Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania that is also a re-imagining of Pac-Man, taking place in a dark sci-fi world of classic Namco arcade games. The classic Pac-Man gameplay works surprisingly well in this new format. It has a slow start, but once it clicks, you are treated to a great Metroidvania. The difficulty can get quite high, and while not everyone likes that, I loved how rewarding the game felt. It needs a few updates to sort things out, but it's still a great time—I can't stop playing.
Return to Ash is a visual novel about being dead and being alone. It has a strong premise, but one I don't think it lives up to. My biggest issue stems from how short it is as when it finally starts to get interesting, the story is over. Still, it's a fine time, and there is one strong story route in here that shows it could be done with a little more time. I still think it's worth a try, just know you'll do everything in an afternoon.
Ruffy and the Riverside is a 3D platformer from Zockrates Lab. It is inspired by platformers of the late 90s and early 2000s and wears that inspiration on its sleeve. It wears that inspiration well, though, and offers not only a game that fits on the shelf with its inspirations but one that is able to stand out as well. A short but fun time that is a must-play for any fan of the genre, or anyone that grew up with it.
Star Soraight Fantasy: Magic to Reach the Sky is a Metroidvania starring Tokino Sora. Fans of the VTuber will find much to love, but others will not so much. On the other hand, it is a serviceable Metroidvania that doesn't excel in the elements. The game doesn't overstay its welcome, and the short runtime makes it so it never really falters. Still, I can say the game is fine, and the passion on display was at least nice to see.
Ao Oni: The Horror of Blueberry Onsen is a horror game I have trouble recommending. While I have nostalgia for it, I don't know if someone without a connection to the series will get much out of it. It's very short and has frustrating monster spawn rates. But even after all that, I still had fun thanks to some clever puzzles, and even played it more than once thanks to the new leaderboard. My issues with the original are still here, but strangely endearing. Worth a play for fans of the series, but your mileage may vary.
Tetris: The Grand Master 4 -Absolute Eye- is a great way to play Tetris. It helped me rediscover a love for Tetris I once had, and for the first time, I'm trying different control schemes and modes. Sadly, the game is still in a buggy state and needs some work. The dev team is listening and communicating with players, and I do have faith these issues will get fixed, even if it might take a while. Even after all that, I can still recommend it, and this will be the version I continue to play.
All in Abyss: Judge the Fake is a visual novel poker RPG that only excels in one aspect. The actual poker games are a lot of fun, but the whole thing is held back by a lacking narrative. The characters are not interesting, the antagonist are not memorable, and the story falls apart the more you play. It's a shame because I really enjoyed playing Texas hold 'em when the game allowed me to, it just paired with a story I plan on forgetting.
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is a dark visual novel set in ancient China. It tackles some harsh subjects, so I can't recommend it to all, but those who can stomach it will be greeted with a satisfying narrative of redemption. The pacing isn't the best in the first half, but the art and voice acting help elevate the story. What's left is a story I'm glad I experienced, problems and all.
Order 13 is both a horror game and a simulator. While I think it nails the horror environment for the most part, it falls short on the simulator aspect. It's still a fun time, but it has issues that become more apparent as you play, but it ends before any of them become a major issue. Even the cat, while cute, could be fleshed out a bit more too. While I was hoping it would do more, I still had fun and don't regret the hours I gave it.
Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog inspired by sci-fi adventure games and anime of the 80s. Not only does it hit all the notes it goes for it excels in them. The game has a gripping narrative filled with characters I fell in love with. The Gun-Dog itself feels like a real live-in ship that I wanted to keep exploring as well. It looks beautiful as well and has a soundtrack I got lost in. The game is short but I'm already playing again to see what scenarios I missed. I can't recommend it enough, and can't wait to see what other players find on their first playthrough.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a 2D action RPG Metroidvania. It's able to set it self apart from other in the genre and be something great. With an intriguing mystery I felt compelled to unravel, and a fun combat system that encourages experimentation. A short but compelling adventure and I already feel like playing again. Ender Magnolia is something special, and I hope Binary Haze Interactive continues to make more.
SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is a third-person, mech-based PvPvE with looter and extraction shooter elements. It does have potential, but it's sadly held back by a live service format and its monetization elements. Although there's fun to be had online, the game makes it a hassle to actually play with others, and the combat and gameplay loop can become repetitive.
The RIKI 8bit GAME Collection is a fine collection of homebrew titles that will make anyone nostalgic. Packed with two games that feel out the arcade, and a trilogy of albums any fan of chiptune will enjoy. The package may feel lacking for some, and it does feel like an enthusiast product, but there is still something here for any fan of retro games.
The Matchless Kungfu is an incredibly ambitious sandbox from HuanMos Game. The game says build your story and give you every opportunity too. You can play the game anyway you want and still have a great time. Problems come up when you encounter bugs or localization issues. The game also tries to do a lot and not all the systems work. It excels in a lot but also misses the mark in just as much. The game still needs work but with constant updates and a roadmap planned, I am optimistic for the future.
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.