The Indie Game Website's Scores

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For 582 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 47% higher than the average critic
  • 13% same as the average critic
  • 40% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.7 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Lowest review score: 15 The Amazing American Circus
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 268 out of 582
  2. Mixed: 280 out of 582
  3. Negative: 34 out of 582
603 game reviews
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    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pathologic 2
    Overall, despite some smaller issues that are being patched out as we speak, Pathologic 2 retains the grim atmosphere of the original, putting meat on the bones of the storyline and characters, but leaving none for you. It’s a shame that the negative reviews put it at risk of obscurity, because it’s immeasurably engrossing and deserving of some serious play-time from those who like to enjoy the journey more than the end goal. You will starve, you will die, you will kill others and run away, you will feel deeply miserable and admit that all hope is gone – and at the end of it all, when you shut down your PC, a nice walk in the sun will seem all the more rewarding.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Observation
    It feels personal and emotional, even if the ending is decidedly oblique. After a rush of pure action games, this is a welcome palate cleanser; a game that really just wants to tell a spooky, evocative, and engaging story. At maybe 5-7 hours (if that) Observation isn’t a huge time sink either, but will likely be a game that sticks in your mind long after you put the controller down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fission Superstar X
    The thing is, difficult or no, FSX is still really good fun. I have a feeling this is the sort of game you could return to week after week, learning its intricacies and formulating the best possible strategy for success. I’d like to see a few changes made, a few quality of life additions, but it’s hard not to recommend a game that’s this much fun and looks this good to boot. I suspect that the brilliantly named developer, Turbo Pelvis 3000, will be one to keep an eye on in the future.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest
    Ultimately, Druidstone is a challenging and rewarding tactical-RPG with plenty of charm to keep it engaging in-between brutally tough encounters. It can border on unfair at times, but the steady stream of progression and versatile combat ensures it remains satisfying. Ctrl Alt Ninja clearly demonstrates their development expertise with this finely tuned and tightly crafted adventure that’ll have you brainstorming turns for hours.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A Plague Tale: Innocence
    A Plague Tale: Innocence left me awestruck. This gothic adventure seemingly came out of nowhere and eviscerated my expectations like rats on flesh. I loved its refreshing approach to difficulty, and the story made me truly care about its characters – and I don’t even like children. Looking for another grim story of survival to tide you over until The Last of Us 2? Lack of zombies aside, A Plague Tale: Innocence is it.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Swag and Sorcery
    Overall, Swag and Sorcery is a great game. There are a few kinks along the way, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers some truly fun gameplay. It’s definitely worth your time and money.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Shakedown Hawaii
    In spite of all its flaws there’s something about Shakedown: Hawaii that’s quite addictive – probably the fact as players we love numbers increasing and Shakedown: Hawaii does it in a moreish way. Whether intentional or not, VBlank Entertainment Inc. has nabbed aspects from GTA and although it misses the mark, it’s still impressive how it’s condensed such an experience to fit within such a tiny world.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Close To The Sun
    Despite its apparent unoriginality, Close to the Sun is actually striking and fresh. Don’t let its clear BioShock influences fool you into thinking it’s derivative. It may not be the most consistent experience, but it’s certainly a memorable one. If you’re a fan of strong world-building, spooky atmospheres, and engaging mysteries, it’s worth looking past some of Close to the Sun’s glaring issues.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rise of Industry
    Rise of Industry will scratch an itch for the enterprising industry builders, the spreadsheet-clutching efficiency aficionados and the capitalist megalomaniacs. But if you’re not strongly of that persuasion – myself included – it’s still satisfying to see your business empire and distribution network expand, cities thrive and balance book increase. Or, you know, heartbreaking when that doesn’t happen.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Zombotron
    Making your way through unexplored bunkers and encountering new alien species is just as fun as it sounds, and finding secret areas within each level adds another layer of intrigue. Zombotron does occasionally feel like just another 2D platformer and nothing else, but if that’s the kind of game you’re looking for, then it checks all the boxes.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One Finger Death Punch 2
    Silver Dollar Games does a great job of opening up the possibility of getting into a gratifying rhythm of taking out enemies while keeping it challenging. And it is challenging. Don’t be fooled by the simple control scheme. And better yet, it’s one of the most addicting games to come out this April. It doesn’t cost much at all, so I’d encourage you to pick this one up ASAP.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Monster Slayers
    Most of the choices here are pulled from games that have come before it, so it ends up feeling like a mish-mash of good choices other developers have made. The visual style, though still fine-looking, feels uninspired and, again, recycled from other games from equally equipped developers. That said, the game isn’t much of an investment, so if you’re looking for something solid but not revolutionary, this could be the game for you.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Mystery of Woolley Mountain
    The game is cute, funny and genuinely satisfying once you start to put two and two together, combining items and solving puzzles to push the story forward. But the writing really suffers here. It would have been much more enjoyable if dialogue lines weren’t so annoying and expositional. Characters constantly say exactly what they’re doing, and they do it multiple times in a row. The game loses a lot of its comedic charm because it never trusts the player to understand what’s happening, even when it’s extremely straight-forward.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ISLANDERS
    ISLANDERS is great, especially for the extremely low price tag. At times it may feel a little simplistic, but I can see this being a great title to come back to whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tales of the Neon Sea
    Overall Tales of the Neon Sea looks (and sounds) good and packs a considerable amount of playtime, but the lack of an original take on the genre and the truly annoying puzzles blocking progress can’t be ignored, as the latter takes away much of the atmosphere and immersion.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yuppie Psycho
    Yuppie Psycho gives us a glimpse into the neo-corporate future depicted in science fiction films like Robocop and The Matrix, where normal people try to navigate the corporate dystopian workspaces they’ve found themselves in. It’s a highly polished look at what we once imagined as the reality of the corporatised future, and still could be. It’s entertaining and engaging with its poke at modern life and the flimsy social systems we cling to. It argues that you are not defined by your job – and, on occasion, that’s something everyone needs to hear.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Imperator: Rome
    It’s basically a very good game, especially if you have patience and a good head for numbers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
    With Hand of Gilgamech, Image & Form have shown that SteamWorld is truly a genre chameleon, moulding itself nicely into a CCG RPG.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forager
    An immensely satisfying game, and one that holds so much promise as to its development, Forager is a great buy as it stands, and a worthwhile investment in the long run.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cuphead
    Cuphead’s crazy visuals are endlessly charming and its punishing difficulty ultimately satisfies. So give that boss one more go. Maybe this time you’ll score a knockout.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hell is Other Demons
    What Cuddle Monster Games has achieved is a glowing reminder of the merits of repetition. By basing its game around a patch of simple-yet-perfected mechanics and the human need to try again, the studio has created a lovely little throwback. Above all, Hell is Other Demons is a testament. A testament to how far polished mechanics can take a game, a testament to the depths of the bullet hell genre, and a testament to the virtues of dusting yourself off and giving it another go.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    God's Trigger
    At its best, God’s Trigger is mindless fun. It’s fast, gorey, and ridiculous. The action is a suitable stand-in for Hotline Miami, even if the style isn’t nearly as compelling. However, the pulpy tone and ridiculous aesthetic make it easier to look past its technical limitations and limited scope. If you don’t mind a bit of jank and a general lack of compelling personality, there’s a fast and frantic experience that’s generally a lot of fun. Play this with a friend or partner, if you can, and you’ll get a lot more out of its absurdity.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Katana ZERO
    Katana Zero feels at once derivative and remarkable. Cool blade-slicing combat is elevated by effortless style and a narrative uncharacteristically strong for its genre. You may have seen it all before, but never quite like this.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghost Giant
    Anyone who enjoyed last year’s tragically underappreciated Flipping Death will find a lot to love in Ghost Giant. It’s easily one of the most charming VR games out there, with clever puzzles and a surprisingly layered story. The characters and world are fantastic, and while the VR gameplay can sometimes be problematic, this is definitely a game worth hooking up the PSVR’s myriad of cables for.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Heaven's Vault
    Heaven’s Vault’s narrative is so good, though, that you don’t think much about the parts that don’t really work. The devs understood that the nature of the game and its identity is rooted less in its gameplay and more in its story. They decided to put more of its eggs in the story basket, which, in the end, pays off.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Weedcraft Inc
    Weedcraft Inc explores the depths of sensitive subject matter whilst providing a dynamic experience filled with choice and consequence. I loved watching my operation expand from just a few plants in my family home to an unstoppable region-spanning drug empire. Growing can prove tedious due to its trial and error nature and I did experience a handful of crashes whilst playing, but these flaws remain trivial at best.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dangerous Driving
    Overall, Dangerous Driving is focused. The developer has set out to make a spiritual successor to the arcade games of the past and, to that end, it can be nothing but a resounding success. While there could have been more ambition and left-field, crazier tracks, there aren’t many qualms to be had with its simple design. Dangerous Driving is gaming fast food, but the good kind.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pathway
    The five campaigns give over 20 hours of content to the competent. If it is too challenging for you then there are sliders to alter enemy density/difficulty, starting fuel and starting ammo. The character skill trees are all unique. Finally, the music is amazing and sounds straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. All of my initial complaints about Pathway disappeared as I continued playing, and my only real concern now is that they might not make more campaigns or characters to add to the game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mechstermination Force
    If you played Contra back in the day and want an enhanced, distilled run through some bosses in that gameplay style, Mechstermination Force is an expertly-designed nostalgia exercise. Anyone else might find the game initially warm and approachable, but eventually turn it off out of sheer frustration.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Beat Cop
    It can get dull in spots, especially if you find yourself with downtime, but there’s enough flavour and personality in the artwork and important characters to make things interesting. I wish the story was better, and that the 80s cheese was toned down to make room for something more thought-provoking, but what’s here is unique. So if you’re up for some fun, time-management based gameplay that doesn’t take itself too seriously, get your ticket book out and hit the streets.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    12 is Better Than 6
    Dialogue is poor, cliched and uninteresting, so after an hour or so the only thing really pulling you through is the cool black and white, hand-drawn aesthetic, and the excellent soundtrack. The gameplay does a lot to make up for the shortcoming of the overall package, and it’s fun to jump into for quick sessions, but with each death and each mindless conversation with one-dimensional characters, it gets harder to find reasons to keep going.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    She Remembered Caterpillars
    She Remembered Caterpillars is a charming puzzle game that feels right at home on the Switch. It starts out simple then gets progressively more challenging, but it always treats the player with respect, and in turn, makes you feel like a genius whenever you succeed.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Shred! 2 - ft Sam Pilgrim
    Graphically, there’s no real style; at least, nothing you’d expect from a high-octane mountain biking game. Sam Pilgrim looks like a generic – if not well-rendered – human male, and while there’s a nice variety to environments, nothing screams intensity or fun. But if you’re a fan of the genre and want to dig into something that is specifically demanding on perfect performance, you could definitely do much worse.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Windscape
    Windscape invites you to wander and feel like a part of its mysterious little world. Some NPC models look a tad nightmarish and there’s a significant weight to movement, but with generous, location-based healing/save points, and a focus on enjoying the surroundings rather than demanding combat or frustrating enemy encounters, Windscape is a friendly, pleasant experience that is more meditative and nostalgic than anything else. And it’s all the better for it.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Warparty
    Warparty is decidedly hit and miss. If you want a quirky RTS game with plenty of classic overtones, while still having a quirky personality of its own, this is it (warts and all). Hopefully, the game can get patched to improve the rough spots and controls. As it stands at release, Warparty is frequently frustrating more often than it’s fun.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Grimshade
    The stronger elements such as combat, art direction, and sound design are held back by the technical issues, odd design decisions and weak narrative, taking itself far too seriously when – if simplified – this could be a truly fun turn-based combat game.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Generation Zero
    Generation Zero is more or less what I expected from a big game studio doing its own indie project – a rough-but-unique mix of open-world game features. I love that it asks players to actually pay attention to its world instead of keeping them distracted with constant waypoint markers. And the tactical combat system really works, hitting an interesting middle ground between mainstream and hardcore.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We. The Revolution
    We. The Revolution confidently handles a wide range of complex gameplay mechanics, setting them against a powerful backdrop. Thematically and gameplay wise, everything works. Some systems are more enjoyable than others but they all have their place, taking you on a bloody, morally bankrupt journey that asks difficult questions and makes you live with your answers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Baba Is You
    Baba Is You is clever. Very, very clever. Cleverer than me, possibly cleverer than you as well. This isn’t a puzzle game for everyone. But for those with a logical mind, endless patience and thirst for a genuine challenge, it’s essential.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hypnospace Outlaw
    Hypnospace Outlaw’s imitation of technology from days of yore is commendable, along with capturing the fallible, human ways we interacted with it. Although it may not be the most well-structured experience and is guilty of running its own well of novelty dry, it offers a mostly delightful few hours of misty-eyed laughs and surprises.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    RICO
    RICO offers a very enjoyable, stress-relieving experience where players can live the adrenaline rush of busting down doors to take out drug cartel members. If you can get over the fact that at any second your death means you lose all your progress, there is much to enjoy, with every playthrough unique due to procedural generation. Grab your shotgun and let’s go.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Truberbrook: A Nerd Saves the World
    Its outlandish narrative packed plenty of thrills and we loved learning more about the mysteries surrounding the quaint Germanic town and its residents. The use of photogrammetry also delivered its own distinctive look and we found the controls to be a treat whether using a controller or mouse and keyboard. You should note that it is over in a flash, though, and suffers from a lack of an inventory system. That being said, we would still urge you to check this one out if you’re a fan of point-and-clicks and sci-fi flicks.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Eternity: The Last Unicorn
    Eternity: The Last Unicorn’s one redeeming quality doesn’t do much redeeming, though. The game still has some major issues, first of which is simple—it’s not fun to play. Nostalgia is a feeling video games and entertainment have been profiting off increasingly within the last few years, which is great when the end products are well-executed. But instead of pulling inspiration from the Nintendo 64 era of gaming, Void Studios just made a game that belongs in it.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Fimbul
    The story itself is told through comic book panels that do inject a bit of colour and personality into the game, but it’s not enough. This is soulless, empty and unpolished – a total whiteout. In old Norse ‘fimbul’ translates as mighty or great. But this particular Fimbul is anything but.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Occupation
    The Occupation is one of the most elaborately designed games I’ve played in years, delivering heaps of atmosphere and enthralling puzzle-solving and exploration. The ambition here is palpable. Unfortunately, there are just too many moving parts at work, and they seemingly got the better of the small but clearly passionate team at White Paper Games. In time, I’d like to believe, The Occupation will be amazing. But I can’t, in good faith, recommend it in its current state.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dawn of Man
    Overall, Dawn of Man is a well-developed survival city-builder with the necessary tools to keep you invested and coming back for more. I rarely encountered any bugs or game-breaking issues throughout my playtime, which is always a good sign. If you want to spend time building and developing your own civilization through the ages, don’t hesitate to give Dawn of Man a try.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    X-Morph: Defense
    There’s plenty of fun in all the chaos, but it is, perhaps, a little too much going on at once. There’s quite a steep learning curve to this mix of genres and it’s more free-form and loose than other tower defense games, lacking the chess-like satisfaction of rigid grid-based maps. The story is minimal, merely a framework for the action, but the game looks great and runs smoothly on the Switch. It’s certainly solid enough to entertain for a good few hours.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Defense Grid 2
    There are tonnes of tower defense games out there but this, while not overly original, is well balanced and fun. It’s visually detailed, intuitive to pick up, and has plenty of levels and achievements to keep you occupied.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The King's Bird
    It’s in the gameplay, though, that The King’s Bird proves to be flawed. This is a precision platformer where, ironically, you don’t have precise control. Instead, you must use momentum to dip and arc between platforms. What seems initially innovative ultimately frustrates, as you find yourself fighting the controls to build necessary speed. As gorgeous as it is to look at, a simple jump would’ve been preferable to experience this world.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Q.U.B.E. 2
    The story is of an archaeologist stranding on an alien planet who must… solve puzzles to escape? Plot and writing are not Q.U.B.E. 2’s strong points, lying deep in Portal’s shadow, but on gameplay terms this stands alone as a very gratifying experience that comes recommended.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    OlliOlli: Switch Stance
    The sequel ups the ante, with more stylish graphics and an ‘Olliwood’ cinema theme that sees you flicking and tricking your way through fantastical film sets and hilarious puns. More so, it introduces manuals that allow you to extend combos between jumps and grinds for more intricate – and rewarding – play. There’s even a multiplayer mode and a single trick mode to vary things up. Short levels, swift load times and addictive gameplay make this perfect for gaming on the go.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ape Out
    Even death in Ape Out is brilliant. The screen freezes and turns negative, zooming out to a marvellously stylised map revealing the path you took before your demise. Hands down, it’s one of the best death screens I’ve seen...Oh, I do wish there was a button you could press to make the ape grunt and beat his chest, though. That’d have been good.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tech Support: Error Unknown
    For something intended to be played many times, Error Unknown has a tendency to drag on. It would have benefitted from tightening up, each ‘run’ lasting fewer days in order to maximise novelty and minimise repetition. But despite having more than a few bugs in its execution, Tech Support: Error Unknown just about qualifies as a minimum viable product. Ticket completed.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Devotion
    It’s incredibly easy for people from a western audience (like myself) to dismiss most games from mainland Asia as mobile-based and profit-driven, ignoring the potential indie gems coming from a region rich in cultural history. If you’re after captivating, slow-paced horror with a brilliantly unique cultural perspective and a story surpassing many horror flicks out there, Devotion answers your prayers.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Degrees of Separation
    In a sea of seemingly endless Metroidvanias, combat-heavy roguelikes and general run-and-gunners, the tranquil pacing and puzzle focus of Degrees of Separation feels like a welcome respite. The gameplay is easy enough to figure out with almost no prompting, the story is charming, and the presentation is lovely. So, by all means, play it with someone you love!
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Stellaris: Console Edition
    Stellaris is a good 4X strategy game, but its port suffers from the basic differences between console and PC gaming. It would be unfair to blame Tantalus Media, as it’s hard to think how these mechanics could have been improved with the tools at hand. For patient and true lovers of the genre, being able to play Stellaris on their PS4 or Xbox One might be enough to please them, but for newcomers to the franchise or the genre, the clunky and cumbersome controls will prove to be a big turn-off.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Eastshade
    I am so excited by Eastshade. It was almost a privilege to play it. The whole experience is enriching in a way that too many games overlook, it is subtle and witty, and rewards intelligent choices and genuine immersion. Its design is incredible, both in physical terms and in terms of narrative and music. It is a secret space for the calm and quiet in us to reign supreme, and I am thrilled by the prospect of the games in years to come that will no doubt pay tribute to Eastshade.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hyper Jam
    Hyper Jam is a great game, but it’s a shame that more creative game modes aren’t included here. The one mode that is included is quite robust, but it’s almost as if Bit Dragon put all their eggs into one basket. I can’t wait to play Hyper Jam at our next game night, but there’s perhaps not enough here to keep me coming back beyond that.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Observer
    Observer might be a niche game, mixing walking, adventure, and puzzle elements together in its dingy and desperate 80’s William Gibson-themed world. For those into the aesthetic, this game is a must-play. While we can’t wholeheartedly recommend the Switch port past being a great way to play it on the go, Observer itself is terrific.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wargroove
    If you’ve been itching for something suitable to return to after waiting for a new, addictive strategy RPG in the past, you absolutely must get your hands on Chucklefish’s latest. Despite its strict adherence to classic mechanics, it’s a brilliant overall package that has just about everything you could want out of a spiritual successor to your favorite tactical RPG. It’s perfect for on-the-go play on Switch and feels right at home on PC. If you’re not convinced yet, we’re not sure you’re a true strategy RPG fan anyway.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Stillness of the Wind
    The Stillness of the Wind is tough to recommend. While struggling to survive on the farm does effectively portray Talma’s circumstances, it doesn’t make for a fun experience. And the story of its world, while unique in concept, is too obtuse and disengaging in how it’s told. While there’s artistic merit in what’s been accomplished here, you should probably stick to a more traditional farming sim.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ASTRONEER
    In short, Astroneer is a calming, vibrant, genuinely enjoyable experience until you start to set goals for yourself. At this point it becomes a bit of a chore and strays into frustrating grind territory that has no real guarantee of tangible results – and suddenly the buggy menu system, tangled controls, and lack of resources culminate in an inevitable fit of rage. Luckily, if you need a bit of post-anger stress relief, we have just the game for you… have you played Astroneer yet?
    • 46 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Away: Journey to the Unexpected
    Away: Journey To The Unexpected is a game with charming moments, but they aren’t enough to save a dull experience. The highlights are the interactions with your family, but those are at the beginning, then the end of the game. Even the end boss is incredibly easy. It’s an interesting idea, but it feels like a massive letdown in a game that is full of them. The end boss of letdowns, I guess. The only thing I can say in favour of Away is that you should take its advice: stay away.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Riot: Civil Unrest
    Riot: Civil Unrest is strange and unique, with a strong social conscience. The material covered here is important and highly relevant to our times, lending a decidedly edutainment feel to the game as a whole. So, while the game certainly won’t appeal to everyone, its original premise and gameplay make it worth checking out.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everything
    Everything is a rough marvel of a game. It’s something you cannot take seriously yet absolutely must. You could have your worldview permanently changed. Or, like me, you could spawn a torrent of giant pigs upon the landscape and rule over them as an even larger pig king, bellowing to your disciples as they retort a thunderous chorus of oinks. The world is your oyster. Or teapot, or trombone.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    BOMBFEST
    Bombfest is a decent, well-presented, local multiplayer game which will sit well in circuit alongside the likes of Samurai Gunn, Super Treasure Adventure and Gang Beasts. Its greatest lack is content, which massively reduces the session time of the game when others are available.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sunless Skies
    In the end, what Sunless Skies does do best is harness curiosity. I often found myself travelling to small hubs for specific quests, only to leave with a whole new set of stories, well beyond what I had expected. Each location is so lovingly crafted that even the darkest of places shines. With the combination of incredibly skilled and extensive writing and haunting and varied artwork, Sunless Skies has to be one of the most atmospheric game worlds I’ve ever played within.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Octahedron: Transfixed Edition
    The level progression works particularly well, getting you used to the current mechanics and obstacles, and then just throwing brand news ones at you. Respawn points are generally conveniently placed, so constantly dying just figuring out what to do isn’t a particularly frustrating affair. The game is quirky, challenging, and clever enough to warrant a look.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    HoPiKo
    The simplistic gameplay comes to life thanks to vivid, heavily retro geometric graphics (think Atari 2600-stylings and you’re close). HoPiKo is oddly fun and even though it can get quite challenging, has a nice zen-like flow to the levels.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hive Jump
    All in all, while the lack of online play is annoying, if you’ve got the players, this is a retro blast.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Genesis Alpha One
    Genesis Alpha One is an ambitious triple-I game that, even though it relies too much on continuously repetitive and similar-looking activities, provides a deep, engaging and challenging experience thanks to its great visuals, some surprises along the way and gameplay mechanics that quickly become natural and intuitive.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    -KLAUS-
    Whatever your experience with 2D platformers, KLAUS does a great job of introducing you to the genre then subverting your expectations. It’s not the hardest platformer on the market, but it’s one that leaves a great impression — as well as a few new ideas for others to build on.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Jon Shafer's At the Gates
    Ultimately, Jon Shafer’s At the Gates is a deep, interesting and gorgeous barbarian-‘em-up for about three-quarters of its runtime, with the quality of the experience varying hugely from there. With time invested to learn the game’s systems, there’s fun to be had in taking the various unlockable tribes to victory. It’s definitely rough around the edges, and there are a few features I’d happily trim, but if you enjoyed Jon’s previous work then the spark that kept me awake all night when Civ V launched is definitely still alive. I hope future updates can fill in a few of the gaps.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Slay the Spire
    All in all, Slay the Spire is just a brilliant game. It opens its arms to you and holds you close to begin with, then pushes you away and practices throwing cards at you once you have found your footing. It really is a marvel of a genre mash-up and it is thoroughly deserving of your time. Just be prepared to start over and over again – it is a roguelike, after all.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Vane
    Vane simply doesn’t live up to those games it so achingly apes. It lacks the clearly defined objective and unique aesthetic of Journey; the emotional attachment of The Last Guardian; the intriguing ambiguity of Inside; the charm of Rime. Instead, Vane feels clunky and pretentious, any sense of wonderment outweighed by unnecessary frustration, sluggishness and a lack of clarity.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pikuniku
    Pikuniku is relentlessly charming throughout its short-but-sweet several hours of play. Many of the more enjoyable moments aren’t even mission-critical, so you’d do well to keep your eyes peeled for bonus nonsensical hijinks rather than just speed your wobbly red appendages towards the conclusion. While not the most sophisticated experience, Pikuniku is a bonkers trip worth leaving your cave for.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Feudal Alloy
    I’m hopeful for Feudal Alloy. The style and mechanics are there, it just aches for a rebalancing of the introductory portion of the game. This is absolutely doable. And when it happens, it’ll be an unconditional recommendation. That doesn’t mean you should give it a miss now – just prepare yourself for a rocky start.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    My Time At Portia
    My Time At Portia makes up for its lack of polish with nearly everything else it has to offer. It has what seems to be an endless amount of content, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. It doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel, but it definitely gives the games it’s inspired by a run for their money.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    YIIK: A Postmodern RPG
    At times, YIIK’s story does contain exceptional observations about the human experience that are incredibly moving. While its disparate pieces struggle to satisfyingly coalesce, I don’t regret my time with the game, and its developers should be proud of their achievement. All games are a masterwork of hours upon hours of immense emotional and physical labor. YIIK made me recognize and appreciate that labor in ways that other games simply don’t.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
    Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes has a tone flooded with immaturity and unoriginality, which is a shame because underneath it all is a solid combat system screaming to be recognised.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This War of Mine: Complete Edition
    The only unfortunate thing about the game is its occasionally stilted dialogue and what some may consider higher difficulty when dealing with certain parts in Classic and Stories Modes. Otherwise, This War of Mine: Complete Edition is nothing short of fantastic, and a truly wonderful addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library – despite the fact that it’s extremely depressing and a harrowing look at war.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Iris.Fall
    Iris.Fall only takes a few hours to complete, and this feels just right. From start to finish it’s an engaging and well-polished experience that finishes on a high, before the demands of its tricky puzzling take too much of a toll. While the easily frustrated may wish to steer clear, this is a stylish brain-teasing trip worth taking.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
    An engaging and challenging offering that’s well worth the time you put into it. If you enjoy adventures like Wasteland or XCOM, you’ll find plenty to love here as well, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. With roots in the tabletop RPG kingdom, Mutant Year Zero was bound to be addictive, after all.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    EVERSPACE: Stellar Edition
    If you want a roguelike that’s punishing, satisfying and built around fun aerial combat, Everspace is a good choice. The sci-fi story tries to do something different to other run-based games out there, and while there are moments where you’ll swear you’re never going to play it again, you’ll soon be picking it back up and launching off into space once more.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Desert Child
    A decent little game, tightly designed with some laughs along the way, as well as offering really good audio and visual design. However, it does fall down under more prolonged scrutiny, with undercooked world-building and a tendency to push you towards grinding out money by means of repetition meaning that some may lose interest before reaching the finale.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Insurgency: Sandstorm
    Performance issues aside, Insurgency: Sandstorm nails the fundamentals of a great shooter. Weapon handling is tight and empowering. Strategy and perception are rewarded. It electrifies the senses like a hit of amphetamines, and is just as moorish. While it may not become as big of a hit as its mainstream contemporaries, Sandstorm is a potent alternative worth checking out.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    GRIS
    In a year where Red Dead Redemption 2 and God Of War have garnered so much critical attention and praise (and deservedly so), GRIS made me feel more than any other game in 2018. It’s one of the year’s very best and should be a benchmark for similar games to come.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Council
    The Council is a fantastic example of what adventure games are capable of, with tons of content, choices, and characters you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for something to fill the void that Telltale Games’ departure from the industry is leaving behind, The Council is a worthy contender – so long as you’re ready to deal with everything that comes with it.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Below (2018)
    Below has simple but satisfying combat, is easy on the eyes and ears, and the crafting system is fun once you get to grips with it. The trouble is, unlike other recent roguelike games, it doesn’t value fun above frustration and actively punishes you for slip-ups. Despite this, it’s a compelling experience, just not necessarily a fun one.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sheltered
    Sheltered is a game with some good ideas. The customisation options are fantastic, and the gameplay loop itself is enjoyable. It’s a shame it’s tarnished by horrible RNG and a general feeling of pointlessness. If you really want to struggle against the world there are better games out there that do the same thing, but better.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Override: Mech City Brawl
    While there’s certainly room for improvement in Override, the game is undeniably fun in an old-school arcade way. It’s not as fast and fluid as classics like Sega’s Virtua On!, but the premise is excellent, the character designs are gorgeous, and the action is addicting.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sundered: Eldritch Edition
    The industry may be drowning in Metroidvanias, but Sundered does enough to stand out from the crowd with flair.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Super Treasure Arena
    Unforgivable lack of exploding barrels aside, Super Treasure Arena is a fun little multiplayer game. While the lack of actual online play (on the Switch, anyway), game modes, and levels is a definite problem, Arena counters its shortcomings quite a bit simply by being cheaply priced. For a quick old-school multiplayer fix, it’s a safe bet.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows
    While the actual setting and storyline could do with a bit of colour (particularly the characters), if you want a decent strategy game to fill the emptiness between Christmas and New Years, Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows may be the thing for you.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Battle Royale Tycoon
    In spite of its fun premise, there’s an overall aspect of the game being underbaked which is hard to get away from.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Aaero: Complete Edition
    As you progress through the levels, however, the game throws more and more obstacles your way – particularly barriers, which are difficult to telegraph and avoid, adding an unnecessary difficulty. Rather than keep the rhythm going, it frequently halts it, hindering the experience. Combined with Switch controls that make it hard to line up your ship properly, Aaero fails to impress.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mana Spark
    For the most part the combat is decent, allowing you to dash around and fire with the reticle. Although, sometimes the aim can be a bit loose and an immediate, unnecessary difficulty jump does little to quell the issue. If you want a fun roguelite, though, look no further (once you get through that long list, that is.)
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Godly Corp
    An unpredictable experience which keeps you guessing as it plays around with the simulator genre it’s found itself wedged in.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ashen
    Ashen is one of the most approachable and well-accomplished Souls-likes we’ve seen to date. It offers a bewitching world to discover with a character all its own. It’s unfortunate that one of its best and most unique features, companions, isn’t in a very good state right now. I believe this’ll get fixed with time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Eternal Castle Remastered
    A game like this may have taken you a few weeks to grasp and explore in the ‘80s but faced with a modern society that deeply understands video games, it might only last a few hours. But, for those few hours, you’ll be whisked back in time to experience the origins of the modern platformer and better understand why the genre still exists today.
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