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.
This game, like any other, has its limitations. That is exactly why it thrives: it has a campaign that can be finished in less than 15 hours, for one, with up to 30 doing side content. It does its best with what it has. It has no bloat at all, and every area is used effectively to throw you a curveball with a quirky side quest, puzzle, or fight. Even the combat that doesn’t have a lock-on button feels snappy once you get used to it. As developer Twirlbound’s sophomore entry, it’s clear where their influences lie, but triumphing beyond a homage is what should be recognized here.
Rushing down a hill with your herd feels exhilarating, if a bit unwieldy. When art direction, music, and gameplay come together, Herdling is an exercise of mindful stimulation.
And Roger is a brief but emotional one-hour visual novel. It does not take long to understand its narrative argument. But the way it is presented is so impactful that it does not need more than that to accomplish its goal. To witness a loved one’s mental decline is devastating, to the point where the game even goes on to mention approaching religion to find solace in times of need.
What Luto does best that sets it apart from the usual first-person psychological horror is how unequivocally human the story is. Depression is as real as it gets, and while effectively using bedsheets in your face to hammer home how inescapable it can be, it is also heartbreaking. Luto is a narrative of loss, grief, and bargaining with that temptation to give up.
Wheel World is committed to the unparalleled sensation of freedom. Hampered by performance issues, it does its best to recreate the joys of cycling.