James Luff
Nightmare: The Lunatic is another solid entry in the roguelite space. Energetic, replayable, and consistently fun. Yes, the genre is packed. Yes, you’ve probably seen elements of this before. But the three-weapon system, the snappy combat, and the surprisingly friendly parry mechanic give it its own identity. If you’re already tired of roguelites, this won’t convert you. But if you still enjoy the adventure-style structure and want something punchy and satisfying to close out the year, Nightmare: The Lunatic absolutely earns a thumbs-up from me
Old School Rally is a brilliant throwback made with genuine affection for the classics. It doesn’t modernise the formula much, and that’s both its biggest strength and its biggest limitation. If you want a simple, skill-first rally racer straight out of the PS1 era, this absolutely delivers. If you were never into these sorts of games, this won’t be the one to change your mind. But for me? It’s a nostalgic blast that drives well, looks great in its retro way, and reminds me why I enjoyed these games in the first place. There’s even a free demo, so if you’re unsure, definitely strap in and give it a try.
Romancing SaGa – Minstrel Song – Remastered International is an awesome revival of a classic RPG, brought into the present with thoughtful improvements and a far more inclusive localisation effort. While the difficulty and hands-off design may put off newcomers, the game offers a deeply rewarding adventure for anyone willing to embrace its retro philosophy. If you’ve never played it before, this is unquestionably the version to try. If you already own the earlier release, the upgrades may not justify a double dip, but for first-time RPG players, it comes highly recommended.
More Sushi! knows exactly what it wants to be, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. It’s small, silly, and strangely addictive, the kind of game you open “just for five minutes” and then somehow keep around for much longer than planned. It isn’t deep, it isn’t ambitious, and it isn’t meant to be; it’s simply a fun way to zone out and make a growing pile of cartoon sushi. For the low price, the gentle pacing, and the easygoing loop, I walked away enjoying it more than expected. It absolutely gets the job done.
Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons is enjoyable, though not without flaws. The familiar bubble action feels good, the new systems show ambition, and Bub remains a delight. But the resource grind, repetitive dungeon structure, and the lack of co-op hold it back from feeling like a true standout. It’s worth a look for long-time fans or curious newcomers, especially if you’re open to a more experimental take on the series. As a retro fan, the inclusion of Bubble Symphony, which does include co-op, made this a package solid recommendation.
Rebel Engine stands out because it dares to be different. It’s not a pick-up-and-play kind of title; you do have to learn it, wrestle with it, and occasionally retry encounters thanks to checkpoint placements that could be kinder. But once the systems settle into your hands, it becomes a wonderfully dynamic action game with an enormous amount of freedom in how you fight. With varied enemies, a generous arsenal, excellent accessibility, and a combat loop that encourages creativity, this is absolutely a hidden gem on Steam. If you love indie titles that push boundaries and reward mastery, Rebel Engine deserves a spot in your library.
Bee Simulator: The Hive is absolutely the definitive version of the game. The only hesitation is for those who already played the original Bee Simulator; whether it’s worth double-dipping depends entirely on how much you loved it the first time. But for newcomers, this is undoubtedly the version to get. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly experience with educational touches, a sweet atmosphere, and just enough variety to keep things light and pleasant. It’s not deeply challenging, but an additional hard mode is optional. It’s simply a cosy game about being a bee, exploring a park, and caring for a hive. I enjoyed my time with it far more than expected, and for families, younger players, or anyone looking for something warm and low-stress, it’s easy to recommend.
Monsters Are Coming! Rock & Road is an energetic, clever take on the survivors-like formula, offering something refreshingly different without losing the pick-up-and-play appeal that defines the genre. It’s fast, it’s frantic, and it’s full of personality. If you enjoy juggling chaos, building strange little contraptions on wheels, or simply want a new spin on a familiar blueprint, this is absolutely worth diving into. And for the price, it packs an impressive amount of ingenuity. If you’re burnt out on the genre, maybe give yourself a breather first, but if you’re ready for something lively, layered, and surprisingly strategic, this road is well worth travelling.
Sheepherds! is a wonderfully positive co-op experience that embraces calmness without ever becoming dull. It’s easy to pick up, rewarding to master, and full of gentle humour, whether you’re playing with one friend or a whole group. I spent hours herding across colourful fields and came away smiling every time. This is a game that understands the joy of playing at your own pace, and the joy of playing together. If you’re after something cosy, family-friendly, and sprinkled with just enough challenge for the perfectionists, Sheepherds! is absolutely worth checking out.
Sektori is pure arcade goodness, fast, vibrant, challenging, and incredibly easy to sink hours into without realising. Yes, it can be a bit unforgiving at times, and I think the early difficulty spike could be slightly softer, but those small critiques don’t take away from how fun it is. This is the kind of game you boot up for a quick run and accidentally play for an entire evening. It’s simple to learn, satisfying to master, and packed with that “one more try” energy that great arcade games thrive on. I really enjoyed my time with it, and if you’re looking for a quick-fire, neon-soaked shooter that respects your time and rewards your skill, Sektori is absolutely worth picking up.
My final feelings on Of Blades & Tails land somewhere between appreciation and caution. There’s a genuinely enjoyable RPG here, but it asks for patience. It’s not a quick pick-up-and-play sort of game, and the early hours may feel tougher than expected. But if you’re in the mood for a turn-based adventure with an open world, a fox hero, and plenty of room to experiment, there’s something worthwhile waiting beneath the rough edges. I liked it, even if it took some time to get there.
In the end, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a faithful revival of a standout game, maybe a little too faithful at times, but I’m still very glad it’s finally here. Despite the absence of modern extras, it’s a brilliant slice of ‘90s sci-fi intensity brought back to life, and after all these years, it still knows how to deliver a thrilling fight.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment might be one of the most ambitious crossover games Nintendo has ever backed. It respects Zelda’s mythos, delivers the scale fans expect from a Warriors title, and layers in enough depth and polish to make both series shine. It’s loud, it’s unapologetically dramatic, and it’s one of those games that just feels good to play, whether you’re mowing through hordes of enemies or pausing to admire the sunset over the battlefield. If you’ve never liked Warriors games, this probably won’t convert you. But if you’ve ever found joy in the cathartic rhythm of smashing through endless waves of foes, or if you just want more Zelda lore to sink into, you’ll be grinning from the first swing.
Lumines Arise has a way of sneaking up on you. You sit down expecting to fit in a quick puzzle session, and suddenly you’ve drifted through half a dozen stages, fully immersed in a blend of music and visuals that feels almost theatrical. It made me appreciate Lumines in a way the older entries never quite managed, and it reminded me that puzzle games don’t have to just be clever, they can be sensory experiences too. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone who bounced off the series before, this one’s worth trying. Put on headphones, settle in, and let the music take over. Want to experience it first, a free demo is on Steam. Just try playing and stop your body moving to the beat.
Wall World 2 takes what made the original great and expands it confidently. There’s more story, more mystery, more gameplay variety, and a real sense of progression that carries through every run. Returning players will feel the improvements immediately, while newcomers get a generous onboarding and a world worth exploring. It’s bigger, bolder, and more engrossing. A thoroughly worthwhile sequel and one I’m very glad exists.
Diggergun absolutely caught me off guard. It starts as a compact action-platformer and slowly transforms into a layered survival story wrapped in satire, exploration, careful resource management, and stressful-but-satisfying time pressure. It captures the feeling of just barely scraping by, and turns it into a compelling loop that kept pulling me back for just one more workday. There’s genuine variety thanks to the different endings and branching story routes, and the randomisation in the mines keeps the daily grind from ever feeling too routine. It’s a small game with a surprisingly large amount to say, and I walked away far more impressed than I expected to be. If you’re after something unusual, tense, and full of personality, Diggergun is a standout little surprise. I highly recommend giving it a go, especially if you’re ready to dig your way out of trouble, one block at a time.
The Bench is a thoughtful, funny, and oddly touching little adventure about finding freedom, friendship, and a second wind in life’s later years. Whether you’re solving puzzles, naming your 27th pigeon “Kevin,” or just sitting quietly watching the world go by, it’s the kind of game that makes you smile. If you’re looking for something laid-back but full of personality, The Bench absolutely deserves a spot on your wishlist. It’s a small game with a big heart, and a lot of pigeons.
Overall, A Pizza Delivery is a gentle narrative ride with light puzzles and an emphasis on interpretation. It’s for players who enjoy reflective games, don’t mind a slow pace, and like stories that whisper rather than shout. It didn’t sweep me off my feet, but I still liked it, and I think plenty of people will connect more deeply with its themes than I did. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, thoughtful, and low-pressure, this is easily worth a look.
Godbreakers takes what works, fast, fluid combat and satisfying progression and adds enough of its own personality to keep things exciting. The absorb-and-attack mechanic is a clever twist, the boss fights are intense, and the co-op potential is huge. If you’ve been burned out on roguelites, this might not shake that feeling entirely. But if you’re looking for something with punchy combat, strong replay value, and a good excuse to yell at your friends over voice chat, Godbreakers is worth diving into. A free demo is still available on Steam.
Lumo 2 is exactly the kind of game I love discovering, creative, cozy, and full of surprises. It celebrates an era of gaming that thrived on curiosity and imagination, while adding enough modern polish to make it feel fresh and accessible. Sure, the isometric jumps might test your patience now and then, but with its instant respawns, charming presentation, and delightful nods to gaming’s past, those frustrations fade quickly. If you’re looking for something that scratches that retro itch while offering a genuinely rewarding puzzle-platforming experience, Lumo 2 is a gem worth diving into, whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or a newcomer just looking for something a bit different.