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?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.