It is a trap to think that game development is easy when you see it so deftly made. It is strange to feel like a nameless ship has charisma, but the way your ship interacts with others makes it impossible not to draw a smile on your face. To figure out which way to go in each carefully designed level and shoot your way out while avoiding the complex projectile patterns is rewarding.
Not a perfect adventure but close to it, Demon Tides gives you the freedom to explore to your heart’s content. Its expressive platforming is the alpha and the omega. Every level provides an opportunity to try out different ways to show off your increasing mastery of Beebz’s skills. In the end, that is what it is all about.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as we know, but thankfully Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass go the mile to not simply be a carbon copy of its predecessors. Its catchy music, sarcastic remarks, and overall shocking story that keeps you on edge throughout make for a solid JRPG.
The movement and possibilities shown within Big Hops feel like a real jolt the genre needed. With high potential to become a speedrunner darling, the foundation Big Hops sits on is one ripe for exploration. It’s clever veggies, each with unique moves that let Hop float, swing, and zip through levels, making not only for an incredibly satisfying experience but, most importantly, for fun.
Warhammer 40,000 is often described as a grimdark universe. It is most palpable in Rogue Trader, where genocide, sacrifice, and abuse are often shrugged at while everyone moves on with their miserable days. What drew me to this militaristic entry is not that, but the power as a new, unexpected entity creating meaningful change in a Kafkaesque world where that seems impossible.
that Ghost Town is “so deftly presented that it is one of those games flatscreen players feel jealous about.” I stand by those words. In my social media interactions, I have seen people reach out and wonder if they would ever convert this unique thriller into a flat version for more people to play, and the truth is that the immersion is part of the experience.
With plenty of modes, both intricate for experts and approachable to newcomers, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a highly ambitious experience easy to recommend.
There is a pervasive thought that to have a breakthrough you must push someone to their limit; this could not be further from the truth. As much a top-of-the-line metroidvania as an emotionally charged cautionary tale, this is one of the most beautiful games of all time, both literally and figuratively. Its exquisite hand-drawn art style and delicate portrayal of burnout paint a masterful picture.
Rue Valley is an isometric narrative RPG that triumphs in its magnetic writing. Every succinct conversation feels like it was made for an exquisite novel. Certain dialogues, with Eugene or otherwise, ring sincere to the point of making you invested in these characters’ lives, even beyond the current predicament the protagonist is in.
Is it aesthetically wrong to classify Morsels as the strangest game I have ever played simply because of its focus on designs based around garbage? I don’t think so, but it at least makes it stand out over the sea of games releasing every day. A seemingly straightforward game, Morsels has some of the most creative ideas I have seen in a roguelite in a very long time. Weird in the best of ways, fans of the top-down shooters and quirky offbeat games should give it a try, because, as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
A retro inspired triumph, the politically charged story laid out will move even the most jaded of players. With well-thought-out level design, imposing boss battles and clever puzzles, there’s a lot to love here. Gigasword, in its proud 8-bit NES design, is not for everyone, but it doesn’t need to be. Seasoned players who have found themselves rejecting modern sensibilities will find a home here. One for legendary heroes whose time has yet to pass.
Like opening a classic fairytale book on a cold winter night, there are morals to this story that go beyond a straightforward survival game. Making it through the night is part of it, but not the most important thing. Looking out for each other, reinforcing connections, and making sure no one gets left behind are among the thoughtful lessons this game reminds us of. Winter Burrow is not only a kind tale of a mouse who could, but a reflection of our tenacity to keep going even when the night is darkest.
Riddlewood Manor is a terrifyingly great puzzler with a just as haunting, memorable narrative. A horror adventure doable in less than an hour for puzzle pros, plenty of secrets reward those curious enough to explore every possible avenue the house has behind it.
With its main offering being the ability to shoot your way through Purgatory with friends, the shine wears off rather quickly.
Refined in every single way, The Outer Worlds 2 is not simply a better sequel: it’s the new gold standard in the narrative FPS genre.
Over the course of its four chapters, Little Nightmares 3 emulates what made the series great, but fails to live up to the potential its predecessors achieved.
An art exhibit where you’re the subject, there is much to ponder about while playing this experience. Objects talk about their impermanence, characters reminisce openly about how finite life is. Even though there are somewhat clear goals, such as ringing a bell at the top of a tower, Dreams of Another is anything but what you would consider a straightforward video game.
Powered by classic horror flicks, absurd anime cutscenes and a truly unhinged storyline full of murderers, this bloodfest is absolutely not for the faint of heart. It’s loud, it’s wacky, and it is not afraid to commit to the bit. Off-the-rails videogame concepts might not be new, but the way it is tied up here certainly feels like one of the unique video games to exist in the current gaming landscape, let alone 2025. SUDA51 has stated that this is one of his finest achievements, and you know what? I believe it.
Consume Me will disarm you with its earnest approach to difficult topics like our relationship with food due to its smart structure. Set in a backdrop of joyful music and snappy minigames, its biting social commentary resonates on every level. Parents’ impossible expectations for our futures, immature romantic relationships, and uncomfortable family dinners all pack a punch in the way they are written.
More than a homage, Quartet builds upon what its predecessors planted to flourish into its own. Sure of itself in every aspect, building your party all the way to eight characters while unraveling the grander narrative in the background, it is impossible to put down this game. With a console announcement in the works, I just hope it reaches more audiences that can see what turn-based greatness looks like.