Roger Reichardt's Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Skies Above is a beautifully crafted roguelike with a lot of heart and some well-thought-out mechanics. Each run feels meaningful, and with multiple progression systems, there’s always something new to unlock. That said, I never felt like the upgrades let me truly customize how I played—most of them just made me stronger, not different. Still, the game is a lot of fun, and it kept pulling me back in for just one more run.
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.
For players new to the series, Everhood 2 offers a truly trippy experience. But for those who have played the first game, while Everhood 2 is still great, don’t expect to be blown away by its uniqueness this time around.
Cabernet is unlike anything I’ve played before, especially within the visual novel genre. The addition of RPG elements is intriguing, but what truly sets it apart is its unique leveling system—gaining experience through decisions and reading books is something I haven’t seen done this way before. I love that I’m learning alongside Liza, which deepens the role-playing experience and makes every choice feel meaningful. The story is compelling and pulls me into its dark, immersive world—I just wish the voice acting matched that same level of quality. At times, the dialogue felt disjointed, especially when I had already learned certain information by speaking to characters out of order. However, these minor flaws don’t overshadow what Cabernet accomplishes. For those looking for a visual novel where choices truly matter, Cabernet is a must-play.
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.
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.
Wizordum brings back the classic charm of first-person shooters—something I didn’t realize I missed until I jumped into this game. It rewards exploration, with plenty of secrets to uncover and treasure to find, and the end-of-level score system gives it a satisfying arcade feel that encourages replaying levels. I did experience some motion sickness while playing on my PC and Steam Deck, which eased up when I switched to playing on a TV—so that might be something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness. That aside, Wizordum scratched a nostalgic itch I didn’t even know I had—and I’m glad I got to experience this game.
Any horror game that gets me to play it—and actually enjoy it—is worth checking out. Sorry We’re Closed weaves a heartfelt narrative of heartbreak and loneliness through a cast of charming, memorable characters. The ability to switch between isometric and first-person perspectives is well-executed, and the third-eye power adds a clever twist to both puzzles and combat. I didn’t know what to expect when I first booted it up, but I found myself deeply connected to the characters and their stories. Don’t sleep on this game—Sorry We’re Closed is doing things I haven’t seen in many other games.
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.
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.
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.
Bravely Default is the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Its story and gameplay remain some of the best the RPG genre has to offer, and the addition of new minigames does a great job showcasing the Joy-Con’s mouse controls. If you’ve never played Bravely Default before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have? Returning to this world on the Switch 2 feels just as rewarding—if not better—than the first time around.
StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder—full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.
What makes Into the Restless Ruins work is that I’m in total control of my destiny. Sure, I’m at the mercy of the draw when it comes to what cards I get to build my labyrinth—but ultimately, it’s up to me to decide how I lay out each run. The game loop just clicks. There are six dungeons to explore—each one more challenging than the last. If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors or Blue Prince, this should absolutely be on your radar.