Metal Slug Attack Reloaded gets the balance just right. Though the action can be repetitive and there is a sense of grind, I loved it regardless. This wonderfully dated title is perfect for casual and marathon gaming sessions.

If you’re looking for a fresh approach to planetary exploration and isometric factory simulation, Space for Sale is definitely worth a try. However, don’t be surprised if its appeal fades once the novelty wears off. [Early Access Provisional Score = 80]

In conclusion, this tower defense game is a hidden gem that successfully marries pixelated charm with deep, strategic gameplay. It’s a game that I can see myself returning to, eager to try new strategies and conquer its challenging maps. However, a few additional features or upgrades could elevate it from great to truly exceptional.

The Devil's Playhouse is wonderfully funny and full of a lot of psychic-related puzzles. The writing's hilarious but the puzzles suffer a little, with a reliance on psychic toys and dialogue flags. Still, it kept a smile firmly on my face.

In conclusion, ‘Exophobia’ is a retro sci-fi shooter that offers a unique blend of methodical gameplay, challenging combat, and atmospheric exploration. While its Metroidvania elements might leave some players feeling lost, those who appreciate a more deliberate and thoughtful challenge will find much to love here. If you’re looking for a game that rewards patience and perseverance, this one is well worth your time.

Geometry Survivor offers enough fresh ideas to keep you interested. Though it is similar to Vampire Survivors, it will keep you coming back for more. Furthermore, its clean but dated appeal is oddly alluring.

This game came as a brilliant surprise full of interesting twists, engaging dialogue, and a dark plot. I cannot recommend this title enough.

Monster Run is a fantastic rogue-lite that is grim and grisly. If you love the idea of revenge and cruelty, then this game will be right up your street. With some planning, you can thwart your foes and create a powerful demonic cat of your dreams. All indie titles should be this fun!

Guayota blends together some excellent puzzle mechanics, a nice setting and a lovely Lovecraftian story. Unfortunately, the final ingredient is a series of irritating traps, which hurts the otherwise stellar gameplay.

Hex Gambit: Respawned is a casual strategy title that is flawed but fun. The short, sharp levels will push you to your limits, as will the lack of army freedom. This was frustrating, as I never truly felt in control of my destiny. However, when you play this online, things come to life. It is good, but there are better examples.

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.

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.

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.

Nobody Wants To Die is everything I wanted it to be and more. It felt like a 1920’s detective thriller in the future and I loved every second of the mysterious twisting story that had me gripped until the very end. Stunning visuals that can compete with any AAA game on the market and a gorgeous soundtrack that helps heighten the tension and mood really seal this game as one of my favourite experiences this year. Its linear structure will not be for everyone and its short length left me wanting much more. But for a first attempt for Critical Hit games, this is a slam dunk. I just hope they return to this fantastic retro-futuristic world they have created.

Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is a phenomenal remaster of the acclaimed 2003 title. The story is excellent, the dialogue is fascinating, and the compact world is a joy to explore. However, poor controls and clunky teamwork occasionally hold it back. Yet, if you can ignore these problems, you'll cherish every dated moment!

Cat Quest III is a delightful adventure filled with charm, humor, and engaging gameplay. Its balanced mechanics, combined with a captivating world and a plethora of references, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re playing solo for a more challenging experience or in co-op for a more relaxed adventure, this game promises hours of fun and exploration.

Nova Strike is a tough old-school shoot 'em-up that will make you scream. Furthermore, the rogue-lite elements add an unhappy edge to an already cruel experience. Though it wasn't for me, I know many people will enjoy the challenge.

Despite these shortcomings, Eden Genesis is a commendable achievement. It’s a game that demands your attention and rewards your perseverance. By blending challenging platforming with a thought-provoking narrative, Eden Genesis offers a gaming experience that is both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. Whether you’re a seasoned platformer veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Eden Genesis is a game worth experiencing.

Rough Justice: '84 is an unusual hybrid board game experience. Furthermore, the trial and error and RNG elements will put many gamers off. However, if you can battle through the learning curve and enjoy the layers of luck, you will adore every gritty moment. My only complaint is things can feel very unfair when luck isn't on your side!

Bounty Hunter 2024 didn't float my boat. Sadly, I don't think it will resonate with modern audiences and that is a shame. However, if you love the original, or you adore Star Wars, you will fall for its dated charms. Not a game for me, but you may love to explore this sci-fi world.

This is a real-time combat genre-defining piece and deserves a lot of praise from gamers. There is no need to go into the nitty gritty because, in the end, only one thing matters. Veritus is a beautiful Pixel-art game with very fun Action- RPG/ puzzle elements and I recommend it.

Spider-Man 2 is what we want from a sequel, a much better story building on the foundations that the previous versions built, improving the gameplay in every possible way while the previous games are already among the best in terms of gameplay, using all the PS5’s powers and turning the game into a completely next-gen game, next-gen visuals, extraordinary and non-repetitive level design, deep characterization at the disposal of the story, use of dualsense’s features, much more entertaining boss fights, much better cutscenes and much better animations.

Firewall: ultra is not an exceptional game like the first version and the most important game of the platform it was released on. But it’s definitely entertaining and fun (especially with friends) and you can spend a lot of time in it.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is visually the best game I have ever played, and in terms of gameplay, it is enjoyable for me, although it may not be for everyone. But the story is the biggest weakness of the game, and I don’t think the story will be great in Someone’s opinion and it may just be the difference between those who say it’s mid and those who say it’s bad. But in different ways, this game completely shows off the power of the 9th generation console.

The story of the game is a mediocre story, the gameplay is very enjoyable and attractive, in terms of visuals, it is equal to Cross Gen 2023 games and has a stunning visual, the main boss fights are very similar to each other. The sound design of the game is wonderful, the enemies have a good variety and only one new type of enemy has been added to the remake compared to the original version.

Hogwarts Legacy has a great character design and could have had a great story too but the story is not so strong. the gameplay feels great and exploration is so entertaining. visually its great and Hogwarts castle is so detailed.

Hidden Through Time 2 is a fun-filled 2D hidden object game. Furthermore, it is great for youngsters and adults alike. Can you explore each of the worlds and find every object? Manipulate night and day and discover every secret.

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.