Zachary Holmes


92 games reviewed
79.8 average score
80 median score
100.0% of games recommended
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10 / 10.0 - Short Trip
Jan 10, 2025

Short Trip is a masterclass in minimalist game design, offering a tranquil escape into a hand-drawn world of feline charm. It’s a perfect choice for players looking to unwind, whether they’re seeking a quick break from a busy day or a soothing experience to help them relax. While its simplicity and brevity may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate the artistry and peacefulness of games like A Short Hike or Journey will find much to love here. Whether you’re a fan of cats, art, or simply a good trip, Short Trip is well worth the ride.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Star Overdrive
Jun 19, 2025

Star Overdrive is a bold love letter to fast-paced adventure games. It mixes hoverboard tricking, keytar-powered combat, and rich environmental design into a compact, replayable package. There’s nothing else quite like it this year.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Monster Train 2
Jun 27, 2025

Monster Train 2 is a masterclass in sequel design. It retains the soul of its predecessor while expanding on every front—mechanics, content, and accessibility. It’s chaotic, strategic, and endlessly replayable. One of the greatest roguelike deckbuilders of all time just got even better. And yeah, Lazarus League for life, bay bee.

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9 / 10.0 - Banebush
Jan 6, 2025

Banebush is a remarkable achievement in indie horror storytelling. Its striking visuals, haunting soundtrack, and expertly crafted narrative come together to create an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. For fans of visual novels, horror, or anyone looking for a game that blends artistry with emotional depth, Banebush is an unmissable gem. At its modest price, it offers tremendous value, delivering a haunting tale that challenges, scares, and captivates. Banebush proves that even a short, simple game can leave a lasting impact when executed with creativity and care. Whether you’re in it for the scares or the story, this darkly poetic journey is worth every moment

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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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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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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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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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9 / 10.0 - Drop Duchy
May 17, 2025

Drop Duchy is the kind of indie you want to tell your friends about. It’s unexpected, inventive, and more strategic than its colorful aesthetic suggests. Whether you’re optimizing a farming loop or planning a triple-synergy tile combo, every move feels meaningful. It doesn’t need an epic story or blockbuster graphics—it’s about systems, creativity, and problem-solving. And in that respect, Drop Duchy is a masterclass.

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May 28, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign is not for everyone. It’s a brutal, atmospheric, deeply demanding experience that rewards patience, persistence, and curiosity. But if you’re the kind of player who grinned every time you saw “YOU DIED” flash across your screen in past Souls titles… this is your next obsession. Nightreign doesn’t just offer a new challenge—it rethinks what challenge means. It takes the bones of a beloved classic and rebuilds them into something darker, sharper, and even more punishing. If you’re ready to suffer beautifully once more—step into the dark.

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9 / 10.0 - StarVaders
Jun 2, 2025

StarVaders is a brilliant fusion of deckbuilding, tactics, and mech combat, wrapped in a polished roguelike package. It’s as much about building the perfect hand as it is about maneuvering on a grid. Every turn matters. Every mistake has weight. Every combo has potential. Yes, there are rough edges. Yes, you’ll probably rage-quit a run or two. But once the game clicks—once you pull off your first triple-dash into a reactive bomb chain that wipes the map in one hand of cards—you’ll understand why StarVaders has cult-favorite potential.

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9 / 10.0 - Bionic Bay
Jun 9, 2025

More than just a stylish indie platformer, Bionic Bay is a blueprint for how to evolve 2D design in 2025—tight controls, physics-driven mechanics, and an atmosphere so thick you can swap into it.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Follow the Meaning
Dec 11, 2024

Follow the Meaning is a delightful yet haunting adventure that showcases the strength of its art and atmosphere. While its brevity and simplicity might limit its appeal for some, it’s a must-play for fans of point-and-click games looking for a quick, engaging mystery. The game’s beautiful visuals, clever puzzles, and sinister undertones make it a memorable, if short-lived, experience. For those with an hour or two to spare and a love for surreal storytelling, Follow the Meaning is well worth the journey. With any luck, this is just the beginning for detective Paul Trilby and the strange world he inhabits.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Homeless
Dec 4, 2024

Homeless is a compact yet compelling psychological horror game that excels in creating a tense and atmospheric experience. Its gritty depiction of 1990s New York and its focus on immersive storytelling make it a standout entry in the walking simulator genre, even if it falls short in terms of gameplay variety and narrative depth. For fans of atmospheric horror looking for a quick, engaging experience, Homeless is a solid choice. While it’s not groundbreaking, its eerie setting and intriguing story hint at a bright future for the developer. If the teased continuation materializes, Homeless could evolve into something truly special. For now, it’s a chilling glimpse into the shadows of the city that’s well worth exploring.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Asfalia: Fear
Jan 15, 2025

Asfalia: Fear is a delightful sequel that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new mechanics and characters to love. Its colorful world, engaging story, and accessible gameplay make it a standout in the family-friendly gaming space. While its simplicity may not appeal to those looking for a complex challenge, its charm and emotional resonance are undeniable. Whether you’re a fan of point-and-click adventures or searching for a wholesome game to play with your kids, Asfalia: Fear is a wonderful choice. It’s a gentle reminder that fear, like all emotions, is something we can face and embrace—with a little help from our friends.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Go Home Annie
Jan 24, 2025

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.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Threefold Recital
Jan 25, 2025

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.

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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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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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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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