Jemma Casson
Cat Maze is an entertaining romp into a magical world of potions and animals. Initial frustrations paved the way for an enjoyable adventure, with plenty to discover and a fulfilling story.
Gerda: A Flame in Winter is an interactive novel featuring well-written dialogue and varied pathways, coupled with simple RPG elements. Much like a good book, this is one game that's hard to put down.
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms is a fun yet flawed beat 'em up. The neat historical aspect and familair faces should appeal to fans, though it's marred by performance issues and a convoluted map system.
Dyna Bomb 2 is a fun and tricky platformer that provides an addictive experience if you're into collecting everything on screen. It's unpolished, though, and the price is a little high for something of this caliber.
Overall, Cult of the Lamb is a breath of fresh air. In a gaming world full of roguelikes, this offers a different take on the genre, mashing it with a management sim that is oh-so-much fun. The cutesy graphics help tone it down, but don’t be mistaken – this is a dark game at times; it’s also a must-play title if you’re looking for something new and different.
Pure Crosswords is a great example of a simple game done well. The clean interface and personalization make this an accessible and fun title. There's plenty of content to keep you busy for a very long time and crossword enthusiasts won't be disappointed.
Bassmaster Fishing 2022 is a great fishing sim, especially if you're a hardcore angler. If not, this might be a little too detailed for you. But if you're a patient fishing enthusiast, you'll find plenty to keep yourself busy in this realistic-feeling title.
Wave two of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC hits the spot in every way. Every track brings a smile and feels like it truly belongs. It's a fun yet challenging collection that will have you laughing, even while occasionally losing in frustration.
Logic Pic is a fun picross title that boasts many puzzles to solve. If you're a nonogram fan, you'll absolutely enjoy this outing. With zoom controls, this would score even higher. As it is, it's still well worth your time.
Overall, The Hand of Merlin is a tactical game that plays well if you can look past the long loading times and user interface issues. While it initially put me off with its complicated menus, the decent visuals and engaging battles are fun once you get the hang of them. It's possibly a tad on the expensive side, but fans of turn-based strategies will likely find some subtle enjoyment here.
Overall, Long Live the Queen puts your strategic thinking to the test in a deceptively simple game with many layers. It’s fun and addictive with a great aesthetic, and is highly recommended for fans of point-and-click adventure games with a visual novel slant.
Overall, Card Shark is a unique title with an interesting animation style and equally interesting cheating concept; all set far from today's modern world. These elements combine to create a fun and engaging game that will leave a lasting impression.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge hits that nostalgic sweet spot while offering something new and challenging. There may be a few glitches and interface issues, but the gameplay is super fun, particularly in multiplayer mode. Fans should be playing this game right now.
Lila's Sky Ark is a quirky game that sets out to be different. There's an interesting world to traverse, puzzles to solve, and many characters to meet, though it can be a little too odd at times. It looks great, though, and if you're looking for something unique and creative, you'll find it here.
Wildcat Gun Machine is an addictive and incredibly difficult shooter. The vast variety of weapons and the exploratory element keep it interesting. If you're looking for a challenge, you'll certainly find it here.
Revita has a lot going for it. Part roguelike, part shooter, part platformer, it has something for just about everyone. Throw in a melancholic story and addictive gameplay, and you're in for an enjoyable time.
What Lies in the Multiverse is an enjoyable story-driven affair with well-designed characters and puzzles that strike the perfect balance between fun and challenging. This is one title that's definitely worth checking out.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed may be an older game, but it's still fun to play and Star Wars fans who haven't previously enjoyed this title should give it a go. The engaging story and excellent voice work help bring it to life, despite the slightly dated graphics and relatively simple gameplay.
Inukari is a somewhat charming platformer marred by sloppy presentation and gameplay. The story is an interesting one, despite the errors, and the characters are neatly rendered in a retro way. Unfortunately, the whole thing seems unfinished or unpolished, which is a shame because it has potential.
Mario Kart fans have been waiting too long for new console content. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is constantly in the top ten games sold in Japan each week, showing it still has plenty of life. A large install base also explains why DLC was the way to go, rather than an all-new Mario Kart 9. The first wave of the Booster Course Pass is a fun reminder of why this series is so popular.