The Crush House is a clever and entertaining spin on reality television - one that has its tongue firmly in cheek, but which also speaks to deeper themes in the metanarrative I'm working hard not to spoil here. It's repetitive and a little unfair at times, but also compelling and enjoyable - and there's a real thrill to getting good footage.
Arranger takes a type of game puzzle that is often irritating and turns it into something pretty cool – even if some of that frustration remains. It's absolutely gorgeous and full of interesting mechanical ideas, and though its core premise isn't the most exciting, it makes a strong argument for its own existence.
SCHiM has moments where it lives up to the promise of its concept, and levels where fresh ideas and fun mechanics elevate the experience. Unfortunately, it also feels padded and simplistic for long stretches, and the narrative doesn't quite hang together. It looks great, but it's often frustrating, too.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a wonderfully intricate, amazing piece of game design. It's intimidating and challenging, but it rewards all the effort you put into it. One of the best games of 2024 so far.
A Highland Song might not be Inkle’s best game, but it’s the studio’s most evocative work – it’s a reminder that wherever we are, we are surrounded by stories.
Regardless of your relationship to Call of Duty, your feelings about military shooters, your investment in the rebooted Modern Warfare saga, or how much or little you like to play the new Call of Duty online multiplayer every year, the Modern Warfare III campaign feels more like an indicator of a series in decline than a misstep.
As a calling card for Koźmiński, World of Horror is astonishing – a stunning achievement, an incredible piece of work. As a game? It’s not bad. World of Horror will impress you more than it scares you, but it really is very impressive, at least. For all its faults, fans of Junji Ito would be hard pressed to find a more loving homage.
Oxenfree 2 is an easy recommendation if you loved the first game as much as I did. While the original is definitely my preference between the two, the sequel expands the series’ lore and is packed full of callbacks, while also featuring a lot of the quirks that made the first so interesting. Oxenfree 2 is, fundamentally, more of a good thing.
Like Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick asks you to fight hard for what’s right, to find justice in an unjust world, to cut through all the cynicism and the bullshit to find happiness and salvation. On this playthrough, I found Ghost Trick deeply touching. This is an earnest, uncynical game where you can make good things happen for people who deserve a win.
Card Shark is occasionally ace, flush with good ideas, and has plenty of heart. It won’t always deal you the best hand, but if such a unique concept suit(e)s your needs, you may be able to turn a blind eye to the moments where it flops, and go all-in, rather than letting it get lost in the shuffle.
Thanks to a great remaster and a portable release, Sam & Max Save the World can now hit the road in style.
Though it's light on meaningful choices, this brief dip into the Vampire: The Masquerade universe is at least filled with strong writing, interesting characters, and gorgeous art.
If you’re a long-time fan, here’s the only thing that really matters, the words you’ve been longing to read—these are the games you remember.
Paradise Killer is an exemplary adventure game that nails detective work in a way few games do.
Thousand Threads is a game of discovery that ultimately doesn't deliver on its intriguing setup by discouraging you from digging too deep.
It’s the gaming equivalent of a bag of Original Smiths chips – if you bring it to a party you’re not going to blow anyone’s mind, but everyone’s going to want at least a handful.
A long-awaited sequel to a 1994 classic that can't hold up against its predecessor.
As a critic, I can’t pretend that the game’s flaws don’t outweigh its qualities. It’s all but impossible to really dislike a game like this, one that has such obvious good intentions and a sincere, hopeful outlook. But there’s also, unfortunately, little reason to recommend that you play it.
The game is pure power fantasy, a reverse-horror game where you can’t help but root for the monster. It’s also an indie game where it feels like the developers have created the exact experience they wanted to make without compromise
Superliminal is a perspective-focused puzzle game that is equal parts trippy and endearing.