Alana Dunitz
Black Skylands has a compelling story and is a great mix of a twin-stick shooter with a flying game that switches between the two often enough that you won't get bored. Piloting a large airship can be frustrating at times, but it gets easier as you practise.
Zombie Soup is a fun top-down twin-stick shooter that fans of the genre will enjoy. The enemies are a ton of fun and have silly personalities, like the zombie boss who tries to hit you with a fish! I just wish there was the option to play with a friend.
Varney Lake is an interesting coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist. The characters were all fun and the interactions between the children were great. If you have a couple of hours to spare, check this pixel pulp story out and learn what happened in the summer of 1954.
Sclash is an absolutely beautiful looking game with a stunning look that makes everything appear hand-painted. The story is quite short, and currently, there is no online play available, but it is still a game that will test your patience and timing!
Nova Strike is a fun and challenging shoot 'em up, featuring procedurally generated levels making each time you play feel different than the last. The game isn't super long, but if you choose to play again, there are other things to challenge yourself with.
Garlic is a retro-inspired 2D platformer that is full of crazy humour and personality. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding when you make progress; Garlic definitely makes your palms sweat!
Flutter Away is an incredibly wholesome and sweet game that, although short, is full of a lot of beautiful insects, flora, and other critters to interact with to complete your journal. Plus seriously, who doesn't want a pet capybara after playing this game?!
Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun is a game full of action using minimal controls; it may seem weird to only jump wherever you want to go but ends up working quite well adding a unique twist to games in the genre.
SokoSolitaire is a very difficult puzzle game, even if you have a lot of experience with games in the genre. My favourite part was the adorable cat in the snazzy suit that you play as.
Double Dragon Raiden: Rise of The Dragons is a great beat 'em-up game that takes everything you loved about the series and adds a ton of strategy. With a great retro look and sound, this is a must-play, even though it doesn't always explain things very well!
The premise of The Chrono Jotter is really interesting and unique, but the shallow gameplay and horrible localization really take you out of the experience. Though if you like brutal translations in games, there is a lot to laugh at here!
Armored Lab Force VULVEHICLES is full of fun tanks and destructive action, offering twelve different vehicles, each with their own primary and special weapons to select from. The story is nothing to write home about, but the gameplay is super fun and addictive!
Burnhouse Lane is a 2D horror adventure title that deals with a lot of serious issues and is full of disturbing visuals. The game feels a bit uneven but is an engaging experience if you are looking for a creepy time.
Layers of Fear is truly a disturbing experience that even players of the previous titles need to check out. With the gorgeous Unreal Engine 5 graphics and the amazing binaural sound, this is a game that has to be played.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a great mix of investigation, crazy word battles, and humour with a great cast of characters. If you enjoy solving mysteries and interesting stories, I am sure you will love this game.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is one of the most rewarding puzzle games that I have ever played. With an awesome aesthetic, great music, and a story full of twists and turns, this game will keep you coming back for more.
Nocturnal is a must-play title for fans of 2D action-platformers. While it may be relatively short, it offers a satisfying challenge and a refreshing twist on the genre.
Dokapon Kingdom: Connect blends a board game with RPG elements and looks like it would be fun to play, but the pacing is so ridiculously slow that it becomes frustrating and feels bland.
Panic in Sweets Land is a side-scrolling beat 'em up that is bursting with cuteness and happy vibes. It's a game where you save characters using happy feelings stored in sweet treats! Constant button-mashing may feel repetitive after extended gaming sessions.
DOOMBLADE is a fast-paced metroidvania title that blends twin-stick shooter mechanics. With tons of enemies and challenging boss battles, it puts your skills to the test. If you enjoy games with minimal hand-holding, this is the perfect choice for you!