The Punished Backlog
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Kill Knight isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brutal, unforgiving, and relentless—but it’s also one of the most satisfying action shooters I’ve played in recent memory. The tight, responsive controls, the variety of weapons, and the rewarding progression system all combine to create a game that’s hard to put down. Sure, the difficulty might turn some players away, but for those willing to push through the frustration, Kill Knight offers a rewarding and exhilarating experience. It’s a straightforward action game that doesn’t waste time with elaborate narratives. You’re here to fight, survive, and master the mechanics. And when everything clicks, it’s like dancing with death itself.
Despite some peaks and valleys, The Plucky Squire is a book worth getting lost in. I would certainly recommend the game, especially to families and those with little kids who might enjoy playing in the passenger seat. Even for those out there who are kids at heart, there’s plenty to enjoy—just be sure to stick it out until the end.
Hollowbody deserves a spot beside the best of the PlayStation 2-era Silent Hill games. In its gameplay, story, and aesthetics, Hollowbody pays homage to its inspiration while putting clever twists on the genre that Silent Hill pioneered. It may not be the most original, but it is undoubtedly one of the best survival horror games of 2024.
11 Bit Studios should be extremely proud of Frostpunk 2; it’s an intoxicatingly detailed and beautiful survival management game. For those who do want more Frostpunk, Frostpunk 2 delivers and then some. Fans of games like Crusader Kings 2 will rejoice, and these added social elements may delight fans of Sid Meier’s Civilization series. The array of laws and choices means Frostpunk 2 is hyper-replayable, for those interested in that sort of thing. Just a glance at the Steam Achievements list makes it clear that there’s a lot you can do and different approaches you can take. I’m already considering what I’ll do next time.
When it comes to point-and-click puzzle games, this is a nearly flawless example of how to tell an engaging story while giving players plenty to do and not holding their hand along the way. I find it hard to imagine a much better structure for the genre, and though some of the humor and characters weren't to my taste, those minor gripes are far outweighed by the positives. Whether you missed Sam & Max in the ‘90s and aughts, or you’re looking for an excuse to revisit the series, it’s hard to go wrong with The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania that captivates with its engaging gameplay, blending Japanese folklore with a heartwarming story. While there are moments where the game's pacing stumbles—particularly during some of the more punishing platforming sections—the overall experience is enriched by its charming characters, gorgeous art, and thoughtful themes.
In isolation, Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is a tough but fair puzzle game. Once the game clicks, there’s a zen-like flow to zooming about the environment (speedrunners, take note). But the puzzle element is only one part of its RPG promise—the sense of adventure is lacking, and the roles are nowhere to be found.
Tchia is a great title for cozy game lovers and Breath of the Wild fans. The atmosphere and music give you a warm and fuzzy feeling that leaves you thinking about the game long after finishing it. It’s also fantastic to see a cozy game represent another culture and teach you about different ways of life. While I wish it offered more ways to interact with its inhabitants, Tchia is a great adventure game, and one I’m happy to recommend.
Overall, Noreya: The Gold Project offers an interesting blend of historical lore, complex dynamics between humans and gods, and engaging platforming puzzles. While it may not redefine the Metroidvania genre, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of dark fantasy adventures.
Nine Sols is easily the most challenging Metroidvania game I’ve ever played, but its difficulty is just one facet of what makes it a truly remarkable game. Whether you’re drawn by demanding gameplay, stunning visuals, or immersive storytelling, Nine Sols commands your attention and warrants your time.
Indika is well worth your time, especially if you have a rather complex or—dare I say it—messy relationship with organized religion. Its approach to theology and philosophy doesn’t break new ground but does present these questions within the evolving interactive media of video games. I hope this isn’t the last that we see of the character, her world, or her devil. Even if it is, the game’s final moments will stick with me—haunting the corners of my imagination—for some time.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a casual, easygoing experience with some friends, this isn’t a game I’d recommend. But if you’re up for a legitimate challenge and aren’t worried about potentially losing your mind or loved ones, I can’t give it anything less than a sterling score. Assuming you’re like me and lie somewhere in the middle, I’ve got to split the difference.
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is an imperfect wonder. On the one hand, its novel world and beautiful sights always kept me interested in exploring what’s around the bend. On the other hand, its simple combat and archaic storytelling hold it back from being more than just a gorgeous vignette. It doesn’t help that the remaster offers little in terms of frills or extras. At $29.99, this is a tough sell for those expecting a “definitive” rerelease in line with modern performance expectations. Still, if you’ve never played El Shaddai before and are curious about what you missed back in 2011, I can’t help but suggest you give it a look. The vibes are that good.
If you like games with zen vibes and a charming story that is rich with puzzles, Paper Trail is likely a game for you. Don’t let its difficulty level scare you away, as there are resources to help you succeed. With this being Newfangled Games’ first game, I’m thrilled to see what they produce next.
I enjoyed a lot of my brief time with The Tower on the Borderland, but too often, the experience felt like a rough draft of what comes next. That said, the game has laid the groundwork for something truly special—a potential series that builds upon and honors the legacy of PlayStation 1-era third-person games that many of today’s players grew up on.
Throughout the approximate three-hour playtime of Duck Detective, players will be treated to delightful dialogue, charming artwork, excellent voice acting, and a satisfactory series of logic puzzles. While the short playtime and price point will be a turn-off for many, fans of the mystery genre will certainly enjoy it.
Hauntii is a beautiful game that often gets in the way of its own contemplated brilliance. It is the game’s quieter moments that will stick with me long after the credits have rolled. At its best, the game presents an interesting, meditative alternative to the usually chaotic twin-stick shooter and challenging puzzle genres.
It’s hard to capture the experience of playing a PlayStation 1 horror game for the first time. Yet, somehow, Crow Country succeeds. Equal parts a love letter and a response to the horror of days long gone, it recaptures both the aesthetic and magic of early 3D horror games, balancing modern updates with classic touches. Though light on fear, Crow Country is a well-polished experience that expertly nails the old-school aesthetic.
Despite its shortcomings, Rose & Camellia Collection is a unique title to own and one you will want to play with friends in local multiplayer. I mean, who DOESN’T want to have a virtual slap battle? Just keep the wonky controls and steep price point in mind.
My biggest problem with Rough Justice: '84 wasn’t even that it didn’t work—it’s that, even when it did, I still just wasn’t having any fun.