The Game is a Lie

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a game that makes you think about every single aspect of your life thanks to a very strong plot. Because the developers have a relatively predictable story, this game being a prequel, some points were flawed, but it's still an overall enjoyable experience. Despite some graphical and gameplay shortcomings, this prequel is able to honour the Life is Strange name.

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Oxenfree is a game where player choice matters a lot, and that fact mixed with an incredible atmosphere and an even better narrative create great memories for the player. Alas, it has a few flaws, such as the camera positioning and the walking speed, but the whole experience can make you forget them.

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ABZÛ is a rich audiovisual experience. Its universe was made to be appreciated, and every single gameplay hour serves to fill an internal void in the player themself. At every moment, the game reinforces that its art direction is its strongest aspect, provoking strong emotions. On the other hand, its narrative leaves some blank spaces, and the variety in its mechanics is virtually null.

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Steredenn is a great game that tries to innovate in various aspects but is alas impaired by lacklustre graphical design in most of its stages. It creates an adequate atmosphere for its themes, well-thought-out modes and a satisfactory gameplay, but fails in one of the most crucial points.

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Too short to be memorable, Minit is painfully average. Its attempt at innovating fails, as well as its art direction, but fortunately it can still grant a few moments of fun on an uneventful evening, especially if you're a speedrun enthusiast.

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InnerSpace is a relaxing experience, a polished game, a work of art. Unfortunately, only people who look for something more peaceful will be able to enjoy it, since it is so zen. The way in which it sets this alternative universe is exceptional, and even with a lacklustre narrative and not-so-clear objectives, it deserves the attention of many.

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It's impossible to describe Gorogoa in words. All the sentimentality and complete harmony in all of its elements, together with an innovative gameplay, make this a unique game that will hardly be replicated.

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Anamorphine, despite having a good idea in hand, suffers from an excessive sloppiness in its execution and ends up becoming a highly flawed experience that doesn't engage emotionally.

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Retimed gets almost every gameplay-related aspect right, but the lack of a singleplayer mode is a problem. It's an extremely pleasant experience that fulfils what the developers wanted it to. It will be an even better game when it's completed.

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Dead Cells mixes elements from two different genres that are starting to oversaturate to create its own genre: the roguevania, offering refreshing originality. All of its very well-executed aspects create an experience like no other.

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Whispering Willows is a very different game from any other. It has a good story, fun mechanics (despite maybe too simple) and a terrifying atmosphere, all made with love by Night Light. It has a lot of issues in all of its aspects, unfortunately, but it's worth it to try and play.

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In a world full of issues, CHUCHEL feels like a recomforting hug with its childish and innocent atmosphere. It has various patent problems, however, and doesn't even get close to the level of quality of previous Amanita Design games.

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Armello is a misunderstood work of art, despite some simple flaws. It has great mechanics - in spite of a weak tutorial -, an excellent art direction and, even if it looks like a niche game, is really good and should be played by all. Being its developer's debut game, it honours its multiple genres, pleasing both older and newer players.

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Donut County is a very pleasant and fun experience, that was undoubtedly a labour of love from its creator. Some flaws, though, prevent it from being an excellent game.

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I notice a lot of lost potential here, be it a potential to expand this lovely world, or a potential to add compelling gameplay elements. Shape of the World is, ultimately, a pretty shell: gorgeous on the outside, but hollow on the inside.

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Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 offers a good experience, but there are vestiges of monotony and a lot of issues, be it in mechanics, level design and soundtrack. Besides that, it's extremely short.

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With a gameplay style very similar to its predecessor - but very much improved -, 60 Parsecs! can be fun, but lacks variety right on its most prominent aspect: the plot.

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Childhood is maybe the most important stage of our lives. Still, it's the stage we face with the most tranquility. The simplicity with which The Gardens Between talks about friendships and childhood touched me, making me remember and reflect. Playing this game is like reliving these memories, even if for a short period of time. Despite being far from a perfect game, it's an experience I think everyone should have.

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Sigi: A Fart for Melusina is a fun, funny and addictive game, but not without several issues that sometimes worsen the experience. Its aesthetics and soundtrack are so well-made that it seems like the developers "forgot" to work on other important aspects. If the game had more worlds or stages and the bosses were more balanced, maybe it could become one of the best indie games of the year.

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Iconoclasts is a game that, having its story as the main focus, deals with subjects such as faith, oppression, exploration of other peoples and prejudice. Beyond that, it succeeds in the technical aspects, despite some weird design choices. Joakim Sandberg is to be congratulated for, alone, being able to create one of the best games of the year.

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