Twilight Monk is undoubtedly a solid game, especially considering it is the first major project from Aquatic Moon Games following their debut with IKEDA. Its artistic direction, diverse enemy roster, fluid animations, and a straightforward yet self-aware narrative stand out as clear strengths. The level design and map structure are meticulously crafted, showcasing how the studio has adeptly internalized the lessons of the great classics, achieving a well-balanced interplay between portals, save points, and the strategic placement of items and secrets. This all reflects a meticulous attention to world-building. Conversely, the gameplay feels somewhat unrefined, with promising concepts that are not fully realized and certain naïve design choices that can easily undermine an otherwise fundamentally simple game system. Although the combat mechanics are notably weaker—particularly when measured against the benchmark set by recent standout titles—this does not entirely diminish the overall experience, which remains enjoyable. Twilight Monk certainly serves as a good entry point for newcomers to the genre and offers a pleasant pastime for enthusiasts, provided they are willing to accept a modest difficulty level and some roughness in its execution.
There are video games that take you by surprise—titles that quietly tiptoe onto the scene without fanfare or flourish, yet, the moment they reveal themselves, they resonate with an unexpectedly powerful voice. Such words perfectly capture our experience with SEDAP!: a game that slipped in under the radar but swiftly unveiled its full potential—save for a handful of minor, never truly intrusive imperfections—by captivating, engaging, and gifting players an evening teeming with energy, chaos, and delight. It is a cooperative adventure best shared with your trusted partner-in-crime, amidst unruly ingredients, mouthwatering dishes, and a rich culinary culture waiting to be discovered. From the exquisite art direction to the finely tuned sound design,from the tight, fast-paced gameplay to a soundtrack that seamlessly blends into the game’s vibrant rhythm, SEDAP! stands as an essential addition to any fan of the genre. It’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loved Overcooked and PlateUp! and is eager to rediscover that same cooperative spirit, now reimagined through a heartfelt and flavorful tribute to the vibrant culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
Koira isn’t just a game—it’s a deeply emotional experience that invites you to slow down, reflect, and feel. As the old saying goes, it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey itself—and Koira makes every step along the way worth taking. Yes, there are bumps—some bugs, a rough save system, and occasional design lapses—but Koira’s heart shines through. Studio TOLIMA’s debut is a beautiful first step, rich with promise and artistic voice. If this is just page one, the story ahead is bound to be something special.
Symphonia is far more than just a video game—it is a deeply heartfelt tribute to the Romantic era of music, a testament to the unwavering love and passion its creators have poured into their craft. The result is an experience that, even in its simplicity, stands out as both unique and profoundly memorable. While not without its imperfections, it is an exquisitely crafted work, executed with the utmost reverence for music as its beating heart.
You know, it’s often said that letting emotions guide you is a mistake, but this time, we feel compelled to share something more personal. For us, Copycat wasn’t merely a game—it was a fleeting yet meaningful life experience. We won’t tell you Copycat is without its flaws, to do so would be disingenuous, not only to what we’ve previously expressed but to ourselves as well. However, it’s precisely these imperfections that make it so beautifully emotional, gripping, and undeniably moving in its imperfect beauty. This is a deeply touching, reflective journey that anyone—no matter your age—should embark on, whether you’re a cat lover or not. It stands as a tribute to the unconditional bond between humans and animals, but it’s also a profound meditation on loneliness, loss, and the essence of family. Despite some understandable limitations, Copycat succeeds in delivering a universal message, one that leaves an indelible mark on the heart of its players.
Creatures of Ava is a delightful yet imperfect surprise. While the game is undeniably enjoyable and features several commendable elements, it falls short of fully realizing the promising ideas envisioned by its developers. This feels like a missed opportunity, as the initial narrative appeal suggested the potential for a more impactful experience. With a bit more fine-tuning, the gameplay mechanics could have evolved into something truly exceptional.
Wéko The Mask Gatherer is a good action-adventure game that is easy to learn and equally simple to master, offering an intuitive and straightforward experience. It adeptly combines the intriguing concept of masks with core features that have made other action-adventures popular. However, despite its strengths, it falls short of the genre’s elite due to some inherent naivety, a byproduct of inexperience. The soundtrack, while well-suited to the game’s narrative and setting with its atmospheric tracks, lacks a distinctive flair and fails to make a memorable impact. Nevertheless, the game is enjoyable and pleasant, making it an ideal choice for those new to the action-adventure genre or anyone seeking a relaxing experience without too much complexity. However, don’t be too quick to dismiss it if you’re an older gamer. Wéko The Mask Gatherer has its own unique charm and may pleasantly surprise you with its engaging gameplay from start to finish.
Setting aside some naivety and technical aspects that require immediate attention, Cookie Cutter is a Metroidvania that will provide you with hours of wholesome fun, intense and blood-pumping battles, and a story that, despite its apparent simplicity, hides beneath its seemingly bare shell a soul waiting to be discovered. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an unconventional Metroidvania in terms of themes and expressive language, yet equally enjoyable and familiar in gameplay mechanics.
If you’re looking for a captivating and somewhat atypical point-and-click adventure, if you’re passionate about animation styles as bizarre as they are classic, or if you simply want to enjoy a beautiful story with crazy puzzles all in one package, then The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo is the game for you!
MythForce is a video game as bold and ambitious as it is imperfect, with many well-conceived ideas and a captivating concept, but unfortunately, it can’t translate them into a good execution. The result is a video game with good features scattered here and there and notable flaws and limitations that make it a forgettable Roguelike, not up to the task of carving out a significant space in the genre and competing with other great Roguelikes.
Blade of Darkness is a classic homage to its origins. It is nostalgic, violent, powerful, and memorable. SNEG’s remastered succeeds in almost everything it sets out to do, introducing noteworthy innovations to the technical and graphical aspects while preserving the original work’s identity. The gameplay and story remain unchanged, faithful, and untarnished since the 2001 release. While there may be some minor technical limitations and slightly dated graphics compared to contemporary standards, Blade of Darkness shines with numerous strengths and only a few minor weaknesses. It is a must-have for anyone seeking action, blood, and a bit of wholesome fun.
DOOM Eternal is not simply an updated or improved version of DOOM (2016) or a more of the same. We are witnessing a true evolution that redefines and innovates its standards with new proposals that almost always manage to be efficient and perfect for use.
Moo Lander is the new action-adventure RPG developed by the Bulgarian team The Sixth Hammer. A memorable and unusual adventure with a compelling narrative, difficult environmental puzzles, and furious combat
Scorn has left an indelible impression on us. One of those video games that must be experienced in their entirety, resulting from years of development, passion, and expertise, squeezing the players’ minds into a psychological journey where the illusion of nightmare meets realities. It is a new first-person survival horror game with a strong artistic component, a technical and sound sector that pays close attention to the smallest details, a gameplay based on the resolution of complex puzzles, and a simple but unusual combat system.
A Plague Tale: Requiem is everything I’ve hoped for. The ideal and definitive sequel for anyone who has played the prequel or has simply empathized with or grown attached to the De Rune family. This is why I’d like to share with you today an extremely personal review of a project that captivated me from start to finish, dragging me into a whirlwind of emotions, passion, and indescribable sensations.
Beacon Pines is an unforgettable narrative journey. One of those projects that relies on its strong foundations in order to transport gamers on a fascinating and enigmatic adventure set between the pages of a book. Released on September 22, 2022 for Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC and available from launch on Xbox Game Pass, the game sparked a lot of interest in the independent gaming scene, thanks to the extraordinary success of the Kickstarter Campaign.
Cult of the Lamb is the new little masterpiece from Massive Monster, a team of highly talented Australian developers who have quickly made their way into the independent gaming scene with the development of The Adventure Pals, Never Give Up, and Unicycle Giraffe. The Australian team has always distinguished itself through an impactful style and an aesthetic that relies heavily on chromatic contrast between characters and settings, resulting in the development of a fun and enjoyable gameplay.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is the massive project developed by Ninja Theory, a team of British developers already recognized for several very popular videogame projects such as DmC Devil May Cry (2013) and Heavenly Sword (2007). The project, which was released on August 8, 2017 for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, was an instant hit, thanks to the exceptional work done in the narrative, technical, and sound sectors.
BlueTwelve Studio, a small team from the south of France made up mostly of felines and a few humans, created Stray: a third-person cat adventure game. Released for PlayStation and PC by Annapurna Interactive on July 19, 2022.
Have you ever felt the same level of fear and anxiety at the same time? Imagine yourself in a paranormal universe where all of your ridiculous and unfathomable phobias come to life as horrifying and dangerous beasts. Phobies is the new thrilling Free-to-play videogame by Smoking Gun Interactive. Released on March 8, 2022 for PC and mobile devices (for both Android and IOS), the game quickly makes a fantastic first impression thanks to compelling attention to detail and fun and never tiring gameplay.