SmashPad's Reviews
Honestly, this is probably one of the best (if not the best) cozy games I’ve encountered, but unlike a lot of other games of this genre, the coziness is not just surface level. You can genuinely relax with this game, and honestly it’s a little depressing after it’s over.
Despite the fact that the main wrestling gameplay is getting to the point I can no longer compete, I am still finding a good deal to enjoy in WWE 2K25. I do hope the team can make an effort to listen to the feedback of those with low vision and add options in the next game to make it more playable.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii isn’t without its issues, especially with how it handles performance transitioning from a key battle back to the campaign, but it’s a B-level game that totally embraces that role with the love and care obviously put into it. The industry needs more B games, and I absolutely loved this one.
Monster Hunter Wilds improves upon World and Rise in just about every aspect, and nuances in gameplay such as the focus strikes will definitely make it more approachable to newcomers, but the best part of the game is that it remains true to the biggest fact of the series--you'll get as much fun as the time you put in.
I’m surely invested in the story, but it takes too long to get there. The fact that the second tape isn’t coming until mid-April doesn’t make it any easier. It just makes it hard to recommend the game right now, especially at $40. That’s a lot to pay for what’s essentially half a palette cleanser.
The path to Afterlove EP‘s release undoubtedly came with a lot twists and turns, but the end result is an impressive slice-of-life adventure that successfully brings great diverse characters, relationships, and inclusion to the forefront as a game that’s both artistic and entertaining.
I still loved it, and I can’t wait for the next entry in the series, but Daybreak II doesn’t take the series to new heights like its predecessor did.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is an ambitious narrative game. Its blend of TTRPG mechanics, compelling storytelling, and strategic gameplay made it a standout game for me. For those seeking a story rich, narrative experience will find Citizen Sleeper 2 to be a standout game that I would recommend.
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a terrific value to both newcomers to Ys and those looking to experience the story again with the updates it got. I would’ve preferred more substantial improvements, but the 12 hours spent in Felghana were definitely more than enjoyable and definitely represents a great start to the big huge 2025 that Falcom is poised to have–which should be music any JRPG fan’s ears.
If you want a simple game that’ll allow you to feel, Pine: A Story of Loss does that at the barest of minimums, so I can’t fully recommend it for $10. You’re better off with a game like Florence which does the same thing with much more variety and likely more enjoyment.
Whether you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Soulslike combat, or gripping stories, Nine Sols offers something for everyone. With its stunning world, unforgettable characters, and masterful storytelling, this is a game I highly recommend you don’t glance over.
Last Time I Saw You is a worthy $16 experience if you’re looking for a palette cleansing game to play between big games or if you just need a beautiful cozy game to play that has nothing to do with farming. Last Time I Saw You is a game that checked a lot of those boxes for me, and I think a lot of people will find something to enjoy with this title.
Atlus and Sega have once again come out with a winner in Metaphor: ReFantazio. It’s simply exquisite.
It makes you feel in ways you can’t even describe, and that’s a quality that makes Neva even more special with all the amazing things it has going for it.
The game’s saving grace is that aside from the clunky sailing, I never felt like I was wasting time in this game’s 30-or-so-hour adventure. I may be down on a lot of the changes, but I had a lot of fun playing it, especially since Karja was such a cool character.
Sadly, not even quality world-building and a solid soundtrack can save this one. It tries to tell a semi-serious story about what a world of wizards and witches would actually look like, except the world is shows is as wooden as its frequent excursions into the woods.
The Plucky Squire are what will keep the indie game scene alive for years to come.
With everything it has going for it, Astro Bot is easily one of the best games of the year.
At the end of the day, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an easy recommendation for people that enjoy the Ace Attorney series, especially if the Miles Edgeworth character from the original trilogy was intriguing to you. If visuals novels or tons of reading aren’t your thing, you’d be wise to stay far away. Either way you look at it, it’s a great set, and Ace Attorney Investigations 2 is worth the price of admission on its own.
Just Crow Things is a fun little title that masterfully marries the enjoyment people have with both cozy games and games that are more on the chaotic side.