Heidi Hawes


177 games reviewed
72.9 average score
75 median score
61.6% of games recommended
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Jul 27, 2021

The Forgotten City is a game unlike any I’ve ever experienced before. I wasn’t kidding when I said I couldn’t put it down. Then I went back and played it again with a different character. I am truly shocked that this game was developed by only three people! The creative concept, smooth controls, clever time-looping mechanic, and stunning graphics are on par with the quality of work of some major studios.

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The De Vespe Conspiracy turned out to be an expansion I didn’t know I wanted until I had it. It’s a true-to-form addition to a game I already loved. Any excuse to revisit Teer Fradee is a welcome journey, even if it’s quite short, only taking about three to four hours to complete. Still, it gave me more insight into a few characters I thought I knew fairly well.

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Jul 5, 2021

As a whole, I can’t recommend Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance. If you’re attempting to play it on a last gen system, it’s almost impossible to get through. Even if you’re playing it on a current gen system, it’s still not worth your time. It’s simply not fun. It’s so bland and generic that it’s a slog to get through. There are many other co-op action adventure games out there are much more entertaining, such as Diablo III or Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance. And the latter isn’t even that good to begin with.

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Jul 2, 2021

The Corruption Within might have its flaws, but I’d still recommend it to anyone who likes classic point-and-click adventure games. It is short, only taking about two hours to beat while getting all the achievements, but it’s an engaging ride while it lasts.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Legend of Mana
Jun 30, 2021

I enjoyed this remaster of Legend of Mana. It kept the same feel of the original (almost to a fault), so any fans of this classic adventure will undoubtedly love this remaster. It’s gorgeous to look at and listen to while you enjoy the journey. I really wish there had been quality of life improvements to the combat and better explanations of how to set up the map, though.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Backbone
Jun 18, 2021

The main reason it’s hard to recommend Backbone is that so much is left unanswered. I truly hope there will be more games in the franchise, because the world building and character development are outstanding. If they could bring back the puzzles and stealth elements from the prologue into future titles, then I have no doubt EggNut could have a classic on their hands.

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I was expecting to get a fun yet mediocre game that would be an enjoyable way to pass the time for a coupe of hours. However, what I got was a charming, addicting, tightly controlled experience with some lovable characters in a fantastic setting. It’s not the most punishing puzzle/platformer out there, so veterans and more casual gamers alike can enjoy themselves in this Celtic adventure.

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8 / 10.0 - Mutazione
Jun 8, 2021

I had an unexpectedly good time with Mutazione. I thought it was going to be more of a quirky point-and-click adventure, but it turned out to be something very different. Not that that’s a bad thing! Quite the contrary, in fact. Mutazione proved to be an unbelievably zen experience that I haven’t enjoyed since I last played Spiritfarer, which, considering how much I loved that game, is pretty high praise.

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4.5 / 10.0 - Of Bird and Cage
Jun 4, 2021

Streamlining it to be more of an immersive walking sim with various morality choices would have fit the flow of the game better. I appreciate what they were going for, I really do. I adore this concept. However, sometimes a great idea doesn’t translate well to a video game.

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May 26, 2021

You can tell a lot of love and care has gone into the recreation of this over decades old game, and I for one am thrilled to have experienced it.

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It was only by a most serendipitous happenstance that I even stumbled across The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark. I might have known about it until now, but I’m officially a fan.

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7 / 10.0 - Tasomachi
Apr 14, 2021

I’ll admit that I was disappointed at first because it wasn’t the type of game I was expecting from the trailer. Then once I came to terms with what it actually offered, I was able to change my mindset and settle in for the ride. The easygoing nature of the game, along with exploring its beautiful environments, became a mellow, cathartic experience.

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9.5 / 10.0 - It Takes Two
Apr 7, 2021

The level of creativity and ingenuity is mind-blowing. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun with a game from start to finish. And for a game that’s about sixteen to eighteen hours long, that is quite a feat. For a title that tackles surprisingly mature themes, there’s a ridiculous amount of charm woven into every aspect of it. So no matter who you are or what games you enjoy, grab a partner and play It Takes Two right away because this is a game in which everyone can find something to love.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Genesis Noir
Apr 3, 2021

This game was not at all what I was expecting, but in a good way. It is definitely not your run-of-the-mill noir drama.There are some truly interesting ideas in here that are presented with a strong scientific basis. As someone who has studied a bit of Astronomy, I was pleased to see such a creative take on cosmological knowledge. For fans of Astronomy, casual adventures, and unique experiences, Genesis Noir is a journey worth taking.

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People who like casual games and dark, immature humor might enjoy this, but Freakpocalypse was truly designed with the fans in mind. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t a complete game, but rather the first installment in a trilogy. That being said, it will still take you several hours to complete, especially if you take your time exploring and speaking to everyone. While it’s not a challenging game by any means, the absurdist humor is enough to make it enjoyable the whole way through.

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8 / 10.0 - Gnosia
Mar 18, 2021

I have to say that Gnosia really impressed me. I completely underestimated it by assuming it was just going to be some monotonous visual novel mystery game. I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. The steady introduction of new elements, complex characters, and intriguing gameplay make Gnosia delightfully addicting.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Maquette
Mar 9, 2021

The story is one that we’ve all seen before, but the performances from Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Gabel make it easier to get attached to. Most of the puzzles are beyond easy, but this is a game that’s more about the journey than about stretching your mind muscles. Some might think this game is too short, taking only about three to four hours to complete, but I think its length was perfect.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Dry Drowning
Mar 5, 2021

I was pleasantly surprised by Dry Drowning. The setting was interesting, the choices mattered, and the story was compelling enough to make me want to see it through to the end. While not all of the socio-political story elements were original, there were still plenty of mysteries and twists that kept me captivated.

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Feb 17, 2021

The combat is uninspired and tedious, as is the music. The time mechanic is a great idea and adds a level of strategy to the game, but it’s poorly explained and results in a lot of wasted time trying to figure things out. If you’re a fan of 80’s and 90’s action/adventure RPGs, especially the Quest for Glory games, then maybe give it a try if it’s on sale.

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5 / 10.0 - Nuts
Feb 5, 2021

I feel like I was completely duped by its misleading trailer. The concept does have potential, but they didn’t go dark enough or weird enough with it. The story never gets terribly interesting and it leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions. It’s also incredibly short.

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