Zachary Holmes


274 games reviewed
80.0 average score
80 median score
100.0% of games recommended
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8.5 / 10.0 - StarRupture
Jan 9, 2026

StarRupture is a stunning, ambitious fusion of automation and survival action. Its unique "Rupture" mechanic adds a layer of rhythmic tension that transforms the landscape and gameplay loop in exciting ways. With best-in-class visuals, a distinct drone-based logistics system, and a solid combat engine, it sets a high bar for Early Access titles. While it suffers from minor physics jank and needs more enemy variety, it is an absolute must-play for fans of the genre. – Flare

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7.5 / 10.0 - PBA Pro Bowling
Jan 5, 2026

PBA Pro Bowling 2026 delivers a strikingly realistic simulation that will delight hardcore fans of the sport. With excellent physics, a deep roster of licensed gear and pros, and a challenging career mode, it sets a new standard for bowling games. However, forced variety in career mode and a laggy online experience keep it from a perfect game. – Flare

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8.5 / 10.0 - Fresh Tracks
Jan 4, 2026

Fresh Tracks is a stylish, exhilarating fusion of sports and rhythm action. With a killer dynamic soundtrack, surprisingly deep lore, and addictive gameplay loop, it carves a unique niche in the indie scene. While the tracklist could be longer, every second on the mountain is a joy. – ColdMoon

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8 / 10.0 - Skyformer
Dec 29, 2025

Skyformer is a charming, innovative entry into the automation genre that trades grim industrialism for hopeful terraforming. Its unique drone-based logistics system cures the headache of "spaghetti belts," and its optimization is a technical marvel. While it suffers from Early Access growing pains—specifically regarding UI ergonomics and content depth—it provides a satisfying 30+ hour loop that is well worth the entry price.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Devil Jam
Dec 28, 2025

Devil Jam is a stylish, rhythm-infused take on the survivor genre that trades endless content for a unique, strategic inventory system. While it suffers from a lack of map variety and some RNG frustrations, the core gameplay loop is satisfying, the art is gorgeous, and the soundtrack absolutely slaps. It is a solid foundation that just needs more content to reach headliner status. – ColdMoon

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7 / 10.0 - Tiny Bunny
Dec 15, 2025

Tiny Bunny is a tragedy in two parts. The first part—comprising the first four episodes—is a genuine indie gem. It is atmospheric, scary, and beautifully drawn. It deserves every bit of praise it received over its years in Early Access. The second part—the finale—is a cautionary tale of scope creep and lost vision. While there are moments of brilliance hidden within the 20 endings, the inconsistent art and jarring narrative shifts make it a difficult pill to swallow for those who were invested in the grounded horror of the beginning. If you are a fan of visual novels, Tiny Bunny is still worth playing for the journey, not the destination. Treat the first four episodes as the main event, and approach the finale with tempered expectations.

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Dec 14, 2025

While the current Early Access build suffers from some performance jitters and an incomplete narrative, the foundation is rock solid. If you loved the first game, or if you are a fan of Dave the Diver or Dredge looking for your next obsession, this is an easy recommendation. Just be prepared to wait a little while for the grand finale. Will is back, and business is booming. – ColdMoon

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Dec 12, 2025

Amanda the Adventurer 3 is a worthy successor that honors the legacy of the series. It answers the big questions, gives closure to Riley and Amanda, and manages to be genuinely scary in its best moments. It is not without flaws. The short runtime (2-4 hours) and the occasionally obtuse puzzle design hold it back from perfection. But for fans who have followed the mystery since the original game jam demo, this is a must-play. It captures the tragedy of lost childhood and corporate greed, wrapping it in a colorful, cursed package. If you can survive the blender puzzle, you’ll find a story with a lot of heart—and a lot of teeth.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Tingus Goose
Dec 8, 2025

Tingus Goose: This is not a game for everyone. If you are squeamish about "unusual body transformations" or prefer your games to make logical sense, you should probably stay away. But for everyone else, Tingus Goose is a breath of fresh, weird air. It manages to be engaging, funny, and satisfyingly strategic all at once. It captures the joy of discovery—specifically, the discovery of "what horrible thing will this goose turn into next?" It’s a game that makes you ask questions like "Why is my goose girlfriend sauce-flavored?" and simply accept that there is no answer. In a sea of generic clickers and serious simulations, Tingus Goose stands tall (literally). It’s a 10-hour fever dream that proves indie games are still the best place to find true, unbridled creativity.

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This is a fantastic foundation for what could be a genre-defining game. The core loop of defending a moving fortress is incredibly fun and offers a fresh twist on the survivor genre. While it currently suffers from a bit of a content drought and a grindy progression system, the potential here is massive. If you enjoy games where strategy meets chaos, this road trip is well worth the ticket price. Just be prepared for a long drive. – ColdMoon

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Dec 5, 2025

This is a flawed gem. It captures the eerie, "creepy-cute" vibe of its inspirations beautifully, delivering an audio-visual experience that is undeniably captivating. While technical hiccups and stiff controls hold it back from perfection, the journey is still well worth taking for anyone who loves atmospheric horror. If you can look past the rough edges, you'll find a dark fairy tale with a lot of heart. – Flare

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7 / 10.0 - Sleep Awake
Dec 3, 2025

This is a game for those who value atmosphere and audio-visual experiences over deep mechanical gameplay. It’s a strange, trippy ride through a unique nightmare world that looks and sounds incredible. However, if you're looking for a coherent, satisfying narrative conclusion or complex gameplay, you might find it lacking. It’s a "4/5 Worth Playing" for fans of artsy, atmospheric horror, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Good night, and sleep tight… if you can. – Flare

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8.5 / 10.0 - Routine
Dec 2, 2025

This is a bold, uncompromising vision of horror. It rejects modern gaming conveniences in favor of deep immersion and palpable dread. While its "analog" design and lack of hand-holding will alienate some, those who crave a true survival horror experience will find it unforgettable. It’s a flawed, frustrating, and absolutely brilliant nightmare. It was worth the 13-year wait. Just remember: in space, no one can hear you scream at your map.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Total Chaos
Dec 1, 2025

This remake successfully translates a cult classic mod into a standalone horror powerhouse. It captures the essence of survival horror—scarcity, dread, and disempowerment—while delivering a fresh, modern experience. While it has some rough edges in its combat and UI, the sheer quality of the atmosphere and world-building makes it a must-play. If you love games that make you feel unsafe in the best possible way, Total Chaos is worth every penny.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Tempest Rising
Nov 28, 2025

This is the Command & Conquer sequel we never got. It scratches an itch that has been ignored for too long. It’s fast, fun, and filled with the kind of soul that modern "bloated garbage" lacks. While it has some AI quirks and balance issues, the core gameplay loop is so satisfying that you likely won't care. If you grew up playing RTS games, buying this is a no-brainer. Welcome back to the battlefield, Commander. – Flare

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Nov 26, 2025

This is the perfect sequel. It takes everything that made the first game a cult hit and expands it in every direction. It’s funny, satisfying, and deeply therapeutic for anyone who has ever been startled by a spider in real life. Whether you're playing solo or with a squad of exterminators, this is a stress-relieving blast. It's absolutely peak. Grab a flamethrower and get to work. – Flare

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7.5 / 10.0 - Of Ash and Steel
Nov 21, 2025

This is a game for a very specific type of player. If you miss the days when RPGs were dangerous mysteries to be solved rather than checklists to be completed, this is a hidden gem waiting for you. It captures the soul of the "Euro-RPG" perfectly—rough edges and all. However, if you prefer fluid combat, clear objective markers, and a smooth difficulty curve, this island might just chew you up and spit you out. It’s a flawed, fascinating, and rewarding journey for those patient enough to walk the path.

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6.5 / 10.0 - Escape from Tarkov
Nov 16, 2025

After 10 long years, the original extraction shooter is "finished." The 1.0 update and Steam launch make it the most complete, accessible, and feature-rich version of the game ever. The new campaign and tutorial are excellent additions. And yet, it's still Tarkov. It's a buggy, demanding, and uncompromisingly hardcore simulation that will punish you more than it rewards you. The "Mixed" Steam reviews are not wrong; this is a deeply flawed masterpiece that many will bounce off of, hard. But for those who it clicks with? There is simply nothing else like it. – ColdMoon

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10 / 10.0 - Dispatch
Nov 13, 2025

This is it. This is the "W ass game" we've been waiting for. It's a true 10/10 masterpiece that revives the episodic, choice-driven genre and elevates it to an art form. The writing is sharp, the characters are unforgettable, and the emotional payoff is immense. AdHoc Studio has created something truly special. This isn't just a game; it's cinema. It's the new standard. What a journey.

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6.5 / 10.0 - A Pizza Delivery
Nov 6, 2025

And yet, would we "deliver pizza and be paid in feelings again?" Absolutely. Just wait for a sale, and bring a nutcracker. – Flare

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