Zachary Holmes
Atomfall is an atmospheric, mystery-driven survival game that dares to be different. It’s not the most polished, but it’s one of the most interesting post-apocalyptic games in years. If you enjoy uncovering stories at your own pace and don’t mind a little jank, this one’s worth your time.
IDUN – Frontline Survival isn’t just another tower defense game—it’s a real-time tactics playground. With its mobile turrets, hectic missions, evolving meta, and surprisingly high replayability, it’s one of the most inventive strategy hybrids in recent years. If you enjoy games like They Are Billions, Kingdom Rush, or even StarCraft, but want something fresh, frantic, and fun, IDUN is worth your time.
If you’ve ever felt changed by a game like Life is Strange, Gone Home, or Firewatch, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 is going to resonate with you. It’s not trying to be flashy. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s simply a beautiful, emotionally rich game about friendship, memory, and the quiet weight of growing up. It stumbles in the technical department, sure, and its slow pacing might test your patience—but if you give it time, it gives back in spades. I can’t wait for Tape 2.
X-Out: Resurfaced is a faithful and well-crafted revival of a classic Amiga shmup. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it successfully modernizes the original with refined graphics, smoother gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements. The remastered soundtrack and optional co-op mode make it more accessible, and the fleet-building system adds depth rarely seen in side-scrolling shooters. For fans of classic shmups, this is a must-play—a lovingly restored slice of gaming history. However, for those looking for a more innovative take on the genre, X-Out: Resurfaced may feel more like a polished relic than a groundbreaking new experience.
Songs of Silence is a beautifully crafted strategy game with a lot of passion behind it. The Art Nouveau-inspired visuals, engaging gameplay loop, and unique mix of turn-based strategy with real-time auto-battles set it apart in the genre. While the game isn't as deep as hardcore strategy fans might hope, it offers a fun and accessible experience that works particularly well on the Steam Deck. That being said, the automated battle system and unbalanced card mechanics hold it back from being truly great. The lack of multiple campaigns at launch is also a downside, though the potential for future expansions is promising. For players looking for a fresh take on strategy games with a striking art style and fast-paced gameplay, Songs of Silence is a solid recommendation. If you’re expecting deep tactical customization, you might find it lacking, but as a visually stunning, lore-rich strategy experience, it certainly makes an impression.
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is a solid foundation for an EMS simulation game, offering a level of medical depth rarely seen in the genre. It delivers a thrilling experience with high-pressure decision-making, a rewarding progression system, and intense large-scale emergencies. However, its immersion is undercut by AI inconsistencies, frustrating bugs, and missing realism-enhancing features. For those who enjoy simulation games, Ambulance Life is worth considering, especially with the potential for future updates and community-driven improvements. If you’re willing to look past its flaws, the game offers a unique and enjoyable take on the world of emergency medical response. With more polish, AI refinements, and additional features, it could become the definitive paramedic simulator.
BrokenLore: LOW is a short yet immersive horror experience. It excels in atmosphere, sound design, and psychological terror. While brief, its execution is undeniably effective. If you enjoy deeply unsettling horror that prioritizes tension over cheap thrills, this game is worth playing. With chilling visuals, gripping sound design, and a world that begs for deeper exploration, BrokenLore: LOW proves that the scariest things are often just out of sight in the fog.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap isn’t just Orcs Must Die 4—it’s a faster, tougher, and more strategic evolution of the franchise that incorporates roguelite mechanics and a more skill-based approach to orc-slaying mayhem. For those who love intense action, dynamic traps, and cooperative strategy, this game is an absolute blast. However, its steep difficulty curve, shorter campaign, and potential reliance on paid expansions might leave some players hesitant. Should you buy it? If you enjoy challenging, fast-paced gameplay with roguelite progression, then absolutely. If you’re looking for a casual, traditional OMD experience, you might find this entry a bit too brutal. As it stands, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a wildly entertaining game that keeps the spirit of the franchise alive—just with a much higher skill ceiling.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center is an atmospheric and engaging visual novel that excels in storytelling, art, and character writing. If you enjoy mystery-themed visual novels with a paranormal twist, it’s an easy recommendation. However, if you’re looking for interactive detective gameplay with complex puzzles, you may find it lacking. Despite its flaws, the game offers a unique and immersive experience. If a sequel or DLC expands on the unresolved plot points, it could become something truly special. Until then, this is a hauntingly beautiful but flawed journey into the unknown. Would you dare to join the Urban Myth Dissolution Center? The truth—just like the myths—awaits.
Eternal Strands is a standout action-adventure that offers a refreshing take on exploration, combat, and storytelling. It’s a game that rewards creativity and patience, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. While it’s not without its flaws, the game’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. For those who love immersive worlds, dynamic combat, and the freedom to play at their own pace, Eternal Strands is well worth the journey. Whether you’re climbing towering giants or unraveling the secrets of the Enclave, this game promises an adventure you won’t soon forget.
A Game About Digging A Hole may not revolutionize the gaming world, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a small, well-crafted experience that delivers exactly what it promises. If you’re in the mood for something light and relaxing—or if you’re nostalgic for the days of Newgrounds flash games—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s not a game you’ll play for weeks on end, but for an afternoon of cathartic digging and upgrading, it’s well worth the price. Just remember: this game is about digging a hole. Nothing more, nothing less. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a fun but flawed blast from the past. For those who grew up with the original, this re-release offers a chance to relive the chaotic lightsaber battles and platforming mishaps that made the game memorable. However, if you’re expecting a full-fledged remaster with significant improvements, you might be disappointed. For newcomers, the game is still worth a try—especially if you have a friend to play with. Just be prepared for a few frustrating moments along the way. Ultimately, Jedi Power Battles is a game that thrives on its nostalgic charm, and for many players, that’s enough.
Coridden offers a unique blend of shapeshifting mechanics, engaging combat, and co-op fun that sets it apart from other action RPGs. While it’s not without its flaws, the game’s creativity and charm more than make up for its rough edges. Whether you’re a fan of classic ARPGs or just looking for something new to play with friends, Coridden is worth checking out. With a strong foundation already in place, there’s plenty of room for Coridden to grow. Future updates could easily elevate this game from a hidden gem to a must-play co-op experience. For now, grab your friends, embrace your inner beast, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Big Helmet Heroes is an exciting co-op platformer that stands out with its charming art, engaging combat, and lighthearted humor. While it has some room for improvement, the game is already a blast to play and has plenty of potential for growth. If you’re looking for a fun, casual game to enjoy with friends or family, Big Helmet Heroes is definitely worth your time. With future updates and expansions, it could easily become a staple of the beat ‘em up genre. For now, grab a buddy, don your helmet, and get ready for a wild ride!
Dreamcore isn’t a game that’s meant to scare you outright—it’s a game that lingers in your mind long after you turn it off. With its masterful use of liminal spaces, ambient sound design, and non-linear exploration, it creates an existential horror experience unlike anything else. However, its lack of structure, slow pacing, and aimless wandering may not appeal to everyone. Players looking for traditional horror elements might find it lacking, while those who love surreal, psychological horror will appreciate its unsettling beauty. If you’re the kind of player who finds the thought of wandering an endless, empty pool complex or a silent, uninhabited suburb unnerving, Dreamcore is absolutely worth experiencing. But if you need clear objectives, structured gameplay, or tangible threats, you might find yourself lost in its dreamlike void—literally.
A visually stunning and mechanically intriguing stealth game, The Stone of Madness delivers a fresh take on the genre but struggles with technical shortcomings and accessibility.
POLARIS is a game with strong foundations, offering an exciting mix of destruction, flight-based combat, and cooperative gameplay. However, its lack of deeper progression mechanics, limited mission variety, and shallow looting system prevent it from being a truly standout title at this stage. If the developers continue iterating based on community feedback, adding more diverse objectives, refining combat balance, and expanding progression systems, POLARIS has the potential to evolve into something truly special. For now, it’s an enjoyable co-op shooter with solid mechanics, best played with friends, but lacking the depth needed for long-term engagement.
Sniper Elite: Resistance is a solid yet unambitious entry in the franchise. It delivers the tactical sniping and stealth gameplay that fans have come to expect, but its heavy reliance on recycled content and lack of innovation prevent it from standing out. For die-hard fans, the game offers enough enjoyment to warrant a playthrough, particularly on sale. However, newcomers or those seeking a groundbreaking experience may be better served by revisiting Sniper Elite 5. Ultimately, Resistance feels like a missed opportunity—a competent but uninspired addition to a beloved series that’s overdue for a true evolution.
Threefold Recital is an intelligent, visually beautiful, and deeply philosophical adventure that offers an engaging story with unique mechanics. While it doesn’t deliver much of a challenge in terms of gameplay, it makes up for it with rich world-building, compelling characters, and thematic depth. This game will appeal most to fans of narrative-driven adventures and visual novels, especially those who enjoy philosophical storytelling. However, players looking for intricate puzzles or challenging platforming might find it lacking. If you’re willing to embrace the slow burn and appreciate a game that values storytelling over mechanics, Threefold Recital is a rewarding and thought-provoking journey that’s worth taking.
Go Home Annie is a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the SCP universe, offering a story-rich experience that prioritizes atmosphere and creativity over traditional horror. Its engaging narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and immersive design make it a standout entry in the SCP gaming space. Whether you’re a longtime SCP fan or a newcomer curious about its strange and fascinating world, Go Home Annie is a journey worth taking. While it has its minor flaws, the game’s strengths far outweigh them, delivering a memorable and captivating adventure.