LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Gameplay-wise, Bits & Bops might not be to everybody’s taste, but still, it’s a game well worth trying. In general, I don’t like failing a lot in games; I don’t find it particularly entertaining or relaxing to be stuck on a level, but Bits & Bops is charming and colorful enough to make me want to try again and again
Traveler’s Refrain offers a focused, emotionally grounded experience built around music, reflection, and discovery. Combat can feel slightly stiff at times, and navigation isn’t always as clear as it could be, but these issues don’t overshadow what the game does well. If you’re looking for something thoughtful to round off the year, a game that values mood and meaning as much as mechanics, Traveler’s Refrain is well worth downloading. It’s a gentle reminder that games don’t always need to be loud to leave an impression. And it may just inspire those who gave up on a dream to try again.
A Game About Digging A Hole™ doesn’t disappoint in terms of gameplay. It is literally a game about digging a hole. There is something quite enjoyable about digging, gathering ores, selling and then upgrading the tools. The ending is somewhat different to what I imagined, but has its own humour. It can be a little frustrating when the shovel refuses to dig, or you get stuck on a few pixels of soil, but overall, A Game About Digging A Hole™ provides good entertainment.
It’s genuinely nice to see Tomba! 2 get another chance on modern platforms. For players who missed it the first time around, there’s a lot of retro joy to be found here, from its quirky world design to its mission-heavy structure. That said, this re-release does feel like it delivers the minimum required to bring the game forward. If you’ve already played the original or picked it up on earlier digital platforms (PSN), there’s little reason to return. But if Tomba! 2 passed you by back in the PS1 era and you have a soft spot for retro platformers, this is still a worthwhile adventure, just one that deserved a bit more care the second time around.
If you like collecting things and opening packages and clicker games, Unboxathon might be the game for you – it is a well-made game, with a pleasant soundtrack and enough achievements to keep you going for a while.
CrossAbout could have been a cool idea. It’s a neat, unique concept, but it feels a little bit lacking in some areas. I always love to support non-profits, and I like puzzle games, but I’m not sure I can recommend this one. It was close to being fun, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Trouble Witches Final: Episode 1 – Daughters of Amalgam (stops to breathe) delivers exactly what its name hints at, a big, spirited, magical burst of arcade action with witches, spells, noise, and enough modes to keep you dipping back in regularly. It’s fun in short bursts, easy to revisit, and colourful enough to brighten even the gloomiest afternoon. For anyone looking for a lively arcade shooter this December or any time of year, this feels like a great fit.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ended up being pretty brilliant as far as I’m concerned. I went in slightly wary because early impressions from others seemed mixed, but I walked away genuinely impressed. This isn’t a seismic reimagining of Metroid. It’s a confident, atmospheric, well-crafted adventure that honours the Prime legacy while giving Samus a few new tools and a shiny new bike to play with. There really aren’t a lot of first-person games that are able to pull off the Metroid formula well. 2D, however, is a different beast If you love the Prime series, or simply want a thoughtful first-person adventure with exploration at its core, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an easy recommendation. A strong late-year release from Nintendo, and for me, the lesson I took from the game was that no matter how far away we travel from home, we can always find our way back despite the challenges. Maybe it’s just the place I am in life currently, but Metroid 4 just clicked with me.
Mimi in Meowndering House has great puzzles, adorable cat noises, and is a simple game to pick up. I like a lot of aspects of it. However, the unskippable replay every time you restart a level, coupled with a handful of smaller issues, made it feel like it was never playtested properly. I think that Mimi in Meowndering House could be a great game with some tweaking, but it is not quite there yet.
I have never played the first Tiny Lands, and I have a bit to go before I finish Tiny Lands 2, but afterwards I will try the first game as well. I am taking my time with this one – as I mentioned, it is perfect for a spot of gaming in between work tasks. If you like spot-the-difference puzzles and cozy games, you will probably like Tiny Lands 2 as well.
All jokes aside, Ribbit Ranch was a delightful surprise. A simple idle-collecting concept with clicker features is a great combo for cozy gamers, and using frogs feels obvious yet refreshing. It’s relaxing, fun, and offers tons of content while staying stimulating. For achievement hunters, it’s easier than expected—you don’t need a complete Ribbidex. There’s a demo on Steam if you’re unsure, but I’ll admit: I liked it more than I thought I would!
Keep the Heroes Out brings board-game energy to the screen with personality and a generous helping of creativity. If you love tabletop nights but don’t always have the space or people on hand, this digital version is a great alternative, and even better when you can round up friends. With colourful animations and levels that keep you guessing, it scratches that “game night” itch in a fun and energetic way. It won’t be for everyone, especially if you aren’t fond of strategy or managing decks, but if the idea of protecting your hoard with a team of monsters makes you grin, this is absolutely worth a look.
Hidden Cats in Spooky Village it’s a hidden object game that fulfils genre expectations while avoiding mere basics; it uses a formula that’s more engaging than average. The series’ consistent release schedule without quality loss is also praiseworthy, especially since the games don’t take long to complete. A great addition to your Steam library and a source of new achievements, this game is a fine title for anyone who wants to spend a few hours searching for cats.
Overall, Odd Dorable is a short and sweet adventure, and I can sense the love put into creating this game from both the developer and their daughter. Unfortunately, the frustrating controls and lack of direction made this game more difficult for me to enjoy.
I enjoyed my time with Milano’s Odd Job Collection. I’m not sure I’ll return to it, but the experience was pleasant, cozy, and exactly as long as it needed to be. Younger me would have eaten up this game. Present me, enjoyed it for what it is and then go on her way. If you’re deep in your feelings for the end of the year and sense a longing for those years, I think Milano’s Odd Job Collection could scratch that itch for you.
Nightmare: The Lunatic is another solid entry in the roguelite space. Energetic, replayable, and consistently fun. Yes, the genre is packed. Yes, you’ve probably seen elements of this before. But the three-weapon system, the snappy combat, and the surprisingly friendly parry mechanic give it its own identity. If you’re already tired of roguelites, this won’t convert you. But if you still enjoy the adventure-style structure and want something punchy and satisfying to close out the year, Nightmare: The Lunatic absolutely earns a thumbs-up from me
Old School Rally is a brilliant throwback made with genuine affection for the classics. It doesn’t modernise the formula much, and that’s both its biggest strength and its biggest limitation. If you want a simple, skill-first rally racer straight out of the PS1 era, this absolutely delivers. If you were never into these sorts of games, this won’t be the one to change your mind. But for me? It’s a nostalgic blast that drives well, looks great in its retro way, and reminds me why I enjoyed these games in the first place. There’s even a free demo, so if you’re unsure, definitely strap in and give it a try.
Romancing SaGa – Minstrel Song – Remastered International is an awesome revival of a classic RPG, brought into the present with thoughtful improvements and a far more inclusive localisation effort. While the difficulty and hands-off design may put off newcomers, the game offers a deeply rewarding adventure for anyone willing to embrace its retro philosophy. If you’ve never played it before, this is unquestionably the version to try. If you already own the earlier release, the upgrades may not justify a double dip, but for first-time RPG players, it comes highly recommended.
Color Me Happy delivers exactly what it promises: a peaceful coloring experience. Its charm lies in simplicity, yet that same simplicity limits how long it can hold attention. Best viewed as a digital coloring book, it is enjoyable in short bursts and soothing in atmosphere, but it lacks the substance to sustain engagement. Fans of laid‑back, low‑pressure titles like Dorfromantik or A Little to the Left may appreciate its meditative qualities. Players seeking depth, challenge, or innovation, however, will likely move on quickly. Ultimately, Color Me Happy works as a calming distraction, but its modest ambitions prevent it from standing out.
Cats & Cups is a lot of fun, and I found my time in my little cafe to be a lot of fun. It was a little repetitive since it took a long time to buy upgrades. However, if this is your type of game, it’s worth the $10 USD to pick it up. There are several things I didn’t like about it, but it was worth a playthrough. I got about 4 hours into a playthrough, and I didn’t want to stop playing to write the review! I unlocked a lot of items, but there was still a lot more to be done. I didn’t even get a chance to try out the furniture because it was too expensive for my income. With more upgrades, Cats & Cups will be the kind of addicting simulation game that has you serving up coffee for hours and hours on end. If you like these types of games, I recommend trying out this one. It is simple, but it is also polished and requires that you move quickly to satisfy those customers.