Zachary Holmes


52 games reviewed
80.4 average score
80 median score
100.0% of games recommended
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7.5 / 10.0 - Forest 6174
May 1, 2025

Forest 6174 is indie horror at its most unfiltered. It’s not polished, but it is raw, disturbing, and strangely thoughtful. It may not satisfy players looking for jump scares or high production value, but for those who enjoy short psychological horror stories with a grim edge, it’s worth your time—especially at a low price point.

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Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree might not rewrite the Soulslike or Metroidvania playbook, but it brings enough style, systems, and substance to justify a place in any dark fantasy fan’s library. It’s a sprawling, artistically impressive RPG that nails exploration and combat—but stumbles with some frustrating design choices and uneven storytelling. Buy it if you’re a fan of Salt and Sanctuary, Blasphemous, or Hollow Knight, and want something moody, challenging, and visually rich. Just be prepared to dig through some rough edges to find the heart of what makes this game special.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Gorn 2
Apr 28, 2025

"GORN 2" is pure VR joy distilled into a whirlwind of blood, laughter, and absurdity. On Valve Index, it plays smooth, looks fantastic, and delivers one of the most genuinely cathartic experiences VR can offer. However, unless you love custom battles and endless self-made challenges, its short campaign and lack of deep progression systems mean you might not stick around long after the first bloodbath ends. Still, for sheer pick-up-and-play madness, "GORN 2" is an easy recommendation — especially if you're the type who thinks "giant meat cleaver vs. hypnotized enemy" sounds like the perfect afternoon.

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8.5 / 10.0 - These Darker Tides
Apr 26, 2025

What makes this game shine is the balance between time management and psychological horror. The deep-sea setting adds a claustrophobic, almost Lovecraftian dread that lingers long after you log off.

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Apr 23, 2025

The Cecil: The Journey Begins is a messy but memorable psychological horror experience. The puzzles are clever, the world is unsettling, and the story sticks with you—especially once it starts to unfold. Yes, it’s janky. Yes, it needs polish. But if you’re patient and open to indie horror that swings big—even when it stumbles—this one’s worth a visit. Just keep the lights on and your ears open. And don’t trust the mannequins.

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Apr 21, 2025

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a gritty, promising survival sim that nails tone and tension—but still needs polish and balance to reach its full potential. It’s not for everyone. But for fans of This War of Mine or Project Zomboid who want an emotional, side-scrolling survival experience with real stakes, it’s worth watching—and maybe even playing now.

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9 / 10.0 - Mudborne
Apr 20, 2025

Mudborne is a beautiful example of how a small indie game can do everything right: tight systems, a clear artistic vision, and gameplay that surprises and delights. Whether you’re here for the genetics, the frogs, the puzzles, or just the vibes, Mudborne delivers. It’s smart but never overwhelming, chill but never shallow, and visually striking in a way that makes it stand out in a crowded genre. If you’re a fan of Apico, Wilmot’s Warehouse, Baba Is You, or just really into frogs—you won’t want to miss this.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Koira
Apr 18, 2025

Koira doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to. It carves out a quiet space in your heart and stays there. For $17.99, it’s an emotionally rich, artistically confident, and completely charming experience. It may not satisfy gamers craving challenge or complexity, but it will resonate with anyone who values connection, beauty, and gentle storytelling. It’s less about what you do—and more about what you feel. And that feeling sticks.

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7.5 / 10.0 - AI Limit
Apr 17, 2025

AI Limit is full of smart ideas: stamina-free combat, build variety, and rewarding exploration. When it all works, the game delivers a fun, fast-paced Soulslike experience that feels surprisingly fresh despite its budget. But it’s also buggy, repetitive, and lacking polish. Storytelling is weak, and performance problems are frequent enough to frustrate even dedicated fans. If you love Soulslikes and don’t mind a little jank, AI Limit offers a unique take on the formula—just don’t expect perfection.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Centum
Apr 15, 2025

Centum doesn’t want to entertain everyone. It wants to linger. It’s not a puzzle game in the traditional sense, nor is it a narrative game in the way we’ve come to expect. It’s a playable mood, a psychological Rorschach test rendered in pixels and static. You won’t find all the answers. But if you’re the kind of player who’s okay living in the questions, Centum is something rare, strange, and quietly remarkable.

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Apr 15, 2025

That sentiment holds even stronger now with Tape 2’s release. DON’T NOD has managed to wrap up a deeply personal story with care, thoughtfulness, and creative storytelling. And while it may not be for players looking for fast-paced gameplay, those seeking something meaningful, reflective, and moving will find something special here.

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Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land isn’t just a bold step for the series—it’s a successful one. It modernizes Atelier without losing its charm. The open world feels fresh, the systems are satisfying, and the game respects your time. There’s room for refinement, but this is comfort food for RPG fans—and a promising new path for a beloved series. If you’ve never clicked with Atelier before, Yumia might be the one that finally gets you. And if you’re already a fan, there’s enough here to justify diving in—just maybe don’t expect the same depth in all the old places.

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8 / 10.0 - MainFrames
Apr 12, 2025

MainFrames is one of those games that knows exactly what it wants to be—and nails it. It’s glitchy in the best way, fast without being overwhelming, and clever without being obnoxious. If you’re a fan of Celeste, VVVVVV, or Super Meat Boy, and you’re open to a few quirks, MainFrames is absolutely worth booting up. It may not change your life, but it’ll challenge your reflexes, make you laugh at a killer pop-up window, and remind you why tight, creative platformers are still one of gaming’s purest pleasures.

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Apr 10, 2025

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 doesn’t reinvent third-person shooters. But it doesn’t need to. It knows exactly what it is—a brutal, straightforward, satisfying power fantasy in a richly detailed universe—and it executes that vision with surprising polish and confidence. From the bombastic campaign to the co-op replayability, it’s a must-play for fans of Gears of War, World War Z, or anyone looking to turn their brain off and rip some xenos apart.

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Apr 2, 2025

Karma: The Dark World is less about what you do and more about what it makes you feel. It’s a game built on mood, metaphor, and meaning—not on combat or action. And for those willing to let it pull them under, it delivers a rich, unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. This isn’t horror by convention. It’s horror by erosion—of self, of memory, of trust in the systems around you. And that makes it far more chilling than anything with a shotgun or a monster in a hallway.

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7.5 / 10.0 - ORDER 13
Apr 1, 2025

The emotional weight of protecting your cat adds a personal stake that makes the escalating horror feel more intense. If you’re looking for survival horror with a touch of heart, this one’s a winner.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Look Outside
Mar 31, 2025

Look Outside is a deeply unsettling horror RPG that mixes exploration, cosmic dread, and unforgiving combat into one unforgettable package. While the punishing difficulty and lack of guidance may frustrate some, the rewards for perseverance make it a must-play for horror enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a game that challenges not just your reflexes but also your sanity, Look Outside delivers an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

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Mar 30, 2025

What sets this game apart is the constant feeling of dread and urgency. Every decision feels weighty, and the precision required to cover your tracks adds a layer of tension that keeps you on edge. If you enjoy games where stealth and strategy intersect, this one’s a must-play.

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9 / 10.0 - Keep Driving
Mar 29, 2025

Keep Driving blends humor, strategy, and chaos into a game that’s easy to love and hard to master. Whether you're into deck-builders, roguelikes, or just enjoy a quirky adventure with plenty of replayability, this is a journey that’s worth every mile. Buckle up, plan your route, and prepare for a wild ride.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Rogue: Genesia
Mar 25, 2025

Rogue: Genesia is a masterclass in roguelike progression with deep build diversity, satisfying scaling, and layers of meaningful upgrades that make each run feel unique. Despite its occasional visual chaos and UI complexity, the game’s addictive core mechanics and satisfying progression keep you hooked for hours. If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors, Soulstone Survivors, or other bullet-heaven roguelikes, Rogue: Genesia will feel like a natural progression that takes the genre to new heights.

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