Even though Europa didn’t turn out to be what I’d hoped for, it’s still worth your time if you’re looking for a completely casual experience. I think I was lead astray by the trailers, which make it look more curious and puzzle-centered than it actually is. I was expecting something more along the lines of Omno or RiME, but what we got was something more akin to a Journey knock-off. It’s not bad by any means, just not quite what I was hoping for.
Neva is a fantastic and emotional journey the whole way through. The bond between Alba and Neva feels real and earned, so the stakes feel even higher when danger befalls them. It’s a game that makes us think about the hardships of life and survival, but at its core drives home one main theme: hope. Neva will have you running through a whole gambit of emotions in its four hour run time, so have some tissues handy, but it’s an experience well-worth your time.
I absolutely adored The Plucky Squire. It takes the simplicity of older 2D games and mixes it with the fun exploration found in more modern 3D puzzle platformers. My only complaint is that I found the puzzles to be a bit too devoid of challenge, as I would have loved to have seen more done with the page-turning, book-shifting concepts they introduced. Still, this is a game that is truly something unique and can be enjoyed by everyone, especially with all the accessibility options available.
Despite some confusion and frustration in the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Ten Bells. If you’re a fan of anomaly games, then you definitely shouldn’t pass up this one. There are some truly excellent scares and a hauntingly creepy story to be uncovered. With Halloween around around the corner, now is the perfect time to sip on a pint of beer and unravel the mystery of The Ten Bells.
It’s clear that a lot of love and care has gone into Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition. The graphics and soundtrack have had a full overhaul, and some much needed QoL improvements make the playing experience far more enjoyable. The inclusion of the treasure hunt that delves more into Jade’s past make me hopeful that we’ll finally get Beyond Good & Evil 2 someday, but I’ll temper my expectations until it’s confirmed.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game has some creative ideas that wonderfully pay homage to the cult classic film. The Klowns look fantastic and the Klowntalities are fun to watch, but there are still just too many issues that keep it from being something truly special. Playing as the Humans feels like a huge disadvantage unless you can get a good crew together that communicates well. It’s a shame that this game feels like it’s so empty right off the bat because there are some fun times to be had if you can get matched up with other real players and not all bots.
FLATHEAD is a game that piqued my interest with its creepy art design, but I was in no way prepared for just how addictive it can be. Its unique spin on such a simple concept as the Over/Under game makes it great to play in short bursts, but it also adds in enough other overarching story elements to keep you coming back for more. I have loved every second of my time with FLATHEAD, and I’m fully under its spell and won’t be getting over it anytime soon.
There’s nothing more exhilarating than having that “eureka” or “a ha” moment after piecing together something that seemed almost impossible at first glance, and there are plenty of those moments to be found in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. If you’re at all a fan of ingenious puzzles, then do yourself a favor and pick up your trusty notepad and pencil, and dive into Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.
I enjoyed my time with Duck Detective: The Secret Salami a lot more than I was initially expecting. It proved to be a more engaging experience than what I first thought from the trailer. Sure, some of the gameplay and interrogation elements could have been fleshed out more, but at its core, it’s a game that has more intricacies than it lets on at first.
INDIKA might have been hit and miss with some of its gameplay elements and had some pacing issues, but one thing is certain: it’s definitely a game that swung for the fences and took a lot of risks. It’s weird and bizarre in all the best ways. It’s a game that hooks you right from the start and will hold your attention until the credits roll. I can’t say it’s a happy experience, but it’s one with a very clear vision and strong message, controversial as it might be. INDIKA is one of those rare games that takes you completely by surprise and sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a fine game, and one I recommend playing. What disappoints me most is just how little was done to this version to set itself apart from the original. The gameplay remains untouched, other than a completely clunky and bizarre co-op mode. The main changes were an enhanced soundtrack and graphics, but the large majority of the game is exactly the same as it was before.
Interactive narrative games might not be for everyone, but As Dusk Falls is still one that I’ll recommend to just about everyone. It keeps you constantly engaged, with high stakes and choices that actually matter, no matter how seemingly insignificant they might seem. This is one of the first interactive dramas that’s managed no not only hold my attention, but kept me so captivated that I finished my first playthrough in one sitting. Then I went back for more. If you’re on the fence about checking it out, I implore you to not let the curtain fall on As Dusk Falls.
Yes, it’s completely filled with silliness, often times taking clear inspiration from games like Return to Monkey Island, but there’s a lot more to it than just zany humor. At times it has real heart, especially when it comes to the relationship between Lil and her father. Not every sinister looking monster is truly a villain, some are just poor, misunderstood creatures looking for some compassion. Lil’ Guardsman is absolutely delightful to play, and you should allow it entry into your life.
Even though I wasn’t blown away by Her Story or Telling Lies, Immortality has proven itself to be Sam Barlow’s best work to date, by a landslide. On paper, this game might sound pretentious, but it is truly a piece of art. Immortality has captivated me in a way that few games in recent memory have. Even though I unlocked the “True Ending”, I still keep finding myself going back for more, and with each revisit, I do indeed find more secrets. Immortality won’t be to everyone’s liking, but for those of us who love a good mystery and narrative adventure, this game will get under your skin and have you thinking about it for a long time.
Sometimes it’s hard to remove the nostalgia glasses and appreciate the new version of something you once held so dear. I stand by my sentiments that I wish Stauf had been more sinister, menacing, and present in this remake. The original also has more mystery surrounding what transpired, especially with the kids, but this one lays most of it out for you right at the start. In the end though, The 7th Guest VR did manage to win me over, thanks to its jaw-dropping graphics, disquieting atmosphere, and inventive puzzle designs.
The characters are charming and the views of space and Mars are remarkable in VR. My biggest complaint is that it’s quite short, taking only about an hour and a half to beat. Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway was so much fun that I wanted more! For anyone looking for a delightful, family-friendly adventure, Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway is a cracking good time!
This is one of those games that comes along every once in a great while, and I can’t recommend it enough to absolutely everyone. Whether or not you’re well versed in the genre, you should absolutely hop onboard and get ready to sail the Sea of Stars. If not for yourself, do it for Garl.
Zipp’s Café is an enjoyable (albeit short) adventure set within the wild world of the Chicken Police games. It does quite a bit within its short runtime to connect the events of the first game to the upcoming sequel, which will no doubt appease the fans (like myself) until the next full installment is released. However, it also delivers a compelling story on its own merit, making it an intriguing standalone game in its own right.
Invincible Presents: Atom Eve could have been a great concept for a video game, but the end result feels more like a hollow cash grab. While parts of it are technically a new adventure, certain major story beats have already been covered in the comics and show, making this journey feel unnecessary. Your choices don’t really matter and the combat is as shallow as a puddle. If you’re looking for the thrill of the Invincible universe, I’d recommend just rewatching the show or reading the comics. Invincible Presents: Atom Eve lacks the punch and ferocity that makes Invincible so enthralling.
This is honestly one of the best kart racers around, and a genuine competitor to Mario Kart. Despite the disappointing vocal performances, the rest of the game is marvelous. The controls are tight and responsive, the character roster is robust, and the level designs are really inventive. Pair that with an awesome soundtrack that retains the spirit of your favorite films, but throws its own souped up spin on it, and you’ve you a recipe for success.