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I got the chance to relive an experience that I enjoyed several years ago and go under some new tools and a fresh coat of paint. Foreign Gnomes made some amazing additions to their game for map/fight builder, speed runners and casual players. Yet, with all this, I feel like they did drop the ball on only one thing, being the manual input codes. I would understand that not having the codes being easy to revisit due to the story. But, at least they give us a key to the arena for easy access. So, play it on PC or on Steam Deck if you have one, because boy oh boy will eyes be on you if they can see what you’re playing. Though, don’t break out the fight stick unless it’s necessary! I give Everhood 2 the Thumb Culture Platinum Award
With the bugs already mentioned out of the way, my thoughts. The new Focus Mode in Monster Hunter Wilds makes combat a little easier for taking down monsters. I mainly used it to help fill my extract gauge for my Insect Glaive while fighting, since I usually use the Great Sword. Combat itself reacts well and monsters reacting to hits/parts breaking off provide great indicators for when monsters are near death. One minor issue I had with Monster Hunter Worlds was going back to camp to get a mission, then heading back out. This is different with Wilds as I can now return to camp on foot (if close by) and simply walk/ride back out to gather materials and fight monsters. Making the flow of the game much more enjoyable. The story itself was boring and honestly, I wasn’t really a fan of the characters besides one. And that was Rove the WudWud. He was just such a chill and funny little creature. Some fights feel a little unfair at times. But for someone who’s played the franchise longer, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a walk in the park. Hopefully, over time, the game does get more optimised for those who are having the issues. But if you’re like me, who loves seeing a variety of beasts and what they can do? Or is simply looking for a fun cooperative game which isn’t a competitive shooter, I’d highly recommend picking this game up. That’s why I’m awarding it the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Honestly, after completing ORDER 13, I was disappointed. There was no set-up, no story as you journey deeper into the warehouse. And even worse, the actual ending of the game doesn’t exist. ORDER 13’s store page says there is a mystery to uncover, but it was non-existent in the game. The warehouse didn’t seem to change when I died, and the only things that are truly random are the orders you receive. The cat, whose happiness we have to maintain, has no reason for being there either. I wish I could have spoken more positively about the game, but there really isn’t anything in the game worth mentioning or that stands out. And anything positive was I’ve already said in the graphics & audio. Sadly, I’m gonna have to give it the Thumb Culture Bronze Award.
Overall, I would’ve liked a bit more with Mini Market Design. I enjoy the core of the game, but like I have said previously, if they were to merge with their other instalment, I think this would take the game to the next level. However, it is not a very expensive game, with its price point being £8.09. I think for that price, you can’t be too annoyed with what’s on offer. If you are into “cosy” games, then this is definitely one to check out and have a feel of the game for yourself. I will be awarding Mini Market Design the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Besides having 5 game crashes during cutscenes, I completely enjoyed my time playing as Majima again. Not since Yakuza 0, have players been able to play as him. In fact this is the reason why I designed my ship with the sign of the Grand cabaret! Being able to choose his hairstyle from zero again was another great touch for me. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is honestly a great pirate game in this dry age of pirate games. And having Majima be the centre of focus was the best choice I can ever see. I give Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii a Thumb Culture Platinum Award
Rugby games are difficult to release. It’s not the most popular sport out there, but it’s got its core popularity. Big Ant Studios have hit the ground running with their first Rugby Union game and I hope that there are many more to come. Rugby 25 receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
I had a good time playing Knights in Tight Spaces, especially as deck builders are a genre I don’t play often. While second fiddle to the gameplay/combat, the fantasy setting and story were engaging. The combat making up the crux of the game was immersive, thanks to the various strategies available and the hundreds of cards. With an array of approaches, KITS will easily keep you occupied for hours. This is, of course, helped by the unique visual style and engaging soundtrack, which bring more flair to the game. I genuinely look forward to seeing what Ground Shatter develop next. I’m thrilled to give Knights in Tight Spaces the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
I would highly recommend this game as it’s a good chance to get into the older games and I will never complain about the original Tomb Raider series. I think this might open the door for a remaster of Tomb Raider Legend and Underworld. Whether they actually need one or not is a different matter all together but I am very grateful that Aspyr decided to remaster these classics for newer consoles. Honestly, I did consider giving this game the platinum award simply because it’s brought back the Serpent Rogue music. However with the inconsistencies in graphics and bugs that weren’t present in the original games I can’t do it. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered gets the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Turbo Overkill is a high adrenaline throwback to first person shooter origins. It sets itself apart from others though in its cyberpunk, vibrant atmosphere and curious weapon and body modification systems. If you haven’t picked it up already on PC, maybe the console port is more your style. Turbo Overkill definitely earns itself the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 starts to scratch the itch that recent similar games just couldn’t. The mystery and setting leaves me feeling nostalgic for a time when I was very young. Just don’t expect the story to move at a mile a minute. The game’s pace glides along at a steady rate. Not much is revealed, but it’s up to Tape 2, coming in mid-April, to finish what this game has started. It’s going to be a long wait but in the meantime, I am happy to give Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Door Kickers 2 is a triumph in the tactical strategy genre. Its real-time approach to planning and executing missions sets it apart from traditional strategy games, offering a refreshing challenge to players who thrive on detailed planning and precise execution. The combination of realistic environments, a detailed progression system, and a robust modding community ensures that the game will have staying power for a long time. The level of tactical depth, along with its unforgiving nature, makes it a rewarding experience for those who are ready to dive in. In short, Door Kickers 2 is a must-play for fans of tactical shooters and strategy games. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the game’s focus on realism, teamwork, and quick decision-making will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy the thrill of executing a perfect plan, only to have everything fall apart when things go wrong, this is the game for you. The tension, satisfaction, and thrill of leading a counter-terrorism team make Door Kickers 2 one of the standout tactical strategy games available today. Door Kickers 2 receives the well-earned Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
I previously questioned the replayability of Taxi Life. This was due to the fact I could see it very easily becoming mundane just collecting and dropping passengers off. However, I do believe that the addition of the Delivery Driver DLC does offer a freshness to the game. Final Thoughts Whilst I haven’t played Taxi Life in a while, this DLC has definitely drawn me back in. It was fun to be driving around again, only with an extra layer of mission, not just drive from A to B as fast as I could. Honestly, the fact that they have fixed the pedestrian issue was reason enough to give this DLC a higher award then the base game. However, the Delivery Driver DLC deserves recognition in it’s own right. Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator – Delivery Driver receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award from me.
Coridden is without a doubt a complete hidden gem. It has a unique feel overall that I can’t say I’ve felt with others in the genre. I really feel that character build choices will only affect how I approach different situations rather than holding me back. For it’s highly accessible build customization, emphasis on player cooperation and synergy, and downright innovative gameplay mechanics this is a game not to sleep on. Be sure to check it out, with a humble price point I may add, over on Steam or GOG today. It would be a crime not to, and so I award Coridden the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
I loved Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip. The story is great, and we should all admire and aim to emulate Terry’s focus on achieving his dream. Towards the end of the story I began to feel like there might have been a darker twist waiting to happen, similar to the Angelica Rugrats theory, but I think I was maybe being paranoid. I’m all about short, indie games that know exactly what they want to be and focus on delivering that vision with a tight scope and great polish. In a world where we are inundated with myriad video game releases each week, many of which demand insane amounts of play time and attention, I want to see more of these types of games. Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip receives a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2 delivers on its high-tempo action and presents an intriguing story with multiple branching paths. The combat is tight, the visuals are great, and the soundtrack is incredible. However, the lack of voice acting, tedium of replaying scenes, and frustrating progression system hold it back from true greatness. With a bit more polish, such as better explanations for mechanics, the ability to retain co-worker levels, and a refined skip function, it could have easily been a gold-tier experience. As it stands, it’s worth playing, but be prepared for some grind and, some frustration. Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2 earns a well-deserved Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Alien: Rogue Incursion is an excellent addition to the Alien franchise. One that introduces us to a new character and an entirely new experience. With elements true to the franchise it is a must for any fan of Alien. Alien: Rogue Incursion gets the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has sold an incredible amount already, and it’s clear to see why. Its rich immersive world is something to behold. Yes, it isn’t without its faults, but those can be overlooked for now when you realise what you have in your hands. Taking control of Henry once again and starting to become attached with the character, you fear death, but you strive to help him grow. With RPG elements that deserve a massive round of applause, you will revel in creating the ultimate Henry. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award, because it’s just so bloody addictive!
Moonlit Farewell was a game I was eager to get back to every time I had to stop playing. I couldn’t wait to find the next secret, or boss, and figure out what else lay ahead on the adventure. I’m really sad that’s it no longer an ongoing series. Hopefully, Bombservice use everything they learned while making the Momodora games and apply that to a new Metroidvania series. The team clearly have a great understanding of how to build an interesting, interconnected world that feels fun to explore, and contains exciting combat. The only things I’d really want improved are the difficulty and a few more reasons to backtrack through the world. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell receives a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
DEAD LETTER DEPT. truly turns atmosphere into an art form which only enhances the simplicity of the game. Previously, I haven’t picked up a typing games as I was sceptical on how much can be done in them. This has been an amazing introduction to the genre. In fact this game has made me excited to try out other games of the same style to see whether they all live up to this standard! Ultimately, I have to give DEAD LETTER DEPT. the Thumb Culture Platinum Award as it’s up there with some of my favourite horror games.
Overall, Blood Bar Tycoon is a great management game. I like how it’s simple and doesn’t become over bearing with tonnes of things to track all at once. The game itself runs great and I enjoy the various characters, animations, and visual themes it has. It reminds me of Two Point Hospital and if you’re looking for an easy to learn management, then Blood Bar Tycoon isn’t a bad shout. There are a few tweaks it could do with, however. For example, you can’t place furniture right by windows, especially when there is space. Some objects like the Cells placement square (the one where it shows the sizes) is a little off centre. And I wish we could place walls in already established rooms. Now, besides the stuff mentioned above, I am really enjoying it. That’s why I’m giving it the Thumb Culture Gold Award.