There is so much trauma in this game that it sometimes feels a little unfocused. There’s enough for me to deal with in Alo’s challenges to think about side characters’ LGBTQ+ issues, funding problems to continue teaching deprived children, and finding new passions after retirement (to name just a few). It was overwhelming, and I think I lost track of where I needed Alo to be in her life. All this being said, Fishbowl is a very effective game. It got me emotional (no tears) on a couple of occasions, and that’s not easy to do. The narrative is where these games thrive or die, though, and this one certainly resonated with me. It transported me back to 2020, living in isolation, trying to find a new passion or reigniting an old one. But it was also… a lot. I’m not going to say you’re going to have a fun time with this game, but you will feel something.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you that God of War: Sons of Sparta is the best metroidvania ever. I’m not even going to tell you it’s the best game that I’ve played this year, because the truth is that it’s not. But it is a very competent and fun game, and something that I’m very glad exists.
Sure, it’s not the best side-scrolling beat ‘em up on the market, and the combat doesn’t feel amazing, but what it does is mirror the film franchise fantastically. Art the Clown is a campy serial killer with a penchant for schlocky blood and guts. Are there better films than Terrifier? 100%. Are there better games than Terrifier: The ARTcade Game? 100%. But there’s still fun to be had here if you can look past its rough edges. That’s how I feel about both the films and the game. It’s worth a go, but don’t expect anything truly spectacular. It’s a fun time despite its obvious weaknesses.
Lumines: Arise is a simple game, but what it does, it does exceedingly well. For a game about making squares and surviving as long as you can, it makes that loop so compelling that it’s hard to put it down. It has insane visuals and an amazing soundtrack that Enhance-s (get it?) the experience. However, for some people’s brains, that overstimulation could be a little too much. On a handful of stages, I was no longer one with the game, but I was fighting against it, and that’s a damn shame.
Bye Sweet Carole is filled to the brim with personality and style. The art and animation are something I’ve never experienced in a video game before, and it’s beautifully done. The point-and-click puzzles are straightforward, yet satisfying to solve, and the story is intriguing. That doesn’t excuse the game’s misgivings, with a story that sometimes doesn’t fit in with its own themes and some stealth mechanics that almost had me throwing a controller at a wall in disgust. But, I have to say, Bye Sweet Carole is a video game experience worth having. I’ve never played anything like it, and I doubt that I will again anytime soon. Just be prepared for a little internal rage every now and again.
Absolum is a revelation in the genre, the beautiful love-child of Hades and Streets of Rage 4. I cannot believe that this game exists, but I thank all of the Gods it does.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a triumphant return for Joe Musashi and his action-platforming ninja franchise. The combat feels like you are a badass shadow warrior on a quest for justice in a world where ninjas, mercs and demons are all out to get you, but you know they can’t touch you because you’re the freaking SHINOBI.
Warning: despelote may cause unexpected feelings… from a soccer game. Yes, seriously. It’s like Field of Dreams had a baby with a soccer ball and a warm empanada.
This castle builds itself… and it’s got secrets. Blue Prince might just be the weird, wonderful game you didn’t know you needed. Room by room, it lures you in with charm, mystery, and just the right amount of existential dread.
If you loved Coffee Talk for its cozy, pixel-art charm and relaxing vibes, Afterlove EP is… not that. Instead, it's an emotional gut punch—a game about love, loss, and moving on, developed by a team mourning its own creator, Mohammad Fahmi. With time management mechanics, a rhythm game twist, and an unforgettable soundtrack, Afterlove EP is a messy yet compelling experience—just like grief itself.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter expands on its predecessor with intense combat, a beautifully illustrated world, and a story dripping in Game of Thrones-style intrigue—but does it truly surpass the original? While the game introduces exciting new mechanics and epic battles, some aspects, like its supporting cast and side content, might not hit as hard as before. If you're curious whether this sequel strikes the perfect balance between innovation and nostalgia, you’ll want to check out Iain's full review on Couch Soup.
If you’ve ever lost sleep over a game—truly, deeply obsessed over every mechanic, every moment, every boss fight—then you’ll understand why ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist had me in a chokehold. This sequel to ENDER LILIES isn’t just another Metroidvania; it’s a masterclass in tight combat, fluid exploration, and hauntingly beautiful storytelling. The game sucked me in so completely that I forgot to hydrate. The boss fights? Sick. The build customization? Insanely rewarding. The improvements over its predecessor? Chef’s kiss. Want to know why this might be the first must-play game of the year? Read my full review at Couch Soup!