Softpedia's Scores
- Games
For 1,659 reviews, this publication has graded:
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71% higher than the average critic
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10% same as the average critic
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19% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.1 points higher than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 79
| Highest review score: | Persona 5 Royal | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Robotex |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 1,290 out of 1659
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Mixed: 354 out of 1659
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Negative: 15 out of 1659
1661
game
reviews
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- Critic Score
Projected Dreams is a good puzzle game with a unique take on the genre. The shadow work starts off pretty easy, but the developers find ways to add variety and increase the challenge level. The rooms where shadows are projected are also fun to interact with, especially when hunting for a new cassette to play. The story and graphics are pleasant enough but don’t stand out. The shadow puzzles are the main reason to engage with Projected Dreams, especially for players who are interested in looking for multiple solutions for each album photo. The entire experience is even more interesting when playing with a kid who hasn’t yet had the experience of shadow play in the real world.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 12, 2025
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Decade is impressive in its ambition, especially for a video game created by a solo developer. It aims to create a complex take on our future, complete with new philosophies, new political systems, a range of larger-than-life characters, and an innovative take on time travel. It doesn’t fully deliver on its promise but is still a fun experience. Quite a bit of reading is required to enjoy it all, with conversations and descriptions that are sometimes too verbose for their own good. The structure of the time travel limits what players can influence. Decade shines when it reveals new and weird takes on how the future might unfold but sometimes struggles to fully connect its narrative and its gameplay.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 11, 2025
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Elden Ring Nightreign impressed me with its clever gameplay, stunning game world, but also numerous nightlords and enemy design. Sure, there were some issues at launch, but those were mostly ironed out, and matchmaking now runs very well. Of course, you can still choose to go on solo expeditions, if playing with others is not your cup of tea. However, Elden Ring Nightreign is clearly designed as a multiplayer-first experience. It’s very intense, fun to play, and there’s a reason to come back and do more expeditions. The roguelike approach might not seem great for everyone at first, but you slowly get engulfed in it and want to do one more expedition. I found myself spending hours and hours in Elden Ring Nightreign, switching between solo expeditions and coop. I hope the devs will continue supporting the game beyond its forthcoming DLC, because we have a great foundation for what could become an excellent soulslike live service game.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 10, 2025
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Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a nice detective game that plays everything a little too safe. The idea of taking the hero out of the city is a good one and I like all the characters. Some very high stakes emerge later in the narrative that feel unearned, but I mostly like the light tone and the way characters interact with each other. The investigation process, with its focus on getting the words needed to fill in a sentence, is well-structured. But I wanted to see at least one new way of interacting with the environment to pick up clues. Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping will deliver new fun mysteries for those who played the first title in the series.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 10, 2025
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Tour de France 2025 is a great way for a cycling fan to take control of their favorite riders to either replicate their achievements or rewrite history. Racing is exciting and fun and creating the right conditions for a successful attack is challenging. The game’s selection of races is a little limited, but it does allow a player to move through a season relatively quickly. The move to Unreal Engine 5 makes all the action look better. Tour de France 2025 is a good cycling sim that really needs to add both Il Giro and La Vuelta in future installments.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 9, 2025
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Pro Cycling Manager 25 doesn’t reinvent the series’ successful sports simulation formula, but its enhancements are worthwhile. Finding the right sponsor for a team is engaging and it’s harder to satisfy all their requirements. The game looks significantly better with Unreal Engine 5 powering it, although a similar upgrade in the audio department is needed. I also like the customization options for careers. It’s unfortunate that modding will be needed for all riders and racers to have their proper names. Planning a full season still takes too long. Pro Cycling Manager 25 is a good sim for cycling fans but will probably struggle to attract new players.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 6, 2025
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I think Twilight Wars has a lot of things going for it, from the great cyberpunk aesthetic to the roguelite system they used to advance during missions. Despite that, it doesn’t feel difficult to play, nor does it feel hard. Yes, it can take a bit to get used to the art style, but it definitely grows on you as you play. On top of that, I found the game to continually add new challenges with each mission, and the fact that you are forced to get back to base and re-evaluate/improve/change your team does add a lot of replay value. If you want to play a fun dungeon crawler with intense, yet fair turn-based combat, I think you won’t go wrong with Twilight Wars. Granted, it has its flaws, like insane difficulty spikes at times or a limited mission variety. Does that matter in the end? For some people it might, but in my case, I found Twilight Wars to be a great game to play, especially when you just want to get a few missions in. Then again, it can be just as entertaining for hours and hours.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 5, 2025
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Once Upon a Puppet is a game of contrasts. Its world is imaginative, its narrative has heart, and its characters are full of potential. Yet it’s held back by technical shortcomings, awkward design choices, and a general lack of polish. It feels like a beautiful puppet show where the strings get tangled too often, pulling you out of the illusion. If you’re a die-hard fan of narrative-driven indie platformers, or if the puppet theater aesthetic deeply appeals to you, this title may still be worth a try—especially during a sale. There’s magic here, but you’ll need patience—and a forgiving mindset—to find it.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 4, 2025
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny does a great job at updating a rather old game with an outdated gameplay. They don’t mess up the things that made this game amazing at launch, instead they focus on modernizing and enhancing it as much as possible. And it shows, the developers used a lot of care and attention to update the game for new audiences, while also keeping the original intact, so even old school fans will enjoy it.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 3, 2025
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Ultimately, Near-Mage is a likable game that doesn’t quite realize its full potential. The foundations are solid: the magical setting is imaginative, the art is appealing, and the premise holds promise. But much like Gibbous, it’s a case of style over substance. The narrative unfolds slowly and lacks urgency early on, the gameplay rarely challenges, and the moral choices — while present — lack meaningful weight. This leaves Near-Mage feeling more like an interactive storybook than a deep or dynamic adventure. Still, if you enjoy whimsical fantasy worlds, Eastern European folklore, or just want a light magical journey with a touch of humor, Near-Mage is worth the trip. Especially if Gibbous didn’t fully click with you, this spiritual successor presents a very different flavor of storytelling and world. Even if you may find yourself briefly enchanted, don’t expect it to cast a lasting spell.- Softpedia
- Posted Jun 2, 2025
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Pax Augusta is a unique take on Roman-era city building, with a focus on slow development and modularity. The effort to come as close to actual history as possible, when it comes to both buildings and citizen needs, is laudable. The fact that one developer created this entire video game is even more impressive. The cities look good, even if citizens tend to behave in relatively weird ways. But the game does need to improve performance and find better ways to deliver feedback, especially when it comes to building restrictions. Any fan of classics like Caesar or more titles like Manor Lords will have fun with Pax Augusta as long as he gives the game time and attention.- Softpedia
- Posted May 30, 2025
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As a whole, I found Crashlands 2 to deliver that quirky, beautiful and engaging isometric survival experience I always wanted. I enjoyed the first one quite a lot, but I can happily say this new one blows it out of the water. The plot is great, the game is easy to get into, and there’s plenty of replay value, along with some cool end-game activities you can do over and over. Knowing how the devs continually updated the first game, I am expecting great things to come for Crashlands 2 in the future as well. Even if it would remain in this state, this is the quintessential survival experience that everyone should try. I guarantee you’ll die laughing, while also feeling the need to explore this eye-catching alien world for at least 1 more hour.- Softpedia
- Posted May 29, 2025
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Nordhold takes the core ideas of the tower defense genre and executes them with care and attention. The game doesn’t aim to innovate but its core loop is rock solid and will be engaging for anyone who likes the concept. Even better, the developers at StunForge have a clear idea of how they plan to expand their game and looking for extra input from the community. The management side of the game has plenty of depth but doesn’t overshadow the combat. The game successfully creates a “just one more run” feeling that basically makes time disappear. Nordhold doesn’t revolutionize its genre but its rock-solid gameplay will appeal to both newcomers and long-term fans of tower defense.- Softpedia
- Posted May 28, 2025
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The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered remains a good game after all these years. In fact, having received a paint job, it’s even better. I’m happy that one of my favorite RPG series is getting one title remastered and modernized so that players who haven’t yet “violated the law!” Oblivion is the kind of game where you play as someone in a big world overcoming odds and ends. You get to shape your destiny and become whoever you want through multiple playthroughs. It’s an Elder Scrolls game that stands the test of time and has the potential to turn more gamers into fans of the series.- Softpedia
- Posted May 27, 2025
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The journey through its levels is great, the action is excellent, and they do offer a curveball when it comes to new mechanics and challenges, which I liked quite a bit. All in all, Captain Blood is definitely worth it, especially if you miss those Xbox 360-era hack and slash games. It’s like someone locked it in a vault and released it 20 years later.- Softpedia
- Posted May 27, 2025
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Synergy puts an interesting new spin on some well-known gameplay mechanics. I like how alien the world feels and the way the systems encourage players to pay attention and discover ways to exploit the environment without destroying it. Sure, sometimes water is needed fast and gourds should be ripped out of the ground, but that doesn’t translate into a solid production chain. The game also looks great, with a unique art style and a lot of attention to detail. Tighter integration between the environmental analysis and the expeditions would have been cool. Synergy’s systems have depth, the scenarios are challenging, and the mechanics offer just the right mix of familiar and innovative.- Softpedia
- Posted May 27, 2025
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Blades of Fire might not revolutionize the genre, but it doesn’t need to. What it offers is a polished, confident, and deeply satisfying action experience grounded in clear design principles and executed with purpose. By drawing inspiration from giants of the genre and combining those ideas into a streamlined, compelling whole, MercurySteam has crafted a surprise that deserves attention. Whether you come for the satisfying weapon crafting, the intense yet accessible combat, or the story of rebellion and divine legacy, Blades of Fire delivers a memorable journey. It’s not bloated, it's not pretentious, it’s just good game design, executed with passion.- Softpedia
- Posted May 22, 2025
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Tempest Rising is the game we’ve always been waiting for, ever since EA stopped working on mainline C&C games. It has great factions, a really interesting story and there weren’t any major performance issues for me, either. The game runs great, the music is extremely good, and the visuals are up to par with what you would expect from this type of game. Should you try Tempest Rising? If you want a fast-paced strategy with a bunch of tactical options, it’s certainly a great option to consider. I enjoyed my time with Tempest Rising and low-key hope they will do an expansion soon. This type of game is not as common these days, but it’s definitely a breath of fresh air amongst all battle royales and free to play, battle pass-dependent titles.- Softpedia
- Posted May 21, 2025
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It’s one of those games that seems rather simple and straightforward in the beginning. Yet once you go through it, you’ll start questioning your morality and choices. And that’s where Beholder: Conductor shines, to be honest. It has a deep story, lots of ways you can spend your time on the train, and many unexpected moments. I found myself glued to the screen, trying to figure out how the story might progress, and ended up being completely wrong with my expectations. It’s an excellent game with some creative ideas, and it certainly fulfills that dream of becoming a train conductor. Plus, it also serves as a great spin-off to the Beholder series as well.- Softpedia
- Posted May 19, 2025
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Rather than offering answers, the game poses difficult, open-ended questions. What does it mean to understand someone from another world? Can we truly listen without threatening our own sense of self? And is it possible to embrace change without perceiving it as loss? These are not the questions most video games dare to ask, let alone explore meaningfully. In the end, Two Falls is more a storybook than a game, one that takes your hand and guides youthfully through a conversation between cultures with deliberate but slow steps. It may not win over those seeking adrenaline or challenge, but for players open to introspection and narrative depth, it delivers something rare: a story that respects intelligence, honors emotion, and celebrates the uneasy beauty of meeting someone halfway.- Softpedia
- Posted May 16, 2025
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Tower Dominion is not the most complex tower defense game out there, nor the prettiest or with the flashiest graphics. Instead, it takes a more basic style and approach when it comes to the genre. Yet what you have here is not only very fun to go through, it’s all presented in a very addicting and fun package. The game does an excellent job at keeping you glued to the screen, and each level doesn’t overstay its welcome. The fact that you have lots of stuff to unlock offers incredible replay value, especially with the 30 heroes you can find, the blueprints you unlock and so on. If you’re looking for a game to play in-between those intense online shooters/battle royales, or if you love the tower defense genre, I think Tower Dominion is a very good option. It’s one of those games you come back to rather often, trying to unlock new buildings and experiment with heroes.- Softpedia
- Posted May 14, 2025
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DOOM: The Dark Ages is a masterclass in how to evolve a classic franchise without losing its identity. It’s still the frenzied demon-slaying bloodbath fans adore, but now it’s wrapped in a darker, more atmospheric package that respects both gameplay and story. With creative new weapons, a cinematic presentation, massive set pieces, and deeper lore, this is more than just another DOOM game—it’s a celebration of everything the franchise can be. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, if you crave high-octane action, heavy metal carnage, and just the right touch of fantasy madness, The Dark Ages demands your attention. DOOM has once again reinvented itself—and somehow, it still rips and tears.- Softpedia
- Posted May 13, 2025
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Empyreal is a game built with care and ambition, but one that doesn't quite know what it wants to be. It aims to balance a carefully curated single-player story with the replayability and variety of a multiplayer RPG, and in doing so, it falls short on all fronts. The result is a product that plays it safe in too many areas, delivering an experience that’s competent but rarely compelling. For players who thrive on loot grinding and don’t mind completing familiar gameplay loops over and over again, there’s value to be found in Empyreal. But for those seeking a bold, story-rich action RPG that breaks the mold, this is one expedition that is worth skipping.- Softpedia
- Posted May 13, 2025
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Deck of Haunts delivers an original take on the deck-building experience. It gives players the dual task of building a deep maze of scary rooms while putting together an effective set of cards to take down nighttime invaders. I like the snippets of lore revealed by the cards and events, but the world-building isn’t impressive. The title’s biggest issue is the limited meta-progression. Players unlock new cards when they finish a run but, after winning a few, the motivation to start over diminishes. Deck of Haunts has good ideas and good execution but might struggle to hold the players’ attention in the long term.- Softpedia
- Posted May 9, 2025
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The Horror at Highrook is one of those games that has a unique mechanic, and it harnesses that very well. Yes, it might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy Lovecraft’s storytelling and visual style, you’ll find yourself right at home here. It also appeals to card game lovers, because you can find task cards, tertiary/buff cards, along with cards that have random effects. It can be a challenge to make the most out of all these cards, but that’s what sets the game apart. At the end of the day, The Horror at Highrook does a stellar job at carving a great niche for itself. In a world filled with games that copy each other’s style and mechanics, The Horror at Highrook is a breath of fresh air. Yes, it takes a bit to understand its mechanics, but once you do, you’ll find yourself spending hours trying to keep the investigators alive and unlocking more of the story. It’s a worthwhile journey, one that will require patience, yet it’s totally worth it.- Softpedia
- Posted May 9, 2025
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Best Served Cold has engaging mysteries, engaging characters, and limited gameplay. I like the setting, with its mix of historical inspirations and escalating social tension. And all the characters are fun to chat with, even if the killers tend to be a little predictable. This is a good narrative to experience alongside your choice of a cocktail. Unfortunately, actually mixing drinks is not exciting at all and serves most as a short pause for players to consider how they plan on steering dialogue. Still, some of the recipes are interesting enough that players should try mixing them in the real world. Best Served Cold is an enjoyable detective game that neglects its bartending side.- Softpedia
- Posted May 7, 2025
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In the end, Revenge of the Savage Planet doesn’t pretend to be a groundbreaking epic. Instead, it knows exactly what it is — a compact, weird, satirical space romp that pokes fun at genre clichés while delivering a solid gameplay experience. The mechanics are simple but polished, the humor outrageous but purposeful, and the world design vibrant enough to keep you wandering just a little longer than you intended. It may be a “metroidvania lite,” but in a sea of overly complex open-world titles and self-serious sci-fi shooters, Revenge of the Savage Planet stands out by refusing to take itself too seriously — and in doing so, it delivers something genuinely memorable. Not revolutionary, but certainly worth the trip.- Softpedia
- Posted May 7, 2025
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If you like city builders and you want to test yourself as you create the ultimate city, Memoriapolis has it all cut out for you. Yes, there are a few performance issues, and the learning curve is steep at times, but the game is a very competent city builder that carved its own niche, and which (I hope) will continue to grow with more maps, buildings and new features. But even now, with the 1.0 version, the game is totally worth checking out, especially if you enjoy city building and urban planning.- Softpedia
- Posted May 5, 2025
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If you enjoy games like Slay the Spire, I think SpellRogue is a must-play. And even if you’re new to deckbuilders, the card game + roguelite approach is novel, interesting and quite exciting. You can sink dozens of hours into this game and never feel bored. It has everything you need, from tactics to engaging gameplay and, what matters the most, tons of heart poured into its development.- Softpedia
- Posted May 2, 2025
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StarVaders starts off a little slow and it seems that enemies are much too numerous for one robot equipped with a hand of cards to deal with. After a few runs, it becomes clear that it has depth and variety, as well as a ton of style. Combat is fast and tense, with plenty of surprises. The narrative isn’t very original, but the promise of new cards and enemies is enough to start another run. StarVaders is one of the best run-based video games I’ve played recently, one that rewards planning and careful choices while also creating plenty of delightful chaotic moments.- Softpedia
- Posted May 1, 2025
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Steel Seed is not a flashy game, it does have some generic moments, but it’s a lot of fun to play. The game world is very well made, the main character and her drone sidekick are great as well. And in the end, the journey that Steel Seed takes us on is amazing, very exciting and it also has its surprises.- Softpedia
- Posted May 1, 2025
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Inhuman Resources: A Literary Machination is a fun and very well-written adventure that relies a little too much on blocks of text. It will be a great experience for any fan of strong narrative and carefully constructed universes. The company’s activity doesn’t always make sense, but characters are fully realized and it’s a pleasure to spend time with them, even when they ask the player to do horrific things. As good as the story is, supported by a solid presentation, the gameplay is limited. The mini-games associated with each certification are nice but more are needed. Many players might struggle to become immersed in this fictional universe. Inhuman Resources is best enjoyed in small doses, taking in the horror elements and pondering the best way to act ethically.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 29, 2025
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Maliki: Poison Of The Past is a fun, cozy game with a great story and some funny characters. Not everything lands perfectly, especially since some of the gameplay mechanics can be difficult to understand from the get-go, and they aren’t explained very well. On the bright side, I didn’t encounter too many bugs, although there are some things like the lack of a map, which can make finding ways to progress onward a bit difficult. Yet despite that, I think Maliki: Poison Of The Past is worth a shot, especially if you’re into old-school JRPGs. It has a lot of charm, it’s very fun to play, and it does an excellent job of introducing the new time manipulation mechanic. If you enjoy JRPGs or just want a good cozy game with an appealing story, definitely consider giving Maliki: Poison Of The Past a try.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 28, 2025
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Wadjet Eye Games is known for delivering exceptional, fun and very creative point-and-click games. Old Skies is certainly one of the best, although I still feel that Unavowed was better, at least for me. With that in mind, the gameplay, the amazing timelines we visit, but also the overall stories/quests they added into the game feel very special, and they are a blast to go through. Sure, Old Skies doesn’t have flashy graphics, they went with rather old school visuals, but for me, those stand out and make the game world very immersive. The voice overs are on point, and the dialog is very creative, although it can drag at times. All in all, Old Skies is interesting, exciting, and a breath of fresh air for the genre, especially with its time travel shenanigans.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 25, 2025
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I’ve had a lot of fun with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and the game certainly has a lot of charm. It revises the Fatal Fury series, brings back a lot of cool characters, and you can also improve your fighting skills quite a bit. There’s also plenty of variety when it comes to the game modes, with the story mode being my favorite. It can take a little bit to master a character, and sometimes the game doesn’t always explain how to perform all the moves. But in a game like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, it always comes down to discovering stuff for yourself and trying things out. All in all, this is an excellent way to revive Fatal Fury and breathe new life into the series, while introducing it to modern audiences. If you have the itch for a good fighting game, I am sure you’ll find a lot to like in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, I surely did!- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 24, 2025
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Augmented Empire is a decent experience that doesn’t innovate enough to become truly engaging. The universe, with its noir and science-fiction ideas, is well-designed, with solid character interactions and voice actors that breathe life into them. The tactical combat system works well but combat spaces are too small to make the engagements interesting. The game is forced to make its QTEs more difficult to make sure players have to actually use healing or special character abilities. The graphics do not impress. Augmented Empire needed bigger combat spaces and more enemy variety to make an impression on fans of the turn-based strategy genre.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 23, 2025
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Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy is a remake with real heart, showcasing the care and passion put into revitalizing this classic. Far from a cash grab, it’s a project aimed at polishing a forgotten gem, giving it a new life while preserving its original charm. This is the kind of remake that will resonate with both veteran players who fondly remember the original and newcomers discovering its adventure for the first time. I can’t recommend this game highly enough. It’s a shining example of classic adventure games, perfectly blending exploration with creative problem-solving. A true stroll down memory lane, Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy offers beautiful visuals and modernized gameplay mechanics that enhance the experience without losing its nostalgic charm.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 23, 2025
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I had a lot of fun playing Sacre Bleu, I haven’t enjoyed a platformer so much since the days of Captain Claw. It’s a great game with a fun style, interesting characters and powers, and a ton of heart. Yes, it can be difficult at times, but it’s not a very punishing game, so you will find yourself cruising through Bastille and following the story, as you try to figure out how it all comes to an end. Plus, if you really want to test yourself, there are modifiers, secrets and speedruns to check out as well!- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 22, 2025
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Sultan's Game has an engaging world and a ton of narrative variety but can struggle to make its actual mechanics interesting. I like the setting and how it’s inspired by One Thousand and One Nights but puts a unique twist on it. The game constantly asks players to consider what they value and how far their avatar will go to stay alive. The presentation helps with immersion. Placing cards into situations is an easy-to-understand gameplay that’s stretched to cover a wide variety of challenges. It becomes repetitive and can be unwieldy. Sultan's Game will reward gamers who are willing to experiment, like moral dilemmas, and don’t mind reading a lot.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 18, 2025
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Kaya's Prophecy has an intriguing mix of ideas. I like the idea of using combinations of cards to create a thriving village and build the tools required for villagers to then fight enemies and earn special rewards. All the game’s ideas are easy to understand and even gamers who aren’t familiar with card-driven experiences will quickly feel at home. Unfortunately, the combat system is limited and repetitive. And the village development suffers because actions take long, even on the highest speed setting, and the booster pack randomness can be frustrating. Kaya's Prophecy struggles to find ways to make its two core systems interact in cool ways.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 15, 2025
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AI LIMIT does an excellent job when it comes to focusing on exploration and exhilarating, visually appealing battles. Its game world is excellently made, and the story, while not incredible, is serviceable. Throughout playing AI LIMIT, I always felt a part of this post-apocalyptic world and found myself in Arrisa’s shoes, trying to survive. If you like soulslike games, you’ll find this one to be very interesting, especially since it offers a fresh take on the genre with its sync rate and innovative bosses. You can’t go wrong with it, even if the game isn’t as long as others in the genre, as you’ll find mostly everything in roughly 30 hours. It has a great art style, and it comes with some explosives battles that make it well worth a shot!- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 11, 2025
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Grit and Valor - 1949 offers a strong combination of alt-history universe and real-time tactics that should have taken a few extra risks. The World War II with big stompy robots concept is easy to grasp and players will quickly understand how positioning and good upgrade choices lead to victories. There’s plenty of variety when it comes to mechs, attached parts, and battle boosts. But given the setting. I wanted to see weirder mech abilities and a wider range of challenges. Grit and Valor - 1949 will satisfy gamers who like fast combat and a solid run-based structure but might struggle to find a wider audience.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 9, 2025
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Leila is a short and story-driven experience that manages to be touching and funny. I would have liked to get an extra chapter or two and see the main character interact with more people. But I very much like how it explores the complexity of modern life without veering into melodrama or fantasy. The puzzle mechanics aren’t very original, but the game wisely moves quickly from idea to idea, without giving any of them time to become annoying. The hint system isn’t sophisticated but will make it easy for players to make progress and experience the full narrative. Leila’s combination of storytelling and voice acting is very good, although its gameplay doesn’t shine.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 8, 2025
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Hyper Empire uses an innovative approach to tackle a classic problem of the strategy genre: it takes too long to play a campaign, which leads to abandonment. The development team at Fair Weather Studios has created a tight experience that offers interesting choices, decent automated combat, and five factions to play as. The lore isn’t original, and events don’t have a ton of impact on the campaign and the presentation isn’t impressive. Some extra balancing is needed when it comes to hymn and tech effects, as well as victory conditions. Hyper Empire’s core game loop is very good and the fact that you can get through a campaign in half an hour is an achievement in itself.- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 7, 2025
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Atomfall takes inspiration from many games, including Stalker, the Metro series, Fallout, while also adding Rebellion’s amazing sandbox gameplay. What you’re getting here is an immersive sandbox with a wonderful, new approach to storytelling and fresh ideas. Yes, not everything clicks from the start, and you might be confused at first. However, as the story develops, you get engulfed into the story, and the choices you make will affect how you finish the game. I think it’s well worth a try for anyone who wants a proper FPS/RPG blend with an interesting story, and one that doesn’t overstay its welcome!- Softpedia
- Posted Apr 1, 2025
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Cataclismo isn’t very deep when it comes to mechanics or narrative. But the freedom of taking chunks of wood and blocks of stone to create defenses and a variety of other structures is very engaging and enhances everything else about the title. It helps that a player can choose between the more directed experience of the campaign and the extra freedom associated with endless mode and skirmishes. Using limited resources to plan sturdy fortifications is made easy by the copy-paste features and the fact that the entire Steam Workshop serves as a reserve of blueprints. Cataclismo’s core idea is good and extra focus on city management would make it even better.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 28, 2025
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MULLET MADJACK is a great first-person action gamer with a strong core idea that it executes beautifully. It plays fast, it’s violent enough, and it gives players a variety of weapons to eliminate evil robots with. There are enough difficulty levels to cater to the most hardcore FPS fans looking for a challenge while also welcoming players who simply want to enjoy the action and take in the atmosphere. The story setup is good enough for the short and adrenaline-filled runs, although some lines tend to get repetitive and slightly annoying. The game looks impressive and has a very good soundtrack. The only gameplay-related issues are the relatively uninspired bosses and the end-of-floor upgrades, which sometimes feel divorced from the player’s situation. MULLET MADJACK is fun and fast and shows how a carefully designed FPS can satisfy a large audience.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 27, 2025
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Wednesdays isn’t a traditional video game that gives players a clear problem to solve using a particular set of mechanics. The title seeks to explore a very difficult theme, sexual abuse during childhood while giving players the space to process their own emotions. The entire effort is sustained by good writing and by a focus on healing and what the future has to offer. The Orca Park game-within-the-game is simplistic but works well as a framework for the conversations. Gameplay is easy to understand and serves the theme well. Wednesdays manages to explore Tim’s life without being preachy and without giving into despair, offering hope that healing is possible.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 27, 2025
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Memory Lost has an interesting core mechanic, and it creates complex combat puzzles around it. Playing on Normal, the game requires players to move fast and aim well but also to constantly plan when to swift into another body and consider which is best suited for the tactical situation. When everything clicks, battles are exciting and fluid. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t give gamers much to keep them engaged if frustration with gameplay kicks in. And the game’s presentation is decent but not spectacular. Memory Lost will please players who have a fondness for action and can tolerate some issues but might struggle to find a wider audience.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 25, 2025
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In a time when many game studios are playing it safe, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves once again that the Like a Dragon series thrives on reinvention. With its engaging pirate theme, deep mechanics, and classic Yakuza charm, this is an adventure that will keep players hooked for countless hours. Whether you're sailing the high seas, brawling in the streets, or belting out sea shanties at karaoke, one thing is certain—this is one voyage you won’t want to miss. Fair warning for hardcore fans though: while still fun and over the top it still feels like the lightest and thinnest entry in the series.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 24, 2025
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows is definitely an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary installment in the series. Every mechanic from the previous games has been polished, refined to make more sense, but there’s really nothing new that would radically change anything for the better. I don’t think the extra year that Ubisoft used to make the game was worth it since Shadows isn’t much different than Valhalla, Origins, or Mirage. Yes, it’s much more polished and looks a lot better visually, but it doesn’t bring back the gameplay and mystery of the first games in the series. Overall, I had a great time with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but that’s because I’m a fan of the series. I have doubts that a newcomer to the series will find it equally interesting, especially since the overarching story is just serviceable.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 24, 2025
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Is this year’s WWE game worth it? Each year, WWE games offer an incremental update. This year, the animations are much better, they allow intergender matches, and having up to 8 people in the ring shows they made significant changes to the engine. Plus, the match details, from throwing items away, blood, welts and bruises, all of those make the game feel very realistic, while still retaining the WWE style and appeal. There’s a wealth of content, dozens of hours of fun, and a game mode for everyone, no matter if you’re into being a general manager, card collector or want a cohesive wrestling-focused story. WWE 2K25 packs a huge amount of content, and it’s enough to satisfy even the most avid wrestling fans. I wish they added the Island mode on PC though. But even without that, it’s an excellent adventure in the world of wrestling, and it brings your wrestling dreams to life!- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 21, 2025
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Expelled! might be built on the bones of Overboard! but it manages to improve on it both mechanically and in terms of story. Verity is a great protagonist, and the many mysteries linked to the characters and the school itself are a pleasure to unravel. A run can end in 15 minutes and in utter failure but still feel like progress. The idea that turning more towards evil opens up new options is a good one but simply choosing the red option to get results sometimes feels artificial. And the characters are strong enough that I wanted to interact with more of them. Expelled! doesn’t innovate mechanically but the narrative is engrossing and fun, with a great heroine at its core.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 20, 2025
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FATE: Reawakened tests your skills, while also rewarding or penalizing those of us that enjoy taking risks. Those that already played the original and expansions will take some time to get accustomed with all these changes. However, if you never played the FATE series, this is the definitive edition you should go for.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 19, 2025
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Arsène Lupin – Once a Thief" is a decent but flawed adventure. Its premise of experiencing the world both through the eyes of Lupin and the detective chasing him is engaging, and some puzzles are genuinely enjoyable. However, the deduction mechanics feel cumbersome, and the trial-and-error approach prevents the game from reaching its full potential. Those who appreciate a good mystery and strong character-driven storytelling may find it worthwhile, but players expecting an innovative or fast-paced experience should temper their expectations. Despite its imperfections, the game may still serve as an inviting gateway to Maurice Leblanc’s original stories and, hopefully, will warrant future iterations and further glimpses of some of the most famous gentlemen thieves’ lives.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 19, 2025
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Split Fiction is an amazing game, and it is akin of any kids first visit to a candy store. It is crammed full of new ideas, new gameplay mechanics, bigger and shinier levels, but somehow along the way it’s lost a part of its soul and along with it some of the appeal It Takes Two had. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very good game, and I cannot recommend it enough, but the characters and the flow of the gameplay seem to have been misplaced among all the new things the developer throws at you. For me, this is a split experience.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 17, 2025
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Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings is a fast and varied run-focused game. The automated combat isn’t too visually engaging but has an option to, VHS-tape style, accelerate the flow of time. Players have a lot of ways to customize their unique hero and samurai, from classes with unique associated ability cards to clan upgrades to equipment to battle-specific spirits. It makes each run engaging in its own right and offers plenty of space for meta-progression. The fictional universe is decent, but the story lacks a unique element to keep players invested. Maybe the pair of twins need to talk more, or the world needs to feature extra lore. Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings develops a good rhythm and offers plenty of variety but the lack of direct control never feels natural.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 11, 2025
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Kingdom Come Deliverance II proves once again that you can create a great game without taking into consideration any survey or “market trend.” Although it remains a sandbox RPG at its core, the writing and voice acting make the sequel to Kingdom Come Deliverance an incredibly immersive experience. Without reinventing the sandbox formula, the fine folks at Warhorse Studios deliver an outstanding overall gameplay experience. There are very few things that I would change at KCD II like some of the mini-games, which are frustrating at times. Even though it’s probably one of the best games of the year, I wouldn’t recommend Kingdom Come Deliverance II to those who aren’t used to the sandbox experience and would rather chase the main story. This game is built to rather let the players create their own story, so it might become boring after a while.- Softpedia
- Posted Mar 11, 2025
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Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a decent effort that stays true to the original games while adding welcome minor refinements. The visual upgrades, new control options, and extra content make this a must-have for longtime fans and a great entry point for newcomers. Unfortunately, not fixing the bugs still feels lazy, even if some may say it is part of nostalgia. If you modernize the graphics, you should have made an effort to also improve the technical parts of the game to alleviate frustration. Once again, this remaster could have been great with a bit more care.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 27, 2025
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The most recent installment in the Monster Hunter series is the best way to start experiencing thrilling hunts, deep combat mechanics, and a rewarding gameplay loop. It is the friendliest installment to newcomers and a must-play for veterans of the series – if they manage their expectations. I have no doubt that Wilds refines and enhances the existing Monster Hunter experience rather than redefining it. At the end of the day, those who embrace the franchise’s signature challenge and depth will find that this game stands as another solid and satisfying entry in the franchise, even if some mechanics may need some time to get used to.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 26, 2025
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Overall, Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a lanky narrative-driven experience, blending eerie folklore tales with the gameplay familiar from other visual novels. The investigative aspect is very discreet. The painfully slow pacing combined with repetitive dialogue, and localization issues result in a not-so-great overall experience. While the game successfully immerses players in the unsettling world of urban legends, it struggles with execution. Those who enjoy visual novels and Japanese ghost stories may find it worthwhile, but players expecting a more interactive detective experience will be disappointed.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 24, 2025
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Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is the kind of game that fans can easily put more than a hundred hours in without seeing all the content it has to offer. The core mechanics are accessible and quickly explained by the tutorials. And then the game delivers a wide variety of carefully built tactical challenges to solve, even before the Campaigns enter the picture. The top-down view will not be engaging for everyone, even with the more varied and colorful combat areas. The game’s fiction is limited and there’s little in the way of narrative, even in the campaign mode. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a great pausable real-time tactical simulation that can get even better if coming updates add extra mechanics to its campaigns.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 20, 2025
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Coridden has a great core idea. I like how the combat system requires players to constantly shift between human and monster forms to deal with increasingly challenging enemy groups and capable bosses. The entire concept is even better if players manage to bring at least a friend into the game for cooperative action. The world of Heera mixes science-fiction and fantasy elements pretty well but the story and characters fail to stand out. Coridden is worth checking out for the shapeshifting alone and I hope the team at Aftnareld gets a chance to expand on it in a sequel.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 18, 2025
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Civilization VII is a great 4X experience and every gamer interested in the genre should give it a try. The turn-based mechanics support a wide variety of playstyles and there’s a ton of diversity in leader and civ combinations. The eras system comes across as limited at first, but it basically allows players to play three potentially very different games of Civ in one campaign. A few systems, like religion and internal politics, are limited but will probably get fleshed out in expansions. The end-of-era crisis moments aren’t challenging enough, even on the higher difficulty levels, especially if players pay attention and min-max their cities. Civilization VII changes the formula of the series in interesting ways, although it needs balancing and a better user interface as quickly as possible.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 18, 2025
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The Executive - Movie Industry Tycoon is a good movie-making business simulation that doesn’t do anything particularly original. The setup is simple, and the movie-making progress has been distilled into a loop that gives gamers crucial decisions to make. The experience isn’t turn-based but manages to successfully create the same feeling of “just one more” movie. The presentation, with its bright colors and easy-to-understand interface, adds to the immersion. Over time, the mechanical limitations and the repetitive nature become clearer. The Executive - Movie Industry Tycoon works best in small doses and as long as players see the process of making a movie as more than a series of choices to repeat until they get the expected result.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 13, 2025
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Go Home Annie is a well-plotted psychological thriller that makes good use of the SCP Foundation universe. Our protagonist is fully realized, and the core mystery is engaging, with memorable characters and a few nice twists. Even better, the focus is not on jump scares and the developers work hard to create an atmosphere of subtle horror. Sneaking sections aside, gameplay is decent if predictable. Engaging with anomalies is a highlight and I wanted the game to feature a wider array. Go Home Annie shows how the SCP Foundation fictional universe can be used in the video gamer space, especially if the development team focuses on narrative and atmosphere.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 10, 2025
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Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a great game for anyone who appreciates a complex science-fiction universe, well-rounded characters, and existential musings. The new Sleeper is a great protagonist and the rest of the cast, even those with small roles, are well-written. The dice-focused gameplay has been enhanced with new mechanics, some designed to increase the challenge level, that sometimes feel unnecessary. Players annoyed by the dice rolls and the peril associated with them should play on easy and enjoy the narrative. The game, especially when players aren’t focused on one of the major drives, uniquely mixes story, tension, and a sense of discovery. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector doesn’t offer massive innovation but perfects an already effective combination of narrative and gameplay.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 5, 2025
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Creo God Simulator’s mix of city building and god powers is an intriguing one but the game struggles to make either of them interesting in the long run. The Creostrider is limited to lightning and rain when the campaign starts, and the willpower costs associated with upgrades are very high. The economic simulation works but doesn’t feature any innovative elements. Players who are willing to push past the early game will find extra complexity as they have to juggle more buildings and decide what resources to prioritize. Creo God Simulator needs more mechanics and an extra game speed but it offers a relaxed experience for players who are ready to smite down villagers once in a while.- Softpedia
- Posted Feb 3, 2025
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ICBM: Escalation is a complex game with good real-time strategy mechanics that asks players to overcome existential angst. Winning, after the nukes start flying across the globe, is possible but it involves the death of tons of abstracted-out people. Still, the title makes it compelling to both plan the nuclear annihilation of others and to try and minimize losses. Make sure to play through the tutorial first and it’s a good idea to first engage with the campaign and its more limited scenarios. Standoff and Blitz offer a ton of variety both in terms of setup and potential strategies. ICBM: Escalation is a big game that allows players to set up a variety of scenarios and test out many ways to manage a world-ending nuclear exchange.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 31, 2025
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Age of Darkness: Final Stand has solid mechanics that will appeal to gamers who are looking for an experience similar to They Are Billions. It is fun to juggle the dual needs of building a thriving settlement to get all the resources needed to outfit a capable military and build up fortifications that can stand up to hundreds of monsters. There are plenty of heroes and associated strategies for players to mold their playstyle around. The title’s biggest problems are the limited world-building and the drab campaign. Age of Darkness: Final Stand rewards preparation and risk-taking and will satisfy gamers looking for massive and tense battles.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 30, 2025
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Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a nostalgic throwback that fails to transcend its origins. For those who grew up playing the original, it offers a bittersweet reminder of the early 2000s, warts and all. Yet, as a remaster, it falls short of expectations, offering little more than a cosmetic update to a flawed but beloved classic. For fans of Star Wars and retro gaming, it may be worth a visit, but newcomers and casual players are unlikely to find much to enjoy in this uneven return to a galaxy far, far away.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 28, 2025
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The Roottrees are Dead is a great video game for any players who like experiences like Obra Din or the two Golden Idol titles. It feels good to investigate, starting with a list of names, and reveal the rich history of an entire family. The feeling that there’s something more to learn, to understand, is always present and the game has a decent hint system to help players who get stuck. As cool as the feeling of discovery is, the game is limited in terms of mechanics. Players search for text strings, read results, and make connections. The cool soundtrack helps with immersion, but the loop can become repetitive after one or two hours. The Roottrees are Dead is unlikely to draw new players to the deduction genre but has all the ingredients needed to keep fans engaged in the long run.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 23, 2025
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Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is a carefully constructed experience that gives players variety when it comes to heroes, cards, relics, opponents, and more. Battles require both planning and on-the-spot improvisation, successfully creating that one-more-run feeling. The presentation and fictional universe are somewhat limited by the genre, but the soundtrack is very good. Deathless. Tales of Old Rus does not revolutionize its genre but strong execution and one interesting new idea make it a good choice for fans looking for a new way to test their skills.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 17, 2025
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Flint: Treasure of Oblivion has some interesting ideas when it comes to gameplay mechanics but struggles to fully explain them quickly and efficiently. After some experimentation, tactical battles, especially when they involve a lot of pirates and enemies, become intricate and tense. Just one piece of equipment or a well-played card can change an outcome. The narrative isn’t innovative enough to capture the attention, even with its solid use of comic book interludes. But fans of a classic pirate tale with an interest in complex tactical engagements will have fun with Flint: Treasure of Oblivion if they are willing to give it the time to fully reveal its core concepts.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 15, 2025
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For fans of the originals, this is a chance to revisit a beloved classic in HD. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to explore a piece of gaming history that continues to inspire and captivate. If you’re prepared to brave the depths of Nosgoth and confront its haunting mysteries, while curbing your expectations somewhat, the Soul Reaver remasters are an experience you won’t regret.- Softpedia
- Posted Jan 8, 2025
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Spirit Mancer is a perfect example of an action platformer that nails the mechanics and the old-school feeling. The narrative is decent but not impressive, the presentation is colorful and bubbly, and the two main characters are heroic but also goofy. The action is fast and the monster capturing and summoning work well and gives players a way to boost their combat power when needed. This is a game designed for fans of this genre who aren’t looking for a lot of innovation. And players should be ready for long boss engagements with some significant difficulty increases. Spirit Mancer is best in coop, as long as at least one player is experienced, and its capture and summon mechanics are solid.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 18, 2024
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The Thaumaturge offers a compelling mix of history, mythology, and storytelling that sets it apart from typical RPGs. Its richly detailed world, intriguing plot, and flexible mechanics create an experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. But the technical flaws hold it back from perfection, and while the game’s unique vision makes it a standout title in the “eurojank” RPG category, the flaws leave quite a pronounced distracting aftertaste. With this warning in mind, for players seeking something bold and different, The Thaumaturge is a journey worth undertaking.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 13, 2024
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30 Birds is a wonderful experience with a great world and impressive presentation. Zig is a fun protagonist, and the development team has innovated a lot for its varied mini-activity line-up. Music is an integral part of the game, with a focus on creativity that gets highlighted when players get a chance to get on a synthesizer and create some tunes of their own. Exploration is mostly a pleasure, as long as players don’t rely much on the smartphone map. The four Lantern hubs are stunning and feature a mix of characters and secrets. 30 Birds is a unique game that showcases how variety, both in terms of gameplay and influences, can create a wonderful world for players to get lost in.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 11, 2024
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VED takes risks in a way that only an indie passion project can. Not all of them pay out yet the end result is worth playing for gamers who like both turn-based combat and extensive conversations. The narrative involves the fate of two worlds and touches on big themes, although the writing quality is uneven. The game’s combat system, turn and tile-based, creates tense battles, especially once players unlock extra powers. The dice-focused encounters do not add much to the experience. VED isn’t perfect but has ideas that are worth experiencing.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 10, 2024
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Ark of Charon picks up ideas from a variety of genres and manages to create a coherent experience, with a focus on careful management of resources. The base building, especially because the small space leads to creative solutions, is the most interesting part of the experience but does not take up the most time. Combat is passable, especially once players focus on stockpiling ammo and learn to manually fire one of their guns. But resource gathering can be annoying, especially when the golems don’t seem to do what’s expected of them and the only solution is to spam the prioritize button. Ark of Charon offers an interesting challenge but its mechanics should be improved via patches.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 4, 2024
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Last Time I Saw You is a gem of an indie game that combines heartfelt storytelling, beautiful visuals, and a touch of the supernatural. Its blend of folklore, exploration, and character-driven narrative makes it a standout title in the side-scrolling adventure genre. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a leisurely stroll through a magical place. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in a serene yet compelling adventure, this game is well worth the journey. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese culture, atmospheric storytelling, or simply want a break from the ordinary, Last Time I Saw You is worth a try.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 3, 2024
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Monarchy has good mechanics and a decent presentation. The world feels generic and pretty empty but there’s a decent challenge in managing resources while expanding the player hold. But the game does not try to differentiate itself from other experiences in the laid-back side-scrolling strategy space. It takes too long to expand and exploring the woods is simply not exciting most of the time. The cost associated with the bigger upgrades is too high. Monarchy needs a unique gameplay idea or some big twist to make up for its otherwise familiar mechanics.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 2, 2024
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Toy Tactics is a good entry-level strategy experience that finds a host of innovative ways to use its central brush mechanic. Players can direct a variety of warriors and activate spells by simply painting the ground, then use these violent tools to solve a lot of combat puzzles. The game offers a variety of modes with plenty of interesting quirks. The world-building is limited but the presentation, especially if players zoom in to watch the figurines take each other out, is good. Toy Tactics is easy to pick up and play but still challenging, a great way for someone new to the strategy genre to have fun while picking up the basics.- Softpedia
- Posted Dec 2, 2024
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Devilated is a very good boomer shooter that takes the genre’s core ideas and enhances both the violence level and the variety. Players will move fast, engage plenty of capable enemies, and then eat their corpses to get health back. Bosses are challenging, especially if it is the first time they make an appearance. But the experience struggles to push past the boundaries of its genre. The protagonist is unlikable, especially when talking. Levels work as battlespaces but lack world-building. Devilated delivers spectacular and tense fights for gamers who can ignore its flaws.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 27, 2024
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Keeper's Toll is a good wave-based action survival title that understands what makes the genre attractive. Its biggest asset is the variety delivered by its six heroes and the way players can customize their upgrades, as well as the meta-progression, to try out different playstyles. The ability to redistribute points at any time is a great touch. But the game never finds a unique idea to make it stand out. The narrative is almost non-existent. The art style is decent, and I like the soundtrack, but the title really needs something more to stand out. Keeper's Toll is thoroughly enjoyable, especially once the player finds his favorite character, and will offer tens of hours of fun to anyone who’s in love with this genre.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 25, 2024
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Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a reminder that indie games can achieve greatness even without the resources of big studios. With its endearing characters, beautiful visuals, and inventive level design, it offers a well-rounded platforming experience that will appeal to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers. There are a few rough edges, but overall, the game is brimming with charm, creativity, and a sense of nostalgia that makes it hard to put down. With a few refinements in future updates or installments, this game has the potential to grow into a beloved indie franchise.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 22, 2024
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The Rise of the Golden Idol is a great sequel and will give all fans of the original plenty of new interesting and violent scenarios to solve. The game’s mechanics are easy to pick up, even for newcomers, with a solid raft of quality-of-life improvements to make it easier to gather clues and find solutions. It would be lovely if the various windows could be resized. The title can cause some frustration when it comes to the big end of the chapter narratives, mainly because of wording that lacks a certain precision. When that happens, do not hesitate to breathe in and out and use the hint system. The Rise of the Golden Idol is good enough that it makes sense to play one or two scenes per session, savoring the many details and the joy associated with some clever deductions.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 20, 2024
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Lucky Hunter’s gameplay is built around a unique idea. Players do not directly control combat but will make crucial choices, about pieces as well as artifacts and visited nodes, that will shape their deck and influence how many battles they will win. Luck plays a big role but when a run truly comes together it is incredible to watch the damage numbers go up. The presentation and universe are decent but do not stand out. I would have also liked the cost of new armies to be lower. But Lucky Hunter is easy to pick up and play and it only takes one great run for players to become addicted to its core loop.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 19, 2024
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Metal Slug Tactics is a tight turn-based tactics video game that gives players a lot of toys to play with and asks them to carefully plan and execute battleplans. Sync moves are cool, especially once the three-man team picks up some solid upgrades, and the Adrenaline mechanic encourages players to move and find efficient combos. Fans of the franchise will probably connect more with the story bits, which can seem a little under-baked. But I like the pixel-driven look and the booming announcer. Metal Slug Tactics successfully delivers the “just one more run” feeling of a good rogue-lite and solid tactical engagements.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 15, 2024
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Empire of the Ants is a gorgeous video game that gives players an ant’s eye view of both combat and platforming. It looks spectacular most of the time, especially the environments, but takes plenty of liberties when it comes to ant society and general creature abilities to create a decent narrative. The strategy game elements work well, although there aren't many complex systems to master, while platforming feels unnecessary. The single-player campaign offers some interesting tactical challenges, and the free-for-all three-sided multiplayer is pretty exciting. Empire of the Ants does not innovate much but offers a unique strategy experience.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 13, 2024
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The Smurfs Dreams is the perfect game to enjoy alongside family, or alone, as a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Thanks to its charming art direction, clever mechanics, and endearing characters it is a memorable experience, that offers plenty of replay value for completionists. It is a platformer that appeals to both nostalgic fans of the Smurfs and a younger generation of players, and arguably one of the best jump-n-run games published by Microids so far. I believe The Smurfs – Dreams is a nice surprise, which thanks to its friendly price tag can be an excellent gift for the holidays.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 12, 2024
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Unknown 9: Awakening may not be a groundbreaking title, but it offers a fun and engaging journey through an imaginative world that fans of mystery and light fantasy may enjoy. Clocking in at around 10 hours, it offers just enough intrigue to encourage players to see it through to the end, even if it doesn’t spark an immediate desire to dive into all other Unknown 9 media. While the game isn’t flawless and doesn’t belong among the year’s best, it provides a pleasant surprise, outshining initial expectations. The biggest shortcoming is that it often feels like a limited budget production, that would have needed more polishing to hide the rough edges.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 12, 2024
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Chicken Police: Into the HIVE! is a fun, often funny, and sometimes touching experience. It knows how to work within both the noir and the adventure game genres. The cast of animal characters is well-chosen, and Sonny makes for a great protagonist. Play the game in short sessions, soak in the atmosphere, and don’t be dissuaded by the more frustrating mini-games. There are a few moments when conversations feel out of sequence, depending on player choices. The puzzle elements rarely feel like they belong. Some locations feel too small. But these are limitations of the adventure game genre and Chicken Police: Into the HIVE! works hard to push past them and manages to give fans a good plot, great characters, and cool interrogation scenes.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 8, 2024
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Darksiders II remains a fantastic action RPG experience with a distinctive dark fantasy feel. It offers a rich, multi-layered gameplay experience with a unique protagonist, beautiful art direction, and a mix of combat and puzzle-solving mechanics that will keep you engaged for hours. The Deathinitive Edition, while not perfect, is still worth playing, especially for those who missed it the first time around or want to relive the adventure with a bit of extra polish and added content. With its discounted price and bundled DLC, it’s a great way to experience Death’s journey, even if the road isn’t entirely smooth.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 6, 2024
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EcoGnomix is easy to learn and has a satisfying main gameplay loop. Players have to constantly think about how their gnome workers can be positioned to extract resources, preferably a lot of them while dealing with threats. It takes careful planning and a dose of luck to get deep into the caves and get a chance to tangle with the boss. The surface town development elements are simple and there’s not much in the way of a narrative hook. The biggest problem is the limited control that players have, mainly when it comes to upgrades. EcoGnomix’s mix of ideas is engaging and the title successfully delivers the “one more run” feeling but it needs a patch or two to fully deliver on its potential.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 5, 2024
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Black Ops 6 sets a new standard for Call of Duty campaigns, blending familiar mechanics with fresh ideas and a story that keeps players engaged throughout. The extra development time allowed the developers can create an impressive and polished experience. This is a must-play for fans of action-packed storytelling, offering a unique blend of combat and narrative that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re here for the story or the multiplayer, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivers an experience worth diving into.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 4, 2024
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Technotopia is an atypical city builder that understands what makes the genre appealing. It is turn-based and built around cards, but it manages to give players freedom while making it clear the pressures of constant development. The narrative framing is good, although the characters do not shine, and the presentation is impressive. Its run-based structure keeps things interesting, although I would have liked a slightly faster pace of unlock for new buildings. A clear list of everything players can get and hints about how they can reach their aims is also needed. Despite these small issues, Technotopia is a very good game that should attract a wide audience.- Softpedia
- Posted Nov 1, 2024
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The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is better than its predecessor, but not by much. I have a hard time taking it seriously as a horror game, and I have seen much better walking simulators. It lacks in almost every aspect, and I could choose much more suitable games for a Halloween scare. Yet, if you are a fan of J-horror you will most likely enjoy it, especially if you are into Taiwanese lore. If the developers manage to fix the pacing issues and rely less on cinematic storytelling the next episode might be quite interesting.- Softpedia
- Posted Oct 29, 2024
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Forgive Me Father 2 is a good boomer shooter that builds on the ideas of the original. The action is fast and pretty brutal, with a focus on delivering as many headshots as possible while moving constantly to avoid damage. The Asylum and its unlocks allow gamers to try out strategies and find weapons that match their approach. The game’s atmosphere is designed to appeal to players who like Lovecraft vibes, although it does not offer much in the way of straight-up horror. Forgive Me Father 2 improves on an already established formula but needs extra weirdness or one big innovative mechanic.- Softpedia
- Posted Oct 28, 2024
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Edge of Sanity features an interesting mix of ideas that will appeal to players who like management and appreciate careful planning and execution. The story has a good mix of personal drama and Lovecraft-inspired terror, enhanced by the art design and voice acting. I felt tense as I sneaked around the creatures, considering whether I wanted to risk and get more rations or if I should get out as quickly as possible. The camp job system is not very deep, and some character conversations feel unnecessary. The core loop can also become repetitive and frustrating. Edge of Sanity has great ideas but struggles to make them shine.- Softpedia
- Posted Oct 25, 2024
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