The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered is what it is, definitely, and nothing about its remaster changed what the game was like on release. With its unspoken story and non-traditional levelling system, this is not going to be a game for everyone. But its refreshed accessibility and the fact that there are plenty of in-depth guides out there with oodles of still relevant information makes this an interesting way to find out if you’d enjoy similar, harder games like SaGa Frontier. Or if you’d enjoy Alliance Alive, which was also remastered several years ago for the Nintendo Switch. This is where I admit I’m an old-school gamer, and this is my kind of thing. I grew up on obstinate, mapless, pain-in-the-rear dungeon crawlers, and this pretty, cosy (and low on fan service) homage to the genre is just the right kind of game for me to laze on the couch and play. It’s asking for patience from its players and a little investment to figure out how to make your party strong enough to wear down bosses. It requests your imagination to fill in the gaps of its story, giving you the freedom to think pretty much whatever you want of your journey through this ruined isle. If you’re like me, this is a special treat, a game that’s both different than anything else currently on the Switch and familiar to those of us who grew up with graph paper and clue books you had to mail away for. That’s why I’m rating this game so highly, as I’m the exact audience this game is seeking. Its quirks may not be for you, but if you’re willing to give it a try, whether on Switch or on Steam, both of which I prefer for this style of game, it’s doing its best to help you out. And it’s looking good doing it.
It won’t take long to fall in love with Nowa and his initial teammates on the Watch, and the bittersweet story beats come achingly fast in the first act of the game. Those who played the prologue game, Eiyuden Chronicles Rising, won’t have to wait long to meet some familiar faces and learn the answers to some of the questions left hanging there. From there, the journey is a comfortably familiar but emotional one, where power-hungry villains separate friends and family under the banner of a war that threatens to grow out of control. It’s a beefy game, too, with backers who already got their copy claiming that they’re clocking 60 hours on a fast-paced playthrough, and I’m suggesting that around 80 is going to be a fair hour count for most players. Chock full of stuff to do, things to explore, and characters to meet and collect; for some of us, this is the game we wanted when we were teens and still enjoying our last free summers. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a fantastic JRPG, wearing its old-school quirks like a badge of pride, with even its deliberate annoyances feeling like a wool flannel shirt. I can safely say it’s a terrific game and one its backers will welcome home with delight.
I keep vacillating between liking Little-Known Galaxy a lot and outright loving it, and it may be that I simply need more time to explore a couple more worlds. Perhaps that I want to is the answer I need. I have to say that, for me, it’s doing everything right in spinning the Stardew formula while giving you a freshened, lighter experience, and I’m hooked on the mystery of the relic. In terms of ease, it’s a great game for a beginner to try out the genre, letting you explore and figure things out instead of feeling like you need to hit the ground running in order to have an efficient first year. Overall, I truly dig this game, and the opportunity to review it kept me from trying to scratch my post-1.6 Valley itch with other games on my wish list that I might not have liked as much. A new theme, a new pace, and a charming little low-stakes universe just might be what Dr. McCoy ordered for you, too. Beam a copy down and explore a Little-Known Galaxy for yourself.
Leximan is an incredibly charming, slapstick take on puzzle games designed for players who can learn to love the world of words in all of its goofy potential. As clunky as it all seems, it’s a game with a lot more going on behind the scenes than you’d imagine, and its cleverness is never used to make you feel like you’re doing something wrong. Instead, joke answers and silliness can lead to ah-ha! moments, and the occasional groan if you know what sins puns commit upon society. The gameplay is lighthearted and low on stress, making it a terrific wind-down puzzler for someone who doesn’t feel like reading the next chapter of their book just yet or has already beat the NYT crossword of the day. The game’s world is well thought out, and, for players tired of reclusive wizarding societies built on controversy, this one is gentle and clever and saves its barbs for big-ticket issues like individualism and capitalism without making it a preach piece. On the whole, Leximan is a terrific summer surprise, a unique game that finds a niche and cozies itself into it with the warmth of a favorite afghan. I’m delighted to recommend this game with a whole heart, and I hope you’ll give it a chance, too.
Horticular is the spiritual follow-up to Viva Piñata cozy gamers have been craving for years. While its style isn’t as modern or as polished as some would like, it’s hard to deny the charm of this pixelated wonderland. Its controls are simple and intuitive, and new wrinkles to the gameplay are added at a pace quick enough to keep you interested but without overwhelming you. It’s also a game that wants you to take your time with it, giving you plenty of reasons to slow down, plant the flowers you want to sniff, and just hang around and admire what you made for a while before jumping off to your next chosen goal. It’s a game that’s received a shockingly low amount of coverage, and I’m hoping that more reviews like this one will help it reach the audience it deserves
LOK Digital is a remarkable translation of a pen and pencil puzzle game into something that can easily be picked up and played as a video game, and some of that is due in part to publishers Draknek & Friends, who’ve brought equally delightful games like A Monsters Expedition to Steam. The new dimension allows the world of the LOKs to come to life in even more vibrant ways — despite their monochrome world — and even the puzzles themselves go through some neat changes to suit the environment. It’s a delight to enter a new section of the game and see what the little blobs are up to now, and the game’s thoughtful pacing reduces frustration when new words are introduced. Instead, it’s a little jolt of delight to figure out something new, and it’s a great motivation to keep growing in this strange little world. With some 90-odd puzzles (and dailies), it’s a game you’ll be sad to wrap up. A pleasant treat and a great wintertime relaxer.
Threefold Recital is a delightful surprise, a friendly trip through a fantastical vision of China. Its science fiction and spiritual elements intertwine in ways I never would have thought of, creating a world I genuinely haven’t seen represented before. Its world of animal and human characters come together in neat ways, and as someone who is a big fan of Blacksad (a fantastic, Eisner-winning European noir graphic novel series that’s for mature audiences), this feels closer to the video game that series deserved. Each main character is unique and charming, making it easy to care about the story they’ve gotten themselves mixed up in. It’s a rich enough world that I hope someday we get to learn even more about it. Initially and quickly charmed, I’ve sat with it just long enough to realize I genuinely love this game, and though I didn’t beat it before the deadline, I’ll be keeping at it until I find out what really happened to the tenth dragon emperor. A delight worth a chance.
If you’re already a Trails fan, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a no-brainer of a purchase, kicking off a fast-paced story on all fours and ready for you to catch up to what’s going on. If you’re new to the franchise, at the very least, I recommend you start with the first Daybreak, but the game does what it can to bring you into a new episode of Van Arkride’s weighty life with the information you need to understand why he cares deeply about some people you’re meeting for the first time. The only major question is what format you want to play in, and if you prefer to make the Switch your JRPG machine, you won’t be disappointed with Daybreak II’s performance. It’s a cozy way to play a convoluted (affectionate) story in a world that’s already weathered countless trials, and is up for weathering a few more. Another solid entry for a grande dame franchise.
Nif Nif is precisely the entry-level rogue-like deck builder the genre’s been needing to usher in new players and offer a cozy change-up for long-timers. Its aesthetic is consistent and adorable, its tone is light and cheeky, with dorky in-jokes that bring smiles, and it’s quick and easy to play. It’s easy to assume that means the game isn’t ambitious — and really, it isn’t — but what it does, it does with a simple charm that’ll keep you coming back. Until my partner passed over the giant brick of a fantasy novel we both wanted to read, and he’d finally finished, I was making this my just-before-bed game. It was a great choice, leaving me perfectly happy to roll over and go to bed, whether I’d won or not, and still feeling I was learning new things about deck builder tactics. Just a super little game, honestly, and I hope you’ll love it, too.
The Lunar Remastered Collection is a thoughtfully prepared revival of a truly classic JRPG series, bringing back two games that are nostalgia incarnate for the dedicated fan and an approachable bit of history for new players. With rebalanced difficulty, a modernized inventory, zippier combat, cleaned-up visuals, and the meat of these classic stories otherwise untouched, this is a brilliant example of how to bring back the biggest moments of gaming history without wrecking the shop. With the best two games in the Lunar saga now more accessible than ever, it’s a no-brainer of a choice for RPG fans who love the straightforward simplicity of our older turn-based games. For players used to the fancy options of modern RPGs like Avowed and Dragon Age, the Lunar Remastered Collection may feel too much like a step back. But if you love a good story, it’s still worth the time and investment to see why the genre still thrives, even in the shadow of glitzy triple-A action games.
Devoted to a cozy, play at your pace style and supported by a well-planned and executed story featuring some great characters, Palia enters its first major expansion with the strength necessary to give it a long-term boost. The ever-expanding world is a joy to explore, and the new Elderwood region is large, intricate, and full of neat little nooks where one can find platforms for goodies and shortcuts, all to further the understanding of the world of Palia’s lost history. There are plenty of skills to master, but it never feels overwhelming. Improving your toolkit is up to you, naturally paced by how much you’re willing to putter around with the skill to do some other thing you decided you wanted. The social aspect is no afterthought, walking a careful line of interactivity that allows the world to feel alive without stressing the less social of us into situations that absolutely require us to be outgoing (aaaaaaaugh). Palia hits a blend of tone and style I didn’t realize I was looking for, adding the home customization of Animal Crossing and Disney Dreamlight Valley to a story I found both fresh and comfortingly familiar at regular intervals. In a time of heavy stress, it’s soft, it’s pleasant, and it offers nifty mysteries to think about. It’s a world that’s going to continue to earn regular visits from me as it continues to grow, and I truly hope I’ll see you there.
Doodle Harmony Ghosts is a lovely and simple PC treat that’s meant to engage the zen-seeking portions of your mind and have you just click happily away at the screen for a little while. There’s no frustration and nothing hidden behind its simple veneer. Perhaps the only advice I would have for these indie creators depends entirely on their comfort zone: Doodle Harmony and Doodle Harmony Ghosts would be perfect for gamers who own a tablet. Then, I’d be able to push this game onto my partner, who exclusively plays games like this on their tablet. That said, mobile development is a whole other critter, and it can be intimidating to approach for independent creators. My recommendation is, if you like simple but pleasing puzzle games and like supporting small creators, putting this one in your library will be no mistake. Doodle Harmony Ghosts occupies a quiet niche on the Steam store, where a simple and cheap game still means you’re getting a nice value for your time and dual dollar bucks
Gambit Shifter is not a game with lofty ambitions despite its regal cast of chess pieces. It’s a pleasant, low-stress, low-stakes puzzler that wants you to succeed and get you to think outside the board to figure out its riddles. Although its blue-steel aesthetic seems forgettably low-key, it actually allows you to put your thinky cap on and focus on the puzzle, without a lot of additional doodads to confuse its goal. No matter what, a glint of gold is your reward, and that makes it easier to push forward into the harder puzzles. The result is a sleek game that’s perfect for someone who wants something more spatial than the Piczle franchise and less punishing than Braid. At a budget price and a full slate of carefully designed puzzles, it’s a fine side game for someone who wants to shift — har — their brain into a different gear after a long day. Currently available on PC and via the Steam storefront, it’s a pleasant slice of quiet time, with no Bobby Fischer wannabes yelling in your ear about zwischenzugs or wing pawn decoy tactics. Try Gambit Shifter out. Then, maybe, try a casual game of chess at the park or the library
Athenian Rhapsody, under the gassy gags and quirky NPCs, is a love letter to cult classics and indie games from our childhoods to today. Its mini-games are so diverse that it’s hard to get bored with any one aspect of the experience, and the sheer cheerful weirdness of it all will give you a smile even if you’re butting through some tougher patches. Because of that cheerfulness, it’s easy to give the tough spots a second chance, and a little dedication will help you enjoy the game, too. It’s hard to sum up what’s going on in the game’s world, but once you’re playing, it’s easy to simply ride it along while you’re meeting bizarre new friends. And, although I haven’t gotten that far yet, it’s clear that there really is an Undertale-style complexity in place to give you a reason to revisit. All in all, it’s quite an achievement from a new indie developer, and I can’t help but admire how polished and cohesively quirky it all is. Athenian Rhapsody may not be your kind of thing, but with a free demo available, it’s worth it to at least give this game a try.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge blends its real-world science with a method of show-don’t tell that makes it less intimidating than Apico, a game which I adored and which also reminded me how much I’d forgotten from my science classes so many decades ago. It’s also committed to a soft, comfy aesthetic that, even if you’ve never looked at frogs as cute before, this game will teach you why so many people just love froggies. I think my only silly quibble is the lack of audible ‘ribbits;’ just give me a vague background cacophony of happy, croaky little noises. It’s possible it’s something I’ll find as I get even deeper into the game! But that’s so minor and specific to me and isn’t a real complaint at all. The prettiness of this game and its lack of interest in stressing you about time is going to make it a soothing experience for a lot of people. The only way in this game is forward, but at the pace you choose. Pick up and play, or hyper-focus on it; it’s all entirely up to you! The frogs will love you to bits no matter what.
Whispers in the Moss is one of the most unique games I’ve had the pleasure to try in the last twenty years, yet it’s as comfortable and familiar to play (once you’ve got your controls sorted) as a Dragon Quest game. The developer’s love for the auld days comes through pure, and every moment of the twelve years of work he put into this project is visible on the screen, in hand-edited art pieces of a style so out of date as to be computer archaeology. It’s not going to be for everyone, as the aesthetic may be too much for some to overcome, even with a few optional color palettes to help with personal taste or eyesight issues. But there’s a love for computer history in the game that gives it an irrepressible charm, and if you grew up fumbling with the ASCII graphics on your old Commodore 64/128, you’re going to feel right at home in these woods.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is a fresh port of an older game to a system that makes it accessible to almost anyone who wants a stellar, if overpopulated, and socially complicated, action RPG. That makes it a fine ambassador for the genre in general and even a comfortable introduction to Falcom’s particular brand of world-building and visual style. Combat has enough variables to keep you busy with a streamlined palette of options, although there will be a bit of a skill hurdle for those taking on their first game of this type. But with no downside to tweaking the difficulty and tons of resources available for you to use, the game genuinely feels like it wants you to succeed at playing it, which is going to be refreshing to anyone who has friends fighting their way through the Elden Ring expansion. Around here, we know we’re looking for a good time in our games, a fun time, and an experience that doesn’t leave us feeling too much like we’ve lost the joy of gaming. Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is an odd pick for a cozy experience, and yet, it absolutely can be, with a pace that’s quicker and livelier than its Persona peers. I’m happy to be a fan of Falcom in general, and I think this is a great game for chill gamers looking to explore a niche they otherwise might skip.
WitchSpring R isn’t just a solid JRPG for fans looking for a new title; it’s a great choice for someone’s first foray into the genre. With a well-paced series of tutorials and new options fed at a pace easy enough for anyone to comprehend, it’s also a game that’s not looking to make itself difficult for you. The plot may be simple, but it’s also adorably presented, bracketed by flourishes that are intriguing and inventive without simply being dark. In fact, it’s a game that feels like it’s saying that the past, while hard to forget, can be overcome by kindness and understanding. Pieberry is a good kid, and while she does have choices ahead of her, it’s easy to want to nurture her innocence and charm. It’s a game that’s a great fit for the Switch and a definite no-brainer for anyone looking for a classic turn-based joy ride.
The Puzzle Maker: Cebba’s Odyssey is the kind of puzzle game that’s going to seem intimately familiar at first, but a depth of puzzle craft and detail makes it into something all its own. At first glance, it’s easy to see a little of Fire Emblem inside the game, with its variety of unique pixel art units and movements. After a little fussing, you’ll probably also think of Into the Breach, where the order of operations as you start your turn makes the difference between victory and defeat. But Cebba quickly takes over its own niche, and it does so well enough that it can become something fresh for dedicated puzzle fans to chew on. The only ‘quibble’ is that, wow, these puzzles begin to escalate in a way that hyper-focused minds might start to feel genuinely overwhelmed by midgame. But the game is also untimed and chill about letting you figure it out at your own speed, mitigating the issue well. I’ll also say that I didn’t fuss with the make-your-own puzzle portion of the game, as it’s purely optional, and I am Bad At Such Things. I will say that the same controls work well there, and wiser minds than mine might enjoy the option!
Touhou Genso Wanderer – FORESIGHT – is a lovely jump-in point for both the Touhou Project and the roguelike genre, both of which are great things for the long-term prosperity of any franchise. While it’s not as in-depth as other Mystery Dungeon games, and though its anime plot of mikos and mystics versus the world may be pretty alien to anyone unfamiliar with the home franchise, it does well with what it has and keeps its focus on those new arrivals who don’t know all the decades-long interactions between these characters. While the price point is, in my opinion, a little steep for what you’re getting in terms of complexity and potential gameplay hours, I will say that’s not unusual for Mystery Dungeon-style games, either. A sale price and some curiosity about the genre make it a must-buy; a regular price means doing some research and thinking if you’ll enjoy a gently-paced introduction to a world that rarely welcomes outsiders. On the whole, I’m charmed with this game. For veterans annoyed with its comparative simplicity, it’s also succeeded at the most important duty of all: it made me curious about other games in the franchise. Now, that’s how you win.