SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is an all around fantastic game. I was genuinely impressed by the sheer amount of variety in the level designs, gameplay mechanics, and minigames.
I went in with high expectations from Chained Echoes, but remarkably, it managed to exceed every one of them. The characters are enjoyable (although Robb can be a bit insufferable at times), and most of them are fleshed out pretty well by the end. The storyline isn’t overly convoluted either, and has just enough depth and twists to keep it interesting. The combat in particular surprised me with how engaging it was, all thanks to its inventive Overdrive system.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is not just an incredible DLC, but it’s an absolutely crucial part of the entire Horizon story.
Blasphemous 2 is a brilliant follow-up to its iconic predecessor. The combat has been improved from the original, and features new weapons and skills to better customize the gameplay to different playstyles.
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.
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.
Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition is everything fans of retro RPGs are looking for. It has well written characters, beautiful environments, decent combat and class systems, a fantastic musical score, and a story that gets deeper and more compelling the farther you delve into it.
If you’ve ever wondered what made Myst one of the best-selling PC games of all time, or just want to travel back to the mysterious island and relive the magic, there’s no better time than now. Pick up realMyst: Masterpiece Edition and experience the complex and curious adventure for yourself.
It’s a short game, taking about two to three hours to complete depending on how long it takes you to figure some puzzles out, but it’s well worth your time. I would also recommend playing it all in one sitting as that will make the whole experience more impactful.
Projection: First Light is a game that not only surprised me with its concept, but with its solid execution. It has a simple, yet incredible idea that I’m shocked hasn’t been utilized before. At least to this degree. The art style is beautiful with a subtle grace that adds to the whimsy of its narrative.
For the most part, Spiritfarer is a charming and upbeat game, but it covers the themes of death and loss with seriousness and respect. I was genuinely shocked by just how much I came to care about the spirits in my care. Learning about them and helping them move on gave the management sim side of the game have a lot more meaning.
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.
Dreamscaper is an amazing indie gem and is an easy recommendation for fans of roguelikes/lites. Much like with Hades, the combat is fun with an addictive gameplay loop, plus the fact that the story gets deeper and more is revealed as you play will keep you wanting to come back for more. Each time I dive in I have a hard time putting the game down.
I highly recommend Happy Game, especially if you’re looking for something creepy to play around this time of year. As someone who really enjoyed Chuchel and loves the macabre, Happy Game feels like it was tailor-made for me. It might not be a very long game, only taking about two to three hours to complete, but it’s an inexpensive game and well worth your time. Happy Game is extremely creative, and somehow is equally grotesque and charming. I adored every second of it.
All in all, I loved Night Reverie. It’s an extremely accessible game, with its puzzles successfully walking that fine line of being clear enough to solve without getting frustrated and still providing just enough challenge to stay interesting. Their variety keeps the game feeling fresh the whole time as well. Underneath its adorable aesthetic and cute characters is a surprisingly deep story that I didn’t see coming. Night Reverie provides an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Playing Card Shark feels like peeking behind the curtain of a magic show. The gameplay might involve following button prompts, but the lessons are genuine. After playing it I feel like I could use some of the skills I learned on my friends the next time we have a poker night. Uh… not that I would, of course!
I knew I was going to in for an interesting ride when I started Norco, but I had no idea just how insane it would get. I do honestly mean insane, but in the best of ways. I’ve never had a game make me ask “what the hell is going on?” quite as much as Norco.
Believe me when I say that the trailers don’t do it justice, because there’s a much deeper game here than I could have ever expected. Changing up the visual novel formula by telling the story not only through dialogue options, but also through tarot card readings, is an ingenious concept. This encourages replayablility, especially with offering seven different endings, an makes each playthrough unique.
Chants of Sennaar is a wonderfully refreshing puzzle adventure game. There’s huge satisfaction in making progress without the game holding your hand through every step. It reminds me of Tunic in this regard. You’re given only the basic idea of what to do, and the rest is up to your own powers of observation and deduction in order to figure things out and progress.
Even though A Tiny Sticker Tale is a very short game, taking only between two hours if you just stick to the main story and closer to four if you find everything, it is an adventure that’s very much worth your time. I haven’t been this enchanted by a bite-sized game since A Short Hike. With there being an abundance of massive and overly long games out right now, sometimes you just need a brief and captivating reprieve.