The gameplay loop itself is relaxing and easy. But the characters and the story are so shallow despite being such a huge part of the game that it can grow tiresome.
Matsuro Palette has a unique gameplay loop and provides some surprisingly difficult puzzles. However, what really makes it shine is its story and surprisingly endearing main lead.
A fantastic piece of horror game and video game history, with crisp visuals and smooth gameplay. Clock Tower: Rewind is a treat to experience, even though its old-timey inconveniences may make it hard for those used to how modern games handle.
Mouthwashing is a harrowing game with a surreal method of delivery that transcends the whole experience into something more akin to an art form. Through unfolding delusions and self-soothing hallucinations, the story delves into humanity’s darkness in a setting that inspires a deep, primordial fear.
A fantastical adventure full of themes that can apply to the real world. While its takes are hit or miss, the smooth battle system and charming characters more than make up for the story issues in this epic tale.
A great starting point for Fate fans, and a beautiful remaster for existing ones. Though it suffers from the wordiness that plagues Nasu's earlier work, it's a beautiful and compelling story of ideals, reality, and magic.
While I personally really like the combat, characters, and presentation, the grid exploration and parts of the story can feel weak.
Tsukihime: A piece of blue glass moon is a beautiful game with an amazingly rich story, colorful cast of characters, and a smooth localization.
The atmospheric horror is sure to make shivers run down your spine, but it fails to maintain its momentum.
With its intriguing worldview, aesthetics, and puzzles, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a unique puzzle game that presents its story in an elevated and artistic way.
Despite its surprisingly sweet story and colorful cast, the game felt artificially long due to its easy mystery and lack of a skip function.
Join Snufkin in this musical adventure about restoring harmony and balance to Moominvalley, protecting it from the industrious Park Keeper. Nintendo Switch version reviewed. Switch version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes. Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a short, but sweet, pastoral game that both Moomin veterans and newcomers can enjoy.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II is a gripping and gruesome read that leaves you wanting more.
The Apollo Justice trilogy comprises of three excellent ports, but the compilation highlights existing issues with the games in a way that make it difficult to forget about.
Much like a mug of chamomile tea, Cuisineer is a great way to relax at the end of the day, but it can leave some wanting more flavor.
A Perfect Day is a beautiful, but dull, visual novel and puzzle game hybrid that quickly wears out its welcome.
An emotional yet whimsical adventure that focuses on the themes of self-acceptance and the inter-generational immigrant trauma experience.
I admittedly went postal a bit the first ten minutes when I was hopelessly lost. Nintendo Switch version reviewed.
2037. Nakano, Tokyo. Pollon Takaoka is caught up in a tangle of plots as a result of his encounter with the mysterious girl Momo and faces major events that shake the world. Live the experience with Pollon, help him hack the myriad branches of reality and "load" the ending that saves the world! An exciting and suspenseful visual novel that maintains its momentum from beginning to end. It's a story that relies on its medium for a complete experience.
Let's School is a cute game that makes organizing timetables and classrooms fun, but the charm doesn't last long before it becomes a monotonous routine.