Rotwood is a very enjoyable action game that keeps things focused and approachable. Its bite-sized hunts, smooth combat and steady progression make it easy to jump into, whether you’re playing for ten minutes or an entire evening. The variety of weapons, upgrades and co-op options gives the experience plenty of staying power, while the art style and monster designs add personality to every run. Whether you prefer playing solo or teaming up with friends, Rotwood offers a fun and flexible adventure that’s well worth checking out. I had an absolute blast playing it, and hopefully you will too
Minishoot’ Adventures manages to combine two genres in a way that feels natural and engaging. By blending open exploration with shmup-style twin-stick shooting, it offers something that stands apart from the usual action-adventure formula. The flexible upgrade system, accessible difficulty options and rewarding sense of discovery make it easy to recommend to a wide audience. Whether you enjoy skilful shooters or simply want a relaxed adventure to explore at your own pace, there’s plenty here to love. It’s creative, energetic and consistently fun to return to. By the time I finished my time with it, I was already thinking about jumping back in for another flight. More good news if you buy the Switch version, the upgrade to Switch 2 is free.
The New Zealand Story: Untold Adventure is an interesting attempt to bring a retro platformer back to modern audiences. It retains the core idea of rescuing kiwis across challenging stages, complete with quirky weapons, flying vehicles and unusual boss fights. For players unfamiliar with the original, this remake may simply feel like a tricky but colourful platformer with an unusual premise. Longtime fans, however, may find themselves feeling a bit nostalgic for the original arcade version. While the remake captures the basic structure, it doesn’t always recreate the same spark that made the classic so memorable. That said, it’s clear the developers approached the project with genuine appreciation for the source material. With some additional polish, it could become a more enjoyable way to revisit Tiki’s adventure. For now, it’s a remake that may appeal to curious newcomers or dedicated retro fans, though the original game still remains a very special experience in its own right
Mirage 7 is the sort of adventure that reminds you of a different era of game design. It focuses on storytelling, exploration and puzzle solving rather than complex systems or endless upgrades. The combat can feel repetitive, and some technical rough spots appear here and there, but the game’s creativity and atmosphere help carry it through. The story, interesting world and enjoyable puzzles make it easy to stay invested in Nadira’s journey. It might not be a flawless experience, but it’s an engaging one. If you enjoy narrative-driven adventures with a focus on exploration and problem-solving, Mirage 7 is definitely worth a look.
Under The Island doesn’t try to tear up the rulebook. Instead, it takes a well-loved formula and adds just enough of its own personality to make it worth your time. The puzzles are enjoyable, the dungeons are thoughtfully built, and the island itself is a fun place to explore. It may lean heavily on that classic top-down adventure blueprint, but it delivers a solid, engaging experience with a few surprises tucked away. If you’re in the mood for a colourful quest with light humour and satisfying exploration, this is an easy recommendation.
Dobbel Dungeon doesn’t try to overwhelm you with systems or complicated mechanics. It introduces its ideas gently, then builds on them as you go. What I liked most is how welcoming it feels. Tactical RPGs can sometimes feel like homework. This one feels inviting. You learn as you play, and before you know it, you’re thinking three turns ahead without even realising it. It’s engaging without being exhausting. And once it gets its hooks in, it’s surprisingly difficult to step away from. If you’ve been curious about grid-based RPGs but never quite taken the plunge, this is a great place to start. And if you already enjoy the genre, there’s enough depth here to keep you busy. I had a really good time with it. Simple as that.
Fate’s Theater is a quiet surprise. It starts reserved, even slightly confusing, but grows richer the more you invest in it. Beneath its simple card clashes lies a clever balance of strategy, resource management, and storytelling. It won’t satisfy those looking for deep competitive complexity. But for players who enjoy thoughtful duels, dark fairy-tale humour, and discovering strange little narrative outcomes, there’s something quite special here. It’s gentle without being dull. Strategic without being stressful. And those tiny rhyming tales give it a personality. For a modestly priced indie experience, it absolutely earns a recommendation.
Demon Tides feels like a confident step forward. It expands the scope, refines the controls, and delivers a more polished experience overall. The platforming is responsive, creative, and satisfying. Exploration feels great, exploring every corner of the world. While the story and humour won’t resonate equally with everyone, the gameplay carries the experience easily. And if you weren’t completely sold on Demon Turf, this sequel might be the one that clicks. There’s also a free demo available, which makes it easy to test the waters before committing. For fans of 3D collectable platformers, this is absolutely worth checking out. It’s energetic and clearly built by a team that understands how good movement should feel. I had a great time with it, and I suspect many others will too.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the most complete version of an already strong action RPG. The refined performance, expanded story and extra challenges make it the definitive way to experience Adol and Karja’s journey across Obelia Bay. If you’re new to Ys or skipped the original release, this is an easy recommendation. Fast combat, enjoyable exploration and a solid central duo carry the experience confidently. If you’re a returning veteran, your enjoyment will depend on how ready you are to relive the voyage. Either way, Falcom proves there’s still plenty of life in this long-running series.
Cairn is not a casual climbing game. It’s methodical, demanding, and occasionally stubborn. It will test your patience. It will make you rethink your route. And yes, it may frustrate you. But it’s also thoughtful, distinctive, and deeply absorbing when you meet it on its terms. This is a game about preparation, persistence, and pushing upward even when progress feels slow. It quietly mirrors life in that way; big goals rarely come with smooth routes. It won’t be for everyone. Players looking for a cosy stroll may find it intense. But if you’re willing to approach it with patience and curiosity, Cairn offers something genuinely memorable. I came away from it challenged, occasionally exasperated, but ultimately impressed. And honestly? That summit feels earned.
In My Bubble is a reminder that free-to-play doesn’t have to mean compromised. This is a thoughtful, well-constructed 3D platformer built around a creative mechanic and a welcoming tone. While some platforming elements can be a little awkward, the forgiving design and steady stream of ideas more than make up for it. It’s accessible for all ages, rewarding to explore, and generous with its content. Honestly, it wouldn’t feel out of place as a paid release, which makes its free price tag all the more impressive. If you enjoy 3D platformers and want something gentle, imaginative, and genuinely enjoyable, In My Bubble is absolutely worth your time.
Anthem#9 is a confident debut that takes familiar ideas and reshapes them into something distinctive. Its blend of deck-building, gem matching, and roguelike progression feels thoughtful rather than gimmicky, and the moment-to-moment gameplay is consistently engaging. There’s a short learning curve, but once the systems fall into place, the game reveals a depth that rewards repeated runs and experimentation. Whether you’re drawn in by strategy, style, or the sheer satisfaction of well-timed combos, Anthem#9 offers something worth your time. If you enjoy roguelikes and want something that feels new and original to the genre, this is well worth checking out.
Astro Party EX doesn’t promise endless progression systems or competitive depth, and it doesn’t try to be more than it needs to be. What it delivers is a lightweight, easy-to-access multiplayer experience that works best when shared with others in the same room. For a free-to-play game with no aggressive monetisation, it’s hard to be overly critical. There’s room for expansion, perhaps with AI bots or additional modes, but even as it stands, Astro Party EX succeeds at what it sets out to do. If you’re looking for a simple multiplayer game to fill a gap during a game night, this is well worth a download.
SkullPirates is a decent, no-nonsense brawler that feels best enjoyed in short bursts or with friends on the couch. Its combat is accessible, its style is recognisable, and its low price makes it an easy recommendation for local game nights. In single player, though, the formula wears thin. Repetition sets in quickly, deaths can feel unfair, and the humour doesn’t always justify the unskippable cutscenes. But that will depend on the player’s individual tastes. If you’re looking for a cheap co-op game to fill an evening with friends, SkullPirates fits the bill. Just don’t expect it to hold your attention for long if you’re sailing solo.
Seven Seas Jewels Collector’s Edition is simply more match-3 goodness. What it offers is a solid, content-rich version of a familiar formula, free from aggressive monetisation and packed with levels to work through. If you already own Avalon Jewels, you may not feel a strong pull to jump into this unless you’re actively craving more of the same. But if you enjoy match-3 games as a way to unwind, switch your brain off, and chip away at puzzles over time, this does the job well. It’s not doing anything bold or unexpected, but it is reliable, complete, and enjoyable in short or long sessions. It also works great on Steam Deck.
Steel Century Groove isn’t flawless, but it’s genuinely fun. The rhythm battles are engaging, the soundtrack is excellent, and the idea of settling rivalries through mech dance-offs never gets old. The story and characters won’t click with everyone, and the structure can feel repetitive at times, but the core gameplay does more than enough to hold your attention. It feels like the start of something special, and I’d love to see how this concept could evolve in the future. At the very least, the free demo is worth checking out. It might just make you want to get your groove on.
My Tiny Landscape is a thoughtful, strategy game that respects your time and attention. It offers meaningful decisions without overwhelming you, and it balances calm vibes with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. While I would have liked to see more progression or variety over the long term, what’s here is well put together and satisfying to play. It’s the kind of game you come back to when you want to slow down, think a little, and watch something nice take shape.
Snowman Mo is a feel-good adventure that deserves more attention than it’s received so far. It balances light gameplay with meaningful themes, all wrapped in a friendly, approachable package. It won’t appeal to players looking for high difficulty or constant action, but for anyone wanting a calm, story-focused experience, it’s an easy recommendation. It’s especially well-suited for playing with younger players watching along, or for those evenings when you want something comforting without being dull. Snowman Mo made me smile more than once, and it left a lasting impression thanks to its heart and sincerity.
Avalon Jewels is a reminder of why match-3 games became popular in the first place. It offers a complete experience with plenty of content, varied objectives, and satisfying mechanics, all without asking for extra payments along the way. It’s familiar, comfortable, and easy to enjoy, especially if you’ve drifted away from the genre due to how aggressive it has become elsewhere. It won’t surprise seasoned puzzle fans with bold new ideas. What it delivers is a well-made, feature-complete match-3 game that focuses on fun. If you’ve missed this style of puzzle game, Avalon Jewels is well worth your time.
Warhead Circus is a game that grows on you. It doesn’t hold your hand, and it doesn’t immediately explain why it’s fun. But if you give it time, learn its rhythms, and accept that failure is part of the process, it becomes a compelling pick-up-and-play experience. It’s undeniably minimalistic, and there’s room for more variety, additional modes, or alternate bosses. Still, what’s here is fun. I started this game unsure and slightly frustrated, and I ended it wanting just one more run. If you’re looking for something different within the roguelite space, something that tests your reflexes and rewards persistence, Warhead Circus is well worth your time.