Lottie Childs
Fit My Cat is a visually charming game which would be perfect for a cat lover. The controls to select a cat felt unresponsive and became frustrating, which hindered my interest in the game. Fit My Cat isn’t a particularly difficult game, but it is probably more suited for younger gamers with an interest in visual puzzles and cats. A cheaper title within the Switch’s game library, it could pass a couple of hours of an afternoon. If you want a less intense puzzle game, you can pick up Fit My Cat here.
Generally, with sequels, I prefer a title to build and add extra mechanics than what was present in the original title. However, I enjoyed my time with sCATch 2: The Painter Cat. I found the concept pretty unique for a casual puzzle game. I do think the game could benefit from a few more levels, maybe some extra unlock, when you complete all 40 puzzles, as I did complete the game within an hour. Additionally, some extra mechanics could certainly raise the enjoyment of the game such as blending colours. I think this could easily add an extra layer of dimension to the game. I could easily see the title taking around 1-3 hours to complete, depending on how determined you are to complete puzzles. If casual puzzle games interest you, I could recommend that you pick up sCATch 2: The Painter Cat. Additionally, the title is on sale until 19th January 2024 if you want to try the game, and you can pick it up here.
Snap Together is a local party puzzle multiplayer game at its core, and that’s the best reason to go for it. We are approaching the season when families are coming together, and Snap Together could be a fun activity to do during the festivities. It’s a fun little title that I would expect to be aimed at a younger audience or people who don’t often play games. Snap Together is available on the Nintendo e-Shop here and is currently on sale until December 18, 2023
If you are a fan of Animal Crossing, I would say there is a big chance you will like the gameplay loop of Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure. I do like how it is unnecessary to play Earthlock, even though Ikonei Island is a side story to that game. I enjoyed the title as a standalone experience. Additionally, Ikonei Island supports co-op play of up to 4 players, with only one player needed to own the game. Give Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure a try here using the demo. The game has a fun gameplay loop with a relaxed atmosphere and can even be played on the Steam Deck!
Overall, the title is not long, but if you crave some Metroidvania platforming, Faerie Afterlight is a title I can truly recommend. Especially if you enjoy titles with gorgeous art styles like Child of Light or gameplay like Ori and the Blind Forest. Even better, there is a demo available if you want to try it before you buy.
Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit is a plucky point-and-click adventure featuring some witty dialogue. The game presents itself in a lovely art style, which really highlights the beauty of the background locations. Overall, the title should take around 3-5 hours to complete. I can recommend this title. You can pick up Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit here. Also, the title is currently on sale in the Nintendo e-Shop until 5th October 2023.
Overall, I think Kovox Pitch has a lot of content for a low cost. The game has a nice vibe, a free-play option and a story mode. The new UI is an improvement on the older versions. It’s about two brothers reconnecting and spending time together. I could recommend this game to anyone who enjoys a challenge, loves a rhythm game or enjoys a challenge. Kovox Pitch is currently on sale until 20th September 2023 on the Nintendo store. The prices listed at the top of the review are the normal pricing and be sure to pick up the title on Switch here.
Overall, Pilfer: Story of Light has much to offer, considering its small price tag. Additionally, options include speedrunning through levels and lots of collectables and customisation. Pilfer: Story of Life impressed me. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to play an indie 3D platformer.
KOA and the Five Pirates of Mara is a simple 3D platformer that is available on many platforms. It can be some nice simple platforming fun to play with a younger family member. Whilst not a challenging title, KOA features plenty of charm and a cute presentation.
I believe there is an ability for replayability just due to the soulbit mechanic and trying builds with other main characters which are all elementally themed. The game isn’t a traditional deck building game as it is being branded, so the soulbit mechanic shouldn’t put you off SOULVARS. You can pick it up here, plus there is a demo if you want to try before you buy. If you love JRPG’s, games within a Japanese setting or being a agent for hire, SOULVARS does not disappoint.
Sergeant Squidley: Space Cop is a game I can recommend to anyone who likes visual novels or detective games. Whilst not a long game, about 3 hours of playtime, many in-game options offer replayability. Not to mention a likeable cast of characters with plenty of charm. Pick up Sergeant Squidley: Space Cop here on Steam.
We Are Eva has plenty of appeal, which you can see for yourself on the Steam page here. I do like how witty Eva is to the game player, and she even points out how many deaths they have accumulated. If you need a precision platformer this summer, I’d suggest giving We Are Eva a go.
In short, Cassette Beasts is a fantastic game with plenty of charm, great gameplay, and a groovy soundtrack. I could highly recommend it to anyone who loves playing a great game. The narrative aspects should keep a playthrough for about 8 – 18 hours, but those who wish to collect all the monsters and complete all side quests could expect to be playing for up to around 50 hours. There is plenty to do in New Wirral, take the leap of discovery and become a Cassette Beast Ranger!
If you like simulation games, this indie solo-developed title is a great choice if you have an evening you need to fill in with a little problem-solving. The game overall is okay, but not a title that will blow you away. Traffic Brains 2 features much content for its smaller price tag – 28 unique levels, game exclusive mechanics and a simple but effective art style. If you like top-down simulator games, puzzle games or generally more relaxed gaming, I could recommend Traffic Brains 2. However, if you are new to the game, the guidance within the game may not help you understand exactly how to play. The developer has made some video tutorials on the YouTube channel for the studios, which you can check out here. In addition, the game could do with a little update to improve the visual clarity of the user interface. However, a great title for a solo developer and a great start to the world of games development. Whilst not my preference in gaming, I can certainly see the effort and general polish of this game, and it will certainly be entertaining to players of this genre of game.