Honey is a delightful visual novel title about a blooming romance. Society frowns upon their love, but Lorina and Taohua cannot fight their desires. It is beautifully written and is captivating from the first line.

Jumanji: Wild Adventures is a child-friendly title that utilises some classic mechanics. However, it is a little tedious for older gamers. Consequently, don't expect too much depth. As such, my kids adored every straightforward moment.

If you have the money to spare or see the game on sale I would highly recommend experiencing what this title has to offer.

NASCAR 25 is a good simulation, including multiple modes that, while similar in some aspects, let players experience the breadth of the racing experience. It’s not the most beginner-friendly product in the world, and I doubt that it will catch on with those outside the sport’s sphere of influence, but longtime fans should be satisfied with the offer on display.

Trident's Tale is a fun, cheeky, and enjoyable pirate adventure. However, it lacks originality because of the well-trodden mechanics. If you can overlook that issue, you'll lose yourself in a vibrant world filled with colourful characters.

Timberman: The Big Adventure is a nostalgia-infused experience that made me smile. This rudimentary title may be too easy for genre veterans. However, I loved the garish colours and interesting stage design. Moreover, the mini-games were addictive.

It’s not a combination of what I usually like but it does the basics well enough that many will like it. I give it a 7/10. Its negatives mostly lie in the fact that the gameplay can get dull and tiring after long hours. And how much of the game only pulls off average and not exceeding beyond that.

Harvest Hunt has a great foundation: a deep and twisted story and enthralling gameplay. It has so much going for it, and yet, it’s just not quite there. There’s obviously a lot of love in this project, and that passion is clear when you read the compendium and sift through the hand-drawn art. But I fear that novelty may just wear off too quickly with a lot of players. We need variation, new settings, and a change of pace. Maybe add these and a touch of polish, and you’d be looking at a stunning title that would attract horror fans across the world. Harvest Hunt is a truly promising game and one I would recommend to anyone looking for a bit of a thrill. But in this state, it just feels a little… lacking. Like the people living in the gloomy town of Luna Nova, Harvest Hunt needs a little more meat on its bones.

Wuthering Waves is a free-to-play gatcha game. They want you to spend your time in their world and hopefully spend money on it. So, is Wuthering Waves worth playing? I think long-term, it is. Its combat is very solid, and the exploration aspect is also fun. Its biggest faults are the story, which is very weak, and the voice acting of some characters is subpar. To Kuro Games’ credit, they are working to address these issues. The game has been patched constantly since I started playing, and they are working to address the voice acting. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action game and a deep, open world, I recommend Wuthering Waves. If you’re more of a story person, maybe wait to see if the story improves.

AEW: Fight Forever is a sports simulation title that will appease a massive fan base. This excellent wrestling game has a deep career with excellent customisation options. Moreover, it can be enjoyed casually off and online.

Overpass 2 is a challenging racing title that won't be for everyone. However, if you like to push yourself to the limit then this is the game for you. Yet, a tough learning will put off many would-be gamers.

Hopdodge is a challenging retro grid-based puzzle title. With interesting stages, tough mechanics, and a strange viewpoint, this isn't a game for the faint of heart. However, if you love an old-school title that'll test you, then look no further.

The Lullaby of Life is a cozy, sound-based puzzle game tackling the complexities of creation and evolution with the simplest of gameplay.

Darkwood is a dark, suspenseful top-down horror game that will test your nerve as you try to find a way out.

In summary, Super Alloy Ranger is a short, yet passionate love letter to the Mega Man series. The gameplay, remaining simplistic in its approach, is unbelievably engaging and accessible. Although the narrative direction is mostly forgettable and lacklustre, the visual and audio departments more than make up for it through their superb presentation. I can easily recommend Super Alloy Ranger to retro 2D platforming fans, especially those who enjoyed Mega Man X, or the Metal Slug series.

Mortal Sin is the first dungeon crawler I have ever played, and I now have very high expectations for the rest. This was because of Its fun and addictive combat, appealing graphics and well designed enemies and areas, just to name a few. There aren't many games that I review which I want to go back and put more hours in, however with Mortal Sin I can't help myself but want to experience more of the fast-paced and bloody combat.

Defend the Rook is a tough rogue-lite turn-based tower defence title. With multiple classes to pick from, many enemies to thwart, and some challenging levels to overcome, this isn't for the faint of heart. I adored every moment, but sluggish controls let it down. Other than this, it is a great game that should be on your radar.

The Sisters 2 - Road to Fame is an action-packed child-friendly adventure title. However, it is tedious and repetitive if you are an adult. With colourful but flawed graphics and cringeworthy sound bites, this will drive you insane. Yet, your kids will cherish the adorable gameplay and the never-ending content.

Despite some of the flaws of this game, I enjoyed my time with Daimon Blades. The combat felt great and fast-paced and I enjoyed the progress system. Much of my complaints about this game are things that I hope will get fixed on future updates to the early access version or the full game release. The is currently listed at $34.99 USD on Steam, so I’d understand if most would want to hold off on it till full release or sale. Regardless, if what I described sounded like it was up your alley, then show the devs some support and give this game a shot. If you’ve got a friend you could convince to get this game, it has multiplayer. All-in-all, I hope that this game continues to polish a lot of its rough edges till full release.

Ultimately, this game is a mixed bag. Its combat is addictive and well-designed, offering plenty of content, secrets, and mechanics to keep players engaged. However, the lack luster graphics, at times frustrating enemy design, and odd gameplay choices hold it back from reaching its full potential. It’s a game worth playing, but perhaps one best picked up during a sale.

Blacksad: Under the Skin is a great fantasy detective experience. The grim and gritty plot is captivating, and I loved how much of the action was based on the comic book. The mind map was fascinating, and I loved the combination of slow exploration and QTEs. Unfortunately, some graphical issues and sluggish controls hold it back.

Ancient Phantasma feels like a missed opportunity for KEMCO to push their boundaries. It’s business as usual with a few tweaks, but it won’t be the game that hooks you in for the long haul.