LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
It’s Not You, It’s M.E tells an important story about how difficult life can be with an illness. It felt real and had a great message. I liked a lot about it, but I feel that the mini games didn’t add to the game; they felt like an afterthought. Overall, it’s an impossible game that teaches an important lesson.
Bunny Hop Hop is a very engaging and fun game to play, just make sure you have no plans for the day as you may find yourself in the same predicament I was in of wanting to play just one more level. The colours, cozy aspect, and the challenge the game gives all contribute to an all-round fun game to play and even enjoy with the family, who may have a giggle at the foxes, monkeys, clouds and many other animated and cheeky characters trying to stop you on your mission to clear the skies of pollution. Bunny Hop Hop is out now on Steam (and a demo is available), but it would be a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck (which, at the moment of writing, is not currently verified but in the process), so keep your eyes peeled for that.
I enjoyed my time with Kaizen: A Factory Story. There’s a good balance between narrative elements and puzzle-solving, making the experience engaging without being exhausting. I did feel frustrated at times, mostly when I couldn’t figure out how to unlock a solution or misunderstood a mechanic, but those moments made the eventual breakthroughs even more satisfying. Watching a once-chaotic production line finally run like clockwork never gets old. As a first-timer in the world of automation games, I think Kaizen is a great entry point. It’s approachable, rewarding, and respectful of your learning curve. I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. If you do, feel free to tell me which product made you rack your brain the hardest before reaching that “aha” moment. And by the way, if any Japanese production company happens to be reading this, don’t hesitate to send me an email. Apparently, I could be a great addition to your team!
Sol Cesto isn’t a game that holds your hand, and it’s not one that immediately shows its best side. The opening hours can feel unforgiving, and I wouldn’t blame anyone for bouncing off it early. But for players willing to stick with it, there’s something very special here. Impressive, still: the game is still only in Early Access. It offers a fresh take on the roguelite formula by stripping controls down to their simplest form and focusing entirely on choice, probability, and consequence. You don’t need fast reactions or complex strategies. You just need the courage to make a decision and accept what follows. This is exactly the kind of experimentation I love seeing from indie developers. Sol Cesto may not be welcoming at first (or ever, depending on how you view it), but once it gets under your skin, it’s very hard to forget.
Wrapped in a charming tabletop style, Drop Duchy successfully combines simple Tetris gameplay with deck-building strategy into an addictive roguelike. I greatly enjoyed experimenting with different decks and strategies throughout my various playthroughs, all while falsely promising myself, “Just one more round!”
Overall, Nurikabe World is a fantastic game for players who love grid-based logic puzzles, such as Picross and Minesweeper. Outside of the main levels, there are still plenty more, whether user-created or randomly generated, making Nurikabe World a game that I’ll always come back to boot up when I’m itching for a few puzzles.
Öoo is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from adding more systems or mechanics. Sometimes, it comes from committing fully to one strong idea and exploring it from every possible angle. Players who dislike puzzle-solving or experimentation may find it less appealing, but for those who enjoy discovering solutions organically, this is a special experience. It’s accessible, thoughtful, and full of creative surprises, all wrapped in a neat package. This is exactly the kind of game that highlights why indie development remains such a vital space for new ideas. Öoo takes simplicity and turns it into strength.
StarVaders is another great example of indie developers finding new ways to combine familiar genres. By blending grid-based tactics with deckbuilding and wrapping it in a roguelike structure, it creates an experience that’s easy to pick up but full of depth for those who stick with it. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, experimenting with builds, and games that respect both your time and your curiosity, StarVaders is well worth checking out. It may not be driven by heavy narrative, but its systems will have you coming back to the stars and back. StarVaders is quite simply out of this world great.
Months after launch, Mario Kart World still earns its place as a must-have Switch 2 title. It doesn’t try to shout about its changes, but instead quietly layers them into a formula that already works. The result is a racer that’s easy to enjoy, flexible in how you play, and packed with content. If you own a Switch 2, chances are you’ve already played it. If not, this is still an easy recommendation. It’s a game that doesn’t demand much from you, but gives plenty back in return. An easy go-to for game nights with friends, local or online.
Goodnight Universe is something special. It’s a narrative adventure that trusts its audience, respects their time, and isn’t afraid to be sincere. The optional webcam integration is one of the most thoughtful uses of technology I’ve seen in a game, and it adds real emotional weight rather than novelty. This won’t be for players looking for challenge, action, or traditional progression systems. But if you value storytelling, emotional depth, and inventive design, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It surprised me, moved me, and reminded me why indie games continue to push the medium forward in ways bigger productions often won’t.
Cozyrama is a very complete sandbox game with the potential to become someone’s favorite. It offers a lot of good options for decorating, and a workshop that can supply what is missing. The ability to share your creations and download others’ work is a huge plus, as they are very helpful and inspiring if you ever feel stuck. It’s a delightful and deeply satisfying digital craft box that delivers exactly what it promises: a no-pressure, endlessly customizable space to build charming miniature worlds.
Die in the Dungeon stands out in a crowded roguelike space by doing something genuinely different with its core mechanics. Using dice instead of cards isn’t just a novelty; it’s a thoughtful design choice that reshapes how you think about combat, builds, and strategy. Even in early access, it offers a polished and engaging experience that rewards curiosity and experimentation. If you enjoy deck-builders but want something that feels fresh, or if you’re looking for a roguelike that values planning over speed, this is well worth your time. Failure is there, but it always encourages you to roll again. And I was more than happy to have another roll with this gem.
Overall, Paper Dawn: Slumbering Wind delivers a charming concept that still feels a bit bare bones upon release. I love the premise of flying as a little paper plane, but the experience would be greatly improved if future updates could add adjustable settings and smooth out the movement mechanics.
It’s hard to say I had a good time with Nature. Perhaps I approached it with unrealistic expectations, or maybe it just wasn’t made for me. As a board game lover, it pains me not to enjoy a title like this, though I admit I rarely enjoy digital adaptations. Something often gets lost in translation between media, and that seems true here. Nature could have been better, bigger, and more fun by embracing the unique possibilities of digital play. It didn’t, and the result feels lacking.
Oppidum has taken me on a roller-coaster of an adventure; from the initial “Wow, this looks great!”, through the “I’ve got no storage” frustration, and the “I’m dead again” disappointment, right down to the “That’s a ridiculous amount, I quit!” But I didn’t quit, despite the ups and downs, Oppidum intrigues me. I want to know how the story pans out. Will I be able to save the Bennies? So by re-focusing on the main story, and getting into a routine using the teleport scrolls to keep my backpack free of clutter, I am really enjoying my time in Oppidum.
genuinely pains me to say this, but The Bee Hive doesn’t feel ready for release. Beneath the bugs and awkward design choices, there’s the outline of a family-friendly 3D platformer that could have worked with more time and refinement. As it stands, though, it’s difficult to recommend to anyone, including kids, as frustration sets in very quickly. With extensive updates, this might one day become something worthwhile. Right now, however, The Bee Hive feels unfinished, unrewarding and just unplayable
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.