Mediterranea Inferno is a brief experience that you can likely see all of in around five hours, but those five hours were some of the most gripping I’ve had all year. I had to go to work between finishing my first run and going back in to see the rest, and it was truly all I could think about. This game isn’t merely a haunting tale of betrayal. It may even betray the player themself with its final twists and turns. It’s queer, it’s brutal, and it’s not for the faint of heart – but if you can handle it, it’s one of the most poignant stories I’ve ever experienced in the medium.
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless represents the best execution of the series’ trademark combat and level systems to date. It’s a showcase of features that have been perfected over the past twenty years to be enjoyed by players, both new and returning. While there are a few new concepts that could have used more work, and it’s a shame that the Switch version is noticeably compromised, it’s a major step back in the right direction for a long-running franchise that’s got a legion of loyal fans for a good reason.
Despite its few peculiarities and performance issues, Cities: Skylines II successfully upholds the legacy of its predecessor and raises the bar for the city-building genre. Whether you’re a seasoned city planner or a newcomer ready to embark on an urban adventure, Skylines II offers endless possibilities and countless hours of creative enjoyment.
Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom reimagines platformer mechanics by eliminating the jump button and instead utilizes dynamic environments to challenge players. With a heavy emphasis on collectibles and engaging level design, the game offers both nostalgia and innovation, appealing to fans of classic arcade games. While the unique gameplay and generous checkpoints provide a fresh and friendly experience, the game's intense focus on collecting every item and some underdeveloped late-game content could detract from its appeal for more casual players.