After playing Horatio Goes Snowboarding for hours, I must say that I'm impressed with its intuitive albeit challenging gameplay as it keeps pushing you to achieve higher scores. In fact, I had so much fun that I hope to see a sequel; hopefully featuring much more content.
Although it may be difficult to wholeheartedly enjoy when you're all grown up, there's no denying that Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition will be a special game for any kid with a hearty sense of wonder, especially if they're a Disney fan.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is a superb puzzle game that's much more enjoyable than it has any right being. Plus, no matter which kind of puzzle gameplay you prefer, the wide variety of options will allow you to enjoy it at whichever pace you prefer.
Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- is a great Metroidvania that any genre fan will love. The adventure may be over well before you'd like it to be but it's sure to satisfy from start to finish with its unique gameplay elements and memorable game world.
Asteroids: Recharged is up there with the best of Atari's Recharged releases and it's even more fun with a friend. So, if you have fond memories of the 1979 arcade classic or just want to play some simple static shooting, you'll definitely enjoy this spacefaring blastfest.
Solar Ash does fast-paced platforming brilliantly and it features a super-exciting formula to boot. At the same time, that's really all it has going for it so with some much-needed additional variety, it could have been an even greater experience.
Justice Chronicles is a superb retro-style RPG with a clever game world and rewarding systems that work together seamlessly. It does have its drawbacks, though, but if work went into remedying them then this would easily be one of my favourite games in the genre.
I'm happy to say that Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is super-fun whether you're playing by yourself or with friends. It may not have much long-lasting appeal but it's certainly worth adding to your multiplayer playlist, especially if you enjoy mini-games.
There's no denying how wonderful it is that a long-lost arcade gem was completed and released nearly 30 years later and Clockwork Aquario certainly provides enough frantic fun that you'll come back whenever you want a quick fix of over-the-top retro action.
When it comes to great shoot 'em ups, DoDonPachi Resurrection is one of the best with challenging yet easily digestible gameplay and stylish eye-popping visuals. Plus, the fact that it's jam-packed with modes and content makes it one complete package.
I'm thoroughly impressed at how much better of a game Blue Reflection: Second Light is when you compare it to the first game. In fact, it's so good that I kind of feel mean for disliking the original as much as I did. Here's hoping for a Third Light!
If you love party games and don't care much for game boards, My Singing Monsters Playground is a great choice as it's bursting with so many fun-filled mini-games that it makes for one enjoyable multiplayer hootenanny.
Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is one of those games that has no right to be as good as it is. Even after over 30 years of playing 2D platformers, it really took me back to why I love the genre with its intuitive and rewarding gameplay and cheerful presentation.
Space Moth Lunar Edition is a challenging shoot 'em up with a satisfying scoring system and that alone adds up to one must-have arcade shooter. However, its lack of multiplayer, extra modes, and power-ups makes it feel like a somewhat hollow experience.
Although it's genuinely rewarding and unique, Epic Chef can sometimes be an annoying game to play for various reasons. With that said, the core gameplay loop is handled so well that I'm looking forward to a sequel which will hopefully address its issues.
Iron Harvest Complete Edition is one of those games that I wanted to love but only ended up liking it. Although it features an undeniably clever setting and rewarding gameplay, it's also quite a struggle to fully enjoy at times.
Wings of Wor; oops, I mean Gynoug... is a solid shoot 'em up from the golden age of the genre with a clever magic system, stand-out bosses, and there are now interesting cheats to help modernize it all. So, if you enjoy shmups then give it a go, why not?
Super Sami Roll is a cute and fiendishly difficult platformer that genre fans who love a challenge will relish. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more casual and laidback collect-a-thon then you'll likely end up feeling too defeated to continue playing it.
To my delight, YUKI is my favourite VR game of 2021 so if you enjoy arcade-like experiences set in a roguelike structure then you should definitely give it a go. It's challenging, unique, action-packed, and its unlockables are hearty rewards; what more could you want?
Where Cards Fall is a worthwhile puzzle game that genre enthusiasts should definitely add to their gaming library. With clever mechanics, a lovely and slightly abstract setting, and well-done learning curve; it's quite a swell experience.