Sea of Stars is a fantastic RPG that pays homage to its inspiration while standing out on its own. A beautiful world and a story that’ll captivate anyone, this is truly a game I recommend to all audiences. Even those who aren’t a fan of turn-based RPGs will find something to enjoy in this game, which cleverly innovates on classic gameplay and delivers a title worth truly trying for yourself.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon pairs its fast-paced, exciting, and downright fun gameplay with incredibly rewarding progression and a staggering amount of player customization. Its quick but thrilling missions are paired with challenging FromSoft-style boss fights that will test your knowledge of the game’s easy-to-learn, hard-to-master mechanics in fun and exciting ways. More than that, it beautifully delivers on the fantasy of being a mech pilot with its gritty world and excellent mech control and fighting, creating an immersive game that feels as good as it plays.
Ride 5 is a game that prides itself on its authentic portrayal of motorcycle racing. Much like real racing, you’re going to have to get some time on the track and really practice to steal first place from your competitors. This isn’t a problem, as each ride feels fun to control, with scenic tracks and intuitive mechanics that make it very forgiving to make a mistake. Just make sure you break out your controller if you’re playing this game on PC.
Though its heavy focus on reading and “learning the mechanics is half the fun” design may put some players off, Book of Hours is a unique game that promises something few other titles can mimic. If you find yourself even a little intrigued by the unique, occult setting and the promise of mysteries to discover and catalog, you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t give Book of Hours a try.
En Garde! takes familiar and tired mechanics and turns them into something new, creating gameplay that is strategically engaging, supremely satisfying and full of unexpected depth. Alongside this game is a beautiful and unique presentation that seamlessly combines the swashbuckling action of a classic Zorro flick with the vibrance and slapstick humor of the golden age of animated movies, creating a marvelous game with a truly unique personality all of its own.
Marble It Up! Ultra is a nostalgic gateway into marble-bouncing fun. While it could easily be a sequel, Ultra comes free for anyone who owns Marble It Up!, generously tripling the amount of fun available for fans of the 2018 classic. With simple mechanics and a lot of physics-based fun, the game asks just one important question: What more do you need?
Baldur’s Gate 3 easily cements itself as a titan of the roleplaying genre. With incredibly faithful recreations of D&D’s game system and lore, BG3 easily serves as a substitute to Dungeons & Dragons than can be played alone or with friends. If you’ve never played D&D, you’re in for a surprise as you learn just how much freedom and player expression is built into Baldur’s Gate 3’s truly unique experience.
Pseudoregalia is truly a one of a kind game, which clearly was the result of passionate development and the unique vision of a creator. Maybe I was the perfect audience to review this game, as I am a fan of similar aesthetics and design choices (likely a result of nostalgia), but I can’t think of a single bad thing to say about this game. For the incredibly modest price of $5.99, you can pick up this standout title with a truly unique setting, fantastic visuals, fast and fluid platforming and combat tech, and a phenomenal soundtrack.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons captures the essence of classic arcade beat-em-ups while infusing it with fresh and innovative gameplay elements. With its diverse character roster, intense action, and roguelike mechanics, the game promises an exhilarating experience for both old-school fans and newcomers alike. Though the art direction is a little hit or miss for me, I can honestly say that Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons is worth checking out. So grab a friend or go solo, hit the streets, and embark on an unforgettable journey to bring justice back to the gang-ridden alleys of New York City.
Arcadian Atlas successfully captures the essence of a bygone area in RPG gaming. Nostalgic but original, the game is reminiscent of classic titles but never strays away from doing its own thing. With a brilliant jazz score, beautiful and expressive visuals, and a compelling, dark story, Arcadian Atlas is a newfound classic that’s sure to appeal to nostalgic gamers and first-time RPG players alike.
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a fantastic platformer that will captivate audiences of all ages with its engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm. Whether players choose to embark on a leisurely journey or seek out thrilling challenges, this game caters to both casual gamers and avid speedrunners. With its optional difficulty settings and intricately designed levels, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara provides an immersive experience that keeps players hooked from start to finish. As a loving tribute to classic platformers, this game pays homage to the genre’s rich history while adding its own unique twists and surprises. Undoubtedly, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara will be hailed as a remarkable title that leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of platformer enthusiasts worldwide.
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes Definitive Edition breathes new life into the aging game, elevating it to meet the standards of a modern audience. The gameplay, while intriguing, may be best enjoyed in shorter bursts or on the go rather than in extended playthroughs. The Definitive Edition successfully revitalizes the game, making it a worthwhile choice for both newcomers and fans of the original, offering a unique experience that can be enjoyed in convenient and manageable sessions.
DROS is a solid little puzzle platformer that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The game’s unique setting is shared through phenomenal art and told through the experience of its two protagonists, whose unique relationship and complementary differences are the core to both the narrative and the gameplay. Pick up DROS for a relaxing yet mentally stimulating good time, and fall in love with the two simple but likable protagonists.
LISA: Definitive Edition isn’t going to be for everyone. The simple and dated gameplay can be a bit of a chore at times to get through, and the extreme subject matter certainly won’t be palatable for everyone. However, LISA: Definitive Edition tells a wonderful, if painful, story, and until we have a LISA animated series LISA: Definitive Edition is definitely the best way to experience it.
While faithful to the genre, Ember Knights make some solid creative decisions and implement quality-of-life fixes that many roguelikes desperately need, and opens the genre up to a multiplayer experience. Unafraid to make players feel powerful while still presenting a real challenge, Ember Knights is a game that feels like it was designed to have fun, favoring fun builds and creative interactions with the world over any artificial difficulty, providing a genuine challenge that’s no less fun for players alone or with a group of friends.
Jagged Alliance 3 takes a familiar yet improved-upon turn-based experience, a unique resource management system, 4x-Lite strategy and a satirical setting bursting with character and tosses them all together. While the turn-based combat isn’t going to be everyone’s favorite aspect of the game, it is easy to say that Jagged Alliance 3 hits way more than it misses and offers plenty more for players to enjoy.
AEW: Fight Forever is undeniably a unique and unconventional game. The game’s charm lies in its distinctiveness, using its captivating licensed soundtrack and departure from traditional gameplay mechanics to make something strange and unique. The unusual control scheme, cartoony graphics, and limited player customization may deter newcomers and those outside of the target audience from picking it up, but the game was made for fans, and for those fans I say go ahead and give it a try.
If you appreciate unconventional and visually captivating experiences, Sludge Life 2 offers a distinctive journey through a world filled with peculiar characters and a vibrant urban landscape. However, those seeking a more narratively satisfying adventure should probably look elsewhere. Sludge Life 2 is a game that will appeal to a specific audience, but not all players will find it to be a lasting and fulfilling experience.
Nova Lands offers an interesting, if familiar, little journey with a fun enough gameplay loop. The game’s clean graphics focus on automation should provide a refreshing and fun experience for fans of titles like Factorio and Forager. While the title lacks in scope and replayability, the overall gameplay remains enjoyable, though it’s not lacking in room for improvement. With refinements to island variation, resource distribution, replayability, and other areas, Nova Lands has the potential to become a truly stellar gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Vactics is an aesthetically pleasing and strategically challenging game. It’s visual beauty and immersive sound design draws players into a world that feels both elegant and engaging. The game’s strategic depth and roguelike design can offer countless hours of mental stimulation and satisfaction for those who can really get behind the gameplay. However, the chess inspirations and repetitive nature of the game may not appeal to players seeking more fast-paced or flashy experiences. Nevertheless, Vactics successfully carves its niche and provides a captivating journey for strategy aficionados willing to explore its unique blend of minimalism and strategic depth.