Metal Slug Tactics doesn't quite reinvent the strategy genre, but it does offer up a lot of addictive, explosive, and satisfying action. The core of the Metal Slug series lies comfortably within this new genre, along with plenty of familiar sights, sounds, and characters that will please fans. It's a great take on turn-based strategy and one that feels distinctly true to its roots.
Fear The Spotlight is a brief, nostalgic love letter to 90s horror games, blending simple stealth and puzzle mechanics. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, its atmospheric visuals and sound design provide a few hours of engaging fun for fans of retro horror, though it may not offer enough depth to warrant a second playthrough.
There is a lot to love in Neurodiver, and I feel as if my time with it has been a net positive overall. It has a fun, upbeat story, and many lovable characters are in every corner. The gameplay concept is strong, and the visuals are, without question, absolutely top-notch. But it's hard not to feel a little disappointed; I think that's partly a problem with my own heightened expectations, but there are portions of Neurodiver feel lacking and poorly handled to me when I put all of my presumptions aside.
Another Code: Recollection is an absorbing experience from start to finish, one that will keep mystery fans comfortably engaged thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable cast. Lacks a little special something, but it's got a lot of heart.
I can’t recommend investing time or money into Crystal Story: Dawn of Dusk right now. In so many ways, it just feels incomplete. It feels more or less like a demo that you have to pay twelve dollars for. My sincerest wish is that the developer can polish this game into something greater because, for what it’s worth, I can see the love and the effort. I just think it needed a little more time to be a true indie gem.
For some, the repetition of In Stars And Time might not resonate in the same way as it did for me, and I completely understand that. I feel as if the latter half of the game will lose some people, but regardless, I say it is worth having some patience for this one. From the charming characters, the excellent execution of the time-looping story, and the lovingly crafted visuals, In Stars And Time is a unique experience I never want to forget, and I do believe it to be an indie masterpiece.
Slay the Princess is a game all about perspectives, secrets, about scrutinizing the information you’re given. It’ll worm its way inside your mind, and sometimes you’ll even start second-guessing your own decisions. But that’s the whole fun of it; it asks you to examine your own preconceived notions and your own ideals, and that makes it enjoyable to the very end. For fans of visual novels, unique narrative adventures, and even those outside those circles, this is an essential indie visual novel that is well worth your time.
There’s no doubt an appeal here for fans of cozy experiences, and Mineko’s Night Market delivers all the charm one could expect from this genre. But the experience is shortlived as it offers little focus on player expression. Similar titles present a much wider range of activities to invest yourself in that makes the experience feel like your own. However, there really isn’t any of that here. It all feels just a little too static and unimpressive. For a younger audience, this could be an entry-level introduction to this wholesome genre, but there may be better ways to spend an evening than at the Night Market.
Strong environmental puzzles, unfortunately, don’t do anything to save GYLT, and as such, there’s nothing here I would really recommend to anyone other than to a younger gamer just getting into the genre. Horror fans will have seen everything this game has to offer before, and a lack of anything gripping will stop newcomers from sticking around for its brief runtime.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is truly a delight, and I only wish that it was longer. It builds on what made the first entry so memorable while delivering a unique narrative of its own. While returning fans will find a few familiar story beats, the updated items on the menu keep things fresh and engaging. This is one brew you’ll really want to savor.
Meg’s Monster is a charming, adorable, and heartfelt adventure that provides an excellent indie RPG experience. The relationship between the main duo is the driving force, with the art and music complementing the tone. However, it lacks evolution by revealing its entire hand in the first few hours, delivering a weak second half.
All of this makes 8-Bit Adventures 2 shine as a quality game regardless if it doesn’t present any groundbreaking systems in the genre. This game is a love letter to retro adventures that we’re intimately familiar with by now. Rather than push it to be something that seeks to change the experience, it celebrates it. If you’re looking for something that seeks to innovate, you’re likely to find something better elsewhere. But if you want an entertaining, lighthearted, and endearing experience, this is the game for you.