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I’m going to be recommending this game to all those I work with. With them enjoying spreadsheets as much as I do, I know they’ll enjoy a little play-through and find the same enjoyment that I had. Spreadcheat isn’t a difficult game, nor is it one that you will play over and over. What it is, though, is a smile in an EXE file. Spreadcheat gets the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Freeride is best to approach blind to get a great understanding of the game, and I recommend you play a new loop afterwards. Immediately after finishing, go back and make opposite choices to see what could have been. I did find new things that I didn’t find the first time, and it was a nice surprise. I hope this spoiler free review of Freeride has you wanting to find out more. Either way, I’m going back in again after you finish reading this. I award Freeride the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
In the old argument of “Are video games art?” BOKURA: planet would be exhibit one for the “yes” argument. It encapsulates all the great things that an indie title can give us: style, originality, and a sense of bravery that would have instantly been vetoed at a private investors meeting. A bit like your favourite band that no one else listens to, it’s important that games like this exist, even if they reach only a few thousand players. Unfortunately, the biggest barrier to entry will be finding a like-minded friend ready to be mentally challenged and mildly disturbed by BOKURA: planet. If you can get past that, the beauty of what lies inside is well worth the reward. It’s a pleasure to hand BOKURA: planet a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
So should you be rushing to the Meta store to pick up Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition? Personally, for me, it’s going to be a no. However, I can appreciate the game that is there. It’s an immersive simulator that has a lot of positives. Unfortunately, I think I was just the wrong person to fully appreciate this game. However, it was a good work out, and I’ll definitely dive back in and check it out again. Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition receives the Thumb Culture Silver Award
Amongst the roguelites I’ve played recently, KIBORG definitely stands more apart than the others. Not to mention it’s the first complete one in a while. It brings a slick change of pace as more of a brawler than something like a bullet-hell or hack and slash holds. Though the repetitive nature of the genre is there, it keeps you moving along well with bloody, brutal speed and a mix of melee and gunplay combat to boot. I’m proud to say that KIBORG earns it the Thumb Culture Gold Award from me.
Obviously, at least for me, this game hits right into the nostalgia feels. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a small tear when it actually got announced. Apart from the frame rate issues, the game really does have the same feel as the original Oblivion had. At least, unlike the original, it doesn’t crash every 4 minutes if you look at it the wrong way (at least not for me). I really, truly love the game, with all of its quirks and mechanics and whatnot. I could sit here and repeat myself over and over again, or I can just make it simple. Game = Good. Enough said, right? I did purchase the Deluxe Edition, and though I have yet to check out the new quests, the art book looks stunning. It’s a chonky 10GB and has artwork for a majority of the things in the game. To me, that alone is worth spending an extra tenner for the upgrade, but that decision is entirely up to you. Trust me, the base version will definitely have more than enough content and will serve you well as is. With that being said, there is only one question left: Morrowind Remastered when?!? Regardless, today The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered gets a big thumbs up and with it, a Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Hanako’s Flower Shop is a beautiful exploration of so many heavy hitting emotions that need to be handled with care. It’s simple game mechanics and the way they work mean you have a real opportunity to pay attention to what’s happening rather than striving to just do everything perfectly. This game is definitely a great addition to any gamer who loves story mode or is a fan of cosy games. It was an easy decision to give Hanako’s Flower Shop the Thumb Culture Gold Award
Maliki: Poison of the Past is a charming, heartfelt, and occasionally clumsy adventure that proudly wears its cosy vibes. The blend of 3D chibi exploration and 2D hand-drawn storytelling is utterly gorgeous. If you can forgive a bit of repetition and the occasional musical misstep, you’ll enjoy the Domaine. Maliki: Poison of the Past easily earns a Thumb Culture Gold Award for creativity, visual beauty, and sheer cosiness!
So, where does this all leave Beatable, then? Well, it’s a great addition to the VR game library and one that I will continue to play. I just hope that XR Games keeps expanding the song library. Beatable receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
In short: Synergy is amazing. A truly fun and captivating game that one can sink countless hours into. Its gorgeous visuals and tons of charm really make it stand out from the rest. I absolutely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of settlement management games. Just make sure to set sufficient time aside. Else you end up like me, wondering why the birds are chirping outside already. Synergy absolutely deserves the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Blue Prince was an amazing puzzle/strategy that has me continuing to solve the mystery inside it. I love the clever ideas and puzzles that are either in your face or hidden away. Having me screenshot everything I come across to only use it when I feel like I have hit a wall is fun to me. It has scratched an itch that Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright left. I highly recommend this game to puzzle lovers and people who think RNG needs a good spanking after the abuse it put us through. I give Blue Prince the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Forever Skies is a slow burn of a game. Whilst the constant hunt for resources means you’ll never stay in one place for too long, it does take a while to start to feel like you’re actually making progress. That said, the environments were just begging to be explored and the often tranquil nature of the game made for a relaxing hunt for items, despite the frequent dangers of infection and beasts out for blood! Although it’s not always clear where to go or what to do next, the sense of discovery and satisfaction was a constant reward throughout. For these reasons, I’m giving Forever Skies a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
The premise of the game is great, it really is. Unfortunately for me, the game just does not cut it in terms of gameplay. The lack of a pause function really hurts the game. Also, in my opinion, and the pacing could be improved a bit. If you are really interested in the game, I would suggest waiting a bit until the game has received some more updates and patches. Perhaps watch a video or livestream of the game to get a feel for the gameplay loop. Maybe even wait for the introduction of the difficulty modes if the missing active pause function is an issue for you, or the saving of station placements if you tend to get attached to your decorated layouts. Keep in mind that all of this is just my personal opinion. I don’t think that The Fool’s Apprentice is a bad game whatsoever; the premise is interesting, and the game has great potential. I just think it would benefit from quite a bit more polish and a couple extra tweaks. For now, however, I will be giving The Fool’s Apprentice the Thumb Culture Bronze Award.
Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy is a remarkable game. And thanks to the remake, it offers people like myself a chance to play what the developers originally envisioned for it to look like. Even when playing the easier mode, the game doesn’t hand-hold you, I hadn’t realized that I only used one hint during my whole play through. Amerzone’s story pacing doesn’t feel rushed, letting the player time to enjoy exploring and immerse themselves. Put simply the game has an intriguing story, delightful gameplay and amazing overhaul in visual/graphical detail. I’m giving Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy the Thumb Culture Platinum Award. You shouldn’t miss out on this gem!
Finding Frankie has become a little hidden gaming gem for me. With a lot of games following suit to the horror animatronic trend, Finding Frankie managed to stand out in the best way possible. The music, characters, and overall design of the game was more than I could have hoped for from a small developer. The hope for a sequel is astronomical. I hope they bring out even more mechanics, characters, and little companions like Deputy Duck. Or even bring this back with more twists. With everything considered, I will be awarding Finding Frankie our Thumb Culture Gold Award!
I’ve absolutely loved my time with Mythic Realms, and I will continue to venture back into the fight. Bringing colourful graphics as well as an immersive adventure. Giving D&D fans an experience in VR that they can enjoy at any time. Mythic Realms receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Electrician Simulator VR is a great game, but it’s not brilliant. However, I don’t think that it strives to be. It’s taking an already successful formula on PC and bringing it into the virtual world. It does exactly what it sets out to do. All you now need to do is go and play it for yourself, oh and don’t forget to turn the fuse box off. Electrician Simulator VR gets the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Crashlands 2 is a charming, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt survival-crafting game that knows exactly what it is — and revels in it. While it has some bumps, repetitive enemies, vague quest tracking, and the occasional clunky combat moment, the overall experience is warm, witty, and wildly creative. If you’re after a crafting survival game that blends humour, home-building, and space shenanigans with a loveable art style and great writing, Crashlands 2 deserves a place on your playlist. It’s the survival genre in its comfiest hoodie, with just enough chaos to keep things spicy. With its gorgeous presentation, eccentric writing, and an interesting world to explore, Crashlands 2 earns the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
f you’re looking for a cute casual game Care Bears: Unlock The Magic fits that bill. Whilst this isn’t a long game, and the mini games are not always explained in the best way, it is fun. Is it £25 worth of fun? I’m not so sure. I did enjoy my time with it, and as a Care Bears fan it is a game I will pick up again. Just not regularly. Care Bears: Unlock The Magic gets the Thumb Culture Silver Award from me.
Game Over A Musical RPG?? Is an awesome game to play. If you like rhythm games and adventure RPGs, then this might just be for you. With a rich storyline to unravel, as well as enjoyable musical interludes. The game oozes appeal across multiple genres. The only caveat is that you must at least have a slight sense of rhythm to play. All in all such an enjoyable experience it excites me to see what more the developer is going to do. Game Over A Musical RPG?? gets the Thumb Culture Gold Award.