A.J. Maciejewski
It's awesome that Escape Academy: The Complete Edition is a thing as it's full of well-crafted puzzles that'll keep you entertained for hours. Plus, it works well on Nintendo Switch so even more folks can enjoy it than ever before.
Lies of P is a very good Soulslike that doesn't quite reach greatness due to its lack of variety and needless limitations. That aside; what's here is still undeniably rewarding and entertaining so fans of the genre will enjoy what it has to offer.
I had a great deal of fun with Samba de Amigo: Party Central and am looking forward to playing it more, especially while exploring the online modes so if you're down for a fun-filled maraca-shaking good time, why not monkey around?
As a fan of retro games and documentaries, The Making of Karateka really hit a sweet spot that I don't think any other game has before.
I thoroughly enjoyed 30XX and the thing is; there's always more to play with its open-ended nature and clever roguelike structure.
It may be on the basic side of the shmup spectrum but there is some fun to be had in Hexapoda in its non-linear insect-blasting journey.
Jets'n'Guns 2 feels like one of the best DOS games that you'll ever play thanks to its ridiculous shooting action and rewarding upgrades.
The roguelike nature of Nova Strike is the best thing going for it because unfortunately, its core gameplay isn't all that entertaining.
Combining puzzles and platforming has endless possibilities yet I've never played anything like It's a Wrap! before; it's great stuff!
Enchanted Portals looks great within its charming old-school cartoon world but it mostly plays like a bargain bin Super NES game.
Taito Milestones 2 presents a good offering of 10 retro arcade games with some truly fun hidden gems and excellent shoot 'em ups along with a couple of the dumbest fighting games that I've ever played.
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy may not be a title on everyone's lips but it's certainly game of the year material. With a wide variety of abilities and mechanics and astoundingly adaptive gameplay (especially for co-op play), it's quite the achievement in game design.
Sea of Stars is an excellent retro-inspired RPG that will make you happy to explore its packed and beautiful world. It may get a little stale at parts for various reasons but what's here is still undeniably special.
In an age when RPGs are generally becoming increasingly dark, violent, brash, and serious, the brilliantly colourful humour-filled lightheartedness of these Rhapsody games shines through in a profoundly distinct fashion. From adorable characters to lovely musical numbers and rewarding combat to oodles of side-splitting jokes; there's certainly a lot to love here.
I enjoyed Immortals of Aveum a great deal thanks to its action-packed gameplay, rewarding character progression, and top-notch presentation. It's fantastic to experience games that this much love went into and I look forward to a sequel.
Blasphemous 2 is a streamlined sequel that any genre fan can enjoy, especially with its creepy cast of characters and superb bosses.
Even with its goofy premise, Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate is a cleverly strategic roguelike that'll certainly keep you hooked.
Your enjoyment of Iron Danger will rely on how much you love tinkering with plans until you execute something perfectly. So, if that sounds like your jam then you'll be absolutely smitten with the strategic possibilities in Iron Danger.
Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is a story-heavy game that not everyone will appreciate but those who do will love it a lot.
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is one of the best games of the year. From its clever gameplay concoction to its gorgeous presentation, excellent sense of humour, and rewarding character abilities; this is one outstanding seafaring adventure.