Will "FncWill" Hogeweide
Eternal Strands is a triumph of game design, blending the best elements of Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus into a unique and unforgettable experience. Its rich narrative, innovative combat system, and breathtaking world make it a must-play for fans of the action-adventure genre. Yellow Brick Games has set a high bar with their debut title, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. The Enclave awaits, and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.
Hyper Light Breaker is a bold and ambitious evolution of the Hyper Light franchise, but it struggles to fully realize its potential. While the transition to 3D and the addition of online co-op are commendable, the game’s reliance on procedural generation and its punishing difficulty curve make it a less accessible and memorable experience than its predecessor. For fans of Hyper Light Drifter, Breaker offers a glimpse into the franchise’s future, but it also serves as a reminder of what made the original so special. Whether Heart Machine can refine Breaker into a worthy successor remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a shaky yet promising step forward.
In many ways, Helskate is a rogue-lite that feels more like a hardcore skateboarding game with elements of RPG progression. It combines the best of Tony Hawk’s smooth, trick-centric gameplay with the outrageous flair of Jet Set Radio and the energetic, fast-paced combat of Sunset Overdrive. The world of Vertheim is brutal, beautiful, and full of promise for players who enjoy a challenging, skill-based loop where every death feels like an opportunity to become stronger. Helskate is worth trying, especially for fans of skating games or roguelites looking for something different. While it offers a unique experience, it’s not a title I’d personally buy. Still, if you’re curious, grab your board and gear up to skate through Vertheim—because in this hellish maze, your only escape is by shredding your way out.
While Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Tropical Freeze. It plays well enough and captures the charm that fans love, but issues with performance and some dated design elements hold it back. If you’re looking to revisit Donkey Kong’s past adventures or experience them for the first time, it’s still a worthwhile trip—just don’t expect it to outshine the Kong family’s most recent outing.
FAIRY TAIL 2 successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor, delivering an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The blend of beloved storylines and new content, coupled with dynamic gameplay and expansive customization, makes it a must-play for fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re reliving the emotional highs of the Alvarez Empire Arc or uncovering new secrets in The Key to the Unknown, this game promises a magical journey that captures the heart and soul of Fairy Tail.
Not only is it weird to release a Summer Sports Game in the middle of Winter, but trying to compete with Wii/Switch Sports is a big task, and let’s be honest, while alright, Smoots Summer Games isn’t it, if you really don’t want to spend the money for the first party title, try Deca Sports Instead as you’ll get a much better experience.
Backyard Soccer ‘98 on Steam proves that sometimes, less is more. By preserving the original’s lighthearted charm and injecting just enough modern updates, this re-release strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and accessibility. Whether you’re coaching your dream team in League Play or just enjoying the chaotic fun of a pick-up game, the Backyard Sports magic is alive and well. For returning fans, it’s like dusting off an old trophy and finding it still shines. For new players, it’s a chance to experience why Pablo Sanchez remains a legend in gaming lore. Either way, this is one nostalgic kick that hits the back of the net.
Road Maintenance Simulator 2 stands as a unique and surprisingly satisfying entry in the simulation genre. The Winter Services Update adds a refreshing layer of depth and variety, making it a standout among road maintenance games. While the graphical hiccups, occasional bugs, and technical shortcomings may frustrate some players, the authenticity and rewarding nature of the gameplay more than make up for it—especially for those willing to brave the snowy roads. For fans of simulation games or anyone looking for a unique, oddly calming experience, this is still an alright option.
If you’ve been yearning for a game to reignite the snowboarding genre, Tricky Madness is your answer. It channels the spirit of SSX and 1080° Snowboarding, cranks up the adrenaline, and rockets down the mountain with style. With its tight controls, gnarly tricks, and modes for every kind of player, this is a must-play for both die-hard fans and newcomers. So slap on that beanie, grab your board, and hit the slopes. Tricky Madness isn’t just carving its way to the top—it’s taking the snowboarding genre to a whole new peak.
Glitch Hero offers a charming and memorable adventure, especially for those new to coding. Ada’s journey is packed with laughs, thrills, and meaningful lessons, making it a standout title for players of all ages. While its gameplay graphics could use an upgrade, the witty dialogue, creative puzzles, and compelling story make this game a worthy addition to any library.
Planet Coaster 2 successfully expands the theme park simulation genre with its robust suite of new features and refined mechanics. From water rides and swimming pools to the immersive first-person view and dynamic weather systems, the game offers plenty of fresh elements to excite both returning fans and newcomers. Enhanced customization tools empower players to craft parks that feel uniquely theirs, while guest archetypes and realistic weather effects introduce new layers of strategy.
From quality-of-life improvements to entirely new gameplay experiences, mods breathe fresh life into Red Dead Redemption, extending its replayability far beyond the base game. Combined with faster loading times and improved stability, the PC version stands out as the best way to explore John Marston’s epic journey through the frontier.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake is undeniably a labor of love, rich with features that make the story of ancient China’s political turbulence feel personal and dynamic. For those who adore the era’s history and don’t mind a slightly theatrical spin, the game’s “infinite drama” will be an immersive experience. But while the remake is packed with enhancements, it doesn’t entirely transcend its original. The gameplay and story, while deep and engaging, may not fully justify a remake for a game that wasn’t heavily demanded by fans. Instead, it stands as a tribute to a beloved entry – one that celebrates the theater of war and the complex drama of its officers but might have left fans wondering if a truly new Romance of the Three Kingdoms experience would have been the better gift.
Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered may be one of the wildest trips into the depths of hell you’ll ever take. It’s grotesque, it’s filthy, and it’s unapologetically crass—a fever-dream vision of the Underworld brought to life by some of gaming’s most creative minds. Just don’t forget to keep the light close, or the darkness might consume you whole.
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a love letter to the essence of rural life, blending whimsy, nostalgia, and the endearing chaos of Shin-chan’s world in a single, delightful package. With its clever mix of everyday tasks, memorable characters, and the quirky mysteries of Coal Town, this game provides a surprisingly deep and satisfying journey that bridges generations. It’s a beautiful nod to the Crayon Shin-chan legacy, with fresh layers of storytelling and heartfelt interactions that make it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. Whether you’re catching fish in the calm rivers of Akita, racing trolleys with newfound friends, or helping create culinary delights, every moment spent in Shin-chan’s world feels like a joyful celebration of imagination and community. This is a game that welcomes everyone to experience the simple joys of discovery and laughter, making it a must-play for anyone seeking a heartwarming, immersive escape into the world of Crayon Shin-chan.
It’s safe to say, that No Room in Hell 2 delivers one hell of a broken experience, the developers have truly abandoned the roots of the original NMRIH, trading quality for a glitch-riddled mess that feels like it crawled out of the deepest pit of development hell. Teleporting zombies, disappearing enemies, and hitboxes are so bad that they make it feel like the zombies are smacking you from the underworld itself, which is just the beginning. It’s a hellish gauntlet of unbindable keys, broken voice chat, and floating heads that make it seem like the game’s trying to pull you into its own version of purgatory. Throw in the fact that there’s only one map, and it becomes clear that the developers were in a rush to throw this disaster out the door. It’s a hell of a ride but for all the wrong reasons. Performance-wise, the game is practically Satan’s gift to lag. Lag spikes, server crashes, and unskippable cutscenes make it feel like you’re being punished for daring to boot up the game.
While Trails through Daybreak has an ambitious yet imperfect story, it offers captivating gameplay and exploration that still shapes an above-average experience in the end.
Backyard Baseball stood out back then not just for its humor and accessible mechanics but for creating a sense of nostalgia around backyard sports. The success of the ’97 title spawned multiple sequels, many of which included licensed Major League Baseball players as kids in the neighborhood in the following years. This original installment remains a classic, beloved by fans for its simplicity, colorful characters, and the feeling it evokes of long summer days spent playing with friends. While there aren’t any new features or changes other than Steam achievements and leaderboards, the game’s nostalgic and cozy charm is what makes this game the same success as it was back in '97.
With Vessel of Hatred, Diablo IV enriches its lore and gameplay with Nahantu’s terror-laden jungles and the Spiritborn’s untamable rage. Prepare to dive into darkness, where every step through Nahantu brings you closer to a diabolic world where survival is a blood-soaked triumph and every victory a whispered warning—Hell awaits, and it is hungry.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus is a compelling blend of detective work, action, and fantasy that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The dark narrative and complex mysteries are perfectly complemented by fast-paced sequences and deep character development. With the added bonus of new content in the Plus edition, including the extra subchapters and performance upgrades, the game stands as a must-play for both mystery enthusiasts and fans of the Danganronpa series. If you’re ready to step into a world of endless rain and unsolved crimes, RAIN CODE Plus offers an immersive and unforgettable journey.