The Big Hollow: 1982 is a good detective game that gets just a little too repetitive and fails to innovate in any important way. The case Desmond works is carefully constructed, with just a few major leaps of logic needed toward the end. I appreciate that the story tells players something about the wider world and the problems that plagued the South of the United States almost half a century ago, and how they remain relevant now. The relatively short running time would not be a problem, but for the feeling that this was an introduction and that we are missing out on bigger cases. I hope the developers get the resources they need to create at least a sequel that finds a way to offer a little more mechanically. For gamers who accept its limitations, The Big Hollow: 1982 is a finely plotted murder mystery.

Voidling Bound is a great monster taming game. It offers a plethora of different species, and the ability to experiment as you try to make the best, most powerful monsters you can. Additionally, the gameplay is very good, it’s engaging, and you have access to a wide variety of customization options as well. For me, it felt like a creature collector’s dream, and being able to control those creatures during planetary missions is the cherry on the top. Not everything is perfect, though. Getting resources tends to be a grind a lot of the time, and some of the mission structures are repetitive. However, the game’s mechanics and fun planetary gameplay more than makes up for the grind. It’s an excellent game for anyone who wants to chill out and relax as they put on their scientist hat and experiment to create the perfect creature.

Reptilian Rising is a deep tactics experience that’s exciting on a turn-to-turn basis but struggles with its structural approach. Upgrading heroes, picking upgrades, deciding what abilities to use, and then fighting the reptiles is fun and challenging. The over-the-top approach to the narrative works. But the run-driven approach to historical eras feels limiting. The game would have been better if it gave players an option to access the shop between battles, while adding to the number of enemies in future engagements. For players willing to deal with some rough edges, Reptilian Rising is one of the more engaging turn-based experiences of the moment.

NBA THE RUN feels like a modern version of NBA Streets, and I mean that as a compliment. It has a great arcade gameplay, a curated roster of both street legends and NBA stars, but also some impressive courts. The games are short, but intense, and you’ll find yourself trying to attempt some more. It’s also nice to see that all the money you get via playing won’t go to waste. The game’s shop is full of all kinds of accessories and items you can use to fully customize your character. So yes, there’s always a reason beyond how you look, the way you enhance everything, and how it all flows together. Even if you’re not someone who plays NBA 2K or any major basketball game, I think you’ll have a great time here, because the game is very easy to pick up and learn. It’s fun, intense, and it will certainly push your limits, while also being fair.

Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent is a good dungeon crawler that offers interesting hero archetypes and a variety of challenges to deal with. It becomes a great experience if players manage to recruit three friends, so that everyone can control one hero. Given the relatively unknown fictional universe the developers are working with, it would have been nice to inject some extra weirdness into both the narrative and the presentation. Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent delivers on the mechanics front, but it might struggle to bring in fans of the boardgame into the video game space.

As someone who likes dungeon crawlers and survivor-like games, Skull Horde felt like home. It was great to play, with an interesting setting, wonderful 8-bit visuals and a very good gameplay loop. It also adds some complex systems like upgrades which help further enhance the gameplay and make it even more fun. I didn’t know what to expect with Skull Horde, but this game brought a lot of positive things for me. The gameplay is very addictive, and you can easily spend hours in one sitting once you get hooked by it. With that in mind, it will become repetitive at times, especially as you get how the main systems work and try to farm enemies. But the journey is an enjoyable one overall, and that’s what matters to me.

I had a good time with Generation Exile, and I felt it was a great game that seamlessly blends colony management with the idea of exploration and trying to expand. It also integrates some ideas that are close to my heart and very important, while also establishing an interesting visual identity. However, the game’s maps feel cramped, and the interface is not ideal, so it does take a little bit until you get the hand of it. That being said, the visuals are fine overall, and the game successfully conveys the sense of urgency that your missions are bringing to the table. The biomes are beautiful but also feel uninviting at first. It does take a while until you get used to the mechanics, however Generation Exile is a great game that’s well-worth exploring, especially if you are a fan of strategy games and you’re willing to learn as you go along.

Puzzle Parasite might not be a complex game, but it manages to fulfill what it sets out to achieve. It makes you think and figure out solutions to all kinds of puzzles, while still being pretty user-friendly and even allowing you to skip levels that seem too difficult at this time. It’s also not very long, either, since you can finish it in 2-4 hours depending on your puzzle-solving level. I had many moments in Puzzle Parasite that reminded me of Portal 2, which is a clear ode to what this game has to offer. Granted, it’s not as polished, and it’s quite short, but the fact that you get to solve puzzles in a very distinct, unique alien world full of character on its own does set it apart. It’s a great puzzle game for casuals, and even puzzle-solving experts will get a few hours of fun out of it.

Stonemachia is one of those games that a lot of soulslike players will try to pick up automatically, as they want more content in this exciting genre. But I felt that it’s very approachable even for a newcomer to this genre. It’s fun to play, it offers a lot of different ways to experiment, and best of all, it’s just a pleasure to plow through enemies, become stronger and tackle the game’s intense bosses. Yes, it does have some quality-of-life issues, like the lack of fast travel. I also encountered some bugs like getting stuck in a pole or the scenery while attacking enemies. But those are not dealbreakers and they certainly don’t deter the overall experience. Stonemachia is a game that brings a unique touch to the genre, with great bosses, an interesting world and exciting lore. And thankfully, it’s also fair difficulty-wise, so it respects your time as well.

I Hate This Place has some great fundamentals in place, and the game certainly knows how to create an excellent atmosphere. The fact that you can also try to go stealth mode or guns blazing is quite interesting, and it offers plenty of choice to the player. With that in mind, you don’t always feel that survival pressure when you have access to all the resources you need and crafting becomes a second thought. Despite all the issues, I still think that I Hate This Place is worth a shot, especially if you like the genre. It will take some getting used to, but this is definitely a wonderful story, and I want to see more comic books brought to life this way.

Gothic 1 Remake looks great, feels amazing to play, and there are so many great choices you can make here. You can be a mage, a warrior, the ultimate bowman or anything you see fit. Plus, following the game’s story will bring many exciting challenges on its own, from using spells to fighting unexpected enemies. Overall, it’s an excellent adventure that everyone should check out, especially if you never played the original. Gothic 1 Remake is the ultimate version of a cult classic, and being able to relive this genre-defining RPG with all the modern bells and whistles was a delight.

Upon entering Mirage 7, I had no idea what I was getting into, other than the Steam description which made it feel compelling to me. However, after finishing this, I am happy I played the game, even if it has its shortcomings. The deep focus on mythology and some sci-fi elements make it rather distinct from other games in the genre. The fact that it’s short is both a blessing and a curse for Mirage 7, because it feels like it could benefit from a few more chapters and a deeper story. Despite that, what’s there is worth experiencing, if you want a different take on mythology and a story that’s different to what you will see in most modern games. Just be prepared to deal with some technical shortcomings and mid-tier combat.

Hacked The Streamer might be a short game, but it’s an interesting FMV experience that certainly makes you question some of your choices. It’s fun to play, and you can replay it many times, which is a great thing about the title. We’ve never had any game enter the streaming world from this perspective, and it highlights the reality of being a streamer. It’s not all glitz and glamor, there are certainly some tough challenges and moments you have to consider. As a complete package, Hacked: The Streamer is fun to play. Not everyone will like the FMV approach, and it’s natural, since this is a gaming niche on its own. But the performances by the cast are great overall, the story is intriguing, albeit self-contained, and it’s certainly a unique take on streaming. For that alone, it’s worth considering, especially if you are a huge fan of interactive games.

Tides of Tomorrow does a great job at bringing a unique storytelling method to this genre. And I expected nothing less from the developers, knowing their previous work. The cooperative approach is exciting, certainly different, and the game doesn’t shy away from putting you in interesting situations as many times as possible. The idea of restarting the game and following a different player just to see their choices is certainly an upside, and it just shows the uniqueness that Tides of Tomorrow has to offer. On top of that, the story itself is not very long. It certainly encourages replayability, as there are all kinds of choices that you can make. I decided to repay bridges and ladders, knowing that the people after me would benefit. It’s the type of experience I rarely see this in games, and knowing I did something good for others gave me a fuzzy feeling in my heart. Tides of Tomorrow is certainly a different type of experience, but a rather impressive one, and I am eagerly excited to see where these devs will go next.

Ink Inside does a great job at bringing its story to life, although the game is marred by some technical issues and performance problems. However, once you get past those, the gameplay is interesting, memorable and quite immersive. It will take a little while to learn how to play and master the dodgeball sequences, yet once you get there, it feels very rewarding. Is it a game for everyone? Not exactly, especially since its combat is focused on dodgeball. While unique, it certainly takes some getting used to. But everything from the gameplay to the quirky story is worth experiencing here, however it’s important to be aware of the performance problems on some computers, especially older ones. Yet even so, it’s weird and different enough that it warrants your attention, especially if you want a new take on RPGs.

I enjoyed Mio: Memories in Orbit more than I expected. I thought it would be like all the other metroidvania titles out there, and I was wrong. The game has a beautiful story, where you wake up on a ship and try to figure out where to go and what to do on your own. It involves a lot of exploration, and you always need to be on your toes, because you never know what might happen next. The game looks great, it’s fun to play and it has a nice soundtrack to boot. With that in mind, there are some downsides, like design choices such as limited healing options or punishing difficulty at times can end up being frustrating. But that didn’t deter me from having one heck of a time with this game. Platforming is very satisfying, the visuals are excellent, and the progression manages to keep combat fresh, since you always end up swapping between modules and experimenting with them.

Moonsigil Atlas offers a cool new take on some already classic ideas. I love the tactical puzzles the game organically builds out of shapes, runes, effects, and keywords. The three characters play in very different ways, and there’s a ton of cards to discover by climbing through mastery levels. My biggest complaint is that the various card upgrade nodes feel a little underwhelming. Adding just one shield rune to a card shape rarely feels like a game-changer. Moonsigil Atlas will deliver a welcome dose of innovation for anyone who likes card-driven combat, but I wish its tweaks extended to the rogue-lite elements.

I enjoyed my time with Bus Bound, as I was looking forward to becoming a bus driver and this game certainly scratches the itch. It’s not the ultimate simulator, and that’s to its benefit, because it’s more approachable and the larger public can have fun with it. Driving around Emberville is a lot of fun, as the city is detailed, not to mention it brings its fair share of challenges for a bus driver. With that in mind, Bus Bound’s experience becomes repetitive after a while, since the core loop forces you to do the same routes over and over. You know, just like a real bus driver would. If repetition is not a problem for you, then I am sure you will have a ton of fun with Bus Bound. There are many different buses to unlock, plenty of customization options, a good coop experience to be had and a vibrant city to explore. It’s not perfect, but it’s as close as most of us will get to driving a bus in a modern city.

007 First Light surprised me with its interesting story, beautiful locations, but also the Hitman-like gameplay combined with tons of action sequences. Bond’s charisma, resourcefulness and adaptability carry the game, but the other characters like M, Q, Moneypenny or Greenway are just as memorable. You’ll feel plenty of emotions, from fear to disappointment, happiness and even laugh at times. It truly is a Bond movie distilled in a videogame format, and a great one at that.

I enjoyed my time with Above the Snow, and that’s mainly because it has lots of complexity, without feeling overwhelming. The story mode is quite long, and there’s always something to do, so you never feel monotonous. At the same time, the game’s “cause and effect” system rewards your great choices, while also punishing you when you don’t really do the right thing. With that being said, Above the Snow felt very fulfilling from the beginning up until the end. The mountainscape is beautifully created, the gameplay is exciting, and every step forward feels like a reward for all the hard work you did. Although it might seem overwhelming at first, the game does a great job in becoming approachable later on, and its system-driven gameplay is a lot of fun. If you’re into management games, you’ll find Above the Snow to be quite the treat.

Luna Abyss is not an AAA title, nor does it try to be. It’s an indie delight, however, and it manages to seamlessly blend bullet hell gameplay with an FPS. Yes, it has clunky platforming, and it can feel very linear, but you’re coming here for the gameplay. And that’s sublime, very well made and every shot/kill feels very satisfying. The game’s beginning feels weird and it can take a bit until you get to enjoy the gameplay, at least that’s how it went for me. Regardless, the genre combination is excellent, the story is rewarding and weird in its own way, but it pushes you through right until the end. I didn’t expect to like Luna Abyss as much as I did, and even if it has its shortcomings, it’s clearly a labor of love and a solid experience.

Fortune Seller offers a new take on the ideas that made the likes of Balatro a huge success, but its mechanical innovation is limited. The idea of playing a sort of Tetris while finding the right Tarot and spell combinations to rack up huge scores sounds more engaging than it actually is. Fans of the genre will appreciate the variety and the relatively quick runs. Unfortunately, it's hard to make a game shine on mechanical competence alone. The world-building is limited, both in scope and quality, and there’s little to enjoy when it comes to presentation. Fortune Seller is fun in short bursts, but will probably fail to capture most players’ attention in the long term.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is a solid first-person shooter with a great twist that cannot carry the game all the way. I loved the black and white cartoon presentation initially and liked the classic mechanics. But after three or four locations, the presentation is no longer surprising, and the gun battles start to feel repetitive. It doesn’t help that the environments don’t do a lot to keep player interest up and that boss battles are gimmicks rather than tests of skill. Play one or two levels of MOUSE: P.I. For Hire at a time, enjoy the gun fights, and ignore the elements that feel like unnecessary work, including the baseball card game and the safe cracking.

I enjoyed my time with EverSiege: Untold Ages, I think this is an ambitious game that mostly succeeds when it comes to blending roguelite, base defense and hero action gameplay. It thrives with experimentation, although it’s definitely complex and can deter some of the newcomers, especially in the few hours. The game’s core design is still compelling, and they do a very good job at creating a foundation for a new type of game here. I hope future updates will bring even more depth to the gameplay. But even the way it is, the game’s core loop will keep you engaged for quite some time. Yet at some point, repetition becomes an issue, which hopefully gets fixed in future updates.

Invincible VS is a very fast-paced, engaging 3 v 3 fighting game with a lot of heart. While it can be great for newcomers to the Invincible world, it’s certainly geared towards fans of comics or TV series. It has excellent gameplay, outstanding combat, and it relies you on mastering your skills, especially as you play online. On the downside, Invincible VS has a light single-player offering, which is noticeable if you just want to play on your own against AI. There aren’t a lot of game modes here, although you can easily go online and have a much more rewarding experience. As a complete package, it’s a must-have for Invincible comics or TV series fans, but also for those who want a more refined and still really intense fighting game.

Elemental: Reforged is a decent attempt to make a game that was too ambitious for 2010 relevant for a modern audience. It looks better than it did back then, but not by much, and its attempt at world building is hampered by the limited presentation. The core 4X mechanics are strong if a little traditional, and the game features an extensive array of customization and choices, ensuring that no two games will play out the same. Gamers who liked any of the older Elemental titles will be happy with the modern version. There’s enough variety to enjoy hundreds of hours of strategic moves and tactical battles. But Elemental: Reforged doesn’t feature any big innovation and will struggle to keep newcomers interested.

Vultures - Scavengers of Death is a throwback, a game that’s does not shy from telling players that both its universe and its gameplay are inspired by Resident Evil. The shift to a turn-based combat system adds to the complexity, while limited ammo and health create a solid challenge level. The narrative and world-building are forgettable. The presentation plays on nostalgia, but the PlayStation 1 era graphics made it harder for me to enjoy combat. Vultures - Scavengers of Death will deliver great fun for a very specific audience and will struggle to appeal to a wider set of players.

As a complete package, Aphelion mostly lands, especially when it comes to the story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged, and it’s one of those games whose story cleverly combines a variety of emotions. You will be scared, happy, and also curious to see where everything goes. I enjoyed the game’s ending, but I can see some people will dislike where we leave these characters. The planet Persephone was amazing to explore, although the linearity of the story does bring the game down a little bit. It also doesn’t help that the climbing feels outdated at times, and the stealth parts don’t land, or they just get downright boring towards the end of the game. I still enjoyed my time with the game and felt satisfied with the story and overall experience. Plus, as someone who enjoyed all games from Don’t Nod, especially Vampyr and Banishers, I am excited to see them attempt new things. Yes, not everything sticks, but Aphelion is a journey worth embarking on.

Rhythm Doctor doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but the gameplay that it provides is engaging, fun and very addictive. You will find yourself trying to play one more time, hoping you’ll achieve a great rating for the next level. Plus, the spin they added where you are healing patients with these beats feels very fulfilling. It seems like you’re doing something more than just enjoying your time, you’re also helping people feel better, too. The game is not meant to be difficult, instead it’s continually offering you an innate sense of fun, with a great dose of humor along the way. Rhythm Doctor made me laugh, lose my mind at times, but overall, it’s a great experience for rhythm game lovers, but also those that want to unwind and step away from life’s challenges. It’s a game where every moment is worth it, no matter if you fail and you have to start over. There’s always the satisfaction of trying to save someone, and the happiness that comes from succeeding. That’s why Rhythm Doctor is a game everyone should try, especially if you need a healthy dose of good time.

Wax Heads is an impressive achievement. It delivers a great mix of varied music, great record graphical design, exquisite fictional critical texts, and narrative. The universe built around Repeater Records is a lovely one, filled with cool customers and interesting co-workers. Make sure to unlock and play all the songs that were specifically recorded for the game. While the core gameplay loop of using a short prompt to find the best record for each character is great, it can become somewhat repetitive. Playing two or, at most, three days in one session is the go-to move. Wax Heads is a great example of how a two-person team can deliver a great game, infused with passion and packing great songs.

If you’re into quirky, weird and comedic stories, then Hank: Drowning on Dry Land is your cup of tea. It’s one of those games that not only ends up making you think, but it’s exciting, engaging and it continues to bring interesting, new ideas into the mix. Being able to rewind time is a nifty feature, and it adds a lot of value to the game experience. It’s cleverly added to the point where it’s not overused, yet vital to the gameplay. Hank: Drowning on Dry Land is a short game, but a well-made one. It knows what it wants to be and it definitely doesn’t overstay its welcome. The focus is on sharing a great, relatable story and one that only gets better as you play. Granted, you can finish it in 30 minutes, but it ends up being a very fulfilling, albeit sometimes frustrating game that you will remember for quite some time.

MotoGP 26 continues to refine the series, and it has some notable additions. It’s more of an incremental upgrade rather than a massive new entry, but that’s fine. You get the latest tracks and riders from the real MotoGP, along with a great career mode, the exciting arcade control system and even Ride Off, which I found to be quite fun to mess around with. With that in mind, the fact that you’re only getting a new track when compared to the MotoGP 25 version might keep some people away. However, with yearly releases, you always want to have the latest riders and teams, so this is the superior version from that perspective. The best way to get into MotoGP 26 is to expect it as a yearly update of the roster and a new track, along with great visuals. Also, I think this is the better version for people who are into arcade racing, while also respecting veterans and offering them a pro-level control system, too.

Lunchbreak Tactics is a smart and fast auto-battler that plays to the genre’s strengths. A complete winning 12-battle run can take under 20 minutes once gamers understand the mechanics and know the type of team they want to create. The fast speed, with its cool rock soundtrack, condenses a battle to under one minute. The game looks good, and developing a team during the shop phase involves a balance of long-term thinking and luck. The only issue I have with the mechanics is that the meta-progression feels a little slow. The world-building is a little limited, but it doesn’t matter much given the engrossing gameplay loop. Lunchbreak Tactics is easy to learn, quick to play, and gets more fun as players understand it more and unlock new heroes and clans.

It will take quite a bit of time to learn the controls and get used to the visual style this game has. But, once you do, you will find yourself trying to finish the game. It’s not going to be a game for everyone, especially due to its weirdness and strange story. But it’s an artistic game, and one that brings a sense of self-expression, while also embracing horror in a way that I think is quite satisfying. Yes, it needs more polish and guidance when it comes to the lore and story, however it's a solid effort, especially as a first release from the studio.

HELL OF FEAR: Mind Breach successfully manages to bring us the intensity of survival games, along with the horror expected from titles like Dead Space. While it’s clearly an indie game, it delivers a nicely polished experience where you always try to stay alive and fulfill the different missions that appear along the way. The story here is great, but also contained to the base, so you won’t see a variety of environments or anything like that. Despite some minor shortcomings, HELL OF FEAR: Mind Breach is still a great game to play, especially if you are a fan of the horror genre. The survival elements sprinkled in are exciting and won’t deter the experience. The game is adequately priced for what it offers as well, just make sure that you go in with the right expectations.

REPLACED is a beautiful, narrative driven experience, and that’s where the game is at its best. It tells a very interesting, gripping story, and I found myself fascinated with the great locations, mesmerizing backgrounds, but also the intricate characters found within the game. Sad Cat Studios hit it out of the park here, the game is not only visually impressive with its pixelated art style, but also the well-written story. REPLACED also brings excellent social commentary, making us think twice about our society and its path forward. It’s certainly not without its small issues, like combat being repetitive and platforming not shining that much. But it’s definitely one of those games that will make you pause and look at the scenery often, while pondering about your life and your role in society. Plus, if you are a completionist, there’s plenty of lore and extra info to be found here. All in all, it’s a delightful game, but keep in mind that it’s all about the story rather than action.

Tombwater is very good at mixing two very different inspirations into a coherent experience. Bloodborne, moved into two dimensions, supplies the core combat mechanics, the feeling of eerie transformation, the magic system, and the fire. The Wild West brings in the characters, the dusty town, and the taciturn main character. Anyone who loves both will have a lot of fun exploring this world, discovering its past, conquering its many challenges, and developing their combat abilities. It helps that players have the option to make the game easier in the Settings menu once they start their adventure. Tombwater can be frustrating at times, but its core combination of ideas is very good.

Minos continues the long-term video game trend of finding new mechanics that work well with a rogue-lite structure. Scanning a new labyrinth layout, evaluating enemy ingress routes, deciding which traps will work best on the enemies, and then watching as they die before reaching Asterion is satisfying. The extensive array of traps and challenges helps keep things fresh. But the game fails to find anything new and innovative to do with the rogue elements. And as the difficulty ramps up, it can take half an hour to puzzle out the best way to deal with one enemy wave. Minos’ trap and labyrinth shaping mechanics are solid, but the title sometimes struggles to keep players engaged with them.

Second Sun is one of those games that tries to combine multiple genres, and it does a very good job at that. The moment-to-moment FPS gameplay is very slick and engaging, and the RPG elements are also great, without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to treat Second Sun as an indie game and time your expectations. It’s not going to be the ultimate game in the genre. However, it has a very interesting story and world. I like how Second Sun knows what it is and it manages to do all the core things right. The NPCs are interesting, the combat is very good, and the loot-based progression will keep you going even when things get repetitive. Granted, the game has a shallow narrative, and its visuals are not the best, but the gameplay stays interesting until the end. Plus, the game is not very expensive, it’s priced correctly for what it is, and it offers a good time for the 8-10 hours you need to go through all of its content.

When I started playing Constance, I had no idea what to expect. Releasing a metroidvania so close to Silksong was a gamble, but I think it paid off. Constance might not be the 30+ hour juggernaut that game is, but it has a heartwarming story and its platforming is excellent. The narrative is amazing, and the unique painting mechanic adds risk, but also rewards strategic thinking, too. You’re also rewarded if you explore, which is important for this type of game. Constance has its caveats, like limited fast travel or the main character not speaking at all during the game. However, those things are by design, and they tie into the game’s approach towards stress and mental health. This is a type of game that can help you rethink some of your choices in life, while also giving you 4-5 hours of intense platforming goodness, and it’s a breath of fresh air for the genre.

Dice with Death creates an engaging combination of dice rolling and player choice. There’s no way to control the rolls entirely and eliminate the frustration caused by the lack of luck. But killing Death using just the right mix of character, relics, and dice faces is very satisfying. It helps that the old-school presentation allows gamers to focus on thinking about their rolls, the potential combinations, and the moment when risking it all is worth it. Dice With Death doesn’t transform the Balatro-like game category, but it creates tense runs and rewards players who are unafraid to take risks.

WAR RATS is by no means perfect. It definitely has its flaws, but it does a great job at hiding them. Minor issues aren’t in your face, and you will rarely encounter them. Also, the dev team is committed to upgrading the game, and they are looking to add new gear, your own customizable nest, harder enemies and so on. So even if you played WAR RATS already, there’s definitely even more new content on the horizon. It’s clear that the developers are putting the work into creating an unforgettable experience. Plus, the sheer premise of controlling rates in battle is amazing, and it feels very satisfying to defeat your rat brethren.

Possessor(s) is a bit of a departure from the developer’s signature style, but the gameplay is great and the entire experience is very polished. It’s not overstaying its welcome, and the story they share here is quite interesting, albeit short in my opinion. I wish we spent even more time in this world, but in the end, this is a very polished, high-quality game that everyone will enjoy checking out, especially if you are a fan of metroidvania titles. Not every moment in Possessor(s) is intense, there are sometimes when you unwind and relax, and also explore the world rather than engage in constant battles. Additionally, there were a few bugs at launch, but those were solved by a few, subsequent patches. At the time of this writing, the game runs great, and I didn’t experience any crash. I wish the map was easier to manage and you had more guidance, but overall, it’s an interesting platformer with nice twists, and it stays creative without burdening players with a complex story. Instead, it seamlessly blends good story with fast-paced action, making it a solid experience even if you don’t really play this genre.

Pure Pool Pro is a good pool game, and maybe one of the better releases in the genre for the past few years. It’s not trying to be the be-all, end-all of pool, and it does lack some pool types like one-pocket, bank pool, blackball, bumper pool and so on. However, it sticks with the most popular pool types, and it succeeds in offering a realistic, challenging, yet fun depiction of pool for those who want to play at home. It has great visuals, the gameplay is very engaging with a great dose of realism, and there are also plenty of people to play against in the online world. But even if you like to play on your own, there’s a hefty campaign mode where you can grind stars in each level and unlock cues or balls. The lack of key pool types forced open mic and AI that feels overwhelming at times will cause some issues. But once you get past that, you’ll have a wonderful pool game with plenty of content.

Despite being short, Darwin's Paradox is a game that has a lot of heart. It’s very fun to play, intense at times, and very emotional. The traversal options and various octopus’ abilities are very exciting to use, and the best part is that you have a plethora of different platforming challenges and puzzles along the way. The game’s ending was a standout for me, but the entire experience feels great and it’s really well polished. I’ve always enjoyed cinematic platform games, and Darwin's Paradox is certainly one of the standouts in this genre. It’s very well-made, it has excellent attention to detail, and the environmental comedy is strong in this one, too. Hopefully we’ll see more of Darwin, because this story feels like the beginning of a potentially long series of adventures. I’m in if that’s the case, because I like the world and characters, and I want to see more of it.

Xenonauts 2 is a great modern take on the ideas of classic X-COM, made popular, focused on complex systems, solid tactical battles, and an escalating challenge. Players will handle shadowy political influence campaigns, research and manufacturing, base building, aerial interception, and, of course, tactical battles. The game is mechanically sound, tense, and rewards good planning and careful execution. Each turn-based engagement, whether against humans or aliens, is engaging and tense. Xenonauts 2 isn’t accessible or dynamic enough to bring in new fans, but it will satisfy anyone who loved the first X-COM or the Long War mod for modern XCOM.

If you always wanted a fun WWII-themed tank game, then Sherman Commander is definitely right up your alley. Sure, it’s more of a simulation and crew/team command game rather than an arcade tank title, but it works well and it has amazing destructible environments. I enjoyed the campaigns, the open-ended nature of these maps and the tactical freedom that comes from this game. On top of that, the atmosphere is very immersive, and it pulls you in. Of course, no game is perfect, and Sherman Commander certainly has some detractors. It has some visual issues, especially with aliasing making it difficult to identify targets, and its voice acting for friendlies is not the best. However, those things were not a major deterrent, at least in my case. I enjoyed blowing up other tanks, destroying buildings, while also refreshing my WWII knowledge during these campaigns. It’s a fun game for tank enthusiasts and history buffs, even if it does need a bit more polish and it focuses too much on micromanagement sometimes.

Screamer is an exciting arcade game that likes taking risks, and for the most part, it succeeds in what it tries to achieve. The driving system, albeit annoying at first, grows on you, and eventually you feel like you’re one with your car. The game world is beautifully made, and the anime parts of the game are nicely done, too. Moreover, the game’s performance is great, I never experienced any major frame drops, crashes or something that would impede the gameplay. However, Screamer has a few issues. The story mode has forgettable characters and it’s not the strongest part of the game. Also, I felt that the sound design was not ideal. But as a complete package, Screamer is definitely an arcade racer that everyone needs to try out. The sense of speed is there, being able to attack others and work to load up your skills, that feels very satisfying. The game is very rewarding to play, and you will soon get past any of its mishaps.

Project Songbird will divide gamers, but it’s worth playing. The story premise is well-worn, but it works, and Dakota is a cool character to work with. The narrative goes some weird places, even if the final third doesn’t deliver on the initial promise. The atmosphere is great, especially when players get to run through Dakota's record collection as she delivers her critical evaluation. I wish the experience leaned more on these elements, including the nature sound recording and the photos. The nighttime puzzle sequences and the creature avoidance fail to be as engaging. These sequences, apart from a few jump scares, also don’t deliver on the promise of some solid horror. Project Songbird is worth playing for the story and the vinyl records, as long as players are willing to overlook some clunky gameplay elements.

The Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is an excellent package featuring 7 fun games that will eat up many hours of your time. Capcom is very respectful to the source material, and the updates they made, like better visuals and remixed soundtrack are tasteful. Plus, you can always revert to the original versions, if you want. The games have a fun story overall, but there are some pacing moments and weaker villains at times. However, they do a great job with the combat, which is very compelling and you will find it extremely enjoyable. The addition of multiplayer is also exciting, because playing against other people helps you improve your skills, while also learning from mistakes. Even for someone new to the Star Force series, this collection was a lot of fun to play, and it has that hook which keeps you playing for hours. I am confident that fans of the originals will have a blast with this game as well.

Aether & Iron is one of the most atmospheric video games I've played in recent memory. Even characters who show up for a scene or two seem to have an inner life, and the aether-powered New York is an excellent example of alternate history. After a while, I started playing in shorter sessions, completing only two or three quests at a time, to extend my time with the game. Car combat is a good gameplay system, adding variety and tension, but the mechanics do not match the storytelling. The vehicle customization is a little fiddly, while the idea of environmental dangers for flying cars is a little incongruous. These are minor issues for Aether & Iron, which is impressive in its ability to marry a cool world and strong characters with decent, if not innovative, gameplay.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance does a great job at bringing us more Legacy of Kain lore, a new character and some interesting mechanics. After the Defiance remaster, I was not expecting to see yet another Legacy of Kain game being released, especially one that’s new. I think this is a great addition to the series, and the game does an excellent job at introducing Elaleth, along with some other characters. The story will be very familiar to fans of the series, and it certainly adds some nuanced stuff I did not expect to see. Moreover, the gameplay is very fast paced, engaging, even if at times it can become frustrating if you opt for a higher difficulty level. If you want to acquire all achievements, you will get quite a bit more gameplay out of the game, as it can take you 7-10 hours depending on the play style. Even if the game’s story is short, I found it very fun, and I am looking forward to replaying on a higher difficulty level, to spot any lore that I missed along the way.

GreedFall: The Dying World has a strong combat system, more versatile and expansive when compared to the previous game. It feels more tactical, and you have to consider different weapon types, status conditions, team composition and so on. Granted, the enemies can feel generic, but you have an expansive skill tree to ensure that you mix things up as you go along. I also enjoyed the great world building, and bosses were a highlight for this experience. The team at Spiders surpassed themselves by creating an even better game than the first GreedFall, although this title has shortcomings. There are pacing issues with the story, the romance arcs are weak, and some areas/character arcs felt unfinished. It takes a bit to pick up and feel great, but once it does, you will find yourself spending many hours in this interesting world.

The Spirit Lift is a joyous and easy-to-play mix of runs and card combat. It uses familiar mechanics well, giving players multiple ways to engage with a solid group of enemies with unique designs. Its characters and their unique sets of cards can be mixed and matched in varied ways while players uncover more of the narrative. The exploration elements don’t add much, and the game needs more events and choices. But the characters and the atmosphere fit well with most of the gameplay. The Spirit Lift doesn’t try to revolutionize the genre but finds smart ways to stand out.

As a package, Rebel Engine does a great job at offering you intense, fast-paced FPS gameplay. The game has a lot of heart poured into it, and you can see that from the visual style to the overall design, music and intense gameplay. They did a great job when it comes to the enemy variety as well, along with the boss design. It’s one of those experiences that can feel cringe at times, but it also pushes the boundaries when it comes to gameplay intensity and attention to detail. Although it’s by no means perfect and it has its fair share of minor issues, I think everyone who loves FPS games should try Rebel Engine. It’s an ode to a long-lost era, it’s a great, albeit short experience, and the game continually pushes the boundaries with even crazier boss battles and encounters. Yes, it might not be very long, and it has its downsides, but for the most part it does its job as intended, and you will have a blast with it, which is what matters the most.

Valor of Man creates a winning combination of turn-based tactics and rogue elements. The four heroes are well-chosen and have a ton of variety to keep engagements fresh. Solid design for normal enemies, elite, and bosses helps. Pick a tactical approach, build up the squad to emphasize their strengths, and have fun solving a variety of tactical puzzles. After my second run, I no longer paid much attention to the narrative interludes, which suggests a certain narrative weakness. The node map is also disappointingly standard. Valor of Man’s combat is good enough to compensate for other weak points, as long as players are already interested in turn-based combat.

We’ve seen a lot of horror remakes recently, for Silent Hill or Resident Evil, and it was expected that Fatal Frame will see its remakes at some point. I am very glad that they chose Fatal Frame II, and while I was not accustomed to the series and its gameplay, it certainly managed to grow on me as I played. It’s also nice that the remake is more of a reimagining of the original and not just a remaster. Plus, the great thing is that Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake performs very well, there were no crashes or major bugs. It’s a great release, and the fact that new horror fans get to experience this classic with all these bells and whistles is exciting. The best part is that they added some much-needed quality of life features and new story content, so even veterans will be compelled to try it. Sure, it will take a bit to get used to combat and lore, but it’s a journey worth embarking on.

In Their Shoes is a great experience, even if it doesn’t fully deliver as a video game. The seven characters and the situations they have to deal with are beautifully constructed to be both relatable and interesting. The problems they have to deal with will resonate with anyone living in a big modern city, even if they’ve never set foot in Milan or Italy. I like that each moment is relatively short and that each encourages players to replay the previous ones. But there’s nothing complex about the gameplay, which involves paying attention and making dialogue choices. In Their Shoes will appeal to players who love great characters and solid narrative work.

Crimson Desert is one of those games that manages to seamlessly combine elements from our favorite RPGs and open world games. While you can see some of its original MMO roots in the quest design and side activities, it’s clearly meant to be a wonderful, immersive and engaging action RPG focused on exploration and with a good, emotional story to boot. The game features satisfying combat that rewards mastery, but which can be very punishing, especially when it comes to bosses. And it has so many great activities and side content that, along with the main game, it will take you over 200 hours to complete everything, especially if you want 100% achievements. Crimson Desert makes the most out of its massive scope and even if a few of its parts are undercooked, it’s still one of the most impressive open world experiences released in recent years.

The Ratline challenges players to find Nazi criminals using nothing more than their own brainpower, limited starting information, and the ability to chat up people and search an archive. Its mysteries are inspired by history, with plenty of details that will probably lead some to learn more about World War II and the real ratline but also have plenty of solid fictional twists and turns. The investigation action is decent but limited by the genre’s core ideas. The phone conversations add a little variety, but this is still a game about reading, re-reading, and thinking while looking at photos. The Ratline is designed for fans of titles like The Roottrees Are Dead or The Golden Idol who are looking for more puzzles to crack open.

Investigating a 20-year-old murder wasn’t something I expected to do when playing this game, but I am impressed with the game’s intriguing premise and how it all unfolds. The fact that you get to be a detective during the 40s is a highlight too, along with some of the puzzles you encounter. It’s not meant to be a very long game, however I wish it was longer, because there are many points where the gameplay feels very satisfying and intriguing. Then again, The Last Case of John Morley is not without its faults. Its mechanics are very simple, which leads to a lack of diversity when it comes to puzzles and challenges you encounter. The use of AI assets is also a downside that me and some of the playerbase won’t appreciate, either. I also wish the game had more leeway when it comes to how you solve the case, instead of feeling so linear. So yes, it’s not perfect by any means, but it’s a satisfying detective game that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Mosaica: Arboreal is one of those games that you want to try out after a challenging day at work or a serious day/night of gaming. It’s meant to be relaxing, enjoyable and a way to chill out after all the stress you had until then. And for the most part, I think it succeeds. Its puzzles vary in difficulty, and there’s always something new to uncover. Plus, elements such as loot help expand the experience, while still keeping it very rewarding. It's clear that Mosaica: Arboreal won’t appeal to everyone, especially when it comes to its use of AI art. However, the puzzle-solving side of the game carries it through, and it can become very fulfilling the more you play. Don’t expect a lot of depth and keep your expectations in check when it comes to AI usage. But as a whole, the game delivers if what you want is some great puzzle-solving, if you are willing to get past a few shortcomings.

Clue: Murder By Death will disappoint those looking for a direct adaptation of the very popular boardgame. It will also fail to deliver the level of humor and kitsch of the movie. But, with its simple mechanics and extensive storytelling, it does deliver a pretty cool murder mystery that starts off pretty slow and then delivers plenty of surprises. The presentation will be the biggest obstacle for detective game aficionados. Put on a crime-focused podcast and take breaks when the simple graphics start to grate. Clue: Murder By Death’s more than 100 rooms don’t all pack surprises, but they create a fictional universe with a ton of storytelling potential.

Reigns: The Witcher is a good, small, smart, and often funny game that remixes Geralt’s adventures in interesting ways. It’s a nice way to revisit the universe for anyone who has played at least one of the titles in the franchise and wants to experience it in a new way. But those unfamiliar with this fantasy world should stay away. It’s easy to understand the mechanics and quickly play a few sessions, pushing to meet one of the goals and trying to find new ways for the hero to die. The game is best enjoyed in short bursts. Stop when the action becomes repetitive or if the same death pops up twice. Reigns: The Witcher would have been better if it tweaked the series’ core mechanic a little to give players more control. It's still fun to see what tales Dandelion will spin.

Railroad Corporation 2 has a lot of interesting ideas, and as a package, I think it delivers on its promise. As a tycoon game, it has enough content to satisfy players in the long run, along with the scenario editor that can give you endless different maps to go through. The mechanics are solid, and while the tasks you’ll do become repetitive pretty fast, the game always throws some new ideas and mechanics in front of you, and you have to figure out how to make the most out of them. What’s interesting is that Railroad Corporation 2 has a great coop/multiplayer experience, and one where your allies can use your own tracks, which I found quite different to many other games in the genre. Playing multiplayer was fun, but single-player is just as engaging, albeit rather buggy a lot of the time. It’s a viable option for those that have already played Railway Tycoon 3 or Transport Fever and want a different style of gameplay, which is just as satisfying and focused on management and innovation.

When you play a game like Banished Stone with its rather old school graphics and style, you either love it or you hate it. As someone who enjoys the old school visuals, I still think that Banished Stone could look better, especially when it comes to animations and backgrounds. However, if you get accustomed to the gameplay loop, it’s pretty solid, it just takes some getting used to. Banished Stone was an interesting game for me, but I found it very repetitive and the lack of enemy variation on each level ended up leading to boredom at times. However, I appreciate the fact that they went with the side scrolling approach, the music is quite good, and the gameplay gets better as you play. I think the game’s beginning is a bit of a rough patch, but if you get past the first hour and its shortcomings, you’ll have over 20 hours worth of fun here.

Planet of Lana II is designed to improve on the original’s ideas and give fans more of what they loved. The game’s core, both in terms of story and gameplay, still lies in the connection between Lana, adventurous as ever, and Mui, now capable of engaging with puzzles in new ways. The game is well-balanced, with only a few situations where it was hard to intuit how to advance. The title’s voice acting is impressive, and I appreciate the effort to offer more biome variety, even if Lana’s animations aren’t always great. Anyone who loves the protagonists and the immersive use of an alien language should play the sequel. Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a good sequel that still impresses with its atmosphere, even as some of its new gameplay ideas don’t fully deliver.

I was excited to see how a port management and simulation game would look like, and I think that Docked successfully manages to balance both sides of the experience. Adding a narrative into the mix made things even better, because it’s all glued together extremely well, and the experience feels more organic this way. They also manage to add lots of tasks and varied missions for you, so there’s always something to do...Naturally, some tasks will be repetitive, but that’s by design when you play a simulator like this. I was happy to see that you can also manage your port’s finances, upgrade the port and do all kinds of things that other games in the genre don’t cover. There are tons of menus, lots of machines for you to own and use, but also plenty of managerial tasks that you need to check out.

The Perfect Pencil is a great video game for anyone who likes the mechanical mix of the Metroidvania genre. The balance tilts toward exploration, which is a good choice given the weirdness of the universe and the beauty of its biomes. Scanning is a nice little additional idea that feels a little underused. The ability to heal through combat is solid, even if the more complex set-pieces and the boss battles move too fast for it. A balance pass for checkpoints is also needed. I like The Perfect Pencil’s originality and found it best enjoyed in sessions just long enough to get to a new save point.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is the definitive edition of a seminal platformer, and my personal favorite from this series. Seeing this game’s new HD graphics, refined controls and great camera update made me very happy, because this is the best way to play an amazing classic. It’s also great that they added photo mode, alternative skins and lost levels from the original. As a complete package, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is worth considering for everyone who enjoys 3D platformers or who played the originals. Newcomers to the series will find some elements like platforming or swimming to be a tad difficult. Then again, the game is backed by an amazing story and exceptional lore, so it’s worth enduring those mishaps.

Cairn is a game that came out of nowhere and immediately grabbed my attention with its gripping story, engaging climbing and numerous threats or challenges found along the way. It’s the type of game that you think of the entire day, trying to figure out what to do next and what route you need to take. It’s a climbing game, as it is a puzzle and exploration-focused experience. It’s nice that the game runs smoothly, there’s no pressure and it’s more about your skills and determination. Cairn mimics real life when it comes to climbing, but it also keeps some interesting ideas, and it continues to be incredibly fun. Yes, it will take a while to get used to the controls, but once you get past that, you will see it’s a very solid, albeit challenging experience. It will give you around 10-15 hours of excitement and fun, along with a reason to always come back and see all the side content or secrets.

Having 2 main protagonists with such a different game style was a bold choice, but Capcom nailed it. Resident Evil Requiem feels not only a refreshing take on the Resident Evil series, but it also manages to add some interesting lore, along with offering us a great blend of horror and action. There are plenty of jaw-dropping moments, along with fan service and two endings that will certainly make you think what will happen next. And although I played every Resident Evil until Requiem, I didn’t know how Grace would fit in, considering how expansive the series had become. She is a stellar addition to the series, and having Leon back was definitely a blast. All in all, Resident Evil Requiem is an excellent game, a stunning entry for the series and it will keep you glued to the screen no matter if you’re killing enemies as Leon or experiencing true survival horror as Grace.

Cozy Caravan offers a very fun time, especially if you like slower, cozy gameplay. Not only is the experience charming and very cute, but the gameplay is deep enough and interesting to keep you going for hours. You can easily spend 10-15 hours in the game, exploring the world and crafting stuff or upgrading your caravan. However, Cozy Caravan’s gameplay is not meant to be very complex or too challenging. That makes it great for kids or people who just want to unwind and relax. The downside is that any player who wants a challenge might find the game too easy. It’s one of those games that you can easily get back to, spend a few hours chilling and relaxing, and then move on to more complex games. But rest assured, every minute is going to be worth it.

Fate’s Theater has rock-solid, yet simple to understand, mechanics and one unique narrative twist. While Fortune and Misfortune are battling using humans as pawns, small stories emerge directly from the player’s actions. Each duel between the two forces of destiny, livened by the direct intervention of Fate itself, becomes a sort of slightly absurd, disjointed improv show. Play the game with another human, if possible, and try to only communicate using the generated stories. Against the computer, the repetitive nature of the rounds can be annoying. Fate’s Theater is a unique experience, and the developers need to find a way to evolve its mix of gameplay and narrative for a sequel or spiritual successor.

I’ve always wanted to play a tactical Viking-focused game, and NORSE: Oath of Blood manages to bring that idea to life. Creating a Viking settlement, embarking on missions and slowly expanding the story are all things that the game does very well. The same thing is valid when it comes to combat. The battles are engaging, there’s plenty of tactical depth, and you also have enemy variety as well. It’s not as long as many other turn-based titles, and it’s more story-focused, which can be a great upside for many players. Unfortunately, at least at launch, NORSE: Oath of Blood suffers from performance problems, including cutscene stuttering and issues like pop-in. Hopefully, these issues will be fixed soon, because the game shows a lot of promise.

Anima Gate of Memories: I & II Remastered is the ultimate way of experiencing these 2 games, and it’s definitely a great idea to get them, especially if you enjoy anime content and RPGs. The highlight of these games is certainly their combat, but the story is also serviceable, and the RPG elements enrich the overall experience. It’s also great to see that the game doesn’t require a lot of resources on PC either, so even if you have an older computer, you should be more than ok playing it. If you’re into Nier-style games and want an excuse to spend a few dozen hours in a wonderful fantasy world with quirky bosses and enemies, this is definitely something to consider. It’s more of an indie action RPG, but one with a lot of heart, excellent combat and engaging RPG elements. I enjoyed the game world, the characters, interactions, but also enemy encounters and bosses. Yes, it has some caveats, but if you want to experience these now-classics, the remastered pack is the best way to do it.

Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown was a positive surprise for me. Few of the latest Star Trek games were great, but this one is very exciting to play, and it uses the sense of exploration to its benefit. It remains faithful to the source material, while also allowing you to nurture, level up characters and manage the ship to your liking. The gameplay doesn’t get stale, and exploring planets always feels very satisfying. It's also nice to see that the story has some great, unexpected twists and turns. Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown also encourages you to make different choices, and those will affect your gameplay. The combat is engaging, the ship management part of the game is rewarding, and you always feel that you’re progressing in some way. The developers are also committed to solving core issues like saving problems, so that’s a good sign. Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown is a hidden gem for sci-fi fans, and you will find yourself pouring a few dozen hours into this, as you explore planets, follow the story and embark on treacherous missions.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties manages to revitalize one of the weaker entries in the franchise. It brings transformative improvements to combat, which leads to more fluid battles. There are also excellent visual upgrades, along with restructured segments that help deepen the emotional investment you have in these characters. Granted, some of the pacing issues and story habits are retained, but the main campaign feels stronger than the original, thanks to these updates. However, additions like Bad Boy Dragon feel repetitive, whereas Dark Ties is short and rather limited in scope. Survival Hell was a surprise for me, because it adds to the innovative aspect we know and love in the Yakuza world. It has its shortcomings, sure, but Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a good entry in this franchise, with a very engaging story and interesting additions that help boost your play time. It’s not as great as the newer, turn-based focused games from the franchise, but if you want to experience the older story with some innovative ideas, it’s certainly worth your time.

Sanatorium is a very compelling, easy-to-play game that puts you in a very distinct role. It’s definitely unlike a lot of other games I played, but also an interesting experience that you will find yourself coming back to quite often. Granted, the gameplay can feel repetitive, but the freshness brought by each patient and their situation will make things feel more interesting as you play. It also helps that the staff and the institution as a whole have their own weirdness and quirkiness, which you will try to navigate as you reach your goal. Although Sanatorium might not be the most complex or the longest game out there, I think this is a worthwhile experience. The charming graphics, disturbing location, art deco visuals and odd staff all add up to creating a very compelling, yet exciting and beautiful game world for you to explore. Yes, the game does have a few bugs, and its core loop might feel unappealing at times, but the more you play, the more compelling the story becomes. And for me, this is a game I will gladly go back to dozens of times, just trying to help more patients and figure out how to treat them. It’s very engaging and treating people feels satisfying.

As someone who loves tinkering with car parts in real life, I had a fun time with this part of Underground Garage. You have multiple cars to work on, and they did manage to provide a great level of detail for these vehicles and their parts. With that in mind, the game doesn’t feel ready for a 1.0 release, because it still has a lot of bugs and some of the title’s features feel undercooked. I encountered a lot of small bugs, but also some progress-breaking bugs that ended up being quite frustrating. Additionally, Underground Garage relies quite a lot on the use of AI-generated assets and tools, which might end up rubbing some players the wrong way. It’s clear that the game’s scope was grandiose, and some shortcuts like using AI had to be used in order to achieve that goal. Was it worth it? It depends on what you expect from Underground Garage. I like the work you do in the garage, when you tinker with vehicles and parts. However, the racing side and performance need heavy improvements, which hopefully the game will get, eventually.

Code Vein II is the best example of a game that looks amazing on paper but in reality, fails to be stellar in any aspect. This isn’t necessarily a bad game, but it’s strange to have a sequel that has a lot more mechanics, characters, and story bits than the original, and fail to surpass it. The open-world aspect should have helped Code Vein II elevate it from the typical corridor-like soulslike, but it doesn’t. It’s nice to freely roam a world like the one Bandai Namco built for Code Vein, but not if it’s completely empty. One other major issue with Code Vein II is performance, which is, once again, all over the place. When it rains outside, your frames drop considerably, so combat is a nightmare. Things look good in dungeons, but the moment you step outside, everything seems half-baked. If you’re itching for a soulslike and consider Code Vein II, I would recommend playing the first one instead. Even if that would mean playing it a second time.

When I started playing Reanimal, I was unsure where this experience would go. However, I found the game to be very surprising, not only when it comes to its story, but also the overall presentation and great sense of immersion. It retains Tarsier’s signature style, while adding some clever, new elements into the mix. Reanimal doesn’t rely on jumpscares, instead its focus is on psychological horror and a sense of uneasiness that follows you from beginning until the end. It's also nice to see that the game’s performance is outstanding, and the co-op aspect is one of the highlights. Yes, it’s not a very long game, but it tells a very refreshing story that we can easily connect with challenging moments in our lives. Plus, mechanics like scuba diving or driving break the mold, while offering yet another way to experience this troublesome, yet beautiful world they created.

Abra-Cooking-Dabra is a fantastic deckbuilder with a wonderful spin on the genre. If you enjoy cooking, you’ll find this game quite therapeutic. It’s easy to learn how to play, and while some tasks can get tedious, it certainly feels fulfilling to help customers, complete recipes and so on. Yes, it can get quite challenging at times, but overall, it’s one of those games that will keep you happy for a long time. While there were some minor bugs here and there, Abra-Cooking-Dabra had great performance overall, it looks great, and it truly makes you think like a chef in a major restaurant. There will be times when you forget about ingredients, but also times when you’re pressured by multiple clients to prepare all kinds of dishes. It mimics real life, while also adding some interesting twists and a cute, albeit judgmental cat to sweeten the experience. As a whole, I think it brings some great ideas to the table, it encapsulates what we all love in deckbuilders, but in a new, fresh package.

ANTHEM#9’s combat innovates in some interesting ways, taking some cues from match-3 and some from turn-based role-playing battles to create something new, fast, and mostly fun. I like how the two decks, their skills, the blessings, and unique character traits interact to allow players to deal huge amounts of damage and cancel out incoming attacks, if everything goes right. The world-building is limited, and there’s not much in the way of story to uncover as players push through the mission. And the presentation seems to be directly aimed at bringing in gamers who like the Persona franchise. Players who pick ANTHEM#9 looking for good tactical puzzles and strong core mechanics, will not be disappointed.

UFOPHILIA is a good experience for players who like the wider investigation genre and have grown bored with its focus on the supernatural. Sure, the alien types might as well be types of ghosts or other spirits. But at least there’s an attempt to make the player feel like a veteran alien hunter, with a unique set of tools. The main gameplay loop is good, with plenty of ways for players to identify the extraterrestrial they have to photograph and some decent scares. Unfortunately, the narrative elements are pretty limited, and the presentation does not impress. UFOPHILIA is recommended for hardcore fans of first-person horror with a touch of detective work, but will struggle to bring in newcomers.

There’s no doubt that Nioh 3 is the best game in the series. Even though everything has been streamlined and made easier and more fun, it’s hard to make a Nioh game easy for a newcomer to the series. There are two things that will help new players from having an easier time in Nioh 3. One of them is reading each of the dedicated tutorials in the game. The second one is simply practicing everything that the game teaches you. If you’re on the fence about the game’s difficulty, don’t be. Nioh 3 offers so many ways of defeating every challenge in the game that it would be a pity to lose on so much fun just because of a misconception. Nioh 3 has everything that a fan of the franchise had dreamed of and more. I don’t think I need to recommend this to those who loved the previous titles, but as fan who developed an obsession for the series, let me just say that Nioh 3 absolutely blew my mind.

Escape from Ever After is colorful, traditional, and provides surprisingly interesting commentary on the power of stories. Flynt isn’t the most interesting protagonist, but he has cool companions, and his story of battling a corporation is relatable. The combat system and the presentation are both heavily inspired by Paper Mario. Players unfamiliar with that series might find it hard to love the turn-based combat, mainly because of the repetition. Exploration and environmental puzzles only partially compensate for it. Escape from Ever After has a strong core narrative idea that should be paired with more innovative gameplay for wider appeal.

Earth Must Die is dedicated to fans of classic adventure video games. It is also accessible enough for players who want to see what the genre has to offer. The story feels like a fun and weird science fiction short story, more focused on launching joke salvos than being entirely coherent. The characters and the associated voice work make it worth seeing through. The mechanics are easy to pick up, while the puzzles aren’t egregiously illogical. This is an experience best enjoyed in sessions of around two hours, or shorter if the puzzles become annoying. Earth Must Die is proof that decent writing paired with classic gameplay is still a good combination for modern adventure games.

I enjoyed Storage Hunter Simulator and its crazy gameplay. The idea of starting off in a trailer park, going to auctions with a few hundred bucks and hoping for the best is really cool, and it opens up many opportunities. It’s a very interesting business idea, and like in any business, sometimes you will lose, other times you win big. However, not knowing how much some items are worth, having to repair things or getting things appraised, that adds to the experience quite a lot. Not everyone plays simulation-focused games, but I think that Storage Hunter Simulator is accessible for anyone, regardless of their age. The gameplay loop is exciting, you always look forward to the next auction and what it could bring, and there’s always stuff to unlock and new ways to progress in the game. Overall, it’s a refreshing take on the simulation genre that’s getting stale these days, and a game that’s worth a look even if you’re not a fan of this niche.

TR-49 is delightful, a game that takes an interesting core concept and builds an intriguing and complex story around it. The two parallel narratives unfold slowly, while the atmosphere remains dark and mysterious. The voice acting, both for the protagonists and the people whose writing was fed into the machine, is impressive. Sure, the core gameplay loop of inputting codes to move from page to page will become repetitive for many players. Thankfully, the players do a lot of thinking, and the game’s puzzles are constructed with care. TR-49 is one of the best mysteries of the past few years and is best enjoyed in short sessions to make it last.

Kentum is a blend of different genres, and it shines in most areas. The base building and crafting aspects are excellent, and then we also have the beautiful world that we explore and gather resources from. I wish combat was better, but even so, it’s competent and not that frequent to be a major drag. The platforming aspect is excellent, and the map is also very well designed. There are secrets to find, although they are quite easy to find most of the time. You can easily spend dozens of hours in the game, especially if you want to play in creative or sandbox modes. You have lots of great things to find in Kentum, from the automation and crafting system to the wonderful exploration, and that’s why this is a must-play for survival enthusiasts.

Pathologic 3 is the most approachable title in the series, offering a good mix of narrative, carefully crafted atmosphere, management elements, and tense infected district sections. Players need to diagnose patients correctly to stand a chance of keeping the population alive, which in turn earns the time needed to discover all the town’s secrets. Still, individual quest chains can be confusing, and running through miasma-affected districts can become a chore. Gamers should always conserve resources and look for good trades. Pathologic 3 can frustrate at times, but it will reward players with great story moments and well-crafted interactions.

Armored Brigade II is a solid, carefully researched, and varied military simulation strategy title that demands quite a bit of time and attention from its players. Battles are complex, offer plenty of tactical options, and the computer-controlled opponent is competent, if conservative. To fully enjoy them, gamers need to be familiar with the featured forces and learn how to read the battlefield. Newcomers should start off small, generating a scenario with a smaller number of units, while those who played the first title in the series can jump right into the campaigns. Armored Brigade II shows that military strategy experiences do not need to sacrifice depth to be accessible and pure fun.

I enjoyed my time with Clawpunk, because it’s the type of game where you shut your brain off and just start shooting. It’s fast-paced, it has amazing boss battles, and it does a great job at bringing those classic 90’s titles like Metal Slug back to life. Yes, it might not be perfect, nor does it have to be. Instead, it’s meant to offer us a healthy dose of nostalgia, while also testing our skills over and over. I like a lot of ideas that they added here. The great characters they included and the ability to switch between them as you need to, that came in handy more times than I realized. And not only that but slashing through dozens of enemies felt very satisfying. As you go into boss battles, things become even more hectic, and just as fulfilling. Clawpunk might seem like a weird game at first glance, but it’s one of those indie games that you need to experience for yourself to see how fun it can be.

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game tries to bring the Terrifier movie series to life in videogame format, and it’s a decent beat’em’up. While it’s not going to be the ultimate game in the genre, it’s interesting, both when it comes to its gameplay and music. Its visuals are an acquired taste, and not everyone might find the visuals appealing. However, the core gameplay is reminiscent to those old-school brawlers, and that will keep you going over the multiple missions available. Unfortunately, Terrifier: The ARTcade Game has its quirks as well. There aren’t a lot of combo options, you will encounter collision detection issues, and the fact that you need to do a QTE whenever you get hit can slow down the enjoyment you have. Even so, I think that Terrifier: The ARTcade Game is worth a shot, if you’re a fan of the series and you want to see a videogame representation of this dangerous clown. The same thing is valid for brawler fans. Otherwise, if you just want to play a retro game, there are other options that might be a better fit.

Wall World 2 does an excellent job on improving various mechanics from its predecessor. What you get here is a very fun roguelike experience that’s engaging, and which doesn’t feel repetitive. That’s something a lot of games in the genre tend to have a problem with, but Wall World 2 manages to get past that. Yes, there are some issues with long-term variation and content depth, but the overall gameplay is incredibly rewarding. Once you start playing Wall World 2, it’s very hard to put down. You always want to enter more caverns, find great stuff and grab those relics, when you can find them. Yes, there were a couple of freezes and problems with pacing, but overall, Wall World 2 is very good, an excellent and creative game which I will gladly come back to over and over again for one more run.

Confidential Killings - A Detective Game is a well-plotted experience with murder cases that grow in complexity at just the right pace. The first few can be solved quickly, basically while looking for the words needed to fill in the solution. Then the number of characters and clues grows significantly, and it takes time to identify everyone and discover exactly what actually happened. The writing is solid, if sometimes designed to deliver clues rather than enhance the atmosphere. The mechanic of picking up words is accessible, while the lack of any hint system is regrettable. Play Confidential Killings - A Detective Game one case at a time and savor its quirky characters and carefully constructed mysteries.

Even if it’s a very short game, Neon Inferno is memorable and it brings one of the best side-scrolling shooting experiences in recent times. Zenovia Interactive has improved on the already good Steel Assault core gameplay. Their new game, Neon Inferno, feels more polished, and despite its shorter length, it brings a great story and wonderful moment-to-moment gameplay. Neon Inferno is an ode to the games of a golden era, and an excellent introduction to arcade shooters for those that never played one. It’s a must-have for any fan of action shooters, and a great way to take a break from demanding, challenging games.