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Europa is one of the bigger disappointments for me this year. It’s a game that’s nice to look at but a chore to play. Even at its very short runtime of around 3 hours, I got bored of the lack of mechanics and frustrated with the lackluster execution of them.
If you're only on PC, this is a solid way to experience my favorite horror game ever. PlayStation players may be better off with the original.
Necro Story delivers an entertaining and funny necromancer story, but it has some flaws holding it back from greatness.
I recommend Tiny Glade for any lovers of cozy games, city builders, sandbox games, or playing with LEGOs. It’s beautiful, chill, and full of heart. It does exactly what it needs to, and is so smartly designed it seems to predict what you are trying to do while you’re figuring it out yourself. I can tell I will be spending many more hours building these beautiful diorama worlds. Can we build it? Yes we can!
Mouthwashing is an impactful game, telling a bleak story about an ill-fated crew and how the game's greatest horrors live amongst them.
Pneumata takes inspiration from Resident Evil but completely forgets what makes these games entertaining. While it initially showed potential, this bloated survival horror is immensely unfun.
Apartment Story isn't perfect but is ideal if you're looking for a short flick that can be completed in one sitting. It features an interesting mix of genres and a story that fits in well with the length, neatly wrapping up at the end.
Enotria: The Last Song definitely veers away from the typical gloomy Gothic look of the typical Soulsborne, but doesn't commit to the bit completely. Iffy combat, unhelpful menus, and lousy balancing make for a miserable experience. If you're trying to find the worst example of the genre, this one's a contender.
The Casting of Frank Stone starts off well with an interesting premise and slow build so we can get to know its characters. Unfortunately it spends too much time on this that it forgets about the payoff.
Evotinction attempts to do a bit of everything, commits to absolutely nothing, and entirely fumbles its core conceit in the process.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open delivers a fantastic tale but has some flaws with navigation and instructions that do stand out.
With gnomes to break and dark themes to navigate, Copycat is quick and simple, yet emotional, narrative about love and loss.
Frostpunk 2 is a masterpiece of design, and it'll be a warm day in Frostland before I let a single one of you skip it.
Amazing visuals can't save this game from its boring gameplay, dull characters, and myriad of design problems.
Resurrecting the Yars franchise in a new format but with loving nods to the original game and other Atari works, Yars Rising is full of charm, challenge, and fun idea. The only thing that lets it down is that the ending is too abrupt, but that just makes me hope for a sequel.
I Am Your Beast is another major work from what I consider to be one of the interesting studios in the industry right now. Stylish, adrenaline-fueled action in a pulpy game that knows exactly what it is.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly stellar release thanks to its great theming, tight levels and just the right amount of friction in the controls. One of my favorite experiences this year.
What the Car? is absurd from top to bottom and glorious because of it. It offers easy to pick up but difficult to master challenges across so many themes and permutations that despite being made for pick up and play style gaming, it's just plain hard to put down.
With great movement to carry it over its myriad stumbles, Akimbot does its best to both live up to it inspirations and carve out an identity of its own.
Age of Mythology: Retold is a successful attempt at reviving a classic title with a modern look and better accessibility. With three fascinating campaigns and a smooth multiplayer experience, it can be the perfect game for fans of old school RTS games who are yearning for a fresh experience.