Heather Johnson Yu's Reviews
Baldo: The Guardian Owls may have had a rocky launch, but the issues have been cleaned up to such a degree that the low scores earned months prior don’t necessarily apply anymore. I’d recommend caution before jumping into it, however — even in a perfectly playable state, Baldo: The Guardian Owls is still a polarizing title. If you love cozy aesthetics with design choices that feel more suited for the 90s – 00s, Baldo: The Guardian Owls should definitely be on your Wishlist. If not, well… in the worst case, I’ve found it to be a fantastic cure for my insomnia.
Underneath the intriguing concept and gorgeous graphics, The Waylanders has a somewhat meaty tactical experience wrapped around the bare bones of an RPG. And while it may be light on the actual role-playing elements, there’s enough of a unique spin in terms of story, setting, and battle system that those who prefer mechanics above anything else might have a good time. This is by no means Baldur’s Gate nor Dragon’s Age: like King Ith’s Tuatha de Danaan, those gods aren’t here. I can recommend The Waylanders, but only if expectations are managed accordingly.
Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue has some issues, but it also has its fair share of moments where it really shines. I adore the protagonist and the world she inhabits, their charm and personality untouched by the devastating flames. I enjoy the game’s unique concept and gameplay, a completely new experience in both the 2D platforming and roguelike genres. So while the mechanics might not be the most finely-tuned at the moment and the learning curve perhaps a bit steep, Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue has the potential to become better refined in the coming months. Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue certainly brings the heat; after a few updates, it might be safe enough to go back into the kitchen.
Fights in Tight Spaces is an easy recommendation to any kind of gamer. It’s perfect for those new to deck-builders or for genre veterans who crave something with a different flair. Fighting game enthusiasts will enjoy the take on strategic brawls that don’t skimp on the style. As for everyone else? Who can say no to glorious aesthetics and surprisingly cerebral gameplay in a bloody beatdown package? Definitely give Fights in Tight Spaces a shot — it’s a knockout!
It’s astonishing that Karma City Police was made by a single developer, its world-building truly extensive in such a small environment coupled with a novel blend of mechanics that work surprisingly well. Although I wish I had been able to spend more time traipsing around the station, helping citizens with their emergencies and getting to know my coworkers (and occasionally duking it out with them over a clean game of pinball), I can’t fault a tight, fun game. If you’re ready for something completely different that’ll keep you on your toes, Karma City Police could use an employee like you!
Scarf is the perfect game for players who fondly remember titles like Spyro, Journey, and Abzu but want to be able to finish a game in its entirety in one sitting. Its emotionally driven storyline is short, sweet, and to the point with aesthetics that enchant from beginning to end. If you’re looking for something with a fresh yet familiar feel to sink your teeth into without committing too much time and money, it’s honestly hard to top Scarf.
Although Pupperazzi’s length is far more impressive in dog hours, it’s worthy of any human’s attention. If you went into Pupperazzi expecting a cute dog photography game — congrats! You got exactly what you paid for. Pupperazzi wears its golden retriever heart on its sleeve; in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a golden retriever made this game, considering its sincere, fun, childish nature. Make no bones about it — Pupperazzi is a short but sweet dog photog romp that will leave players wagging their tails.
Anagrams is casual yet strategic, chill yet vibrant, and really, really hard to quit. Who would have thought that mixing matching games with anagrams would work so well together? With 1,400+ levels spread across four different game modes, it doesn’t need to be spelled out that Anagrams will keep word nerds entertained for hours on end. Whether you play it in short spurts before bed or marathon it all day, Anagrams is the word game your brain deserves.
It Takes Two takes the tried and true action/adventure-puzzler genre and turns it into possibly the most collaborative split-screen co-op game ever created. Coupled with the presented marital issues between the main characters that make for fantastic springboards to discuss with your own Player 2, It Takes Two will strongly resonate with just about anyone who picks up a controller. Although character development was a bit lacking and the story somewhat sluggish, these issues do not diminish the incredibly imaginative level design and supremely enjoyable boss battles. If you’re looking for a case study in co-op puzzle games that deserves to define the genre going forward, grab a partner and pick up It Takes Two.
Tux and Fanny may have slipped under your radar in 2021 — I’m begging you to right that wrong and play it in 2022. If you find the joy in small things and believe that big, crazy things can be found even in the most mundane places, Tux and Fanny is the title for you. For such a lighthearted game, there’s a lot of soul in it; you’ll soon find yourself devouring every last ludicrous discovery, sad to leave the duo when you’ve completed their journey. As far as I’m concerned, Tux and Fanny is my pick for gAmE oF tHe YeAr 2021, the simple, silly, slice of life stories shared between friends a wonderful experience worth having.
A Very Bad Christmas Eve is exactly what it says on the tin. If you were hoping for a very good Christmas Eve, well… I’m sorry, but you won’t be finding that here. What you will find is a genuinely cozy depiction of Santa’s Workshop that is utterly charming for the first 10 minutes, followed by confusion and frustration for the rest of the experience. A Very Bad Christmas Eve isn’t exactly how I imagined I’d spend my Christmas vacation, but considering the price, Santa could have done a lot worse.
This is the President is a perfectly patriotic blend of This is the Police, Suzerain, and We. The Revolution, presenting players with scandal after scandal after scandal to wriggle their way out of. Although there are a small handful of choices that corral you into picking the “right” option, the way you cope with the consequences is largely up to you. If you enjoy a novel’s worth of deranged narrative gameplay where choices matter like your life depends on them (and they do), This is the President will command enough mystery, intrigue, and excitement for even the highest of offices.
Any time is big brain time with Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain. A welcome return to an unabashedly casual puzzle franchise, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain provides addictingly simple multiplayer fun that players of all ages will struggle to put down. If you’ve ever been told that video games melt your brain, hand that joykill a joycon and challenge them to Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — they’ll soon see the error of their ways.
First Class Trouble is a luxurious excursion through space that throngs of players are just dying to experience (pun absolutely intended). With dozens of ways to kill your friends (and maybe even your friendships), First Class Trouble will offer that addicting “one more round” type gameplay fans of multiplayer games typically adore. Just make sure you have a mic and a group of friends before playing, as silently joining random lobbies is not the best way to travel. Once the dev team works out the cross-play and community kinks, First Class Trouble will be worth the price of admission.
Looking For Aliens is a very silly hidden objects game that has just as many alien and pop culture references to seek as there are hidden objects. If I’m being honest, the biggest surprise was how long the game was — I didn’t expect to spend double digit hours poking around all the corners of the universe searching for random items, but I guess life comes at you fast like that. If you’re looking for kooky, casual fun, Looking For Aliens is easy to find.
Wytchwood may only be a 10 – 15 hour romp, but those hours are packed to the brim with exploring, crafting, puzzle-solving, storytelling, world-building, and more. A subtly magical experience, Wytchwood’s secrets slowly open up over the course of the game in such a nuanced way, you’ll be eagerly watching out of the corner of your eye for novelty from start to finish. Wytchwood made my bog witch dreams come true, and if you love a good fetch quest game, I’m positive this will be your cup of witches’ brew too.
There’s a reason why Death’s Door won the 2021 Golden Joystick Award for Best Indie Game and was nominated for the Best Independent Game Award at The Game Awards this year — it’s damn good. Nothing is missing here, every component perfectly balanced against everything else to make for a near-spiritual gaming experience. With gorgeous visuals, a stunning soundtrack, multiple combat styles, a mixture of creative comedy and relatable existential crises, and sprawling environments that naturally invites players to explore every pixel, Death’s Door deserves all the praise it’s received and more.
Word Forward is a fantastic word strategy game, and one that absolutely belongs in any word nerd’s library. It’s perfect for that on the go gameplay for when you want to sneak in a few minutes of playtime here and there. If you love word games and you want something with a bit more brain tickling than most, Word Forward is G-R-E-A-T!
To The Rescue! isn’t without its flaws, but like a cute yet shy dog tucked away in a shelter kennel’s corner, it’s still worthy of any dog lover’s attention. It may have had a rocky start to life, but the developers have been hard at work tackling bugs and fixing issues, so it’s safe to say that any perceived problems will soon be a thing of the past. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and find fur-ever homes for pixelated pups, To The Rescue! just might be the most doggone fun dog shelter simulator out there.
Wandering Trails is a peaceful nature game that unfortunately falls a little short. Some may find this experience soothing; others will suffer. I wanted to enjoy this supposedly relaxing romp, but my time frantically sprinting in circles at dead of night to a cacophony of howling wolves and hooting owls reminded me more of Blair Witch than Eastshade. I cannot recommend this if you have an anxiety disorder or have never played a walking simulator before. Everyone else should be fine though.