Noisy Pixel
HomepageNoisy Pixel's Reviews
Lumines Arise modernizes the classic rhythm-puzzle formula with striking visuals, a reactive soundtrack, and polished gameplay that captures the spirit of its PSP roots. The game's core mechanics remain simple yet addictive, while its audiovisual design deepens the emotional impact of each stage. A few design decisions limit passive enjoyment, and the difficulty curve can occasionally spike, but Lumines Arise still offers one of the most engaging puzzle experiences in recent memory.
Silly Polly Beast is a raw and unflinching action horror experience that blends punishing combat, narrative mystery, and bold visual shifts into one of the most daring indie titles of the year.
The Lonesome Guild delivers a heartfelt and charming RPG adventure set in the beautifully mysterious world of Etere. With a unique possession-based combat system, a diverse cast of lovable characters, and a strong emotional core focused on friendship and loneliness, this adventure stands out as a cozy alternative to the typical autumn horror lineup. Despite a few mechanical hiccups and repetitive side quests, its thoughtful storytelling and character dynamics make it a memorable experience for RPG fans.
Tormented Souls 2 delivers a confidently crafted survival horror experience that leans into its classic inspirations while pushing the genre in creative directions. With stronger world design, improved pacing, and some of the most atmospheric puzzle sections in recent indie horror, it’s a must-play for fans of old-school tension and challenge.
The Outer Worlds 2 is a confident and evolved sequel that deepens Obsidian's signature blend of player agency, narrative impact, and dark satire.
Full Metal Schoolgirl is a chaotic third-person shooter that mixes anime aesthetics with a rogue-lite gameplay loop reminiscent of Earth Defense Force’s wild energy. While its janky design and questionable progression systems hold it back, the game delivers surprising depth through satisfying combat, quirky humor, and an addictive upgrade loop. It’s a niche but memorable experience for those willing to embrace its eccentricities and grind-heavy structure.
Plants vs Zombies: Replanted offers a faithful yet cautious return to PopCap's iconic tower defense formula. While the core gameplay remains charming and the co-op features add fresh appeal, the overall package feels underwhelming for returning fans. Enhanced visuals and accessibility are welcome, but new modes and questionable art choices muddy the experience.
Ball x Pit delivers an exhilarating mix of pinball-inspired combat and roguelite progression, wrapped in a uniquely absurd aesthetic that keeps players hooked.
Engaging combat mechanics, spectacular sights, and gripping character moments are somewhat undermined by indistinct quantity, dull objective listings, and by-the-books storytelling. If you've been seeking a new open-world adventure, you could do far worse. At its heart, Ghost of Yōtei is an undeniable beauty to behold, yet too cautious to let its splendor shine.
Dreams of Another is a surreal, narrative-driven adventure from Q-Games that transforms traditional shooter mechanics into tools of creation rather than destruction. Drawing inspiration from the experimental PlayStation 3 era, it offers a meditative journey through metaphysical dreamscapes where shooting reveals memories, solves puzzles, and unravels existential mysteries. While its abstract structure and lack of conventional action may alienate some players, those seeking a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant experience will find much to admire in its layered storytelling and haunting visual design.
Borderlands 4 marks a confident course correction for the looter-shooter franchise, bringing back the series' core strengths while introducing welcome refinements. Set on the new planet Kairos, the game sheds the baggage of its predecessor with a semi-reboot approach, tighter narrative focus, and satisfying combat. Despite performance hiccups and lackluster menus, it succeeds in recapturing what made Borderlands a genre favorite.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is a standout entry in the Digimon franchise, blending rich storytelling with an expansive Digivolution system that rewards strategy and patience. Set across dual timelines, the game introduces emotionally engaging characters, deep combat mechanics, and a highly customizable team-building experience that longtime fans and newcomers alike can appreciate.
Hotel Barcelona is a wild, unfiltered roguelike horror-action experience from the minds of Swery65 and Suda51. Packed with creative chaos, the game delivers a surreal narrative, inventive systems, and unapologetically janky gameplay that somehow keeps pulling you back in. Despite technical hiccups and clunky combat mechanics, its relentless pace and bizarre charm make it a standout for fans of experimental indies.
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian surprised me with how confidently it balances tradition and evolution, offering one of the most thoughtfully built entries in the franchise to date. While some systems remain overly rigid, the expanded narrative scope, satisfying synthesis, and nuanced protagonists make it a rewarding return for longtime fans, and a solid entry point for newcomers.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles delivers a rich, emotionally resonant narrative and refined tactical gameplay that welcomes newcomers while honoring its legacy, though it stumbles in offering a definitive version for longtime fans.
Hades II on Switch 2 delivers a masterclass in roguelite design, expanding on its predecessor with a darker tone, richer character arcs, and deeper mechanical systems. Supergiant Games refines the formula with a compelling new protagonist, rewarding exploration, and an ambitious progression loop that keeps each run fresh and addictive.
Consume Me successfully tells an important and deeply personal story with tact. Supported by lovely graphics and a generally humorous undertone, the narrative is well told and gives a hopeful outlook on life. Unfortunately some of the cutscenes and minigames get a bit repetitive with time, but Consume Me remains very enjoyable.
Silent Hill f is a chillingly elegant return to form for the franchise, melding Ryukishi07’s signature psychological storytelling with a hauntingly atmospheric 1960s Japan setting. Balancing methodical survival horror mechanics with intricate character introspection, it stands out as a deeply emotional and cerebral entry that lingers long after the credits roll.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast, stylish return to form for Sega’s kart-racing efforts, blending tight controls with deep customization and a surprisingly generous amount of content. While the core gameplay shines and rival interactions add flair, the overuse of its Travel Rings gimmick and a cautious character roster hold it back from true greatness. It’s a solid, replayable racer that’s fun solo or with friends, just don’t expect it to fully reinvent the wheel.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a visually charming and narratively ambitious roguelite that explores themes of sacrifice, time loops, and divine responsibility. While the world-building and character interactions show genuine heart, the gameplay struggles to support the story’s weight. Repetitive run structures, a tedious weapon durability system, and emotionally flat consequences undermine what could have been a standout experience. It’s a game full of good ideas, but one that ultimately lacks the cohesion and polish needed to make its ambition truly resonate.