The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners' production values and atmosphere outweigh by far any videogame tropes and flaws that might weigh down the experience. This is a tough (and very scary) game, and every system in the game is built to support the idea that you are lone wolf in a very hostile world. Saints and Sinners understands its franchise, and is the scariest The Walking Dead has ever been.
Down the Rabbit Hole is a very unique take on its Wonderland source material, literally sending players down a dark, diorama-filled rabbit hole. With fun puzzles and a breezy atmosphere, Down the Rabbit Hole is an amazing – if brief – good time. As much time as you have spent in Wonderland, I guarantee that you have never seen it like this.
Make War's bizarre alien interference on historic battlefields gameplay is fun on several levels, but the interface is broken beyond any level of acceptability. With a great concept and super-sticky gameplay, this game is likely incredibly addictive on PC. But due to poor implementation on Switch, you'll get frustrated and quit before you experience the game's many simple pleasures.
With tons of character customization options and non-irritating procedurally-generated level design, Dread Nautical has enough meat on it to justify several playthroughs. Tactics fans shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.
Spuds Unearthed has a lot of cool elements, but they unfortunately don't add up to a very compelling game. Plagued by overly complex interface elements and a very flimsy structure, the core gameplay just isn't interesting enough to keep players coming back for more.
Beyond the bewildering decision to exclude multiplayer (and some truly awful characters), Trials of Mana is a very basic action RPG that might be good for kids or newcomers to the genre. Playing the game isn't unpleasant, though it puts up very little fight for experienced players. Know what you are getting into, turn your brain off (and the character voices down), and you may enjoy cruising through its very surface-level gameplay for a weekend.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a wondrous exploration of the original, with fantastic writing, performances, and production values. However, an overindulgence in cut scenes and an extremely linear path through the game causes some serious sag in the middle chapters. A fine experience, but perhaps best viewed as a prelude to things to come.
Good Goliath is a well-made arcade game that I just didn't enjoy all that much. The central mechanic of little dudes throwing things at you and you catch them and throw them back somehow made me feel angry and annoyed. Stellar artwork and design would not overcome some mechanical issues and, in the end, I was left feeling grumpy.
I cannot overstate how much fun I’m having with this game.
The Foundation DLC for Control brings a new floor to explore, a new enemy type, and a few new powers for Jesse that don't add up to very much. But, it also brings more Control – with all of its wonders and faults. Jesse is just doing her job at this point, but that job is pretty bizarre and fun. Just don't expect world-changing innovation, and you'll enjoy The Foundation just fine.
The Complex feels like a moderately entertaining super-low budget science fiction film – the first time. After that, it becomes apparent that the "interactive" part of this interactive film is just fluff, until the very end. At that point, the game slams you into an ending that feels a bit unearned. The Complex is a fun enough way to spend an evening with family or friends, but don't expect any longevity out of it.
Sketchbook Games' narrative platform/puzzler is appropriate for all ages, but that doesn't stop it from going to some surprisingly dark places. Though the platforming and light puzzle solving are enjoyable (if none too challenging), the story and artwork are the stars of the show. Impatient players might want to stay away, but for those interested in a life affirming story about overcoming obstacles and learning to deal with regrets, Lost Words is a beautiful experience.
Zen Studios new dungeon crawler takes the tropes of an oft neglected genre, and updates them with wit and style. Operencia: The Stolen Sun oozes charm, with the perfect balance of combat, exploration, puzzles, and funny bantering characters. This game is a complete winner, and any fan of dungeon crawlers shouldn't hesitate to pick it up.
Moons of Madness is an okay horror game couched within a super science fiction game. While this identity crisis may be a bit off-putting (and there are a few sections of the game that make you wish it would just get on with it), there is some fun to be had with the nice visuals, great writing, and solid puzzles. If there weren't so much Cthulhu, this would have been an even better game.
Paper Beast is a jaw-dropping science fiction tale that immerses the player in a unique, visionary world. Though its puzzles can feel abstract at times, the rewards for completing them are great. Paper Beast is a benchmark in VR game design. This is a game that people will be talking about in thirty years.
Highly recommended for folks that enjoy cooperative play, or as a way to introduce a friend to basic stealth gaming mechanics. Covert delivers a lot of gameplay for two players—one on PS VR and the other on the companion mobile app. The heists remain fun and engaging without ever becoming too difficult, ensuring that everyone has a good time. Can't ask for much more than that.
BE-A-Walker is the first game I can recall that opens with a difficulty spike. The message is clear: get onboard with the game's many anxiety-inducing mechanics or get out now. Beyond that, you will find a moderately entertaining AT-ST simulator. Be ready to juggle a variety of frustrating systems, as nothing in this game comes easy.
Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! is an absolute delight—for the entire 27 minutes of its play time. While the music, swirling lights, and dancing are all accessible and fun, the price for this game is incredibly out of proportion to what you get for your money. Wait for an extreme sale, and then have a blast with this wildly entertaining game.
Infliction feels like a mash-up of elements from other, better-known games. However, a strong game loop and stellar sound design elevate Inflicted beyond being a tired retread. While the lighting is questionable at times, in general the visuals reveal an eye for detail. A fun photo mechanic also sets the game apart from its contemporaries. Infliction is well worth a look for horror fans, and those nostalgic for the early '90s.
Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt is a familiar-feeling town management sim, with some mobile mechanics that hover very close beneath the surface. This game will feel instantly familiar to fans of the genre, with few surprises or innovations. There is some fun to be had for patient players willing to wait for timers to run their course, but the price point is prohibitive. If you are interested in Townsmen, I would advise waiting for a sale.