Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a fun look back at the seventh console generation. It sometimes feels dated, has a narrative I skipped over, and can be clunky. But I can't deny how much fun I had with it. It has a world full of creativity I wanted to see more of. Gameplay elements that elevate the core loop are a lot of fun. And some creative set pieces and bosses I greatly adored. At its best, it feels like playing a horror movie, and I'm already on my next playthrough.
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a delight that I can recommend to fans of the series. With no calendar system, play at your own pace with no need to rush. Help out the villagers, collect everything, and even compete in races. It's a story you can tackle whenever it feels pulled out of the anime. Beautiful visuals that make the price of admission worth it alone. Sadly, a critical save bug keeps me from recommending the PC version. While I wanted the game to do more, I can't deny that I enjoyed my time and hope it continues to improve.
Hookah Haze is a short but sweet visual novel that tries to tell a lot. While it doesn't dive deep into the ideas it proposes it's still a fun time all can enjoy. All the characters stand out, and you will want to help them all. Great art and music accompany you in this story of death and life. While I wanted it to do more with its premise, I can't deny this is still a good time.
Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid is an open-world life simulator I had a lot of fun with. Live summer to the fullest as you explore Yomogi Town. Go climbing, fishing, bug catching, and even treasure hunting to collect everything. Talk to the town and make friends, even solve mysteries and play with spirits. A world of limitless possibilities await you in this nostalgic adventure.
SteamWorld Heist II is a turn-based strategy action game brimming with character. A game most players can find enjoyment in, either through the combat or narrative. Fine tune the gameplay to fit your playstyle, as experimentation is encouraged. Join the crew of Captain Leeway as you root for him to overcome his one insecurities. This is a simple but fun game, and it's a fine addition to the SteamWorld universe.
Darkest Dungeon II is a roguelike RPG not for the faint of heart. Traverse a dark but beautiful world as you carry humanities last hope. What can be an overwhelming experience is also a rewarding one. The difficulty will turn away some people but those that persist will find minutes turn to hours. Be ready for anything as the world is constantly changing, no two playthroughs will be the same. Get your party ready, get in the stagecoach, and try to save the world.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded is a step up from it's original mobile form, but it doesn't fix all the issues. All the touch ups and retooling can't cover up that this was originally a gacha game that wanted you to spend money. If the core gameplay loop clicks for you though, get ready to have this game running for hours as you grind away. Not perfect by any means but something I find myself running in the background as I write this review.
Splodey is a fun 2D platformer that removes the jump button for momentum-based puzzles. What could be a gimmick becomes much more as the game stands on its own as a pretty fun game. Some annoying levels do hold it back from being something more, but it's still a very fun time. It boasts a high replay value for those who want it, and even now, I find myself picking it up to play through it once more.
Indika attempts a lot with its short runtime, and it succeeds in many ways but falters in some. I have nothing but respect for the story it is telling and even enjoyed most of my time with it. Great characters and voice acting elevate an already memorable story, but sadly, it doesn't always hit the mark, and technical issues can bring it down a bit. It's still quite the experience, and I look forward to what the developer does next.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board is a different enough party game that stands on its own. Sadly, it doesn't do enough to recommend playing it over its contemporaries. The world of Demon Slayer does a lot to carry the game forward and fill it with charm, but the minigames don't have as much going for them and lack variety. It is fun enough to recommend playing once with friends but not enough to play more than that.
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms is an addictive and rewarding experience. A few quality of life adjustments can make this game even better throughout multiple playthroughs. It's not a perfect beat 'em up, but it's a worthy entry in the River City series.
Wattam is a delight to play. From the cute aesthetic, to the amazing soundtrack, there is much to enjoy here.
It’s clear that Highwire put a lot into this game and wanted to make something special. The world is spectacular and I genuinely love the story this game tells. The game sounds amazing and I want nothing more that to just be able to explore this world in a more comfortable setting. Sadly all of that gets thrown out the window when you try to play.