Paula Moore
Once again, Nintendo has proved why they, as a company, are still around and producing fantastic video games. The Legend of Zelda has always been a wonderful game series, and Tears of the Kingdom is no exception; Nintendo smashed this one out of the park. I love it, and everything that Nintendo has changed, updated, and improved on from BOTW is evident in their six years of Tears of the Kingdom development. If you only ever play one video game, it should be The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game is magnificent, gorgeous and outstanding. It is absolute bliss to be back in Hyrule, Tears of the Kingdom is a sublime experience. Two thumbs Up is our highest score, but it doesn’t feel like it’s high enough for Tears of the Kingdom; if I could, it would be a four thumbs up from me.
Overall I’m sure if you have stayed reading this review until now, you will have surmised that I have mixed feelings about Minabo – a walk through life. While I applaud the developers for trying something different from every other game genre out there, I think choosing a nondescript vegetable like a turnip to convey the feelings it is meant to have to the player was the wrong choice. Moreover, the game may have lovely music and beautiful graphics, but it’s not enough to make the gameplay interesting and make you want to continue playing.
It’s hard not to compare Super Dungeon Maker to the Zelda series, and the game does not attempt to hide the similarities, but it is not Zelda. I also think the game could do with some more assets to give you more variety in what you can use when building your dungeon. Hopefully, an update at some stage will add more assets. Super Dungeon Maker will scratch that itch for players who want to create a dungeon with a hint of Zelda.
There is so much to Roots of Pacha, all packed into a gameplay time of around 40 hours. You can see the love the developers have put into the game as you play, and, amazingly, it was all developed by such a small team. If simulation, farming, crafting, and so much more are what you enjoy in a game, then Roots of Pacha is worth checking out.
Overall, I like Trinity Trigger. You can see the influence of the Secret of Mana from the development team in Trinity Trigger, but it is not a Secret of Mana clone. I also like the modern touches of gameplay mixed with the older styles. However, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think that there are bigger and better RPGs already available, and it will be the prestige of the development team that attracts players to the game.
I have very mixed feelings about Molly Medusa: Queen of Spit. I liked exploring the temples and the puzzles but not the gravity gimmick. On the other hand, I can see the likeness to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and that’s great if the developers wanted to pay homage to the Zelda series. However, other than exploring the temples, the world is pretty empty and void of any personality. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But with Molly Medusa: Queen of Spit, I’m not sure it is flattery in this case.
Overall, Blocks Tracks Trains has the beginnings of a great sandbox toy. Furthermore, a few tweaks here and there with the UI and adding music would be an excellent addition. However, this one is more a toy than a game so it won’t be for every player.
Overall, I like Oxygen; it offers a challenge and has great potential. But, unfortunately, it all feels a bit generic and much like any other survival game out there. Alternatively, if you hesitate to buy the game, you could try out the free Oxygen: First Breath demo on the Steam store
Grimgrad is shaping up to be an interesting survival simulation game. However, it still has a way to go before it feels like a fully developed game. Between the UI needing work and the mechanics of the Gods not being implemented fully into the gameplay, Grimgrad is one to keep an eye on for the moment. Hopefully, given time, it will come out of the development oven properly cooked.
Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist is a sequel; however, you don’t have to have played the first game to enjoy Passpartout 2; you can jump right in. The overarching plot involving the Museum of the Masters is enjoyable. Though I think you would have to be creative and really enjoy art and design to have fun and get the most out of the game.
Package Rush is an enjoyable puzzle game; however, it has mostly identical gameplay throughout, with only a slight variation between all modes. While I like the game, I am left wondering why it has a price point of £4.29 on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch; it is priced at £13.49. That’s a massive price difference. Nevertheless, Package Rush is a nice time waster. Though I know what system I would buy the game for is the one where I could pay the lowest price!
GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a mix of a visual novel broken up by RTS battles. I went into GrimGrimoire OnceMore without knowing whether I would like the game or not! You see, the visual novel’s gameplay style isn’t my thing. However, I fell in love with the game, but it is not a title for everyone. Though if you’re in the mood for a clever strategy game that is fun and features battles and beautiful artwork and scenes, and a good story, then GrimGrimoire OnceMore definitely is recommended.
Terra Nil is a game that will make you aware of how important the balance of nature is. And how each living thing on the earth connects to each other. It doesn’t lecture, but its gameplay does make you think about the environment. It is a well-thought-out restoration game with relaxing gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and a nice challenge.
Numolition is a fun puzzle game that would be educational for young players since it is all about using your brain to add up numbers. Overall, there are over 120 bonus challenges to keep you engaged and a fun challenge for all ages in the family.
If you love farming games, you should give this one a shot. Blocky Farm is an excellent game for players who want to kill time at an appointment or get a quick gaming fix before bed. It’s great to pick up and play for a short gaming session with a cup of coffee!
Pharaoh: A New Era renews a classic of simulation games. While it could have improved some things, like the camera, the core gameplay basics from the original game are still there, updated for the new generation of players and for oldies like me too!
Train Life: A Railway Simulator is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library and a great alternative to mainstream railway sims that Switch players cannot access without a PC. This is definitely a fun game for those looking to get into the genre, but it is also good for those with a lot of experience. It’s also kind of addictive to transport mail and passengers to and fro.
I enjoyed Lilly’s Flower Shop; it is a fun game while it lasts. Unfortunately, the Steam store has many games similar in style to Lilly’s Flower Shop that are more interesting and offer the player a challenge. Lilly’s Flower Shop will fit the bill if you want a quick match-3 fix. However, I would look elsewhere if it’s a challenge you’re after.
Outlanders is a fun game with a significant challenge for the player. I enjoyed trying to meet the leaders’ demands on each mission. I didn’t always succeed first try, but that’s part of the challenge to try again.
Ruku’s Heart Balloon is an enjoyable take on the matching puzzle genre. While I wouldn’t rush out to buy the game as it didn’t offer me much of a challenge, puzzle fans may still enjoy it. However, its target audience of the younger age group will thoroughly enjoy this sweet tale of Ruku and Lish and won’t notice the grammar mistakes.