Roger Reichardt's Reviews
Worlds of Aria is best played with friends—this is where the game truly shines. At its core, the fun comes from selecting different decisions and debating them together. The writing embraces the silly and absurd, adding to the party game atmosphere. While much of a player’s success is left to chance with dice rolls, the game lacks a meaningful risk-and-reward system. Ultimately, Worlds of Aria feels like a series of laidback, tabletop one-shots. This game is a great fit for players who enjoy lighthearted, casual RPGs, but those looking for deep strategy may want to look elsewhere.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a dream come true for Metroidvania fans. Its world is brought to life with vibrant art and a beautifully crafted soundtrack. I love how every boss—each one uniquely designed—becomes an ally, forming the foundation of my attacks. The story is deep and intriguing, though it can get complex at times. For fans of the Metroidvania genre, this is a must-play!
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To fully embraces its chill vibe. From its inviting artwork and vibrant color palette to its relaxed yet engaging match-3 gameplay, every element reinforces the game’s cozy atmosphere. The music enhances this further, setting the perfect mood, while the narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and mutual care. By the time I finished my playthrough, I was left wanting more—I felt like I was just beginning to connect with the characters. Spirit Swap is a perfect example of thoughtful, well-executed game design. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good experience, this one’s a must-play.
Fans of puzzle games and ’80s horror movies will find plenty to love in Slayaway Camp 2. The addition of new character types not only enhances gameplay but also allows for more inventive puzzles. While the cartoony art style softens the tone, the game is still a bit gory—though less so than its predecessor—making it unsuitable for younger audiences. That said, Slayaway Camp 2 stands out as one of the best puzzle games on the market, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience.
All that said, I genuinely enjoyed my time with Star Trek: Legends. While it undeniably feels like a mobile game, accepting that makes it easier to appreciate its charm. It’s not a deep strategy game, nor is it meant to be played for hours on end. However, in short bursts, it’s a fun experience that serves as a great palette cleanser. Star Trek fans, in particular, will appreciate the extensive roster of characters and the deep-cut references woven into the story and characters.
In a VR landscape dominated by shooters, Maestro is a breath of fresh air. The game cleverly combines the joy of conducting an orchestra with fascinating historical insights into the music. Its humor and charm elevate the experience, making it truly unforgettable. Double Jack has crafted a masterpiece with Maestro. If you’re seeking a unique and delightful addition to your Meta Quest library, this game is well worth your time.
Entropy Survivors easily earns a spot among my favorite roguelikes, largely in part due to its impressive depth of customization and the satisfying sense of progression with every run. Each attempt feels meaningful, making it hard to resist diving back in for just one more round. The inclusion of online co-op for up to four players adds even more replay value, and I can already see it becoming my go-to game for gaming nights with friends. Plus, it runs beautifully on the Steam Deck, making it easy for me to pick up and play anytime.
Despite its flaws, I’m willing to forgive Mirthwood because it offers so much. One of my favorite aspects is how the game lets me experience it at my own pace. Social interactions are a major focus—meeting locals, building (or sabotaging) relationships, and even pursuing romance. I can marry, have children, and shape my personal story through these connections. The morality system adds another layer of depth. Certain deeds can raise or lower my morality, and being "all good" isn’t always the best path. For instance, I met a merchant who refused to sell me goods because I hadn’t "gotten my hands dirty" enough. These nuanced mechanics make the world feel dynamic and responsive to my choices. Mirthwood was one of my most anticipated games this year, and its ability to blend depth, freedom, and storytelling exceeded my expectations.
Despite a few minor critiques, Crow Country is a fantastic game. I'm glad I gave Crow Country a try, as it has quickly become one of my favorite Halloween games because of its rich atmosphere and compelling narrative. The story is compelling, and though it’s set in a creepy, abandoned amusement park with Playstation One-style aesthetics, it leans more into the realm of a sci-fi thriller than pure horror. The twist takes me completely by surprise, and the ending leaves me wondering about Mara’s fate and the secret she uncovers. If you’re looking for the perfect spooky game to dive into this Halloween, Crow Country is definitely worth your time.
Flowstone Saga excels with its story. I loved uncovering Mirai’s past alongside her, learning the truth as the story unfolded. The cast of characters feels authentic, and at times, former enemies turn out to be misunderstood, while the real villain proves far more dangerous. The battle mechanics initially felt fresh, but they soon became repetitive—after all, how much Tetris can one really play? Considering some elements lacked depth, I think Flowstone Saga could have benefited from skipping a few underutilized features and focusing more on a traditional RPG approach. I appreciate that the developers tried something new, and the Tetris-inspired battle mechanics tie in well with Mirai’s abilities, but perhaps it ended up being a bit too much of the same thing.
Among the auto-battlers I've played, NeoDuel Backpack Monsters stands out as one of the best. I appreciate the strategic depth it offers, allowing me to have greater influence over the outcomes. While there is an element of chance that occasionally complicates my strategies or forces me to adapt my original plans, I ultimately found my time with the game to be enjoyable.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Keylocker. The animation is stunning, the music is incredible, and the story is fantastic. Yes, the game is challenging, and no, it's not a passive experience—I had to stay engaged and pay attention during battles. But that’s exactly what I love about it. It dares to be different from a lot of other RPGs and takes some bold risks, most of which pay off beautifully. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, Keylocker is definitely a game that should be on your list.
Satryn DX is a vibrant twin-stick shooter that offers both fun gameplay and a satisfying challenge. Its unique use of color and enemy camouflage brings a fresh twist to the genre, setting it apart from other games. Priced at just $6.99, it's an excellent value and is undoubtedly worth every penny.
I appreciate Tavern Talk's fresh approach, which places the player in the unique role of a bartender rather than the typical adventurer embarking on quests. The game offers a cozy atmosphere, populated by a colorful cast of characters. However, I sometimes find myself wishing that my choices carried more weight. The game's world is rich and expansive, occasionally leaving me feeling a bit overwhelmed. Nonetheless, for players seeking a relaxing experience to help them decompress after a busy day—a place where everyone knows your name—Tavern Talk perfectly fits the bill.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space summons the nostalgic thrill of a modern-day ghost in the graveyard. While I enjoyed playing as a Klown, taking on the role of a human also led to numerous hilarious moments. Whether a fan of the original movie or not, the game's whimsical antics and visually stunning design are sure to win many hearts. I highly recommend playing this game with friends, as the experience is greatly enhanced by sharing laughs and enjoying each other's company. Ultimately, that’s exactly what Killer Klowns offers—a genuinely fun time.
NeoSprint offers far more depth than is immediately apparent. Boasting nearly fifty playable tracks, and featuring the capability to design and share your own courses, this game provides limitless entertainment. While the campaign mode offers a fun and challenging single-player experience, the true appeal of NeoSprint lies in its arcade-style multiplayer gameplay. With options to organize Grand Prix events and challenge friends, NeoSprint is an essential addition for anyone seeking their next local multiplayer gaming adventure.
Ship of Fools is meant to be played co-op, either locally or online. The artwork is gorgeous, and the gameplay is fun and intense. You can play this one solo, but eventually, you'll feel overwhelmed. If you and a friend are looking for a challenge, this one is for you.
Turn off the lights and go into your play of Inscryption knowing you will experience a narrative like no other. The gameplay is well done, but the story that lies under it is perfect. If you are a horror fan, do not skip this one.
Once Upon a Jester is a classic hero quest told through some creative gameplay and writing. There are plenty of touching moments mixed in with the humor, which I wasn't expecting. The music sets the scenes perfectly as well. What I love about Once Upon a Jester is that the creators took a lot of risks, from the story to the voice acting, and even the mechanics for putting on a show. And all of these features stick the landing. This game is everything I love about the indie scene.
There's a solid base for a kart game here, but there's just not enough content to be considered a contender on the Switch. As a result, it's hard to compete against something like Mario Kart. And priced at $40, spend the extra $20 and get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch instead.