Thumb Culture
HomepageLet’s Build a Zoo takes me back to the days of Zoo Tycoon, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and Theme Park. Of course, this game has its own stance in the “tycoon” world of games. It just gives me that nostalgic throwback to my younger days. It is a thoroughly enjoyable game that you can jump in and play as little, or as long as you like in one session. The genius idea of having good or bad actions reflect upon your zoo as well as cloning and genome splicing really make this stand out from games of a similar nature. I award Let’s Build a Zoo the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Bloodshore is the game that just keeps on giving when it comes to replayability. While the longevity of a single playthrough is roughly around two hours. The number of choices that the game has to offer will always give you another playthrough. There are so many different endings and choices and different narrative choices to make. I would estimate that there are at least 20 hours of gameplay to keep you going back. Because trust me when you finish one playthrough. You just have to play another one to see a different outcome by making different choices from the previous game.
Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is just what horror games need right now. Zombies are such an oversaturated idea and they are everywhere. So it is nice to have something truly scary in a paranormal survival horror. It is a great game to introduce new fans to the series who possibly weren’t even born when it came out. Though controls are a bit finicky, it is very unique and stands out well in a slew of subpar horrors that rarely even raise a whimper, let alone have you losing sleep at night. The drab setting, story, lore, and atmosphere created would fit snuggly amongst other J-horror media. With jump scares here and there, it’s the subtle ones that got to me. What you think you saw, you did not see…or did you? If it raises my heart rate a little, that’s a good thing because horror doesn’t usually get to me. A job well done! Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water gets a Thumb Culture Platinum Award from me!
Red Ronin is a fun, addictive strategy game with great level design that constantly evolves to keep the game fresh. The power-up mechanics allow you to be creative with your strategy although some of the later levels do feel restrictive. A lack of story polish does hold it back a little but ultimately Red lets her blade do the talking. If you’re into fast-paced puzzles with a smattering of blood and guts, I’ve no doubt you’ll be dashing out to buy Red Ronin. I give Red Ronin the Thumb Culture Bronze Award.
Despite the odd flaw here and there, Crysis Remastered Trilogy remains highly playable today. The remaster treatment may look better in some places than others, but it still looks really good as a whole. What you get is three great games with a fantastic story and good gunplay, which costs less than a new game today. It’s a no-brainer and perfect for anyone who fancied Crysis in the past but missed out on it. If the whole trilogy had the same control and quality of life improvements as Crysis 3 it would have scored higher. That said, Crysis Remastered Trilogy takes home a respectful Thumb Culture Gold Award
People will complain that it's just another Far Cry game and it's the same as all the rest. Well, the clue is in the title mate! If you like Far Cry games, you will LOVE Far Cry 6. If you don't like them, then don't buy the game. It's that simple and it doesn't give you the right to complain about them. I don't like avocados, so I don't eat them. That way I don't complain about them. Same thing. Anyway, the game is bloody brilliant so go and buy it now! The story is engaging throughout with a few twists. If you spot warning signs early on, it will keep you guessing and the twist will sometimes hit you when you least expect it. If you like explosive gameplay, great casting, and a vast world to explore then Far Cry 6 is a must. We have a winner of the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Although I really enjoy Killsquad, it is not without its shortcomings. It has all the groundwork for an amazing game ahead. But without a better loot system, more diverse zones, and some tweaking of the gameplay overall, it will fall short of its full potential. Thus I award Killsquad the Thumb Culture Silver Award. Here’s hoping for a long life after launch. If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my previous reviews here.
Even though Nuclear Blaze is a short game, it is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this game and the challenge it gave me at certain points. Congratulations to Sébastien at Deepnight Games for creating such a masterpiece as the debut game from his new studio. I will leave you with the reveal trailer below and of course, Nuclear Blaze has earned the highly deserved Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Coffee Noir is well written and presented. Plus, the mix of genres is unusual. It kept me fully engaged at all times, to the point where several hours had passed before I noticed. If you’re a fan of either detective fiction or business games, then Coffee Noir is worthy of your attention. I award Coffee Noir the Thumb Culture Silver Award!
All in all, Farming Life is not a bad game. Unfortunately, for me, I personally preferred other farming sim games. But please don’t let that sway you away from this game. It is a good game and Pyramid Games has done a solid job on this. It does have some good little features in it which does keep it fresh from other titles. I give Farming Life the Thumb Culture Gold Award.