Anni Large
The Hidden Art of Innkeeping isn’t just a game; it’s like stepping into a world where Bob Ross meets your most imaginative dreams in a charming inn full of quirks. The art is as captivating as a Netflix binge, the gameplay’s got more twists than a rollercoaster, and the characters are so quirky they make your eccentric neighbour look boring. It’s everything I adore about games, all packed into one delightfully immersive experience.
Land of Mushrooms is a simple game with a cute design, but at its core, it doesn’t break new ground and is let down by the added gameplay modes behind a paywall.
Lines on Sides is a challenging yet not frustrating puzzle game that offers a welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle of an increasingly busy world. The game is intuitive, with a calming soundtrack and various mechanics, which can be a welcome distraction from anxiety and stress.
Teeny Tiny Town is a beautiful game that is surprisingly addictive. It’s well made, offers lots of different themes, and is the favourite game I have played in the merging genre.
Clutter Puzzle Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 2 Collector’s Edition, is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the number of puzzles that are jampacked into this gem of a game. The ability to tailor various aspects of gameplay is also a welcome addition.
Riddle Tower is a game that has a lot of potential but I’m just not sure in it’s current form whether it is the game for me. If you’re relatively good at abstract maths puzzles then you’ll most likely have a better time than me, but for the amount of these puzzles and the lack of more hints, I’m just not sure this is the game for me.
MonCon is a unique game in the RPG genre and one which I think a lot of other social anxiety sufferers will be able to identify with. Joey is a loveable character, and the “friends” he makes along the way after realising that they aren’t monsters are all unique. I love the gameplay and the illustration style. The only letdown for me is the rhythm dynamic of defeating monsters. A great mechanic in theory, but let down by the timing issue. I hope this can be addressed in future updates, as this was the only negative for me.
In the words of my 11-year-old, “Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku was a game that I enjoyed, although it was hard trying to time my actions right. I think that is something I just need to practice. I wish there were more male characters, but I did enjoy the game.” I’m incredibly sad that I didn’t get to try the game for myself due to my slipped discs, but I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl when I’m better. Hopefully, I’ll update this review with my own thoughts when I’m able to, but for now, I hope that my 11-year-old’s thoughts are enough. Thanks to my 11-year-old “Dex” for being a good sport.
100 Hidden Cthulhu Fish is a fun way to pass the time for half an hour or so. It’s not a long game, but it still packs a punch for what it is. The art is pretty awesome and that alone is a reason to play it, in my opinion. There are more than just fish you’ll be discovering
Baimason’s Thing Finder Puzzle is a delightful little game that truly shines. You can tell that a great deal of care and passion went into its creation. In my opinion, it surpasses all other games of its kind. It’s a true work of art in the hidden object genre. I can’t wait to relax with a cup of tea and immerse myself in more of this true masterpiece
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch is a beautiful coming-of-age story in its own right, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a beautiful visual novel that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Unfortunately, so as not to divulge spoilers, I’ve had to leave some parts deliberately vague, but go and check this out. You will not be disappointed.
Weyrdlets is an incredible game that offers players the chance to take care of a virtual pet whilst also helping with productivity and mindfulness. Weyrdlets is a virtual pet that is less demanding than a Tamagotchi whilst offering a unique experience in the genre. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my Weyrdlet after I’ve finished writing this.
Lunch Box Ready is a charming game that encourages players to embrace their inner organization skills. While the limited kitchen upgrades and repetitive customer interactions may hinder long-term engagement, it still offers a delightful experience for the short playtime. Though the potential for replayability may be lacking, there is still enjoyment to be found in managing your virtual lunch box business.
SCHiM is truly a fascinating game concept that seamlessly blends platforming, exploration, and puzzles to deliver an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking experience. The way it intertwines these elements creates a captivating and immersive world for players to get lost in. You can expect to be challenged and entertained in equal measure as you navigate through this unique and innovative game. The only thing that knocks it down a rating for me is purely the frequent crashes I experienced.
The Last Alchemist truly stands out in the adventure simulation genre, offering a refreshing experience for players. The captivating visuals draw you in, while the intriguing narrative keeps you engaged. But what truly steals the show are the Agari – delightful and endearing beings that inject humour and cuteness into the game. It’s rare to come across such charming characters, making The Last Alchemist a truly heartwarming experience.
The Palace on the Hill is a heartwarming game that beautifully captures the essence of community and culture in rural India. Vir, along with all the wonderful characters you encounter throughout the game, will surely warm your heart with their charm. The game provides a unique perspective that sets it apart from other games in the same genre, offering players a special look into the rich tapestry of rural life in India. It’s a truly special experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who play it.
Ylands had me feeling eager for a thrilling adventure survivalist simulator, but unfortunately, it left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the realism of the survival aspect was impressive, the clunky camera and controls, along with the counterintuitive menus, made me wish I was playing something else. However, if you’re looking for a less blocky version of Minecraft with a strong focus on survival, then Ylands might be the perfect game for you. Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me, I can see the potential for others to enjoy the challenging gameplay and immersive survival experience Ylands has to offer
Let’s Puzzle is an amazing jigsaw puzzle game that provides a wide variety of options for creating unique puzzles. With over 50 puzzles included in the game and the convenient feature of being able to save your progress, it truly is a fantastic game. However, I personally feel that the inability to show edge pieces only holds it back from being a perfect experience. I really hope that this feature will be added in the future to make the game even better for players.
Cat Pipes is a cute and relaxing puzzle game that is perfect for those who want a relaxing puzzle experience that is simple but offers the perfect opportunity to while away a rainy afternoon. I highly recommend Cat Pipes to anyone looking for a fun and addictive puzzle game to pass the time!
Blockbuster Inc. is an incredible game that offers players the opportunity to create their own film studios and movies. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Thankfully, the game provides a helpful tutorial that guides players through each step, making it easier to navigate. The game has a comforting Sims vibe but with a greater focus and more streamlined experience, creating enjoyable and immersive gameplay for all. I loved my time with Blockbuster Inc., and I’m looking forward to seeing my studio develop over the next coming decades. Blockbuster Inc is available on Steam from June 6th, and you can buy it here