Stubbs is emblematic of the end-of-lifecycle game in that it is extremely weird, kind of janky, and beloved by those who happened to pick it up in the game store, which was something we had way back then, because console games hadn’t invented online purchases yet.
Fewer vampires and more Greeks! It’s Bronze Age Total War.
Relentlessly stylish and relentlessly grindy turn-based tactical roguelike.
Arcade-style giant fighting robot action overcomes repetitive missions and a sometimes-nightmarish HUD.
That said, despite the frustrations, there’s no other series out there that captures the thrill of running around with a detailed fighter plane model in your hand blasting bad guys.
If you like your dungeon crawls with a ladle of gothic atmosphere, you haven’t seen anything like this in an eternity.
There’s a little jank here and there, but if you like action-RPGs and want something a little different–and not nearly as grimdark as those have been–I’m sending you a vision.
If you want some amazing, bleak, and depressing world-building, Frostpunk is definitely your jam.
Stellaris is finally where it was meant to be. God save our free time.
Great music, pixel-style art, a cyberpunk aesthetic, and the mellow feeling of shooting the shit at the bar. What’s not to love?
A surprisingly compelling roguelike about the pleasures and perils of hunting whales.
Ultimately, whether you enjoy Code 7 is going to come down to how much you enjoy reading, pondering, and solving puzzles, and how much you’re willing to buy into the exceptional atmosphere.
Play it if you dig a spooky atmosphere and don’t play it if you’re tired of “The Cat’s in the Cradle” in video game form
Frogwares really really likes doing Sherlock Holmes games and there is a deep affection for the characters woven throughout.
I think they’ve done it. This is the classic Dwarf Fortress experience but with nice graphics, some quality of life improvements, and more robust mouse support. Strike the earth! Don’t slip on the puke!
I think the real appeal of Victoria 3 and the series overall is it’s very self-directed. Picking one game can result in a completely different experience. Managing the diplomacy and economy of the British Empire at its peak is absolutely insane, then during the next run, you are trying to do things like “figure out how to even have diplomatic relations” and “wtf how do i economy???” in some backwater nation you are gracing with your benevolent rulership.
If you like roguelike deckbuilders, 80s action movies, and synthwave, Nitro Kid is a banger.
I feel like you know if you want to give a World War 1 shooter a try. This is a niche thing and you know if you’re in it. Also hi, haven’t seen you at the niche meetings.
Darkest Dungeon Circus Manager 2022.
This may be Paradox’s best game and it’s about…family.