Ultimately, the gameplay is the same from start to finish. Dig for a while, fill your inventory, fly out of the hole, sell your ores, upgrade if you can afford it, go back in the hole. You start to feel like you’re living Groundhog Day.
Of all the visual novels I’ve played in the past, this is probably my favourite, with the possible exception of Coffee Talk, since the latter had more gameplay options. I was impressed with almost every aspect, from the story, to the artwork, to the voice acting. I just wish that there had been more interactivity, and I REALLY wish that the main character wasn’t a minor.
I went into it fully anticipating an underwhelmingly average experience, but instead it surprised me! This was so much fun to play, and I felt so engaged with the story and the characters. It helped me slow down and just appreciate the little moments, rather than needing lots of real-time action to keep me entertained.
I’m often pretty lenient for mascot platformers, even for the ones that fall short, but no such leniency is needed with Nikoderiko: The Magical World. It delivers over and over again for a consistently enjoyable campaign experience. From the seamless way it flows between 2.5D and 3D platforming, to the range of collectibles there are to find, it’s evident just how much love and care has gone into the this title. If you’re after a platforming experience that’ll capture your attention from start to finish, this is it.
It’s also a shame that this game is so short, as it can be completed in just a couple of hours. I was really enjoying my time with it, and even though I feel that the length is able to do the storyline justice, a few extra levels would’ve been the icing on the cake.
It certainly has a lot of promise, and the mechanics involved are well-implemented. (...) Unfortunately, it’s let down by its short length, and the lack of varied mechanics. I wish that the developers had spent a bit more time on creating more missions. Different customisation options would’ve been great too. Still, if you’re looking for a quick and simple game to bide your time, this fits the bill.
Overall, Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is an incredibly strong entry into the puzzle genre. A lot of indie puzzle games can be hit and miss, but this one definitely was a hit. Sure, it had a few minor flaws, but none that detract from the enjoyment of playing it. Jemma is a delight of a protagonist, and the overarching message was one that really resonated.
Overall, this is an enjoyable game, and a solid entry into the farming sim genre. If you’re a fan of cosy games and you love trying out new titles, then Everafter Falls is definitely worth a play. (...) Is it as good as other titles such as Stardew Valley or Coral Island? No. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a fun experience with it, and sometimes it’s fun to try something new.
I’m sure the story probably gets pretty good as the game goes on, but the gameplay is so poor that I can’t be patient enough to find out. I don’t understand why some other critics have been giving this a 90. Clearly their tolerance for the mundane is a lot higher than mine.
There’s nothing wrong with this game, and I mean that emphatically. It runs smoothly, the movement is well calibrated, and I didn’t encounter a single glitch. However, a good game doesn’t just have nothing wrong, it also has to have a lot right. So, whilst, Steel Defier was undeniably enjoyable, I can’t in good conscience give it a rating any higher than this, simply because it’s too short and simple to warrant an exceptional score.
The developers have crafted something well-rounded and enjoyable to play. Despite the simple controls, it can be pretty challenging due to the fast pace of the game, as you often have to deal with several monsters at once. That makes it ideal for players who like to push themselves. And if you’re not confident in your solo ability, you can simply do the multiplayer version instead. Regardless of a few niggles I have with the game, I still would recommend it, and I think it offers decent value.
DariusBurst Another Chronicle EX+ is your basic arcade space game, but with some really cool boss designs. Whilst the difficulty feels exclusionary to more casual gamers, fans of the genre are likely to really enjoy this game, although it may not be worth the hefty price tag.
REKT! High Octane Stunts is a simplistic but enjoyable driving experience that offers up a nostalgic homage to retro games gone by. The fun neon colours and upbeat sounds immerse you in the gameplay, and you'll find yourself really invested in the action.
Buildings Have Feelings Too! is a kooky new management sim game that stars buildings as the protagonists. But what is it like to play? This review traverses the intricacies of the mechanics and movement, and gets to the bottom of whether or not this game is worth a purchase.
Ruinverse is a 2D RPG with turn-based combat, and a strong story throughout. Learn more about the magical world the characters reside in, and progress through several unique chapters. Whilst the story is strong, the gameplay falls a bit short, and so overall this game is rather ordinary.
Magic Twins is an adorable arcade puzzle game available on PC and Switch. Play by yourself or with a friend as you attempt to save the world from Colormageddon! Check out this review, and see for yourself whether it’s your kind of game.