Culdcept The First is much more than an interesting piece of gaming history. Its combination of board game strategy, collectable cards and tactical battles still feels fresh today, and the new English localisation finally allows many players to experience a series classic that was previously out of reach. If you’ve recently enjoyed Culdcept Begi, this is a fascinating look at where everything started. Equally, newcomers shouldn’t feel intimidated; while the mechanics are deep, the game introduces them at a comfortable pace and rewards experimentation. It may not completely replace the newer entries for me, but that’s hardly the point. This is about preserving a genuinely unique strategy game and making it available for a new audience. I’m very glad it made the journey.
Splatoon Raiders feels like a natural evolution for the series. Rather than simply delivering another multiplayer-focused package with a short campaign attached, Nintendo has fully embraced what made those previous single-player modes enjoyable and expanded them into a complete adventure. The exploration is rewarding, the progression keeps you constantly unlocking exciting new toys, and the familiar ink-based gameplay remains every bit as entertaining as ever. Will it convert players who have never enjoyed Splatoon? Probably not. If the core shooting mechanics have never appealed to you, Raiders is unlikely to change your mind. Likewise, players who only ever cared about competitive multiplayer may still prefer the mainline entries. But if, like me, you’ve always found yourself wishing Nintendo would make a proper single-player Splatoon adventure… Well, this is exactly that. It’s colourful, funny, packed with personality and incredibly easy to lose yourself in for both quick sessions and longer evenings. Add in flexible difficulty options, satisfying progression and Nintendo’s usual level of polish, and you’ve got a fantastic new direction for the franchise. I genuinely loved my time with Splatoon Raiders, and I sincerely hope this isn’t the last time Nintendo lets the series venture into dedicated single-player territory. For me, this is an easy recommendation.
Truxton Extreme doesn’t reinvent the vertical shooter genre. Instead, it modernises a beloved arcade classic while preserving everything that made it memorable in the first place. The gameplay is fast, satisfying and wonderfully intense, the soundtrack is excellent, and the new visual style successfully updates the series without losing its identity. The biggest hurdle will undoubtedly be the difficulty. This is still a game built around persistence, practice and improving your skills over multiple attempts. Players looking for generous accessibility options or a more relaxed experience may bounce off fairly quickly. But if you’re someone who misses the golden age of arcade shooters, or you’re simply looking for a challenging action game that rewards mastery, Truxton Extreme delivers. It’s exciting, unapologetically retro, and proof that sometimes the old formulas still work brilliantly.
Turnip Mountain won me over. What first looked like another quirky physics game turned into something surprisingly relaxing, surprisingly rewarding and surprisingly difficult to put down. The climbing mechanics are satisfying, the controls become second nature surprisingly quickly, and every successful leap feels earned. More importantly, it understands that failure can still be enjoyable. Missing a jump rarely feels frustrating because the game gives you room to experiment, learn and immediately have another go. It became one of those games I found myself dipping into after a long day simply because climbing another level felt… nice. There’s something oddly therapeutic about slowly making your way higher, finding your own route and occasionally launching a turnip through the air with far more confidence than ability. It won’t be for everyone. Players looking for constant action or a deep narrative may find its simplicity a little too straightforward. But if you’re after a charming little adventure that lets physics, creativity and curiosity do most of the talking, Turnip Mountain is well worth the climb. Sometimes all you need for a memorable adventure is a mountain, a determined turnip and two ridiculously oversized hands.
Go North feels genuinely refreshing. It’s proof that you don’t need huge open worlds or complicated systems to create something memorable. Instead, it takes one very simple concept, walking through mazes, and wraps it inside beautiful environments, charming characters and an atmosphere that’s incredibly easy to sink into. More than anything else, it reminded me of taking a peaceful walk somewhere beautiful. Sometimes I’d be solving puzzles, sometimes I’d be chasing collectibles, and other times I’d simply stop and admire the scenery. That, I think, is where Go North finds its greatest strength. It isn’t trying to rush you. It simply asks you to keep heading north one step at a time. And honestly, I was more than happy to follow. A free demo is also available on Steam.
Wonder of Blue is one of those games that’s very easy to like, even if it never quite becomes one you’ll remember for years afterwards. Its Game Boy-inspired visuals are genuinely charming, the Alice in Wonderland theme gives it plenty of personality, and the low asking price makes it an accessible little indie adventure. At under five pounds, it’s certainly not an expensive gamble, especially with a free demo available on Steam if you’d like to try it first. Where it falls short is in the gameplay loop. Combat lacks a little impact, progression feels slower than I’d have liked, and the repeated dungeon runs never developed the momentum that keeps me coming back to great roguelikes. That doesn’t make Wonder of Blue a bad game. It’s simply a modest adventure with a lovely presentation that doesn’t quite capitalise on its strong ideas. If you’re a fan of classic Game Boy aesthetics or have a soft spot for Alice in Wonderland, there’s enough here to make it worth a look. Just keep your expectations in check. Sometimes cheap and cheerful is exactly what’s needed, and Wonder of Blue comfortably fits into that category. It’s a pleasant little journey through Wonderland, even if it doesn’t become an unforgettable one.
Dragon Dragon Fire Fire Deluxe! feels like a genuine love letter to arcade classics. Yes, its inspirations are obvious, but it never feels like a simple copy. The fire mechanics, destructible environments and satisfying chain reactions give it an identity of its own while still capturing everything that made those older games so enjoyable. Whether you’re playing alone, tackling it with a friend in local co-op, or simply chasing high scores, it’s incredibly easy to fall into that familiar “just one more level” mindset. Would I have liked a few optional accessibility features, such as removing the overall timer or offering unlimited continues? Absolutely. But even with those small criticisms, this remains a thoroughly enjoyable arcade platformer that’s packed with addictive gameplay and plenty of retro appeal. If you’re looking for a straightforward, affordable game that captures the spirit of the arcade era while adding a few clever ideas of its own, Dragon Dragon Fire Fire Deluxe! is well worth igniting on Pc or Steam Deck.
DAICE ended up becoming one of my favourite strategy roguelites I’ve played this year. It takes several familiar ideas, dice mechanics, inventory management, and roguelite progression, and combines them into something that feels fresh, thoughtful and incredibly enjoyable. The learning curve is gentle, the tactical depth steadily grows with each run, and there’s always another ship to unlock or another build to experiment with. It rewards careful planning without ever becoming overwhelming, making it equally enjoyable whether you’re sitting at your PC or relaxing with a Steam Deck. Yes, the presentation is modest, and those looking purely for visual spectacle may overlook it. That would be a real shame because underneath its simple exterior lies one of the smartest strategy games I’ve played this year. If you’ve been enjoying the recent wave of dice-powered games, DAICE absolutely deserves a place on your wishlist. Better still, if you’re someone who enjoys strategy games that reward thoughtful decisions over lightning-fast reflexes, this is an easy recommendation. Sometimes the biggest surprises come in the smallest packages. DAICE is one of those surprises, and for me it’s one of the standout strategy roguelites of 2026.
Culdcept BEGINS feels like a wonderful reintroduction to a series that’s been quietly building a dedicated following for years. Its combination of board game mechanics, card battles, territory control and deck building creates something that still feels unique today. It has plenty of strategic depth without making newcomers feel unwelcome, thanks to its gradual learning curve and thoughtful tutorials. Yes, luck can occasionally swing matches through unfortunate dice rolls, and the story isn’t quite as engaging as the gameplay itself. But neither of those issues stopped me from enjoying what Culdcept does best. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy games, deck builders or board games where every decision matters, there’s an awful lot to love here. It’s clever, rewarding, wonderfully different, and after finally experiencing the series for myself, I can absolutely see why Culdcept has maintained such a loyal fanbase for all these years.
Teeto is simply a lovely game. It doesn’t try to reinvent the platforming genre with massive complexity or punishing difficulty. Instead, it focuses on creating an adventure that’s welcoming, cheerful and genuinely enjoyable to play. The transformation mechanic is creative, the world is packed with secrets, the controls feel great, and the overall atmosphere is impossible not to smile at. Yes, it’s definitely aimed towards the more casual side of platforming, and experienced players looking for a serious challenge may find it a little too forgiving. Sometimes it’s nice to play a game that simply wants you to relax, explore and have fun. Teeto absolutely succeeds at that. If you’re a fan of classic 3D platformers, collectathons, or simply want something capable of brightening your day, this is an easy recommendation.
Hyperwired ended up being one of those games that quietly won me over. It doesn’t rely on a complicated story or cinematic presentation. Instead, it simply throws you into space, hands you a spaceship with an electrical plug hanging from the back and lets the gameplay do the talking. The shooting itself can occasionally feel a little fiddly before you’ve earned some upgrades, and there is a learning curve during those opening runs. Once everything starts coming together, though, it becomes a genuinely enjoyable pick-up-and-play experience that’s easy to recommend. At under ten pounds, it’s also very reasonably priced, and with a free demo available on Steam, there’s very little reason not to give it a try first. Hyperwired’s clever plug-and-socket mechanic gives it enough personality to stand out. Sometimes all it takes is one good idea, and in Hyperwired’s case, that idea is surprisingly… electrifying.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is exactly what it needed to be: a polished version of an already outstanding RPG. Returning to it years later gave me a much greater appreciation for what makes this game special. The story remains compelling, the world remains fascinating to explore, and the combat finally clicked with me in a way it never quite did the first time around. If you’ve already played this adventure multiple times, the new additions alone may not be enough to justify another hundred-hour commitment. But for newcomers, or players like me who haven’t visited Shulk’s adventure in a very long time, this is easily the best way to experience it. It’s a timeless RPG that still stands tall among Nintendo’s finest adventures, and one that feels just as rewarding today as it did when players first picked up the Monado all those years ago.
Beastro feels like a cosy player’s dream. It successfully combines farming, restaurant management, cooking minigames and deck-building roguelite mechanics into something that feels surprisingly cohesive. Not every element is explained perfectly, and some of the systems can initially feel a little confusing. The boss encounters occasionally felt harsher than I would have liked, too. Yet despite those issues, I found myself consistently enjoying my time with it. What impressed me most is how welcoming the game feels. It never seems interested in punishing the player. Instead, it gently encourages you forward, allowing you to learn, experiment and progress at your own pace. If you’re someone who enjoys cosy games and have perhaps been intimidated by more demanding roguelites in the past, Beastro might be exactly the kind of gateway experience you’re looking for. And if you simply want to spend your evenings growing vegetables, cooking meals, petting strange farm animals and helping save the world one dinner plate at a time, there’s plenty here to love.
33 Immortals could easily have been a gimmick. Instead, Thunder Lotus has created something that feels genuinely fresh within the roguelike genre. The 33-player structure isn’t just a marketing hook; it’s woven directly into the gameplay and creates memorable moments that simply wouldn’t exist in a traditional roguelike. The combat is enjoyable, the progression system is rewarding, the presentation is excellent and the cooperative focus works far better than I expected. Most importantly, it captures something that many online games struggle with: the feeling that everyone is working together without getting in each other’s way. For a concept that sounded almost impossible on paper, 33 Immortals ends up being a surprisingly successful rebellion.
Lost Castle 2 doesn’t reinvent the roguelite formula, but it does it well. It focuses on delivering satisfying combat, a mountain of loot, strong progression systems, and enough variety to make each run feel fresh. The combat is responsive, the loot is rewarding, and the steady stream of unlocks gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back. A few balancing issues and some overly dense item descriptions stop it from being perfect, but they’re small complaints in what is otherwise a very enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or completely new to the series, Lost Castle 2 is an easy recommendation for players who enjoy action-focused roguelites.
Unrailed 2: Back on Track is exactly the sequel I was hoping for. It preserves everything that made the original special while introducing enough new ideas to justify its existence. The deeper progression systems, boss encounters, expanded customisation, improved solo experience, and increased variety all help elevate what was already a fantastic concept. Most importantly, it never loses sight of what made the first game so enjoyable: the simple joy of working together to build a railway before disaster strikes. Whether you’re playing alone, with family, or with a group of friends shouting instructions at one another across the sofa, there’s an incredible amount of fun to be found here. If you loved the original, this is an easy recommendation. If you’ve never played Unrailed before, this is arguably the best place to start. Train building has rarely been this frantic, this funny, or this satisfying.
FrogBlock is a thoughtful little puzzle game. If you enjoy perspective-based puzzles and like sitting down with something that slowly pushes your brain harder and harder, there is plenty here to appreciate. The rotating world mechanic is clever, the level variety keeps introducing new ideas, and the option to skip puzzles helps avoid too much frustration. That said, this is definitely one of those games that depends heavily on whether its style of puzzle-solving clicks with you personally. I had moments where I felt genuinely smart solving puzzles, and other moments where I simply stared blankly at the screen, hoping inspiration would magically arrive. A hint system might have helped smooth over some of those rougher patches. Still, there is plenty to like here. The visuals are pleasant, the soundtrack is relaxing, and the puzzles themselves are thoughtfully designed. Just do yourself a favour and use a controller.
Map Map – A Game About Maps takes the surprisingly niche subject of cartography and transforms it into a delightful exploration adventure. Its charming cast, clever navigation mechanics, and rewarding sense of discovery create an experience that feels genuinely unique. I especially appreciated how it encourages players to engage with the environment rather than simply follow objective markers. The fixed maps do mean replayability is somewhat limited once you’ve mastered each island, but the journey itself is so enjoyable that I didn’t mind. This is a game that rewards patience, curiosity, and careful observation. It’s educational without feeling like homework, relaxing without becoming boring, and challenging without being unfair. For anyone who enjoys cosy exploration games and the thrill of uncovering secrets through their own ingenuity, Map Map – A Game About Maps is well worth charting a course towards. I look forward to sharing it with my kids when they are older.
Truck Driver: The American Dream ended up being one of those games that quietly sneaks up on you. On paper, it sounds mundane. You drive trucks slowly from one place to another. That’s it. Yet there’s a strange comfort in mastering the roads, listening to conversations during long journeys, and simply taking your time. It’s not flashy. It’s not action-packed. But it is relaxing, immersive, and surprisingly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a laid-back driving experience with a touch of heart behind it, this is well worth a look. Just remember to stop at red lights, unlike me.
I feel slightly conflicted writing this review because there is so much about Mina the Hollower that I absolutely adore. The world design is excellent. The atmosphere is superb. Combat is satisfying. The soundtrack is phenomenal. The burrowing mechanic is genuinely clever. And the sheer passion behind the project shines constantly. At the same time, the heavy emphasis on Soulslike difficulty stopped me from loving it quite as much as I expected to. I personally would have preferred something a little closer to classic Zelda adventure design and slightly less punishing overall. Still, even with those frustrations, this is a fantastic game. Yacht Club Games once again proves they are masters of modern retro design. Mina the Hollower may not fully dethrone Shovel Knight for me personally, but it absolutely deserves to stand proudly beside it.