Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is everything a remake should be: faithful, refined, and full of heart. It’s a beautiful introduction to one of RPG’s most respected series, and an easy recommendation whether you’re a diehard fan or a first-timer. Here’s hoping Falcom continues to bring the rest of the Trails saga up to this modern standard, because if this remake is anything to go by, the sky’s the limit. A demo is also available if you want to try the game first, and saves do transfer over.
: Banner of the Spark is exactly the kind of genre experiment I like to see. By mixing roguelite missions with cosy life sim elements, it avoids feeling like “just another run-based game.” There’s always something new to do, whether that’s trying out a weapon build, customising your town, or just fishing because, well, fishing is great. Combat isn’t flawless, and some weapon handling could use a little polish, but none of that stopped me from enjoying the heck out of this game. Add in generous free Switch-to-Switch 2 upgrade support and a heap of content, and you’ve got something that feels both playful and generous.
In the end, I still recommend Forgotten Fragments, just with some caveats. If you love mastering tight platforming, juggling momentum puzzles, and finding satisfaction in nailing a sequence after countless retries, this could be a game you’ll adore. If, like me, you get easily worn down by repeating tricky sections, you may find it harder to stick with. Even so, I can’t help but admire the care Binary Phoenix has poured into this world. It’s rich, challenging, and brimming with style. For the right player, Forgotten Fragments could be unforgettable.
Lovux is rather smashing. It’s a cosy, clever little puzzle game that combines stress relief with thoughtful challenge. Whether you’re playing a few levels on a coffee break or winding down in the evening, it fits neatly into that “casual but satisfying” category. At under $3/£3, it’s easy to recommend if you’re even mildly into puzzle games. It won’t blow your mind, but it will give you plenty of glass-smashing fun and more than a few “a-ha” moments along the way.
Candy Rangers is, at its heart, a sugar-coated arcade throwback. It takes a genre that’s often seen as niche or outdated and injects it with colour and plenty of personality. Yes, it can be overwhelming at first, and yes, you’ll probably have to replay a stage or two, but the cheerful vibe and satisfying mechanics make it a delight to dip into. It’s not the kind of game that’s going to change your life, but it is the kind of game that can brighten your evening. Sometimes, that’s more than enough. I walked away from it smiling every single time, and really, that’s the best thing you can ask for from a game like this. A welcome addition to the often overlooked cute ’em up sub genre. A free demo is also available on Steam.
BeetleQuest: The Puzzle Game is a quirky, bite-sized experience. It’s inexpensive, simple, and clearly made with a younger audience in mind, though oddly, only some of the mini-games are really child-friendly. For adults, it’s probably too light to hold attention for long, but parents might get a bit of enjoyment playing it alongside kiddos. It’s not something I’d recommend as a must-buy, but for under £2, it’s a curious little diversion. If you’re already interested in the BeetleQuest universe, it might be worth dipping in as a companion piece. Otherwise, it’s perfectly okay to skip or check out the main BeetleQuest games instead.
Prism Shift is a neat little puzzle game that proves originality doesn’t need flashy presentation to stand out. It’s a game about patience, experimentation, and solving things at your own pace. If you’re in the mood for something cosy but still smart enough to challenge you, this is an easy one to recommend. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let the colours do the shifting.
Storm Lancers isn’t trying to topple the roguelite giants, but it does carve out a fun little niche of its own. On your own, it’s a solid but sometimes punishing adventure with some grindy progression. But grab a friend, and suddenly it transforms into a much more rewarding experience, full of chaotic fights and shared laughter. If you’re hunting for a roguelite you can enjoy together on the couch, this is an easy recommendation. Solo players may find it a bit thin compared to the genre heavyweights, but the core gameplay is still snappy and enjoyable.
What I admired most about Lighthaze World is how it balances story and gameplay. You can engage with its reflections on anxiety as much or as little as you’d like, and either path is rewarding. If you want pure puzzling, there’s plenty here. If you want a touching narrative about finding courage and holding on to what grounds you, that’s here, too. This is the kind of game I think many people will find comforting, especially those who’ve experienced the weight of anxiety themselves. It’s gentle, warm, and genuinely respectful in how it presents its themes, all while offering satisfying puzzles in a charming little world.
Folly of the Wizards is not a game for everyone. Casual players will likely bounce off the steep difficulty curve, and there aren’t really any accessibility features to ease new players in. But for hardened roguelike fans who thrive on trial and error, this game has a lot to offer. Its quirky humour, challenging gameplay, and moral-choice system give it a unique flavour in a crowded genre. It won’t win everyone over straight away, but for the patient and persistent, it can become oddly addictive. Its spell certainly worked for me.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is exactly what it sets out to be: a survivor-like packed with the flavour of Deep Rock Galactic. It’s simple to pick up, endlessly replayable, and bursting with dwarven charm. If you’re a longtime fan, this is a brilliant single-player companion to the co-op original. If you’re new, it’s still an accessible entry point into the universe, though don’t be surprised if it makes you want to try the full four-player chaos too.
Planetris won’t blow your mind with its mechanics but it might just cool you down. It’s a meditative little puzzle game that achieves what it sets out to do. Toss planets, make them bigger, enjoy the soothing music, and maybe hit that glorious supernova if you line things up just right. Simple, satisfying and easy to recommend for anyone looking for a low-effort, low-stress way to unwind after maybe one of those days.
At its heart, Puzzle Quest is still the same dangerously addictive puzzle-RPG that hooked so many of us back in the day. The Immortal Edition bundles it all up, strips away the modern nonsense (no microtransactions, no energy timers), and gives you a huge, content-packed experience for a very fair price. Is it flashy? No. Is it revolutionary in 2025? Not really. But is it still one of the most compelling puzzle games out there? Absolutely. If you’ve never played Puzzle Quest before, this is the place to start. If you have, well, you already know how easily “just one more battle” turns into three hours gone.
I went into Easy Delivery Co. expecting a quirky, throwaway driving game. What I found was something much more thoughtful. Yes, it’s cosy. Yes, it’s simple. But it also has layers, a world that feels melancholy yet alive, a sense of satire about corporate culture, and gameplay that balances relaxation with just enough challenge to keep you engaged. It won’t be for everyone. The gloomy visuals, lack of GPS, and slower pace will put some people off. But for me, it was refreshing, a cosy game with a personality all its own. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, something that mixes snowy night drives with sly commentary about work, Easy Delivery Co. is absolutely worth your time.
Slime in Abysm shows that games don’t need to be big or complicated to be enjoyable. It’s simple, yes, but that’s what makes it so easy to recommend. It’s cheap, cheerful, and surprisingly satisfying once you get into the rhythm of launching slimes and hauling your cannon upward. Of course, it won’t be for everyone. If you hate losing progress or don’t have the patience for trial-and-error climbing challenges, you may find the constant setbacks frustrating. But if you’re looking for something quick, affordable, and refreshingly straightforward, Slime in Abysm is a slime-sized winner.
Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids is a delightful blend of action and strategy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With its playful story, colourful world, and flexible gameplay, it’s a great pick for families, co-op sessions, or anyone just looking for a good upbeat time. It may not present itself as overly deep and thought-provoking, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
At the end of the day, SF3RA is fine. It’s a simple, no-frills action platformer that will keep you entertained in short bursts. Gaining new weapons and the asteroid-flying segments between missions add some variety. But once the novelty wears off, the repetition sets in. If you’re in the mood for a straightforward robot-shooting adventure without too many bells and whistles, SF3RA might be worth your time. Just don’t expect it to stick with you long after the credits roll.
Otherskin got under my skin, in the best possible way. It’s the kind of surprise that makes gaming feel exciting again, reminding you that not every worthwhile adventure needs a triple-A budget or a massive marketing push. With creative morph abilities, a captivating alien world, and a story that balances bleakness with hope, this is a sci-fi action-adventure well worth checking out. Even if you’re unsure, I’d recommend grabbing the free demo. Chances are, like me, you’ll hopefully come away pleasantly surprised.
BederSNAKE is not “Snake but better”, despite what its name cheekily implies. It’s something different, a twist on a classic turned into a minimalist puzzle game. The controls can be fiddly, and an undo button would have been a lifesaver, but at its best, it’s a relaxing, clever little puzzler that’s worth dipping into if you’re curious. Want to give it a try? A free demo is available on Steam.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is more than just a lost relic; it’s a reminder of how timeless great game design can be. With its mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, transformations, and memorable characters, it feels both nostalgic and fresh. Sure, it has a couple of quirks like the lack of a minimap, but the vibrant visuals, clever mechanics, and infectious personality more than make up for it. For long-time Shantae fans, this release is a must-buy. For newcomers who just enjoy retro-inspired adventures, it’s a nice, colourful ride that proves some treasures are worth digging up.