Though Dungeons of Hinterberg falters to execute on some minor details and its broader narrative never coalesces with the gameplay, its breathtaking art design, heartful character writing, and addictive gameplay loop make this a solid action-adventure RPG with a great sense of magic.
For as satisfying as Jusant’s core gameplay loop can be, its narrative and important message becomes lost in the background of a world's history which I otherwise wanted to be entranced by, beyond just its striking visuals.
Though its narrative and characters leave a little to be desired, Sea of Stars is an audiovisual masterpiece with endlessly fun gameplay, and an overall sense of adventure that is equally nostalgic as it is timeless.
Venba tells a beautifully intimate and reflective narrative about the nuanced experience of being a first generation immigrant. Its vibrant art-style and rhythmic Carnatic music come together to celebrate the cuisine of Tamils.
Atomic Heart’s narrative lacks the gall to tackle any of its ideas thoroughly, and is made worse by having to endure it through the eyes of a tremendously unlikeable protagonist. Its moment-to-moment gameplay is passable at best, and a chore the rest. Though visually the game is beautiful, it’s not enough to distract from an otherwise hollow experience.