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Packing Life is an okay game, but isn’t trying to do anything special. If you are looking for a time killer, then grab this when you are ultra bored. But maybe not if you actually work in a warehouse, might drive you insane. The simple tunes and easing pacing with relaxing mode, is enjoyable and easy to unwind with. So I’m going to give Packing Life, the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Laysara: Summit Kingdom is incredibly engaging and visually stunning. It feels like a refreshing change from the usual city builders, focusing more on production chains and careful planning. There’s a great balance of challenge and a chilled-out experience that seems rare for the genre. I’d highly recommend giving this a try; even console players that may struggle with these types of games on a controller may be pleasantly surprised! Therefore, Laysara: Summit Kingdom receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
The game is really basic in a good way. I never feel pressured to do the market, and gathering happiness is easy. Cosy Caravan does however, get a little boring rather quickly. So I would probably play it in maybe small 2-hour sessions. Its world is nice, relaxing, and the lo-fi makes it feel homely, without taking away from itself. But this isn’t for those expecting faster progression. So it is hit or miss depending really on what you expect from a cosy game. For me Cosy Caravan is getting the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Collector’s Cove offers, an easy and comfortable grind for the player to enjoy. The upgrading of the ship can seem a little too grindy at times, more so when you need to slowly sail to each island. Control are simple with nothing to heavy to learn. Management of inventory is not as tedious as you would expect, thanks to being able to return to the ship whenever. I would definitely say it is a nice game to wind down to. That is why I am giving Collector’s Cove the Thumb Culture Gold Award. Now, back to filling up my book.
Piece by Piece is one of the most tranquil, cosy games I’ve ever played. It sweeps you into a cute little animal world and can keep you entertained for hours at a time. Aside from the initial issue I had with waiting for customers to appear, this really is a good little game. As a result I have to give it the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Under The Island is a title I would recommend to pretty much anyone. Its family-friendly approach and relatively easy combat make it accessible for a wide age range. It brought back fond memories of my gaming youth, although it isn’t a game that’s overly reliant on nostalgia. If you’re looking for a light-hearted adventure with an old-school feel, chances are Under The Island may be exactly what you’re looking for. So, with that being said, Under The Island receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award! Go play this one!
God of War: Sons of Sparta is a fun and straightforward traditional 2D Metroidvania platformer experience, covered in a God of War paint that delivers a canon but largely uneventful prequel to Kratos’ story. God of War: Sons of Sparta receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Honestly, this may not sound like an incredibly exciting game. And, well, it isn’t. That said, I had a great time playing Docked, and would encourage people to at least try the demo on Steam. For the rather cheap price of £24.99, there’s a fun simulator game here, and has a bit more to it than other similar titles in the genre. I found Docked to be a pleasant surprise. What I assumed would be another generic first-person simulator was actually a lot more. It certainly won’t be for everyone, as the slow nature of the game may put some people off. However, I found it incredibly relaxing, and would place it in that “games to play whilst listening to a podcast” category. So, for for being a surprisingly enjoyable sim. Docked receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
For a retro inspired shooter, EVERDARK does really well. However, the game could do with turning down the amount of enemies, or improving the stealth mechanics. As it is too easy to be sighted by vampires, and when a swarm is on you, it isn’t easy to take them all down. The level designs are okay, but I wish that I could have really looked around. But due to the issue I just mentioned this wasn’t easily done, with the sewer areas in particular when heading to the church. I think the price is a little steep for the amount of gameplay you get. I mean on the puzzle side, there are only two door puzzles in the whole game. And I wouldn’t say it is all that fact-paced when it comes to the action. I would definitely say it there is some charm to EVERDARK, but nothing that makes it stand out. That and the difficulty spikes might dissuade most people. So I am awarding EVERDARK: Undead Apocalypse, the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem does exactly what it sets out to do – it closes this chapter of Leon’s story. I did enjoy it and I do plan on doing more of it but after how strong the previous installments were this just didn’t live up to it. Requiem is still a good next step in the franchise but the two protagonists doesn’t really add all that much to it and the shift between the two is inconsistent at best. All in all, I have to give Requiem the Thumb Culture Gold Award. A wonderful game just not the best in the series.
Tavern Manager Simulator may not be as in-depth as others in the genre, but I still had fun playing. The early game can feel slow and dragged out, but once things pick up it remains engaging throughout. If you’re looking for something that can get quite hectic, but also allows you to chill and and take things at your own pace, then this is definitely worth a look! Therefore, Tavern Manager Simulator gets the Thumb Culture Silver Award!
For someone that hasn’t played any sort of pool game in forever, Pure Pool Pro is a simple game to learn and play. It offers a variety of game types and modes, as well as difficulties and cosmetics customizations to unlock. Despite lack of a more apparent chance at failure for precisely-lined shots, and a game world the could feel a bit more complete, it is very deserving of the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Styx: Blades of Greed is simply put, a highly enjoyable game. The visuals are genuinely impressive, and despite a few graphical glitches here and there, the experience remains engaging and fun throughout. For players who have previously enjoyed games like Aragami 2, the Batman Arkham trilogy, Thief, or Assassin’s Creed, this game was made for you! I hereby give Styx: Blades of Greed the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy is a brilliant expansion that successfully blends the whimsy of the base game with the gravity of a historical epic. It’s not just about the fancy hats and the big houses; it’s about the burden of a name and the drama of a bloodline. While there are occasional pathing issues in the larger palace lots, and the “Council of Peers” can sometimes be a bit too punishing with their decrees, these are minor gripes in an otherwise fun expansion. Whether you want to rule with an iron fist or be the benevolent “Sim of the People,” this expansion provides the tools to build an empire that will be remembered long after the Grim Reaper comes for the current King. I give The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
I’d heard a lot of good things about Cash Cleaner Simulator before trying it for myself. And yet, I was still pleasantly surprised with just how much enjoyment I had with it. It’s one of those games you can just boot up whilst listening to a podcast or when you want something a little more chilled out. Despite my issues with the controls, and the occasional repetitive missions, I still had an absolute blast! Therefore, Cash Cleaner Simulator will be getting the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
My time playing ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is one I never want to forget. I can see this game being like it’s predecessors Killer 7 to have a cult following. Which honestly it deserves it and right now I want everyone to play this amazing game. This is a perfect example of don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Especially if the author of that book is Suda51. I give ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Dead Pets is an adventure through the struggles of adult life whilst keeping it fresh and entertaining. The devs have done a wonderful job of combining a number of game types to fit one expansive story. I’ve had a wonderful time playing this game and will continue to play until I reach the end of Gordy’s story. As a result, I have to give Dead Pets the Thumb Culture Gold Award. Check out the trailer below.
The combat system is where the game really shines, with its mesmerizing 2.5D sword fights. However, there is a stark contrast in difficulty between fighting regular bad guys and giant monsters. The boss fights certainly challenge you to lock in and give your A-game of dodging, blocking, and countering. But the massive imbalance in difficulty between effortless bandit beheadings and punishing boss fights can feel a bit jarring. Crimson Capes delivers an enjoyable experience for all devotees of the roguelite / roguelike / metroidvania genre. If Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, Dead Cells, and the like are among your most-played games, then Crimson Capes will surely scratch that itch to try out something new. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking in terms of story and theme. I hereby bestow upon Crimson Capes the Thumb Culture Silver Award!
Reanimal is an excellently crafted dark narrative horror, that just never stopped for me. The game’s lack of words creates such a surreal experience, all while keep you immersed in its world. Boss fights are engaging and fun, and levels stand out in their own unique was, besides looking similar at times. Our protagonists relay their emotions perfectly, with or without words. Compared to the Little Nightmares games, Reanimal offers the same brilliant experience and dials it up further. Creating a world you wish to know more about and explore, but when you’re in, you want out. Which I love. Monsters are eye-catchingly grotesque, and equally terrifying when doing a chase scene. This is not a game I would suggest to those, who aren’t good with dark themes. Such as suicide, animal abuse and other things. If you have played Tarsier Studios, other work, then you might already be familiar with some themes. With that said, I’m giving Reanimal, the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Overall, City Tales – Medieval Era is a great game for anyone who enjoys the city-building and management genre but wants a stress-free experience. It’s also an excellent start into the genre if you have not played similar games before and don’t want to be thrown into the cold water straight away. Even though the endgame does drag a little, and I’d honestly like a faster speed-up button, I’ve had a blast playing. I’m absolutely going to keep grinding for the last few achievements. All in all, I am giving City Tales – Medieval Era the Thumb Culture Gold Award!