Roger Reichardt's Reviews
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.
There’s a lot to love about Biomorph. The animation is stellar, and the cutscenes feel like something right out of a Saturday morning cartoon. The combat is the game's highlight, with the morphing aspect the centerpiece. Those who enjoy challenging Metroidvanias will certainly love Biomorph.
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.
Simply put, there's too much going on in Undungeon. It feels like several different mechanics ratcheted together. But none of it is cohesive. Moreover, the story is too complicated; you must read a novel every time you interact with someone. Finally, the controls feel cumbersome, and the numerous loading screens take you out of the experience.
I don't give many games a score of ten. That is reserved for experiences that are so gripping and mechanics that change the landscape of a franchise. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope does just that. Every moment I wasn't playing Sparks of Hope, I was thinking about it. And for a studio to take a proven formula, shake it up, and try something new is risky but rewarding. I can't recommend this game enough.
Foretales has a lot of moving parts to this card-based game. The narrative-driven mechanic allows the players freedom to select which path to choose and how to play their hand is a fascinating, albeit risky, take on the genre. However, it works. You'll enjoy your time with the game if you approach Foretales as a strategy game rather than a deck-builder.
Circus Electrique is unlike any other RPG. Genre fans who like deep stat management will find a lot to like here. The mix of circus management and combat makes for a unique experience, although the management aspect does disrupt the flow. The game's strength is in its storytelling and how well the voice acting and art compliment the narrative. The preferred way to play this game is on the TV, as in handheld mode, it's difficult to read the text or see the different icons for the characters.
I enjoyed my time with Dreamlight Valley. There is plenty to do, and I never felt rushed to complete any quests. The fact that I can complete the quests in any order I'd like also played a big part in the leisure gameplay that Dreamlight Valley is going for it. The cast of characters and the amount you can do is impressive, and I can't wait to see what else is planned for the future. If you're a massive fan of Disney and looking for a game similar to Animal Crossing, but with a bit more direction in story, Dreamlight Valley is certainly for you.
Kokoro Clover: Season 1 is a good game for younger players that may be new to the platforming genre. The storytelling is the best feature of the game, and the presentation is unique, making it unlike anything else I've played before. The game ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, opening the door for a second season, which I hope happens.
Spidersaurs is a beautiful homage to a bygone era of over-the-top '90s cartoons and challenging platformers. The game does enough to make it feel distinct from similar games, adding in special abilities and beautiful art and voice acting. The game is a challenging yet short experience. If you are a fan of Contra, you won't be disappointed.