Rising Lords is a hexagon-grid-based tactics game that introduces elements from Battle Brothers, Civilization, and chess to create a game that is rich in mechanics, but lacking in depth. Its medieval presentation and art style are a highlight, and there's a decent variety in the content offered. While it's fun for a couple of hours and up to a couple of days, the lack of a multiplayer scene or mod support seriously harms the longevity of the game.
The Thaumaturge is a story driven top-down adventure game that plays like an existentialist novel by Dostoevsky. Its rich cast of characters and expanding story draws you in and sinks its pangs into your brain. If you're looking for a story-rich game that's relatively easy to get into and has some excellent art direction, this is the one. Just be mindful of the performance issues and uneven voice acting in some parts.
Classified: France '44 is a turn-based tactics game that manages to convey what it feels like to perform clandestine operations perfectly. Its diverse cast of characters, paired with its ample weapon and enemy variety makes it a thrilling experience that's sure to keep you entertained for days on end.
Tomb Raider I - III Remastered is a faithful recreation of the original Tomb Raider trilogy, however, its attempts to innovate and modernize the control scheme has left it in a weird state where it feels broken even though it isn't. In its current state, the game definitely feels weird, and until those issues are resolved, the game will remain an uneven remaster at best.
Island of Insight is a sandbox adventure game that's brimming with hundreds of unique puzzles to solve. It's not a game in the traditional sense, rather, a sandbox experience that allows you to mold it however you want. It's a solid educational tool and a perfect aid for winding down at the end of the day while keeping your mind active.
Chronique des Silencieux is a narrative-driven point-and-click detective game that prioritizes agency over everything and allows you to connect the dots, and solve the mysteries however you deem fit. It doesn't hold your hand and trusts you to come to your own conclusions and while I'm not a fan of the art style, and some minor bugs get in the way of fun, it's a detective game unlike anything else that's definitely worth playing.
Stargate: Timekeepers is a stealth-focused strategy game set in the Stargate universe that tries to fill in big shoes but barely manages to fit into a single one. Its foundational mechanics are great, however, it's apparent that many of them need further polish. The game has the potential to become a cult classic one day, but alas, that day is not today.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth elevates the series to new heights. It takes existing ideas from the series, and adds layers of complexity, engaging content, and charm on top of it to create an unforgettable experience that walks a fine line between earnestly dramatic moments, and over-the-top hilarity. Ichiban Kasuga is one of the best protagonists in gaming, and I can't wait to see where Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio takes him next.
Sovereign Syndicate is an engaging cRPG with a lot of heart, and a surprisingly competent first title from developer Crimson Herring Studios. Its alternative take on Victorian-era London is refreshing and doesn't fall into the trap of painting mythical creatures with their generic fantasy characteristics. It captivates you the moment you start the game with its strong characters and writing, and doesn't let go until the very end.
Cookie Cutter is a compelling yet rough Metroidvania experience that is bound to keep you entertained for hours on end. In its current state it's undeniably rough around the edges, but, with a few patches here and there it's bound to become a cult classic in no time.
Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader is an astoundingly complex game that perfectly conveys the feeling of living in the 41st millennium. Its story is entrancing from the get-go, the characters are diverse and memorable and the gameplay will keep you hooked to your screen for hours on end. It's a must-play for diehard Warhammer fans and a great entry point for prospecting Warhammer fans. As far as Warhammer games are concerned, it's a definite 10, and a new benchmark for storytelling in the franchise.
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered is a faithful remaster of the original that perfectly preserves the feel the original had while also implementing a slew of QoL improvements. For better or worse, it perfectly recreates Turok 3.
Last Train Home is a challenging survival/tactical game that will push you to your limits and back. It's a game that sells you an experience, which it unravels through its difficult yet satisfying gameplay as well as its expertly directed cutscenes. If you're someone who enjoys a real challenge, then Last Train Home is a definite must-play.
Persona 5 Tactica is a breath of fresh air for the turn-based tactics genre that feels familiar, yet challenging, and has enough depth to easily stand toe-to-toe with its peers. Despite the genre shift, it retains all the hallmarks of a Persona title and blends those aspects with dazzling polish. It's fun, challenging, a blast to play, and a must-have for any Persona fan, serving as a good entry point for strategy lovers looking to get into Persona.
Dungeons 4 is the perfect blend between Dungeon Defense and RTS, with a pinch of humor scattered here and there. It has a campaign that's memorable and captivating, which definitely earns it the title of an instant classic. The gameplay itself is enriched with a variety of content to guarantee you hours upon hours of fun. Within the RTS/Dungeon Defender genre, it's easily a must-play. A certified must-play for any strategy gamer.
Ugly is a dark yet charming story-driven platformer that is filled with challenging puzzles and a melancholic story to pull at your heartstrings. The excellent art direction and the way its narrative unfolds are very memorable, however, the occasional unintuitive level design and bland musical arrangement really take away from the otherwise engaging experience.
Forza Motorsport is a thrilling racing simulator that offers something to both beginners and veterans alike. It throws you into the world of professional racing and makes you fall in love with it. The sheer variety of vehicles, and racetracks paired with extensive customization make it the finest entry in the series yet. It's one of the best-looking games on the market with every vehicle beautifully rendered in ridiculous detail. If you're looking for a title to drive down the rabbit hole of racing sims, there is no better place to start, especially with its focus on accessibility and onboarding.