R-Type Dimensions III is a really strong revival of one of the genre’s standout shooters. The gameplay remains tense, rewarding and wonderfully unforgiving, while the updated visuals do a great job of modernising the experience without losing its retro identity. It absolutely will not be for everybody. The difficulty is intense even by retro shooter standards, and this is very much a game built around repetition, memorisation and gradual mastery. But if that style of arcade gameplay clicks with you, there is a lot to enjoy here. I do wish there were more extras included, especially at this price point, but the quality of the actual game still shines through very clearly. Even as somebody who is honestly not particularly amazing at shoot ‘em ups, I still had a great time with it. Sometimes getting blown up repeatedly can still be fun.
Rune Dice is one of those wonderfully easy games to recommend. It doesn’t overcomplicate itself. It doesn’t bury the fun underneath endless systems. It simply takes one very good idea and executes it incredibly well. The dice-combining mechanic is addictive, the progression loop constantly rewards you, and the overall structure makes it dangerously easy to keep playing long after you planned to stop. Sure, the presentation may not be especially flashy, and some players might find the gameplay a little too straightforward compared to deeper strategy roguelites. But honestly, I think that simplicity is part of the appeal here. I had an absolute blast with it. Whether playing on a desktop or relaxing with it on the Steam Deck, Rune Dice became one of those games I kept wanting to return to for “just one more run.” And usually, that’s the biggest compliment I can give a roguelite.
Lost in Night is a straightforward match-3 puzzle game that sticks closely to familiar ideas, but it still manages to be reasonably enjoyable thanks to its relaxing pace and easy pick-up-and-play structure. The extra gameplay modes help keep things fresh enough, and the optional untimed mode makes it approachable for players wanting a calmer experience. It does not really stand out visually or mechanically from the crowd, and there are certainly bigger and more inventive puzzle games available. Still, there is something comforting about its simplicity. If you already enjoy this style of puzzle game, there is a good chance you will get some pleasant downtime out of it. If you are burnt out on match-3 games entirely, this probably will not change your mind.
WizardWare is a fun little score-chasing management game that blends fantasy humour with old-school desktop aesthetics surprisingly well. The gameplay is simple, but there is something enjoyable about quickly scanning files, spotting suspicious downloads, and trying to keep your magical operating system alive under pressure. It does not have huge depth, and it probably is not going to become somebody’s next hundred-hour obsession, but that is completely alright. It succeeds at being a quick, entertaining arcade-style experience that is easy to pick up and difficult to completely put down once you start chasing better scores. The fantasy computer theme gives it a bit of personality, the presentation is enjoyable, and the whole thing feels approachable without becoming too dull. If you enjoy smaller high-score-focused games with a humorous twist, WizardWare is worth a look.
TetherGeist ended up being a really pleasant surprise. It takes a genre that can sometimes lean too heavily into frustration and balances it with thoughtful storytelling, approachable checkpointing and movement mechanics that feel rewarding to master. Now, make no mistake, this is still a demanding precision platformer. If games in this style have never appealed to you before, I do not think TetherGeist is suddenly going to convert you overnight. There were certainly moments where I felt my patience being tested, especially during some of the more complicated late-game sections. But when the game finds its rhythm, it becomes incredibly satisfying. The movement feels great, the world has warmth to it, and Mae’s journey is genuinely easy to root for. If you enjoy precision platformers, especially games in the same family as Celeste, then TetherGeist is absolutely worth checking out. And even if you are normally a bit hesitant with this genre, like I am, there is still a good chance this one might pull you into its flow state too.
Medieval Crafter: Blacksmith might not win the graphical beauty contest, and some of its mechanics can feel a little rough around the edges, but there’s a solid and engaging simulation underneath it all. It offers a detailed look at the process of crafting, backed by a steady gameplay loop that keeps you busy and invested. While certain elements could benefit from refinement, particularly the more fiddly mini-games, there’s still plenty here to enjoy if you like this style of game. It’s a slightly uneven journey, but one that manages to be satisfying in the long run.
Gravity Shooter is one of those games that sits comfortably in the “it’s fine” category. The gravity mechanic is a clever idea and does give the game its own identity, even if it doesn’t always feel as impactful as it could. The core loop is solid, progression is steady, and it’s easy to pick up for short sessions. At the same time, it struggles to stand out in a very crowded genre. The controls can feel a bit loose, the visuals are quite plain, and the overall experience doesn’t quite maintain long-term engagement. If you’re after a quick, casual arcade-style game with a small twist, there’s something here to enjoy. But if you’ve already spent a lot of time with similar games, this might not hold your attention for too long.
Caromble! takes the classic brick breaker concept and gives it a physics-driven twist. Smashing through 3D environments, unlocking unusual power-ups, and facing boss fights adds more variety than the genre usually offers. Once the special abilities start appearing, the gameplay becomes much more interesting. That said, the pacing can feel uneven at times. Some stages run a little longer than necessary, and boss fights occasionally feel slow rather than exciting. Still, if you enjoy arcade-style paddle games and want something that builds on the formula with physics and power-ups, Caromble! is worth checking out. It’s easy to jump into, satisfying when everything starts breaking apart on screen, and offers plenty of levels for players who enjoy chasing high scores. In the end, I came away liking it. Not everything clicked perfectly, but there’s definitely a solid arcade game here for fans of the genre.
Constance is a thoughtful, well-crafted 2D adventure that leans heavily into its themes without losing sight of being a game first. The paint mechanics are clever, the world is beautifully realised, and there’s a clear sense of care in how everything fits together. It’s not without its rough edges. The platforming can feel demanding, and some combat encounters overstay their welcome. But the flexibility offered through accessibility options helps smooth those bumps out. What really sticks is how it all comes together, the mechanics, the visuals, the pacing, all reinforcing that central idea of balance, pressure, and recovery. If you’re in the mood for an adventure that offers more than just exploration and combat, Constance is a journey well worth taking. As someone who can connect to the themes featured in this game, I say to anyone going through a rough time, don’t give in to the darkness.
Dracamar doesn’t reinvent the platforming genre. What it offers is a bright, easy going adventure focused on exploration, collecting and helping restore a lively world. It’s accessible, it’s cheerful, and it’s the kind of game you can enjoy without too much pressure. There are moments where it feels a bit familiar, and players looking for a more demanding platformer might not find what they’re after here. But if you’re after something light, colourful and enjoyable to chip away at, especially on a handheld, this is well worth a look.
Town of Zoz is a game full of creative ideas. It blends farming, cooking, exploration and storytelling into a colourful indie adventure that clearly had a lot of passion behind it. The combat doesn’t quite match the strength of the rest of the experience, and the pacing can feel slow at times, but there’s still a lot to appreciate here. The world-building is intriguing, the characters are memorable, and the game’s unique visual style gives it a strong sense of personality. It’s definitely a game with rough edges, but it’s also one that has a lot of charm. For players who enjoy exploring unusual indie projects and don’t mind a few imperfections, Town of Zoz offers a surprisingly engaging adventure. I highly recommend trying the free demo on Steam.
Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta might not be the newest entry in the series, but it still holds up well today. The story is fairly straightforward and occasionally repeats itself, but it serves its purpose as a backdrop for the real highlights: fast-paced combat and enjoyable exploration. The action-focused battle system remains incredibly fun to play, and gradually mapping out the mysterious forest adds a strong sense of adventure to the experience. While the visuals reflect the game’s origins on older hardware, the Switch version runs smoothly and still captures the spirit of the original release. For long-time Ys fans, this is a welcome addition to the Switch library. For newcomers looking for an accessible action RPG with quick combat and plenty of exploration, it’s also a great place to start. It might be a revisit to a past adventure, but Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta still delivers an enjoyable journey through one of the series’ most memorable settings. Here’s hoping more of the past Ys series makes its way to Switch.
Nothing Beyond This Point is a unique indie action RPG that leans heavily into mystery. Its unusual combat system, minimal guidance, and dark atmosphere create an experience that feels quite different from most games in the genre. The idea of using your health as both offence and defence is clever, even if it occasionally leads to frustrating moments. Exploration through the void can be intriguing, but it also requires patience. Players who enjoy discovering things for themselves will likely appreciate the approach, while those who prefer clearer direction may struggle with it. For such a small and affordable game, though, it offers a surprisingly distinct experience. It may not click with everyone, but for players looking for something unusual and willing to explore a strange world with very little guidance, Nothing Beyond This Point is definitely worth a look.
Pakinpaks is a relaxing puzzle game built around the satisfying task of organising items into tight spaces. The core concept is simple, but the game adds enough rules and mechanics to keep the puzzles interesting. Rotating objects, managing item restrictions, and slowly finding the right layout creates a satisfying loop that puzzle fans will likely enjoy. It’s not completely stress-free, though. Some of the optional challenges and later puzzle requirements can add pressure that might not suit every player looking for a purely laid-back experience. Still, if you enjoy tidy puzzle games and like the idea of carefully packing bags while travelling the world with a very relaxed cat companion, Pakinpaks offers a fun way to spend a quiet evening. Just be prepared to rearrange that suitcase more than once before everything finally fits.
Pure Balance: Equilibrium is a small, straightforward puzzle game built around a single idea: stacking shapes and keeping them balanced. It doesn’t try to do anything especially ambitious, and the presentation is extremely minimal. However, the physics-based puzzles work well enough to create a relaxing and sometimes surprisingly tricky experience. The short levels make it easy to jump in for a quick session, and the additional tower challenge adds a bit of extra fun if you want to keep playing. If you enjoy simple physics puzzles or are looking for a quiet little game to unwind with after a long day, Pure Balance: Equilibrium is a perfectly reasonable option, especially considering its tiny price tag.
Kazuma Kaneko’s Tsukuyomi ended up being a pleasant surprise. At first glance, it might look like just another roguelike card battler, but its approachable mechanics and fast-paced battles make it very easy to jump into. The runs move quickly, the card system is simple to understand, and building new deck strategies along the way is genuinely fun. The story presentation is quirky in that unmistakable anime style, and while the visuals aren’t particularly groundbreaking, the overall package still has plenty of personality. Most importantly, the game respects the player’s time. Runs are short enough to fit into quick sessions, yet there’s enough strategy and replay value to keep you coming back for another climb up the tower. If you enjoy card-based strategy games or roguelike progression systems, Kazuma Kaneko’s Tsukuyomi is definitely worth drawing from the eShop.
Mewseum: Film Festival is a cozy puzzle game that focuses on relaxation above all else. The grid puzzles are easy to understand, the hint system keeps things stress-free, and the jazz soundtrack creates a wonderfully calm atmosphere. While the gameplay itself is quite simple, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or cat). It’s not trying to be a deeply complex puzzle game. Instead, it offers something more peaceful, a quiet game to enjoy while you unwind. If you’re looking for a relaxing puzzle game with cozy vibes and a bit of feline charm, Mewseum: Film Festival is an easy recommendation.
Spica Adventure is a lively throwback to classic arcade design. It’s colourful, fast-paced, and easy to jump into, with mechanics that feel simple at first but reveal a bit more depth once you start experimenting with the parasol abilities. The branching level paths and score-chasing gameplay give it solid replay value, even if the overall runtime is fairly short. Most importantly, it captures that satisfying arcade feeling of quick runs, improving your skills, and chasing better scores. If you enjoy retro-style action games or have a soft spot for classic arcade experiences, this is definitely worth checking out. It may not be the longest adventure around, but it delivers a lot of fun in a small, energetic package. And honestly, fighting off bizarre enemies with a parasol never stops being fun.
The Rogue Prince of Persia is a solid action game that successfully blends the series’ acrobatic style with a roguelike structure. Movement feels great, combat is responsive, and the progression loop keeps you coming back for another run. Fans of the genre will likely feel right at home here. At the same time, players who have already spent a lot of time with roguelikes, particularly games like Dead Cells, may notice how closely the formula is followed. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it executes its ideas well. For newcomers to roguelikes or long-time Prince of Persia fans curious about a new take on the series, this is well worth checking out. It might take a few attempts, a few defeats, and plenty of retries, but helping the Prince fight his way back to victory is still an adventure worth taking. It’s also worth mentioning that a physical version of the game is available, which collectors and fans of physical releases will certainly appreciate.
Sigma Star Saga DX is a fascinating mix of genres that still feels inventive years after its original release. The combination of top-down exploration and space shooter combat creates a rhythm that keeps the game feeling fresh from start to finish. Add in the weapon customisation system, memorable pixel art, and a story full of twists, and you have a game that stands out even today. The new release doesn’t add a huge amount of extra material, but the main adventure is more than strong enough to carry the experience. If you missed this title during its Game Boy Advance days, now is a great time to finally see what makes Sigma Star Saga such a memorable oddball in WayForward’s catalogue.