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While The Awakening could be considered a nostalgic novelty due to the classic property, it's also a genuinely solid 2D adventure that respects its source material while delivering an engaging game loop. The difficulty ramps up nicely, levels reward mastery, and Cobra's personality shines through in both cutscenes and gameplay. While some repetitive bosses, technical hiccups, and underwhelming music keep it from absolute greatness, the overall package is strong enough to earn a recommendation. Cobra's return to gaming proves that his swagger, style, and Psychogun are timeless.
There are plenty of contenders for FPS game time these days and while some may try and add new features or unique gameplay dynamics, Metal Eden takes a look back at what made the classics great and basically just combines all the best features and bundles them into a beautifully realised sci fi world in a way that feels new but also familiar. A brilliant combination of the old and the new. Well worth grabbing and having a play for those of us "Boomers" and for the younger gamers alike!
Beneath the charming pixel art lies a story full of moral complexity and underlying tension, as you navigate your aunt's ruthless ambitions and the townsfolk's simmering frustrations. It's a game that turns a mundane 9-5 routine into something strangely addictive, and one that will keep players coming back day after day. Though it shares familiar elements with well known titles, Discounty stakes its own claim, showing just how fresh and surprising a cosy life sim can be.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World is the best looking and sounding version of the 2022 Switch offering, with some fun additional content and three new copy abilities. Replaying levels remains fun, as is exploring nooks and crannies of every wonderfully designed stage. Just realize the source material is a very good but not perfect title.
For fans of Giant Squid's past works, Sword of the Sea feels essential as an expression of everything the studio has strived toward. For newcomers, it offers an accessible, memorable journey unlike much else in modern gaming. It may be brief, but its impact lingers, like the memory of waves long after they've receded. On balance, it is a work of beauty, craft, and playfulness, deserving recognition not only as a game, but as a piece of interactive art.
Managed democracy spreads to Xbox in the most explosive way possible.
Overall, Gears of War: Reloaded is great. It brings Ultimate Edition up to a slightly more modern standard and finally sees it released on Steam and PS5. Aside from the AI issues that I faced, I have no complaints about the game per se. It's still as aggressively grey/brown as it was in 2006, though there's thankfully a lot more colour around to accent things now. Its gameplay is very one-note, but everything it does, it does exceptionally well.
I enjoyed the game, especially operating my own stall at the bazaar and taking care of the animals. However, I would have preferred a deeper level of engagement (and quicker progression of relationship) between characters. It felt a bit repetitive having the same small-talk conversations each day. I wasn't really interested in getting to know anyone but felt like I had to for the game. Overall, it was charming, well-paced, and unique!
A fantastic follow up to the Gameboy Color classic two decades in the making.
Ultimately The Rogue Prince of Persia is an exceptional roguelite that honors the legacy of its franchise while forging a new identity that boasts stylised graphics, decent audio and strong gameplay that works perfectly on both the Steam Deck and a PC that will make you come back for more, provided you don't get too frustrated from the roguelite nature – kudos to Evil Empire!
Overall, Mafia: The Old Country offers an incredibly immersive experience that puts players back in 1900s Sicily and makes them truly feel like they're in the period. While the narrative experience is incredibly short, the experience doesn't overstay its welcome, and each chapter and act has a purpose that is executed well. The visuals aren't overly impressive, and some visual issues are a drawback, but the game is an amazing entry in the Mafia series and perhaps even the best for fans.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a cosy life sim that is bursting with charm, personality, and a steady pace of exploration and friendship. It may lean into repetition at times, but the combination of whimsical characters, vibrant environments and the little discoveries that make it a joy to play. Whether you're brewing a pink latte for My Melody, decorating a cabin for the next island visitor, or simply checking in on your favourite Sanrio pals, it's a game that invites you to slow down and enjoy the small moments, which is exactly where the magic lies.
Dorfromantik offers the blended cerebral intensity of a deep and subtle puzzle game with the soothing calm of a cozy game that invites you to fall into its warm and colourful tiled world.
In the end, Tiny Bookshop offers more than just escapism. It serves as a reminder that community can be built through small gestures, and that even the most humblest shop can take up a huge space in a community. While its recommendation system could use a little more nuance, the charm of decorating your trailer and watching the town of Bookstonsbury unfurl around you more than outweighs these small shortcomings. For book lovers in particular, it is nothing short of a must-have.
If you have fond memories of either, Heretic + Hexen is another must buy collection from Nightdive Studios.
Rivenaar's Grove is a competent, well-crafted sliding puzzle game that balances simplicity with clever design. Its core mechanics are engaging, the puzzles are thoughtfully constructed, and the challenge modes provide satisfying depth for players who want more than casual play. However, its limited scope, short length, and minimal narrative prevent it from achieving greatness. That said, at just $4.99, it remains a worthwhile diversion for anyone seeking a light, portable puzzle game with a charming fantasy setting, offering short bursts of strategic fun. With expanded content, more complex levels, and additional customization or abilities, a sequel could easily elevate the crop collecting craze. Rivenaar's Grove is an enjoyable, if modest, addition to the puzzle genre and is a game that delivers solid mechanics, but leaves you wishing for a little more magic.
A lack of flair and features drag down this otherwise satisfying sports title.
Tales of the Shire is a Hobbit lifestyle cozy game Tolkien would be proud of and WETA Workshop clearly loved. Hardcore gamers may be confused by the seemingly inane life of Hobbits, also its limited presentation aspects. Still, if you're a Lord of the Rings fan wanting something truly different, this is a welcome change of pace. Note I experienced zero performance/glitch issues on the PS5 Pro (as other platforms weren't so lucky).
Madden 26 may literally be the best Madden game ever, and a must purchase for fans of the pro game. I haven't loved a Madden game this much since Sega Genesis. EA Sports rightly plucked from the best aspects of College Football 25 and 26, and created a world class professional gridiron offering. Don't skip this one.
An enjoyable experience for fans of the original Still Wakes the Deep