Grimoire Groves has an active ad campaign that claims some of its early players are calling it a mix of Hades and Animal Crossing. It is neither of those things. The NPCs aren’t dynamic, they aren’t your neighbors, and they will become the source of your headaches. The combat isn’t Hades, because it quickly becomes onerous and grindy, and I felt zero joy when I beat the first boss. The combat isn’t smooth, either; aiming your spells is inexact, and only the lack of enemy damage keeps that from being a gamekiller itself. This is a game I desperately looked forward to, and I work hard to be gentle in my reviews, because I can admire the effort. I wanted to be gentle this time, but my partner put his hand on my arm and pointed out that I literally screamed at my Steam Deck in frustration. Grimoire Groves is polished and pretty, put together by people who clearly know what they’re doing, and yet somehow forgot to make the game loop fun to repeat. I cannot recommend it. It made me angry and unhappy to continue, and nothing was satisfying about the loop or its characters. I hope it will improve, but it’s going to take a lot to bring me around for another try.
There may be someone out there for whom Balance will strike the right note. I can see, as if on a distant horizon, the goal the developer intends to show their players. But without a little more help in finding the zen of juggling numbers until they all ascend the board, I’m simply not motivated to ever try this again when I can instead move to Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons or one of the Picross S series games that I haven’t bought yet. It’s not pleasant to give a negative review to a fledgling developer who’s trying to bring something new to an audience that loves logic puzzles. Still, between the too-tight aesthetic, the tiny text, and the way I ended up fumbling grumpily with each board with no real encouragement, I can’t, in good faith, say I can recommend this game, even to other puzzle fans. But I also don’t think developer Wool Tyranny should give up or take my ranking too deeply to heart. It’s a good start when you know to offer a simple aesthetic to someone trying to figure out something new, and the music is very charming. Hopefully, they’ll try again down the line with something a little more polished and with a little more zest for player response. Until then, warm hugs, my apologies, and I’m very sorry that I need to say goodbye to Balance like this.
My final thumb score is not a reflection of negativity or confusion in this case, but a combined assessment as a reviewer and a big cheer as a fan of both the JRPG genre and new creators showing off what they’ve already learned to do. Keep at it, Kevin Musto. I think you’ve got the will to work up your skills.
Elrentaros Wanderings commits the only gaming sin I can’t forgive: It makes me sad to play it. There’s still life in the character’s art styles, and there’s the glimmer of something here for those who liked niche but crocs-and-lattes basic ARPGS like Heroes of Ruin or that 3DS Phantasy Star game that also left me depressed. But the results are limp, and the colors run together into a generic anime mush. I’m not going to give this game our worst score; it runs well, and as I say, it will find a few players who wanted something like the equally streamlined Snack World, without its particular twee nonsense. But as a full-price game with a pedigree that used to bring hope and cheer to its audience, I am genuinely disappointed with the results. A little research will bring up some Japanese discussions for its original release, and I’m only slightly heartened to see I’m not the only person with similar complaints. Thus, I’m not sure I can recommend it with a fair heart, unless you are really hankering for a no-frills mobile-style ARPG. Certainly not at full price. Friends, Rune Factory 5 was a chunky step back from the franchise’s heights. Buy it’s on sale anyway, to remind HAKAMA that we still hope for more from them… as long as it’s not this.
Passing By: A Tailwind Journey retains its cohesive style and substance, and it runs beautifully on the Switch. Its quirks and issues will undoubtedly be no problem for some fans looking for a well-priced, lighter survival game that’s heavy on gathering cute collectables. However, I personally have trouble finding it as cozy as its sale copy suggests, with meters that are harsher than more action-forward survival/collection games like Core Keeper and puzzles that, while not difficult, are a pain to overcome with both the current control scheme and those meters at your heels. As the first game from a new indie developer, I do give the game its proper dues for its polish and its eagerness. I think Studio Windsocke have a bright future ahead, and, as I say, there may be those who click with the game, especially if you can overcome or alter the control scheme. Unfortunately, this game is not for me. It may be for you, so please remember that all reviews are subjective and that this is still a game with a lot of heart inside of it. That’s why I’m giving it a neutral score, and the developers my very best wishes. Available now on Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam.
Starlight Legacy is a brief but charming throwback to the earliest years of Final Fantasy, with a competent story, familiar gameplay, and a visual style that reminds us why we can’t quit our love of pixelated games. At roughly ten hours of gameplay, it never has a chance to hit a long stride, but it’s a pleasant bite of game for someone looking for a wind-down after this year’s glut of long-play classic JRPGs. The game is also another great reminder that indie developers are out there doing their best for the love of the game. When it shines through, maybe it still can’t out-gleam the professional classics, but it’s proof that there’s still a lot to this nostalgic genre to love.
Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrected updates and smoothes over a number of its original issues, but several still remain. Still, it’s a passionate game telling a story of two women in love. It’s terrific that this is no longer as original or rare as it was at the time, but like explaining the Barbie movie to friends who felt we didn’t need more basic introductions to feminism, there is always room for more gentle introductions and reminders that the love we have to share with each other matters. No matter who they are. Because it is desperately easy to find ourselves in shadowed worlds that want us to forget that. The result of the remaster is still an imperfect game, but there’s something about it that keeps you going in spite of its flaws. It’s a great time for a reintroduction, and I hope it’s welcomed by the audience it needs. It didn’t click all the way with me, gameplay wise, but I love the monster designs and the story hit the right notes. Take my final verdict with plenty of wiggle room — this one is going to be highly subjective per player, but worth visiting.
Reindeer Story is the sort of game meant for people who enjoy very old-school RPGs and who want to support new developers who put a lot of very visible effort into something they genuinely care about doing. It’s far from a perfect game; its deliberate archaicness is going to make it feel sluggish and even difficult for some newer gamers, and there are occasional minor errors like misspelt or badly wrapped text. In the game’s defence, I remember professionally distributed NES and SNES games having these issues, too, so I don’t consider these big flaws. The game’s biggest draw is its charming story, which starts from some familiar but copyright-safe origins and then begins to spread into the sillier mythos of Christmas. Fans of the equally cornball Zeboyd games (Cthulhu Saves the World, etc.) are probably the best base from which to support developer Azzie in whatever project they’re ready to tackle next. And I do hope they keep going. Available at a budget price on Steam and filled with plenty to do, it’s not a game I can easily recommend to a casual cozy gamer. But for those willing to share some Christmas spirit and slice off a whack of some actually pretty tasty fruitcake, I hope you give it a visit. It’s a little funky, but I can’t help but admire its charm.
Cricket: Jae’s Really Peculiar Game has a lot of style and a lot of heart, and the people who grew up on both Earthbound and Super Mario RPG are going to find something here that scratches a hard-to-reach itch. But like its predecessors, it’s going to be a little sturdier of an opponent than you think, and mastery of combat and awareness of its quirks is going to be key as to whether or not this game is going to be for you in the long term.
Coffee Caravan is a surprising riff on one of today’s most popular subgenres, and what’s more surprising is that it works pretty well, so long as what you want is a game that speed runs you through a sleek restaurant management sim with the promise of some useful goodies to unlock. I found the harder options to be pretty intimidating at first, but catching the rhythm of brewing, serving, cleaning, and then doing it again is a lot of fun in short bursts, and the lack of harsh consequences means you don’t feel burned for trying. That said, it really is a game best played in short sessions, and its quick run times make that easy and fun to do without risking burnout. The gradual recipe unlocks also adds variety without being overwhelming, and the result is a well-done, small-scale game that handles its strange little niche quite smoothly. Its minimalism and short-run flair mean it might not be for everyone. Still, for those looking for a quick visit to the land of Zen and the Art of Coffee, Coffee Caravan is a determined offering that stays grounded in the world of sims yet whimsical enough to throw that gentle rogue-lite style in the mix.
All of that said, I came in wanting to like Terra Memoria, and in the end, I still mostly do. It’s chunky, yes, and the tone is sometimes a little off – maybe it’s the South Park exhaustion, but a subplot about ‘they took our jobs’ didn’t hit quite the right note for me when it was introduced – but its charm really is undeniable. The game is just too bright, breezy, and pretty to stay cranky, and its flaws can be soothed by taking breaks and coming back to it when you’re ready. The world building is also something that the developers put a lot of care into, and that’s also a delightful surprise. I’d be thrilled to revisit these characters and their quirky, magitek-laden world again in the future. It’s an indie delight, through and through, and I’m happy to say that, yup, it gets the green
Union of Gnomes takes the now-familiar terrain of deckbuilder roguelites and adds some neat twists that turn the usual card management system into supply management. With a slick, colorful art style and quick gameplay that handles well on Steam Deck, it’s great for quick sessions, but benefits more from strapping in and figuring out the game’s various quirks if you truly want to delve into everything the game has to offer. Unique and cheeky, it’s a great addition to a genre that’s both overstuffed and yet lacking real headliners beyond its most famous brand ambassador, Slay the Spire.
Maliki: Poison of the Past is a beautifully designed game with a loop that feels heavier on combat and exploration than it is on farming. The combat, while balanced and intriguing, may end up being a little tougher than you’d expect from games in this niche, and you may well feel like you’re missing some opportunities to simply pootle around your crops. But if you’re locked in and ready for a turn-based RPG with a little meat on it, you may well fall in love with Maliki. I found myself a little frustrated — but understanding — with being dropped back at the dungeon’s entrance in the early game, as my resources dwindle too fast from trying to hustle back to the checkpoint. It’s going to be a matter of heavy preference for gamers. Still, I solidly mark this as one for the RPGers looking for a slightly lighter adventure fare than, say, Lunar. Then, I would recommend it for farm sim fans looking for a little excitement in between harvests.
Medieval Legacy is a game that will feel dry to those unfamiliar with grand strategy and lineage games, with menus that may intimidate and a realistic unfairness to your struggle, even on the introductory Medium setting, which makes this not the best entry point for gamers intrigued by the premise. To you, I beg, try King of Dragon Pass, or the cozier Echoes of Plum Grove as a launching pad. Then come join us over here in numbers land. But for those of us that don’t mind being blasted with a whole lot of information and countless ways to flub your run (ask me about my hundreds of hours in Stellaris), Medieval Legacy is a pretty darn good legacy sim. The month-to-month turns give you plenty of time to putter through the menus, talk to neighboring families, and decide on your course of action. While it seems like there’s not much to do at first with your minimal resources, there’s much more lurking around to discover, making for a slightly clunky in places but earnest and enjoyable sim. I liked this game a surprising amount, and will continue to plug away at it until I get a family I can be proud of. But my score should be taken with caveats for the comfier gamer, and I wish the early access demo was still available. Still, at a budget price, I highly endorse giving this game a fair shot, so long as this kind of thing is your jam.
The Electrifying Incident: A Monster-Mini Expedition may not be a full meal, but it’s a delicious snack of a game for fans of A Monster’s Expedition. Anyone who’s a fan of block puzzles, slidey or otherwise, or who can think spatially are going to get a kick out of this little charmer. Light on story but full of this adorable little goon with his grabby toy and his PPE-approved vest, it’s the video game equivalent of a short story you’ll be thinking about for days afterward.
Trolls vs. Vikings: Reborn isn’t reinventing the tower defense genre, but for those who love the simple yet complex options of similar games like Plants vs. Zombies, this is going to be a welcome treat. With accessible difficulty and intuitive handling, it’s easy to drop a lot of time noodling around with your tactical options, feeling clever until you’re ready to up the heat on yourself. That makes Trolls vs. Vikings a good contender for your first tower defense-style game, too. For those who like tougher challenges, Trolls vs. Vikings has your back, too. The Valhalla difficulty challenges are exactly that: beat them, and you can rest knowing that Odin himself might admire your strategic wits. Me, I’ll be in the back playing Normal with the old dude’s ravens, Hugin and Munin. They cheat, but they’re good listeners.
Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin is going to offer up some happy times to people who’ve been wanting more of this particular franchise’s jaunty style and accessible RPG/defense gameplay. I also believe this game is a good option for new players, with some familiar bits from other genres — I really like the skill trees, for some reason — and a pause function that also allows you to catch your breath, move tactically, and even aim your ship’s weapons. That removes a lot of stress from real time gaming. While my review copy did have some issues, they were disclosed up front and I’m confident in this developer’s ability to go after any big problems swiftly enough that most people aren’t going to know they were ever present. And with an interesting story featuring some genuinely great characters, there’s more than enough reason to give Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin a good, solid try even if you’re not normally a tower defense fan. A pleasant surprise, and a great way to zone out from the world for a little while.
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.
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!
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.