Alana Dunitz
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!
Gematombe is a new twist on the traditional brick-breaking game where you are bouncing a ball on a paddle to take out blocks. I never found it to be addictive like other puzzle games, and I don't think it has much replayability.
Bat Boy is a great action platforming game that has everything we loved about these games in the past, from catchy music to great visuals and controls. It's fun to see a game influenced by sports that aren't actually a sports game!
Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is a super addictive and cutesy game that's fun to play both single-player and with friends. I would have loved the option to change the music as it becomes quite irritating when you hear it repeatedly due to difficult stages.
Protodroid DeLTA is a challenging 3D platformer heavily influenced by the Mega Man X series. The game offers a variety of cool stages to choose from and presents crazy enemies to fight, but the jumps and enemy placement can feel unfair at times.
Shooting Saucer is a challenging arcade-style platformer where you will die a lot while learning the levels. With multiple characters, each with their own unique traits, there is plenty of replayability here!
Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse has fixed all the issues that plagued its demo and is a title with a creepy story and startling moments that will make you jump. Make sure you save often because, with no auto-save, it will be easy to lose progress and items.
Rendezvous is a great-looking retro-inspired title full of Indonesian culture, which is hindered by its frustrating combat system, repetitive gameplay, and bad voice acting in a predictable story. The game is quite short, so if you are frustrated, it won't last for too long.