Andres Aviles
Whether you are accomplishing a lifelong dream of playing with a train kit or are lucky enough to have a dedicated space and would just try the novel new VR game in the store, Toy Trains goes beyond what a usual offering of virtual reality does in that not only does it recreate a fun mechanic to try but in that, it also adds an original spin to establish itself as a PSVR2 title to spend a quiet afternoon in and make it a memorable one.
Among the current offerings on the VR market, Horizon Call of the Mountain stands out as a PSVR2 exclusive because of its unique use of all the PlayStation ecosystem represents. A faithful representation of arguably one of its biggest IPs, standout use of its flagship Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback, and a heightened cinematic feeling throughout Ryas’ journey. If there ever was a system seller for an unproven technology, this is it.
Working as one of the best recreations of movie IPs of all time, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora reaches the heights and callbacks from some of the most memorable scenes from the series. Long gone are the days of cheap tie-in movies for a cash grab. Ubisoft has proven with this entry that a new form of video game world inspired by blockbuster intellectual property can exist.
Moira’s adventure can parallel many people’s experiences as teenagers, living that eternally rebellious angst and not knowing what to do about their future. Embracing its cultural inspirations and creating a heartfelt rendition of the Scottish Highlands and everything they represent, A Highland Song is a beautiful reminder that nature is the best teacher.
Playing dress up is always entertaining, especially with this many options. There is a clear area of opportunity for this type of cozy game that, with a bit more polish and focus, can truly shine. Fashion Dreamer is a step in the right direction for its target audience with its seemingly endless wardrobe choices, but the lack of any meaningful story content can make the game feel pointless. With the promise of updates and special events on the horizon, here’s hoping it can become a high-fashion game for the ages.
Stray Souls is a constant reminder that game development is tough to tackle, and what hopes to scare on the wrong hands may end up being terribly dull. It is a failed attempt at a great horror game that, with a little more polish and time in the oven, would have truly shined. As it stands, it's just a below-average experience with a few good jumpscares.
At the end of the day, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express shows one of the world’s greatest authors’ stories at the height of her powers. The carefully interwoven plot, the characters’ well-thought motives, and the renewed presentation of it all by the time you solve the case will undoubtedly delight any mystery-loving follower.
As the fanciful tale starts winding down and the end is in sight, Saltsea Chronicles’ metaphysical mysteries begin taking shape. It is a deeply moving story of love, loss, and understanding that no matter who you are or where you come from, that rooted sense of helping your fellow neighbor will always be there, and it is important to act and cause a positive change in your society.
Chants of Sennaar, once it clicks, undoubtedly makes you feel like a linguist and paleographer with its glyph-based and gesture-implying puzzles. Throughout the course of your playthrough, you will find the spark of languages and their history might make you want to study further your own and our world’s most profound historical writings as you decipher what each language has to offer.
Immortals of Aveum is a high-quality new AAA IP rarely seen in today's gaming landscape. Its relentless combat, strong worldbuilding, and lighthearted narrative offer a unique perspective as a First Person Magic Shooter. Although one of the most mentioned features of the game was that it was being made on Unreal Engine 5, it does not look particularly stunning or next-gen in most areas. But when it does, it has some of the most impressive-looking landscapes in modern gaming.
Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case starts as a slow burn but, through the methodical observations of its titular detective, devolves into a satisfying ending. Avid readers of the Hercule Poirot series are bound to find a pleasant mystery to solve here. To be in the shoes of the detective and sniff out clues in scenes of the crime will satisfy the most eager of fans.
Of course, the most important part of this game is the chaos that unleashes when you get together with friends, be it now through real life or online. Much can be said about the hassle of hauling your belongings and asking help from a company to aid you in such a troubled time. But Moving Out 2‘s incredibly wacky and wild multiplayer adventure as a mover will keep you coming back for one more round.
With elaborate ties to the first game, the wait was worth it. Night School Studio excels in poignant character studies and has proven once more that its creative writing knows no bounds. What OXENFREE II: Lost Signals lacks in the graphics or gameplay department the spectacular sound design and alluring interdimensional narrative more than make up for it.
Playing this particular game feels like being part of a very well-structured high-end space drama. Stakes are raised every so often to keep you engaged. A triumphant return not too often seen on the gaming landscape, The Expanse: A Telltale Series hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. By the time the first episode’s credits are rolling, you’ll be utterly hooked and counting down the days for the next release of this masterful tale.
Sinister secrets begging to be uncovered and pieced together lurk beneath the surface, and with each playthrough, it’s even clearer to see this masterful tale’s endgame. Frank and Drake both have very complicated lives, and unraveling them, connecting the dots, and ultimately understanding their purpose in life is a thoughtful experience to witness.
An ode to the creative spark is a direct correlation to all that is precious in our lives. Architecture, philosophy, and art are just as valuable as the nature that surrounds us, and Viewfinder urges us to look at things from a different perspective and challenge our worldview if it does not fit the task presented. Adapting and astute minds will flourish and appreciate the test that Viewfinder proposes in more ways than one.
The people who work in healthcare have been particularly strained since the global emergency that occurred a few years back, and for a wholesome indie game to pay homage to their everyday efforts is something to be celebrated. Fall of Porcupine formidably shows the constant pressures of daily life, especially in a hospital setting.
A video game four years the making, the care put into each and every watercolor landscape and minute aspect of the game is quite notable. Discovering new things and getting out of your comfort zone can be a frightful thing. But Dordogne, by way of its carefully structured narrative, reminds us that it is worth it to live life to the fullest.
Thanks to its impressive cinematic direction, In Tanta We Trust boasts a no-holds-barred, action-packed narrative that gives more of what people love in Forspoken. For its short runtime, it never lets up and offers a blockbuster-worthy adventure of Frey’s story, a huge climax, boss fight, and all. While the future of the series may be uncertain, In Tanta We Trust gives this daring new IP a deserved sendoff.
A focused horror adventure with mature themes and cursed imagery, Bramble: The Mountain King is a hidden gem that will irrevocably leave a mark on some people. Inevitably all decisions carry their weight and change oneself, and Olle’s chilling journey must be witnessed by all who are interested in an epic, suspenseful tale.