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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.
I had a great time playing The Executive: Movie Industry Tycoon. Honestly, I am not sure if it would’ve been a game I would’ve picked up myself. But I am very happy I was allowed to play because I am now obsessed. Goblinz Publishing and Aniki Games have given us a great management game, which I implore you to give a chance. There is a lot to enjoy, and there is plenty of replayability – it would be hard to become bored! The Executive: Movie Industry Tycoon receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is exactly what you think it is. A Sanrio character filled Animal Crossing. However, this isn’t a negative. There is comfort in knowing exactly what you’re going to be doing when you sit down to play this. Do some quests for people, fix up an island and make more friends. This game could fill the void the lack of a new Animal Crossing game has created. Especially if you’re a Hello Kitty fan. My only reservation about the game is its price point. Whilst I appreciate games have increased prices over the years I ultimately had to ask myself if I would have paid £36 for this one. And I’m not sure if I would have. I certainly wouldn’t pay the £54 for a non-physical deluxe edition. It’s cute, and fun, and I loved interacting with my favourite Sanrio characters, but the price still feels a bit high for a cosy game with such simple gameplay. Then again based on the “£1 per hour of gameplay” model, and with 80+ hours worth of gameplay you could well get your monies worth from it. Wait, did I just talk myself around? Ok so maybe the price isn’t that bad, but still, I do wonder if it would become a bit too much of the same thing over time. In any case, Hello Kitty Island Adventure receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
While the game has roots in becoming a successful cyberpunk game, it is unfortunately lacking in the detective area of the game. It seems that DeTechtive 2112 focuses more on the action, rather than the problem-solving associated with being a Detective. However, it must be said that those behind the game are a small indie company. And they have committed to continue to improve the game where problems have been identified. For now I will be awarding DeTechtive 2112 the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Now, A Game About Digging A Hole keeps it simple and fun. It doesn’t try to do anything too wild, which I’m okay with. The game knows what it wants to do and I Dig it. The only improvements (well, more like suggestions) are to add some secrets while digging or maybe bones. Other than that, the game is enjoyable and great for killing some time. So I would recommend it and I think it deserves A Thumb Culture Gold Award.
I had a great time playing While Waiting, which conveys the feelings behind these moments very well while gamifying them. And as someone in their 30s, a lot of the game did hit close to home. Optillusion has delivered a great game taking a relatively simple premise and crafting an engaging, funny and heartfelt story. I do wish there was more time for each scene for puzzles and being on keyboard and mouse it was less finicky but it does give an excuse to replay it. The visual design is fantastic and the audio works well enough with the game. A complete playthrough takes 5-6 hours but with plenty of scenes to unlock, there is plenty more. While Waiting has earned the Thumb Culture Gold Award! I’m looking forward to seeing what Optillusion bring out next.
Despite the few frustrations that I faced, I enjoyed Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter. I love to see small studios create games they’re passionate about, especially when the studio is close to home. Odd Bug Studios have carved out a great identity for their Tails of Iron series. I’ll be checking out the first title, and whatever they create next. If you’re looking for a medium length game, with tough as nails combat to test your metal, try this. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter gets a Thumb Culture Gold Award.