James Luff


632 games reviewed
72.6% of games recommended
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Jan 7, 2025

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a shining example of why the Ys series has endured for so long. Its blend of tight combat, satisfying upgrades, and bite-sized quests makes it an easy recommendation for fans of action-adventure games. Sure, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but when the wheel works this well, who cares? Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this is a game that deserves your attention. It’s proof that even a remaster of a remake can feel fresh and exciting when done right.

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Liked - Dr. Cog
Jan 6, 2025

Dr. Cog offers a unique twist on deckbuilding that rewards patience and persistence. While the game doesn’t immediately grab you, its mechanics reveal depth the more you experiment and adapt. The heartfelt narrative adds a layer of meaning to the experience, and its price, free with no microtransactions, makes it worth a try.

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Jan 5, 2025

Three Six Nine is serviceable if you’re looking for a short-lived puzzle fix, but it’s closer to a casual Sudoku at the back of a magazine than a deep gaming experience. With no replay value and a basic presentation, it’s hard to recommend unless you’re really hungry for a puzzle fix. For the price, it’s fine if you want a one-night distraction, but don’t expect it to set your world on fire.

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Liked - Flip Flop XL
Jan 4, 2025

Flip Flop XL delivers exactly what it promises: a simple and satisfying arcade experience. It doesn’t demand much from the player but offers plenty of entertainment for those moments when you want a quick, low-pressure game to fill the time. Whether you’re waiting for something or just need to unplug your brain for a bit, this little robot is here to entertain.

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Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering a fresh collection of inventive puzzles that challenge and reward players. While it doesn’t drastically change the formula, the game’s thoughtful design and expanded world make it a worthy continuation of the series. If you enjoyed the first game, this sequel is an easy recommendation. For those new to the series, starting with the original may be a good idea, but if you’re a fan of puzzle games that demand creative thinking, Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 is a strong choice. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game and am excited to see what the future holds for the series.

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Liked - Fishtronomy
Jan 2, 2025

Fishtronomy is a delightful little puzzle game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s great for those moments when you just want to relax, enjoy some light-hearted fun, and lose yourself in the gentle glow of a star-filled sky. Short but sweet, this is one game that proves you don’t need to stress to make a splash

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Mixed - YouLogic
Dec 31, 2024

YouLogic has a solid premise, blending puzzle-solving with charming world-building. It is a good idea, but the unforgiving difficulty curve makes it less accessible to players seeking a more relaxing, wholesome experience. If you have the patience to overcome its trial-and-error design, YouLogic might be worth a shot. For others, I’d recommend trying the free demo first to see if the formula clicks. I appreciated what the game was trying to do, but in the end, it wasn’t for me.

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Dec 23, 2024

Ultimately, The Pane Puzzle is… fine. It’s 100 straightforward panel puzzles served up at a low price, fine for casual players who want to relax without overthinking. Hardcore puzzlers might find it too simplistic, and the presentation could use a bit more polish. It didn’t leave much of an impression on me personally, but I can see its appeal to the Sudoku-and-tea crowd. Would I recommend it? Let’s just say this: if you’re looking for a game to pass the time without breaking a sweat, give it a shot. If you want something with a bit more depth or pizzazz, you might want to look elsewhere

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Liked-a-lot - Spiral
Dec 21, 2024

Spiral is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted exploration of life, memory, and acceptance. It’s evident that the developers approached this sensitive subject with personal care and respect, as highlighted in the game’s dedication to loved ones in its closing credits. Rather than dwelling on loss, Spiral focuses on embracing life’s beauty and finding strength in its challenges. If you’re seeking a deeply emotional narrative with rich character development and poignant storytelling, this is a game that deserves your attention.

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Dec 20, 2024

Leif’s Adventure: Netherworld Hero is a captivating, heartfelt journey that I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of action-adventure games. The hand-drawn visuals, satisfying combat, and touching story make it a standout experience. Sure, the boss fights can feel like they’re out for blood, and solo players might find the spirit mechanics a bit overwhelming, but these are small bumps in an otherwise fantastic road.

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Dec 19, 2024

Super Spy Raccoon stands out for its originality, offering a fresh take on arcade-style gameplay with its stealth mechanics. It’s not the easiest game to warm up to, especially with its unforgiving detection system, but those willing to master its quirks may find it a satisfying challenge. At its budget-friendly price, it’s worth a shot for arcade fans or anyone who wants to see a raccoon in a snazzy suit. Just be prepared for a few “game over” screens along the way.

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Dec 18, 2024

Dino-Ducks Dash is a goofy, accessible multiplayer game perfect for a night of casual fun. While it may lack the polish or depth of other platformers, it more than makes up for it with charm and chaotic hilarity. With the festive season approaching, it’s an ideal pick for some family or party shenanigans. Just don’t blame me if it starts a feud.

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Liked-a-lot - Rascal's Escape
Dec 16, 2024

Rascal’s Escape is an impressive educational adventure that blends light platforming, cooperative puzzles, and a feel-good atmosphere with a strong focus on European culture and language. Whether you’re sharing it with younger players or just want a gentle way to learn about Europe, it’s a wholesome, worthwhile experience. It might not challenge seasoned gamers, but it’s bursting with charm, and that’s worth the trip.

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Liked-a-lot - Pine: A Story of Loss
Dec 13, 2024

The developers of Pine deserve immense credit for tackling such a challenging subject. Grief is not an easy topic to explore, but the game handles it with grace, showing both despair and fleeting beauty in equal measure. It also offers a rare and honest portrayal of male mental health, capturing the struggle in a way few games have dared to before. Pine: A Story of Loss is not for everyone. It’s emotionally heavy, and some may find its rawness difficult to face. But for those willing to embrace its message, it offers a deeply moving experience and even a few quiet smiles along the way. If nothing else it reminded me of the importance of appreciating the ones you love in the moment as you just never know what life will throw at you.

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Dec 12, 2024

Completely Stretchy offers a pleasant walk through a highly unusual yet original world. Its simple mechanics and casual flow make it perfect for relaxed gaming sessions or even for sharing the experience with a friend. While it doesn’t innovate in gameplay, its unique art direction and whimsical charm make it worth exploring.

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Liked - CarGo!
Dec 8, 2024

CarGo! is a quick, satisfying arcade experience, fun for solo runs or chaotic co-op sessions with friends and family. It’s easy to pick up, offering enjoyment for players of all skill levels. While the floaty controls may deter serious high-score chasers, the overall experience is fun and inviting. For a casual, lighthearted game night, CarGo! delivers

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Mind-blown - Town Keeper
Dec 8, 2024

In conclusion, Town Keeper is a delightful and well-rounded strategy game that excels at being easy to learn while still offering enough complexity to satisfy players who enjoy fine-tuning their strategies. It’s great for anyone who wants a relaxed, enjoyable experience with the option to dial up the difficulty when desired. Whether you’re looking for a casual, low-commitment game or a challenge that tests your strategic thinking, Town Keeper delivers on all fronts with its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and versatile objectives.

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Liked-a-lot - Spirit Mancer
Dec 3, 2024

Spirit Mancer is an ambitious 2D adventure that tries to do a lot and mostly succeeds. It’s like a love letter to the 90s when games crammed in as many features as possible. While the difficulty spikes and overwhelming mechanics might deter some players, those willing to invest the time will find a lot to love. Plus, co-op mode makes everything better. It’s not perfect, but as a first entry in a new IP, it’s a fantastic start. If the developers refine the formula in a sequel, we could have something truly special on our hands. A free demo is available on Steam, go give it a spin.

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Dec 2, 2024

Tic Tac Toe World does its job at a basic level, but it’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off. It’s inexpensive, so if you’re an avid fan of the game and don’t mind playing against an AI, you might find some enjoyment here, especially with the added modes like Colour Mode. However, for most players, this game lacks the features needed to stand out. The absence of local multiplayer makes it hard to recommend, and the lifeless presentation does little to win players over. For a more authentic experience, a simple pen and paper might serve you better.

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Liked-a-lot - Servonauts
Dec 1, 2024

Servonauts is a delightful addition to any game night lineup. It’s easy to pick up, accessible for everyone, and packed with enough chaotic fun to keep you entertained for hours. Sure, it plays things a little safe, focusing heavily on its pipe-based gameplay without branching out much, but it nails what it sets out to do. Whether you’re yelling at friends to fix a broken pipeline or enjoying the game solo, Servonauts delivers a fantastic experience. What is the best way to fuel your Switch? With this game.

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