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.
Aliens: Dark Descent successfully pays homage to the Aliens franchise by deftly incorporating fear and suspense into story and gameplay alike. It embraces the established aesthetics and lore of the series, delivering an immersive experience that’s sure to resonate with fans. With a story that clearly loves its originator and gameplay that’s fun for RTS and Horror fans alike, Aliens: Dark Descent solidifies its place as a faithful and masterful entry in the Aliens universe.
Layers of Fear is a generous collection of brilliant horror stories. Fans of PT and psychological horror are in for a treat with this beautifully crafted exploration of human misery.
Creature Lab, while boasting an interesting premise, ultimately fails to deliver an engaging and captivating experience worthy of the concept. By lacking a visual narrative and eliminating any meaningful player involvement in missions, the game fails to provide the excitement, challenge, and sense of accomplishment that players seek when creating their ultimate bioweapons and sending them into the world. The gameplay is overall way too menu-heavy, and the repetitive and often confusing gameplay isn’t worth how short the game ultimately is.
Bleak Sword DX is a hauntingly beautiful game, with a fantastically executed Dark Fantasy world and great combat hidden behind a deceptively simple art style. Fans of Dark Souls or Dark Fantasy as a genre would be missing out if they don’t give Bleak Sword DX a try.
Amnesia: The Bunker is a thrilling horror game that makes fantastic use of its setting to keep players tense, scared, and desperate to keep the lights on.
Killer Frequency is a game with an interesting and unique concept and plenty of tension-filled, slightly comedic horror throughout. Anyone who’s a fan of radio-drama-type horror is in for a real treat with this title.
Homebody is a fantastic piece of psychological horror that’s sure to live in your mind long after you’ve finished the game. With a narrative as interesting as it is unpredictable, you’re bound to be glued to the screen as you try to discover the mystery behind this strange house and the friends within.
Friends vs Friends is a solid multiplayer shooter with a ton of style with a focus on casual pvp. Casual players as well as sweats should find plenty to enjoy in this funky deck building shooter.
Evil Wizard is a solid Metroidvania title that wants to cast a spell on you with its humor. If it succeeds, you just might find yourself with a new favorite game.
Chronicles of 2 Heroes: Amaterasu’s Wrath is a solid Metroidvania-type title with a focus on challenging and unique platforming mechanics. Platforming veterans and new players alike have something to enjoy in this challenging and stylish game.
Though cute and inoffensive, Blooming Business: Casino isn’t going to be what many players are looking for in a casino tycoon game. If you’re looking for a chill decorator or sim game with a short narrative, this game is more up your alley.
Future Racer 2000 is a fantastic psychological horror game, with creativity oozing from every pore. Fans of horror have no excuse to skip out on this short, fairly priced, and tension-filled experience.