Heather Johnson Yu's Reviews
In Other Waters is a thrilling, non-violent gem focusing on discovery of life among the stars in a place humanity didn’t think to look. This game proves that sometimes simplicity is best, its minimalist approach to complicated technology an absolute triumph. The immersion is incredible, considering the genre, and the concept is dramatically fresh to the point where I literally feel in awe of how much has been accomplished by so little.
Beyond Blue has a familiar objective when it comes to educational games focusing on the ocean, but it approaches the objective with a novel narrative. It will certainly appeal to any aspiring marine biologists or those looking for something more educational when it comes to ocean exploration games. If you’re looking for a way to relax alongside gentle giants in their (virtual) natural habitat and want to possibly learn something along the way, look no further than Beyond Blue.
If you have an interest in learning kana and are truly committed to doing so, Kana Quest will certainly aid you in your studies in a fun, memorable way.
In the same way you visit your hometown after being away for a decade and notice all the changes in familiar places, Catherine: Full Body’s alterations may come as a surprise to those who held the original in high regard. After the initial shock wears away, however, it’s clear to see the wisdom behind the choices made, and Atlus, yet again, achieves greatness.
Murder By Numbers is definitely your game if you love picross and Phoenix Wright — heavy emphasis on that order. With a seemingly unending amount of picross puzzles at your disposal and plenty of murders to solve, Murder By Numbers accomplishes everything it sets out to do (and then some).
It’s not often that a decades-old game ages as well as we remember through our rose-colored glasses; fans of the original Sonic the Hedgehog 2 would then feel pleased to hear that SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog 2 gives players the best of what they remembered and then some. With the quality of life improvements and the surprise additions of Super Sonic and Knuckles, among other features, SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog 2 was handled with the love and care such a treasured gem deserves.
There’s so much fun to be had with the Rock of Ages series, and Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break showed that really clever mechanics can be taken a step further, pushing already ridiculous limits. Although the difficulty barrier to entry is a little steep if this is your first foray into the franchise, Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break is still fantastically fun and will keep you glued to your screen for months to come.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout was the surprise hit that no one — especially not the developers — saw coming in terms of its resounding popularity and success. A slightly bumpy launch will not knock this game down, however, as the dev team is working day and night to get it back up and working to its full potential. If you want to play a quick round (or 10) of addicting eye candy that’s fun for all ages, be sure to pick up Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout as soon as possible.
Love spiders or hate them, Kill It With Fire is bound to please even the most terrified arachnophobe. With a literal arsenal at your disposal and a clear objective, Kill It With Fire is a cathartic experience that is perfect for streaming or just unwinding after a long day. Whether you be a casual player or hardcore perfectionist, this game has something for everyone, building upon concepts taught in levels prior until complete mastery of the extermination arts.
Road to Guangdong is a brilliant narrative about the importance of communicating with one’s family wrapped up in a road trip simulator.
Frostpunk: On The Edge may be a little short and the morality choices unbothered by consequences, but the message of hope rang loud and clear from the developers. A fantastic expansion that players can one-shot within a single sitting if they play their cards right, Frostpunk: On The Edge offers an uplifting conclusion to the groundbreaking society survival simulator.
Spiritfarer has the body of a seafaring exploration game, the mind of a management sim, and the soul of an emotional journey depicting love, loss, and grief. With gorgeous visuals and a soundtrack to match, Spiritfarer is pleasing to the senses while providing a core loop that’s easy to get lost in.
What initially sold me on INMOST was the notion that it was inspired by the considerably more light-hearted To The Moon; while I wasn’t expecting such a tragic tale about pain and suffering, the developers definitively recaptured what made their muse great. Realistic depth of characters, discussion of topics oft-overlooked yet extremely relatable, and a compelling narrative made for a captivating journey that will stick with me for a long time.
I decided to review Home: A Quarantine Story because I was knowledgeable enough with the developer’s previous work to know I was going to get a good story; what I didn’t know was just how much it’d stick with me. A realistic narrative that builds a unique yet somehow familiar setting, Home: A Quarantine Story will softly resonate with anyone who can’t decide if their heart is with the home they’ve made for themselves or the home they grew up in.
In a sea of “Spiderman sims,” Yupitergrad is a must-have title for your VR library. Setting itself apart from the rest with an undeniable charm, woefully underutilized graphics, and a great sense of humor, Yupitergrad is definitely my top candidate for 2020’s hidden gem.
Believe it or not, I actually had to force myself to stop playing The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos to be able to sit down and write this review. It’s been a long time since I’ve found a great turn-based tactical game with unapologetically authentic writing that I seriously didn’t want to move onto other games. Even now I’m just quickly whipping up a conclusion so I can get right back into the fray! With cheeky writing and comfortable mechanics that will fit older gamers’ playstyles like a glove, The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos is a can’t-miss cantrip into Dungeons and Dragons territory that will surely please any nerd worth their salt.
Those seeking a setting off the beaten path will absolutely find that here in addition to both charm and whimsy abound. Embracelet serves as a comforting reminder that love can allow us to do great things, and that we’re all the more richer with people we care for in our lives. If you’re looking for a short but sweet title that will please all the senses and delight you to your core, do not hesitate to pick up Embracelet.
Retro gamers, rejoice! Alwa’s Legacy is finally available on the Nintendo Switch, and boy does it feel good being here. If you have a Pro controller, do not hesitate to hook this bad boy up to the TV and play like you’re a kid again. Alwa’s Legacy will remind you of days gone by, when renting a game from Blockbuster and trying to beat it within a few days to avoid racking up crazy prices was the thing to do, and with pizza in one hand and drink of choice in the other, you really can’t go wrong making a retro night out of this. Be sure to check out Alwa’s Legacy for a fresh game with a familiar feel.
If you’re up for a slice and dice kind of challenge, you’ll definitely want to take Disc Room for a spin.
Recommending Vigil: The Longest Night is incredibly simple: if you’re a fan of Metroidvanias and you loved Salt and Sanctuary, you can’t afford to pass this one up.