Tom Wilson
What Comes After is an inspiringly told portrayal of the beauty of life. It perfectly balances discussions about suicide, the trials and tribulations of life and the meaning of it all with a detailed and stylised art style that oozes warmth and joy.
Sarawak is a wonderfully crafted narrative adventure that follows an endearing character as she journey's to explore herself and the mysteries of her life. It features a well-written story that's brimming with character, charm, and wit. It has incredible art that complements incredibly vivid prose and fun, engaging puzzles to help make the experience a little more interactive.
OlliOlli World's accessible mechanics, gorgeous visuals and easy to complete levels make it the perfect entry-level game for those who wish to live out the skateboarding fantasy.
Despite being only developed by a handful of people, Edge of Eternity is by far one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Its stunning visuals, incredible soundtrack, complex narrative and intricate combat make it an incredibly ambitious title that fulfils each and every promise it makes.
Tinykin is undoubtedly the best game of 2022. Its satisfying platforming coupled with its open-ended approach to mission design allows for some of the best exploration in a video game. Furthermore, its phenomenal visuals and sense of scale offer up levels that are a delight to explore. Tinykin is perfect in every single way, masterfully executing each and every one of its creative mechanics. It is a fulfilling and extremely rewarding experience, and one you shouldn't miss.
Video Game Fables is a truly exceptional indie RPG. While it would have been easy to merely copy the tropes of the genre, developer Momiji Studios has crafted something entirely new. The game's myriad of systems revolutionise the turn-based genre in ways since thought impossible and its witty script and colourful cast of characters propel a unique and memorable narrative forward at a brisk pace. Despite its indie roots, Video Game Fables has been so expertly crafted, featuring slick UI, clever mechanics and gorgeous visuals, that you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a triple-A experience.
Cozy Grove is an incredible game full of charm and warmth. Its gorgeous art style and soothing music create a wonderfully serene ambience that makes for satisfying play sessions.
The Colonists is a genuinely brilliant game that has nuzzled its way nicely onto the Switch. It is a game filled to the brim with brilliant ideas and an abundance of complexity. Yet its streamlined controls and delightfully helpful tutorial supplies you with enough basics that even casual players will be able to understand.
To The Rescue! is a rewarding and fulfilling dog shelter simulation that perfectly encapsulates the challenges, stresses and difficulties of running a dog shelter while offering an addictive and meaningful gameplay loop that never gets old.
Lemnis Gate is as complex as it is fun. While its complicated mechanics may seem overwhelming at first, when you jump into a match, it feels both intuitive and easy to understand. For its low price point, it would be silly to pass up picking up Lemnis Gate.
Please, Touch The Artwork is an endlessly stylish puzzle game that manages to evoke such wonderful sentiments and feelings all while offering exceptionally fulfilling and rewarding gameplay. Its gorgeous visuals and ingenious puzzle design make it a truly unique game in the genre and one of a kind experience.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a triumph in masterful storytelling, exhilarating gameplay and cinematic spectacle. It is a phenomenal experience from start to finish thanks to its rich, deeply emotional narrative, explosive set-pieces, refined combat and immensely rewarding side content.
Fading Afternoon is a sprawling masterpiece that has been meticulously and carefully crafted by some of the greatest artists in the indie space.
Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is a gorgeous, meaningful, and terrifically fun hidden object game that explores both the phenomenal art of James Ensor as well as the world of art itself in an educational and thoroughly entertaining way.
Minami Lane is a remarkable management sim that manages to perfectly balance its cozy atmosphere with its complex gameplay.
Dragon's Dogma 2 is a masterclass in open-world innovation, a game that strives to truly shake up the genre and prove that there's plenty left still to say. Its gorgeous environments, coupled with its varied and exhilarating combat, rewarding exploration, and richly detailed worldbuilding, make for a truly engrossing experience backed by emergent gameplay that makes it feel as if absolutely anything could happen. Despite some minor shortcomings, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a remarkable game, one clearly made with so much love, passion, and reverence for the original that it makes for a wonderfully special experience unlike anything else.
Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure is an incredibly fun and addictive kart racer that I'm happy to admit is better than Mario Kart.
Alekon is a stunning photography game with a ton of variety. Whether it's exploring the beautiful and vast locations or playing through the myriad of minigames, Alekon always has something for you to do. Everything in this game is packed full of charm and personality, and we cannot recommend it enough.
Henchman Story is a fun, endearing and extremely witty visual novel that not only pokes fun at superhero flicks and comics but celebrates them too.
With continued support from both the community and the developer, Escape Simulator will quickly become the ultimate escape room experience.