Umair Khalid's Reviews
Midnight Moments is a cozy diorama builder that perfectly captures the atmosphere of a cyberpunk world with its gorgeous visuals, relaxing gameplay, and satisfying creative freedom. Its simple, challenge-free approach makes it easy for players of any skill level to jump in and create detailed miniature cityscapes while enjoying the soothing ambience of rain-soaked neon streets. Although the limited selection of placeable items and occasionally awkward camera controls leave room for improvement, neither issue overshadows the game's core appeal. If you are looking for a relaxing creative experience, Midnight Moments is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants to unwind by building the cyberpunk hideout of their dreams.
BLUE REFLECTION Quartet is the definitive way to experience Gust's magical-girl RPG franchise. While not every entry reaches the same level of quality and some of the older games show their age through repetitive gameplay and slower pacing, the collection successfully preserves the entire saga in one package. The newly adapted versions of RAY and SUN, along with visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements for the original releases, make this much more than a simple re-release. Whether you are discovering the series for the first time or returning to revisit its emotional stories, BLUE REFLECTION Quartet offers dozens of hours of heartfelt storytelling, memorable characters, and satisfying turn-based combat that make it an easy recommendation for JRPG fans.
Endless Ragnarok doesn’t try to reinvent Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Instead, it expands on what the base game does best: its exceptional combat. The six new playable characters are a joy to use, and the challenging boss encounters provide plenty of rewarding endgame content for veteran players. However, the expansion’s biggest drawback is its limited story, which lacks the emotional depth and memorable moments that made the original adventure so compelling. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the base game, Endless Ragnarok is still a worthwhile expansion for players looking for more of Relink’s outstanding action-packed gameplay.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a spectacular debut for the franchise on consoles and PC. It successfully transforms the series' mobile roots into a full-fledged action RPG, delivering stunning visuals, satisfying combat, and a memorable adventure through its beautifully crafted semi-open world. The game rarely feels constrained by its origins, instead embracing the scale and presentation expected from a modern JRPG while retaining the charm that made the franchise so popular in the first place. Although a few rough edges prevent it from reaching perfection, they do little to overshadow what is otherwise an excellent experience. Whether you are a longtime Granblue fan or completely new to the series, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys action-packed JRPGs with rewarding combat and a vibrant fantasy world.
Buckshot Roulette takes one absurd idea and turns it into one of the most addictive indie games in recent memory. Every match is a tense mix of strategy, probability, and sheer luck, made even better by clever item design, excellent pacing, and a wonderfully unsettling presentation. Whether you have fifteen minutes to spare or an entire evening to burn, it’s the kind of game that constantly tempts you into playing just one more round. If you’re looking for a unique roguelite that thrives on tension and unpredictability, Buckshot Roulette is an easy recommendation.
D-topia is a charming puzzle adventure that succeeds because of its world as much as its gameplay. Its logical puzzles remain consistently enjoyable, but it is the AI-driven utopian setting, memorable characters, and meaningful player choices that leave the biggest impression. While it is a relatively short experience, its branching narrative, cozy atmosphere, and thoughtful themes make it an easy recommendation for players looking for something relaxing yet surprisingly thought-provoking.
The Alters: Last Variable expands the original game in exactly the way a great DLC should. Rather than simply adding more content, it introduces meaningful mechanics that reshape how you approach exploration, base building, and resource management without losing the identity of the original game. Jan the Scientist proves to be an excellent protagonist, the terraforming system fundamentally changes long-term planning, and the new research mechanics keep progression engaging throughout. If you enjoyed The Alters, Last Variable is an easy recommendation and the perfect reason to return to one of the best survival strategy games in recent years.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a remake done right, and I will praise Ubisoft for handling it this way. It is not just a visual treat; it adds new mechanics in nearly every aspect of the game to expand it and immerse the player even more in the world of piracy. I can easily say that there is no other game ever made that captures the true essence of being a pirate. Even Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones does not come close to it, and that was a proper game made for pirates. Whether you are a long-term Assassin’s Creed fan, an old Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag player, or a new player just experiencing this brilliant franchise, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a gorgeous remake that will keep you occupied for hours. This is Ubisoft gold.
While there is not a lot of new content in DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round, it is certainly the ‘definitive’ edition of the fighting game. It brings a few new fighters and costumes to the table, but the real eye candy is the visuals, and the buttery-smooth gameplay. It excels at mastering the art of fighting with both simple and complex fighting moves, offering something for both casual and hardcore fighting enthusiasts. DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round not only looks good but also plays well. The photo mode also brings a unique element to the game. For long-term fans of the franchise, or new players who missed the original 2019 release of DEAD OR ALIVE 6, the Last Round certainly is a fighting game that will deliver hours of fighting.
Necrophosis: Full Consciousness shines when it comes to its visual art, and the level design, however, it lacks when it comes to gameplay. There is not much to do on every level apart from finding objects in random locations, solving puzzles and moving on. While the levels provide an awe-inspiring experience, the slow-paced gameplay gets in its way and somewhat ruins the pacing the game. With its short runtime, minimalistic gameplay, plenty of puzzles and a beautiful world to explore, Necrophosis: Full Consciousness will still appeal to players who want to experience something unique at a cosmic level. Just don’t expect too much in terms of gameplay.
NBA THE RUN is a fun, arcade basketball game, and for players who are unable to grasp the complex mechanics of the mainstream NBA titles, it serves as an entry point for them to learn the basics and prepare for the main event. It tones down the mechanics but keeps things interesting with solid gameplay mechanics and a roguelike approach to its main gameplay mode. While it is fun in a lot of ways, it also lacks in a lot of ways. Missing out on single-player or even a couch co-op mode is a big disappointment. If you are looking for a fun, simple, but online basketball game, NBA THE RUN can offer hours of fun with its dynamic rules and cool visuals, but if you want something offline, you are best to hold out for a bit.
Truck Driver: The American Dream has potential, but it needs more development time, especially in visual and performance optimization. Despite having the right tools, the game fails to deliver in nearly every aspect, and that should not be the case. Under all of this, there is still an enjoyable element with some solid mechanics in place, but until the developers put in a little more time in it and make it perform better, I cannot recommend the game at this point. It has a lot of good going on for it, but the bad simply overshadows it.
007 First Light is the perfect return of the world’s most famous secret agent, delivering an adventure worthy of the Bond legacy. Backed by excellent performances across its cast, the game excels at balancing thrilling action, explosive set pieces, and a compelling narrative that explores the origins of a young James Bond while immersing players in the shadowy world of espionage. IO Interactive has successfully leveraged its experience with the HITMAN franchise to create a Bond universe that feels both authentic and refreshingly original. More than just another adaptation, 007 First Light marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise and stands as the most significant Bond game since GoldenEye 007. Whether you’re a lifelong James Bond fan or simply enjoy sandbox-style stealth and espionage games with richly designed open-ended levels, 007 First Light deserves a place on your must-play list.
Swan Song captures your attention from its opening moments and never lets go. Every element works in harmony to create an emotional, rewarding, and remarkable experience. As each puzzle springs to life and the swan gracefully navigates the music box, the payoff feels incredibly satisfying. The game never relies on repetition, with each chapter introducing fresh ideas and mechanics that keep the experience engaging from beginning to end. From its heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals to its exceptional puzzle design and beautiful soundtrack, Swan Song excels in every area. Whether you are a puzzle enthusiast or simply appreciate thoughtfully crafted games, Swan Song is an experience that should not be missed.
Yerba Buena features a gorgeous art style and some genuinely clever puzzle mechanics, but frustrating design choices and uneven pacing hold the experience back. The game’s inconsistent puzzle quality, combined with a poor checkpoint system, results in excessive backtracking that repeatedly disrupts immersion and momentum. I genuinely wanted to enjoy Yerba Buena more because some of its ideas are excellent, but too many mechanics work against the overall experience. While there is still a decent puzzle game underneath its issues, frustrating pacing and inconsistent design prevent Yerba Buena from reaching its full potential.
LumenTale: Memories of Trey features a beautiful world filled with memorable creatures and stands among the best Pokémon-inspired games released in recent years. Rather than simply copying the formula, it brings its own identity to the genre through strong world-building, diverse environments, and a setting that genuinely feels alive. The combat mechanics are satisfying and strategically engaging, although some additional balancing across certain Animon would benefit the experience in the long run. For players eagerly waiting for the next Pokémon adventure, LumenTale: Memories of Trey is an easy recommendation thanks to its excellent creature design, stylish visuals, rewarding combat, and enjoyable narrative.
Bluey's Quest for The Gold Pen is easily the strongest game the franchise has received so far and a genuinely enjoyable experience for younger players. While hardcore gamers may find its gameplay too simplistic, the game perfectly captures the charm, humor, and accessibility that make Bluey so beloved. Reviewing it alongside my four-year-old son made its appeal immediately clear, as he quickly became hooked and even started his own playthrough on iPad. Although older children may outgrow its straightforward design fairly quickly, younger audiences and parents looking for a family-friendly experience will find plenty to enjoy here.
Whirlight – No Time To Trip is a true old-school point-and-click adventure and a genuine treat for fans of the genre. However, it may be difficult to recommend to players accustomed to modern gameplay systems, cinematic storytelling, and streamlined design philosophies. The game is a reminder of a different era of gaming, one built around exploring strange worlds, experimenting with bizarre item combinations, and solving unconventional puzzles through patience and creativity. For genre veterans, this is an easy recommendation, but newcomers or players looking for a more casual experience may find its classic design approach difficult to embrace.
Directive 8020 stands as the strongest entry yet in The Dark Pictures Anthology, delivering a clear evolution in both gameplay and presentation. The introduction of the Turning Points system adds meaningful flexibility, allowing players to revisit key moments and experience the narrative from different perspectives without friction. Combined with striking visuals, a well-executed narrative, and a consistently unsettling atmosphere, Directive 8020 is an easy recommendation for horror fans and one of the best horror releases of the year so far.
Bus Bound is a great simulator with easy-to-understand mechanics and satisfying driving controls, but it needs some serious optimization work at this point. Not only do the framerates stutter, but the visuals also glitch out, especially at night. Apart from the technical glitches, Bus Bound is an approachable simulation game that will not only cater to hardcore fans but also to casual gamers who want a more simplistic gameplay style. If you have been looking for a simulation game that gets rid of micromanaging mechanics and focuses more on the driving bit, Bus Bound is definitely the title for you.