Alana Dunitz
Mato Anomalies mixes mystery, turn-based battles, and card-building all into one game with a great look and fun characters. If you like futuristic neo-noir games with a JRPG feel, this title is going to be one you will want to look into, even with a lack of distinct enemies.
Grim Guardians: Demon Purge is a great-looking 2D platformer that feels just like a Castlevania game. With entertaining characters, and the ability to swap the main characters on the fly. Can get repetitive seeing the same enemies constantly respawning and lack of animated story, it is a solid title overall.
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is a must-buy for any fans of Dead Cells or Castlevania, it's a breath of fresh air for those who have played the base Dead Cells in the past, plus the music is fantastic!
WHALIEN - Unexpected Guests is a fun, 3D puzzle platformer, full of crazy characters and vibrant visuals that will make you smile. The game is quite short, but the puzzles are enjoyable and never frustrating. Plus who doesn't enjoy a plethora of whale puns?
Patch Quest is a game full of exploration and a huge variety of creatures and plants to collect. Just because it looks cute doesn't mean it is easy, like other twin-stick shooters you will find yourself in bullet hell a lot!
Breakers Collection is a colourful pixelated 2D fighter that has only four attack buttons to use so it's good for players looking for a brawler that is more simple than other fighting games out there. The second game offers online crossplay for people looking to take on other players around the world, though sometimes it's hard to find matches to play in.
The Last Kids on Earth: Hit the Deck! is a challenging card-battling game that is full of personality and fun characters. You don't need to have previous knowledge of the books or Netflix series to enjoy it, but if you were expecting a different all-new story then you may be disappointed.
Elderand is a game full of mystery, monsters, exploration, and gore. With so much to see this title is sure to keep you busy for a long time. I just wish you were able to make spots on the map so you knew specific locations to come back to once you get new abilities.
Lone Ruin is a beautiful and addictive game where you can choose your path and power-ups as you progress through these abandoned ruins fighting off numerous enemies. Unfortunately, the game is quite short, especially if you aren't interested in getting a high score on the Leaderboard.
8-Bit Adventures 2 is a beautiful, turn-based RPG inspired by all the classic titles on the NES and improved to make the gameplay even better. This game will have you hooked with a compelling and unique story; it's a must-play!
Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix is a super fun and challenging game with various modes and the option to play with two players. Add on the amazing soundtrack and beautiful visuals; this is a must-play title.
BLACKTAIL is an RPG full of exploration, crafting, and magic. Based on Slavic Folklore, this isn't your typical happy story; this is a dark tale full of difficult choices. It may take some time to learn how to use your bow well, but once you figure out the proper timing and technique, you will be more successful in battle.
Chained Echoes is a fantastic JRPG that captures everything we love about turn-based RPGs on the SNES but improves on everything we didn't love. With a new battle system, no random enemies to encounter, and the ability to have eight characters on your team and switch without using a turn, Chained Echoes is a must-play!
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a great mix of ninja-themed titles that gamers may have experienced on the SNES. It has a wide variety of gameplay elements that make every stage feel fresh and new from the others. This challenging game will be a must-play for people who love ninjas and a challenge!
Jitsu Squad is a 2D beat 'em up game full of action and lots of fun animal characters to play as. If you are looking for a four-player game, wait until there is a patch. If you want a fun single-player experience with great music and loads of action, you can't go wrong with Jitsu Squad.
My Fantastic Ranch is a simple game that has you building and maintaining a ranch full of adorable fantasy creatures. It is easy to learn for children and adults, so this relaxing game is worth checking out if you like management titles like this.
Naraka: Bladepoint is a beautiful-looking and sounding game with some neat battle mechanics and fun martial arts action that is challenging to master. Finding opponents in your area may be tricky so being put against players from a different region with a higher ping rate feels unfair.
Tad the Lost Explorer is a nice-looking 3D platformer that sends you around the world to solve puzzles, discover treasures, and prove that you are a great explorer. There are issues with some of the puzzles where completing it doesn't trigger the next event correctly, so you may need to replay sections.
The Knight Witch is a nice-looking game with hand-drawn visuals, charming characters, and an interesting story. The game combines twin-stick shooting, deck building, and Metroidvanias in a unique way I have never played before!
Ship of Fools is an enjoyable and charming co-op game that has players working together to rid The Forgotten Waters of the sea monsters taking it over. It's a little short, with some slower loading times on the Steam Deck using the dock, but it's one of the most fun co-op games I've played in a while!