James Luff
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.
Swipepi accomplishes what it sets out to be: a relaxing, casual puzzle game. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, and it doesn’t offer huge amounts of variety, but it nails its niche. With 500 puzzles, an approachable design, and forgiving mechanics like undo and auto-solve, it’s a game that just about anyone can enjoy if you’re in the mood for it. For casual players looking for a stress-free puzzle to unwind with, Swipepi is an easy recommendation. It won’t blow you away, but it’s smooth, simple, and calming, a nice little game for when you just want to switch off.
Gold for Retirement isn’t the flashiest or deepest platformer out there, but it has a lot of heart. It blends old-school simplicity with a couple of clever mechanics and pairs it all with a soundtrack that far outshines expectations. Sure, the gliding can feel a little floaty, and yes, some levels will test your patience, but overall it’s a fun little game that rewards persistence. It’s not going to set the gaming world on fire, but for anyone who wants a no-nonsense platformer with a quirky premise and a fantastic soundtrack, Gold for Retirement is absolutely worth a look. A free demo is also available if you want to try it first.
The Herd doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a light-hearted, chaotic puzzler about wrangling clueless animals. It can be frustrating, sure, but it’s also hilarious with plenty of fun to be found amongst the chaos if you have the right frame of mind for it. With a free demo on Steam and a budget-friendly price, there’s plenty of incentive to try unless, of course, you don’t like goats, chickens, or absolute chaos.
Herdling is not a flawless game. Some may find it slow, others may wish for more gameplay depth. But for those open to its pace, it’s a beautiful, heartfelt journey. It’s a game about trust, companionship, and moving forward together, even when the path is hard. For me, it’s an easy recommendation. Maybe not for everyone, but absolutely for anyone who wants a game that speaks to the heart rather than the hands.
Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is a pleasant, approachable dungeon crawler ideal for casual players or anyone curious about a quirky slice of gaming history that never left Japan, until now. It’s not flawless, and the repetition will be noticeable for some, but as a low-pressure, bite-sized RPG, it delivers a warm and whimsical adventure. One can’t help being drawn in by its positive energy.
Cosmic Waves is one of those games that surprises you. It starts with a retro heart but adds enough clever mechanics, personality, and polish to stand out. Whether you’re after a nostalgic arcade fix or a game to chill with for an hour or two, this delivers. And if you’re still not sure, there’s a free demo to try first. Cosmic Waves is a great trip into space.
Wild Hearts S surprised me. It took a formula I’d grown to believe wasn’t for me and gave it enough personality and ingenuity to pull me back in. From the creative monster designs to the satisfying Karakuri building system, it delivers a hunting experience that feels purposeful, epic, and endlessly replayable. If you’re looking for your next big gaming project you can jump in and out of the give it a go. A free demo is also available on the eShop and progress transfers to the full game.
Bygone Dreams is a visually stunning and narratively intriguing experience that delivers a dream world worth getting lost in. Its detailed environments and surprising voice acting create a strong, immersive vibe. But make no mistake, this is a game built for those who like a fight. If you’re a seasoned Souls-like fan, this may be a hidden gem. If you prefer a gentler journey, you may need more patience than I had. Still, I’m glad I played it. Even if the combat didn’t always win me over, the world of Lume definitely did.
Mirrors of Epiphany isn’t a game that’s going to wow you. It’s not trying to. But for what it is, a compact, calming puzzle experience, it does a commendable job. It’s approachable, rewarding in small bursts, and gently encourages you to think a little more critically without ever raising your blood pressure. If you’re looking for a quiet game to chip away at in the evenings, something that engages your brain without overwhelming it, Mirrors of Epiphany is worth a look. It won’t stick with you forever, but for a few hours of relaxed laser wrangling, it more than earns its place.
Mashina never tries to rush you, and that’s the beauty of it. From the soft sound design to the robot’s warm smiles, everything about the experience says, “Take it easy.” There are small frustrations here and there, like the occasional conveyor belt mishap, but they feel more like playful quirks than real problems. This is a game about simple joy: digging, discovering, upgrading at your own pace, and watching a handcrafted world slowly mend itself. It’s family-friendly, stress-free, and absolutely fab for anyone craving a slower, more reflective gaming experience. Mashina is a love letter to creativity and calm. It’s not about challenge or speed, it’s about wonder and the satisfaction of exploring a world made with heart.
All in all, Primal Planet is a rare gem, something that looks familiar at first glance but hides a big heart and plenty of surprises. It blends exploration, crafting, and narrative in a way that feels fun and even touching. This is one delightful surprise, and it absolutely deserves attention
Drill Core is one of the best surprises I’ve had in the management sim space. It blends the satisfaction of a well-planned strategy game with the real-time thrill of tower defence, all wrapped in a setting that feels both tongue-in-cheek and terrifying. For players who love to plan, build, and improvise under pressure, this is an easy recommendation. But even if you’re usually intimidated by these kinds of games, like I was, there’s a good chance Drill Core will win you over, too.
Bridge Constructor Studio is a thoughtful, accessible puzzler that makes engineering fun for everyone. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a chaotic experimenter, there’s plenty to enjoy here. With no real restrictions holding you back, the game becomes a creative playground, great for short sessions or long evenings of trial and error. While it might not revolutionise the series for long-time fans, it’s an ideal entry point for newcomers and a relaxing yet stimulating experience for anyone who loves problem-solving. A free demo is also available on Steam.