I alway find that the problem with some puzzle games is that they can become all too dull and lose their magic quickly. However that is never the case with Ghosts and Apples as the art style, the puzzling itself and the two player local co op all keep the game fresh and interesting for as long as possible. In my 35 + years of gaming I have only ever found Tetris to be the perfect puzzle game but right now there is a new contender. Quite simply this game is a magical piece of puzzling and deserves to get full marks.
Psychonauts 2 is not the most difficult game you will ever play but it is one of the most enjoyable and will keep you coming back for more whether that be to enjoy the comedy again or to get that 100% score of collectibles, pins, and badges that are on offer. I often talk to people about why gaming has sometimes managed to lose focus on what is important and that is the sheer fun of playing games: playability. How many games are there now that look amazing but play like utter tripe? Too many. What Psychonauts 2 does is bring stunning cartoon-style graphics that made me feel as if I was in a cartoon show, intuitive controls, and a narrative that will both bewilder and amaze in equal measure. I feel there is so much more of the game I have not yet explored and what really stands out for me is the games’ understanding of human frailties and character flaws. If Psychonauts 2 helps others to do the same then it has achieved something very special and for me personally, this is a game that will forever hold a special place in my gaming heart.
2022 is going to see a lot of contenders for Game of the Year with the likes of Elden Ring and Horizon: Forbidden West already high on the list and we are only in April. It says a lot about the quality of gaming at the moment. Witty, more guns and crossbows than you can ever imagine, a well set out story and stunning graphics all create what is simply a superb game. If you love the Borderlands games you will love this. If you haven’t played them then you will still love this game. Quite simply superb and will knock on the door for GOTY 2022.
Roll 7 have done what I believed would be impossible and taken two of my favourite indie games of the last few years and made the experience even better. The new art style is just stunning, the game performs superbly well and even the back story adds a little humour to proceedings. A local Co-op mode would have been a nice addition but when a game is this good it is almost impossible to find any fault with it. If you loved the originals then buy this game. If you haven’t played the originals, then buy this game. Put simply, this is an early contender for game of the year without a doubt.
Lacuna is one of the best examples of point and click, adventure, puzzle and detective gaming I have played for I don’t know how long. From the mysteries changing to the multiple endings and the sound and visuals, this is truly an absolute gem of a game and one that deserves its place in your collection.
It is fabulous to find a game that was once lost be brought back to life but not only that, brought back to life with such care and commitment. Yes, it’s really short but you will love beating up robot penguins and crazy fish heads and you genuinely will feel a sense that you have been given the privilege to play this game at long last. This has to be in your game collection not just for the nostalgia but quite simply because it is one superb piece of gaming.
Gynoug is not going to win any accolades for originality or for doing anything that is especially exciting but what it does, it does well. It has a good learning curve as well as being technically excellent and enjoyable to play. Let’s not forget that this is a 30-year-old game that has actually aged rather well. It still looks and sounds good and is perfect for fans of this type of game. Gynoug delivers another Shmup classic.
I worried as I progressed through Jars that the game would start to become repetitive but what Mousetrap Games have done is add enough variety to keep things fresh and keep you constantly thinking about your next strategy. The increasing difficulty level is pitched perfectly and this is a fabulous example of how to do a puzzle and tower defense game to the very highest standard. Cutscenes are well-timed to provide a breather from the 2D puzzle action although the lack of touchscreen capability is a shame as this could have made the game even better. Overall this is a game that deserves its place in any gamers library.
The only issue I have is with the difficulty of Gleylancer but what I have been reminded of is just what a crime it was that this game never got the exposure it deserved back in 1992 and what Ratalaika have done is perfectly bring back an absolute hidden gem to allow everyone to experience what is one of the best shmups that have ever been made and quite simply I say to you all – go and buy this game, go and enjoy this game and to Ratalaika I just say thank you for saving a piece of gaming history from being forgotten.
Whilst the combat can be samey it is also tightly constructed and is only a minor gripe in what is otherwise a highly polished game that looks great, sounds great, and is just a joy to play. Redgi is a hero and a legend that you won’t want to leave alone until he has his rightful place on his throne and his Father’s memory avenged. This is one rat that is most welcome in any gamers home.
Here we have a game that I can say should be played at least once by everyone who loves their games relaxing and that will bring a smile to your face with every twist and turn. The only downside is that anyone who hates music will struggle here but I suspect that may be a mere few. Annapurna Interactive has delivered a delightful game, a fabulous game, a psychedelic adventure that simply is an experience to behold and then some. Psychedelic supremacy has arrived. Now, where’s my Fender?!
The combat and gyro controls make this a killer of a game and I mean that in a good way. A very good way. Everything runs better than Doom 2016 and playing Eternal on the go is truly a joy to behold, despite the obvious concessions. The main disappointment is the multiplayer element and some of the cut scenes can feel like they will never end and don’t really add anything to the game or the story. Overall this is an absolute gem of a game and is a superb port that every Switch owner should have in their collection!
If you are a multiplayer arcade game fan then you need Windjammers 2 in your collection right away. It’s fast, it is fun and it’s super addictive, ticking all of the right boxes when it comes to multiplayer gaming and there is little I can find to criticise from that aspect. If you are intending to play solo though there isn’t enough here to recommend a purchase on day one as it will be over fairly quickly and the characters just don’t have enough identity or individuality about them to make it worth your while and the play value is limited. As an arcade game, this is an absolute belter and one that really has captured the arcade scene of the 90’s perfectly so grab a friend and get jamming.
Whilst there are some annoying quirks in the game, they are mostly able to be overlooked and could easily be rectified in a post-release patch although I passionately believe that post-release patches shouldn’t be needed but I digress. For adventure fans and fans of graphic novels, there is plenty of content in Beyond a Steel Sky with great character portrayal and music that really evocates the world you must survive in and overall it is a great game worth serious consideration.
Glyph is a beautifully designed puzzle, platform adventure game filled with ingenuity and despite the odd flaw is well worth your time and I can recommend that this game is a worthy addition to any Nintendo Switch collection.
It is times like this that I love gaming so very much just for its simplicity, and developers such as Diplodocus really should be applauded for delivering a truly joyous, albeit brief experience to gamers. Imagine what they could do with a bigger budget!
This is powerful stuff. A world of light and dark, a world that feels familiar and unsettling. Sea of Solitude: Director’s Cut is an incredible journey as well as being a well-thought-out game. I highly recommend this to any gamer and I praise anyone who stands up for mental health and gets it out there to be discussed and understood.
I still stick by my feeling that this isn’t a game but an educational tool but it’s a bold attempt and overall it does work well, anyone with an interest in the Ocean will find plenty to learn and discover and for that alone this is worth being applauded. If you want a chillout experience with some great mood melodies and you have a thirst for education, Beyond Blue is worth a look. For anyone else, it is probably not going to float your boat.
Epic Chef is a strange game really. It sits somewhere between a cooking game and land management sim and has a wealth of activities for many hours of entertainment. At times it can feel a little too slow-paced but I feel it is an ambitious effort to do something a little different with a tested formula and in the most part it does work well. It is not a game for everyone but if you like this type of game and you can overlook its shortfalls, you will be able to have a lot of fun with Epic Chef.
At times the tiny enemies and their tiny bullets can get really frustrating but overall this is a great homage to run and gun games of the 1990’s and the learning curve is just about right. The game is without doubt a lot of fun and a real blast to play and all for less than a supermarket meal deal. For fans I would definitely recommend adding this one to your Nintendo Switch collection.