In the end, Tides of Tomorrow is a beautiful kaleidoscope of possibilities, fractured by a clichéd script and some reductive gameplay sequences. The environmental design is vivid and evocative, revealing the majesty of the natural world prevailing over plastic waste. The story seed system was a genuinely interesting narrative experiment, and the resource management elements led to some superb tension in both the story and the multiplayer interactions. I hope this studio keeps experimenting with the unique ways video games can tell a story, because the ideas coming out of the Digixart lab are what make the future of the industry so exciting.
In the end, Aether & Iron was the game I had only dreamt of prior to its release. It is a game that leads with evocative writing, flawlessly performed by a gifted voice cast, and set within an avant-garde world of compelling ideas. The vehicular tactical combat, dice-based skill checks, robust RPG elements, and sophisticated score only add to the wonder of how such a small studio has pulled off the most ambitious game of the year to date. It goes to show that you don’t need a high-fidelity, AAA open world to fully immerse a player; rather, just as much can be accomplished with an imaginative script that doesn’t waste a single word.
Overall, Relooted is a unique hybrid of puzzle-platforming, infiltration strategy, and momentum runner with a historically informed geopolitical narrative. That sounds like a lot. because it is a lot. This game is incredibly ambitious, both thematically and mechanically, so even though it is not a triumph on all occasions, it really does punch above its weight for a small South African studio. Shallow in some parts more than others, yet incredibly provocative throughout, this game increased my respect for global cultures and broadened my western lens on African archaeology and anthropology.
Wanderstop is a distinguished work of art. While the pacing was a bit hit or miss at times, the game uses its tea-shop sim mechanics and introspective narrative to create an unprecedented meditative space for players. The wit, whimsy, and wonder of the game aesthetic are charming to the core, encouraging the player to drift into a comfortable rhythm of self-reflection.