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Nice Day for Fishing is a unique take on an RPG revolving around, you guessed it, fishing! The interesting battle mechanics and humorous dialogue go a long way in creating an enjoyable game that fans of VLDL will love. Yet, even if you aren’t a fan, this is still a fun, if repetitive, title that will undoubtably make you crack a smile. For these reasons, I’m giving Nice Day for Fishing a Thumb Culture Gold Award!
At first, I thought that ELDEN RING with roguelite elements sounds like a huge drag. But getting to try the playtest events and getting to play the full game completely proved me wrong. The way FromSoftware thought up this idea to mix these two different genres to make such an excellent game was quite a gamble. Yet, it was honestly the best gamble I have seen a company make that goes from just making one genre of games. Adding just one thing and making a new roguelite that I have the biggest grin when either failing or succeeding a battle, makes it worth it. This game is a great collection for those who love either Souls-like or Roguelites. And it’s a game that I don’t feel like I can put down if friends want to raid a Nightlord. I give ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN the Thumb Culture Platinum Award
F1 25 feels like a real step up, not just a new number on the box. With immersive career progression and stunning next-gen visuals, it’s a must-play for returning fans. It’s also perhaps the ideal starting point for newcomers looking to jump into the cockpit. F1 25 puts you in control, delivering authentic, rewarding race experiences—whether chasing pole or avoiding the gravel. Due to all of this, I am giving F1 25 the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Sedap is actually a popular Malaysian expression meaning delicious, and this game really tried to be. Much like a succulent meal, SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure is a game that is best enjoyed with someone by your side. There is enough similarities that if you enjoyed games such as PlateUp! or Overcooked! you will enjoy the chaos of this game. However, SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure is also different enough that it will have you playing not just for the frantic cooking. I loaded into this game with the hope it would be a new Cuisineer and it isn’t. It has taken the core combat ingredients of Cusineer, combined them with the spices of cooking party games such as PlateUp! and let them marinate. Although there is still the garnish of stress. For this reason, I give SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
If you are a fan of virtual pets, then this one is definitely for you. It expands on a tried and tested formula and offers an experience like no other. From the first moment, Ember jumps into your play space. To each time you head out and explore the Otherworld. There will be a permanent smile on your face guaranteed. Stay: Forever Home receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
While Cattle Country was a bit buggy upon my initial playthrough, most issues have been fixed as I am writing this review. Only some minor, non-game-breaking ones remain. Despite the issues, it has been a truly fun experience to play this game and I have found something to do every single day. I genuinely love this game. I’m nearly a full in-game year in and it has been an absolute blast. The gameplay loop is fun, the characters are so lovable, and it feels nice to befriend them. It really pains me to deduct points, but I unfortunately have to as the biggest issue this game has, is quite a big access issue. It’s really hard to figure out how to complete the game’s main objectives without looking it up on Steam. For example, implementing a hint system that could give you a pointer on how you can achieve a certain goal for the Town Recognition checklist, would be lovely. Unfortunately, that is lacking and since the quest UI is such a major part of the game, it does tank the ranking a bit. On a very positive note, the developers are incredibly active in the Steam discussions, taking bug reports and feedback and answering questions. It is a rare and impressive sight to see. I’d say if they were to make that one change to the quest logs, we would be more than good. Golden even. However, cautiously for now, I am giving Cattle Country the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
The Siege and the Sandfox is a great parkour metroidvania to add to the small library of games with the same idea. With no way to kill anyone and having to be the best agent of stealth, is a fun time in my books. Although the bugs I encountered may out some people off, I persevered. The characters in the dungeon and their little stories always kept me going. Curious on what kept them ticking or what life down here is like. So, if you like a metriodvania that is all parkour all the time, pick up the Siege and the Sandfox today. I give The Siege and the Sandfox the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Cubic Odyssey is definitely not a game to judge by its cover. It adds in its own unique flavour to make it stand apart after that initial impression. It’s going to take me a long, long time to fully wade deeper into the game. If you’re a fan games like Minecraft, this isn’t one you’ll want to miss. With a vast amount of content to explore and means of doing so, Cubic Odyssey is well-deserving of the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Honestly, I think I need to have a word with Olive and her daughter about what just happened. And while I am having words, I recommend that you give Copycat a try. Whilst the story is an emotional rollercoaster, I think it is an important story to listen to and try for yourself. It is with this in mind that I will be rewarding Copycat with the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Golden Gloves delivers everything it promises. With an authentic boxing experience that is only let down by the fact that you are punching into thin air. Offering not only a great workout tool but also a fun campaign to play through. This could quite possibly be the fitness app you didn’t know you needed! Golden Gloves receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
So finally, Hypercharge: Unboxed is a fantastic game with high and lows. It really plays into your childhood memories to hit that sweet spot in terms of nostalgia. The gameplay is a little lacklustre at the moment, and is my only miss in terms of the game. However with only five developers, this can be easily forgiven. The passion and love gone into the project really overshadows the lows for this one. I do hope the developers implement more modes in future updates. Please Digital Cybercherries keep supporting the game and expanding the Hypercharge: Unboxed universe! With everything taken into consideration Hypercharge: Unboxed has earned a Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Projected Dreams is a charming and original puzzle game that will tug on the ol’ heart strings. Just don’t blame me if it provokes the odd tear or three. I experienced a range of emotions during my playthrough, from the thrill of constructing a tower of junk that kinda looked like a rabbit, to frustration when things didn’t go my way. It’s challenging, thought-provoking, with an extra-large ladle of cute. All in all the game takes a brave punt on an original idea and shadow boxes it into an enchanting little puzzle experience. As a debut title from a small team, I give Projected Dreams the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a stylish and heartfelt homage to Japanese car culture and the art of drifting. With tight driving mechanics, an atmospheric world, and enough customisation to make any car fan happy, it provides an engaging single-player experience that’s both accessible and rewarding. While it falls short in a few areas, most notably the absence of multiplayer and occasional visual hiccups, the overall package is compelling. Especially for fans of games like Initial D, CarX Drift Racing, or Need for Speed Underground. If you’re looking to lose yourself in the smoky trails of a mountain pass with a custom-tuned ride and a lo-fi beat in the background, JDM: Japanese Drift Master might just be the ride you’ve been waiting for. JDM: Japanese Drift Master receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
I absolutely adored Best Served Cold, despite not normally enjoying visual novels. I find it hard to keep my attention focused on actually reading what the characters are saying, but this game really had me hooked. The characters are really well written, charming and (mostly) likeable. You can even meet some of them over the course of multiple cases! It is really nice to see their character development and watch them make friends with other patrons. The story is great and has some unexpected twists and turns that keep you on your toes. The game isn’t really difficult, but it doesn’t need to be to get you invested. If you enjoy this type of game, I definitely would not skip this one. Best Served Cold very much deserves the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
In conclusion, Islands & Trains is a cute little game that delivers exactly what it promises. It is very on-theme and gives you exactly what you would expect from a sandbox diorama builder. I would personally love a bit more variety in the items, and I did notice rather quickly that I am not quite creative enough to tackle dioramas – but that certainly doesn’t make it a bad game. Not at all, actually! It absolutely lives up to its word. If you are into calm building games or dioramas (and are a bit more creative than me) you will definitely have fun with this one. Despite my creative shortcomings, Islands & Trains has earned itself the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
The time I spent play DOOM: The Dark Ages will always be an amazing stress reliever. A game that just lets me release all my built up rage from the day to something that deserves it feels like holy work. Although, we all know that we can’t trust the Maykr because they’re just as bad as demons. But that’s mostly for others to learn the hard way by playing the other DOOM games. Here’s to Rip and Tear. And here’s to getting another DOOM game with working lore in another 5 years. I give DOOM: The Dark Ages the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Frog Legs is a brilliant, bizarre little horror-comedy romp proving you don’t need a big budget or a long run to make something memorable. With sharp humour, eerie transitions, and a narrative that hops through dimensions with gleeful abandon, this is indie horror at its most ribbeting. Sure, the motion blur might make you feel like you’re viewing the world through a cup of blended margaritas, and the lack of task tracking might leave you briefly bewildered, but those are minor frogs in an otherwise stellar pond. Elliott Dahle, take a bow. Frog Legs gets the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
As a survival crafting game, Oppidum doesn’t do all that much to separate itself from the pack. However, I couldn’t help but be charmed by this vibrant, magical world. There’s a rewarding progression system that made me want to carry on playing just a little longer. Boss encounters are also a highlight, and having to plan my strategies to defeat each one was a lot of fun. If you’re a fan of the genre, chances are you’ll find a lot to love here. Therefore, I’m giving Oppidum a Thumb Culture Gold Award!
To sum up, American Arcadia blends story with a aesthetic that gives it a distinct identity. The dual-character gameplay keeps things fresh, ensuring you stay hooked from start to finish. The game belongs on anybody’s playlist and so for its unique premise, polished execution, and sheer entertainment value. American Arcadia easily earns the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
As it is, City Bus Manager is fun while it lasts; the problem is that it doesn’t last too long. Although I appreciated the relative simplicity of the mechanics, I wish that didn’t result in a lack of gameplay. It’s far from a bad game, and I enjoyed playing, but it felt like I’d seen and done everything far too quickly. The use of real-world maps to plan bus routes all over the world, from New York City to the dingy little town I live in, is a great feature, though. For the relatively low price of £24.99, this may be one to pick up if the thought of this intrigues you, or at the very least wait for a sale. That’s why I’ll be giving City Bus Manager a Thumb Culture Silver Award!