I've never played as an octopus before, and Darwin's Paradox makes a compelling case for the concept. A cute protagonist, gorgeous environments, and a Pixar-like presentation that brings back the feeling of watching an animated movie as a kid, the difference being that the antagonist isn't a character, but the systems of the game.
Deck Nine's finale to the story of Max and Chloe brings us gorgeous environments, meaningful choices, and a rewind mechanic that never gets stale. Technical bugs and occasional confusion can't diminish the emotional weight of a reunion that has been years in the making.
Planet of Lana 2 is a beautiful game, with a clear message delivered without softening the edges.
Tarsier Studios returns with a spiritual successor to Little Nightmares that captures everything that made those games special - and makes it even better.
I’m happy that I played Cairn; it’s obviously a niche game that will find its audience, whether it’s among simulator game enjoyers or rock climbers, but if you get a chance to play it, I believe you should go for it, as it offers a unique experience despite the difficulties you’ll encounter.
Ghost of Yōtei is a worthy successor to its older brother; it brings fresh and new ideas and a more refined and mature experience, building on the things Ghost of Tsushima did so well five years ago. If you enjoyed Tsushima, Atsu’s story is something you shouldn’t miss, and while it does have some flaws, it truly is a masterpiece.