8/10: Radiant - Jess Recommends
While the storyline doesn't quite hit the same as its predecessor which is amplified by the longer gameplay length, The Rise of the Golden Idol still has very engaging gameplay and puzzles. I'm happy to say that I was hooked once again.
Threshold has some interesting ideas but it very bare bones both in terms of gameplay and storyline.
Death of the Reprobate is an incredibly silly point-and-click puzzle game which uses Monty Python-style humor and an art design consisting of Renaissance paintings to create a hilariously random experience.
Tormenture does a fantastic job at modernising Atari classics such as Adventure for a modern audience while also being one of the scariest horror games of the year. I recommend this both to fans of the Atari classics looking for a nostalgia hit and younger horror game fans.
While We Wait Here isn't a bad game but it didn't impact me as much as I thought it would, being a story about a group of highly different characters seeking shelter in a diner during what might be the end of the world.
While Hollowbody is a beautifully designed survival horror game visual and audio-wise, its clunky controls and camera which has a mind of its own made it very frustrating to play.
Mouthwashing is an impactful game, telling a bleak story about an ill-fated crew and how the game's greatest horrors live amongst them.
Pneumata takes inspiration from Resident Evil but completely forgets what makes these games entertaining. While it initially showed potential, this bloated survival horror is immensely unfun.
Apartment Story isn't perfect but is ideal if you're looking for a short flick that can be completed in one sitting. It features an interesting mix of genres and a story that fits in well with the length, neatly wrapping up at the end.
The Casting of Frank Stone starts off well with an interesting premise and slow build so we can get to know its characters. Unfortunately it spends too much time on this that it forgets about the payoff.
The Crimson Diamond is a colourful retro-style detective game that gives you plenty of freedom to explore your own case while also making you think outside the box to solve challenging puzzles.
Minds Beneath Us tells a dark dystopian story that's filled to the brim with lore, full fledged characters and some tough decision making. This narrative cyberpunk game will keep you hooked.
While INDIKA is otherwise a unique, compelling and well-designed narrative puzzle game, its abrupt ending left a sour taste in my mouth. This tale of a nun's journey of self discovery is memorable for all the wrong reasons.
While it is guilty of some irksome point-and-click puzzle game pet peeves of mine, Tales from Candleforth is still a neat little puzzle game with gorgeous visuals that you can complete in one sitting.
Harold Halibut is stunning with its stop motion-style graphics. It tells a wholesome story with hilarious moments and loveable characters. That being said, its pacing and gameplay issues did tarnish my ten hour playtime experience.
While Stasis: Bone Totem is at its best with a keyboard and mouse, the clunky controls didn't take away from my enjoyment of this point-and-click horror with its compelling story, absolutely brilliant characters, and challenging puzzles.
Between Horizons is a neat detective click-and-point puzzle adventure game with a brilliant story and compelling cases to solve.
If you liked the Resident Evil 2 remake, you will easily enjoy Alone in the Dark which makes for a solid survival horror game.
The Thaumaturge is the perfect example of a game full of creative ideas, built on an interesting foundation, which is ultimately ruined by very poor execution.